Whats Up With Call Chris
There’s a game I play via Twitter every now and then that I’ve named “Call Chris.” The premise of the game is simple: I post my cell phone number and invite people to call me. I give a suggested topic, but that’s just an icebreaker. Ultimately, you could talk to me about whatever’s on your mind. There are some fun experiences with this, and I really enjoy the human connections that the game brings to the forefront.
But it’s really funny how many questions I get about the game, and how people respond. Here’s some behind the scenes, my motives, and some of the more memorable things that happen during these moments, in no particular order.
First, Why I Do It
You’ve heard of Occam’s Razor? It’s the logical problem that basically says that what appears most likely is usually also the correct answer. Why do I play the game “Call Chris?” To talk with people. Why do YOU use your phone? But if you’re asking why I invite any of over 2000 people to dial me at their leisure? The answer is that this is a way to sample humanity and make human voice connection with people that I probably haven’t met, or maybe haven’t spoken with for a while. Simple, really. It’s the “social” in social media and networks. Humans.
Who Calls?
There are some recurring customers. Almost always, Steve Garfield dials in, and most times, I get to talk with him for a few minutes (sorry I missed you tonight, Steve!). I very often get a mix of folks who’ve played the game before, and some folks who are new to it. Tonight, I talked with Shashi for the first time. I talked with the fabulous Amaya T from Uncle Seth (first time since NYC months ago). I spoke with Kim Haynes down in Texas. I spoke with David Solomont, and a few others. Part of the fun of it is the mix. LOTS of people don’t call for fear it’s a weird gimmick, or out of a bit of shyness.
My Biggest Regret
I do this with my cell phone. There’s no “switchboard” function to have people hold or know that I saw their call. So I call back as many people as I can who call while I’m still on another phone call. But for those who leave a message, I often love those, too. I’m just sorry I can’t talk with everyone who tries to call in. I really do try.
Isn’t This a Waste of Time?
Only if you think getting to know people a little bit more is a waste of time. I think it’s great when I can do this. How often do you get to further explore conversations with people you don’t know very well, and add a voice to the textual side of your relationship? Not a waste to me. I only wish I could do it more.
Should You Play Call __yournamehere__?
Sure! What’s to lose but a few cell phone minutes? Biggest caution: sometimes, people won’t call you. Bad timing, wrong moment, not sure what to say. Don’t fret. Don’t sweat it. When the time you’ve given for the “game” is up, say, “Well, thanks for playing” and call it a day. Try some other time. That’s cool. The opposite happens? People call the hell out of you? Turn the phone off after a while. It’s temporary. (I post my cell phone number on my website. It’s NEVER been an issue so far).
So there you have it. Questions? Thoughts?
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Comments
I still love the time we called and left the message before Podcamp Pittsburgh (http://tinyurl.com/3dy6tt) and have often considered a “Call Sorg” since. It could be fun with the Mayhem guys over.
On a side note, I did start a “Drunk on the Porch with Sorg” show on BlogTV one night after everyone left me drunk at my house, to a similar effect. I’m dangerous with alcohol and technology.
Hey Chris,
It was great talking with you..I know it’s over used but you really are a rockstar
Love you lot’s.
XOX
Amaya
Hi Chris! I never call because I’m afraid that if I ever do it’ll be the day you decide to stop playing call Chris. ;)
Great picture! I was thinking about playing this yesterday on my way across Denver. I love the call Chris Brogan game!
Dude, that’s awesome.
Thanks for the explanation — good to know about it not
being a big deal giving out your number.
I’ve been giving out my number on some of my sites and
was wondering about that.
I’ll have to play “call Jake” some time — like when I’m off
on my own travelling somewhere.
Cool idea. I called you and left a message. I would like to try it with two tweaks: Tweak #1: use Skype instead of cell phone. Tweak # 2: use it for language tutoring. Or according to the word I coined today and Google picked up in just minutes, TWITTORING language.
Really intriguing concept, I think I might try this sometime (both giving you a call and receiving calls).
For those who might want to receive calls but not list your cell you can use the service numbr which gives folks an expiring temporary phone number which will direct to your phone. I blogged it a bit ago but their url is numbr.com
What an absoloutely fun way to connect outside of our virtual world. Expect me to be one of your frequent callers. Hmmm . . . I’ll have to think of when I’ll post “Call Kim.” Great idea!
Nice ‘behind the scenes.’ Glimpse.
I’ve felt shy about playing call Pistachio because I irrationally prefer Google not be able to ‘read’ my cell #. I have twittergramed my number tho, and also invited folks who already had the number to call. Both ways that was fun, if anyone’s looking for other ways to play.
I like that you keep poking at “What can be done with Twitter?” I’ve learned - and gained - so much from that. It Is great.
I like Call Chris. I like your photo too…
I’m going to think more about this. I might do a call in show like you talk about where everyone can call in and listen to each other.
I’ve been talking to Steve and Zadi about getting the New Mediacracy Podcast back u p and running and this might be an interesting way of doing it.
It certainly fits in with my Breakfast with Steve live video streams…
Talk soon…
Did you see Rocketboom today?
Thanks for the call back, Chris.
Although, I was dead certain that you would mention me at the end of your post, as a way to bring Occam’s RazR back full-circle!
I shall call- trying to find some thing to say or ask ! Like Is Rubel Hinting that Gmail may be the next Facebook ! Great Idea !
Didn’t get a chance to call, though I was happy to see the tweet go by.
Have you thought about using TalkShoe for the calls? You could go all-multimodal with simultaneous chat, and people could see others join in.
Of course it complicates the simple and direct “just call me” one-to-one conversation vibe, so maybe it would be another kind of project…
Thinking aloud, here.
Cheers from Pittsburgh.
Enjoyed our call and discussion on Google !
Korzybski’s work culminated in the founding of a discipline that he called general semantics (GS). As Korzybski explicitly said, GS should not be confused with semantics, a different subject. The basic principles of general semantics, which include time-binding, are outlined in Science and Sanity, published in 1933. In 1938 Korzybski founded the Institute of General Semantics and directed it until his death. Google understands the Science that Korsibski presented ! It may Make Gmail the next great social bookmarking site!
A comment by Rubel on Twitter msde me think!
Great idea. I might do this one day. Only a couple of things I have to think about and work out, though. Firstly, I don’t exactly have too many readers/followers, but of course, that can always be changed. Secondly, and harder to work around, is the distance and time difference. Being in Singapore, it might be a bit difficult to get people to call me.
Of course I want to be you when I grow up–like that will happen. I have played the Call AnnOhio game quite a few times. I am not brave enough to post my number on the public time line, but quite a few twitter buddies have my number via DM. The calls are always great fun and brighten my day on so many different levels.
One day I’ll manage to get through in the Call Chris game. I’m sure it will be a phone call filled with much laughter.
Ann
[…] Social media guru and all round nice guy Chris Brogan plays a little game from time to time called "Call Chris". […]
Chris,
Tried doing it myself with sad, sad results. I have yet to catch you when your free and I can make a call to you. Luck of the draw.
Like Ann (#24) I have several Twitter buddy’s numbers and have called them. Come to think of it, Ann hasn’t given me her number and we talk… hmm… reverse age discrimination?
I digress…
[…] to be involved and active on the Web. It’s about feeling connected and giving others an opportunity for connection. We are making a choice to join the community on the Web, and when we choose to take ownership of […]
Chris,
It was nice to talk to you and seems like there can be so many different roles for twitter. I liked the impromptu ‘Call Chris Show. Lets catch up again sometime
Shashi