Why ChurpChurp stories are not on the homepage?

I wrote a short review of the new ChurpChurp redesign recently and one of its new features was the Stories. My first impression of this was that it would’ve been like Project Petaling Street. But I found out otherwise.

While ChurpChurp is running a contest to spread the awareness of their Stories feature, I’ve discovered all stories you find on the homepage are featured stories hand-picked by the ChurpChurp team.

If you don’t see the stories you shared appear on the homepage, it’s because it wasn’t virally worth being featured – like the 5 stories I had shared. Through my conversation with ChurpChurp over Twitter, all my stories were kept in my profile – for what purpose, I can’t tell.

Truth be told, I’m not happy now after learning only virally worth stories which are hand-picked by the ChurpChurp team would be featured on the homepage. This could be its Achilles heel.

Let the rakyat (public) decide

I’m not sure if the ChurpChurp team are aware of this – I believe their techies would be. But there are existing community websites who’ve implemented a self-moderating method. Through the power of the community, they vote up what is worth sharing and vote down or report abuses.

Oh well, I guess the team would look into this in their next redesign.

Don’t Lie to The Camera

Yesterday I posted about corporate videos and why I felt it’s truly a media worth investing for your corporate website. Today, I’d like to touch on adding your video to the social web.

Case study: KFC Malaysia apologizes

I’ve not seen the said video of the tampering, but what I want to highlight is the comments in the video. Yes, you have to pay attention to the video comments if you join the social web.

Customers may not be always right, but they’re not stupid

I read the first few pages of comments and found most agreed:

1. The speaker sways too much.
2. The dialogue doesn’t sound sincere.

Remember, once you know the purpose of a video, an experienced video team would be advising you. If they’ve no comments, you need to encourage them to give you honest feedback. It’s the only way you’ll know how a third party aka your customers may react to your video.

Make Your Corporate Video Fun

The #1 reason I want to work closely with videographers, especially if they understand online media, is because videos can play a humongous role in a corporate website. And before you read further, I’m writing this post from my personal observations.

Few years back, I stumbled on a website which introduced and promoted their service using video. Plus, their service is to create introductory videos such as what you would’ve seen on their website.

Video with actors or actresses

Video with people adds a strong human connection between your products and services. If you’ve a storyline going for you, even better – Mac VS PC.

Voice over videos

If you can’t get actors or your colleagues are too scared of the camera, voice overs work like the radio. Except, there’s still a visual. This video style is most commonly used for guidance purposes.

Don’t have the budget

The aim isn’t to shoot a Hollywood film. Think of its purpose and how you can keep it simple, while communicating its message to your customers.

You’re not alone

Ask your team to be involved in the idea process. But remember the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid)  formula to stay on track. You can save the exploding car scene as a pet project.

Have confidence to be different

And lastly, you don’t have to execute a video like your competitor. Lighten up. Have fun with your video unless it’s a really serious message, like the presidential speech – even the US President knows how to have fun.

At the 2011 White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, President Barack Obama jokes about a sequel to the film the King’s Speech that hits closer to home. The President offers a sneak peak of the parody at the annual event.

So, once you know it’s purpose you’ll know what needs to be done.

Start Managing Your Online Reputation

This morning, I decided to try one of the things which was suggested by Calvin; Webcamp KL community member, which was to:

What do you find when you google your past?

It’s definitely not the first time I’ve done this, but it’s been awhile since I did it. And when I started browsing, I went as deep in as 25 pages into Google’s search results. Through this exercise, I’d recommend any person who’s been online for more than 1 year to do it.

Just by searching my name, skipping my website and social media networks, I found some interesting things which I didn’t notice before.

You’re Not The Last Person on Earth

I found my name to be quite a common name. I found a local accredited lawyer with an office in JayaOne. A realty consultant whose company is based in Singapore and a few others.

Though I am me. A spaced out creative guy who co-founded a Malaysia web design company.

Know Who’s Talking About You

I knew a friend of mine who mentioned me in his article before. But what I didn’t know is, he may have written again about me - Web Design Is A Lowly Job? And participating in a professional organization such as BNI has taught me visibility is important.  So easy enough, I shared the article on my Facebook and tagged my friend to thank him.

However, there’s no guarantee everyone has a clean sheet. Which is why, this exercise can be very important to you. It gives you a chance to find out how you may have done good or bad to someone.

Give Thanks to People You May Have Missed

Some articles which mentioned me were of a social nature. For example, a friend on Twitter who said she knew about the SAD (Single Awareness Day) campaign when I mentioned it sometime ago.

It’s better late than never. So this gave me the opportunity to drop her a thank you note.

Don’t wait to hear someone tell you about it, Google your name or your business and see what comes out. Then, act on them appropriately.

Safety Decisions and Credibility on Foursquare

Foursquare is still my primary check-in tool when I’m moving around – despite Facebook Places. But I’d like to share with you how Foursquare influenced my safety decisions and how social media have had affected credibility during my last car service visit.

Foursquare tips protected me

I already had plugged in my laptop, connected my power, attached my mouse and other peripherals. But after I checked-in and read the tips above, I quickly packed my things and scurried to the line of customer service personnel. Mainly because I don’t want anything missing from my car later and have someone tell me, your belongings are your responsibility – though it’s within their premises.

I asked the person who took my case if I could get something from my car. Thankfully, it was still in line to be serviced. That’s an experience how Foursquare tips influenced my safety concerns.

Foursquare tips affects your credibility long term

They say bad word of mouth spreads faster than good. Well, I’d say it also leaves a longer impression than good. Because though the tips left behind may have aged, I still took it into serious consideration which influenced my decision.

The best advice I can give to any local business with an official premise is to search your name on Foursquare. You may be surprised to find it’s already in there – users can freely create it on Foursquare. But most importantly, make sure you read the tips and check your credibility.