The era of the egomaniac

In a day and age where very little is private and everyone is enjoying their 15 minutes (plus!) of fame, there always seems to be new ways for people to brag about themselves. One of the sites I find to be the most self-indulgent is Formspring.me (well, honestly, it's a tie between this and Daily Booth).

The concept is that anyone can ask you anything and you will provide an answer. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Boxers or briefs? Vodka or Gin? What are your super powers? What makes you awesome? These are just a random sampling of questions that I've seen. Granted, I think this might be appropriate fodder on a dating site such as eHarmony, but just to throw out into cyberspace? Don't we all have better things to do?

I'm under no illusion that people are fascinated with me or my life (now, if I were a celebrity or other high-profile personality, maybe folks would appreciate some insight into my world). But, do strangers really need to know that I love Archer Farms' dill pickle cashews from Target? Are their lives made richer by finding out that my knee hurts when it rains?

Social media is an amazing tool to create community, to make new personal and professional connections, to share ideas, to collaborate, and to broaden your horizons. But, I really see no point in the platforms that do nothing more than contribute to people's ego and sense of self-importance. Each year, the internet delivers more and more ways for us to talk about ourselves. However, it's the sites and tools that allow us to talk with one another that bring us closer together and build bridges.

Instead of me asking some random acquaintance what her/his favorite soft drink is, why not use that time to make a real difference? World peace, anyone?

DISCLAIMER: I suspect this post might irritate some of my social media colleagues who use Formspring.me and Daily Booth. If so, my apologies. I get paid the big bucks to discuss controversial subjects and challenge the status quo. Well, if big bucks means no bucks, that is.

Child labor comes to social media

I recently read an article in a publication from England about kids being used to hock product. Children as young as seven years old are being recruited to talk about Sprite, Barbie-themed MP3 players, Nintendo, snack foods, and specific musical artists on their Facebook pages, on message boards, and in instant messages. Apparently, marketing firms coach these "mini marketeers" on how to insert products into everyday conversations without sounding rehearsed. For their time, the kids earn about $37 U.S. dollars a week.

I don't know about you, but this just seems wrong on all kinds of levels. Yes, I completely get that marketing professionals need to constantly find new ways to reach their audiences, but using kids to pimp string cheese and Lady Gaga records? There has got to be a better way...

Are your tweets on PleaseRobMe.com?

I have a presence on every major social media site out there. A platform you'll never find me utilizing, however, is one that uses geo-tracking. No, I don't "check in" at the grocery store via Foursquare. I don't even "check in" at my favorite restaurants using Gowalla or Yelp. This is a frequent issue of discussion amongst my social media peers. "I don't want a digital footprint of all the places I frequent," I say. "Furthermore, I rather people not know when I'm not home." This response is usually met with funny looks or rolling eyes.

Today, I feel vindicated. That's because I just stumbled across a website called PleaseRobMe.com. This wonderfully evil site is all that serial felons and wannabe thieves need to steal all your worldly possessions. Essentially, the site filters all those check ins that are tweeted across the globe and creates a feed on its site to tell robbers when you're not home!

Any high school dropout can easily Google your name to find out where you live and then swoop in to steal that sweet 60" flat screen TV you love so much. And, unlike break-ins of the past, these guys will even know when they have an extra 30 minutes to sift through your hidden treasures because you just sent a check in tweet saying, "Having a picture of margaritas at Pedro's Cantina w/@obliviousfriend."

Call me overly cautious, but these geo-location tools just aren't for me. Granted, I think they can have fun applications in a business setting (e.g. for street teams and other promotions), but I have no desire to broadcast my whereabouts to strangers. Think I'm paranoid? Well, I can say with 100% certainty that I'm not listed on PleaseRobMe.com. Can you?

The yuck factor of Toyota's ad competition

I recently came across the winning entry in The Clever Film Competition, sponsored by Toyota's Australia division and the PR agency Saatchi and Saatchi. The video below won top honors, with the creators taking away $7,000 in prize money. The judges were people from Toyota, the agency, and those in the target demo of the Yaris. The words running through my head while I watched this award-winning piece? Yuck. Eww. Crass. Tasteless. Tacky. Vulgar. And, yuck, again.

No sooner than this winning entry, entitled "Clean Getaways", was placed around the web, Toyota suffered a huge backlash. Their response? This is not a spot which will air on TV. It's simply user-generated content (UGC) which the jury thought was funny and well made.

Do you think companies bear responsibility for promoting tasteless UGC? Because they didn't produce it, do you think that gives them a pass from any negative publicity? To me, anything that a company promotes is a reflection of its brand--regardless if it's UGC. If your company puts it out, you should be prepared to own it. Too harsh?

Does Google Adsense make any sense?

Recently, I attended a networking event that tackles different issues pertaining to startups. The topic for this month's session was Google Adsense. Corporate America is all about monetizing, especially these days, so I wanted to see what I could learn.

In a nutshell, here's what I walked away with: the Training and Development folks at Google really need to give their people some guidance on how to give good presentations. Lots of talking, but not one visual. They described drop-down boxes, points on webpages, services forms, layout violations, but not one lousy slide. The two reps also frequently had a "deer in the headlights" look when asked a pointed question. It was almost like a presidential debate where candidates skirt the issue. Frankly, it was a bit strange.

Now, I understand there are variables in most every situation. And, yes, sometimes answers might not always be black or white. However, I can't really say I know any more about Google Adsense now than before I attended the session.

So, as with most things, you almost always learn more from actual users. And, that makes you the expert (if you use Google Adsense, that is). What do you think about Google's text ads? Do you find them to be a worthwhile way to earn significant money? What do you like? What do you dislike?

Not a Google Adsense client? Well then, I'd be curious to know if you've ever clicked on a Google text ad. I haven't. Am I in the minority?

Let's hear it!

The waste-of-time webinar

As technology evolves, people always find new ways to make money off it. Don't know how to use Twitter? Come learn in our free webinar! Wanna maximize your presence on Facebook? This free webinar is just for you! Somewhere along the line, the word "webinar" has taken on a negative connotation for me. Although, I suppose it's not the webinar idea itself that needs fixing; it's many of the people who offer them.

Since I've been laid off, I've had the time to participate in several free webinars. I'm always eager to learn something new, so what the heck? Each time, I am woefully disappointed in the content (and after today's useless webinar, I will never waste my time again). It's always the same ole' drill: present some information that a first-grader would know, and then after an hour, hit up the audience for the $500 to $1,000 system. Like with most things, it's all about marketing. I don't suppose too many people would sign up for something that was promoted as a a bunch of garbage with a sales pitch thrown in at the end.

But, here's what gets me. People always seem to tweet about how great it was! They put comments up on the organizers' Facebook walls, gushing about how valuable the information was and how these people are such gurus. Are you kidding me? Are these simpletons really impressed with a few slides that are nothing more than common sense? Surely, people can't be that gullible and easily to please, can they?

Yes, I know there are folks out there who offer quality webinars (and to them, know that this is not directed at you). However, the good ones are outnumbered by the people who are misrepresenting the content in their presentations. Don't make a big deal of saying you're giving away your best content for free, because you aren't.

Is anyone with me? Can I get an Amen?

Fitness website helps people meet goals

It's January first which means one thing to the majority of people: eat better and exercise more. It seems to be the one resolution that brings us together as a society.

To help you get started on the right path this year, check out DailyMile.com. It's a great cyber fitness journal and activity log that allows you to track your workouts, create fitness goals, posts photos and videos, make and share walking or running routes, and meet like-minded people.

DailyMile has a handy events section that lists marathons, 5Ks, and half-marathons so you know what's happening in your area (and you can add activities to your online calendar). There is a robust forum for Q & A, and a variety of groups to join (e.g. running, cycling, triathlon, etc.). You can also invite your friends to join your community so you can compete against one another!

For those of you who want to incorporate more techie features into your DailyMile experience, you can sync your Facebook or Twitter accounts to the site so you can update your activities when you're out and about. There are also some great widgets that allow you to share your training schedules and upcoming races!

So, if your New Year's resolution is to hop on the fitness bandwagon, check out DailyMile. It could be just the thing to keep yourself committed to your healthy, new lifestyle!

Wanna raid a stranger's closet?

Love clothes, but don't have the budget to shop as much as you'd like? Well, ThredUP might just be your new best friend.

ThredUP is actually an interesting concept (especially in these economic times). It's kinda of like an online clothing swap. Essentially you register with ThredUP and tell them your size, brand preferences, and the kinds of clothing you would like. Then, you are notified when they find another member who has an item matching your criteria. To get the item, you need to send in a piece of clothing of your own for someone else to choose.

ThredUP asks that all clothes be in good condition (e.g. no stains, missing buttons, or holes), in style (i.e. no parachute pants!), and that you only give away what you'd be willing to receive. The trading is free, but ThredUP charges you for the pre-paid envelopes to send your clothes (three swaps cost $12.50).

If you have clothing that you never wear just sitting in your closet or drawers, ThredUP might be worth a look. If you decide to use their service, I hope you stop back by and leave a comment about your experience. It's a unique idea, but obviously not for everyone.

U2 gets an A+

A few days ago I wrote about the live webcast of U2's Rose Bowl concert in California. Did you watch it last night? I did. And, for almost three hours the world felt a little smaller—a little closer.

I watched the Twitter scroll on YouTube and saw comments from fans around the globe. People tweeting in different languages, from faraway lands. I also went to Twitter directly, where 33 percent of the trending topics were U2 related. People who were up in the middle of the night on the other side of Earth, watching and tweeting during this spectacular, free concert. Folks who shared something in common; the universal language of music.

Generally big name entertainers see the opportunity to make loads of easy cash by allowing fans to "attend" these mega-events via outrageously-priced, cable pay-per-view shows. But, U2 has never been your run of the mill rock band. Bono continues to push the envelope in such new and exciting ways that it no longer even resembles an envelope.

U2 is a band that practices what it preaches. It's all about inclusion, change, enlightenment, philanthropy, and heart. The webcast was yet another example of that. U2 embodies everything that rock stars should be. Everything that any rock band could be, if they cared a little more about the music and the mission—and less about the moola.

Thanks for a great evening, guys.

Coffee fiends: ideas wanted

I'm not much of a coffee drinker, so maybe I'm late to the party on this one. However, for those of you who were in the dark like me, you might find this interesting.

Did you know that Starbucks has a site exclusively for collecting customer suggestions? My Starbucks Idea is pretty cool in that it isn't just an online form you complete and submit, but it's a more interactive experience. You can share your ideas, vote on other people's suggestions, comment on items, and even see which proposals Starbucks has decided to implement.

If you spend time at your local Starbucks, why not sound off and help shape your experience? Your local coffee buddies might thank you!

No nap time for these crazy babies!

The #1 spot of the Viral Video Chart this week goes to the great ad by Evian water. The product's new tagline, Live Young, launched this summer and lays the groundwork for a fun and memorable commercial which features rollerskating toddlers. Kind of like Anne Geddes babies on steroids.

Check it out below (and go get yourself some Evian; everyone needs to have this much energy!):

The death of cursive writing

Today, I read an interesting article about an eighth grader who couldn't sign her name in cursive. The piece went on to discuss how many schools are skipping "old school" skills like penmanship, in favor of new technology. I completely support the idea of kids learning valuable skills that they need in today's tech-savvy world, but to overlook basic literacy skills concerns me.

Are we really so consumed with technology that we can't communicate with one another unless there's a keyboard in front of us? Are handwritten birthday cards and love letters all destined to be typed and emailed? Will students no longer pass notes or sign each other's yearbooks because they can't write? Or will they do so in a cryptic print style that looks like a six-year-old taking his first stab at spelling the alphabet?

Imagine if all our historical documents were created in Word and saved in a PDF. The Gettysburg Address, the Constitution, the Emancipation Proclamation, or the Declaration of Independence all written on computers? No emotion conveyed through an extra loopy "y" or "g" and no personality. Without cursive, John Hancock would just be one of the many men who signed the Declaration of Independence—and not a household name that's become a synonym for signature.

A world without handwriting. Is that really where we're headed? If so, I think that's sad.

Zappos gets it

If you want to follow the antics of a company who is doing everything right in social media, look no further than Zappos.com. Yes, like many businesses, they have a presence on all the major sites, but it's not what they're doing, it's how they're doing it that makes all the difference.

Zappos isn't just telling you about the great shoes, clothing, and handbags it offers, it is using its company culture to further its brand. There is an "Inside Zappos" channel on YouTube that shows staff festivities (the duct tape challenge is my favorite and you can see it in the player below), intra-office practical jokes, vendor appreciation events, and other videos that solidify the "happiness" of the Zappos brand (check out the cheer-up videos and the culture wall). Amongst its many Twitter accounts, one is "Inside Zappos" which directs traffic to those videos and also to its Inside Zappos blog (which shows more fun stuff, but also how they are supporting vendors and being smart business partners). Zappos has even published a book about its company culture.

All these social media channels have benefits beyond the obvious. From motivating consumers to want to buy from such cool people, to recruiting future talent and attracting potential vendors, Zappos is doing a remarkable job of making its company culture a part of its brand. It's fun, it's irreverent, it's full of life. Who wouldn't want to buy their next pair of shoes from these people?

Give my mail carrier the day off

The United States Post Office is continuing to urge Congress to let it go to a five-day delivery schedule, skipping Saturday and Sunday. Online bill pay and the proliferation of email continue to deliver a wallop to its bottom line. Now, to make matters even more challenging, USPS's direct mail business is suffering a huge hit.

For the quarter that ended June 30, the USPS lost $2.4 billion in direct mail revenue. The Direct Marketing Association had anticipated a downturn in direct mail volume earlier this year, but it was an optimistic 1% dip. On Thursday, the DMA revised that number to 10%.

With digital media taking center stage these days, the direct mail business is facing the same challenges as other print products (e.g. newspapers, magazines, etc.). Viral marketing, social media, SEO, and other more cost-effective online tools are garnering more attention and yielding better results. Technology is changing our world.

If I had a vote, I'd tell Congress to give a thumbs up to the five-day delivery week. What's the point of delivering on Saturdays, if there's no mail to deliver?

Journalists r' us

For two years I was lucky enough to walk the halls of the Los Angeles Times on a daily basis. I took the elevator with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists, I stood in the cafeteria line with nationally-celebrated columnists, and I was humbled to be surrounded by such intelligent, talented, and noble people.

Over recent years, however, many of those fine folks have been victims of unprecedented downsizing. The print newspaper model is taking a beating, revenues are down, and budgets are being gutted. Great reporters and editors are being shown the door en mass.

This week, I was pleased to learn about an effort to reunite all these talented people under one new cyber roof. If you're looking for a top-notch reporter, designer, editor, or other newspaper professional, The Journalism Shop should be your first stop. Need a seasoned professional to tackle your next contract or freelance assignment? Each former LAT-staffer has a page with a bio, resume, published work samples, and contact information.

There is also a counterpart site for former LA Times photographers. These folks are responsible for some of the images that will be forever etched in our minds. They are experts at visual storytelling and can wow you beyond your wildest dreams.

Amazing talent is out there—just a click away. Check it out.

Brand marketing that ignores the brand

Today, MTV premiered the music video for the song "Open Happiness." Now you wouldn't know it by watching it, but this is actually a promotional gimmick for Coca-Cola. The song doesn't mention Coke, the video doesn't show Coke (except for a half second that most people will miss), but it is marketing genius.

The soda giant has decided that the best way to bring in new customers, and retain the old ones, is to stay clear of the in-your-face advertising that has become so prevalent. Their approach? Associate their campaign slogan, "Open Happiness," with something fun and positive. And, they even attracted top-notch musical talent to produce the song, lending further credibility to the project.

The Coke approach is amazingly comprehensive, utilizing music downloads and non-commercial airplay to create a more organic connection to the campaign. And the best part? No bitter aftertaste.


Open Happiness | Myspace Music Videos

Is Twitter the new Amber Alert?

I was surfing the web yesterday and came across these eye-catching tweets:

-- I'M CONFIDENT we can use Twitter to FIND THIS MAN! Those of U on cell phones can be on the lookout! PLZ RT!! #FindBOB

-- Please use the hashtag #FindBOB, and be on the lookout for this man or his car! His family is very worried!!

The missing man @KitCameo is referring to is violinist Robert Korda. Apparently, Korda is her friend's father.

After looking at Kit's Twitter page, you can quickly see that she has contacted nearly every celebrity on Twitter asking them to retweet her messages. Her tactic is sound. She only has 696 followers, but by contacting all the top Twitter users (e.g. Ashton Kutcher, Rainn Wilson, TheEllenShow, etc.), the tweets about Korda could reach millions of people in seconds.

I checked Kit's page again this morning and it appears Korda is still missing. And, interestingly enough, I don't see any news stories on Kit's effort. I mean, it's really quite amazing. She's a glass etching artist from Burbank, California; she's not a detective.

As new forms of social media emerge, I'm sure people will find uses for them that the developers never even imagined. I highly doubt it ever crossed the Twitter folks' minds that their frivolous "what are you doing?" premise would evolve into an army of millions trying to track down a missing person. But, it's really quite ingenious.

Kudos to Kit for her efforts. I'm sure she has started what will eventually become a new way to locate missing people. And if law enforcement officers all around the country aren't taking notes, well, shame on them.