Prompt's TechBlog
Comedy and current events, a recipe for success?
24 September 2007
Posted by Lisa Facinelli
The social media event held last Thursday in Boston, 'How Corporate America is Using Social Media', brought together a not only knowledgeable but also entertaining panel.
One panelist in particular, Dan Lyons, senior editor at Forbes Magazine, sparked my interest when talking about his widely read blog, The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs. Posing as Steve Jobs and commenting on current events, Lyons brings humor to every post.
So it got me thinking about mixing news with humor. I think in general, people want to be informed but at the same time are looking to be entertained. The evening news on television tries to rope in viewers with sensational stories. Similarly, newspapers tend to have quirky, unusual, or controversial front page headlines. Lyons also noted the popularity of TV shows like the Colbert Report and John Stewart's The Daily Show.
Maybe the best way to attract readers is to incorporate more humor. After all, bloggers are giving journalists a run for their money, sometimes luring more loyal readers. The trick would be establish oneself as reliable and credible and yet as an entertaining source.
Similarly, humor can be incorporated into corporate blogs or websites. One of the best examples brought up at the event was 'Will it blend?' from Blendtec. I personally enjoy these videos and periodically return to see what's new. I think this is a great way to bring customers back to the website and to communicate the product's durability.
The balance between fact and comedy is a difficult one. But what it comes down to is that after a long day's work, I don't want to read or watch dull, depressing news about us killing the Earth (and each other) or about some company's new hire. For me, a little entertainment can go a long way.
I am an account executive at Prompt and this post reflects my personal views, and does not necessarily represent those of Prompt Communications or its clients.
One panelist in particular, Dan Lyons, senior editor at Forbes Magazine, sparked my interest when talking about his widely read blog, The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs. Posing as Steve Jobs and commenting on current events, Lyons brings humor to every post.
So it got me thinking about mixing news with humor. I think in general, people want to be informed but at the same time are looking to be entertained. The evening news on television tries to rope in viewers with sensational stories. Similarly, newspapers tend to have quirky, unusual, or controversial front page headlines. Lyons also noted the popularity of TV shows like the Colbert Report and John Stewart's The Daily Show.
Maybe the best way to attract readers is to incorporate more humor. After all, bloggers are giving journalists a run for their money, sometimes luring more loyal readers. The trick would be establish oneself as reliable and credible and yet as an entertaining source.
Similarly, humor can be incorporated into corporate blogs or websites. One of the best examples brought up at the event was 'Will it blend?' from Blendtec. I personally enjoy these videos and periodically return to see what's new. I think this is a great way to bring customers back to the website and to communicate the product's durability.
The balance between fact and comedy is a difficult one. But what it comes down to is that after a long day's work, I don't want to read or watch dull, depressing news about us killing the Earth (and each other) or about some company's new hire. For me, a little entertainment can go a long way.
I am an account executive at Prompt and this post reflects my personal views, and does not necessarily represent those of Prompt Communications or its clients.
Labels: SMCBoston, SocialMediaClub
