Here’s what I’m talking about today.
1. Lessons from Austin: I recently went to Austin for a social media conference hosted by the Engaging News Project and UT Austin’s journalism school.
Some observations:
- Experimentation: Social media evolves quickly and journalists are still experimenting with the best ways of using various platforms. It was however shocking to see journalists discussing tactics that marketers and advertisers have been using for years.
- Is Twitter worth it? Many people observed that Twitter doesn’t drive a lot of traffic to our websites (compared Facebook.) However, Twitter is a vastly more effective tool for reaching influencers and finding real-time breaking news. Facebook’s algorithm is also fickle, so investing too much time in Facebook-exclusive content may be a mistake.
- Goals: The most glaring problem that many newsrooms seem to have is failing to create a solid strategy for social media efforts. Concrete goals are essential to using a platform productively. Do you want to drive traffic to your site? Nurture sources? Reach a particular audience? Sell native ads?
2. Buc-ee’s: No trip to Austin is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s, a Texas-sized gas station. I got a burrito which filled me with regret about 30 minutes later.
Buc-ee’s gas station near Waco, Texas.
3. The Westin: I stayed at the Westin in downtown Austin. It is a non-descript hotel in an amazing location. The only noteworthy thing about the hotel were the bizarre pool advertisements inside the elevators, which feature models who look plastered.
Strange pool advertisements inside the elevators of the downtown Austin Westin hotel.
4. Project Runway Junior: We finally got around to watching Project Runway: Junior on Lifetime, and it’s adorable.
It’s highly entertaining to watch awkward teens compete against each other. The competition is way friendlier than regular Project Runway and the fashion is (strangely) just as good.
Season 1 is available on the Lifetime TV app and Amazon. Season 2 premieres in two weeks.
5. Those Tennessee fires: Were apparently started by a pair of teens who now face a ton of criminal charges. Only you can prevent wildfires.
Tonight
Here’s what’s going on in the gayborhood tonight.
- Drag shows at Station 4 and JR’s Bar & Grill around 11 p.m.
- Giogrio Morder single release party at Sue Ellen’s
- Cigar & Scotch Social at the Dallas Eagle
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