I first learned about social media, blogs, RSS, Wikis, streaming and podcasts from
Giovanni Rodriguez, in a breakfast roundtable at
Counselors Academy a few years back. And I left his session excited, energized and with my head swimming. I’d tasted the ‘forbidden fruit’ (content creation) and knew there was no turning back.
Over the years, I’ve gotten to know Giovanni, personally and professionally. He’s a soft-spoken thinker, insightful and highly intelligent. And he’s able to connect some very disparate concepts in a way that not only makes sense; he helps you see things in a new light.
That’s why I’m so excited about Giovanni’s newest blog,
All Things That Rise. It’s focusing on ideas that impact ‘culture, commerce and consumers’. You will find informative links and ephemera combined with longer pieces. In many ways it reminds me of the kind of content I used to anticipate in certain general interest, literary magazines.
Here’s how Giovanni describes it:
A broad inquiry into the physical, intellectual, and emotional limits of human beings at the dawn of “the age of intelligent machines.” I will look at how people, businesses, and governments are using a range of intelligence-enhancing technologies — from consumer gadgetry, to the full panoply of social technologies, to the new frontier of artificial intelligence and robotics — to rise above those limits. My hypothesis is that the socializing effects of these technologies is driving the evolution — evolution with a little “e” — of smarter, more competitive, and, ultimately, more ethical organizations and systems. But I will be looking at the negative effects as well — information overload, public safety, cultural divides, etc. Evolution is a complex affair, and it pays to look at winners and losers — and saints and sinners — all around. Hope you will join me on this little journey. I’m just getting started.
One post of special note is Giovanni’s take on the evolution of a new kind of PR agent. I agree that we have to look at the new landscape and develop a more relevant and social model.
And while you’re at it, have a look at Giovanni’s other blog, The Hubbub and especially the in depth series he wrote on characters in marketing/ads.
About Martin Waxman
Martin Waxman, MCM, is a digital communications strategist. He conducts AI research, leads digital and social media training workshops and speaks at events across North America. He's co-founder of two PR agencies, president of a consultancy and has worked in the industry for nearly 30 years. Martin is a LinkedIn Learning instructor, teaches digital strategy and social media at McMaster University, the Schulich School of Business, University of Toronto SCS and Seneca College. He's a member of the Institute for Public Relations Digital Media Research Center and a past-chair of PRSA Counselors Academy. He has a Master of Communications Management (MCM) from McMaster-Syracuse Universities.
Martin — your are so generous. Truly appreciate your insights and our friendship.–Giovanni