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As the crisis and aftermath of Haiti continues, I’ve been incredibly moved by the power of the social web to mobilize, create a groundswell and drive real donations to help the people of Haiti.

The video above about the “social media revolution” further illustrates that point. As a person who creates social media campaigns professionally, I’m asked all the time if services like Twitter are going to last, where the online space is going next, and why invest in a technology now if it’s only going to change in 12-24 months. In response, I say look at what is happening NOW in response to Haiti. That’s power. That’s the social web standing up and taking charge and putting money where their mouth is.

To learn more about Socialnomics, I recommend reading Socialnomics: How social media transforms the way we live and do business by Erik Qualman.

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  • http://billysbirthday.tumblr.com/ Billy Shih

    I agree wholeheartedly. I am running my own Haiti fundraiser and without social media, I would not have been able to organize and push out my message to so many people. In reverse, it would not be so easy for strangers and even distant friends to help my cause.

    Social media has lowered communication barriers significantly and the less barriers there are, the more likely people are going to take action.

  • Sloane Berrent

    Billy – Absolutely right. It’s easier to take action and really rally people around a cause.

    Of course, there is also more noise in the space and that can be hard to overcome – but it’s a good problem to have – too many voices wanting to help versus not enough.

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