FunDza is experimenting with ways to use popular mobile technology to better engage with its readers. We know that many of our readers are on WhatsApp and wanted to find a way to use this social media tool to increase interaction and provide an alternative feedback loop.
WhatsApp is great as a quick messaging tool and it has wide reach in the youth market. But, it’s not a great space for publishing content. Says FunDza Executive Director Mignon Hardie, “WhatsApp is highly popular but due to technical limitations we’re not able to create a direct feed of FunDza content, like we can in the Mxit environment. Nevertheless, we’re keen to see if we can use it to encourage young people to read more for pleasure.”
The response from Fanz readers has been positive. In just three weeks since the launch more than 600 dedicated readers have registered. Due to privacy concerns, FunDza isn’t running group chats – it just uses WhatsApp as a notification service and a space in which to have one-on-one conversations with readers.
We’ve found that there are quite a few budding writers who want help with getting started on a creative writing project, there are others who say that data costs limit the amount of time that they can spend reading online, and others who just want to share their experience of what reading on FunDza means to them.
Samantha, a self-proclaimed big FunDza Fan reader wrote to tell us about the stories that she particularly liked. She went on to say, “I am trying to encourage them (my friends) too read. And hopefully they’ll tell their friends and etc. Reading doesn’t only help you academically,but somehow it also feeds your soul. After reading I feel so whole…I don’t know if the other readers also feel like…so passionate about books.”
Says Mignon Hardie, “Samantha’s passion for reading resonates strongly with all at FunDza – and, for us, getting this type of feedback is the biggest reward for our work.”
Another part of the experiment in WhatsApp will be sending out small audio files to introduce the books. The first one of these will go out on Friday, 17 April. We’ll keep you posted about the responses.
To register for WhatsApp notifications, send a request to 062 322 1466 with your name included so we can add you to our contact list. NB: This service is aimed specifically at readers.