What I’ve Learnt From #Mumbai

I guess people have been thinking it, but it’s a great opportunity for a select few to get exposure using social media.

I followed with great interest on Twitter, people who may or may not be on the ground updating on the situation in #Mumbai. One particular user from India was updating every other minute, giving live commentary which were summaries of what he had seen live on television. I know this because he was considerate enough to cite his sources. In between commentary, he was exchanging his opinions with other Twitter users as well. Clearly some people got up and paid attention to him. I know I did.

So if you’re lucky enough to latch on to an emerging story, and have access to somewhat privileged information like that fellow’s live Indian TV broadcasts, it’s a good opportunity for just about anyone to play the part of citizen journalist. Even if you’re not really there that’s alright. There’s 15 minutes of fame (maybe more) in relaying information to the rest of the world.

And how about the now world famous Vinu? His images captured during early hours of the attack have propelled him into the limelight. Nobody noticed that the earlier images on Flickr didn’t bear his watermark. He was in the right place at the right time (maybe not so right), and he was able to ride the wave of search queries. Perhaps we’ll see ads on his blog soon.

The fact is that everyone likes a catastrophe as long as it’s not happening to them. Katrina, Sichuan, etc etc. These things capture hits, and if you’re quick, clever or amoral enough, there is much profit to be made from harnessing the internet in the wake of such events.

Who knows? I might get a few hits off this post as well.