Sticks & Chisels 2.3

A couple days ago, I mentioned on twitter that my flipbook app was not updating well. I couldn't figure out why and wondered if it was just me, or if others were having issues. The last thing I expected was a follow up from the CEO and co-founder of the company. But after a simple question,

6drews Mike Andrews 

Anyone else having issues with @flipboard not updating?

that's exactly what I got:

mmccue Mike McCue 

@ 

@unctor @6drews @flipboardcm all is good on our servers. How's your internet connection? Also, what version are you running?

7 Feb Favorite Retweet Reply

6drews Mike Andrews 

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@mmccue @unctor @flipboardcm I'm using 1.1.1 on my iPad. It seems to be working sporadically - updated 7:30 last night, then just now

9 Feb 

mmccue Mike McCue 

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@6drews @unctor @flipboardcm are you still seeing refresh issues? We should be automatically refreshing every 15 minutes...

10 Feb 

6drews Mike Andrews 

@ 

@mmccue It seems to be. Updated when I opened the app this morning...

10 Feb 

mmccue Mike McCue 

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@6drews ok. let me know if you have trouble again. often times when we debug these issues it has to do with a less than ideal net connection

23 hours ago 

6drews Mike Andrews 

@ 

@mmccue That's probably the issue I'm having. future release idea, however: a refresh command if the user doesn't want to wait 15 min.

23 hours ago 

in reply to ↑

@mmccueMike McCue

@6drews yes, you won't have to wait long for that feature request. :-)

This is one of the fruits of social media that is turning all kinds of systems upside down. 30 years ago, the end user of most products would never have access to the chief executing officer of the company that developed that product. How many Chrysler drivers called up Lee Iacocca in 1980 to ask about that whirring noise they heard under the engine? The thought is ridiculous.

But today, someone in a small town near nowhere can mention a problem, and with alerts and searches and other monitoring software, the CEO of a company can discuss the problem with me. Social media has given us a line into the boss's office - and it's given the boss an ear in the community that hasn't always been there.

Thanks, Mike McCue, for developing a great product. Thanks for putting processes into place that allow you to notice someone having an issue with the product and respond. And thanks for continuing to make it even better...
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There are a lot of ramifications that are beyond the scope of this post, but I wonder how well we're using social media in the church in a similar way. Do the people we lead (and the people we hope to lead) feel like we're listening? Are leaders paying attention to the chatter about their ministries? How do we follow up effectively when concerns arise?

The best leaders will be those who listen and effectively tailor quick and meaningful responses to the issues that need addressed.