Triberr Experiment #3: House Arrest & Twitter

This is the 3rd Triberr experiment I’ve conducted since using the incredible platform.

You might wonder why I’m basing my experiments around Triberr, if they have to do with such broad topics as psychology, marketing and brands?

The answer is that I feel Triberr has a special ability to aggregate accumulative thought and “temperature” of current social media affairs. I hope to honor Triberr in some way, by conducting these experiments.

The Situation

When putting together these situations I feel a little like a realty show host. Setting up the situation, preparing for the public reaction, etc. It’s a whole lot of fun. Dino Dogan understands a little of my crazy…

In this specific situation, I wrote a post about how I’m going on house arrest until I reach 100,000 followers. Obviously this is ludicrous (maybe we’ll see someone doing so due to the post), but I wanted to test a few specific avenues of human psychology, nature and reaction.

To set the record straight, I never intended to actually go on self-imposed house arrest. In both the post and video I included subtle hints to intend that it could go one of two ways. Either go through with the action, or present it as a joke.

Remember, I’m not a psychologist, these experiments are just a way for me to grow in my own way.

A gauge of friends. Some who know me best, know that I’m a little goofy, sarcastic and “joking” in nature. There were a few friends who immediately knew this post was a joke, and took it for just that.
Wrong impressions. I like to test the impressions we receive when reading something online, whether for good or bad. Sometimes we judge too quickly or receive the wrong impression from text we’re reading on screen.
Post title creation. It’s fun to come up with snappy, eye-catching blog post titles, and see what grabs readers attention and what doesn’t.

There were a few more “controls” I was testing during this process, but the above were a few I felt to identify now.

The Reaction

Luckily I received reaction and input of which I was hoping for. A few contradicting comments and negative votes on Triberr.

For example, Mark Schaefer in the comments of the post, asked why all my worth and value was placed in a number. He gave me the advice to take a break and go for a hike in the mountains. The ironic part of the entire experience was that I was indeed, crashing through the mountains at the exact time that comment was being left. Much of Friday was spent on a nice run, and then getting lost in the dark in the woods behind this home I’m staying at in Idaho.

Another grand thought was by Adrienne Smith. I really enjoyed her thoughts. If I was actually going to go through with such a stunt (or anyone for that matter), her advice would be something to live by.

Okay Christian… Do I need to blog about this too to get you more followers? Heck, I only have a little over 5,500 myself so to me it’s no big deal. You don’t want just anyone following you anyway. You want to connect with those who are really interested in what you have to share.

If you get stuck in that house for four months, how are you doing to meet with the producers for your album? Not a good idea my friend. Your music is a lot more important than 20,000 more followers. The rate you’re going, you’ll have that in no time anyway. Everyone is #FF mentioning you now so I’ll do my part too!

I’m extremely grateful Mark, Adrienne and others spoke their minds and initial reactions. Most are afraid to do so.

What I hadn’t expected, was the amount of comments that came back from friends who shared their concern for me. They talked about how I shouldn’t have to “prove” anything, or “seek” after those big Twitter numbers. They cared enough to share. To hopefully move me in a different direction. It was interesting to see, that if they thought I was going to go through with the house arrest stunt, they wanted to move me in another direction.

They loved and cared. Isn’t that just incredibly special? I learned something a little more about the relationships we might develop through social media. We’ve got each other’s backs. Love abounds.

What I’ve learned.

First of all, I apologize for mixing up the pot a little here and there.

It’s just what I enjoy doing.

Testing the waters, learning, growing & maybe even pushing those boundaries that might uncomfortable for some. You’ll just have to live with my pschotic behaviors.

So, here’s the lowdown. This is what I learned.

It’s important to concisely and accurately get your point across in blog posts. It’s easy to be vague, and let readers wonder what the “real” message is. Thus, the reason for making the house arrest post rather vague. Many probably wondered, “Is he joking, or is he actually going through with it?!” Others, like Ryan, I’m pretty sure understood the ultimate purpose.
Our blogs display personality. Sometimes I go off the deep end and share my sarcasm, humor and maniacal way of thinking. And why not? That’s my personality. Isn’t that what a blog is for? Although everything needs to be balanced, as Jon Hardie pointed out, you don’t want to mess with your reader’s minds.
Publicity stunts are crazy. Who in their right mind would lock themselves up for Twitter followers? Sadly, I’m pretty sure some are desperate enough to do so. Now I’m just waiting until someone uses the idea, and I see them all over the news. At that point, I’ll giggle inside.
Speaking your mind is important. Not everyone stepped up to the plate and shared what they were really thinking in regards to what I had written. We’re often afraid to respond adversely. Although we shouldn’t be completely negative, it’s okay to work towards a better answer. I really enjoyed the comments that identified their concern of me being crazy! It shows people care.
There are many who care about you. Good friends can look past a stunt like gaining Twitter followers, and realize that it’s probably not the best idea. I’m surprised so many shared their thoughts of concern all with my best interests in mind. Although I’m sorry to put them such a rigorous emotional experiment, I benefited, and I hope others did too.

Well that’s that.

Maybe you learn something from my madness, and maybe you don’t. I just present it here, humbly, as someone who’s seeking to learn along with you.

There’s no better way to learn than through blogging. It’s magnificent how we are able to share our thoughts, become grounded by friends, receive feedback & grow.

I love it.

So let me ask you. Do you write in more of a figurative or literal manner? How has your writing style changed? Are you afraid to write with “humor” in fear you’ll be misunderstood? Do other bloggers help guide you in the right direction if needed? What did you learn from this experiment? It’s okay if you just want to call me crazy. Let’s talk.