Week1

Our social media conversations

Trib Nation asked social media manager Amy Guth a few questions about a growing connection many digital readers have with us via social media.

Explain social media in three sentences:

I learned an important lesson about social media from my grandfather. When describing my current job to him, he pointed out that our digital conversations were a return to the person-to-person way of doing business. He realized what I initially didn't: That the digital platform is new, but the model has been around for a long time.

Why makes social media important for the Tribune and other companies?

Our readers (as with any company’s customers) have conversations online about us whether we participate with them or not. Because working person-to-person is our guiding principle here, I make a point of listening and responding to our readers no matter how they reach out to us. Civility counts, kindness matters and good manners never go to waste, if you ask me. I think my grandfather would be proud to see that, too.

How can readers find the Tribune -- and you -- on social media?

A conversation about the news is always going on at the Chicago Tribune's Facebook page, facebook.com/chicagotribune. Our photos find new audiences at pinterest.com/chicagotribune, and we're on Google Plus, too: google.com/+chicagotribune. And you'll find social media editor Scott Kleinberg and me on Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, and at chicagotribune.com/sosocial.

If going online isn’t for you, you can always reach us through our newsroom Reader Help Desk at 312-222-3348.

-- Amy Guth