Comments on: Is Conversation or Content King on the Social Web?

By: andrew

andrew — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:48:42 +0000

Content will always be king because without it you have no conversation/context etc (Online). The problem I find is that people see content as just videos but content can be anything; text, videos, images etc.

I understand what you are saying but i think the context you used for the example was unfair and slightly misleading so the point of conversation vs content can be argued

By: marcie

marcie — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 02:43:42 +0000

What happens when "conversation" is the "content?"

Interactive conversation that is 50%+ "shaped" by a Brand and the balance is User Generated conversation.

We're seeing emerging formats for this within Twitter, or the use of Twitter alongside video etc., where the "conversation" is clearly part of the "content" experience for the User/Participant. Whether this is done through humans or artificially intelligent characters (no different than a character on TV we accept as "real"), the result is that there are going to be "branded conversations" as well as interactive storied content that is simply, conversation.

By: Jacqueline Edwards

Jacqueline Edwards — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:30:12 +0000

It’s the conversation on the social networks and the content of that conversation is what makes you a winner. To many businesses on social networks are detached from the conversation, on twitter they have taken away the DM feature. Social networks want communications and that comes from conversation not content. So those businesses not engaged with their customers on the social networks are wasting the time. You many have many followers to say “glad you are here” but you’ll quickly loose their attention with the close door of no conversation. Talk to your customers, you’ll be surprise how they help you build your business.

By: san

san — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:19:18 +0000

To make it more simple, it is conversation WITH content. As someone else said before, I rather have a good movie and/or a good book that chat with people I find boring or superficial (or that talk about issues I am not interested about).

By: JR Renkenberger

JR Renkenberger — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 10:27:22 +0000

I like Travis’ comment on CONTEXT. It makes me think of relationships deeper than just folks who follow you on Twitter, or who occasionally comment on your Facebook status or even your blog. Do you have customers (sorry, People) whom you specifically contact when you’re considering making a substantial business move? You e-mail them, call them, or meet with them, right? You don’t post your plans on your blog, hope that they’ll read it and respond, do you?

Yes, the question included the term “..on the Social Web?” My point is that the “Social Web” is not king* – it’s not an end, but a means to an end. And your most meaningful and important relationships do not end there. Those relationships certainly won’t feel valuable or personal by virtue of your on-line content OR conversations alone. So, I’m backing Travis – it’s context.

*This is just a clarification of my position, not a criticism.

By: Chris Baggott

Chris Baggott — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:20:10 +0000

Ahhh….but context becomes increasingly relevant in terms of search. Obviously, I thing your audience has spoken that Content is king… without content nothing happens.

That content needs to be delivered in Context right? Context is relevance….people are going to engage in content that is in context to what they are interested in.

Finally we get to Conversion or what you are calling conversation. Basically the next step in the relationship. This is the ultimate goal of any online strategy. But keep in mind, a conversion is a conversation, but a conversation is not necessarily a conversion. You and your buddies talking to each other online probably doesn’t do a lot to move the organization forward.

By: Hazel Walker

Hazel Walker — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:56:05 +0000

Wow, all of these response bring up such interesting points. Conversation, Content, and Context….now I am going to have to say I am a fan of THE 3 C’s

By: Travis Smith

Travis Smith — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:00:14 +0000

Hello,

I always thought that CONTEXT is king, not content and not conversation. Context determines both the content and the conversation. Depending on where you are and with whom you find yourself, the content and the conversation will be determined. While content is what the conversation is about, it also drives the conversation. Without good content, there is not quality conversation. However, without good communication skills, conversation cannot take place in an edifying or profitable manner. All these help determine one’s context. Therefore, context is the king. What do you think?

By: Kyle Lacy

Kyle Lacy — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:03:31 +0000

@Travis that is an interesting thought. Context being king over content and conversation and yet… I have a problem with applying context to the Internet. Isn't the concept of the "social web" that where you are doesn't matter?

By: Andy Drish

Andy Drish — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 21:08:20 +0000

I’ve gotta disagree with you on this one… When it comes to the web, content is king. Because putting out content(on your blog, twitter, etc) is what starts the conversation.

It was this post that got me interested in you and your site. This post is the beginning of a conversation… a conversation that wouldn’t have happened unless you were creating content for people to read.

Interesting discussion.