Social Media Is Old

If you want to understand today, you have to search yesterday. -Pearl Buck

I’ve always loved history. The history of art, the interaction of humankind and the art of war. Each bit of history teaches us something that we’re able to use in our daily lives; today.

In an effort to understand social media in richer manner – I’ve created a few situations. Each will bring you through a different period of history, and help you to better understand the place social media has in our world.

So sit back, put your imagination goggles on – and enjoy the ride.

Bringing in the kill.

Beyond the crest of the hill a wild boar casually grazes amongst grass. Beyond the safety of his visual scope, little does he realize a tribe of hunters has quickly gathered. Six neolithic, stone-age men lie waiting.

Bulschnat has always been the best hunter. The fastest. The strongest. When the boar decides to move too quickly in a certain direction, Bulschnat makes his move. Throwing an iron pole-staff, it hits it’s mark with deadly accuracy. The hunters clean the animal, and bring it into the village.

Due to his striking diligence in reliably bringing in the kill, Bulschnat has everything. A beautiful mate, a larger dwelling and plenty to eat. The entire tribe treats him with deep respect, because he never takes more then necessary. What he brings in from the hunting ground always goes first; to the village.

The Purveyor of Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses hit the market like a wildfire. Francis, a high-class merchant, traveled in a rush to Italy in order to witness this fine new invention. A probable way to correct poor vision! He was simply astonished.

After viewing the product, he knew he would have a remarkable opportunity moving large quantities into Western Europe. With a savvy mind, he quickly established street corner stands where the new eyeglass product could be viewed by the public. He directed his staff of merchants to wear the eyeglass themselves, and gain the attention of every passerby.

Soon, Francis became the largest distributor of eyeglasses in the early 13,00′s.

The Flower Peddler

Margret had never been one of high-class or fortune. Coming from a disrupted family, she had always sought refuge in local chapels and places of worship.

In order to make a living, she peddled flowers on the street at local events and gatherings in Middlesex, England. Many of the locals knew her. Her kind face and soft words were something attractive and more worthy of recognition than a simple flower. When customers purchased one of her flowers, she gazed into their eyes, as if saying thank you. They were helping her to find a way to live, whether they knew it or not.

Margret was never rich. Her flowers, long gone and wilted. Although her face will never be plastered across the annuls of history, she had something much greater and more special. She touched hearts and changed lives through her actions.

What did we learn?

You’ve witnessed three contrasting individuals from the past who practiced the art of “social media.”

• A hunter from neolithic times.
• The first eyeglass merchant.
• A simple flower peddler.

Each brought to the table something different. One found success in giving his increase to others. Another found success in brilliant business skills. Lastly, we found one who carved a niche in being close to self and simply special.

Social media has always been, and will always be, the art of human relations. I will say no more.

What does this mean to you? What makes someone successful over another? How do you produce valuable relationships? How should you treat others in social media?

Great wall of china photo by Francisco Diez

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Tagged as: history of social media, social media, social media from the past, social media is old