Remembering September 11

Photo by The U.S. National Archives

As I was browsing the news today I came across this article, it talks about a social media initiative that's been set up as part of remembering the 10 year anniversary of September 11 2011 - Call to Remember. It's been set up by 9/11 the memorial and Broadcastr, which is a smart phone app that allows users to record audio clips of themselves and upload them to a point on a map.

I'm really interested in the way this has been utilised as part of the 10 year anniversary commemoration. Users can call a toll free number and record their recollections of the terrible events of 9/11. The recordings are just amazing, so many vivid and moving recollections of September 11 - have a listen.

This article talks to two other amazing uses of SM - 110 Stories which uses augmented reality to sketch the twin towers into the NY skyline where they once stood when users point their phone towards the spot. The other is Explore 9/11 an iPhone app that allows users to explore the site of the attacks and view an interactive timeline of events of the day.

These are fascinating uses of Socia Media, not for selfish gains but for helping communities come to terms with and remember a historic event.

Like it... pin it!

In my spare time I'm into interior design and read so many design blogs I can't keep up with them all. Until now, if I saw an image I liked I saved it to my computer - no way of telling where I found it or via whom. This was all fine and dandy as the images were for my own personal reference - no blogging or use other than my own enjoyment.

Image via Pinterest



But now I've discovered Pinterest... or rather been sucked into Pinterest! It's a new social network that's used by lots of creative types out there to 'pin' items of interest to them for future reference, also referred to as 'social curating'.



This idea fascinates me - and even more so does the question: How does this work for businesses?

Because businesses always want to get on board right!



So I've done a bit of googling and reading. It seems most businesses are using it as a quasi blog/platform for sharing. But in the spirit of all things social, savvy consumers will self moderate - seeing right through anything that's not considered authentic.

So how can Pinterest be used for creative businesses?

• Client pinboards - clients can save images that inspire them for use in design jobs, wedding planning, art commissions etc
• General awareness - businesses can create a visual 'blog' of inspirational images - using the medium to publish some of their own content + what inspires them
• Use pinboards internally to share inspirational content with the rest of the team
• Make contacts with other businesses + potential clients who like your style
• Retweet/share via Facebook your pins to a wider base
• Discover new ideas and inspiration

I'm interested! I'm still exploring, but I can see a new obsession round the corner!