At WordCamp Dallas 2008, I had the opportunity to see how many different sizes and types of blogs all used Twitter to help build community on their site. I was trying to think of a way that would enrich our site rather than dilute content (or bore readers). After talking to multiple webmasters and bloggers while at WordCamp, I came up with some uses that I think could benefit NFZ readers.
First, I’ve got to figure out how to make a group Twitter feed of all of the NFZ staff. We could use it, for example, to twitter the types of links that used to go into the Zeitgeist posts. We could put in gratuitous name droppings links, Six Degrees links, etc. I think it would be fantastic idea to be able to bring to the attention of our readers news about John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Steve Carrell, TDS correspondents performances, etc, while still keeping the main content of the blog Colbert-centric. We could also bring attention to posts with a particularly interesting direction in the comments, send little reminders of shows and appearances, etc.
Basically, it would be smaller content that, while of interest to the NFZ readership, would not necessarily justify a whole post. This would allow the NFZ staff to make our main blog’s content be more focused on Stephen Colbert and “The Colbert Report” and I think would make the blog’s content actually have more worth through this new-found focus.
If you’re not familiar with Twitter, it’s basically a communications service that is somewhere between an instant message and a blog. Each post has to be contained within 160 characters, so each thought is just a nibble of information. But it also allows posting and distribution of information in an very fast format. For a post that might take a staffer 15-20 minutes to compile a whole post and find a pic, etc, we could twitter that same link in about a minute or so. We’d also show the feed in the sidebar of NFZ, so that the non-twitterers would not be left out in the cold.
You can receive Twitter updates (or “tweets”) via logging into the Twitter website, receiving them on your mobile phone, or installing a widget on your desktop. And you can find other friends that like to Twitter and correspond with them as well. I currently have a very new Twitter account if you’d like to check out the types of things that might be posted on Twitter:
Also, and this is something that’s off-topic and a bit corny but I’ve been wanting to put it out there anyway, I love when groups of blog fans have names, like the Tallyheads over at Office Tally. Now, I know that we are all collectively the Colbert Nation, but what do you all think of finding a collective name for all of us, the No Fact Zone readers/crew/posse/etc. The staff has a nickname of our own (the “Minions”), but what should we call the readers (Zoners? Factoids? Something not so friggin’ lame?)?
I’m going to have to take a nap and a vitamin, and then check out this Twitter creature before commenting. Embarrassingly, I haven’t even figured out the whole RSS feed thingy yet.
I do, however, LOVE the idea of coming up with a name for “us”. I’ve been a Tower of Power (early ’70′s East Bay, horn-heavy, funk/soul band) fan for over 35 years and there’s a tight group of us who call ourselves “Disciples”. And, personally, I think “Zoners” is kind of fun. Colbert’s Zoners? Zonesters? Oh, this is gonna be fun!
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I’ve never used twitter before in my life, but I will admit to, in times of boredom, hopping over to twittervision and watching other peoples’ random tweets. Slightly creepy? Possibly. Time waster? Absolutely.
And it’s always fun to have group names.
The Factless?
The Fun Cool People of the Colbert Nation?
Grads (as in, graduates of Colbert University)?
… I dunno. Apparently I suck worse at this than I thought. Zoners could work, but it kinda sounds like ‘stoners,’ which makes me think of Papa Bears’ perception of TDS watchers, which makes me sad.
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@ bowlofpetunias–”The Factless” made me LOL. But if we’re “Factless” would that also make us clueless? (I’m old, my brain works in mysterious ways.)
I do agree that Zoners sounds a little too much like stoners. But I love the idea of a collective name for us.
Also, count me in the “what the heck is Twitter” crowd. I had not even heard of it until maybe last week.
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I love Twitter.
DB, have you looked into this?: http://www.loudtwitter.com/
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Either I’m really slow or just barely able to complete entire thoughts from my back pain medication.
So, if I’m reading this correctly, Tweeter is sort of like the place where all other non-entirely Stephen-centric posts will be posted, as opposed to appearing as main posts on NFZ. As a result then, NFZ will contain only posts that focus entirely on the show or Stephen’s public appearances, etc. Am I close? Or just heavily medicated?
I have to say, I really do enjoy the wide variety of information that’s posted here and I’d hate to see the format change. But, it sounds like it would probably be less work for you guys by using Tweeter posts…and considering all the work you guys put into the Blog on a daily basis, I can see how this would be a big help.
As for community nicknames, how about “Truthinistas”? Or maybe “It-Getters”, considering how frequently we all use the latter already.
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I vote for Zoners, it’s funny and accurate! The similarity to ‘stoners’ is like a sassy joke – we know we’re smart, just like Stephen’s smart but plays an idiot. And Stephen already knows the name of this site – we have to use it in our name. My two cents.
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Colbertomanes? People who are crazy about Colbert (like balletomanes). I also like Truthinistas.
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“The Factless” gets my vote, but “Zoners” and “It-Getters” are also good.
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I don’t yet have a definite opinion about the use of Twitter on NFZ. I haven’t gone to the link provided above or investigated it yet. I like the idea of the NFZ staff being able to send us information about things that don’t warrant an entire blog post. On the other hand, I generally stay connected with NFZ through the RSS feed while I am at the office (I do sometimes come to NFZ to check out the comments but I’m trying to practice more self-control at work). I have this fear I will miss something that comes over Twitter.
I definitely think we should have a group name. The only thing I thought of right of the top of my head was “No facters” but I’m not sure if that is the “it” name for us. I’ll keep thinking!
@Lisa,
The only thing I wonder about with “It-Getters” is whether it would be specific to the NFZ community or is it a generic term for Colbert fans in general? I like it quite a bit but I want to make sure we have our own group name. “Truthinistas” is kinda cool.
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@Lisa:
The diversity of the blog is one that I’ve discussed with my staff often. I tend to want to lean towards a more Colbert-centric blog, but I also appreciate the fact that many readers enjoy all kinds of related posts. Does anyone have any thoughts about that?
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I also believe “Truthinistas” is a subfaction of Colboarders, or a web site, or something of that nature. In other words, I feel fairly sure a group of fans has already staked that name. And One Of The Heroes – I too want the name to be clearly relating to the blog name, which It-Getters really wouldn’t be. I’m also not keen on the Zoners/Stoners comparison. (Again, I am extremely careful about the image my blog projects).
The Factless is kinda cool, but I can’t get on the blog and go “Hey, the Factless!” like I could, “Hey Zoners!” or whatnot.
We’re getting closer kids, keep coming with those suggestions!
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Zoneristas?
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Zone-istas?
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“Zoners” made me twitter when I read it (though I don’t “twitter”). Everybody must get zoned?
“Truthinistas” has a female ring to it. It’s a good name, but guys might feel uncomfortable with it. I think there are at least a few around here. ;)
I’d go with any name that doesn’t sound like it belongs to a different SC site.
Thanks DB & Co. for all the work you continue to put into NFZ. It is much appreciated!
Ah, Mr. Jones and me — I’m going to crank it up….
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It’s a tough call re: diverse postings. I’d never know half of what I know about all the TCR writers and their outside projects, Amy and Paul, Steve Carell, Jon, and all the talented folks over at TDS if it weren’t for NFZ. I don’t think I ever would’ve started watching “SWC,” or reading “Wigfield”, or fell in love with “The Office” either. I really truly believe the number of doors this site has opened for many readers is incalculable because of it’s diverse postings. At least for those of us who were living in a box before stumbling upon it, that is (that would be me).
I’m just sayin’…
: )
PS–Not entirely crazy about “Zoners” — it is very close to “Stoners” (even though Lewis Black declared beer to be the root of all evil last week, when it was beer vs. uh, um, ahem, the leafy green stuff people sometimes put in brownies.).
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PS–EXTREME aside…is it just me or does the word “Twitters” sound like one of those weird side effects from prescription medications? Hehehe…funny word. (“Side effects may include, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and twitters.”) Hehehe…
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Well I have heard of Twitter but never used it. I think it’s a good idea though. Hmmmm. Nicknames. I like “Zoners” personally. It fits us pretty well I think. LOL!
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I’m still trying to think of possible group names for our community. I wonder if there is any way we could incorporate “Col” into the name that we chose. I”ll keep thinking about it.
@DB,
I do appreciate the diversity of the information offered on NFZ but I’m not sure it always requires a whole blog post. I have noticed that these types of stories don’t usually seem to generate many reader comments. I can see why Twitter would be a useful tool for alerting us to non-Stephen related news. Another option would be to somehow provide links to possible items of interest on the side of the Web page (like the links to other Web sites). I don’t know if this is realistic though because I don’t know how much work it would take to change the layout. We also don’t want the site to look crowded or junky. The appearance of NFZ is perfect the way it is right now.
Sometimes when the show is in full swing, and there is a lot of Stephen-centric news, I prefer not to have stories posted about other topics because I am usually already a few stories behind when I check-in after work. Because I watch the 8:30 reruns of TCR, I feel like I’m joining many of the discussions late in the game. If there are too many other things going on, I tend to skip over some of the items.
Thank you for opening up this dialog with us. It’s great to be a NFZ participant rather the just a reader.
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I have to admit I was just tossing something out when I picked up on Zoners. And I definitely understand the trepidation with it being close to stoners. But I also like the connection to “being in the zone”, ’cause we all definitely get motivated and focused when it comes to all things Stephen Colbert. And we could think of it as an abbreviated version of being a NoFactZoner.
And I still haven’t checked out what Twitters is all about (I can’t help but think of my childhood parakeet, Tweeters), but I do have to admit that my first reaction – if I understand the Twitters effect correctly – was a slight twinge that the wonderful diversity of connections this site has provided might be somehow diluted a bit. I also definitely recognize how much work – day in, day out – that goes into making this site the wonderous thing it is, so if this would help you guys out, I certainly can’t begrudge you that. Y’all go above and beyond, and I’m very grateful!
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I agree with Lisa. While my main interest is Stephen and TCR and I’m not a particular fan of Amy Sedaris, nor do I *personally* care for the Tek Jansen stuff and I’ve not have time to ever see SWC, it’s nice to at least have them here on the site; I can always skip over those posts if they don’t interest me.
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Zonies? Keeps the zoners kinda feel, without the ‘stoners’ sound that may be icky to some.
As for the post-diversity issue, I definitely understand the desire for tightening up what is covered in the main blog (my computer is organized infinitely better than my real life), but the 6-Degrees posts et al don’t bother me personally. A lot of the time I do learn things I’d have otherwise not heard of anywhere else.
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Colwebbers…Colweberts…ColWEberts. This is a touch assignment.
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@ bowlofpetunias
Zonies! :D I like that one, it’s friendly and not stoner-ish but it also reminds me of “Goonies”.
@ DB I enjoy the 6-degrees posts as well, it’s a good way to keep up with things.
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tough
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The “nofactors” or “nofactees”??
Whatever you decide is cool!
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Zonies is a good one, I also like NoFacters.
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Zonies is a good one, I also like NoFacters.
I don’t object to either, but it’s likely “NoFacters” will be shortened to “NoFers” in casual use.
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Totally not on the subject, but I honestly can’t remember if there was a mention about this or not here already (great sentence structure, I has it) – http://www.afterelton.com/blog/lylemasaki/week-in-gay-geek-26-tahmoh-penikett-dollhouse-doctor-who-catherine-tate-stephen-colbert-video-game
At the end of the post, naturally. ;P
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I just wanted to say that I really enjoy when you post about non-Stephen people but whatever you decide is obviously fine by me. (I love Amy, Paul, people from TDS so I look forward to hearing about them.)
Zoners is my favorite so far but they’re all good
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nofacters. “zonies” sounds like “zombies,” and we colbert fans don’t need to receive any more Huh? reactions than we get sometimes already for our Colbert fandom…maybe that’s just my house:)
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btw, i appreciate all the 6 degrees posts, they always help us stay in the know and i think Stephen would like for his friends and associates to benefit from his celeb, but by keeping the site colbert-centric, it retains its integrity, and is more appealing overall to viewers. In other words, keep doing what you are doing, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. the viewers will add the diversity that you want to the blog, as they do in their comments and suggestions:) thank you for all of your efforts, this is a tremendous site and i look to it every day right after cnn.com, so you know how important it is to me.
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Personally, I love all the miscellaneous Colbert-related info. I’d be happy with the Twitter idea, but I’d still like to see the postings stay on the blog.
I like the “it-getters”, but that’s just me. :)
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NFZers? I think I’ve seen that here and there in the past already.
Interesting that not that many here know Twitter. I’ve been on for almost a year, though not always very active. I have friends who “tweet” a lot.
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NoFacters is pretty fun
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I like Zoners or NoFactors.
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This post has given me lots of different perspectives on what’s good (and what could be tweaked) on the blog. It really is good to hear that you guys like the Six Degrees posts a lot. I worry when I deviate too much from the Colbert-centric point of this blog, but it sounds like you guys are all liking the extra goodies, so I’m definitely going to encourage my staff to keep them up (and I’ll keep them up myself).
I think basically, I’m going to keep the Six Degrees here on the blog, keep my Twitter active but not so much blog related and more personal, and I’m still trying to decide between NoFacters and Zoners. But no contests about it. :)
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NoFractaphile(s)? (Freedom facts = “fracts”) and also a reference to “Flagaphile” from the opening credits…just popped into my head and I thought I’d mention it.
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I like the Zoners. It has a certain funny ring to it.
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I love the six degrees posts and arriving at a name for ourselves (though I have no bright ideas for the latter).
When a name is arrived at I’d love to have something with that name made available for purchase (mug/bumpersticker/t-shirt) but that might be getting ahead of ourselves.
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NoFact-ers or NoFact-ors? Which is better?
Also, please keep Six Degrees, if it weren’t for that I wouldn’t know what was going on.
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I’d love to have something with Fraction. You have the nice double meaning of Fracts and an actual fraction of something. NoFraction or ZoneFraction or ColbertFraction or something like that. Even thought it might be a bit long.
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Over on Newsbusters, where they regularly take shots at Colbert, they use the term liberalocrat. That could morph into Colbertocrat.
I realize that’s not going to work here. I like Zoners.
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DB, I just went to your Twitter. How did you like Snow Angels???
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@Katie:
I really liked it. It was pretty dark, but I thought Amy did an excellent job. Sam Rockwell did a Q&A along with the director. I asked the question, “This is the first time that Amy Sedaris has ever done a dramatic role. What was it like to direct her in such a new direction?” And the director gave some BS “it’s always good to see actors go outside their comfort zone” answer, when I wanted to yell “TELL ME ABOUT AMY DAMMIT!!!” But we just lucked out getting free tickets, so I was super jazzed about that!
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I’m glad you liked it! I’ve read a few interviews with Kate Beckinsale where they asked about Amy. It sounds like she tried hard and did really well:
“And speaking of people who are quite capable of doing comedy, Amy Sedaris actually shows off a more serious side in Snow Angels, something that may take her fans by surprise. “The thing was, there was this great complete freedom on the set. I think we all got very used to the fact that David is almost as delighted when you try something and fail as he is when you try something and it goes really great. So there were some hilarious times in really, really, incredibly serious scenes – like looking for my lost daughter. Amy would say something so hilarious and in the spirit of [the film] really, she wasn’t messing around. She was just trying to give us eight, nine, ten options. The “Oh dear” was the best. There was a terrible, tragic sort of dead deer and the camera came tracking past it and Amy stops and goes, ‘Oh, dear.’ But she was great, and she just has a fantastic spirit. I felt like everybody fit really well. There’s a bunch of very different people and I felt like she wanted to do as good of a job as she possibly could, and that’s what everybody else wanted. Everybody had a good go. I thought she was just the same. She was funnier than us.”
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Twitter is made of “boring” and “fail.”
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