A couple of enthusiastic Twitter users really struck a chord with the online design community of Tweeters!
On Monday, September 24, 2010 Jonathan Legate, a popular blogger and interior design consultant from Canada, had a stroke of genius with the initial question posed to his Twitter audience, "What do you want from design TV? Let's find out". This was followed by a response from Amy Beth Dragoo of ABCD Design Inspiration, a respected New York City designer and blogger, recommending that the searchable hashtag (#) be added to the topic.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
To say that the response was overwhelming would be an understatement. The #DesignTV topic drew an astounding number of design enthusiasts and the "boards" have been "lit up" ever since.
Cleveland area designers, as well as interior designers, design enthusiasts, and design bloggers across the nation chimed in on the impromptu chat for several hours; and the discussion continues.
Since the likes of such home improvement specialists as Martha Stewart, Bob Vila, and JoAnn Liebeler sprung onto the scene in the 1980's, home improvement and design television has taken on a life of its own. Networks such as HGTV, the dedicated network, TLC and the Bravo Network have all weighed in on the trend.
But according to this unofficial study by the diligent Tweeters, something or someone is definitely missing from the equation.
Amongst the most popluar responses? There was a call for more modern design programming to keep in tune with the times; more detail about the design process and more realistic timeframes; many urged the network decision-makers to get dialed-in to what their viewing public has to say; some called for less DIY and more education on finding and working with competent designers; many actually pitched show ideas (like a news format show about design-related news---genius!)
Many re-tweeted the information to get all of their respective followers involved.
Add your unique perspective in the comment section above, check out just a sampling of some of the great comments from the discussion in the slideshow or, if you are a Twitter user, click here to join the discussion.
An event like this one can cause anyone who is skeptical about the significance of social-networking to surrender to the "power of the tweet".
One can only imagine the marketing budgets that are expended at the networks to analyze the type of programming to pursue. And with the click of a mouse and a couple of keystrokes, they have a built in focus group at no cost to them. Not only should they appreciate that stroke of luck; they should listen.
Great foresight on the part of Mr. Legate and Ms. Dragoo to get the conversation started.
Bravo! (No pun intended, but hopefully their network producers are tuned-in!)
Comments
Ahhhhh, the power of Twitter is ahhhhmazing, isn't it?
Thank you ever so much for picking up this piece of news and pointing out how powerful social media is.
I truly appreciate you linking back to both Jonathan and I. It is really a fun story to have played a key part in.
Kind regards,
ABC Dragoo
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