Be a Pinterest PUNK

“Pinterest is what you make of it.” When I first started up on Pinterest this summer, they made this statement in their intro copy or on their blog. Like you, I was immediately suckered into the immense amount of creative energy flowing over there.  I’ve taken their comment to heart.

However, I noticed something… Pinterest is too quiet. I noticed ideas that had been silently re-pinned 200 times without a single comment. I noticed when I clicked on the “Discussion” tab at the top many of the pins showcased had one comment. A single comment! That is a statement, not a discussion.

When I started a group board for the project ArtMail a co-worker gently scolded me for sharing short clips from the author’s bio under the art work. I was informed that Pinterest is supposed to be about the image; people don’t want a lot of babble.

Click here to find 10 more traditional tips
for playing over on Pinterest.

I am asking you to join me in being a Pinterest Punk. This fall I started some conversational boards on Pinterest and I think the numbers speak for themselves. Hear the roar of 60K and join the chatting crowd.

• Ask questions. Start by asking people a question when you pin something. Examples might include: Do you think this recipe would work in a slow cooker?, Have you ever tried this?, Do you think this picture was Photoshopped?
• Go beyond “like.” When you see a really, really, really cool pin go beyond just hitting “like.”  Try saying thanks to the person for sharing, ask them a question, or point out why you think the pin is so wonderful.
• Chat, chat, chat. If someone pins a recipe you’ve tried, tell them what you thought of it or how you’d change it for next time. If someone pins a tutorial that reminds you of something you did as a child, reminisce with them!
• Don’t be afraid to disagree. There is no need to tippy toe around sensitive topics. We’ve had some in depth chats/debates about school bullying, drugs, healthy food habits, the dangers of the Princess Culture, parenting, we’ve even openly & respectfully talked about our society being overmedicated over on The Parent Watercooler.

Together let’s take Pinterest to the next level. Statistics show a huge percentage of Pinterest members are woman. When is the last time you attended a party with all women where no one is speaking? Help me break the cycle of silence; chat up some of your followers today!

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Image: Punks in Trafalgar Square, London, England 1989 {Source Paul Walker}