Posts filed under 'Other'
By Taylor Pepe
If the ‘90s taught us anything, it’s that disease is dangerous and moves very quickly, as evident in the 1995 thriller Outbreak. If you are unfamiliar with the plot, it goes something like this: a super dangerous virus is discovered in Africa in the late ‘60s, covered up by the government and forgotten until the mid-‘90s when it resurfaces. A lab test monkey which is being brought to the United States is infected with the disease, unbeknownst to Patrick Dempsey, who tries to sell the animal on the black market. As you can probably surmise, the monkey affects one person, is released into the wild, and before long California has a town quarantined, people are sick and dying, and Dustin Hoffman is trying his best to catch a monkey the size of a housecat before said California town is destroyed.
Now, imagine if that was real and if Twitter was around. I can already see the monkey’s novelty account.
The Hollywood scenario outlined above recently played out in real life at the Archipelago Journalism Conference in Alberta, Canada. Granted there were no monkeys, Dustin Hoffman, or death, but there was an outbreak of Norovirus (another term for stomach flu). Of the 360 conference participants, 150 became ill, but thanks to quick thinking by the organizers and Twitter, that number could have been much higher.
Twitter is proving to be a valuable tool in the wake of disasters and major events. After the earthquake in Turkey, survivors used the platform to let others know they were alive. During the incident at Virginia Tech back in December, students and police used Twitter to communicate what was going on as the campus sat under lock-down. Using a high-speed social media platform is becoming the norm when dealing with events, and the conference in Canada proved to be no different.
The first few days of the conference went along as planned. There were speakers, new learning experiences, and new friends to be made. And then, it happened.
During the final keynote, organizers were notified of an attendee vomiting. As they responded, they became aware of another person getting sick. Then another, and another. Cue the domino effect.
As participants rode on the bus heading back to their hotel, more attendees became ill. Then came the tweets. As attendees began posting updates on who was getting sick, conference organizers began checking the stream and sharing information as quickly as possible. Participants had been posting updates to #nash74 and as the people in charge noticed the magnitude of tweets surrounding sickness, someone made the conscious decision to cancel the rest of the evening events and send everyone back to the hotel.
The scene at the hotel began to resemble something out of 28 Days Later. More and more people became ill and before long, Twitter was serving as a guide as to what areas of the hotel were the most infected.
Organizers leveraged Twitter to let conference-goers know they would be coming around with fluids and medicine, and left instructions as to where they would be and when. Twitter also served as a virtual meeting place where the healthy could pass information on to their fellow attendees.
Having Twitter was beneficial to the attendees as well as the staff. By using a social platform, information was able to reach a wide audience in a short amount of time. Additionally, everyone involved was able to stay on top of information in real time, a comforting fact to many of the people who were sick. Social media platforms are evolving and soon may be the default method of contact during major events.
The ill attendees stayed at the hotel a few days longer before finally heading home.
February 24th, 2012
By Guest Author
The Super Bowl is six days away and recent history indicates the NFL Pro Bowl has painfully come, and thankfully gone. This is the same lack luster game between the AFC and NFC’s best, doubling as a glorified flag football game with pads. Two years ago the NFL gave the Pro Bowl a shake down, moved the game a week before the Super Bowl, and from Honolulu to Miami for the first time since 1980. Last night the game reverted back to its rightful spot in Hawaii, with twitter stations on each sideline.
Wait – what!? Yes, the league that has historically been strict on their social media policy. The NFL policy states players aren’t allowed to use their twitter account 90 minutes before a game, and only after their post-game media obligations have concluded. That being said, the league provided each sideline with twitter stations, so that players could “live tweet” during the game.
This flip-flopping on the policy wasn’t looked to highly upon by players; including Steelers’ linebacker and NFL’s notorious dirty hitter James Harrison. On his own twitter account Harrison wrote, “Why u think the NFL “wants us” to tweet during the Pro Bowl but wont “let us” til 90 min AFTER a real game? I won’t tweet during today’s game.” Harrison’s stance wasn’t reciprocated, as many players enjoyed the relaxed policy including the Pro Bowl MVP, and Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall. He went on to write, “Shout out to @MiamiDolphins & @Finsiders. Happy to be out here, but I can’t wait until next season!! Feb 13 & I’m back at it! #probowl,” said Marshall.
While I’ve been known to “live tweet” games, mostly for my beloved Syracuse Orange basketball team, I agree with Harrison. The NFL is the greatest professional sports league in the United States, but it’s also a business. Twitter is the social network, and the NFL tried to cash in. In a game that traditionally hasn’t held up to its end of the bargain, the tweeting stations were ways to create some excitement and bring people back, but it didn’t work. Last year’s Pro Bowl took in 12.04 million viewers, while last night’s game saw 10.52 million viewers according to The Futon Critic. Twitter undeniably brings fans closer to celebrities, athletes, and it’s a great tool, but my take away? Leave the “live tweeting” to fans, journalists, and the social savvy.
This is a guest post by Marcus LaRobardiere. Follow him on Twitter at@marcusdl
January 31st, 2012
By Taylor Pepe
Now Hiring: Social Media Steamboat Captain
There are lots of titles I like to call myself. Reddit Overlord, Social Media Lumberjack, Marketing Fisherman – just to name a few; however, I find that the appropriate time for those names is when I’m among friends discussing people who actually refer to themselves like that. I’m sure you’ve all come across the sometimes funny, generally obscure, and usually head-scratch-inducing titles some companies use to promote positions within their organizations. After doing some online digging I’ve pulled out some of the pros and cons to coming up with these titles and really what having a goofy name boils down to.
I’d like to preface the rest of the article by saying this is solely my opinion, so don’t let my view take away from your dreams of becoming the next “Search Engine Sherpa”.
First up and probably most importantly, why bother coming up with a tongue-in-cheek job title? Simple: it may help you get noticed. If you’re job hunting in this economy, you need all the tools you can muster to help you stand out. If you can brand yourself as something outlandish, and are able to back up your title with solid experience, you’ll send a great message to an organization.
Second: silly titles can help you expand a company’s brand. I would advise against “Mortgage Magician” if you’re applying to Goldman Sachs, but if you’re applying to a company that’s laid back and encourages a fun working environment, a goofy title might help you assimilate into the company culture faster.
Third: a unique title could potentially lead to more conversations and aid in networking. Keyword – potentially. Unique titles will aid in networking if you’re engaging with other people and companies that share the same values as you do. I highly doubt a financial institution would take you seriously if you described your lending strategy as “ninja-like”.
Now to the part which seemed to come easier: The Cons.
For starters, some of the job titles you want to use are too obscure. Remember, you’re trying to create a title that emphasizes what value you bring to a company. This isn’t seventh grade: the luxury days of choosing a ridiculous AIM screename are behind us. It’s time to really demonstrate why you are good at what you do, not that you’re the DaSureShot112.
Next up, having a creative title can make you come across as bit pretentious. If you’re going to say you’re a “guru,” you’d better be able to wow everyone you talk to with your knowledge of an industry, and I’m not talking about just knowing your info, I’m talking about you needing to have thought provoking statements flowing out of you every time you open your mouth. That sentiment is echoed throughout the hiring community and lot of decision makers are starting to get on board with the idea that the creative titles are becoming too overplayed. 2012 could be the year this trend dies out. The industry is becoming saturated with gurus, champions, and masterminds leading to the question, whatever happened to common titles like coordinator, director, and executive?
Another con, which a lot of people don’t think about, is a creative title can distract the person who is trying to hire you. Unless you plan on working at hip, new-age company, a lot of organizations are still old school when it comes to hiring new talent. This means some of your recruiters are probably your parent’s age. Your mom may think it’s cute you call yourself the “Happiness Advocate,” but the person interviewing may think you’re a moron.
Finally, if you’re going to have a creative title, you need to think about the long-term implications. Today, you’re riding high as the “Web Kahuna,” but what about 10 years down the road? Nobody wants to be known as the creepy person who continually refers to him/herself as the “Big Cheese” when everyone else is going by “Director,” “Coordinator,” or “Executive.”
Really, having a title depends on the person and the organization. If you’re trying to get noticed by a younger, more laid back company, you have solid experience, and you’re able to carry a title without becoming too full of yourself, go for it. Just know how to adapt your title if you ever decide to look elsewhere for employment. That being said, I am still against creative titles. I’d probably get fed up really easily if I had to take direction from a “Corporate Magician” or a “Master Handshaker” as opposed to a “Director” or an “Executive.”
January 23rd, 2012
By ncolwell
By Nicole Colwell
The RaceTalk Blog has gotten an injection of West Coast flavor! With multiple clients heading to CES this year, I’ll be reporting from the show, kicking off my stint as the West Coast correspondent. Vegas better watch out; here comes Racepoint Group!
In preparation for my trip, I’ve been researching a few “tips and tricks” for surviving the show… an astounding, albeit grueling, “Nerd-vana.” Below you can find what I will consider my lifeline for the next week:
- Remember to wear comfortable shoes, and if you do not want to wait for the long taxi / bus lines, consider renting a car. It’s easy to park at the free parking lots at any of the hotels / casinos.
- As anyone who has attended CES in years past can attest to, the showroom floor can be quite overwhelming. Check out this interactive floor map from CES veteran and Mashable editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff for “14 Essential Stops to Make on Your Tour of CES 2012.” Click on the map image to check out the interactive version on the Mashable Website.
- Of course, don’t forget your tech. Smartphones and tablets are becoming increasingly integrated into the show, from QR codes to applications. Make sure you grab your chargers before you dash out to make your flight. And remember to bring a wireless card for your devices, as connections in and around the show can be spotty.
- If you’re wondering if you’re allowed to use cameras, yes you can, although some exhibitors may restrict camera use on occasion. One good tip to avoid long lines is not to carry bags when possible as they are subject to search.
- Don’t forget about the CES Follow Me App, the official mobile app which enables you to build a schedule, plan your time, see interactive real-time floor maps, get late-breaking CES news and more. Details of app are at this CES link.
- Give up your New Year’s resolution until January 15th. Trust me on this one.
I hope you enjoy CES 2012 whether you’ll be with us on the ground in Sin City or following news announcements closely. Check back on the RaceTalk Blog for updates on CES news and be sure to leave your “tips and tricks” for CES 2012 in the comments below!
January 6th, 2012
By Guest Author
This is a guest post by Mandy Miller. Follow her on Twitter at@MandyMayM.
For those that weren’t A+ students with your AP Stylebook, there’s new hope for you. The Associated Press just released AP StyleGuard software that helps edit your documents to ensure content meets style guidelines. While at face-value, this seems like the saving grace of a tired over-caffeinated reporter, PR professional or procrastinating college student, I’m a bit skeptical of the new technology.
Remember back in the day when you used to have to write out your spelling words on PAPER with a PENCIL? If you misspelled something, a red squiggly line didn’t pop up. The only red line on that paper was the grade your teacher wrote. In later years of English class, a green line didn’t suggest replacements for fragments. Today, I hear of students using computers to ‘write’ their spelling words. Must I go further on this “Back in my day…” spiel?
This somewhat ties back to my earlier post on if technology is eliminating jobs (Are Watson and His Tech Buds the Reason for High Unemployment). Are we innovating ourselves out of work? Of course we create new technologies with the intention of making workflow more efficient, but does this not clearly illustrate that technology is taking away our talent and moving us down a notch on the food chain of employment?
I’ve worked with some extremely talented copywriters in my short time span in the ‘big kid’ world, and I know for a fact they didn’t have any of these programs in the years they have been working. What do programs like this mean for the future? Of course they can catch funny typos, but will it come to the point where a copywriter position won’t even be needed? Will skills in AP style not even be appealing on resumes? What other technologies in other industries are eliminating the need for a human workforce?
December 16th, 2011
By Guest Author
This is a guest post by Mandy Miller. Follow her on Twitter at@MandyMayM.
In case you haven’t heard, there are a few sex scandals going on in the world of collegiate sports lately. The national media first placed the spotlight on Penn State and later on Syracuse, not to mention others that likely popped up consequentially. Sad news continued with the recent shooting at Virginia Tech which wasn’t the first tragedy to strike the university in the past decade.
While the stories at hand are truly sad, it poses an interesting question of how university officials handle university image beyond a crisis situation. Does negative media drastically affect enrollment? After all, even though an academic environment, higher education is a business and has to meet a bottom line. Of course, a vast majority of income flows from the athletic department of universities and colleges, but there is also the thousands that pour in through tuition and fees. Given the challenge of ‘selling’ a school to student (and the likely paycheck parents), how can universities best position themselves as a safe and enriching environment following the close of a negative news cycle (or cycles for Penn State)?
It doesn’t take a degree to notice that the bad media and negative attachments of crisis situations sticks with a university for some time. Should staff ignore the negative image attachments in hopes of going away? Should they change their brand and position entirely?
It’s a tough spot to be in given that in cases of shootings or scandals, officials don’t want to ignore the issues at hand, making it seem that the community doesn’t care about the accusations or tragedies, but at the same time, it’s not exactly a bruise they want to flaunt to the public.
I believe it comes back to branding, however drastic or minimal it is. As much as many would like to quickly move on from these situations, it’s not a realistic goal to assume a quick turnaround with branding. Engagement is also key, especially in very delicate situations such as those listed above. This provides a prime spot for an organization to utilize social media, especially give the college population is so active and engaged on these channels. That being said, staff will likely want to evaluate the level of engagement, depending on the situation.
What are your thoughts? Is there a solve-all for these situations? Do you feel any of these universities or others in similar situations have handled their challenge in an ideal way?
December 12th, 2011
By Taylor Pepe
You have contacts in high places.
Your freshman year roommate: Executive producer of Mad Men. Your childhood best friend: CEO of Jack in the Box. Your ex: modeling in Milan. With your own jet-set lifestyle, keeping track of where your friends are can be quite an undertaking.
Thankfully, two ambitious blokes from Harvard have harnessed the power that is Google Alerts and created a service called Newsle, now available. Think of it as refined version of Google News that only shows you updates for your specific friends and contacts, instead of random internet people with the same name (thinking of you Michael Bolton).
Working the site is pretty simple, once you log on, set up an account and import your Facebook and/ or LinkedIn contacts. After that, you have the option to browse a list of celebrities, athletes, and public figures you can follow (awesome, Wendy Williams and Dave Couiler news at the same time).
After that, your account will begin showing you a newsfeed involving the friends you’ve imported. Looking to research (stalk) a reporter who just approved your friend request on LinkedIn? You’ll now be able to see everything he or she does that’s newsworthy surely giving you an advantage the next time you want to pitch them on behalf of your client. Remember that classmate you had to do that one project with your sophomore year? Newsle makes it easy to see how their blossoming NBA career is going (time for that winter visit to Miami).
The coolest factor is Newsle offers a tool for measuring everyone’s Fame Factor, so you can see how you stack up in newsworthiness against your friends.
Fairly confident Rondo has you beat.
December 8th, 2011
By Ben Haber
Love them or hate them – no one can deny the power politicians have to inspire passion and fuel engagement. Obama’s 2008 election campaign proved that with the right social strategy, that power still has room to grow to unprecedented levels. Now it seems that every politician has embraced social media as a means to build a groundswell of support to impact change.
Yesterday morning, I sat down with MITX and Avectra to run through details for an upcoming webinar (Planning for 2012: Attracting and Inspiring your Audience like Today’s Savvy Politicians) we’re hosting to discuss just that. We asked each other – what can we learn from today’s politicians to inspire and engage our own audiences, memberships and constituents? Where do they get it right, wrong, and everything in between?
From mobilizing your ground forces to identifying and understanding your influencers, it was clear to all of us that it’s not about how many Fans or followers you get in a week – it’s what you do with them – that it’s not about what tools you’re using – it’s the strategy behind how you use them.
And don’t think that I just opened the kimono on what’s to come from the webinar – I have a strong feeling that this 45 minute call barely scratched the surface. So with that said, please join Larry Weber, CEO and Chairman of Racepoint Group; Debi Kleiman, President of MITX; and Richard Davis, CEO of Avectra on December 12th at 2:00pm EST to learn how to initiate and execute your social engagement strategy to make 2012 your most successful “campaign” yet.
Click here for more information on the event and registration details.
December 1st, 2011
By Taylor Pepe
You’re a person of the world. You can flourish in any culture. One day, you’re chatting it up with your buddies in Boston. The next night, you’re discussing the finer points of architecture in Spanish in Barcelona. The day after, you’re wooing foreign directors in Cannes. Good thing you’re able to tweet in multiple languages.
Twitter and other micro-blogging sites that were originally huge in the States are undergoing a rapid transformation that is paralleling a much larger internet trend: it’s becoming less Anglophone.
A recent study indicated “unique” Twitter users based in the U.S. decreased from 62 percent in June of 2009 to just over 50 percent in January 2011. Who then is taking charge of the Twitterverse?
It turns out the Dutch are not only great at brewing beer and making chocolate, they’re also phenomenal tweeters. The study pointed out that just over 22 percent of the entire Netherlands’ online population is using Twitter. Coming in right on their tail are the Brazilians with just under 22 percent. Indonesia ranks in at 19 percent. So, where’s the U.S.? Oh that’s right, coming up strong with about 8 percent of our online population engaging on Twitter. Being no statiscian, it’s pretty safe to assume that out of the 200 million+ tweets generated a day, many are not in English.
But what languages are now taking charge? Google’s Compact Language Dector (CLD) embedded in the Chrome browser can tell you what language the web page you’re on was originally written in. In a brilliant move of late-night decision making, Mike McCandless extracted this software and a guy named Eric Fischer applied it to Twitter.
The map above shows a sweet aerial shot of Europe and where people are tweeting. That’s cool and all, but the coolest information we can derive from it is what language people are typing in. For example, Belgium tweets in Dutch and French, and Switzerland tweets mainly in German with a smidge of French sprinkled in.
Some areas are all sorts of unexpected. Catalans, for example, tweet in their own language and not in Spanish. German seems to make up a large portion of Central Europe, but out of nowhere, a large portion of Austria seems to be tweeting in Italian – as do multiple dots in France.
Wondering what the U.S. looks like? It’s straight forward English with a few exceptions along the Tex-Mex border where Spanish is the language of choice, and also around St. Lawrence where a strong contingent of French makes an appearance.
That’s fascinating and all, but I’m interested in the blue Danish dot in the Jordanian desert, why no one is tweeting in Lithuania, and if Spanish is becoming the dominant language in Bermuda.
November 22nd, 2011
By Ben Haber
How will the departures of Arrington and Parr affect TechCrunch and Mashable?
TechCrunch and Mashable – two of the most popular and influential blogs over the past several years – have recently seen major changes in their editorial staffs.
At TechCrunch, founder and lightning rod Michael Arrington left the company in September, highly visible writers Sarah Lacy and MG Siegler, and CEO Heather Harde followed suit. At the same time, Mashable has seen Jolie O’Dell, Jennifer Van Grove, Radhika Marya, Brenna Ehrlich and Erica Swallow all depart the company, and this morning it was learned that their most popular writer to-date, Ben Parr, has been fired.
TechCrunch and Mashable have been on similar paths of growth, and are now both seeing – for the first time – some major departures from the editorial staff. In fact, both outlets lost their most recognizable people (Arrington and Parr) who have built their own personal brands over the past several years.
This begs the question: are people reading TechCrunch and Mashable because the like the blogs themselves, or because they like specific bloggers? In today’s media world where social media is an extension of the blog itself, writers have become their own brands, and have built up quite a following – sometimes exceeding the popularity of the outlet they work for.
If I were to venture a guess, I’d say that Mashable will move on without any major hiccups, because their business model is more about the content then the person, and they have a lot of very good writers. However, TechCrunch has always been about Arrington and took on his personality – both good and bad. Without him on board, they need to figure out what their direction is.
What do you think? Do you read TechCrunch and Mashable because of the content they publish, or because of the people writing the content?
November 21st, 2011
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