2 days ago I published an article, “Tornado Alley, Twitter style” where I related the amazing story of how a community kept people updated via the #ARwx hashtag during the severe weather events this weekend and also took some of the local traditional media outlets to task about how they weren’t contributing to the stream.
I’ve had several conversations over the past couple of days and I’d like expand my commentary.
Too Harsh
Some have said that I was too critical in the post. It is a valid critique.
I normally strive to be positive and analytical and that post marked a change in my publishing process, I published it immediately. While I’ll usually let a post sit cold and then review before publishing I knew I’d edit all the fire out of its wording if I let it sit. I chose not to do that. I wanted to strike while the iron was hot and since we were expecting tornados the same day I hoped to affect change immediately.
While my wording wasn’t warm and fuzzy it was honest. It made my point.
It isn’t my usual style but I’m also not apologizing.
Media Response (or lack thereof)
If you search my twitter stream or the comments below you will not find one single comment from anyone in the traditional media in the Central Arkansas area. This is quite strange when you consider the number of DMs I’ve received and the 3rd hand accounts of conversations.
What I can say is that the same day we saw @Fox16News, @JeffBaskinFOX16, @todaysTHV, & @GovBeebeMedia using the #ARwx severe weather hashtag. I have no illusions that my post was responsible for any of these changes, my only hope is it might have sparked some conversations.
I’d like to add that @Fox16News was not only tweeting, but also retweeting people like @wxmandan, @ArkRedCross and others. Kudos to their good work.
I saw several media accounts retweeted and shared solely because of their participation in #ARwx. I hope they found it rewarding and I also hope others follow their lead.
Traditional Media was Worthless
Many interpreted my post to be a complete condemnation of traditional media coverage. This could not be further from the truth. The post is a reflection of their importance. If I didn’t care about their contributions I’d never written it.
No one has the radar access and systems they utilize and that is why the community stands to benefit greatly if they are using the hashtag.
The coverage via TV/Radio is the best its ever been and they deserve an attaboy. I just want them to help extend that coverage to twitter in the best way possible.
So to my TV friends I’m not your enemy. I’m your audience.
And I care enough to ask you to do it better.
The Excuses
I’ve heard the same 2 excuses so many times I think there was a memo.
- We don’t have the personnel to update Twitter
- Meteorologists are too busy handling TV coverage and taking reports
These are both absolute cop outs. We find ways to handle what’s important. When people were saying that they were without power and their only info was coming from Twitter then that makes this whole issue pretty important.
Concerning people: There are already people sending updates via your stream. Your competitors are doing it. When you make it a priority you will as well.
Meteorologists too busy: This is laughable. Do you honestly think I want your meteorologist to stop his coverage to come tweet? NO. That’s silly. The weather professionals are busy trying to tell mass media when to take cover. Give someone else the reigns and get busy. Heck ask for volunteers.
Both of these excuses fall apart when you realize that we make time for what’s important.
The Community Response
I’d like to say a sincere thank you to the overwhelming response from my friends. You all retweeted, commented, and added your voice. If we were heard it was because of you, not me.
I’ve been overwhelmed and amazed. Thank you,
Now if we could just get them to unlink Facebook from Twitter… but we’ll cover that later this week. Thanks for reading
