Why Read Alone? Get Social with Your Hobbies

Community Manager — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:55:00 GMT

Think of reading as a solitary pursuit? The explosion of social media makes this hobby, and many more, something you can pursue with a community of like-minded people. So take your hobby to another level by getting social.

Read Social

Atlantic Magazine teamed with journalism professor and author Jeff Howe to launch a Twitter book club (@1book140) that has nearly 67,000 participants. Every month, the participants vote on book selections and engage in lively, free-wheeling online discussions. Howe has even lured several authors to tweet in to discussions on their works. Finding someone to talk with about your favorite book or plot twist has never been so easy!

There's a Group for That

No matter your hobby, there's a social network out there for you. Social media communities like Hobeze, offer users more than 700 hobby social networks ranging from stamp collecting to windsurfing. The site not only allows users to find fellow enthusiasts, it provides forums for buying and selling gear as well as information on improving techniques with videos and articles.

For more hobby-specific social networks, check this comprehensive list.

Do you use social media to enjoy your hobbies? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Crowdsource Your Summer Vacation

Community Manager — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:40:00 GMT

What do you mean you haven't booked a summer vacation yet? Time to pack up the sun block and beach reads and get on the road. If you're still looking for getaway ideas, crowdsource your vacation plans this summer for easy, innovative vacation planning.

Don't let the trendy name put you off; crowdsourcing is just good old-fashioned checking in with your network for trip ideas and recommendations. But social media now makes takes this brainstorming with friends to a whole new level. Not sure where to go? Consider polling your friends, literally, with a Facebook poll that you can create here. Or visit Pinterest for inspiration; the online bulletin board is a vast repository of exotic (and local) trip ideas. Spend some time surfing around and getting inspired. Click here and here for a few examples.

Once you have a few destinations in mind, turn to Tripadvisor.com to vet hotel choices, flights, tour packages and more. The user-reviews amplify your own networking, allowing you to hear numerous reviews on virtually any destination around.

And the feedback doesn't need to end, even once you're happily at your destination of choice. Vacationers using Foursquare and Facebook "check-ins" can get feedback on everything from restaurants, to bars, to can't-miss sights. And more and more, businesses offer discounts or promotions to customers who check in. So get your network on it! Vacation awaits!

Do you crowdsource your travel info? Do you like to get recommendations from friends? Do you vet your travel choices online? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Beyond Folders : vacations

Why Read Alone? Get Social with Your Hobbies

Crowdsource Your Summer Vacation