T&T's $2M Flag

In a previous blog post, we examined the phenomenal success of the 2 million against $2million flag Facebook Group. When I say success, I’m referring to the rapid increase in membership and the group members’ high level of interaction in the form of comments, links, discussion and photo uploads.

I think the initial assessment of the variables driving this internet meme were correct – a hot topic, timeliness, exposure, opportunity and convenience drove this success. Karen hit on the perfect conditions. Sending the story to Newsday was extraordinarily savvy move. It says that the online and offline worlds must complement each other, especially in T & T where traditional media still rule.

Read Karen’s responses to our questions.

Interview

Would you briefly introduce yourself? Are you in T&T? Age Range, Education, Field of Expertise are particularly interesting.

My name is Karen. I live in Trinidad and I’m 26. My educational background is a BA in English Language and Literature with Education. Currently I serve as an HR Manager and a part time Editor.

Would you call yourself an activist? Have you partaken in any form of protest or action online or in the real world?

I’ve never been terribly motivated to protest ‘in the real world’ as you put it, because I’m always skeptical of the sincerity of those organizing. There are times when I would like to participate- maybe one day I might.

Is this your first time creating a Facebook group or Facebook page? If no, what else have you created?

I’ve created perhaps one other Facebook group before but that’s work related.

Do you know the difference between a Facebook Fan Page and a Facebook Group? Why did you choose to make a Group over a Page?

I never really thought of the difference between a Fan Page and a Group. I just picked the Group option- no particular reason.

Exactly when, on what date, did you create the group? Was it before or after the other group, I DO NOT SUPPORT THAT $2MILLION FLAG…waste of money and CRAZY BUDGET!!!?

I created this group on Saturday 7th November 2009 around 10:00am. I’m inclined to think it was before “I DO NOT SUPPORT THAT $2MILLION FLAG…waste of money and CRAZY BUDGET!!!” because I searched beforehand and found no other group.

When the group was created, did you upload or add any content – links, photos, or video?

Actually, all I uploaded was a profile picture, which was our flag. No links, video or any such media.

How many people did you initially invite to the group? Were invitations sent via email or through Facebook messages or what?

I did the whole group invite thing and just invited a handful (maybe 40) of people from my friend list and that as they say was that.

Do you have any insights into how the group’s membership grew so quickly?

I honestly have no idea who it grew so rapidly. I definitely think that write up in the Newsday helped though. I also think for some reason it really resonated with the Facebook audience – especially the younger ones because it’s a tangible, visible waste of resources. It’s something that’s relatable. And- the government took so long hemming and hawing over an appropriate answer- and the statement Mr. Hunt made of not seeing the reason for such a “fuss” I think really infuriated some people.

How was the Newsday made aware of your efforts?

Isa (who by the way is my husband) is part of an astronomy group and while promoting some of their events he made some links in a few of the newspapers and he sent out an e-mail to the Guardian and the Newsday and Newsday chose to write it up.

What did you envision would happen when you created the group? And, if anything, what did you hope to accomplish?

I envisioned maybe about 1,000 or 2,000 persons joining. It was really to create an avenue for venting frustrations, offering solutions and uniting on a common interest.

What it did was tell me how out of touch the government- especially the Ministry of Sport (which to me should have a pulse on the youth)- is with young people and public opinion! Mr. Hunt told the media (whether he was being honest or not) that there was support for the flag on Facebook and I searched and found nothing! So that’s when I decided to start the group.

I hope it goes further. I hope people take a more proactive stance in determining their future as citizens of this country.

Now that the group is gaining attention and momentum have you revised your initial vision for the group?

Not particularly. I still want it to be a forum for discussion and again, proactive solutions for effecting some kind of change or response from the government. I’ve seen other topical issues being discussed such as the state of health care, property tax, lack of water in rural areas, poverty. So obviously it’s more than just about the flag- it’s about a blatant disrespect for the voice of the people and how they think their money should be spent. The government seem to have forgotten that we are the ones paying them to do a job.

T&T has a population of about 1.6M. What would you say to people who point out that 2M Trinbagonian’s do not exist?

Hahaha….I got this criticism a few times and even asked my husband if we should reconsider the name of the group. I know we don’t have a population of 2 million and I feel blessed that we have a group of over 6,000 already! It was more about making a statement about everything that is wrong and corrupted with our government more than something to be taken literally.