2. What is tumblr? Tumblr is a form of Microblogging where there is a limitation on the length of individual postings. Anonymity is optional. In 2005 “Tumblelog” was coined to describe the concept of mixed-media micro-blogging tools that define the gap “between flexibility of a robust blogging tool, and the ease and comfort of posting to your Facebook Wall or your Twitter feed.” No learning curve. Easy to get set up in less than 30 seconds. 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 2
3. More on Tumblr Tumblr was founded in 2007 Tumbler is more robust than Twitter and less daunting than WordPress or a more traditional full-on blog site Allows users to post text, images, videos, links, quotes and audio to their “tumblelog”, a short-form blog Provides theme templates, both fee-based and free Users can follow other users or choose to make their tumblelogprivate The service is effortless, ease of use; can set up in 30 seconds Tumblr is free to use Considered a “gap-filler”; showcase for photo galleries vs wordy content 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 3
4. How Tumblr works Go toTumblr: http://www.tumblr.com Establish your page by providing your email, password and name that you want to call your “microblog” Upload pictures, quotes, comments, or video via the dashboard To follow others “tumblrs” Search on categories of interest and add to your page Postings appear in a stream via your dashboard You can “like” a post via a button Easy to reblog with a click Posts can be scheduled for another time Apps can be downloaded for a richer experience 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 4
5. Tumblr facts In 2010, Tumblr became a top 50 site with over 6.6 million users and 1.5 billion page views a month In 2011 Tumblris called out as the fastest growing social networking platform Works well in mobile space, especially for iPhone users; allows you to email or text posts from any mobile phone Provides analytics Provides themes, both fee-based and free Allows you to post anything – text, photos, quotes, links, dialogues, audio, video slideshows Allows private posts Doesn’t force ads, banners or logos Automatically or selectively Tweet Optimized for Google Allows for group contribution to post to blog 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 5
9. Who is using Tumblr? The Los Angeles Times: http://latimes.tumblr.com/ Uses Tumblr to “tease and tantalize” stories and news updates Great example of gap-filling Anne Taylor Loft launched live.love.loft: http://liveloveloft.com/ Provided behind the scenes info to highlight what inspires their style Teamed with an existing fashion blogger with a following on Tumblr Community, tv show http://communitythings.tumblr.com/ Content more adult-themed than NBC.com or Facebook Complements content on other social media sites 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 9
16. Twitter Twitter is limited to 140 character posts and recently began allowing pictures. Limiting as does not allow for verbose explanations. 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 16
17. Facebook Not as versatile of a layout, feels more stodgy and academic vs creative and edgy. Offers features of Twitter and traditional blogging but not anonymously due to mix of family, acquaintances and co-worker audience. 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 17
18. Identi.ca Open Network Service based on StatusNet. Goal is to provide fair and transparent service that preserves users’ autonomy. Implements the ‘OpenMicroBlogging’ protocol which means you can have friends on other microblogging services receive your notices. Autonomy means that you have the right to manage your own on-line presence. Similar to Twitter, users can send text updates with limit of 140 characters. Allows mobile layout. 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 18
19. Thoughts for Geekwire Link to tumblr site from web site Include “other” side of story, short - onthego Include backstory of Geekwire Include fun video and pics that don’t make it to web site; “lighter, racier side” Host NerdNews competition with give away Select theme or topic of focus (like gaming, venture capital, Microsoft) and do deeper dive with photo galleries 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 19
20. References Techcrunch, Tumblr Is On Fire, 7.19.2010 http://techcrunch.com/2010/07/19/tumblr-stats Pamorama, Social Networks: Winners and Losers, 4.19.2011 http://www.pamorama.net/2011/04/17/the-current-state-of-social-networks-winners-and-losers-infographic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-current-state-of-social-networks-winners-and-losers-infographic Explain Tumblr to me, Grant Robertson, 5.24.2011, http://blog.grantrobertson.com/54340578 CrunchBase: TumblrProfile, http://www.crunchbase.com/company/tumblr Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumblr About Tumblr, http://www.tumblr.com/about 7/16/2011 Tumblr Microblogging 20
