is to talk about it is and what it should be." So says Chris Heuer, grand organizer/evangelist/founder. I first learned about The Club via Chris' work advancing the New Media Release standard discussion, the genesis of which came from Tom Foremski's post on the death of the press release and a template for a Social Media Press Release created by Todd Defren.
This morning I listened to a special episode of For Immediate Release where Shel and Chris talked about the New Media Release, Social Media Club and microformats. That discussion fired me into action. I'd heard enough. I'm ready to jump in.
What I like about Chris' effort is the mission he's set forth for the club: share best practices; develop standards; educate. In my opinion, these are the three best objectives a professional society can have. They're practical AND achievable, and they advance a greater cause. I also like the openness in which he's organizing everything (in true Social media fashion).
It's good, too, that The Club's mission isn't duplicating the mission of the Society for New Communications Research. Jen McClure and Elizabeth
Albrycht's work establishing the Society has been outstanding. I attended the New Communications Forum this past March, and it's clear the group will be focused on research.
Before I worked in marketing, I worked in association management. I
understand how not-for-profits work. I know how good ones can do
incredible things for their industries/professions and how poor-performing ones can be irrelevant, or roadblocks at worst.
Although there are other groups out there that could take the lead on this, they haven't. In my opinion, bloated traditional professional societies like IABC and PRSA are becoming less and less relevant every day, especially when it comes to the social media face. In short, these groups are too old-fashioned in their organization, communication and decision-making.
I do think The Council of PR Firms is doing good things, however. Kathy Cripps has done an excellent job keeping them relevant. As a trade association (as opposed to a professional society), they're mission is slightly different. And because they are a more traditional organization (board of directors, committees, hierarchical decision making), they can't move as quickly as The Social Media Club. But I would like to see them be involved in standards development. So perhaps at the least, Kathy can be involved to translate the outcomes of The Club into standards for the Council's members.
If you're interesting in advancing social media and our evolving profession, I encourage you to get involved. In reality, 20 percent of you will. But that's all it takes to make a difference.
