written by Michelle Murray | November 19th, 2012
In a world offline, if you were to repeat comments and thoughts by others, or scream from the rooftops what you were thankful for, or even randomly speak quotes by famous figures without reason – people could think you’ve gone a little crazy.
In a world online however, doing some of these things can be seen as common place. The sharing of information, ideas, and gratitude can be greeted with RT’s, TY’s and #ThTh. We are told in numerous blogs and articles about the importance of manners online when it comes to networking and communicating – so does being engaged and involved online mean we are carrying these philosophies offline, and if not – What can we do to become more engaged with each other on a day to day basis?
Hello, Goodbye
Enter “The Hello Pledge” – created by Maureen Douglas to raise awareness of this basic, but declining tool for increased community engagement. The Hello Pledge focuses on getting people from all walks of life, to interact not only online, but offline as well – starting with a simple hello.
Douglas feels that “many people, but particularly younger citizens are losing face to face engagement skills. It seems easier to text or email than to have a “real” conversation. But human connection is critical to our development, compassion and basic humanity. Ironically, The Hello Pledge has been spread far and wide through social media so it definitely has it’s opportunities to be a tool for great things. Social media works best when it’s social: engagement, interaction and shared discussion, not one-way opinions or statements.”
In a Manner of Speaking
It can be a slippery slope this online marketing. Social Media provides us with an invaluable and cost effective tool to promote OURSELVES and we’ve all seen it – businesses, artists, musicians who do nothing online but promote what they have to offer. It can become tiresome to constantly see what THEY are doing in our feeds without them engaging in what OTHERS are doing.
If this were to happen in a face to face setting, perhaps we’d turn the other way in avoidance rather than engage in a conversation with them. We may be online, but practicing “good ole fashioned manners” may be a way to generate more traffic, more interest and more sharing in what you have to say…both online and off.
“Ideal conversation must be an exchange of thought, and not, as many of those who worry about their shortcomings believe, an eloquent exhibition of wit or oratory.” – Emily Post
In order to interact online honestly, it’s important to remember how to engage people the “old fashioned way”, and if you’re someone who finds solace behind a computer screen, give the hello pledge a try, and say hi to someone today – in person.
Take “The Hello Pledge” today and share your journey with them on Twitter @thehellopledge or “LIKE” them on Facebook.
Michelle Murray
Born and raised in Northern Ontario, Michelle has spent the last 13 years living in Banff and British Columbia. She has always had a desire to market, promote, and share through music, community, and social awareness.
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