Comments on: Would you give aid to a tiny, helpless robot that fell into a pothole?

By: edward boches

edward boches — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:14:40 +0000

Mitch:
Good point. Probably not. Then again, same in SM space. If you’re friendly and giving, you’ll get something back. If you’re a jerk and a downer, forget it.

By: mitchblum

mitchblum — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:36:01 +0000

I'd love to see the experiment re-run with the robot sporting an unhappy or a mad face. Would people be less inclined to provide help to something that isn't so cute? .-= mitchblum´s last blog ..But Wait…There’s More! =-.

By: edward boches

edward boches — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:01:42 +0000

Kat:
Agree with all your points. Make it easy. Inspire your community. Give before you take. Well put.

By: edward boches

edward boches — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:59:10 +0000

Amy:
My pleasure. It’s a great little experiment. When I tell the story or use it as an example in presentations people always respond with smiles and write down the url so they can check it out later.

By: Amy Shropshire

Amy Shropshire — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:23:12 +0000

Everyday there is something that comes my way via social media that makes me smile and I’m constantly amazed by the closeness of community that can be built. And thanks for sharing Kacie’s experiment!

By: Jamie Favreau

Jamie Favreau — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:19:54 +0000

Good points! I know people are more willing to help in your job search I think it is about finding the right person to ask! .-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..NHL, NBC and the FINALS =-.

By: Leo Bottary

Leo Bottary — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:39:17 +0000

It was uncanny for me to read your post today in light of what I posted this morning! Your conclusions should make people feel a bit better today. .-= Leo Bottary´s last blog ..Basic Human Nature. Good or Bad? =-.

By: Seth Hosko

Seth Hosko — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:55:08 +0000

Yes, it does. I find a lot of lessons out of this that can also apply to my job search as well. The biggest point for me is that people are willing to help if you make it easy for them, if they see that they can contribute to a larger good or goal. .-= Seth Hosko´s last blog ..On Brand Strategy =-.

By: Kat Jaibur

Kat Jaibur — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:05:05 +0000

Interesting story, Edward. Reading the link in your post, Kacie Kinzer’s statement that “the Tweenbots a story of people’s willingness to engage with a creature that mirrors human characteristics of vulnerability, being lost, and having intention without the means of achieving its goal alone.” In the online space, vulnerability and needing help to achieve your goals can be very compelling. Being a little lost may work for individuals, but certainly not for brands.

To your point #1: People will help if you give them a reason to believe… and then make it easy for them. And that — as always — means showing how whatever you’re promoting will benefit others — not the promoter/brand. As true for an Olympus camera as a children’s charity or Iran elections.

Point #2: You still need a few responders to create momentum. So again, a compelling message is key. Something that moves them from interest to action.

Point #3: Don’t be afraid to ask. Yes. But as you and Chris Brogan and many others have pointed out, be a giver first. You would never dream of introducing yourself to someone and asking for a favor right off the bat. Both individuals and brands need to act accordingly. In the online space, it’s been said: “Create your community before you need it.”