[Steppes] Alternate recruitment methods - MySpace, Google Maps

[Faelan Caimbeul]

I think it's a great idea. MySpace seems to be pretty popular all of a
sudden, and it could prove to be a great way to steer people to us.

Faelan

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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