Happy New Year!
Did you tweet, comment, Like, gram, post, or chat something about 2017's entry? Then you're like the many millions who are using social media to communicate with the world. Since the 2004 launch of Facebook, the impact of online networks has continually increased. Businesses eventually figured out the value of this alternative B2C marketing, and educators quickly brainstormed ways to take advantage of it as a classroom tool.
The power of social networks has accordingly grown among medievalists too. It's now common to leave KZOO with new connections on Academia.edu, or with sore thumbs from live-tweeting sessions. Phone interviews happen through Google or Facebook Messenger, and there's been chatter of virtual conferences hosted on Twitter, with a limited number of tweets allowed per presenter. Goodbye 15-20 minutes, hello 500 characters.
If we're disseminating the medieval in the professional networks and in the public sphere, is anyone picking it up? Is the medieval "retweetable?" We'd argue the answer is a resounding yes. The public interest in Medievalists.net, In the Middle, David Perry, #medievaltwitter, and other medieval online initiatives is growing every day. It takes ten minutes to even make a dent in viewing the search results on Twitter for #hastings950, and the story of everything between Richard III's discovery and reburial trended on every social network.
Even more encouraging, this public interest is manifesting in a physical way. Historic Environment Scotland reported increased visitor numbers in 2016, in addition to Historic England's reports on the growing interest in Inclusive Heritage. Norway is expanding its national museum with a major new wing dedicated to its Viking heritage. The modern public is fascinated with the medieval past, and we hope the interest keeps on trending. Happy New Year one and all!
Warm regards,
Sandra & Dani
#Welcometo2017