Lupus Research Institute

     I chose to profile the Lupus Research Institute's use of youtube for this discussion.  There are a few reasons for that, firstly I personally believe youtube is an underrated social media platform, and i recognize its obvious shortcomings relative to ease of use compared to something like instagram.  However, I firmly believe that one embedded youtube video on the frontpage of an NPO's website detailing it's mission can be a huge boon.  Specifically in the LRI's case they only have facebook, twitter, and youtube linked from their main page.  They also need some help.  Despite being an organization who's yearly donations are tallied in the millions, their visual presence is nil.  Their youtube channel has about 600 subscriptions and many of their videos are in double digit views.  Their homepage video is five years old and shot in some grainy 80's documentary style that is an instant turnoff to anyone who clicks play.  I believe this channel is likely doing more harm than good for their cause, removing the link from their website www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/ might actually be the best case scenario for the short term.  They should delete the current channel and start fresh with a short video detailing what lupus is, and how absurdly little research and treatments are developed for the disease.  Promote the page on facebook where they have a much stronger following, and let the dice roll.  They differ significantly from other NPOs we've researched thus far in the semester, in that youtube is their only visual social media page. I don't feel like that's the wrong choice, the demographic and nature of the disease is probably best communicated through short high quality production value videos, opposed to single images on other outlets, they just need a fresh start.


www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-news/2014/07/08/lupus-research-institute%E2%80%99s-team-life-without-lupus%C2%AE-joins-alliance-lupus


www.lupusresearchinstitute.org/lupus-news/2014/09/03/lris-unwavering-commitment-innovation-keeps-discoveries-coming