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How to avoid making a fool of yourself at ACL (and on Twitter)

By Kris Morrison

I did it again. I survived the 3-day music binge that is Austin City Limits. And in my tenure, I have learned the unspoken rules of attendance – the code that somehow manages to guide the music lovers, drunks, stoners and wannabe hipsters through an audiophile’s dream weekend.

And as I got to thinking about it, I realized these rules are applicable just about anywhere, and especially on social media. But the only way to catch on is to experience it first-hand. Or [of course] read this blog post. Here are few need-to-know unspoken guidelines:

1. In social media and in music festivals, there are boundaries. For instance, do not lay out a blanket too close to the stage. We’re all familiar with the imaginary line that exists - you don’t have to be intoxicated to see it. And on Twitter, don’t over promote. You’re allowed a few indulgent updates – but they must be informative and valuable.

2. You’ve gotta get closer. When you are moving through the crowd, almost any amount of physical contact with a stranger is acceptable as long as you look like you're trying to be as thin as possible whilst doing so. This may include standing on your toes and/or arranging your arms so that you look like a T Rex. Likewise, to be successful on Twitter you have to put yourself out there – it may be intimidating at first, but you’ll get closer to reaching your goals if you suck it up and go for it. Build relationships and provide compelling content, don’t just stand on the sidelines. You’ll miss the best part of the show.

3. Sometimes you do a cover song. Blankets are like those floating chunks of land in Super Mario World. If you must, you can step on them – but only for a second – lest you sink into the water and drown your Yoshi (or incur evil glares from blanket owners).

In the same way, creating your own content online is usually best. But there’s no use in re-inventing the wheel. Sometimes taking smarter route means using content that already exists. In fact, borrowing and promoting content that’s not yours is encouraged—so long as you give due credit. And don’t forget to give your opinion on a matter, when it adds value to the conversation. 100 gold points for starting a trending topic!

With Twitter, there are no real hard and fast rules. A lot of it is learned as you go, and it’s difficult to see the social nuances if you don’t jump in head-first. So be smart, use common sense… and always be mindful of the blankets.

So that’s my two cents for surviving in a dynamic world filled with impassioned and multifaceted people – online and off. See you at ACL next year!

Did you go to ACL? Do you subscribe to certain rules in social media (or at music festivals?) Share your opinions in the comments!