And a happy morning to you too
I consider myself relatively internet savvy, but admit I am hesitant to utilize some of the more recent computer based media. For example, I don't own a digital camera or mp3 player, my cell phone is pretty basic (no camera or Wi Fi capabilities) and my myspace profile is average at best (no video clips, rotating pictures or artistic graphics). While my technical skills could be significantly updated, it doesn't prevent me from enjoying the intelligent and clever accomplishments of others, particularly when it involves marketing methods and young audiences. Folgers has a snappy video clip on youtube.com that resonated with my typical morning -- I'm a full time graduate student at Carnegie Mellon University with frequent late night study sessions.
Folgers' commercial, called "Happy Morning", may never receive air time on television as it is only available on the Web. It's intended specifically for a younger demographic and those who count on the internet to supply the majority of their news and information. Dare I suggest these are the same folks attending our concerts, exhibits, workshops and performances?
I realized for-profit businesses are riding the technology wave for all its worth...what are non-profits and arts organizations doing to remain competitive? I'd personally love to see what your organizations are doing to attract new audiences, so if you have a neat video clip, Web site or blog to share, please send it to us!
A couple recent victories for us geeks...
Among the 100 new words just added to the new edition of Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary are two very geekish items: Mouse potato (n) - an intensive computer user.
Google (v) - to use the Google search engine to retrieve online information.
As I've yet to get my copy of M-W's new edition, these definitions aren't taken directly from its pages. I usually wait until the dictionary's new edition drops in price (around November) before I make my annual trip to Wal-Mart to purchase my copy. I then spend a long weekend sipping brandy at fireside and reading every page of my new treasure.
It is amazing how something like Google can so rapidly capture the concsiousness of society that it becomes an official word in the English language. It was just eight short years ago that Google, Inc. first started its three-person office, based in a Menlo Park, CA, garage.
While an arts organization can't expect to become a dictionary word, this is further proof that technology is the fastest and most powerful way to connect with people. After all, "mouse potato" wouldn't be a word if there weren't tons of them out there just waiting to hear about your art. ;)
Geeks rejoice... we have two new rungs on the ladder of legitimacy!
It's a claim to fame
Bringing literature and art to the city of Steel Pittsburgh ranks as eighth most literate city and as third best mid-sized arts city
Pittsburgh was also ranked recently as one of the top livable cities in some report I read, in addition to having one of the highest rankings in cultural and arts organizations per capita. Over the weekend, I even heard that we have one of the best city fireworks show in the nation.
I'm always dubious of such statistics, but I do concede there is an essence of truth to such claims. Since moving here from California, I can attest to the following:
- Pittsburgh is affordable, pretty and in a great location.
- For a small (mid-sized?) city, there is an incredible amount of performance and visual venues, well-supported by the community, coupled with events and education outreach programs.
- The fireworks show was, well- average.
Statistics, reports, data or not... I am finding Pittsburgh to be a hospitable and fun home.
Colonial Attraction Using Latest Technology
At Colonial Williamsburg you expect to see a true historical representation of what life was like over two hundred years ago. At a living historical museum butter churns, horse drawn carts, and triangle hats are usual sights, but how about iPods? Colonial Williamsburg is one of the latest museums to use iPods to lead visitors along tours of the grounds. This device that has only been around for a few years has had a huge impact on how tours are conducted and accessed. Visitors can now hear the portrayal of Thomas Jefferson on an iPod as they cross the grounds as well follow audio tours. Pretty savvy for a museum that shows how life was without any modern conveniences like electricity. Read an article here. What do you think of the latest trends using iPod technology? Let us know!