POSTSCRIPT

“Now Is Gone” is a finished project. It is done, and we set out to do what we wanted to do.

We’re locking closing the door, but this site will remain available (see comments). It’s important to know exactly what this site was about, and how it stands as a testament to the strengths and weaknesses of Social Media. Now Is Gone started as a way for Geoff Livingston to share the epiphanies he had with regards to the changing communications landscape. He went through some fairly distinct phases. I call them:

1. Blissful Ignorance
2. Holy Cow, What Just Happened?
3. Where’s The Map?
4. Who Else Can Benefit?
5. Where Are the Pitfalls?
6. How Do I Use This Stuff?
7. Moving On

Essentially, it’s the same sense of discovery we all experience when faced with something new. Having worked in the marketing and communications arts for years, Geoff knew the questions and fears that those just hearing about blogs and vlogs and YouTube and wikis might have. “Now Is Gone” was the product of his desire to pick up executives and communicators arriving at step 3, and shepherd them on through step 7.

So, why end it at all? Because, quite frankly, there are only so many introductory lessons. Sure, if you want advanced applications with regards to certain communities or specific technologies, then you can plumb the depths of complexity to your curiosity’s content. “Now Is Gone” provided the grounding one needs to take those first steps into the Brave New World, and then decide where to go from there.

Frankly, it was an important project even if it is a product of its time. Too many of the pioneers in the space we call Social Media or Social Marketing have moved beyond this first outpost. They chase the bleeding edge, and are mining the riches in very small niches. They are too far down the rabbit hole to be of any real assistance to the businessman whose company finally gives the green light, and says “Bob, I need you to figure out this blogging stuff. And I need it by the next department meeting.”

This “Now Is Gone” blog was to be a resource providing new case studies, research, anecdotes, and insights that might extend the life of the source material in the book. In that regard, it was a success. Those who come across this site through various links will still find some good – albeit very basic – advice. If you want more meat and more depth, go elsewhere with our blessing.

So this is the Postscript — and true to the spirit of the evolving conversation, Geoff was wise enough to let someone else have the last word. If that doesn’t capture the essence, I don’t know what does. For all involved from alpha to omega, thanks. Look us up sometime. Thanks to Social Media, we’re not hard to find.