Don’t let a lack of response stop you from sharing your voice

​After finally catching up on some summer work I missed while in China, I watched a recorded class in social web for social change. In that class, we learned about participatory media, stickiness in ideas, and influence using the social web. One of the things that stuck me was when one student stated that they find it difficult to remain motivated to create content when there is a Bueller Effect in which there is no response. When this happens many feel as though their efforts are wasted. So with that, here are a few reasons to keep blogging, writing, drawing, etc.

1. Know your purpose: Are you creating content to spark conversation? If so, maybe you will be more effective by finding other, more well-known media sources to share your content. Also, ask more notable contributors blog on your own site. This will naturally help you engage with a wider community. If you purpose is to share yourself or serve as a creative outlet, take satisfaction in the act of creation itself.
2. Numbers lie: Looking at response alone does not tell the entire picture. Many more people consume media than actually participate with it. Just because you don’t see comments does not mean your content isn’t being read. I’m often surprised when I run into people and they tell me, in person, about a recent blog post I wrote. Although they never left a comment, they were keeping up with the content.
3. Controversy Sells: Look at the stuff that sparks the most discussion. Sex, controversy, scandals, and technology all spark more conversation than the content you might be producing.
4. If you want feedback, ask for it: I’ve read many blogs. The ones I see with the most comments and participation are those who ask for it. At the end of the articles that have an active discussion, they often ask their community to leave their feedback, ask questions, or otherwise join the conversation.
5. Your voice matters: ​Regardless of what happens, know that your voice matters. If you have something to share, share it.

The Storm Is Over - Typhoon Haikui

Hello again,​

​I just wanted to chime in one last time about Typhoon Haikui. The storm has moved north and the rain has stopped. The flooding has subsided and the streets are dry again. It's good to see people walking around, the streets clean, and folks going about their daily lives. The storm did give me a lot to think about, though, regarding privilege, so expect to see some reflections about that soon. Thanks for all of those who have been concerned and had us in their thoughts.

Typhoon Haikui Update - We're Okay in Shanghai

Hello everyone. I don’t know if this news has hit any major headlines over in the States or not, but just in case it either has or will, please know that our group over in China is safe. Typhoon Haikui has arrived at the coast of China and we are receiving adverse weather conditions in Shanghai as a result. Although there is some serious flooding (I’m looking out the window and seeing taxis driving through water easily above the top of their tires), we are safe and out of harms way. Our access to Internet is limited, so if you receive late responses to emails, Skype messages, etc., that’s the reason. In the event of an emergency and need to reach me or our group, we are at the Sunrise On The Bund hotel. The phone number is is +86 (21) 5558-9999. I'll do my best to chime in periodically to keep you posted.

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Image shot from the hotel elevator​

China—Day 3: The Great Wall of China

​So far, I’m feeling very fortunate to have had the opportunity to take part in this trip. Reflecting over just past few days I can’t believe how wonderfully things had to align in order for us to be here right now. The history that took place, the people working together now, the political climates, etc. all have blended to come together to bring us here. In just two days we have done numerous things that many people would never even dream of—and that’s very humbling. Two days ago, we visited a place that was denied to even the people who resided in the country. Yesterday we ascended one of the seven wonders of the world—The Great Wall of China. I’ve heard many things about the Great Wall of China, but until I was able to experience it for myself, I could never fully appreciate it. The largest man-made defense structure ever built, I can only image the amount of time, energy, money, pain, love, suffering, and passion that went into the design and construction of it. It is truly remarkable. Not only the structure itself, but the process through which it came into existence.

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View from the Great Wall​

Before the we went to the Great Wall, we visited an independent research institution in China called the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) where Mr. Hu Ziqiang, Mr. Yu Jiantuo, Ms. Liu Bei, Mr. Du Zhixin, and Mr. Feng Wenmeng presented us with fascinating insights into Chinese culture, concerns, and their approaches to measuring and addressing issues in regards to income distribution, early childhood development, social integration of migrant children, and population development. The tourism has been tremendously gratifying, and the opportunity to gain first-hand insights from the people working on the issues we so often hear about has taken this trip to another level—one that won’t be easily forgettable. I apologize for the brevity of these blog posts. There’s a lot of stuff to do and very little time in which to do it, but I want to keep you as posted as I can about our journey. If you have any questions, requests, or comments, please feel free to leave the below. Let me know what you’d like to see a picture of, provide your recommendations of places to see or things to do. What insights can I help bring back for you?

Until next time…peace