Gary Vaynerchuk and Kathy Sierra chat at Gov 2.0 Expo

[sengseng23]

Kathy was a highlight of the expo. Her insights were right on and salient. WRT to taking a hiatus from social media, she doesn't preclude a return - even saying she'll come back to it.

Malcolm Gladwell gave a similar optic on why he's not using social media.

[MrStimpy77]

She needs to go buy a book on how to garner interest and enthusiasm from your Internet visitors and/or Internet-accessible customer base. I will definitely know what book NOT to buy (hers). Social media is a key part of an Internet strategy. Her reasons for abandoning social media are personal, not practical. If she's seeing the world through the eyes of "is this tweetable?" all the time, it's good that she's taking a break, but her reasoning explained at the beginning is ridiculous.

[mikewm90]

@MrStimpy77 Is there really a book about that? I'd buy it.

[brooklyncharlie75]

We used to write with a chisel and stone too until we found better tools - is Kathy suggesting we go back 2 chisel & stone because "it worked" long ago - she's being contrary JUST 2 be different. She sounds like an idiot. How offering an alternative 2 social media. Clearly the way we USED to communicate isn't working anymore (it's called evolving). Ask Kathy if she has a high-priced publicist/agent/manager pushing her book (the traditional tools). Average people can't afford those tools!

[KathySierraVideos]

@brooklyncharlie75 Long-term sustainable book sales have virtually NOTHING to do with *author* social media presence (emphasis on "long-term/sustainable", not short-term visibility). Social media is a powerful, deeply useful tool for authors/developers, but heavy emphasis on self-promotion focuses on the *opposite* of what makes a book successful. Social media *can* make all the difference for a book... but it's readers talking to readers. It was never about the author (or publicist).

[brooklyncharlie75]

@KathySierraVideos "Long-term sustainable book sales have virtually NOTHING to do with *author* social media presence" - neither does a BOOK TOUR but that engagement with audiences was once the corner-stone of book promotion and thought to be absolutely necessary for the book and author to stand out from the pack on book shelves which "might" lead to longevity. "Long-term sustainable book sales" was NEVER in the power or promotion of publicists (who are u kidding?).

[brooklyncharlie75]

@KathySierraVideos "heavy emphasis on self-promotion focuses on the *opposite* of what makes a book successful" if that's how you choose 2 engage in social media (by screaming "me, me, me, my book, blah-blah") then yes, I agree. But surely you define engagement as a broader conversation that INCLUDES readers?! Since when is talking 2 people who r embracing your work counter-productive to success and longevity? Here's a thought: use social media to learn about your audience and your work.

[KathySierraVideos]

@brooklyncharlie75 You're putting words in my mouth, but I reckon I made it easy to do. I was surprised by Gary's question, and I suck at expressing complex topics in a bullet-point/sound-bite way. I strongly agree w/ you:

"Here's a thought: use social media to learn about your audience and your work." And I have no problem w/ self-promo/PR; I have a BIG problem w/ the hype that it's What Really Matters now. I should qualify (since you don't know me): I'm talking about non-fiction tech.

[brooklyncharlie75]

@KathySierraVideos I know @GaryVee and have interviewed him. He broadcast and promoted his latest book "Crush It" mercilessly on Twitter/Facebook. He would be one of the crass self-promoters you're speaking about, yes?

[GaryVaynerchuk]

@brooklyncharlie75 u think I am crass? Charlie I def was hustling a lot on crush it but I also balance with soooooo much engagement no? curious on your thoughts

[brooklyncharlie75]

@GaryVaynerchuk no, I don't think you're crass at all. I think you're a hustler (in the East Coast "do what you gotta do to make it happen" kind of way). Your social media style is bullish/aggressive compared to say, Chris Brogan who's much more soft around the edges and laid back (both of u r effective).

What I meant by referring to you as "crass" is in direct relation to how Kathy described distasteful self-promotion in social media - based on what SHE said, you fit into that category 100%.

[vishal6099]

@brooklyncharlie75

PS: please dont call her an Idiot she's an inspiration to lot of guys(me too)..I think u didnt understood what she said or you missed some words..Please recheck the vid and let me knw which sentence offended you

[chrismahan]

Kathy says: People are paralyzed by choice. Can't process too many choices and be productive.

Gary says: I litterally feel I made it in the Social Media Sphere when you Kathy mentioned me.

[realpetermag]

Great insight by Kathy regarding rating Gary not by what he produces but by what his followers produce. Great leadership, business and influence insight.

[tadghin]

Gary and Kathy both gave inspiring talks at Gov 2.0 Expo, but I had the brilliant idea to get them talking together on camera afterwards, about whatever they find interesting. They end up talking about social media, sharks versus hippos and how certain human activities are badly branded, why Kathy is captivated with video and its potential, why less choice can be more powerful, geolocation, and way more.

Two geniuses of passion and engagement.