June 2014

The Hashtag #YGK in Kingston
June 12, 2014 In Blog 2 Comments

You may see it popping up on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

You may also see it appearing on websites, and traditional marketing forms like business cards, banners, and posters.

#YGK

This blog post seeks to shed light on the #YGK craze in Kingston.

#ygk 

  • Defined: Unofficial hashtag used to identify Kingston, Ontario, Canada
  • What Does #YGK Mean: YGK is Kingston’s airport code (Note: I had one person tell me they thought it meant “Your Greater Kingston. While this could also be true, the origins are different)
  • Why: Given that there is substantial noise (i.e. other Kingston’s in the world) #YGK is unique to our area, as well as short and memorable.
  • Creator: Limestone New Media Group (2011). Read the article here.


 

#ygkroads

  • Creator: City of Kingston
  • Defined: Update residents on road reconstruction/construction within the City of Kingston.

 


#ygkc 

  • Defined: Update residents on City of Kingston council meetings. This hashtag is used primarily by the City of Kingston’s official account, local media (i.e. TVCogeco Kingston, Whig Standard, CKWS), city councillors, and residents as a means to comment and engage on council topics.

#ygkcia

  • Defined: Used in conjunction with TVCogeco’s local program “Council In Action,” which addresses municipal politics in the City of Kingston.
  • Creator: TVCogeco Kingston

#YumGK

  • Defined: Used by foodies who are sampling and enjoying the local Kingston restaurants.
  • What does #YumGK mean: It is a combination of the unofficial hashtag #YGK and the word “YUM” = #YumGK

#ygkstudents

  • Defined: Used by the City of Kingston and the Kingston Economic Development Corporation as a means to communicate with students of St. Lawrence College, Queen’s University, and the Royal Military College.

#ygkfire

  • Defined: On December 17th 2013, there was a significant fire at a construction site in mid-town Kingston. The fire, which destroyed an apartment building under construction, caused many evacuations from the area, in addition to a dramatic rescue of the crane operator. The volume of usage caused this hashtag to “trend” for a period of time on December 17th.

#ygkice

  • Defined: First used in 2012, #YGKice has been known to be used during weather events like ice storms. It gained traction December 2013, when a significant ice storm layered eastern Ontario.

#ygkstorm

  • Defined: First used July 2013, the hashtag #YGKstorm has popped up for severe summer and winter weather events. Many users will include #YGKstorm, as well as #ygk in tweets.

#ygklove

  • Defined: First used in 2011, this hashtag has gained momentum with the recent Downtown Action Revitalization Network (DARN). In 2014, DARN created and distributed posters to downtown businesses with catchy and colourful statements about reasons they love downtown. Included on the posters was the hashtag #ygklove.


#ygkarts

  • Defined: Gaining momentum is the hashtag #ygkarts. You guessed it. Artists and supporters of the arts who are in Kingston. This hashtag was first used in 2011 regarding Kingston Writer’s Fest. This hashtag moves like an ebb and flow – high usage one day, and then nothing for a long period. Most recently (June 11) it has been used by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.

 Am I missing any #YGK variations? Let me know!

Kingston YGK

Jennifer Baker Consulting

Read More

Following the Conversation on Social Media
June 4, 2014 In Blog No Comment

It’s been a long day at the office and you’re looking forward to catching up on your favourite television series and/or sporting event.  As you turn on the television and settle in, do you find yourself reaching for your mobile device to “follow the conversation” about said program?

Whether you’re catching Game 1 of the NHL Playoffs: #BecauseItsTheCup

Taking in your weekly dose of drama: #TheBachelorette

Binge watching your favourite Netflix program: #GameOfThrones

Or

Just watching the commercials: #TweetFromTheSeat (aka Charmin)

Television programs, sporting events, and brands are asking people to “join the conversation” via social media. I reached out via social media this week to see if social media users are participating in this form of conversation, how they participate, and what they love about this new level of communication and media.

REAL-TIME: Geoff mentioned that he loves the real-time nature of engaging in conversations via social media with users who share similar interests. In addition, he highlighted that many users are creative and create parody accounts. (Folks: Think @SochiProblems)

 

STATISTICS & FACTS: Bill and Cory both love checking in with Twitter during live sporting events. They note that statistics and interesting facts are constantly being posted; many times these tweets spur conversation with friends, random Twitter users, and reporters.

 

INSIDER INFORMATION: Analytical Derek enjoys real-time Twitter conversations for two main reasons. Firstly, to engage with friends who may be watching a similar program. Secondly, to uncover additional insights or information from professional commentators. The real-time updates allow Derek to gain a better understanding of the event and participating athletes.

Derek's Opinion on Social Media

 

 

 

QUIET CONSUMER: Andrea chooses to quietly follow conversations regarding sporting events online. While she has never formally participated, she is still consuming information through active searching and reading of other contributors.

 

Why do you participate?

Following the Conversation

Jennifer Baker Consulting

Read More