Please advise STLE on ways it can use social networking sites and digital media like podcasts and Webinars to deliver lubricant-specific technical information.
TLT Sounding Board September 2010
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STLE has launched an initiative to deliver industry-specific technical content via podcasts and Webinars and through social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. As expected, responses to this month's survey largely were generation oriented, with younger members embracing the new media more enthusiastically. Older members, however, often displayed an altruistic spirit. "I won't use these sites," said one, "but I encourage STLE to continue using them to reach out to younger members." A vast majority of these media can be accessed through smartphones, and about half of survey respondents reported owning one with another 34% planning to buy one in the next year. 25% of respondents said STLE's new initiative makes them more inclined to buy a smartphone.
Keep communication to technical issues. Avoid advertising services and products.
I never use Facebook because I don't like that much information available about myself. I am on LinkedIn but honestly do not see the benefit. How is it better than just sending a regular e-mail? Just more trouble than it is worth to me.
I believe that delivering information using these media will be of great Use. It will encourage me to become a member of a social networking site.
I won't really use it regularly. Most of what I deal with I don't even know about until it is an emergency and someone is calling me.
I have not linked to STLE's Facebook page and have not signed up for LinkedIn.
I have no interest in Facebook—in fact, our company blocks access to it. I am a member of LinkedIn but find many people falsely report their level of experience. I would definitely take part in Webinars and possibly a podcast.
I don't think Facebook is a professional site, but LinkedIn suits these purposes. STLE should get on top of podcasting and other digital media to stay current with the times. Your LinkedIn group was started last year, and I saw this as a sign of change directed at the younger generation. Many of us are looking for more updated content and technologically advanced material from STLE.
I prefer Webinars.
I hope that STLE continues to seek this new route of media.
Podcasts and seminars can push limited amounts of technical information while Facebook and LinkedIn would lead users to the podcast or Webinar. For more in-depth information sharing, you would need an interactive long-term vehicle using industry experts as facilitators.
I doubt it will change the value to me, but I encourage this direction to attract younger members.
You already know there is a definite generational gap from us and the younger crowd. STLE must proceed with their future needs.
It's good that you are considering innovation.
Offer the same information in a variety of formats for different types of users.
Contact the student members for direction. Facebook would be of great use.
You do not need to do this. What we need are more forums on the STLE Web site so each industry council can have its own. I do not want more spam.
Which of the following best describes your view of social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn?
They’re resources that will help me access and share information.
46%
They’re way overhyped and I’m not terribly impressed.
54%
Based on responses from 197 TLT readers.
For me Webinars would be really helpful. I am part of a local STLE section but have to drive a long way to attend meetings. Webinars, online courses and online certification exams would be really useful. It may be tough right now, but having all local sections broadcast their technical talks via Webinars would increase the audience and also provide opportunity to other members.
I use LinkedIn to connect with people who may be able to help me rather than using it to get technical information. This is also one of the primary reasons I come to STLE's annual meeting.
Facebook is for private use. I do not want private and work/professional matters to overlap or mix together.
Webinars would be good. Not familiar enough with the other media.
Do not trust Facebook. The others are of limited use, as my home computer is not up to podcasts or Webinars.
Here's how I would rank the value of these outlets in terms of delivering high-content technical information: Webinars first followed by podcasts, LinkedIn and Facebook.
I have not utilized podcasts, but it seems to be an excellent method to transfer information. I will start using this medium when STLE does.
As for what STLE is doing—so far so good!
Just make sure your podcasts and Webinars are well advertised.
LinkedIn and Facebook are great for keeping people up-to-date on things. Podcasts and Webinars are good when people have time to sit down and learn details. You have to make sure you are putting the right kind of content on the right servers.
Problems could include connectivity and lack of fluency in English.
I don't want to use Facebook for work and non-work activities. Keep them separate.
Make it easy to reach technical information. Help us solve urgent technical needs.
Everyone is trying to sell their product and not adhere to general information regarding the subject. Don't do this.
Provide short news on what is going on in the world of tribology such as technical innovations.
Since my company blocks all of these, they would not enhance the value of my membership.
Good luck. Content delivery is obviously changing, and figuring out what format will be accepted is very uncertain. You'll have to try all of them. My preference is the STLE Web site. I control what I'm looking for and I'm not bombarded by content I'm not interested in.
Keep us informed of news and members' interpretation and opinions of that news. What are the implications in the real world?
Webinars would work best for me, especially if they were available for review at any time.
Having a Podcast on lubrication topics would be great. I see no benefit for STLE on Facebook.
I hope all these media and platforms are useful. Much will depend on the likes and dislikes of members worldwide.
For LinkedIn and Facebook, focus on short articles related to lubrication.
For me Facebook and LinkedIn are OK for staying in touch with industry buddies.
Do you own a smartphone?
Yes
49%
No
51%
Based on responses from 197 TLT readers.
Editor’s Note: Sounding Board is based on an e-mail survey of 7,200 TLT readers. Views expressed are those of the respondents and do not reflect the opinions of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. STLE does not vouch for the technical accuracy of opinions expressed in Sounding Board, nor does inclusion of a comment represent an endorsement of the technology by STLE.