Archive for November, 2009

As social networking ingrains itself more and more into our daily lives our ties to different entities continue to build. We can follow businesses, products and celebrities on Twitter, become fans of TV shows, bands and fictional characters on Facebook, and sign up for regular communications via text or e-mail from all of the above. There are more than a few success stories in the social realm, such as everyone’s favorite Twitter example Ashton Kutcher or the Skittles campaign last spring, and definitely some failures. 

One social media story that I think has met success is that of Weezer, the band that made geek chic in the 90s, took a few breaks along the way and are now stronger than ever. They’ve been tearing up all things social with a huge presence on FacebookTwitterMySpaceYouTube and even the social music network imeem all combined with an e-mail campaign, web site and blog that’s dialed in with each of their social networks.

While the rock quartet surely has a marketing machine behind them, the content that’s being created is so true to the band’s identity and brand that it’s easy to forget that, while involved, Rivers, Brian, Scott and Patrick aren’t really at the helm. That authenticity filters through in stunts like the Weezer Snuggie, which includes a free copy of their latest CD “Raditude,” or their Twitterviews and video Q&A’s with the band.

Visit any of Weezer’s pages and you’ll be there for much longer than you anticipated, checking out tons of videos, blog posts, photos and more. And while some longtime fans have said the band is selling out, I think they’re just finally connecting with their audience and continuing to be relevant in a music landscape where so many artists never make it past their first album.

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Nov
03

Mastering RSS Feeds the Easy Way

Posted by: ronele | Comments (0)

Ask a Web designer to explain RSS feeds and you just might leave more confused…at least that’s what happened to me when asked. What seemed like a simple question became quickly convoluted left me thinking, “Really? It didn’t seem like it’s that complicated.”

Enter RSS in Plain English.

I can’t thank enough the Plain English videos for simplifying RSS feeds and really bringing home why everyone should have a reader and subscribe. After viewing this video I was motivated (and excited) to see the power of RSS and how I could really focus the information I receive.

If you’re still wondering what an RSS feed is, then watch the video. It will change the way you receive information and you’ll find your capacity to learn more enhanced greatly.

Categories : education
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Nov
02

Network Connections

Posted by: kristen | Comments (0)

Recently I’ve been working on building a better LinkedIn profile, inviting contacts I’ve worked with and joining several groups that inspire discussion related to work topics I’d like to learn more about. It’s been an interesting process deciding who to connect with, as I debate whether I know someone in the work arena well enough to connect with them on the site.

I do the same thing on Facebook, wondering if I should accept a friend request from someone just because we have 35 friends in common, forget the fact that I’ve never met them and we have nothing in common (aside from those 35 “friends”).

I recently read a column in the New York Times about social networks that discussed the very thing I’d been debating with myself. It zones in on networks, especially LinkedIn, and users that are getting a little overboard with connections, “LinkedIn megalomaniacs” who connect with “practically everyone they pass on the street.”

So much of life is about numbers…the ones in your bank account, the ones on your Guitar Hero score, and let’s face it, the friend or connection count on your social networks. But, as the article points out, should we be placing so much emphasis on our connection counts that we’re willing to professionally vouch for or share our personal lives with complete strangers?