Sports teams have long had "fanatics" - as have celebrities and other well known characters. In my gaming days we referred to them as "fanbois". These days, as I watch human behaviours on social networks, I see no shortage of those same characteristics for companies, bloggers, popular Twitter personalities and more.
Today Apple launched its iPad. I see a larger, iTouch with very minor improvements. I certainly don't see anything impressive, innovative or magical. I don't see my life being made any more convenient than it is today. I will still need my laptop and a blackberry or iPhone. It's a cool toy - that will undoubtedly be useful to people who don't need all the functionality of a laptop.
The iPad is all the rage for some fanbois and fanatics. I keep hearing things like "this is the future of mobile". From my perspective, it's nothing I can't get in an iPhone... and an iPhone is also a phone! Lets face it, this is something most people don't need. However, the beauty of having fanatics and fanbois is that you can do anything and they will love it... and they will give you their money. Fans are also fabulous because they passionately support you. In difficult times, they will stick with you and talk about your good work. They are your champions. On the other hand, if you're the unfortunate person who happens to upset the fans... you'd better pull out your virtual armor. You could be seriously, (albeit virtually) subjected to some very unpleasant comments.
Apple is just one example. A few others that I've witnessed in recent days involve a Vanity Fair article which referred to some female twitter personalities using unflattering language, the issues surrounding Wyclef Jean's charity, Yele Haiti and another incident where a fundraiser made some well reasoned critcisms of a popular blogger whose fundraising efforts had been lackluster. In at least two of these cases, there were some very difficult days for the parties involved.
In the worst situations, this can reach unthinkable proportions on the internet. Blog comments will fly by at a frenzied pace, Twitter hash-tags will light up, facebook wall comments will scroll by the hundreds (or thousands) and if you're on the receiving end of the fan fury, you may find yourself up against what feels like an unstoppable force. Do not think that this won't reach the traditional media or your donors. It can and your phone lines and email inbox will be next. I don't say this to discourage people from communicating online, but rather to understand the potential pitfalls and to be prepared should they occur.
As with all things internet, be cautious of what you say. Always have a communications plan to deal with a potential Twitter-storm or other potential social media unrest. Don't disregard those early signs of discontent online. It's far better to acknowledge it and address it, than it is to ignore it.
Apple has done a remarkable job of cultivating an impressive following of fanatics. Steve Jobs is not trying to be all things to all people. He's built a remarkable community and he makes products for that community. As a result, that community sticks with him and each time he creates something, that dedicated group of fans will buy it - whatever it is. Go Steve!
What has your charity done to build a fan-base of dedicated, loyal supporters who will donate every time you ask, and who will stick with you through difficult days and challenging times? There is value to be found in those people - when cultivated well and managed appropriately.
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