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Usually when earth-shattering (pun intended) news happens, it is thousands of miles away. Mass media usually incorporates eye-witness tweets, mobile videos, and other forms of social media — but still I feel removed.
Until today’s 5.8 earthquake.
Immediately my Twitter stream lit up with the news, several minutes before major news websites provided any information. And I wasn’t the only to notice:
Follow @pwsoneil!
For many, Facebook was also a first-responder to the earthquake. Many of my friends reported the news & several used Facebook to check in with family. (Verizon service was unstable — who 15 years ago would have imagined phone calls would be unreliable after an “emergency”?) More than one friend (few of my Facebook friends are communications professionals or social media nerds) noted how the only source of news for a while was on social media. Also, I was reminded again of how social media truly defines its name. In an instant, the earthquake brought me closer to many people separated from me by space and time — some I hadn’t talked to in years. An old fling from six years ago instantly liked my earthquake post that incorporated a music video.
After a few minutes, when it appeared no major tsunami or other devastation was occurring, I wanted to observe how local businesses would take advantage of the opportunity.
Here are a few examples of what I found:
The Bourough, a local bar and hangout spot, certainly knew the earthquake would help bring in patrons on a Tuesday evening:
The post was so popular, I suspect the 11 new connections is related and helped The Borough grow its social media reach:
If you’re going out for a drink tonight, I suggest a hurricane – in honor of Irene!
