SEC T I ON ON E
Because of this, I don’t view inf luencer as a dirty word,
even though it’s most commonly used within the realm
of social media, a platform many “writers”, like me,
are still trying to come to grips with. But, while we
go about our own old-timey communications work,
there’s a new generation of communicators who are
speaking to gigantic audiences, and these social media
inf luencers are a force to be reckoned with.
Social media is currently the communications
equivalent of the gold rush Wild West, and I can’t say if
and when its lawlessness will ever change. But, the time
is right for AGLOW to step up and take an active role
in helping shape the ways in which it’s used within our
outdoor communications industry.
How do we begin to tackle that? By welcoming these
new social media inf luencers into our folds. They are
talking to our same hunting, f ishing, conservation and
outdoor recreation audiences, and many are casting
huge nets.
As AGLOW President, I’m working with a committee
to create and propose a new media membership
category for social media inf luencers. Put simply,
these folks can help us and we can help them. Inside
AGLOW, each of us have valuable things to learn and
valuable things to teach. My hope is to give the best of
this genre of communicators a home at AGLOW so we
can all continue to do what we have always done:
Experience the outdoors in all of its seasons and
wonders, and communicate what we have learned
to others for their edif ication and enjoyment with
inspiration, passion, accuracy and honesty.
I’m looking forward to an exciting year and appreciate
your conf idence, support and friendship.
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COURTESY OF KRISSIE MASON