When is a hashtag more than a hashtag? When it’s the rallying call of a community!
Community hashtags have been around since the dawn of Twitter. Some of them evolved out of weekly special interest chats, some are the result of a compelling cause, and still others have taken root because of a charismatic individual, whose following has fueled ongoing discussion.
Community hashtags may spring from different sources but they have much in common including:
- A sense of camaraderie and like-mindedness. Community hashtag participants often share similar goals and challenges and are quick to help each other out.
- A desire and willingness to share openly and earnestly, and learn from one another.
- A range of users/skills, from relative newbie to expert.
- An ongoing conversation. Community hashtags, unlike campaign or event hashtags, have no specific end date. While conversations may be scheduled and moderated (as with chats) at a regular hour each week, the conversations spill beyond this time slot and the hashtag remains an open line for comment 24/7
- A non marketing bent. Community hashtags, while not necessarily devoid of marketing messages, serve the community first, and brands second. One of the reasons why it is challenging for brands to establish true community is because the agenda of generating sales often conflicts with the more altruistic goals of community.
We’ve always been fascinated by community hashtags at Hashtracking and we’re excited to chat with some community hashtag trailblazers this week during HashChat which will meet at our regular time - 7 pacific, 10 eastern on Wednesday June 18th.
Please join us and special guests Bruce Sallan of #DadChat, and Tim McDonald and Amanda Hite of #NoKidHungry. It’s sure to be a lively discussion about the phenomenon, benefits and unique social ecosystem of community hashtags.
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