As part of my media writing course I was required to read World Wide Rave by David Meerman Scott. Having finished the book, I can see why it can be applied to a media studies course. Throughout the book Scott elaborates on the importance of maintaining a strong social media presence for aspiring entrepreneurs. Scott is a big proponent of networking in the sense that if you tell a few friends about your product and they tell their friends and so on, you end up having what Scott calls a world wide rave.
The book is divided into chapters each detailing one element which can make a successful world wide rave. Interspersed within the chapters are stories highlighting someone who was able to use the technique described in the chapter to generate their own rave. One example is Matthew Zachary who founded I'm Too Young For This!, a cancer foundation dedicated to helping survivors and care providers under the age of 40. By focusing his efforts on online advocacy, Zachary is able to reach people around the world and his advice and opinions are frequently quoted. Another example explores how the University of North Dakota was able to increase interest in prospective students by posting aerospace podcasts on iTunes U. One benefit of applications like iTunes U is that no expensive recording or distribution equipment is required. The tactic at UND was a success bringing in aerospace students who first found out about the program through podcasts and would not have explored the school otherwise. There are many examples given from all areas of business showcasing how having a strong social media presence gives people the ability to share their ideas with a global audience.
I recommend that anyone interested in establishing a business or promoting themselves read World Wide Rave. It is a relatively quick read with short paragraphs and concise chapters. It can tell readers a lot about the benefits of living in a digital age where millions of potential customers are at any one person's fingertips.
