Subtitle: Waxing Data Visually
Data visualization (DV) has been with us for a little while now. DV frees us from standard pie charts and bar graphs that are prevalent these days. By representing data in new ways, we stimulate a means for which new ideas and conclusions can occur.
One of the first visual representation was done by Martin Wattenberg, who represented the stock market on the web in a ground breaking manner. Go to Jeff Clark’s site who continues to present data in innovative new ways.
Twitter Venn
The below picture captures the terms ‘Latino’ + ‘Hispanic’ + ‘Mexican.’ I’ve done this for self-amusement several times and the results are always the same: Latino is always present double or more than Hispanic, and the term Mexican surpasses both terms on Twitter.
More interesting are the most used terms associated with each labeled sphere. If you click each sphere, the bottom left presents common terms. You can get a feel for some of the conversations that may be occurring – you’ll be surprised by what you see.
Twitter Spectrum
Twitter Spectrum compares the relationship between two terms and how they are associated with one another.
I’ve plugged in the terms ‘Latino’ and ‘Hispanic.’ It’s a little funny to see the term ‘lol’ fall right between them…’health,’ ‘census’ and ‘marketing’ are other notables.
With no doubt, I am sure many of you have already seen these technologies. What I wanted to accomplish in this post is one of the ways I use these techniques to challenge some of my ideas, as well as look for new trends. If you use data visualization in any way (or now start using it) I’d be curious to hear about it.
Popularity: 79% [?]
There are a couple of posts on the chopping board right now, but they are in draft stages at the moment. In my effort to give quality content I cannot ‘push-button-publish’ them just yet.
Against my better judgment, I’ll share a post that has not quite made it to a draft just yet…it concerns a Hispanic man, or woman who defines themselves as a man…or woman, and not a ‘Hispanic’ man/woman.
This thought recalls the line made by the famous black actor, Sidney Poitier, in the 1960’s movie, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” – “Dad, the difference between you and me is that you see yourself as a colored man, and I see myself as a man.”
Of course, the context is quite different here than from the movie, but the statement is relevant and profound.
More later…
Popularity: 34% [?]
Subtitle: The Why of it All
Without definition, one is left to be interpreted and thus defined by others. More so, without definition one has no purpose and drifts to the will of the tides.
I’m going to briefly point out some things I have my sights on within the realm of social media. I encourage you to do the same from time to time going forward.
In no special order here are some goals which have been set in motion and are continually honed:
- Give Latinos a pipeline to catapult their voices into the national conversation via social media.
- Engage influencers in multiple disciplines.
- Facilitate solidarity and communication within Latino community.
- Build Brand (Rebranded) “Me.”
- Communicate with like-minded people.
There’s much more to discuss for each point, but I’ve kept it brief for the sake of the blog and will pick up this discussion at another point in time.
If you have something you want to add, or think I’ve missed a critical point, please leave your thoughts in the comment section.
I’m also curious to know what YOUR purpose is? Is it product or service awareness? A grassroots endeavor? Network with peers? Keep abreast on the latest trends? Become the next social media rockstar?
Popularity: 21% [?]
Subtitle: Represent
Why social media? Why Latinos?
Latinos especially should be taking advantage of new media capabilities. The leverage created by new media tools are profound, they are the “great equalizers” of the internet age.
This realization is important, because as Latinos we are doing more than just adding individual commentary and opinions on daily events, but representing and adding our voices and culture to the national dialogue. This means we are telling our stories, and are not leaving it up to someone else to speak for us.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Subtitle: Hispanic Media Myths
A great article…it even seems to have some picante to it as it’s spiced up with some humor and witty lines.
If you have some image in your head of a poor campesino looking confusedly at a computer screen, delete it. Replace that with an image of Perez Hilton tweeting and blogging and instant-messaging all day. In fact, Latinos far outpace Anglos in online and mobile usage. Of all wireless users in the U.S., 39% of U.S.-Hispanics use their mobile devices to read the news, in comparison to just 17% of non-Hispanics.
Note the quick change to ‘Latino’ from ‘Hispanic’ when talking about online/mobile usage. I almost got excited about that, but then noted that Hispanic and Latino are used interchangeably throughout the piece. It’s still a great read.
Popularity: 9% [?]
Subtitle: The Need To Pursue Media
The ability to cement your message within the stream of media conversation is more vital NOW than ever before. We stand at the cusp of change.
With history unfolding before us, we must ensure our views engage the forefront of America’s, and thus the world’s conciousness. Otherwise, others will define everything for us.
This is why I’m a huge advocate of new media. It provides the tools, which enables the masses to thrust forth with their stories and viewpoints.
If you are not so inclined, that’s okay but please support those who express this interest.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Subtitle: Latinos Using Status Updates
A report came in from the internet division of Pew Research Center, that 18% of status update users are Latino.
This is a huge number!
If we may be so bold, and apply the above 18% of Latinos who partake in status updates and apply them to the 22% of total Latino internet users we get 81% of Latinos online using social media in the form of status updates.
What are status updates (aka, microblogging)? “Microblogging is a form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates or micromedia such as photos or audio clips and publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which can be chosen by the user.”
Mobile technology is one of the driving factors for microblogging’s growth. This make sense. It would be much harder to update a blog than a microblog from a cell phone.
It should also be noted, that more than any other group, Latinos use mobile phones to stay connected, download music, play games and surf the web.
Upcoming and recent enhancements Facebook made to their status update feature is a sure sign that microblogging is here to stay for a while.
Popularity: 23% [?]
Ingenio Bilingual Toys
This is amazing! It took all this time for a company to launch a bilingual toy line? This was looking everyone in the face.
Ingenio’s bilingual product line ranges from electronic learning toys and puzzles to educational games. All products emphasize English and Spanish equally to enable the child to learn a second language easily…Ingenio helps preschool and grade school children (ages 3-8 years) learn both languages in the context of fun…
If you go over to Inenio’s site you’ll be pointed to Amazon as an online retailer.
I like this a lot. I have a daughter of my own who is almost a year shy of the recommended age. Will keep you updated right here after going through some of the products.
Popularity: 8% [?]
Subtitle: Here Come The Marketers
My eyes, ears and mouth were sealed shut.
It’s interesting to see how businesses and marketers are now paying attention to previously ignored niche networks. By this I specifically mean low-income demographics and urban communities.
There is an entire “sub-culture” of bloggers / twitterers complete with celebrities and household names I had never heard of!
I’m sure this experience will reverberate as more marketers and brands familiarize themselves with these ’sub-cultures’ (unfortunately termed). As a matter of fact, there are huge personalities and networks that are prevalent, but sadly unknown because of the unbalance of media attention.
I profit, so therefore YOU are.
Let’s be honest, the only reason why Latinos and other ‘minorities,’ are beginning to see engagement is because of money. If profit was not desired via the new Latino romance, businesses would not be interested. It’s a numbers game.
Here’s the twist: some of these networks are hardened or better…petrified toward the monetization of their efforts. They are suspicious and bitter because of the lack of attention and throwback that they have unduly swallowed over the years. This wall of resistance will be undoubtedly be perplexing to the naive marketer.
I would hope that this chip (boulder if you will), on their shoulder can easily be traded for a more valuable token. Opportunity will be knocking at the door, and it would be smart not to shoo it away.
Best course of action: set sail for the sun.
The challenge here for underdeveloped communities is NOT to rush in and haphazardly connect with businesses, but learn how to elevate themselves on more stable platforms in order to better control these opportunities and leverage their deal making abilities. It is tenfold more beneficial to become business owners rather than remain consumers. Then, and only then can Latinos participate in economic decision making processes.
Popularity: 6% [?]
