Yosemite National Park has a tremendous YouTube Channel. To date, it contains 12 episodes. The latest video was posted just last week. It is about Yosemite's glaciers. Most of the videos run a little more than 8 minutes, although 3 are longer than 9 minutes. Anyone who has ever worked with video knows that 8-9 minutes are a LONG time!
Viewership statistics recorded for Yosemite's YouTube videos are very interesting. Believe it or not, Episode #9 about Frazil Ice has more than 637,000 views! Episode #10 (Rock Fall) has logged 15,687 views. The other ten video viewer numbers range from about 1,600 to a little over 5,000.
This particular You Channel carries the NPS Logo prominently displayed. It's very clear upfront that you are viewing official NPS products. The NPS logo is also displayed on the opening frame of each video. The videos are totally top quality professional productions. The channel has 584 subscribers. Any NPS unit thinking about entering the YouTube fray should definitely study the success of Yosemite's fine efforts.
Click here to visit the Yosemite NP YouTube Channel.
Friday, November 12, 2010
NPS Twitter usage--161 & counting!
It didn't take long to realize the best way to compile and track NPS usage of Twitter would be to create a separate Twitter account devoted to nothing but NPS Twitter accounts. Initially, we were going to copy and paste the links onto a separate page here on this blog. The first approach would have been very time consuming and tedious. Twitter itself makes it very easy to simply follow as many NPS Twitter accounts as we can find.
As of 8 am (MST) 11/12/10 we have compiled 161 NPS Twitter accounts. See note at end of this post for our "criteria" for identifying an NPS Twitter account.
We doubt that we will originate very many Tweets on the account ourselves. It also remains to be seen if we will Re-Tweet posts on this account. "We shall see," as they say. In the meantime, if you know of one or more NPS Twitter accounts that are not included in the "follow" list, please send them to the email embedded above.
As we have begun researching NPS social media usage, we haven't yet found a single "one-stop-shopping" compilation of NPS Twitter (or any other social media) usage. We continue to believe that this would be a very valid official project for national level NPS administrators to consider.
Here is the new Twitter we created this morning: http://twitter.com/npstweeters
-------------------------------
Addendum #1: We quickly realized we would need some informal criteria to identify an "NPS Twitter Account." We used these three criteria:
1) The account's photo is the NPS logo
2) The website listed in the profile is an official NPS website
3) The photo shows someone wearing a regulation NPS uniform.
A few NPS Twitter accounts clearly represent an official unit of the NPS but we had to dig pretty deep to determine that relationship. We did include the National Parks Foundation and a couple of USDOI Twitters in our list.
We will periodically review our list to cull out those that don't quite fit. Please let us know of accounts we have missed. Thank You.
As of 8 am (MST) 11/12/10 we have compiled 161 NPS Twitter accounts. See note at end of this post for our "criteria" for identifying an NPS Twitter account.
We doubt that we will originate very many Tweets on the account ourselves. It also remains to be seen if we will Re-Tweet posts on this account. "We shall see," as they say. In the meantime, if you know of one or more NPS Twitter accounts that are not included in the "follow" list, please send them to the email embedded above.
As we have begun researching NPS social media usage, we haven't yet found a single "one-stop-shopping" compilation of NPS Twitter (or any other social media) usage. We continue to believe that this would be a very valid official project for national level NPS administrators to consider.
Here is the new Twitter we created this morning: http://twitter.com/npstweeters
-------------------------------
Addendum #1: We quickly realized we would need some informal criteria to identify an "NPS Twitter Account." We used these three criteria:
1) The account's photo is the NPS logo
2) The website listed in the profile is an official NPS website
3) The photo shows someone wearing a regulation NPS uniform.
A few NPS Twitter accounts clearly represent an official unit of the NPS but we had to dig pretty deep to determine that relationship. We did include the National Parks Foundation and a couple of USDOI Twitters in our list.
We will periodically review our list to cull out those that don't quite fit. Please let us know of accounts we have missed. Thank You.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
A NPS YouTube video podcast webisode-in-progress
Here we have an interesting case study in the use of short YouTube videos to connect a broader, distant audience with the incredible history, heritage and unfathomable emotional legacy of World War II in the Pacific.
Some background: By Presidential Proclamation, President George Bush, authorized the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on December 5, 2008. The national monument focuses on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor through to the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay—with the emphasis on the historical events of World War II in the Pacific Theater and its impacts on the mainland.
Today, Veteran's day 2010, the NPS apparently debuted the first of a series of YouTube video podcasts in what is being described as a "webisode." The first effort rightfully focuses on the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. This traumatic touchstone will live forever in the American psyche. It is a fabulous piece of video work. The quality rates 5 stars in all aspects.
Here is the direct link to view this video: http://www.youtube.com/WWIIValorNPS
Note that the all-important letters "NPS" are shown front and center in the URL.
When you arrive at the YouTube page that presents this video, look closely. The letters "NPS" are shown in only three places. You can click on only one of those three place. If you do click on the NPS website shown in the "Profile" section, you will be taken to the official NPS World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument website.
Unfortunately there is no information on this website regarding the video.
Meanwhile, a companion NPS unit, the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS (featured in the blog post below this one) posted a notice on their Twitter account about the debut of this video. That's how we learned about its existence.
The shortened link on the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS Twitter takes you to a private-sector website for a Hawaiian TV station. Somehow, the author of that webpage was privy to lots of details about the YouTube video podcast webisode series. We learn from this TV website that "The video podcast series centers on personal stories of World War II in the Pacific Region. It was created in partnership with Kalaheo High School, American University and the National Park Service."
Clearly, this is a major partnership effort! You can click on this link to visit the TV webpage about the video project.
We find it quite interesting that none of the information found on the TV webpage can also be found on an official NPS webpage or website. Likewise, it is interesting that there is no official logo prominently displayed on the YouTube page or on the opening frame of the video itself.
Any casual visitor to this YouTube video would be hard pressed to learn how the video came into existence.
On the positive side, we're happy to see that those involved with the project forged full speed ahead and met their deadlines and got a product out on the ground on Veteran's Day 2010. Congratulations to all those involved. Obviously, the lack of information about how this project came into existence will be remedied soon. (We hope.)
Some background: By Presidential Proclamation, President George Bush, authorized the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument on December 5, 2008. The national monument focuses on the events leading up to Pearl Harbor through to the Peace Treaty in Tokyo Bay—with the emphasis on the historical events of World War II in the Pacific Theater and its impacts on the mainland.
Today, Veteran's day 2010, the NPS apparently debuted the first of a series of YouTube video podcasts in what is being described as a "webisode." The first effort rightfully focuses on the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. This traumatic touchstone will live forever in the American psyche. It is a fabulous piece of video work. The quality rates 5 stars in all aspects.
Here is the direct link to view this video: http://www.youtube.com/WWIIValorNPS
Note that the all-important letters "NPS" are shown front and center in the URL.
When you arrive at the YouTube page that presents this video, look closely. The letters "NPS" are shown in only three places. You can click on only one of those three place. If you do click on the NPS website shown in the "Profile" section, you will be taken to the official NPS World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument website.
Unfortunately there is no information on this website regarding the video.
Meanwhile, a companion NPS unit, the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS (featured in the blog post below this one) posted a notice on their Twitter account about the debut of this video. That's how we learned about its existence.
The shortened link on the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS Twitter takes you to a private-sector website for a Hawaiian TV station. Somehow, the author of that webpage was privy to lots of details about the YouTube video podcast webisode series. We learn from this TV website that "The video podcast series centers on personal stories of World War II in the Pacific Region. It was created in partnership with Kalaheo High School, American University and the National Park Service."
Clearly, this is a major partnership effort! You can click on this link to visit the TV webpage about the video project.
We find it quite interesting that none of the information found on the TV webpage can also be found on an official NPS webpage or website. Likewise, it is interesting that there is no official logo prominently displayed on the YouTube page or on the opening frame of the video itself.
Any casual visitor to this YouTube video would be hard pressed to learn how the video came into existence.
On the positive side, we're happy to see that those involved with the project forged full speed ahead and met their deadlines and got a product out on the ground on Veteran's Day 2010. Congratulations to all those involved. Obviously, the lack of information about how this project came into existence will be remedied soon. (We hope.)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Social Media - The Great Equalizier
This is hard to believe but, as far as we can tell, it's true. One of the smaller NPS units is located in Hawaii and is part of The National Parks of The Pacific Islands. This particular unit is the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. It's less than 100 acres, a flyspeck in comparison to some of the vast, sprawling NPS units elsewhere.
So, what's so special about the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS? Yesterday on November 9th, it became the Number One Most Followed National Park Unit on Twitter, surpassing the Biggies of Yosemite, Yellowstone and all the rest. It's a clear testimony to the power of social media and the willingness of Twitter users to respond to someone who clearly understands "what floats their boat!"
To their credit, the Staff of Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS took time out to toot their own horn. Click here for their blog entry about the big news.
As "The Pacific Island Ranger" says, "We understand that not every American will get the chance to visit us, because of our isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but we believe that every American should have a chance to experience our park in some way. Social media gives many people that opportunity to connect with this amazing park!"
The Ranger is famous for using the phrase “MAHALO FOR THE FOLLOW!” to greet new followers on the unit's twitter account.
Click here for the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS's Twitter.
Congratulations to the NPS Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS! YA DUN GOOD!
So, what's so special about the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS? Yesterday on November 9th, it became the Number One Most Followed National Park Unit on Twitter, surpassing the Biggies of Yosemite, Yellowstone and all the rest. It's a clear testimony to the power of social media and the willingness of Twitter users to respond to someone who clearly understands "what floats their boat!"
To their credit, the Staff of Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS took time out to toot their own horn. Click here for their blog entry about the big news.
As "The Pacific Island Ranger" says, "We understand that not every American will get the chance to visit us, because of our isolation in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but we believe that every American should have a chance to experience our park in some way. Social media gives many people that opportunity to connect with this amazing park!"
The Ranger is famous for using the phrase “MAHALO FOR THE FOLLOW!” to greet new followers on the unit's twitter account.
Click here for the Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS's Twitter.
Congratulations to the NPS Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS! YA DUN GOOD!
National Park Interactive Survey Results
Another private sector effort with regard to NPS social media usage is called "National Park Interactive." Christina Boehle updates both a Wordpress blog and a Twitter feed. Her blog contains two posts with great relevance to any discussion of NPS social media usage.
The first post is entitled "By The Numbers." Ms. Boehle sent out a questionnaire to the Chiefs of Interpretation of various National Parks. She says she received a 15% response rate, noting "This is only a small snapshot or window into what is happening with regards to social media in the national parks, but it will give you a better idea of what’s happening across the Service."
She summarizes her results using both narrative and graphic techniques. She includes selected quotes from various respondents. Facebook comes out on top in answer to the question, "If you had full access to every social media tool on the web, which one would you like to implement in your park / office?"
Ms. Boehle provides a convenient summary of links to various NPS social media resources.
You can click here for Ms. Boehle's blog post "By The Numbers."
Click here for Ms. Boehle's Twitter.
The first post is entitled "By The Numbers." Ms. Boehle sent out a questionnaire to the Chiefs of Interpretation of various National Parks. She says she received a 15% response rate, noting "This is only a small snapshot or window into what is happening with regards to social media in the national parks, but it will give you a better idea of what’s happening across the Service."
She summarizes her results using both narrative and graphic techniques. She includes selected quotes from various respondents. Facebook comes out on top in answer to the question, "If you had full access to every social media tool on the web, which one would you like to implement in your park / office?"
Ms. Boehle provides a convenient summary of links to various NPS social media resources.
You can click here for Ms. Boehle's blog post "By The Numbers."
Click here for Ms. Boehle's Twitter.
NPS Archaeology & Social Media
All aspects of natural and cultural resource preservation are sensitive. However, perhaps no other area is more sensitive than archaeology. Archaeologists walk a fine line in helping educate the public about the importance and role of our past while at the same time safeguarding priceless resources from the damage of vandals, thieves and just plain careless people.
So, it's somewhat of a surprise that the NPS Archaeological "powers that be" have already released a policy regarding usage of social media. In fact, if you Google the term "NPS Social Media Policy" their link is one of the top three that appear!
Social Media usage is addressed in Chapter 7 of the definitive Archaeology Guide prepared by national-level NPS officials. Social Media is lumped together with "Media." You can click for to access Chapter 7 online.
The introductory paragraph states: "Social media provides the NPS with another way to promote outreach activities and create networks of interested groups. Opportunities include Facebook, blogs, Twitter, and YouTube, but other platforms are available. Social media is both outreach and a way to spread news and information quickly about archeological outreach projects to a broad constituency."
The author(s) of this material provide pointed advice on how to tailor social media usage for archaeological educational purposes. It makes for a very interesting "read."
So, it's somewhat of a surprise that the NPS Archaeological "powers that be" have already released a policy regarding usage of social media. In fact, if you Google the term "NPS Social Media Policy" their link is one of the top three that appear!
Social Media usage is addressed in Chapter 7 of the definitive Archaeology Guide prepared by national-level NPS officials. Social Media is lumped together with "Media." You can click for to access Chapter 7 online.
The introductory paragraph states: "Social media provides the NPS with another way to promote outreach activities and create networks of interested groups. Opportunities include Facebook, blogs, Twitter, and YouTube, but other platforms are available. Social media is both outreach and a way to spread news and information quickly about archeological outreach projects to a broad constituency."
The author(s) of this material provide pointed advice on how to tailor social media usage for archaeological educational purposes. It makes for a very interesting "read."
Glacier NP use of social media
Many National Parks are actively embracing the usage of social media. As we learn about them online, we will feature them on this blog. Our first featured unit is the legendary Glacier National Park, easily one of America's most incredible and unique national treasures.
Glacier NP's management will undoubtedly soon get called upon to give presentations at various social media training venues. They are doing it by the book and doing it right and proper. Glacier‘s staff are actively finding new visitors “where they are at, and where they expect us to be,” said Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright.
“I am very proud of the park staff. They are at the forefront in developing both state-of-the-art Internet features and social media connections,” said Cartwright. He further noted, “As the park enters its second century, it is increasingly important that the NPS connect with park audiences and users, both face-to-face and virtually.”
Cartwright noted that Glacier National Park’s staff recently underwent an in-depth planning process before joining the social networking trend. The park now has detailed rules of engagement for participating as a federal agency and decisions trees as guidance for how to handle comments and questions. This project required additional resources, and through the generous actions and donations of its partner, The Glacier National Park Fund, the park staff is better able to engage the public and reach out to new audiences.
Cartwright added, “While the National Park Service invites everyone to connect with Glacier National Park in person, the park staff is very proud of its efforts to bring the rugged backcountry splendor, spectacular geologic and glacial features, and amazing wildlife to a computer screen near you. As we reflect on the park’s unique history during the celebration of Glacier’s centennial, we are also looking to the future and making every effort to use all the tools available to broaden the experience to as many people as possible.”
You can read Superintendent Cartwright's comments in their original context by clicking here to access the official March 2010 NPS News Release.
Click here for Glacier's social media gateway page.
Click here for David Restivo's Blog about Glacier's adoption of social media tools.
Glacier NP's management will undoubtedly soon get called upon to give presentations at various social media training venues. They are doing it by the book and doing it right and proper. Glacier‘s staff are actively finding new visitors “where they are at, and where they expect us to be,” said Park Superintendent Chas Cartwright.
“I am very proud of the park staff. They are at the forefront in developing both state-of-the-art Internet features and social media connections,” said Cartwright. He further noted, “As the park enters its second century, it is increasingly important that the NPS connect with park audiences and users, both face-to-face and virtually.”
Cartwright noted that Glacier National Park’s staff recently underwent an in-depth planning process before joining the social networking trend. The park now has detailed rules of engagement for participating as a federal agency and decisions trees as guidance for how to handle comments and questions. This project required additional resources, and through the generous actions and donations of its partner, The Glacier National Park Fund, the park staff is better able to engage the public and reach out to new audiences.
Cartwright added, “While the National Park Service invites everyone to connect with Glacier National Park in person, the park staff is very proud of its efforts to bring the rugged backcountry splendor, spectacular geologic and glacial features, and amazing wildlife to a computer screen near you. As we reflect on the park’s unique history during the celebration of Glacier’s centennial, we are also looking to the future and making every effort to use all the tools available to broaden the experience to as many people as possible.”
You can read Superintendent Cartwright's comments in their original context by clicking here to access the official March 2010 NPS News Release.
Click here for Glacier's social media gateway page.
Click here for David Restivo's Blog about Glacier's adoption of social media tools.
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