As for standards, it has been proven time and again that traditional media standards are very subjective and are compromised regularly. At the end of the day credibility is an individual thing. Every journalist or blogger is responsible for their own content and has their own reputation for accuracy and thorough reporting.

You don't equate The National Enquirer with The Wall Street Journal right?

MSM still has a role, New media just makes MSM better and vice versa.

You wrote:
“As the mainstream continues to come to the community it will be important to maintain the balance between authentic conversation and connection in the face of uber-brand dollars looking to control and craft the conversation in a way that works best for them.”

I think there will always be entities, large and small, who try to manipulate conversations and media to their advantage; this goes for companies, political organizations, news providers and more. The really smart ones will utilize the deep understanding of their consumers' needs afforded by social interaction, and in so doing create product qualities which more accurately meet market needs. For those who “get it”, and for their audience, this amounts to tremendous mutual benefit.

That is not to say that there won't be some misguided and misused conversations, spin doctoring to varying degrees, there will be. Just as there has always been in every form of media. But while the disingenuous come and go, the long-lasting brands and the most loyal relationships will be driven by quality conversation.

It's critical for those new to social media to realize that when you're suddenly, in effect, face-to-face in a room with your audience it is not about controlling the conversation or measured, inauthentic communication which yields the most valuable long-term benefits; it's listening, becoming a peer, and deriving solutions to market needs which grow affinity for your brand. If this is done, I believe brand promises and fulfillment can be very real, consistent and accurate. This unprecedented two-way idea exchange gives those who listen and respond more power to deliver on their original vision than ever before. Small ventures, individual content creators and young brands can learn, improve and grow with real-time market feedback which has relatively easy access and low cost. Large companies and established brands can keep a finger on the pulse of their marketplace to make sure they're truly on track, and to correct earlier when they're not without waiting for long-term sales or transaction metrics before deciding to act.

Let's not kid ourselves. This is the most brutal economic period in our lifetimes. But with the reinvention of media and communication happening right before our eyes, I can't help but be hopeful. There is a tremendous amount of promise, potential and capability that social media affords us all. I can't wait to learn more, listen more, and I'm looking forward to watching the success stories unfold as companies and individuals not only find light at the end of the tunnel, they create it.

Best,

Dave

Thanks so much for taking the time to read and comment on my post – it means a lot that someone as busy as you (I mean, I read about 50 wrap up posts myself) stopped to leave such a thoughtful comment. It's great to see the leadership of such an important event walk the walk

I agree with you. This was my second blogworld and I have to admit that I felt it to be more open, more welcoming and more engaging than the first. People were in high spirits (which is doubly-amazing considering the state of the economy, etc.) and were willing to share both insight and experiences with everyone there.

The sight of Ford, Budweiser and other mainstream brands as the key sponsors really validated what we're trying to do as a community. It's almost as if brands finally read Cluetrain, 10 years later. As the mainstream continues to come to the community it will be important to maintain the balance between authentic conversation and connection in the face of uber-brand dollars looking to control and craft the conversation in a way that works best for them.

I'm excited for what is to come and I can't wait to be back next year. Thanks again for the comment and here's to your continued success and an even bigger and better blogworld next year!

And thanks for coming and being a part of it! That's what makes it great, you and everyone who participates, sharing knowledge with others and personifying social media as a living, breathing movement. I saw new media technology experts helping newbies, small biz entrepreneurs helping corporate exec's, and web and traditional broadcasters exchanging experiences. I think you've nailed it. This is a very kind crowd of interactive innovators.

For me personally, it's so much fun to see everyone either being reunited, or meeting for the first time in-person after becoming online friends for months…or years!

Additionally, at this year's event, there was definitely a broadening of attendees to include traditional media and entertainment figures who have embraced evolutionary changes in communication…finally…and I'd say opened some eyes about how thoughtfully they're putting their new online voices to work. Prior to the event, the new media regulars in some cases would be pretty standoffish, but in-person, walls came down and it really seemed to be a time of understanding and growth for nearly everyone. (I say nearly, because there were still just a few skeptics who thought new media was ours, and what are “they” doing here. Hey, every party needs a pooper.)

Btw, Morgan, really impressed that you replied to everyone's comments. Nurturing your garden is a sure way to help it grow and become healthy as can be. You clearly get it.

Okay, enough mushy stuff. Back to work, we've gotta get planning for next year!

Happy holidays, and until next event, see you online.

Dave Cynkin

Co-Founder, CMO, Sleep Deprivationist & Thrill Seeker
BlogWorld & New Media Expo

@dave_blogworld

Regarding making a living I totally agree. You should be out there making a living. If you're not making money blogging you should be doing it outside your money making hours (or at least extending your money making hours to make up for your social media stuff.) I believe though that again, it's not one vs. the other. You should do both. Because the blogging and social media aspects are what build for the long term, at least in my experience.

Thanks for the comments.