Here’s a great example I ran into that proves audience matters when writing content and designing Web sites. Audio expert Penny Haynes asked:
Is the term “Technically Challenged” a positive, negative or neutral marketing term?
I’d really like to hear from people who are NOT comfortable with technology to ascertain if using that term to reach them would be a good choice of words. Would it draw you because it accurately describes your situation, or would it repel you because it somehow seems negative?
What words would you substitute to describe yourself instead?
My response, “I think anything with ‘challenged’ tends to lean toward negative. But in trying to think of something that’s neutral or positive, I couldn’t come up with anything better. It may be better to reference something specific instead of broad like technology. Computer, MP3, DVR programming, etc.
“Maybe ‘not savvy with computers’ or ‘new to MP3 players.’” I was also trying to think of “novice,” but it didn’t come to me at the time.
Penny responded, “The interesting thing is that people who are not technically challenged think it is somehow insulting. Yet the people who fit the mold actually like that term – they think of it as accurate or even comical.”
Lesson learned!
While podcasting is low on my list of things to follow, an article caught my eye. A local PTA is using podcasting to record its general meetings so those who can’t attend can get up to speed.
Most of the time, general meetings follow with a program consisting of a speaker on an education-related topic or the children perform for their parents. Recording the meeting gives people a chance to hear the speaker and learn more about the topic or parents to have a recording of their children’s program.
On the flip side, will podcasts prevent people from attending meetings? The article states it won’t because it means missing out on the interactions and asking questions. Things brings up an important point — is technology isolating us?
For me, technology brings me closer to people more often than in an in-person group event. But that’s probably because of my hearing loss. Technology is wonderful, but we want to ensure it doesn’t cut us off from each other.
Last week, I attended an in person meeting with a local client. Though I feel uneasy about meeting someone in person for the first time (because of concerns whether I will be able to understand the person), the meeting accomplished more than if we had discussions by e-mail.
Since most of my clients aren’t local, it isn’t a problem. But it illustrates the value of connecting with others in-person.
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