[Steppes] Alternate recruitment methods - MySpace, Google Maps

[Jessica Smith]

gah..

On 4/24/07, Jessica Smith <jasiwolf at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Wonderful!!! I added you - you add me! Wootness.
> I like the Myspace thing - Myspace exploded like wild fire - I mean
> everyone around my age has at least had a myspace account at one point. It's
> starting to level off a little bit but there is still a large ammount of us
> on there.
> Maps are good too....
> The one who ALWAYS gets lost....
> Addie
>
>
> On 4/24/07, Elinor Salter <elinorsalter at tx.rr.com> wrote:
> >
> > Last Populace I spoke with Lady Constance about the idea of a MySpace
> > page as a recruiting tool.  She agreed that it was a good idea and so I
> > created one as a test a few days ago.  If it is agreed that it is a good
> > idea, we can keep it going.
> >
> > http://www.myspace.com/baronyofthesteppes
> >
> > If you are not familiar with MySpace, the concept is that people can
> > create profiles to represent themselves and link to other profiles - of
> > everyone from their next door neighbors to bands and comedians.  You can
> > message each other, leave comments, link to others' music and videos,
> > and in general, socialize.
> >
> > In no way can we anticipate high traffic from doing this, but the idea
> > is that this could be another way to reach the teenage to young adult
> > demographic.  It could also be a way to connect with other members of
> > the Barony or SCA.  If MySpace members in the Barony are willing to keep
> > the Barony in their top (always visible) friends, this profile would act
> > as free advertising to anyone viewing their profile.  I'm not
> > immediately aware of any other groups with member profiles, but there is
> > a group for SCA as a whole.
> >
> > Pros - can add videos and pictures (now organizable into albums), free,
> > very low maintenance if we only wish to use it as a pointer back to the
> > website, can send bulletins to everyone who is a friend
> >
> > Cons (so far) - the calendar is a PITA to use but we have other calendar
> > functionality anyways, some spaces on the profile (like gender and
> > dating status) are not removable using basic profile options but I may
> > be able to cut them from the HTML code with a little more study.
> >
> > If you like it, please let me know and give me any input.  If I had a
> > better graphic (the black in the coat of arms does blend in a bit) it
> > might be better.  I was thinking of redoing the contact table with a
> > branch-style laurel wreath so it wouldn't duplicate.  We can use an
> > animated GIF for the avatar to add more info.  And of course, if you're
> > on MySpace and want to suggest a different profile song, go ahead - I
> > just used a band I know from Iowa that is half-Scadian (if you like
> > their music, talk to me about borrowing their CDs).
> >
> > I also created a Steppes MySpace group as a test.  I'm not sure we would
> >
> > need both.  The member profile has the calendar, but the group has a
> > forum.  If we feel the need for a forum, there are much better options
> > elsewhere and this list is existing and works very well.  If you want a
> > good idea of an active MySpace group, look at the SCA group -
> > http://groups.myspace.com/sca
> >
> > http://groups.myspace.com/baronyofthesteppes
> >
> > Another project I was playing with the other week, before I spoke with
> > Constance, was a personalized Google map of local activities.  We could
> > add this to websites or email to new people.  Being mindful of privacy,
> > I made an effort to make sure that activities at people's homes were not
> > linked to at this time - only public buildings, parks, and a couple of
> > local events as a test.  This list is also unlisted, meaning it will not
> >
> > appear in Google searches.
> >
> > http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&hl=en&msid=104279740878831891474.00000111ce459b0ac3232
> >
> >
> > So what do you think?  We could start an underground advertising
> > campaign - web presence and maybe some well-placed flyers.  Not sure if
> > it would work wonders, but it would always be better than nothing.  I
> > would definitely suggest library branches as a place to put flyers (with
> > permission).  I don't know many SCA members that have less than 10
> > shelves of books.
> >
> > --
> > Ly. Elinor Salter
> > Exchequer, Barony of the Steppes, Ansteorra
> >
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> >
>
>