A BrainYard Experiment: Let's Have A Social ConversationA BrainYard Experiment: Let's Have A Social Conversation

Yes, I want you to "like" our page, but while you're there I'd also appreciate it if you would post a comment or ask a question, to help get a conversation going.

Although we've had this page for a while, for a long time it was being run mostly on autopilot, with an automated script that posted headlines to the page (going back to before I was named editor). I replaced the script with myself, trying to put some more personality into it by adding my own comments or an interesting excerpt from the story, along with the links.

I also will be posting more questions in an attempt to stir up discussion, such as this one asking, "What sort of news or analysis would you like to see more of on The BrainYard?"

Simple enough, and as of this writing it has produced a couple of responses -- with more to follow, I hope, after this column appears.

On Twitter, my efforts are centered on my own personal profile more than the BrainYard page. I admit most of my Twitter posts are little more than a headline, a link, and a couple of hashtags. Sometimes, those get picked up and retweeted extensively, but frankly it's hit or miss. Often, someone else will have tweeted the same headline, or a link to the same story, and that's the one everyone picks up on--which is just fine.

Sometimes, Twitter also sparks conversations -- although personally, I find it to be an awkward medium for any extended conversation. Maybe that's my problem; I know others make Twitter the center of their social media universe.

Okay, here's your assignment:

-- Post something to the comments section on The BrainYard website.

-- Post something to the Facebook page.

-- Take a look at @davidfcarr and @thebyard.

-- In the process, think about the fundamental question I'm asking: is it the medium or the message? What can we do better?

You can also tell me if you think this was a dumb idea for a column. As a journalist, I figure it's better to confess ignorance and ask a question than to pretend wisdom I don't possess.

Comments, please?

Follow David F. Carr on Twitter @davidfcarr. The BrainYard is @thebyard and facebook.com/thebyard

IT's challenge in dealing with social networks comes on two fronts: How to interact with would-be customers on big social networks like Facebook, and how to provide employees on internal networks with collaboration that's as powerful as their Facebook experiences. This virtual event, Social Business: Marshaling Expertise, Engaging Customers, Building Brands, will help IT leaders sort through their strategic choices. It happens April 26.