CAMPFIRE CHAT WITH
MOC PRESIDENT ZACH SMITH
|
|
|
Greetings Missouri Outdoor Communicators,
As this will be the last time I address you all in the newsletter as MOC President, I want to tell all of you “thank you” for the past five years I've been a member. It’s been a wonderful ride, and for the better part of two and half years, it’s been an absolute pleasure to serve the membership as President.
When MOC media members Barb Ostmann, Brent Frazee and Jo Schaper encouraged me to join during a freezing and thrilling media trip to Echo Bluff many winters ago, I remember thinking it was a very kind invitation, but these people can’t be serious. What, after all, could I contribute to a group composed of the pillars of Missouri’s outdoor writers? Maybe it was the full moon, the sense of companionship that night or one too many fried suckers, but at some point in the evening my mind changed: I might not be able to contribute much, but I could certainly learn a lot.
Every MOC event or chance meeting with you at a conservation or outdoor event has been one of the true delights of my life. Even if I haven’t seen you in person in a few years, knowing we’re part of this organization forges an instant bond. I’ve been lucky to make so many professional and personal friendships, and I’m sure all of you feel the same way.
Our incoming president, Gretchen Steele, and I had a chance to talk about the future of MOC this past fall at Bennett Spring. We both agree we are poised for more great things ahead, and I look forward to seeing what we’re able to accomplish during the remainder of 2022 and beyond. Our online auction was another rousing success (in only its second go-around), our membership, both active and supporting, is growing and the “Missouri Mafia,” as many of you have come to be known in other outdoor circles, continues to turn out award-winning, high-quality material around the state and nation (we might have a little bit of an edge, living in the lap of outdoor splendor and spoils as we do).
I’ve always felt an organization such as ours is only as useful as the membership wants it to be. I can look at any other number of professional development groups and see most of the problems they experience stem from a lack of engagement, usually at multiple levels. I’m very happy that’s not in our DNA, and a big part of that bond I mentioned is thanks to the hard work The Beenders Walker Group, and in particular our executive director, Kyle Stewart, do to keep us connected. They keep all things MOC moving onward and upward. Those of you that have been part of the group prior to TBWG's involvement know what a difference Kyle, Jo Duncan, Marjorie Beenders and Steve Walker have made for us. I’m so green, all I can say is I can’t imagine MOC the way it is now without them.
We have a great thing going, folks, and I have no doubt the sky is the limit. So, here’s to another great conference. I’m looking forward to seeing you at Mozingo Lake in Maryville — and until then, hopefully outdoors.
- Zach Smith, President 2019-2022
|
|
|
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE |
|
|
Anyone that has spent some time outdoors in Missouri has their favorite places and favorite experiences. The ones that come back to you time and time again when reflecting on a successful season or when planning your next adventure.
I find it difficult to choose just one place or one experience to honor with the title of "favorite," as there are always several that stand out. For me, they all happen to be experiences I've shared with others.
One such experience is more of an evolving series of events that I often think of with great fondness.
My best friend, Neima, and I had started a bit of a tradition about 10 years ago shortly after his father passed away. Neima's dad, Hadi, moved to the United States from Iran when he was a young man and fell in love with fishing in Missouri. Hadi and his friends would fish private farm ponds, the Lake of the Ozarks and many other bodies of water around the state every chance they got, often bringing home stringers full of crappie, catfish and bluegill, depending on their quarry that day. Hadi made sure to share his love of fishing with his son and they spent many summers fishing together.
However, after Hadi passed, Neima hadn't been fishing in quite some time, so we decided we would start fishing together. The first time was on Father's Day, in honor of Hadi. I woke up before the sun, loaded my rods and tackle box in the back of my truck, filled my thermos and picked Neima up from his mom's house as the sun began painting the sky a vibrant pink and orange ombre. We fished a local municipal lake and didn't catch much to brag about but we walked the shoreline that morning casting after fish and memories. We shared laughs and stories of fishing with our fathers with a soundtrack of birdsong and waves lapping the shore in the background. We fished together several more times that summer and we made sure to continue this Father's Day tradition for several years before life took us in different directions, becoming fathers ourselves with new responsibilities and challenges.
Fast forward to this winter. After countless conversations about how we need to go fishing together again, we decided this lapse had to end. We found an unseasonably warm weekend in the forecast, packed our bags and headed for Lebanon and Bennett Spring State Park.
Neima had never fished Bennett Spring, but it wasn't long until he hooked into his first-ever trout using his dad's favorite baitcaster. By the time we were packing up to go home, we had caught and released quite a few good trout and I'm sure Hadi would've been immensely proud of his son.
During the ride home we talked about quite a few things, but one item that stuck out to me was that Neima has always wanted to learn to fly fish. Shortly after we returned to my house and parted ways, I went into my basement to compile a little starter kit. I set out an old fly rod from Bill Cooper, a selection of my favorite hand-tied flies from Ron Kruger, a small fly box from Lilley's Landing and a copy of Mark Van Patten's book "Fly Fishing: From A to Z," everything that was passed down to me by members of MOC when I began my fly fishing journey. It's still sitting on my workbench, but the next time I see Neima, I'll have a treasure trove of experiences and adventures to give him so that he can begin authoring his own. And, hopefully it won't be long until the two of us have some more stories that we can pass on to our own kids.
Life tends to come full-circle when you share the gift of the outdoors. I know I wouldn’t be the person I am today if others hadn’t shared their love of the outdoors with me. Let's keep passing it on.
- Kyle Stewart, The Beenders Walker Group
Missouri Outdoor Communicators Executive Director
|
|
|
DON'T FORGET TO RENEW YOUR MOC MEMBERSHIPS |
|
For those that have not already done so, please be sure to renew your Missouri Outdoor Communicators membership for 2022.
Please return your completed renewal form by March 1, 2022.
If you have trouble downloading or opening the file or completing the online transaction, please call me at 573-619-3296 or email me at [email protected] and I will gladly assist you.
Your membership and participation are vital for our organization to continue to fulfill its mission. Obviously, our financial resources are necessary in order to operate professionally and effectively.
I look forward to receiving your membership renewal. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 573-619-3296.
-Kyle Stewart, Missouri Outdoor Communicators executive director
|
|
UPDATES ON THE 2022 MOC CONFERENCE AT MOZINGO LAKE RECREATION PARK, MARYVILLE, MO |
|
The 2022 Missouri Outdoor Communicators conference will be held at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park near Maryville, Mo. from April 8 through April 10, 2022.
Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to join us for MOC's first-ever spring conference - April 8-10, 2021!
There is an exciting lineup of activities, speakers and programs, so you won't want to miss MOC's first-ever spring conference!
|
|
WHERE:
The conference headquarters will be at the impressive
Cobblestone features a selection of well-appointed guest rooms, a fitness center, business center and state-of-the-art conference facilities.
The conference rate for hotel rooms at Cobblestone is $95 per night (tax not included). To reserve a hotel room at Cobblestones, please call 660-224-2222 and request a room from the Missouri Outdoor Communicators (MOC) block.
|
|
In addition to the available hotel rooms, seven charming lakeside cabins have been reserved for MOC members as well. The fully-furnished cabins at Mozingo Lake range in size from one-bedroom, one-bathroom (Cabins 1, 2, 3 and 6) to two-bedroom, two-bathroom (Cabins 4, 5 and 7). Each has additional sleeping quarters as well. The conference rates for the cabins are $95 per night for a one-bedroom cabin and $190 for a two-bedroom cabin (tax not included). To reserve a cabin, please call Brandon at 660-562-2323, Ext. 3 and be sure to mention you are reserving for the MOC conference.
|
|
WHAT:
2022 conference attendees can look forward to an excellent selection of outdoor activities, learning opportunities, speakers and trips afield.
There are outstanding opportunities and outdoor adventures in this unique northwest Missouri destination.
Here is a highlight of some of the available conference activities:
|
|
-
Guided fishing trips on Mozingo Lake with local fishing guides
-
Guided 2.5-hour trailer tour of the Nature Conservancy's Dunn Ranch Prairie near Hatfield, Missouri
-
Guided tours of Loess Bluffs Wildlife Refuge near Mound City, Missouri
-
Guided tours of the Missouri State Arboretum on the campus of Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville
- Paddling around Mozingo Lake in kayaks or canoes
- Taking aim at the archery or shooting ranges at Mozingo Lake
-
Hiking/ walking the numerous trails around the Mozingo Lake area
- Competing in an MOC outdoor skills contest
-
Playing a round of golf on one of the award-winning courses at Mozingo Lake
- Guided tour of TightlinesUV Tackle headquarters
- Guided tour of the facilities and amenities at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park
- Exploring the Mozingo Lake area on your own
-
Exploring the City of Maryville on your own
- Participating in the second annual Thayne Smith Memorial Service Day
|
|
ABOUT MOZINGO LAKE
RECREATION PARK:
Mozingo Lake Recreation Park is a 3,000-acre park with a 1,000-acre lake that offers outdoor recreation year-round. Some of the highlights of the area include: guided fishing on one of the Top 100 Bass Lakes in the Country according to Bassmaster Magazine, hunting, bird watching, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, exploring both primitive and paved hiking trails, two celebrated golf courses (an 18-hole course and a nine-hole hybrid course), as well as the Mozingo Outdoor Education & Recreation Area (MOERA), which features a ropes course, a challenge course, trapshooting range and archery range. For more information about the park, visit www.MozingoLake.com.
|
|
ABOUT MARYVILLE, MISSOURI:
Located in Northwest Missouri, Maryville welcomes you! Home to Northwest Missouri University, Maryville is a charming city of 12,000 residents and features unique shopping opportunities, delicious dining options, historical museums and much more. Numerous fun events and festivals take place in Maryville year around. Come discover Maryville, where roots run deep.
COMING VERY SOON....
Be on the lookout for conference registration forms, the detailed schedule of events, list of auction items and more.
It's time to get excited!
|
|
2021 MOC HOLIDAY AUCTION A SUCCESS! |
|
MOC's second annual online holiday auction wrapped up in early December and was a tremendous success!
The 2021 online auction raised just over $4,000, which is twice as much as MOC raised during its inaugural online auction last year.
Proceeds from the holiday online auction go towards MOC's general operating fund and the 2022 Thayne Smith Memorial Service Day project. For next year, if our auction continues to be a wonderful success, we will also look to donating a portion of the proceeds to a worthy Missouri-based organization that focuses on getting kids involved in the outdoors.
The 2021 MOC online auction featured 20 items primarily consisting of outdoor getaway packages, guided fishing trips and a selection of high-quality outdoor gear, all donated through the generosity of MOC's Supporting and Media members.
A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to all who donated their time, services, expertise and products to this auction:
- Abu Garcia Fishing
-
Deb and Ed Franko, Bass & Baskets Bed & Breakfast and Big Ed's Guide Service
-
Bill Cooper, MOC media member
-
Bill Smith, Scenic Rivers Guide Service
-
Joe Bragg, Thump30 Guide Service & Z-Man Fishing Products
-
Jim Rogers, Bennett Spring State Park and Roaring River State Park
-
Brad Wiegmann, MOC media member
-
Lynn Berry, Branson Convention & Visitors Bureau
-
Steve Thompson, Bridal Cave & Thunder Mountain Park
-
Brent Frazee, MOC media member
-
Damon Spurgeon, Cardiac Mountain Outfitters
-
Teresa Friend, Current Situation at Southern Comfort Cabins and RV Park
-
Dennis Whiteside, MOC media member
-
Brandon Butler and Nathan McLeod, Driftwood Outdoors
-
Phil and Lisa Lilley, Lilley's Landing Resort and Marina
-
Ann Walters, Margaritaville Lake Resort
-
Paul Leahy, The Oaks at Margaritaville Lake Resort
-
Ryan Walker, Ozarks Stream Guides
-
Kathy Pirtle, Shack's Cabin at Stockton Lake
-
Kris and Amanda Nelson, Tandem Fly Outfitters
And, of course, a THANK YOU is in order for Brent Frazee, MOC Supporting Member Liaison, for coming up with the idea of establishing an online auction and helping to secure some great donations to ensure it would be a success.
|
|
IN MEMORY OF THOSE WE LOST IN 2021 |
|
By Kyle Stewart
By most accounts, I would say that 2021 was a good year for the Missouri Outdoor Communicators. After two years of not being able to hold our annual conference due to COVID-19, we were finally able to get together again at Bennett Spring State Park and Lebanon to learn about and experience some incredible outdoor activities and rekindle friendships that had been put on hold, at least physically, over the course of the last couple years. Missouri Outdoor Communicators also hosted another successful Fish, Float N Fun Media Event in Pulaski County during the spring of the year. We held two successful fundraiser auctions and recruited several valuable new members to the organization.
However, with those high points also came some very unfortunate and heavy low points. Missouri Outdoor Communicators lost three incredible members last year, two of which left us this winter. Thayne Smith, Karen Hood-Simpson and Wil Ostmann are and will continue to be greatly missed and all three left a lasting impression not only on our organization but on conservation and outdoor recreation in the state of Missouri.
|
|
KAREN HOOD-SIMPSON
Karen Hood-Simpson passed away on December 12, 2021 due to an auto accident. Most of our members will remember Karen for tirelessly promoting Pulaski County and being a wonderful host when MOC held its 2016 annual conference in St. Robert. Karen was an amazing host again in June 2021 for a MOC Fish, Float N Fun media event. She was always a joy to work with and a joy to be around.
In addition to Karen's role of promoting Pulaski County for 13 years as the Marketing Relations Manager for the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau, she was a Master Naturalist, an integral and instrumental founding member of the Roubidoux Grotto club and an invaluable proponent of Missouri's outdoors. In early November, Karen moved back to her hometown and started a new career as Director of the St. James Missouri Chamber of Commerce and I know she would have had an incredible impact on the city of St. James.
|
|
WIL OSTMANN
Wilfred Ostmann, passed away Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.
Although Wil was not technically a member of Missouri Outdoor Communicators, his wife, Barb, is a member and past president. Wil frequently accompanied Barb to MOC's conferences and other events. Wil often contributed his wit and humor to MOC events, not to mention his famous pecan-cranberry-oatmeal cookies which became legendary among the MOC membership.
Anyone that talked with Wil knew he enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening, as well as foraging for wild foods in season, especially morels. Wil was a dedicated proponent of native plants, habitat restoration and pollinator patches.
Wil was a member of United Bowhunters of Missouri, International Field Archery Association (IFAA), Missouri Conservation Federation, Quail Forever, National Wild Turkey Federation, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Medical Association and other organizations.
He was a tournament archer, and won a gold medal in the Barebow Recurve category of the 2009 IFAA World Bowhunter Championships in Yankton, S.D., a gold in the 2007 National Senior Olympics in Louisville, Ky., and multiple state and regional competitions.
|
|
THAYNE SMITH
Thayne Smith passed away at the age of 92 on Sunday, July 11 at his home in Claremore, OK.
Thayne was a legend among the outdoor industry, a consummate gentleman and great friend and mentor to many. Thayne's storied career speaks for itself. He was an award-winning author, editor, writer, photographer and public relations professional, who had a distinguished journalism career spanning more than 70 years.
In addition to being a lifetime member of MOC, Thayne was active in the Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA), Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), Outdoor Communicators of Kansas (OCK), the former Great Rivers Outdoor Writers (GROW), Texas Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA), Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) and Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Thayne also was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame as a Legendary Communicator.
|
|
DON'T MISS THE 2022 CONSERVATION FEDERATION OF MISSOURI ANNUAL CONFERENCE |
|
MISSOURI FERAL HOG ELIMINATION PARTNERSHIP REMOVES MORE THAN 9,800 FERAL HOGS |
|
By Missouri Department of Conservation
The Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership (the Partnership) removed 9,857 feral hogs from the landscape in 2021, making the total number of feral hogs eliminated more than 54,000 since 2016. The Partnership is made up of 13 federal and state agencies along with numerous agriculture and conservations organizations.
“I’m really proud of the progress that the Partnership trappers have made,” said the Partnership Incident Commander Jason Jensen. “In 2021, we covered over double the number of acres and worked with double the number of landowners. Despite the increased effort and efficiency, the number of hogs removed was down by nearly 3,000 hogs. We anticipated we’d get to this point but not necessarily this quick. This is a positive indicator of the progress being made and a declining hog
population. “
Partnership employees were able to assist 1,308 landowners and scout more than 3 million acres for feral hog damage last year. The top counties where feral hogs were removed include Iron County with 1,940 hogs, Wayne County with 1,329 hogs, and Reynolds with 1,268 hogs.
“I want to say a big thank you to all of the private landowners in Missouri that allowed Partnership staff to access their properties to remove feral hogs,” said Partnership Incident Commander Travis Guerrant. “Without private landowners continued support and cooperation our progress toward elimination would be much more difficult.”
Feral hogs range spans across at least 35 states, including Missouri. Feral hogs are primarily found in the southern portion of the state and across at least 17 counties. Efforts made by the Partnership have resulted in a 48.5% decrease in the number of watersheds occupied by feral hogs in Missouri since 2016.
“Field reports from Partnership employees indicate feral hogs are becoming harder to find and that sounder sizes are decreasing, suggesting that elimination efforts are having a positive effect in reducing hog populations in the state,” Jensen said.
LOOKING AHEAD
The Partnership plans to continue to work with landowners who need help with feral hog problems. They also aim to expand the use of aerial resources such as helicopters and drones to find feral hogs.
If you need help with a feral hog issue or would like to report feral hog damage, please do so by reporting it online at www.mdc.mo.gov/feralhog or call 573-522-4115 ext. 3296.
|
|
~ A NEW ADDITION ~
"CHARLIE'S CHUCKLES"
|
|
By Charlie Slovensky, MOC founding member and father of MOC TALK.
This new column is dedicated to all those outdoor communicators who couldn’t make it as clowns in a circus or standup comedians in Vegas. It will be a combination of humorous quips and anecdotes to give us food for thought as we self-analyze our writing styles. It is offered free of charge and free of malice, and with the keen knowledge that none of us can afford the option of a therapist, not that visiting one would be helpful.
"ADMISSIONS OF AN ALLITERATION ADDICT"
Looks like lately alliteration has littered the literary lexicon, leading to a landscape of loquacity. It has literally become a Lavender Litany Movement. (With any luck, it will leave the Subverted Green Movement in its woke wake.)
Alliteration is a mine field of tongue-tying trappings, a total travesty that often results in ridiculous redundancies.
On a personal plane, I was handed my first alliteration hit by my high school English teacher. I’ve been hooked henceforth.
As a writer, I wring my hands when this wretched, worrisome addiction rears its witch-like, wig-covered head.
My diagnosis has been deemed dire by dozens of different drug doctors and other domestic dictators. I’ve tried treatments time and time again, to tremendous, traumatic travail.
I seemingly can’t get through a complete sentence without succumbing to the slippery slope of selecting words starting with the same letter.
I am losing hope. I think I will have to go Frigid Gallinaceous Fowl to silence the spell. Fooey, I faltered again on the final test.
|
|
EXPANDING YOUR PRESENCE AND REACH ON SOCIAL MEDIA
By Colton Zirkle, Education and Communications Coordinator for Conservation Federation of Missouri
Why do you need to be on social media? You’re already in magazines, newsletters, newspapers, and radio shows… Here’s a basic introduction to the world of social media. If you’re already engaged on social media, I would bet there is new information here that might still be of use to you.
Oh, the intimidation of social media! There is so much out there and so many options. Where to start? Which platform should I dive into? By technical definition, I guess I am a social media “professional” because I get paid to do it, so I will try to share with you what I have learned. This will be a quick “basics” lesson where I’ll walk you through the beginning stages of jumping into social media. I will also be sharing some possibly new terms with you, so be ready!
Identifying your target audience is a good place to start. Who would you like to reach with your media publications (this is usually considered “content” when sharing on social media)? Where is your target audience most likely to consume your media? Would you like to expand to new audiences? All of these are important questions to ask when getting started.
Another important thought before you start downloading apps and creating profiles is to consider your “handle.” This is a short, unique title for your media channels. It’s wise to choose the same handle for all of your social media channels so your audience can search and find you quickly. For instance, at the Conservation Federation of Missouri, our handle is “@confedmo” on all of our channels. All you have to do when you jump on a platform like Instagram, is type “@confedmo,” and our profile will be the one that comes up. We also have several unique “hashtags” that we use, but more on that later… I also suggest separating your media channels from your personal profiles for safety and privacy. You may have noticed, but it’s a crazy world out there and people don’t tend to follow the same rules and courtesies online that they would in face-to-face interaction.
Now that we’ve considered our target audience and chosen a handle, it’s time to choose a platform or two to share your content. Are you already on a social media platform? It’s wise to begin with something where you’re already familiar. Your target audience and your comfort level with specific platforms will determine where you will begin.
-
Facebook: This is where most of us will be most familiar. Facebook is one of the longest-standing, most used, and best recognized platforms for social media. Here you can share videos, photos, links to external webpages, and short stories; you can receive feedback from your followers and engage them with back-and-forth communication. You can host a page and an accompanying group. A page is where you send out your messaging, whereas a group acts more like a web forum where your followers can share their content with each other.
-
Instagram: Easy to integrate with Facebook because they are owned by the same company which recently renamed itself to “Meta.” Using Facebook’s (or Meta’s) Business Suite or Creator Studio, you can easily create and schedule posts that will automatically cross-post to both platforms. Instagram tends to lean more towards beautiful pictures and less toward informative content. This is a good platform to “lure” folks in, then direct them to your website or other media channels. There is a newer feature on Instagram called “Reels.” Reels are a short video with engaging and trending content. These are analogous to videos on Tiktok or a now extinct platform called Vine. Reels are a fantastic way to reach out to thousands of new users and rope them into your content.
-
YouTube: this is a platform for longer video content. YouTube has recently started to allow photo-postings and status updates, but is still best utilized in the long-form video, basically anything greater than 3 minutes. Videos from this platform can be shared on others, but typically, places like Facebook will downregulate or not promote videos that are not posted on their own pages. However, if you have a website, YouTube videos are easy to upload and then embed on your own website so your users do not have to leave your site.
-
Twitter: this is a personal opinion but Twitter seems to be waning as a platform. It is utilized for short status updates of 280 characters or less, meaning, whatever message you want to share with folks has to fit within that limit. Twitter is used a lot by politicians and celebrities to share information with their audiences. Many people are very successful on Twitter, but I do not have much personal experience on this platform and don’t know many people who use it.
-
Tiktok: This is the up-and-coming platform and in reality, it’s here and it’s big. There have been some safety concerns over who sees and tracks the information on this platform. I am uncertain if that has been resolved, so always be sure to do your own research to know what data you are comfortable in sharing. If you want to engage a younger audience, this is the place to do it. Like I mentioned before, Tiktok is for short-form videos, 3 minutes or less. This is attractive because it’s little investment with a great possibility of high return. The success depends on how you design your content.
There are many more platforms and we could go on and on, but those are the main ones to consider right now. There is an emerging market of alternative platforms coming onto the market right now under the branding of “free speech.” It’s too early to tell the longevity and success of these emerging platforms, but as a reminder, it could be a good idea to reserve your handle on those platforms if nothing else.
Another thing we should touch on is the use of hashtags. Hashtags are used in this format, “#confedmo #conservemo #conservation,” and can be used within a post, at the bottom of a post, or in a comment on the post. These are used to draw audiences to your content outside of your regular followers. For instance, if I follow “#conservation” on Instagram, I’ll see posts from people who use that same hashtag. You can also search posts by hashtag on many platforms. You will want to choose both unique and generic hashtags that match your branding. As an example, if I or my followers post something using #confedmo, those posts will show up anytime anyone clicks on that hashtag, searches, or follows it. It’s a great way to unify your content and engage your followers. It’s also a good way for you to see and share your followers’ content if they do not tag you in a post but do use your hashtag. Generic hashtags like #conservation, will have a much larger base of people to see a post with that tag. When on Instagram, it actually shows you how many people times the hashtag you’re using has been used in other posts. A word of warning: ALWAYS SEARCH YOUR HASHTAGS. There are many things you could use as a hashtag that seem innocent, but on the internet, have alternate meanings. Before you use a new one, search it and see other posts that would be associated. You can also search words or phrases on UrbanDictionary.com to see their meanings. For example, the hashtag #trapping could be used for trapping animals but also for selling drugs…
The final aspect to touch on is moderation. When hosting pages on social media, it is important to monitor your content for questions, comments, and shares. Not only can you filter out negative interactions, but engaging with positive interactions makes your followers feel valued and improves your base. Like a store sells product, your product is your content, the better your “customers” feel, the more likely they are to share it with others.
I hope I’ve shared some insider tips from my training and some valuable information to get you started or to expand your network. If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out.
Stay social,
Colton Zirkle
|
|
For future issues for MOC TALK, please send story submissions, photographs, inquiries and upcoming events to Kyle Stewart of The Beenders Walker Group at [email protected].
|
|
MISSOURI OUTDOOR COMMUNICATORS
125 E. HIGH STREET, SUITE 200
JEFFERSON CITY, MO 65101
OFFICE: 573-636-8282
CELL: 573-619-3296
WWW.MISSOURIOUTDOORCOMMUNICATORS.ORG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
