Jordan Birnbaum

Host

Tawking Through Social Media

Nov 28, 2013·49 visitors

Blake Ian

Cohost

Stage· 323 messages

Nov 28, 2013

Blake Ian had a really good idea one day. And as a result, I have a new addiction in my life - Tawkers. I'm going to ask Blake to describe his fascinating perspective on social media, and how he thinks Tawkers fits into the landscape. All that, plus whatever you ask.

Blake Ian · 2:00 AM

Mr Birnbaum I presume?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:00 AM

you beat me to it!

Blake Ian · 2:00 AM

Stole your line!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:00 AM

that is like a violation of the laws of physics.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:01 AM

I have to readjust to this strange new reality

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:01 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“Hey JB an Ian!!! oh how i've missed you!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:01 AM

right back at ya!

Blake Ian · 2:01 AM

Good evening miss Dyer... always lovely to have you.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:01 AM

So Blake, this Tawk is probably long overdue

Blake Ian · 2:01 AM

At least you get to be on the left side JB!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

Well, I took the initiative -the left side is my reward!

Blake Ian · 2:02 AM

You ever sit shotgun in your own car... thats how this feels

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

lol -let's pretend I just picked you up in a medical procedure and you're not allowed to drive yet.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“Is this the interweb?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

something like that, Rick

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

batman is riding in robin's seat

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:02 AM

something like that, rick

Blake Ian · 2:03 AM

Well we are both left seat Tawkers... so someone had to be out of position.

Blake Ian · 2:03 AM

and as you said you took the initiative, and those be the rules of the house

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:03 AM

thanks for letting me drive. In this Tawk. And every Tawk, actually…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:04 AM

Ok - so our subject tonight is the evolution of the Internet, social media, and the emergence of Tawkers in that timelione

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:04 AM

timeline

Blake Ian · 2:04 AM

Sweet, Im into all those things

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

So, let's get some bearings. From my perspective, the Internet actually became a mass market thing around 1995. That work for you?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“Tawk is the love child of Twitter and texting”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

first there was porn, then there was chat, and now there is tawkers

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

love it!

Blake Ian · 2:05 AM

yup, 1995 - I say we can go on that as a shared reality

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“that's quite an evolution rick lol”

Blake Ian · 2:06 AM

I was around for it... though much younger than you of course, as I still am and always will be

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:06 AM

wow - it's one of those, huh? OK…good to know.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

So, 1995 would make the Internet an 18-year old. Just approaching the end of teenaged, and about to head off to college.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“wow Ian,you must be really young as JB is only 21...ish”

Blake Ian · 2:07 AM

Ah interesting, ok I can roll with that and see where it's heading

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

Well, how is the Internet like an 18-year old?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“the internet is now a legal adult who can buy cigarettes lol”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“18 years old in dog years”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:09 AM

I mean, I see a lot of similarities with my 18 year old memories and how the Internet behaves .

Blake Ian · 2:09 AM

OK well I love abstract questions... and this certainly fits that description.

Blake Ian · 2:10 AM

There are for sure some ways the internet behaves like a teenager

Blake Ian · 2:10 AM

Generally speaking I'd say its headed out of the games and distraction only phase

Blake Ian · 2:10 AM

and the zero responsibility phase as well

Blake Ian · 2:11 AM

It's starting to get serious about how it can contribute to society

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:11 AM

Well, the Internet, like an 18-year old goes back and forth. It can still be impulsive and act without thinking through the consequences. But it IS getting better.

Blake Ian · 2:11 AM

Now that is not to say that there weren't ALWAYS folks building sites and applications for this purpose...

Blake Ian · 2:12 AM

for good causes and the progression of of our species. But the main stream uses for it are what Im referring to

Blake Ian · 2:13 AM

Crowdfunding sites for instance...

Blake Ian · 2:13 AM

I think thats a great example of maturation of the internet

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:14 AM

Yes. How about as a political gathering spot?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:14 AM

I mean, to what degree do you thick political communities are better informed and more widespread?

Blake Ian · 2:14 AM

Sure! I guess broader than crowd funding, let's say crowdsourcing.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:14 AM

and simulataneously cohesive?

Blake Ian · 2:14 AM

Exactly, crowdsourcing is all about cohesion

Blake Ian · 2:15 AM

Ive met some brilliant people doing incredible things with community sourced data

Blake Ian · 2:15 AM

Like predicting tsunamis!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:16 AM

Those types of collaborative efforts are such incredible metaphors in addition to their practical contributions

Blake Ian · 2:16 AM

Again, I don't think there was ever a lack of intention by pioneers of the internet to work towards this end, but the USERS are maturing to want to use the internet in this way

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:16 AM

exactly

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:17 AM

we weren't ready for all this back in the 90s - we were wearing flannel…

Blake Ian · 2:17 AM

Totally, its an analog (or digital I suppose) to topics spoken about in spirituality and philosophy for thousands of years...

Blake Ian · 2:17 AM

all of us being connected

Blake Ian · 2:18 AM

Its like we have figured out a way to actually harness the connection we all have

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:18 AM

just beginning to…

Blake Ian · 2:19 AM

if we are all a part of something bigger, a unity of consciousness, these fiber optic cables and satellite signals, sent and received by devices are the greatest stride yet in tapping into this

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

So, when you take a step back and review, what are some of the lessons that 18 years of the Internet have taught us about people? And taught us about business?

Blake Ian · 2:21 AM

Well one thing I have noticed, as Im sure others have, playing is often our entry into new technology

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

by playing I mean games, distraction, entertainment.

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

Look at the Xbox

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

video game console turned entertainment media center

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:22 AM

well, you know, life can be hard. people need a break!

Blake Ian · 2:22 AM

Totally

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

We can even see that as a microcosm on specific platforms. Look at Twitter

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

One of the most powerful news sources in the world Id say at this point

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

Not that it isn't without its kinks to work out... but I can't think of a news source without kinks!

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

but anyway

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

Twitter

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

(I think hashtag games are a particularly fun way to waste time…)

Blake Ian · 2:23 AM

the idea was "I wanna post a status!" I want people to know what Im doing

Blake Ian · 2:24 AM

is now where most people I know get their news

Blake Ian · 2:24 AM

Sorry to bring it back to the metaphor

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

Please. I'm Mr. Metaphor.

Blake Ian · 2:25 AM

As we mature, and I don't know if 18 internet years are equal to human years of course, but in general..

Blake Ian · 2:26 AM

we are certainly building and using more tools towards some worthwhile objective

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:26 AM

agreed

Blake Ian · 2:26 AM

So it's an exciting time

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:26 AM

To that end, is there anything around today that you wish you could have experienced when you were younger?

Blake Ian · 2:27 AM

Good question... hmmm

Blake Ian · 2:27 AM

Well I'd have to say I think the greatest tool we have on the internet, and possibly in general right now is Google.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:28 AM

You know how many hours I spent doing research in the library back in my day?!?!

Blake Ian · 2:28 AM

Exactly, it has brought all the information in the world to your immediate access. This was the secret to the success of people like Ford and Carnegie

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

good libraries?

Blake Ian · 2:29 AM

Having people around them that could bring them information

Blake Ian · 2:29 AM

specialized knowledge

Blake Ian · 2:29 AM

it was a huge expense, and now for intents and purposes.. its free and immediate

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

So true. On the flip side, one thing I am very grateful was not around when I was younger is Facebook.

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

TOTALLY

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

I was sufficiently insecure, thank you very much.

Blake Ian · 2:30 AM

Instagram and Facebook

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

Oh my goodness, seeing pictures of everyone having fun without me…

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

Though I make use of these platforms for enjoyment and business purposes

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

I have watched first hand my nieces and nephews deal with the emotional negativity they bring

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

well, as an adult I have enough of a sense of self to be relatively unaffected by it. But as a 13-year old?!

Blake Ian · 2:31 AM

exactly!

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

I mean I cannot even truthfully say I haven't been effected by it at some point still

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

we're still human…

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

its a strange thing... its part of that connectedness, but if you aren't being mindful - which is nearly impossible for 5th grader - it can be very harmful emotionally and psychologically

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

without even realizing it

Blake Ian · 2:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Harry Martinian

“Book or internet these are tools and the importnat thing is the mediated use of the tool toward an end that is life supporting.”

Blake Ian · 2:33 AM

Exactly Harry. The use of the tools is very important

Blake Ian · 2:33 AM

we certainly saw that with industrial tools

Blake Ian · 2:34 AM

digital tools can be just as effective and just as dangerous and even deadly

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:34 AM

although some of our friends would argue that Industrial tools will be the ultimate device of our demise…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:34 AM

hopefully digital tools will work in the other direction

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

It's really up to the people and how we use them right?

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

and as Ghandi's most well known quote says...

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

"be the change you want to see in the world"

Blake Ian · 2:35 AM

so all we can do is make sure we are using the tools for good.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:35 AM

Well, in terms of it being up to the people…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:36 AM

I think one of the things we're learning is that human nature is very different in different circumstances.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:36 AM

So I think it is possible for a tool to predispose us to a certain behavior, even on a subconscious level.

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Sure I'd agree with that. Certainly something happens when you hold a gun in your hand right?

Blake Ian · 2:37 AM

Something happens when you have your own page to broadcast from online

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:37 AM

Exactly. You know about that Stanford Prison experiment?

Blake Ian · 2:38 AM

I don't, fill me in por favor

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:38 AM

Well, they took a bunch of college students and randomly assigned them to a role in a fake prison system for 2 weeks. They were either prisoners or guards.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

The experiment had to be cancelled after 2 1/2 days when the guards became so violent as to threaten the physical well-being of the inmates.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

the circumstances and their roles in it solicited behavior that they would have found unthinkable in a "normal" situation.

Blake Ian · 2:40 AM

Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

But when we tawk about conscious decisions, I'm starting to realize how much our decisions are dictated on a subconscious, and not necessarily a choice.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Harry Martinian

“Jordan that is true that we can be the tool of the tool but that is the case when consciousness is subsumed by the object of perception be it whatever. We need to culture a style of functioning that is not overshadowed by the wonderful tools”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

excellent point.

Blake Ian · 2:41 AM

Well, I am a big believer in microcosms and macrocosms. Rules being constant in all different situations

Blake Ian · 2:41 AM

you know... an atom looks like a solar system

Blake Ian · 2:41 AM

that kind of thing

Blake Ian · 2:42 AM

and so something I have seen be true in many ways is that all you can do is work on yourself

Blake Ian · 2:42 AM

So the tools will come and go and evolve and replace each other, but it will always come down to the work we are doing on ourselves

Blake Ian · 2:42 AM

individually and as a species

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:43 AM

I agree, which only goes to prove the infinite complexity!

Blake Ian · 2:43 AM

Any tool is capable of Incredibly wonderful magic... and unthinkable horror

Blake Ian · 2:43 AM

Look at fireworks

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

They are beautiful in an artists hand

Blake Ian · 2:44 AM

and look at other uses of the same chemicals to kill and destroy

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

That is a perfect backdrop for this next question about social media - what is good about it? what is bad about it?

Blake Ian · 2:45 AM

I think we may be stepping too far away from social media though? haha

Blake Ian · 2:45 AM

Ahhh nice!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

Dude, I got skills

Blake Ian · 2:45 AM

You do.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rachel McDonnell

“like anything else there is an equal amount of good and bad that can be done... which is why the user is the one who must have the moral compass”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

well summarized

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

@Rachel. Well said.

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

So what is good, what is bad.

Blake Ian · 2:46 AM

I think about this a lot, as you'd imagine.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:46 AM

Clearly!

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

I am actually in the middle of a draft for my blog this week on basically this question.

Blake Ian · 2:47 AM

What it comes down to for me is Value.

Blake Ian · 2:48 AM

My first rule of Social Media is "are you providing value to the day of the follower?"

Blake Ian · 2:48 AM

and this is a good question because I think we went off into technology in general

Blake Ian · 2:48 AM

this brings it back to social media... so again providing value to someone's day.

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

the instinct is "I have a platform, time to promote!"

Blake Ian · 2:49 AM

but why would someone want to read a constant stream of you promoting yourself? (we get plenty of that... EVERYWHERE else!)

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

So this might be a tad academic of me, but define "value."

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

Well ok, so just to give a very basic example

Blake Ian · 2:50 AM

Let's say Im very into eating healthy, hypothetically speaking of course ; (

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

I would follow someone on twitter who tweets tips, recipes, facts about nutrition.

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

now going onto twitter I am getting value from seeing this person's tweets. Its helping me accomplish my goal

Blake Ian · 2:51 AM

i follow people on twitter because they make me laugh

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

Absolutely Valuable Rick!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

that's certainly valuable!

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

Ha JB and I spotlighted you at the same moment! : )

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

jinx!

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

so yes... laughter, we certainly all agree that laughter is valuable.

Blake Ian · 2:52 AM

Shit, someone say my name so I can TAWK again

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

Blake. So I feel like we're alluding to the connectivity of social media…

Blake Ian · 2:53 AM

Well value is definitely a relative term, its subjective right?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

and maybe asserting that connection points us in a direction that might be positive for us

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

like in terms of how the tool might subconsciously impact the bahvior

Blake Ian · 2:54 AM

Sure, definitely.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

Maybe being connected makes us more empathetic, which impacts how we feel about everything, for example

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

I mean its kind of hard to get away from the fact that instagram is going to make other people feel bad about what you are doing. Because they are seeing this perfectly captured and carefully edited moment

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

I mean its an enviornment

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:55 AM

a little like the television shows about Hollywood stars

Blake Ian · 2:55 AM

and environments for sure effect behavior

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:56 AM

so in terms of the good and bad, I saw a comment from the forum earlier:

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rick Rosner

“What is good, should be eaten, What is eaten shall be excreted. What is excreted is bad. I am Socrates.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:56 AM

It does sort of pain an interesting cycle, right?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:56 AM

paint

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

Hmm well I don't know if I agree with that statement. What is excreted is the unused portion

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

the good was absorbed

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

we don't just eat without purpose

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

agh - good point.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Harry Martinian

“You are what you eat, you become that which you see”

Blake Ian · 2:57 AM

See that's more accurate.

Blake Ian · 2:58 AM

you eat good, you become good. You excrete whatever is either excess or not good.

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

enough about execretions please

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

Seriously I was thinking that when I wrote that last comment,

Blake Ian · 2:59 AM

i was waiting for Graham Chapman to come in and tell me to stop immediately

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:59 AM

Well, what's a Tawk without a good tangent or two?

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

So anyway, I don't know if I feel like my answer was relevant

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

I think I answered more what's effective

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

but good or bad is different. I'd say bad is using the airwaves to spread hatred

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

good is using them to spread love

Blake Ian · 3:00 AM

in the most general terms that is

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:01 AM

certainly.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:01 AM

do see an evolutionary trend in social media, or is it a bit more random?

Blake Ian · 3:01 AM

There are definite trends

Blake Ian · 3:02 AM

Do you mean in the content being created? Or just in general?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:02 AM

either.

Blake Ian · 3:02 AM

There's trends like the move to mobile

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:02 AM

the channels and the content

Blake Ian · 3:03 AM

Well I think attention span is one that can't be predicted yet.

Blake Ian · 3:03 AM

hopefully not anyway

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

I'd say for sure the attention span has gotten shorter and shorter... but that takes some mindfulness to turn that ship around

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Vania Mathas

“I think we're progressing to people controlling the media, as opposed to corporations. Our voices are being heard now.”

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

Vania makes a good point.

Blake Ian · 3:04 AM

It's definitely the hardest its ever been to get away with something now right?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:04 AM

Yeah, and frankly attention spans were shrinking in the 80s before there even was an Internet.

Blake Ian · 3:05 AM

True

Blake Ian · 3:05 AM

and I'd have to say the internet demands more attention span than TV right?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

yes, actually

Blake Ian · 3:05 AM

So thats a good thing

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

good point

Blake Ian · 3:05 AM

instead of staring at a box... we are all interacting with a box

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

which is why I'm not so quick to accept the idea that video games are inherently bad

Blake Ian · 3:06 AM

Oh no way

Blake Ian · 3:06 AM

hah a

Blake Ian · 3:06 AM

Video games are great

Blake Ian · 3:06 AM

They can build so many skills

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

including building resilience

Blake Ian · 3:07 AM

I am a fanatic of the game Zelda... Ive played all of them. I still buy new Nintendo systems when they come out just to play Zelda and then get rid of the system

Blake Ian · 3:07 AM

haha

Blake Ian · 3:08 AM

sorry I got distracted because there is a really interesting convo happening in the forum right now! haha

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:08 AM

I know they're great in there!

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

but Zelda has helped me in problem solving, ambition...

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

and its kind of hard to explain but the fact that you get stronger, but then always face a new BOSS at the end of each level

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

and you use all the new strengths you just gained

Blake Ian · 3:09 AM

I have faced that continuously in real life

Blake Ian · 3:10 AM

OK seriously, its getting SO interesting in the forum.. can we take a minute and read?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:10 AM

certainly. and as you do, we'll bring it back round the bend.

Blake Ian · 3:10 AM

It has nothing to do with social media and its an entirely separate Tawk in the works haha

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:10 AM

So we've tasked a lot about tools, their effects on people, and how social media is interacting with our lives. This is the perfect backdrop to discuss Tawkers.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:11 AM

So can you tell us a little about how the idea formed in your mind?

Blake Ian · 3:12 AM

I suppose, since you asked so nicely...

Blake Ian · 3:13 AM

I have been an avid user of messaging platforms for a very long time

Blake Ian · 3:13 AM

Pre 1995, I would use something called bulletin boards which were the predacessors to chat rooms.

Blake Ian · 3:14 AM

then aol buddy messaging

Blake Ian · 3:14 AM

which turned into AIM and iChat and Skype etc..

Blake Ian · 3:14 AM

And every once in a while I would have a really long interesting conversation with someone

Blake Ian · 3:15 AM

Specifically I remember chatting with my friend and drummer Lee about films, I think it was either a PT Anderson or a new QT film

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:16 AM

can't lose with that choice

Blake Ian · 3:16 AM

and we got really in depth as we always would... sometimes we would agree, sometimes we would argue

Blake Ian · 3:16 AM

it was all quite nerdy haha

Blake Ian · 3:16 AM

but I remember thinking "I think people would want to read this"

Blake Ian · 3:17 AM

people who love PT Anderson, would find that convo interesting

Blake Ian · 3:17 AM

it would provide VALUE to their day

Blake Ian · 3:17 AM

they would be reading a review of a film in the form of a conversation

Blake Ian · 3:17 AM

That made me think about how famous Siskel and Ebert were compared to any other film critic

Blake Ian · 3:18 AM

so I bought the first domain that would eventually become Tawkers. TheConversationalReview.com

Blake Ian · 3:18 AM

haha

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:18 AM

When I was reading books in school, I would always skim over the paragraphs until I got to the dialogue…

Blake Ian · 3:18 AM

Ahh

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:18 AM

dialogue is the most fun to read.

Blake Ian · 3:18 AM

Right?

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

It's fun to read, its fun to listen to... conversation is how things progress

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

one person shouting their opinion is...

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

Fox News?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:19 AM

Yuck.

Blake Ian · 3:19 AM

So yeah I used to have a quirky way of explaining why Tawkers would work

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

I would ask someone to name a film critic

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

and they couldn't name a single film critic

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

and then I would say ok name two film critics

Blake Ian · 3:20 AM

and immediately "Oh Siskel and Ebert!"

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:21 AM

Yes, that makes the point well. I saw a Tawkers functionality question in the forum that I thought would be good to address:

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:21 AM

can this room be used as a chatroom afterhours?

Blake Ian · 3:21 AM

Sure! These rooms never end, its all documented conversation. The back and forth between the hosts and all that goes on in the forum.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

yeah - we can all come back and hang again

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

even a few at a time

Blake Ian · 3:22 AM

What i would suggest though to use Tawkers to its fullest... if you have some thoughts and you want to keep discussing them, invite someone else to co-host and start a tawk!

Blake Ian · 3:22 AM

and be sure to invite me so I can hang in the forum

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:23 AM

ditto.

Blake Ian · 3:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“but what about the bad side of this? and there is a bad side. how have you managed to over come that? like trolls for example. have you talked about that yet?”

Blake Ian · 3:23 AM

Lucy - we have given a LOT of thought to trolls while building Tawkers

Blake Ian · 3:23 AM

trolls are people too

Blake Ian · 3:24 AM

and yes its true Rick, trolls ARE people too!

Blake Ian · 3:25 AM

So with all of that in mind... we allow users to have a lot of control of whose comments they see, we use voting to promote merit based participation

Blake Ian · 3:25 AM

so that the hosts see comments that are highly ranked by the forum

Blake Ian · 3:26 AM

and of course the hosts themselves lead and curate the conversation which ultimately becomes publicly available and embeddable

Blake Ian · 3:26 AM

Through their own chat as well as spotlighting what they feel contributes.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:26 AM

So I know the experience of building this has been filled with twists and turns, as every is the case of every venture. What have you taken from the journey so far?

Blake Ian · 3:27 AM

Its been without a doubt the most intense, educational, wonderful and strengthening experience of my life so far.

Blake Ian · 3:28 AM

I sincerely express gratitude for the experience every morning of my life, following meditation.

Blake Ian · 3:29 AM

To have an idea turn into a reality is the most rewarding experience there is, and of course that was done by the combined efforts of many people

Blake Ian · 3:30 AM

Including the ones who started it with me, the ones who built it and every person who uses it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:31 AM

How do envision Tawkers being used by people? And in what ways has it surprised you?

Blake Ian · 3:31 AM

Ive realized lately, its earlier than I thought

Blake Ian · 3:32 AM

We will be moving to mobile quite soon and that will be a whole new world for us, and likely where the majority of our activity ends up, like almost all platforms and social softwares these days

Blake Ian · 3:32 AM

I envision Tawkers contributing to change

Blake Ian · 3:33 AM

Raising awareness and discussion about disease to help those suffering and their families who support them

Blake Ian · 3:34 AM

I envision being part of the political and societal discussions online and offering a unique experience for live interaction and debate

Blake Ian · 3:34 AM

and I assume that everything I envision will be a small percent of what uses people find from it!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:35 AM

I have been amazed at how pliable the platform is, based on the hosts, the subject, the forum.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:35 AM

I've had so many different experiences on here.

Blake Ian · 3:35 AM

Yeah, it's like writing a song

Blake Ian · 3:35 AM

You get a flash of the idea

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:35 AM

it's really organic

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

then you spend time working on it

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

but you aren't really building it as much as widdling, carving or refining it down to what you saw

Blake Ian · 3:36 AM

this stays, this goes, this feels right, this doesn't

Blake Ian · 3:37 AM

and thats why its taken so many people to make it happen

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:37 AM

like the Michaelangelo quote about sculpting?

Blake Ian · 3:37 AM

I mean I suppose, if I can agree with that analogy without coming off pretty full of myself.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:38 AM

lol

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

but like I said, I feel like I was lucky enough to have caught a glimpse of something.

Blake Ian · 3:38 AM

and its been a huge group effort to dig it out.

Blake Ian · 3:39 AM

From the few who grabbed shovels right away to the growing number of team members and users who help carve it and lift it up

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:39 AM

well said, my friend.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:40 AM

so are there any other thoughts or ideas about Tawkers that come to you for this one?

Blake Ian · 3:40 AM

Well I guess I know what Im thankful for this Thanksgiving! :)

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:40 AM

Likewise.

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

This has been great thanks for asking me to do this. Thanks to everyone in the audience and those reading along!

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Blake Ian · 3:42 AM

Keep Tawking!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:42 AM

Was great fun! Thanks for everything! And to our friends in the forum, you're the best! Thanks so much! Good night, all!

Forum · 157

Forum· 157 comments

49 visitors

Tawkers AdminNov 6, 2013, 6:47 PM

Welcome to the Forum! To get involved, click "Who's Here" and then FOLLOW people.

Tawkers AdminNov 6, 2013, 6:47 PM

Once 25 people gather in the audience, a comment needs at least one LIKE to become visible to the two Hosts and anyone not following them. So LIKE the comments you want everyone to see!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:50 AM

is this thing on?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:51 AM

hey Rick

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:51 AM

i wanna a medal,damn it!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:53 AM

that'll do

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:54 AM

we don't celebrate thanksgiving over here

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:55 AM

mmm cheesecake.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 1:57 AM

oy my! :-O

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:00 AM★ Spotlighted

Hey JB an Ian!!! oh how i've missed you!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:02 AM

wait a sec..is it blake or ian...or aint he bothered?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:02 AM

at least doesnt sit ON his shotgun

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:02 AM★ Spotlighted

Is this the interweb?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:03 AM

i'm left handed,if that helps

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:03 AM

Then everything said must be true!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:05 AM★ Spotlighted

Tawk is the love child of Twitter and texting

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:05 AM

Serious question: is social media anti-social?

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:05 AM★ Spotlighted

that's quite an evolution rick lol

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:06 AM

@rachel - most bloke havent got past the porn...

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:06 AM

@Lucy haha that's normal right ;)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:06 AM

@rachel - of course. hehe

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:07 AM★ Spotlighted

18 years old in dog years

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:07 AM★ Spotlighted

wow Ian,you must be really young as JB is only 21...ish

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:07 AM★ Spotlighted

the internet is now a legal adult who can buy cigarettes lol

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:08 AM

and the interwebs still cant drink yet...at least not the us

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:09 AM

lol @Jb.....sorry that made e chuckle

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:09 AM

That's true Lucy they risk a DUB - Drunk While Browsing violation lol

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:09 AM

My interweb expression was merely a bon mot.

C. Brian SmithNov 28, 2013, 2:09 AM

both involve a whole lot of porn?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:10 AM

what is it with men and porn? lol I'M RIGHT HERE,DAMN IT!

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:10 AM

Don't worry, Lucy - women are the focus

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:11 AM

that is an entirely different topic Lucy lol

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:12 AM

@Rick - THAT'S the reverse?? lol

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:12 AM

Which leads me to my great invention as a porn option - usb accusuck

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:13 AM

lol! omg

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:13 AM

That's because you're a man and a half

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:14 AM

man I remember the days of Napster.. what a great time to be online.. I loved that you could share music for FREE!

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:14 AM

Informed of nonsense, generally.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:15 AM

yeah true rick...

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:15 AM

no comment :-)

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:16 AM

awesome! we need to be more connected across borders and the internet allows people to do this... and think of what else would help predict, prevent, and make better not only for ourselves but others who need it! :)

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:17 AM

The problem is that everyone thinks that they have something worthwhile to say. Or original. Or intelligent.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:17 AM

@rick - I always bought the CD's too.. I still buy CDs lol people laugh at me.. but I like having that physical copy I paid for and plus I know the artist deserves to get paid. I agree I think they made a huge deal out of it

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:18 AM

Too many twits tweeting.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:18 AM

how did you know i was wearing flannel,JB? were you watching? :-O

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

thats basically what i did too,rick

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

Truth be told, I don't want to be part of a singular human consciousness. Not with what I read every day.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

Me and my friend use to go on chat rooms and say random nonsense to them lol!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

then dont be rick

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

ahh... the 90

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:20 AM

s lol

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:21 AM

i was in my mid 20's in the 90's...used to go to alot of raves back then

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:21 AM

most of them illegal

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:22 AM

sounds fun Lucy! :)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:22 AM

oh it was rachel! :-)

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:22 AM

Break = mindless drivel?

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:22 AM

maybe that's how they get us hooked into buying the technology? they entertain us first..

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:23 AM

never got an xbox or ps whatever....

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:23 AM

i was more into the pc games

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:23 AM

the sims took over my life

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:23 AM

ugh like for instance working 12 hours straight today and I could continue to jam stuff in my brain but at SOME point my brain needs a break I can't apologize for needing that 1-2 hours of just nothing or fun

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:24 AM

Tawking is a fun way to waste time

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:24 AM

I can't twitter.. I am too long winded lol

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:24 AM

How about reading a goddamn book instead of these xxxxx games?

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:25 AM

rick - when I read books ALL day long it makes it harder to find reading enjoyable.. but I have a few books I am reading on my winter break! :)

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:25 AM

Better to exercise what's between your ears than your thumbs.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:26 AM

Are you a tool or a maker?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:26 AM

but if tawk came before twitter - would tawk be as big as twitter is?

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:27 AM

As far as twitter is concerned: I don't need to hear everyone's thoughts as they're thinking them.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:27 AM

so how different are laws concerning the internet around the globe? are the laws relatively the same or way different?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:27 AM

3D porn?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:28 AM

good point rick

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:28 AM

yeah you guys should implement a forum or something that would be nice :)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:28 AM

thats cos reading was all there was back in those days,JB

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:29 AM★ Spotlighted

Book or internet these are tools and the importnat thing is the mediated use of the tool toward an end that is life supporting.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:30 AM

i'm sorry my brain is in the gutter tonight hehe

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:30 AM

in college the professors are now saying that it is less important to know everything and more important now to know how to FIND everything you need to get to the information you are looking for.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:32 AM

ugh high school would have been SO much more difficult if Facebook had been around when I was there... a lot of added pressure on kids today :/

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:32 AM

(sighs)......*goes back to her art*

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:33 AM

Jordan, when I post things that are serious or negative I get very few responses. But I do it for myself - whey exactly I'm not sure.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:33 AM

Free and immediate is not a quality that is automatically set in motion to do good. It all depends on the consciousness of the user. Much time is spent dithering away on the internets for no intended purpose but to be occupied.

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:34 AM

Maybe to validate that others out there think like me.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:34 AM

we need to have ethical and fair people in charge

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:35 AM

cheese and crackers anyone?

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:36 AM

and talk to others about the importance of using it for good.. spread the knowledge.. spread the good

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:36 AM

fair enough rick :-)

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:36 AM

Don't think because the tool is shiny and digital that it has some magical power to be used for good. Again it is the conscious intent of the user that is the thing.which has little to do with the tool

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:37 AM

hey you two,you wanna a great way that this recent tech has changed how we deal with things? look at what happened with occupy sandy. case.f**king.closed. :-)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:38 AM

now..next question....

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:38 AM

certainly was

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:38 AM

which lead into a WHOLE bigger thing

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:39 AM

(sighs) you know what fine,laugh at it. but if you dont know anything about it,dont ridicule it

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:40 AM

lol he can occupy a pie if he wants .. you can occupy anything! :)

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:40 AM★ Spotlighted

Jordan that is true that we can be the tool of the tool but that is the case when consciousness is subsumed by the object of perception be it whatever. We need to culture a style of functioning that is not overshadowed by the wonderful tools

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:40 AM

thats not what i meant rachel

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:41 AM

we need to get away from a society that rewards and nurtures corruption as the "ideal" and start living in such a way that we are trying to better the world for each other not climb over each other to get to the top. and stop idolizingthebillionaires

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:42 AM

lucy - never mind then...

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:42 AM

The French say eat or be eaten. We have to experience that which is bigger that the toll that resides within

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:44 AM

do they talk about tools in scientology rick? I thought it was aliens or something?

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:45 AM

Or broken aliens

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:45 AM★ Spotlighted

like anything else there is an equal amount of good and bad that can be done... which is why the user is the one who must have the moral compass

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:45 AM

@rick lol... broken aliens hm.

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:47 AM★ Spotlighted

What is good, should be eaten, What is eaten shall be excreted. What is excreted is bad. I am Socrates.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 2:48 AM

"you must do what you feel is right" rick (that's my yoda voice haha)

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:50 AM

The first tool to engage fully is our mind, then all we do will be in accord. Other than that we are left with people making huge mistakes right and left not knowing which way is up. Chasing the tail. So back to the social media question

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:50 AM

How is it best used for what purpose?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:51 AM

i hate the internet!! grrr

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:51 AM

what did i miss?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:52 AM

well that leaves me out then rick

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:53 AM

In tawking, validation is moving from left to right.

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:53 AM

sorry, right to left.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:54 AM

i follow people on twitter but not always for laughs.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:54 AM

sometimes i feel like i have alot to say,but no-where to say it

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:55 AM

There's no one on twitter worth following. And no one alive to follow consistently.

Tania BakerNov 28, 2013, 2:57 AM

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wait-but-why/annoying-facebook-behavior_b_4081038.html?fb_action_ids=10151959115940449&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B245943488893190%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.likes%22%5D&actio

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:57 AM★ Spotlighted

You are what you eat, you become that which you see

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:57 AM

It was a joke, Blake

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 2:58 AM

I'll put an asterisk on a comment when I'm serious.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 2:58 AM

Our perception is our first tool, best we use that well or else

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 2:59 AM

can anyone see what i write or has my computer messed up too? :-/

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 3:00 AM

I can see you now Lucy :)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:01 AM

thanks rachel. my internet keeps cutting out

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 3:01 AM

Love should be spread in person. Except when it includes crabs.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:01 AM

have you guys ever thought about the bad side of all this technology? how it can,and is,being used for bad shit?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:02 AM

its all very well saying this is good about it,that is good about it...but it can also be the worst thing ever

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:02 AM

maybe things like twitter and fb and instagram...are evolution gone mad

Vania MathasNov 28, 2013, 3:03 AM★ Spotlighted

I think we're progressing to people controlling the media, as opposed to corporations. Our voices are being heard now.

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 3:04 AM

Vania is wrong.

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 3:04 AM

hopefully vania... that's the plan! :)

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 3:06 AM

Interacting - or manipulated?

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:06 AM

Corporations are people who have a plan that works for them.

Vania MathasNov 28, 2013, 3:07 AM

They're still made up of people.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:07 AM

And what could be more than people, Rick?

Rachel McDonnellNov 28, 2013, 3:07 AM

great tawk jordan and blake! I have to go, but I enjoyed this tawk! :)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:08 AM

see ya laters rachel!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:09 AM

"bad people have plans,they always have a f**king plan..."

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:09 AM

Us and them is not a working model for the future.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:10 AM

the only way you are gonna change that harry and rick,is if you start at a basic level. start with teaching the kids whats right. THATS where you begin to change it

Vania MathasNov 28, 2013, 3:10 AM

"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any."

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:11 AM

vania,for some that just aint true.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:12 AM

All politics is local and your self realization is the first political unit, all else comes after

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:12 AM

thats true

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 3:14 AM

I'd love tawkers to have audio on the left side.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:14 AM

most harry's are kinda cool :-)

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:15 AM

i have rick. its fun. and easy as hell to use

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:16 AM

Lucy I agree that children need to be taught, but first how to find what is right within then they will be able to navigate and use the tools well for the future.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:17 AM

harry,its not gonna be eay and it aint gonna happen over night.and it may take a few generations before anything begins to change. but you gotta start somewhere,right?

Rick RosnerNov 28, 2013, 3:17 AM

Gotta go - thanks Blake and J! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:19 AM

Agreed Lucy. It is such a joy to see young people dive deep within and come out renewed and ready for the work ahead. Have this joy in my work.

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:20 AM

i think i have lost the thread of the other side is talking about...hey jb and ian,what you talking about now? i'm lost!

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:22 AM★ Spotlighted

but what about the bad side of this? and there is a bad side. how have you managed to over come that? like trolls for example. have you talked about that yet?

Lucy DyerNov 28, 2013, 3:23 AM

never mind....

Vania MathasNov 28, 2013, 3:25 AM

I have to go, thanks for the invite & the chat!

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:29 AM

Giving Thanks to you Blake for your creative intelligent work.

Harry MartinianNov 28, 2013, 3:30 AM

Do what you love the money will follow

Dawn FedorowiczDec 2, 2013, 8:43 PM

Hi all. So nice to be able to join you for a change. This time zone thing is a bind sometimes

Jaykayla MosesNov 6, 2014, 8:47 PM

Hey I'm. New can somebody. Like. My age help me