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Must Market

Moving Toward A New Marketing.
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Why Storytelling = Future of Web Copy & Why We Write In Present Tense

Why Storytelling = Future of Web Copy & Why We Write In Present Tense | Must Market | Scoop.it
From plus.google.com - February 13, 2015 6:17 PM

The Problem of Web Copy
Today a friend shared copy that fought itself. He was trying to tell two stories at once. You can't tell two stories at once without reader confusion. I suggested combining the two very cool elements he wanted to mash together into a single story.

"Think of each element as a character in the story, in a story where difference between them will become zero at resolution," I suggested. The conversation reminded me of why storytelling is the future of web copy and why storytelling online is different than writing novels.

Online NOW is the only time that matters, so even historical reference needs to be shared in present tense. Wandering down a historical path is a sure prescription for readers wandering off. Find more online storytelling tips in the G+ post.

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Tripping Over The New SEO's 3 Legged Stool via @CrowdFunde

Tripping Over The New SEO's 3 Legged Stool via @CrowdFunde | Must Market | Scoop.it
From www.crowdfunde.com - April 23, 2014 4:24 PM

“There it is,” I said to myself but aloud. As everyone at Triangle Startup Factory turned to look at me I waved them off. How was I going to explain that the 3 word mnemonic we’d been looking for was there sitting there in front of me. Truth be told I tripped over it:

* Story.

* Authority.

* User Generated Content (UGC).

This startup journey is a strange one. Equal parts hard work and CHANCE we throw dice and see how they roll. What about you? You in?

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Why TIME Is Money Online: How Story Works As Setting Not Narrative

Why TIME Is Money Online: How Story Works As Setting Not Narrative | Must Market | Scoop.it
From plus.google.com - November 11, 2014 9:01 PM

Story Online
Find I'm using this post about how storytelling works different online. Creating content online is like composing music. We need an introduction, a chorus, bridge and conclusion.

When we share too much our customers can't build on our stories. When we share too little trust can't develop. This delicate balancing beam is where time becomes money and stories become community.  

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Toy Story's Creator Shares Magical Storytelling Tips [TED Talk Video]

Toy Story's Creator Shares Magical Storytelling Tips [TED Talk Video] | Must Market | Scoop.it
From www.ted.com - March 12, 2014 11:24 PM
Filmmaker Andrew Stanton ("Toy Story," "WALL-E") shares what he knows about storytelling -- starting at the end and working back to the beginning. Contains graphic language ... (Note: this talk is not available for download.)
Martin (Marty) Smith's insight:

We are entering a time when STORY is paramount. Anyone and everyone can share content. Few can tell great stories. Fewer websites will tell great stories. 

Andrew Stanton shares great tips every Internet marketer and web designer should take to heart as we enter "the time of online stories". Loved this explanation of why stories are so important for humans:

"We all love stories. We're born for them. Stories affirm who we are. We all want affirmations that our lives have meaning. And nothing does a greater affirmation than when we connect through stories. It can cross the barriers of time, past, present and future, and allow us to experience the similarities between ourselves and through others, real and imagined."

and ...

"In 1998, I had finished writing "Toy Story" and "A Bug's Life" and I was completely hooked on screenwriting. So I wanted to become much better at it and learn anything I could. So I researched everything I possibly could. And I finally came across this fantastic quote by a British playwright, William Archer: "Drama is anticipation mingled with uncertainty." It's an incredibly insightful definition. "|

I love the idea of Story as affirmation. Reviews are affirming stories. Comments and other forms of User Generated Content (social shares) also feel like "affirming signals".

Affirmation goes in two directions as my friends at Bazaar Voice taught me years ago. I asked, "Why would someone write the 251st review of a product?" "To join the tribe," was their simple and beautiful explanation.

One VERY important role for User Generated Content (UGC) is to confirm the contributor as a member of the tribe. The other is to confirm the content being reviewed or commented on. More than affirmation UGC can help reset a company's branding and positioning.

As marketers we have our own language and the "curse of knowledge". We know too much about the stories we tell. UGC helps confirm our story is consistent with the experience our products create.  

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