Mapping the Great Beyond: Identifying Meaningful Networks in

MAPPING THE GREAT BEYOND 17
analysis noted above may cost more than the entire project budget.
An additional advantage is that these tools can be used by people
who have very little prior knowledge or training.
Tools
Among the many tools on the Web, the following are three
possibilities for public diplomats to consider, using the network of
bloggers about Public Diplomacy as an example:
1.
Find the hub points in a network that are collecting
or aggregating information and ensure they are
receiving your information (either through linking,
in the hope of tracking back, or direct contact—
which may or may not be successful depending on
the particular culture).
How?
Some of these hubs can be found through
Conversation tracker (blogpulse)—for example,
a quick search for “Public Diplomacy” will likely
provide a couple of insights. 27 Results will depend
on the search parameters set, but most likely they
will demonstrate which sites regularly continue a
“conversation” through linking to pieces posted by
others. This may take the form of commentary or
providing content aggregation (e.g. John Brown’s
Public Diplomacy Press and Blog review). 28 This
will demonstrate a particular type of hub within the
network. Chances are others are using these sites
as a place to find aggregated content, and as such
they represent a useful point at which to engage the
network.