Episode 43 – The Fandom Formula with Jenny Stiven

What if content was no longer confined to just a screen? The rapid advancement and integration of artificial intelligence and augmented reality have begun to push these definitions, allowing everyone, from content creators to compliance officers, to rethink what is possible. From revolutionizing everyday tasks to creating a universal CMS where content authors can edit and update content across platforms, our conversation bridges what is to come.  Preston So joins “The Future of Content” to discuss not just the creation of content but the creation of experiences that are as intelligent as they are intuitive.  Ready to learn more? Preston So on LinkedIn  Preston So Preston So’s Books Todd Ross Neinkerk on LinkedIn Your website needs to fulfill your mission and stand the test of time. We have a long history of helping teams like yours — those who educate, advocate, and inform — realize their website’s potential and make a positive change in the world. At Four Kitchens, we make the web a better place to teach, learn, and advocate for all. Driven by our content expertise, technical excellence, and a shared purpose of doing good, we craft websites that help organizations fulfill their missions.  Click here to learn more about how Four Kitchens makes websites with love. For good.

We spend so much time and resources on frontend development, isn’t it time we give the same treatment for content authors? Greg Dunlap, the director of strategy at Lullabot, joins “The Future of Content” to discuss the relationship between user-centered design and quality content.  Drawing from decades of experience, Greg shares his insights into involving authors in the development process. From utilizing paper prototyping to researching ways to reduce cognitive load, our conversation outlines practical strategies to create more efficient and user-friendly systems. Greg also shares the process of drafting his book, Designing Content Authoring Experiences, which aims to serve as a guide for crafting better author experiences.  This week’s episode invites listeners to rethink CMS from the ground up, ensuring it meets the needs of those it serves. Connect with Us!  Designing Content Authoring Experiences Kickstarter Greg Dunlap on LinkedIn  Lullabot Todd Ross Neinkerk on LinkedIn

Systems like Alexa and ChatGPT have brought conversational AI to the mainstream, allowing users to tailor how they experience this technology. This week, Polly M Allen of AI Career Boost joins the podcast to discuss how conversational AI is changing our physical and digital lives. With Polly's insights, the conundrums of AI-driven content creation and ownership becomes clear. From supporting content creation to tempering online interactions with Ghostbot, we assess AI's dual nature. Closing on an optimistic note, we envision a future where content's value is synonymous with its originality and authenticity, inspired by recent initiatives to honor genuine reporting. Want to learn more about Polly and the work she's doing at AI Career Boost? Then be sure to follow her by clicking on the links below! Polly M Allen on LinkedIn AI Career Boost Website

Visitor's experiences are curated the second they enter a museum. Every detail in the exhibit is carefully thought out, from the lighting to the placement of the artwork. In this episode, we speak with Michelle Graves, a museum curator from the Morris Museum. As we navigate the complexities of exhibition design and storytelling, it becomes clear that institutions like the Morris Museum are revolutionizing the visitor experience to ensure inclusivity and engagement.   Museums are evolving from their traditional “stuffy” demeanor. Innovative collaborations and immersive experiences are drawing a wider audience into their doors. Michelle reveals how the Morris Museum blends its historic architecture with contemporary gallery spaces, creating a narrative that respects the past while embracing the future. The discussion delves into the evolving landscape of museum practices, highlighting the vital role of technology and social awareness in shaping exhibitions that resonate with today’s audiences. Todd and Michelle’s conversation reminds us that museums are for everyone.  Want to learn more about the Michelle Graves, the Morris Museum and the ways they are changing the museum space? Check out the links below! Michelle Graves on LinkedIn Morris Museum  Art in the Atrium From Flower to Flame: The Artwork of Paul J. Stankard

Today, we sit down with Samantha Enslen from Dragonfly Editorial to chat about how you can turn industry jargon into compelling content. Samantha offers a valuable look into the process of making intricate concepts digestible, from employing the ISO's guidelines for plain language to embracing an "explain like I'm five" philosophy. Whether it's the tactile charm of print or the swift click-through of digital media, we examine the evolving landscape of content creation and why major businesses are leaning on specialized teams like Dragonfly to articulate their value. As we wrap up our dialogue, Samantha pulls back the curtain on the meticulous design choices that keep readers hooked, from the allure of a well-placed infographic to the familiar comfort of scrolling through a PDF. We then pivot to the significance of carving out a niche in a market brimming with agencies, as Dragonfly's expertise in demystifying complex content sets them apart. Eager to learn more? Samantha welcomes you into the Dragonfly community, where you can explore the interplay of writing, editing, and design to elevate your own content creation game. Samantha Enslen on LinkedIn Dragonfly Editorial

What does it take to build a thriving fan community around a franchise? Let's probe this question as we chat with Jenny Stiven, a fandom expert and an authority in audience development. From her work on The X-Files to her experiences with franchises like Stargate, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge about the nurturing of fan communities and driving passionate engagement. Uncover the secrets behind cultivating franchise audiences. We get into the nitty-gritty of how content creators can foster sustainable communities and build robust relationships with fans. Hear from Jenny how she has successfully navigated the terrain of fan conversations in both digital and physical realms, keeping the momentum long after the content has been released.  Get ready for an enlightening conversation packed with valuable insights from the world of fandoms and audience development. >>Jenny Stiven on LinkedIn >>Jenny Stiven on Twitter >>SG Blaise

Dive headfirst into an enlightening conversation with our special guest, Katie Bayerl, a stellar young adult fiction author and content strategist. Katie's insights, stemming from her experiences as a teacher and her deep understanding of the teenage psyche, provide a fresh perspective on writing for young adults. We explore the appeal and unique characteristics of this genre, and why it strikes a chord with readers across all age groups.  Transitioning from the realm of fiction to the very real world of nonprofits, we dive into the complexities of storytelling and messaging for these organizations. Join us as Katie shares her expertise on the strategic use of headlines, headings, and imagery to guide the reader's journey through a story and the surprising truth that paper might be making a comeback in an increasingly digital world. Together, we tackle the challenges many nonprofits face - limited staff, resources, and time for content creation and how to navigate them.  Finally, we unwrap the future of print publications and discuss the immense power of personal connections in communication. Katie's experiences as a freelance consultant bring valuable insights into managing constraints in the nonprofit sector. We also delve into how a compelling story can resonate across multiple media platforms. This intriguing conversation is one you wouldn't want to miss! >>Katie Bayerl >>Katie Bayerl on Facebook >>Katie Bayerl on Instagram >>Katie Bayerl on Twitter >>A Psalm for Lost Girls

Ever wondered how to effectively use storytelling in nonprofit work while honoring those you're representing? Join us in an enlightening conversation with Maria Brian, the seasoned founder of Maria Brian Creative, as we demystify trauma-informed marketing. Maria brings her unique approach to the table, shedding light on ethical storytelling that not only enriches the narrative but also fosters impactful connections. We navigate the often complex issues of consent, emphasizing the necessity of obtaining enthusiastic agreement from those we tell stories about. Maria guides us through the potential of composite stories for vulnerable clients, the art of slowing down the storytelling process, and the importance of understanding the ultimate goal of each narrative. We discuss common pitfalls nonprofits face and the significance of making numbers relatable, all while placing the story owner at the heart of the narrative. Maria also shares invaluable advice on managing workflow, practicing grounding, and exercising choice when conducting interviews. She also introduces us to the concept of trauma-informed storytelling, explaining how to repurpose stories effectively across various platforms, including blogs, email series, and social media. Take a leap with us into this enriching dialogue and revolutionize the way you tell stories for your nonprofit.  >> Maria Bryan >> Maria Bryan on Twitter >> Maria Bryan on LinkedIn

In this episode, we sit down with Brian Piper, Director of Content Strategy and Assessment at the University of Rochester, to discuss leveraging student insight to aid University’s marketing strategies, the use of emerging innovations to create communities within higher education, AI generated content, Blockchain technologies, and the value of using NFTs in the academic space. >> Brian W. Piper >> Brian Piper on Twitter >> Brian Piper on LinkedIn >> Epic Content Marketing >> The Most Amazing Marketing Book Ever

In this episode, we dive into the world of digital agency marketing strategies with Lauren McGaha O'Brien, the Chief Strategy Officer at Newfangled. Join us as Lauren, an expert in content marketing and long-term strategy, shares her insights on clarifying brand positioning, crafting compelling messages, and connecting with potential customers. Discover how she empowers digital agencies to thrive in a competitive market by revolutionizing their marketing approaches. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation packed with practical tips to unlock your agency's true potential.   >> Newfangled >> Lauren McGaha O'Brien on Twitter >> Lauren McGaha O'Brien on LinkedIn >> Lauren McGaha O'Brien on Instagram