Browse: Home / / 8 Ways to Start a Conversation: Social Media Style! (an excerpt from LouisGray.com)

8 Ways to Start a Conversation: Social Media Style! (an excerpt from LouisGray.com)

By Ken Stewart on December 28, 2008

The purpose of social media is to be social of course, right? It helps social butterflies among us stretch across continents with the strokes of a few keys and allows the geeky introvert to have a voice. Starting a conversation has never been easier, has it?

A friend of mine, Ken Allan, and I were having a conversation across blogs over the last few weeks. Both of us started our blogs for varying reasons, but primarily it is to reach others and extend the conversation. But how do you extend the conversation if no one on the other end reciprocates.

Blogging, Twitter, FriendFeed, and Facebook all share one thing: You have to have followers to talk to in order to even have a chance of starting a conversation. This is often hard work, but to some it comes naturally – some few names have risen to the top as conversation starters. Whether by wit or will, these individuals stand out in my mind – exemplifying how you start a conversation, and even keep it going:

Read More at LouisGray.com.

If you liked this post, find more of Ken’s posts on LouisGray.com:

Is Simplicity the Silver Lining?

The World. The Web. Just That Much Smaller.

Ken Stewart’s blog, ChangeForge.com, focuses on the collision between the constantly changing worlds of business and technology. To learn more about Ken, visit his about page. You may also find Ken on FriendFeed, Twitter, and LinkedIn.


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Ken Stewart

People-focused, business-minded, technology-savvy leader who likes to ask: "Why?"

  • kallan
    Tenei to mihi ki a koe, Ken!

    Thanks for the mention. I think you are right in what you say of the purpose of social media.

    There's been lots posted on this topic (check out the links at the start of my post paragraphs 1 & 2). Much of it, to do with the post itself, is good advice. The statistical ratio of viewers:participants:contributors is also well documented, and there's been a lot of discussion and dissention about the validity of this so-called 'golden' ratio.

    My experience is that the ratio (90:9:1) is actually quite conservative, which does not bode well for those hoping to get festooned by wonderful discussion, information and ongoing suggestions for further discussion - the content that we often read about - when they write a blog post.

    I look at it this way - there's a heck-of-a-lot of people out there. We post some cogent, interesting topics for discussion. The participants seem to be restricted to what some may describe as an exclusive group of intellectuals. It isn't, but that's how it's viewed by many.

    My question is, why are there so few people (comparatively) contributing to the blogs of yours and mine, when there are literally millions (arguably billions) of potential participants? This (question) often leaves me wondering, and the answers escape me.

    Best wishes
    from Middle-earth
  • Ken, I would concur with your ratio from my meager experiences as well. I had hoped the conversations would abound, but have been saddened to learn that very many simply consume. I would like to think that I at least touch someone's life that I might not have touched otherwise - and while this might be the case - I am afraid very few find the information "life-changing" enough to apply.

    Those who are students of life, are really the only ones that may or may not flock to our so-called cause. I have determined that my blogging numbers may not every be as grand as those I wrote about, and that is perfectly fine. However, I would enjoy a deeper conversation on a more regular basis.

    The silver lining I have found though, are a handful of friends like yourself who are interested in genuinely participating. For what cause? None other than having a friendly conversation. Most seem to want something more, or could care less, but I do count myself fortunate to have found that handful I would have otherwise not met.

    So thank you for that!
  • STRONG WORK as always my friend. I commented on the original post.
  • Musicvideos1
    Yah its a very nice way to start conversation. you make its easy man. Indie
  • Blogging, Twitter, FriendFeed, and Facebook all share one thing: You have to have followers to talk to in order to even have a chance of starting a conversation. This is often hard work, but to some it comes naturally
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