Before taking this class, to me, social media was a simple way to "stalk" your friends and a way from business to promote themselves while creating a brand identity. Even though we aren't halfway through this semester, this class has broaden the way that I think about social media. One of the new ways that I can think about social media is in terms of the idea presented in this article: Transmedia Storytelling.
While the definition for this term is fluid and constantly adapting to the environment around it, to me, it simply means that social media is being used to as a tool to market some of form of entertainment on a technological platform. It is important to remember that this term is going to be used to define a lot of different ideas and projects. Like the article pointed out, focusing the definition too much will exclude the work of talented storytellers, thus not giving them the credit they deserve for their hard work.
The successful examples of transmedia storytelling are all focused around one key factor: they used many platforms and forms of media to create one cohesive image or identity for a brand, a store, an idea, a movie, or an individual character. An example of a successful transmedia story that sticks out in my brain is of Mickey Mouse. The cartoon character is literally everywhere; on tv, in comic books, stories, movies, and in person at the theme parks. All of these portrayals of Mickey are identical and cohesive and together they create the identity of the mouse that we are all so familiar with.
I totally agree with your first perceptions of what social media is for. Transmedia is so much more than that, and as the definition is changing who knows whether or not social media as we know it will be the same. Disney is everywhere and has been for a while- a great example of successful transmedia storytelling through the years!
ReplyDeleteI really like the way that you explained that transmedia is hard to really explain. I know that for me, it was a little difficult to understand at first, but after looking at examples, it really helped it to click. I think you mentioning Disney really brings up one of the heavy hitters in the transmedia storytelling industry. They really do have a tight grip on everything involved in the transmedia world.
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