I just got back from Podcamp Halifax 2009, and must say I was impressed. There was a plethora of lively discussions about social media and it’s various applications and ramifications in business. Everything moved at a brisk pace, and before I knew it it was over.

Contrary to so many other discussions that allow for open discussion, there was very little negativity, which I have almost come to expect from these types of things. Instead, there was very intelligent discussions, questions and presentations. One eye opener for me was the use of Twitter. I had a blog post a while back about what I thought was the stupidity of Twitter - I am now giving it a second look, and reactivated my account a couple of days ago. I think I now ‘get’ Twitter. Beyond Twitter, there was good discussions about just about every other form of social media and it’s impact on business as well, and a great keynote presentation from Andrew Baron from RocketBoom. I met some great people, some old friends, and generally had a good time.

This was the first Podcamp for Halifax, and judging from the enthusiasm of the podcampers, hopefully it won’t be the last. I’d like to give a big thanks to the organizers and presenters, looking forward to the next one.

**Addition**

I had this thought last night when I first wrote this post and for some reason forgot it, but wanted to add a couple of things that I personally got out of Podcamp. One of the more interesting facts that Andrew presented for me was that people generally will double the amount of information they put out on the web every year. I know that holds true for me, but I wasn’t aware it was a general fact. That’s an eye opener, that people are willing to do this by choice. I wonder if it’s because as they ‘dip their toes in’, they find out it’s not that bad and discover the more of themselves they put out there, they more general benefit they recieve. I personally think that it speaks more to human nature than technology.

It ties into the other concept that became apparent throughout the various discussions, which is that when the level of transparency increases for everybody that embraces social media, so does the level of honesty. Journalists and other public relations people are now held to immediate accountability for what they publish because communication, in any form, is no longer a one way street. You will be called on your facts and even opinions, so more dilligence is required than ever before. Those companies that cling to and hide behind one way communication are now raising flags of suspicion with the public, and by easily providing methods for two way public communication by embracing social media you immediately raise your level of integrity - leaving yourself open to and even welcoming opposing points of view and criticism can make you stronger and appear more accountable.