12
2009
The Brain and the Fire Hose
As my email colonic began, I became aware of what my information intentions were versus what my information processing realities are. Sure I’d like to know more about branding, advertising, media, social media, email, investing and how to green my house. Unfortunately, each email assumes I have unlimited time and that more is more. But my day is being squeezed like most folks, as this video can confirm.
Technical Side Of Business Email:
How much time do we spend on e-mail?
Are we reaching an information paradox? That is, the more information we have available, the less time we have for comprehension? Do readers, bookmarks, RSS feeds, social media and email enhance learning?
Let’s diagnose the paradox:
- How often do you actually read your reader?
- What percentage of your bookmarks (including Delicious) have you actually used more than once?
- How many of your RSS subscriptions do you read?
- What percentage of email alerts that you subscribe to do you actually read?
- How many email and social network accounts have you created and ignored?
- What percentage of your day do you spend in email land?
My answers:
- Rarely – too much to read
- 1%
- 5-10%
- 5% tops
- Too embarrassing to answer
- Too absurd to answer
So what’s this have to do with marketing? It’s not enough to regurgitate information. Today’s tools make it possible to confuse quantity and immediacy with quality and relevance. Moreover, with such an abundance of information at our disposal at all times, how much can we actually recall and put to good use?
Pascal and Twain summarized the current situation best with the quote, “I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I’ve written a long one instead.” Know your audience and distinguish between the need to fill a screen versus valued content.
So what do you think?
The Brain and the Fire Hose
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http://YesTruebloodIsMyRealName.com Mark Trueblood
