WHAT
II. What are their content interests, and where do they get information on these topics?
Environmental issues inundate newscasts, and hundreds of businesses and organizations are trying to jump on the green bandwagon. Sustainability, water quality, farmers’ markets, global warming, recycling, organic farming and green development are just a few topics that spark many Chicagoans’ interests. The lakefront, local parks, farmers’ markets and community gardens serve as reminders for residents to take care of the environment.
Since my blog’s audience is divided between people involved with the environment on an institutional level and those interested for personal reasons, the places each group gets information are different.
The institutional leaders usually hear about issues on a regular basis through work and don’t rely on the Internet as a prime outlet of communication. These audience members are probably going to update their Web site and follow issues pertinent to their business or organization and call it day. Some important institutions, which Chicagoans look to for trustworthy information about the environment, include: Chicago Department of Environment, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
On the other hand, people interested in learning how to live a more sustainable lifestyle seem to reach out to the Internet and other media sources for ideas. Communication between these audience members takes place at the grassroots level and starts by word-of-mouth. Some popular publications within the Chicago area include: Conscious Choice Magazine, Chicago Wilderness Magazine and the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times for breaking news stories. Other online communities include: Green Options, Midwest Alternative Fuels, Planetizen, Sustainablog and an extensive list of facebook groups.
While communication preferences differ between each audience segment, more people are turning toward blogs and online communities for interesting environmental news. They seem to be more attracted to personal writings from blogs rather than the hard news stories printed in major news publications. Conversation normally focuses on how people in the Chicago area can help each other connect with the land and preserve the environment around the city. While certain people can get hostile or argumentative at times, the majority of conversation is encouraging and educational about events, seminars and volunteer opportunities in the city.
December 11 2007 09:01 pm
