Socially Adept

Burma: It Can't Wait

Typically, I avoid posting anything on this blog that directly relates to activities completed by my agency, Digital Influence Group.  I prefer to not promote any campaign or activity as I think it's important that the work speak for itself and be promoted by others... not me.  With that said, occasionally exceptions must be made.

Today, marks the launch of Burma: It Can't Wait.  "The goal? To free Aung San Suu Kyi, the democracy activist confined by Burma's military regime to house arrest for 12 of the past 18 years," said Newsweek.  Please take a second to visit the site and learn more about Burma and becoming one of the 1 Million Voices for change. 

If you're a Facebook user, please become a fan and make your voice heard.  It's amazing how may people don't know about what's happening in the rest of the world.  Now is the time to educate yourself and others and take a small step toward making a difference.  Social Media provides us all with a venue to be heard and to join in the fight against injustice.  Although it may not seem like much, sometimes taking 30 seconds to add your name to a list can make all the difference.

Thank you in advance for the consideration.

School Administrators are "Douchebags"

I don't even know where to start with this one.  A Connecticut school has barred a student from serving on the student council (even though she won the election... as a write in...talk about campaigning) because she referred to a school administrator as being a "douchebag."  This is a story that's been around since July of 2007, but it's back in the news today as well as appeals court. 

Here's my struggle. 

1) I don't care what anyone calls me on the Internet as long as they are willing to explain why they wrote what they wrote to my face.  If you think I'm a "douchebag," tell me why and maybe we can get to the root of the problem.  Believe me... I am aware that I can be a "douchebag" on occasion so there is a chance I might agree with you.

2) I am clearly a fan of free speech, but I am smart enough to know that slinging insults at an authority figure is not a wise idea.  If I were to slander my boss, coach, parent, etc. on my blog, I would expect there to be some sort of repercussion.  It seems all too frequently these days that respect is something that is on the decline. (The two girls that got booted off of a Southwest flight are the perfect example)

In the instance of Avery Doninger (The CT. Student who write the post on her Myspace Page) I do feel that the punishment was too severe.  Being the rambunctious, destructive hellion I was in high school, I know for a fact that I called the administrators worse than "douchebag."  In fact, I called all authority figures worse things and received less of a punishment than this 17 year old.  However, my parents let me know that there was a valuable lesson to be learned from those experiences...

Sometimes, it's better to say nothing at all.  If you have to say anything, make sure you can say it to that person's face and can take what ever comes to you.

Good bloggers start writing because they are passionate about something.  Passion can occasionally lead to poor judgment.  There is always more than one way to say something and there is always another way to receive something someone has said. 

Not only is this case one of the many instances that highlight our social struggles with the rise of collaboration and conversation on the Internet, but it brings awareness to the slippery slope of issues that await us if we start to regulate the conversation.  In my opinion, Avery should have been punished for her insult, but not by the school administration.  Her parents should take this opportunity to teach their child that there are better ways to approach problems. 

But what do I know... I'm just an occasional "douchebag" without any kids and an occasional blog post.

*For those that are interested.  This is day 10 without cigarettes.  Chantix does work wonders. 

FINALLY...A YouTube Star Worth Paying Attention To

The rise of YouTube has opened the eyes of many to the amount of talent that goes undiscovered.  Unfortunately, most of the people who have risen to fame really don't offer much talent.  People like Chris Crocker, iJustine, Magibon...they don't really do anything.  Sure, on occasion, some of this content is valuable or insightful, but for the most part, they have less to offer than the bottom two of American Idol.

Maybe I am just looking for more from the people on YouTube.  I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who love the random videos and disjointed content from some silly teenager, but I would hope for more.  Thankfully, I've finally found it!

Bo Burnham.

A gangly 6'5" 17 year old from Massachusetts who's "not gay."  He currently has 11 videos up on YouTube and everyone of them is lol funny.  His lyrical repertoire is limitless and it's hard to imagine this kid is still in High School.  If you understand satire and can laugh at yourself (as well as stereotypes) and ignore political correctness, then this kid is worth checking out.

Apparently, he just signed a deal with Comedy Central.  I've signed up for his email updates and will surely be watching when this kid makes it big.  Enjoy!

This Guy hasn't updated Twitter in 38 Years!

I was checking out my Twitter Karma today and noticed that one of my followers hasn't Twittered in 38 Years.  I had no idea Twitter had been around that long!  Who knew that Twitter arrived prior to public consumption of the internet!

You can check out Jonald Linga's Twitter page here.  Who knew that the Philippines were the first to adopt Twitter?  The blog linked in the profile is real and Jonald's quest to attract attention by following 1500 people has surely worked. 

One piece of advice... don't wait 38 years to Tweet at least once!

The Ethics of Blogging - Part 1

Rule #1 - Know your audience

By now, if you blog, you should know who your audience is and who your audience can be.  Unfortunately, many people are still forgetful of the fact that blogging is a public forum and everyone has access to the content you share.  Recently, I was contacted regarding a situation with a Mommy Blogger.  As I have mentioned in previous posts, I have become more interested in personal blogs and the real life behind these daily posters, so I was quick to investigate the situation.  Here is what has transpired:

A proud mother has been blogging incessantly about her two daughters and their lives in a suburban, southern community.  With two years behind her, the Mommy Blogger has been able to attract a reasonable following within her local community and online.  Most of the posts revolve around their daily lives and the blog acts as a platform for keeping family and friends updated.  At first glance, this blog (which I am not naming or linking to as I feel it is inappropriate) is the same as 50 million other blogs.  However, this blogger is not aware of who is reading.

In several posts, the Mommy Blogger references a child in her daughters school (Her daughter is in Kindergarten) who was sneezing and coughing all over her during her time volunteering.  Although the Mommy Blogger never names the child or posts photos, the local community is reading and begins to wonder, "is she talking about my kid?"  To make matters worse, the Mommy Blogger begins to chastise the parents of the child for not teaching proper manners.  Her readers chime in with comments supporting her "Parent's Responsibility" standpoint.

After some investigating, it has come to my attention that the child she is referencing is a special needs child with a special needs sibling.  Although I do not have children of my own, I have been fortunate to work with special needs kids on occasion and am aware of the challenges parents face.  Although no one enjoys being sneezed or coughed on, a little understanding is deserved in certain circumstances.

Now, imagine being the parent of this child.  Even though only a handful of people may know the true identity of the child being mentioned, the fact that this blog is popular among mothers within the local area can result in gossip and embarrassment.  As the old saying goes, "think before you speak," or in this case, post.

After hearing this story, I contacted the Mommy Blogger in question and reminded her that a blog is not always the best place to judge someone.  If she was aware of her audience, she might have recognized that there was the potential of embarrassing someone for no other purpose than to share a "woe is me" story with her audience. 

Sadly, the Mommy Blogger in question just deleted my comment without a response.

As the title of this post is The Ethics of Blogging, all of us have a responsibility to operate in a civilized manner (do unto others...).  It is imperative that bloggers understand that it is a very big world and your neighbor, boss, garbage man, or school teacher might be reading the content you publish online. 

I believe in transparency in blogs and value people who share insights into their lives and daily struggles, but a level of decorum is necessary.  Especially when discussing children. So, next time you rant on your blog that your neighbor's dog keeps crapping in your yard or your daughters friend dresses "a little slutty," remember that their lives are not fodder for your blog and the stories run deeper than what you see on the surface.  You never know, you might just be insulting someone who can't help it.  Just because it's a digital conversation, doesn't mean we should throw out the traditional rules of how to treat people... remember, do unto others....gossip has it's place, but leave the gossip to Perez Hilton.

Social Media Still Under Utilized and Recognized

Social Media is still bubbling under the surface like lava... it's hot and can burn your brand to the point of no return.  Everyday, things bubble to the surface... some cool off but others remain.  As 2007 ends, many bloggers will reflect on social media and consumer generated content over the course of the year.  There have been vast improvements and significant strides, but we're not even close to where Social Media will be at the peak.

Recently, while visiting California, I had an opportunity to catch some new shows on TV that I normally don't watch.  There were countless references to YouTube and blogs and I couldn't help but swell up with excitement.  Even today, after being in the space for quite some time, I enjoy hearing mention of social media on traditional network shows or splattered all over the newspaper.  Below are two instances that really stuck out to me over the weekend.

• While watching the "Speed" channel one evening (a sentence I never expected to write) there was a special on the Barret-Jackson Car Collector Events.  During the hour long program, car customizers and auctioneers were discussing the life behind Barret-Jackson.  The main focus of this show centered around one car customizer who had placed his classic up for auction.  However, when the Barret Jackson auctioneer dropped the gavel too quickly and sold the car at a bargain $300,000, the owner of said car was quite peeved.  So peeved, in fact, that he took it to the blogosphere.  Just goes to show all of us that the community lives ever where and the power of one blogger can ruffle up enough dust to the point where a response is required.
• While watching MSNBC, Jim Cramer was shouting about his new book and Mad Money.  I am familiar with Jim and appreciate his knowledge and advice, but I don't spend to much time watching him as he is almost as mad as Charlie Moore... in a crazy way.  However, during the interview, he referenced a YouTube clip that he is featured in that received over 1,400,000 views.  No question, a significant amount, but interesting that he mentioned the view count.

Anyway, there is still so much more to come and the majority of people born before 1980 aren't even close to participating yet as the barriers to entry are still a little high for many.  Educating the consumer and removing the fear that has existed for so long with so many will be key in the coming years.  Quality content that answers the "What's in it for me" question will continue bringing the consumer in and opening up the world for conversation.  After all, there has to be a reason to join and keep coming back and that can be different for every person.  2008 will surely see more great social media tools, but even 12 months from now, we still won't even be close to where we are going... it's going to be good! 

Comcast is my Enemybook List - Bob Garfield

I just read Bob Garfield's post on his unbelievably poor experience with Comcast (via Jaffe Juice).  As a current Comcast customer, I'm throwing my support behind Garfield.  I haven't had near the issues with the cable provider as he has, but for what I pay and the level of service I receive, there is no question that Comcast just sucks.

Besides the fact that they overcharge for every little add on, the products they provide via rental (HD Box, High Speed Router) are just garbage.  My DVR (provided by Comcast) barely works and has no storage, but then Comcast raises the monthly fee on the DVR to handle increased storage demand without raising customer storage?  I pay something like $12 a month for HD service, but can never watch anything in HD.  If anyone in Boston was able to watch the Sox-Angels series in HD I would be shocked!  It froze on my every time I changed the channel.

So, Comcast is now on my Web 2.0 version of a "Shit List" - Enemybook.  Thankfully (for me, anyway) Verizon Fios is available in my Neighborhood and the guy next door raves about how reliable it is, how fast his Internet is and the fact that it's cheaper than what I am currently paying for Comcast.  I think I'll take his word for it and make the switch... I recommend everyone else do it as well.

Utterz Launches - Be Herd!

Utterz is the first way you can instantly blog your experiences, thoughts and ideas, anywhere, using all the capabilities of your mobile phone.  Located in Maynard, MA (gotta have blog love for the locals), Utterz officially launched this morning and announced a $4 million investment.  Although it's a bit "cow" focused, the concept seems pretty cool.  I'll be giving it a whirl today to see how it works out and if there is any room for it in my social networking arsenal.

Here's a link to the announcement in the The Boston Globe today.  Check out my "Utterz" (OK...that just doesn't sound good, but it's better than teats) username = SociallyAdept.  My first "Utter" is a pretty cool video with a Boston sports tie in.

For more coverage, check out Mashable.

Chris Crocker Having the Best Week Ever

Unfortunately, Chris Crocker is having the "Best Week Ever" according to VH1.  His pathetic (aka Psycho) video demanding that people lay off Britney Spears for her poor performance at the MTV VMA's has transcended the online world and migrated to mainstream media.  Unfortunately, this is one of the negative side affects of anyone having the opportunity to grasp their 15 minutes.

My problem with Crocker's video has nothing to do with his sexuality, taste or delivery.  I don't like him or his videos because of the impact they have on the gay community.  Unfortunately, there are people out there who will utilize his videos to feed stereotypes.  This disturbs and angers me.

My best friend in the world is gay and if anyone responded to him as most commenter's have responded to Crocker, I would be beyond angry.  However, I can't support Crocker because I believe that he feeds the stereotype and uses it to his advantage.  He plays it up to increase his exposure.  His outrageous behavior is just feeding ignorance.

I consider myself privileged to have met unbelievable people, friends and colleagues who just happen to be gay.  The impact they have on my life is so profound that I can't help but be irritated by people who feed stereotypes.  I'm not saying that Crocker isn't being sincere in his video, but why the drama?  I would be surprised if anyone out there didn't think that Crocker hammed it up just to generate views.

Thoughts? 

The Mobile Advertising Debate Rolls on

Awhile back, I posted on Third Screen Advertising (i.e. Mobile Phone Ads).  To be honest, I'm in favor of this offering as long as it's managed and the mobile phone owner has the option to control the ads being offered.  One way of managing this is via Bluetooth, like I mentioned previously.

In a recent article in the Boston Globe, details on how this type of advertising is occuring already are revealed.  Here's what I don't like as a consumer:

1) Don't send me bluetooth ads based on proximity beyond 5 - 10 feet (encourage me to walk into the store and see the offer.  At least this way you will know I am a qualified lead).  Or have something in front of the store so if my interest is piqued, I can turn on bluetooth to see the offer.

2) The best approach is to encourage existing customers to buy... not try to source in new customers from the street or other stores.  When I'm in the store, let me approach the billboard and see what the offer is.  I may buy another pair of jeans to save 15%.

3) Do not invade my phone with unwanted offers.  there is no need to send me a message without my consent.  Don't pinp me to tell me that if I turn on bluetooth I will receive a message

4) ADD VALUE!!!  If it's not a coupon or special offer, I won't care.  This is why greater distance proximity ads will not work.  A logo and a tagline will not encourage me to come shop and I don't want to receive 6 at a time

5) Don't let the carriers cash in by charging for bluetooth.  Even though bluetooth adds value, I wouldn't pay for it in it's current state

For a good blog on mobile advertising, check out Mobilitee.  I'm eagerly awaiting their thoughts on CTIA for 2007.  If 2006 was a big year for mobile advertising, 2007's show should be unbelievable!