Facebook Opens Data To Developers

Rumors and ruminations surrounding a planned opening of Facebook to developers were given some credibility this morning as the Wall Street Journal reported an announcement would be made later today.

The crux of the anticipated announcement will be a Twitter-like opening of Facebook data to developers, allowing direct interfaces through third party websites, programs, and anything else that lives in the digital space. The move comes in lock-step with an announcement of the new Facebook Principles and Statement of Rights released last Friday, in which users were able to vote to enact the documents.

An unverified source tells us that no data will be shared without a user giving explicit permission, though the mechanism by which this permission is given has not been disclosed. One would expect an interface similar to Facebook Connect or Applications within the site itself.

Past Facebook attempts at opening user data have ended in privacy advocate outrage. Stay tuned for more coverage as the story unfolds.

UPDATED 11:37AM

Facebook has made the official announcement:

Using the Open Stream API:

The stream is the flow of information on Facebook, which manifests itself on a user's home page as the News Feed and on the user's profile as the Wall. It represents the content a user shares with friends in a real-time setting. Initially the stream content appeared only on Facebook, and now with the Open Stream API, developers can connect to their users' streams and let their users read their streams wherever they want. This means that for the first time, you can build new user interfaces for the stream everywhere including Web, mobile, and desktop applications.

The stream API allows for reading and creating content. Thus, your applications can get users' stories, comments, and likes, and incorporate this data into your user experience. In addition, your applications can create content directly in your users' streams, and allow for the posting of comments and likes. Think of the stream API as having your own Publisher embedded in your application.

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> Opinion On Big Brands: The State of the Game

> ADMAVEN Interviews Domino's: An Insider's Perspective

> Domino's Social Media Disaster and Resolution

Opinion On Big Brands: The State of the Game

So far 2009 has seen a slew of brands (large and small) enter the social space. Some have stumbled in, others entered with confidence. The advertising community is inundated with talk of these brands - how they did it, who they worked with, and what will happen next.

Frankly, I'm getting a little tired of hearing about it...

Here's my opinion on brands entering the social space: do it right the first time. The best way to make sure that happens is through partnership with an agency that understands and embraces innovation. Clearly, most of us still don't get it.

Even the great successes of 2009 (Whopper Sacrifice, etc...) touted by the advertising community and social media evangelists were not that great in the end. Where is the integration, the holistic thinking, the restructuring of brand communications?

If brands think they can just walk out onto the street, grab a handful of tactics from any of the thousands of "social media expert uber-consultants" and tweet their way to success then there isn't really a need for agency partners. Communicating value by bringing more to the table than tips, tricks, and tactics is a must for the last half of 2009.

It's time to stop talking about "viral videos" (no such thing - stop trying to sell it) and start talking about integrated communications plans that incorporate print, television, interactive, and anything else you can get your arms around.

Don't get me wrong - there are a lot of intelligent agencies, consultants, marketers, and specialists out there doing great things. I'm just feeling like many of these individuals and companies are also short-sighted in their zeal to spread the social love. Maybe it's the fact that all I could find this morning in industry news was Pizza Hut's new "Twinternship" (cute). That's not entirely true. The other industry news I read was about more layoffs.

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> ADMAVEN Interviews Domino's: An Insider's Perspective

> Domino's Social Media Disaster and Resolution

> CMM&A Thanks Eric Lazar and Kyle Tobin; Members for a Wonderful Evening

Chicago Sketch Comedy Troupe Makes A Splash

On the cusp of one of the most unfortunate incidents of a video going viral, a local sketch comedy troupe reminds us all that humor is still one of the greatest calls to action for viral content distribution (many of these videos were released several months ago, but are recently trending on Twitter and other social media outlets).

Do you find these videos effective in delivering messaging, or does the humor eclipse the call to action?

Find more information on the videos here.

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> ADMAVEN Interviews Domino's: An Insider's Perspective

> Domino's Social Media Disaster and Resolution

> CMM&A Thanks Eric Lazar and Kyle Tobin; Members for a Wonderful Evening

ADMAVEN Interviews Domino's: An Insider's Perspective

I had the opportunity to interview Phil Lozen of Domino's regarding social media and their recent public relations fiasco. Mr. Lozen currently operates the Twitter account @dpzinfo Domino's set up to discuss the offending videos, and has been empowered to reach out to online communities regarding the brand. The circumstances are difficult for Domino's, but may result in other large fast food chains jumping on board the social media marketing bandwagon.

I want to thank Mr. Lozen for his time and interest in reaching out to ADMAVEN readers.

For further background information, videos, and discussions surrounding Domino's plight, read my previous article.

Inerview transcript:

Please tell us your name, job title, and number of years at Domino's corporate headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Phil Lozen, Web Designer 10 years at Dominos.

Things must have been very tense at your offices in the last 48 hours. How did Mr. Doyle, President of Domino's USA, decide to craft a response video, and what were his initial feelings regarding social media engagement?

There was a whole team of people who really came together in the last couple days to respond to this incident. Our PR department, led by Tim McIntyre, along with our Precision Marketing Group, led by Rob Weisberg, all played a part in our response. The suggestion for a video response came from a several people and Patrick was glad to help out. He’s a very smart guy and he saw the importance of us being where our customers were talking.

Domino's is a pretty big company and seems to be targeting a relatively young, Internet savvy demographic. How do you justify staying away from earned media (social media) for so long?

We haven’t stayed away from social media. We have a Brand channel on YouTube and a Facebook page with over 200,000 followers.

While many of our senior PR and Marketing team members are active representatives of Domino’s Pizza in Twitter, one challenge we faced over the past few days was that we didn’t have a corporate Twitter page. The “Dominospizza” Twitter name had already been taken and we were already in the process of working with Twitter to reclaim the name before this video surfaced.

How did the word come down that you would be responsible for handling Twitter, blog outreach, etc...?

Though this crisis did not drive our entrance into social media it certainly put our social media into the spotlight.

I work in our communications/PR department. Our department was best suited to maintain the dialogue with consumers.

Now that Domino's has a healthy respect for the social space, is budget being allocated beyond your time to target and engage online communities in 2009/10?

We’ve always has a healthy respect for social media. Budget was allocated back in 2008 for social media outlets. We continue to invest in 2009 and have plans to do so in 2010 and beyond.

To that end, what other communities are you targeting online for outreach and communication? Are you being proactive at this point or strictly reactive?

We are proactively communicating in a number of communities, however this event certainly required a reactive stance as well.

What advertising or public relations agencies have been instrumental in your social media crisis management?

Our PR team is housed here at Domino’s Pizza. Our ad agency, Crispin, Porter and Bogusky, has been there with us every step of the way.

What software do you use to manage/monitor Twitter and other social media outlets? Do you manage while mobile and if so, what device do you use?

I use a mix of Tweetdeck, Twhirl, and search.twitter.com for the most part. I also have capabilities on my iPhone, right now using Twitterfon.

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> Domino's Social Media Disaster and Resolution

> CMM&A Thanks Eric Lazar and Kyle Tobin; Members for a Wonderful Evening

> Chicago Recruiter Roundup - Land That Next Big Ad Agency Job

Domino's Social Media Disaster and Resolution

First, review this outstanding article for the background story behind the latest big brand social media snafu and the purportedly fake videos.

Out of fairness, Domino's has responded as quickly as a large franchised company could hope to. View the following video from Patrick Doyle, President of Domino's USA:

Domino's has also set up a Twitter account to assist in damage control @dpzinfo, and manned by Phil Lozen, a ten year veteran of Domino's.

How do you think this will affect the Domino's brand, and more importantly how could Domino's have handled the incident more appropriately?

UPDATES 4/21/09 12:45PM:

AdAge Coverage: Apology Video
AdAge Coverage: Apology Video Critique
AdAge Coverage: Crisis PR Critique
AdAge Coverage: Summary/Aftermath
ADMAVEN Interview With Domino's
New York Times Coverage and Mug Shots of Offenders
Today Show Coverage

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CMM&A Thanks Eric Lazar and Kyle Tobin; Members for a Wonderful Evening

The Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising group had another successful event last night with approximately 70 people taking part in an interactive panel about mobile marketing. A special thanks to our speakers Eric Lazar of Image Architecture and Kyle Tobin from the Catalyst Media Group.

Mr. Lazar engaged the audience with live demonstrations of mobile advertising executions providing powerful examples of how the format has come into its own.

Each month has shown improvement in turnout and networking, and we expect membership to continue to grow at a steady pace throughout the warmer months!

Join CMM&A at Meetup.com, with 250 members and growing.

Stay tuned to ADMAVEN for information on upcoming CMM&A events!

Have a suggestion or would like to be a speaker/sponsor? Contact me!

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> Chicago Recruiter Roundup - Land That Next Big Ad Agency Job

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation Part 2: Master Your Offline Brand

> YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

Chicago Recruiter Roundup - Land That Next Big Ad Agency Job

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The original version of this article was written due to the influx of bad news for the Chicago ad agency community - such as the 118 year old JWT office closing, then summarily announcing a limited staff would remain. As a result I thought I would compile a list of resources that I have found helpful in the past. Happy hunting!

ADMAVEN's Chicago Advertising, PR, Media, and Marketing Recruiter Roundup:

Be it advertising agency creative, account services, project management, public relations, media, client side marketing, or social media and community relations, these staffing and recruiting firms are your direct link to landing interviews in relevant industry communities. One of the first - and most important - steps you can take as a candidate is to schedule interviews with as many of them as possible!

DISCLOSURE:
I have personally visited each of the companies listed in this article. I have not been paid to endorse or support any company listed here. If you are looking for a job in advertising, these companies are one of your best starting points.

Aquent
500 West Madison, Suite 2600
Chicago, IL 60661
312.869.3000
Map it

Featuring a robust digital offering and specialized recruiters for Chicago interactive talent, Aquent represents a powerhouse in the Chicago market. Aquent also features placement outside of Chicago with offices in most major US cities and globally.

The Buzz Company
62 West Huron, 2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60610
312.255.0808
Map it

A boutique agency with a personal touch, The Buzz Company has strong local connections with many advertising agencies. Buzz Co. specializes in creative talent but caters to all types of ad agency folk.

Creative Circle
233 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1960
Chicago, IL 60601
312.329.9990
Map it

With offices in Chicago and five other major US cities, Creative Circle takes a generalist approach to staffing ad agencies around the country. A good option for anyone looking to be placed in small to medium Chicago based agencies.

Creative Circle adds:
The recruiters who work here [Creative Circle] all come from an ad agency or marketing background so we understand this business and use our industry knowledge to make smart placements. We work with any type of client who has a marketing or advertising need; ranging from client service or marketing strategists to designers for all media and Flash developers.

The Creative Group
205 North Michigan Ave., Suite 3301
Chicago, IL 60601
Map it

Owned by Robert Half International, The Creative Group's reach extends beyond Chicago ad agencies. If you are also considering positions in the marketing departments of mid to large sized companies, The Creative Group may welcome your resume.

Digital People
55 West Monroe, Suite 2660
Chicago, IL 60603
312.606.9097
Map it

As the name suggests, Digital People is focused on new media and the creative/account talent that brings it to life. Offering training and other ancillary services to sharpen candidate competencies, Digital People can help hone your skills before that key interview.

H2 Agency, Inc.
601 South LaSalle, Suite 502
Chicago, IL 60605
312.427.0192
Map it

Everything about H2 Agency says boutique! Offering a personal touch, H2 seeks to place talent in a number of small to medium sized agencies in Chicago. If one on one is your preference, H2 is well suited to the task.

Lucas Group
230 West Monroe, Suite 850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.357.1160
Map it

Once focused primarily on Executive level recruiting, Lucas Group now works with ad agency talent as part of it's core business. Retaining close ties to many ancillary businesses, Lucas Group is a good fit for the candidate looking to branch out beyond advertising agencies.

Melinda Holm + Associates
7630 Madison
Forest Park, IL 60130
708.488.9701
Map it

Located outside the loop, Melinda Holm + Associates has a greater abundance of suburban agency clients. If the burbs aren't off limits you may want to give them a call!

Paladin Recruiting and Staffing
200 West Madison, Suite 1805
Chicago, IL 60606
Map it

Paladin staffs a wide variety of companies - from temporary to full time positions - including ad agencies. Paladin's "go the extra mile" mentality you give you confidence as you pursue that next big opportunity.

SmartDept. Inc.
309 West Washington, Suite 430
Chicago, IL 60606
312.284.1350
Map it

With a unique office and a unique ethos, SmartDept. consults with talent seeking a personalized approach to the job hunt. Offering positions at all levels and in a variety of boutique to large Chicago ad agencies, SmartDept. should be placed on your to-do list.

The Wunderland Group
200 West Jackson, Suite 1700
Chicago, IL 60606
312.506.8596
Map it

The personal touch is prevalent at The Wunderland Group. Based in Chicago and focused on the local market, Wunderland boasts 30 years of experience matching candidates to local creative (web and print), Marketing, Advertising, and PR companies.

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YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation Part 2: Master Your Offline Brand

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

When 26 year old William Reigle became a victim of downsizing at an otherwise stable IT company in downtown Chicago he made a realization: working at the same office for the first four years after graduating college had left him in a vulnerable position. Other young professionals who had made job changes in recent years were using new and unfamiliar tools to help land interviews, network, and the job hunt.

He summarizes his predicament: “I looked around and saw that many of my peers were leveraging resources like LinkedIn, Facebook, and specialized recruiting agencies. Searching through Monster and CareerBuilder just wasn’t going to cut it.”

William recognizes the power of differentiation for the young professional, and he also realizes that if he goes into an interview unprepared, he may miss out on a key opportunity. He notes, “Part of the [information technology] profession is being on top of new technology. So much of the industry revolves around communication today; what kind of message would I be sending if I walked into an interview without the latest and best tools?”

...CONTINUE READING ON YPSPEAK.COM

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> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising April Meetup

Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising April Meetup

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising Group invites you to attend our April meet up!

April details are online, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

The CMM&A gets you dialed in to mobile marketing!

A brief overview of the technology behind, the tools available and the solutions offered in the world of mobile marketing. Come visit and think about how you can use inexpensive and powerful tools to market your brand in the ever expanding world of mobile! Discuss ideas with mobile marketing pros and seek opportunities.

Long time CMM&A member Eric Lazar of Image Architecture will be on hand for a short presentation followed by a Q&A. Networking and socializing to follow! See you there!

Location Information:

Monday, April 13, 2009, 7:00PM
Lincoln Station
2432 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.472.8100

We will be in the back room.

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YPC Blog: The Importance of Differentiation

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

One of the greatest challenges of finding work in an economy plagued with downsizing, cutbacks, and an overbearing sense of frugality is differentiation. How do you position yourself to be seen as unique and special?

In my line of work I always try to think about how to make my clients stand out, get attention, and make the public stop and stare. It’s about communicating a clear and percussive message using the tools that budget allows, and innovating along the way to get more done with less.

For quite some time the advertising community has been discussing the concept of personal branding. With the advent of freely accessible Web 2.0 tools it is now possible to create and own an online persona.

Over the next couple of months I will talk about steps you can take to differentiate yourself – whether you are looking for a job, thinking of changing jobs, or simply looking to secure your position with your current employer - these tools will help focus and maintain the message that you are a valuable asset in a challenging time.

Before we begin I want to make one thing abundantly clear: I do not advocate using social media tools as the de facto method of increasing the value of your personal brand (or finding a job). These tools are all designed to work in tandem with the more traditional concepts. Get out there; network and meet people in your industry. Interview with relevant staffing agencies and prepare your in person message to be as powerful as anything developed online.

...CONTINUE READING ON YPSPEAK.COM

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Maddock Douglas Launches Innovation Blog

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

In the spirit of innovation and bringing truly great ideas from mind to market, Maddock Douglas has created the Innovation Blog. This is a unique opportunity to communicate with the top innovators in advertising and understand more about how great ideas are brought to life.

Enjoy!

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Twitter; New Facebook Trend From Early Adoption to Early Majority

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

It's everywhere in the news these days; Twitter and Facebook are working their way into the lives of millions of people worldwide, and the number seems to be growing exponentially. Reading the front page of Google News Most Popular section this morning yields a curious grouping of articles.

I categorize them in the following ways, with example links from the Google group:

Uncertainty
Ask the expert: What are 'social media' and how can businesses use them? - Minneapolis Star Tribune
Social Media: 4 Quick Tips for Getting Started - Practical Ecommerce

Fear
Social Networks' Risks for Business Security - PC World
Protecting Network Security in the Social Networking Age - Securitypark.net

Forecasting
Personal Technology: Is Twitter the future of news? - The Jakarta Post
Social networks 'are new e-mail' - BBC News
Is the social stream the new email? - VentureBeat

It would seem to me - in light of all the recent press and new activity surrounding what many advertisers and advocates consider the professional trifecta of social networking (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn) we are starting to cross the chasm between early adoption and early majority in the 'social web life cycle'.


Keep in mind - for the purposes of this article I am using the terms 'social media' and 'social networks/networking' almost interchangeably because I believe the average user/general public does not yet understand the difference between the two.

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> South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive: March 13-17, 2009

> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive: March 13-17, 2009

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

When Twitter launched at South by Southwest (SWSW) in 2007, the interactive landscape forever changed for content creators, advertisers, and users. In 2008, largely due to the impact of social media, SXSW became one of the most discusses subjects among the tech savvy for weeks after.

This year, from March 13-17, we will see another convergence of interactive trendsetters attempting to change the social landscape.

For many who do not know the history of this music festival turned technology extravaganza; some extra reading.

Among notable presenters from the Chicago advertising/technology scene:

David Armano of Critical Mass will participate in several panels
Chicago Folk going to SXSW Interactive 2009 Facebook Group

Email or Tweet me to add your panel/participation information to the list!

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> ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

CMM&A March Networking Event Success!

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Thanks to all who attended the Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March networking event. We had a great time talking about the state of the business, new opportunities, and local issues.

Of note: we have started a blog for CMM&A to help us keep up with new developments, share information, and tell you about our monthly gatherings. Please feel free to share your suggestions and comments about past and future gatherings.

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> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

> Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

ADMAVEN to Begin Bimonthly Column For Young Professionals of Chicago

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Recently I accepted a request to begin a twice-monthly contribution to the Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC) blog.

From YPC:

Young Professionals of Chicago (YPC), a non-profit, all volunteer organization, is dedicated to building a better Chicago. We are made up of motivated, energetic young professionals certain to become the community's future leaders. YPC encourages members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional, civic and social aspects of their city.

YPC offers its members a way to link their personal passions with professional ambitions. The group is the one professional, civic and social organization that drives positive and real change in Chicago, while giving young professionals a chance to make a significant impact in the community.

I look forward to contributing outstanding content from my own perspective to YPC. Please look for my posts beginning early next week. If you would like to contribute suggestions for content, please comment below or contact me via email, Twitter, or other outlet.

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> Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

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Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising March Meetup

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

The Chicago Media Marketing & Advertising Group invites you to attend our March meet up!

March details are online, and I look forward to seeing you all there.

Get to know CMM&A!

Our previous meetings have been focused around one subject of interest to our members. Our March meeting will focus on getting to know your CMM&A organizers and attendees. Network with professionals in advertising, media, and marketing at a great venue and contribute ideas for future CMM&A events. We are excited to get to know each of you!

Location Information:

Monday, March 9, 2009, 7:00PM
Lincoln Station
2432 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773.472.8100

We will be in the back room.

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> Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

> Book Review: Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition by Andy Sernovitz

Skittles on Twitter: From Social Media Sensation to Cliche in 48 Hours

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

Love it or hate it, Twitter is quickly becoming the outlet of choice for brand building innovation. One of the boldest moves yet comes from Skittles. Applying the Twitter Search API it to www.skittles.com started a Twitter sensation, with Skittles stealing the limelight for at least 24 hours leading up through Monday, March 2, 2009.

By capturing and broadcasting all tweets containing "Skittles" or a close variant, Mars Incorporated is giving users the opportunity to interact with the Skittles brand, appear on the Skittles homepage, and network with other people discussing the same subject in one fell swoop.

The concept worked all too well, and is now resulting in some backlash against the brand. Twitter users are complaining about difficulty finding information and even using the service as many scramble to participate.

Although the idea is not totally original, the execution far exceeds predecessor campaigns. I have no doubt that Skittles will be a case study for social media in the months to come. Kudos to Agency.com for successfully pushing the idea through. A tough battle to be sure.

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> Book Review: Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition by Andy Sernovitz

> Book Review: The Nature of Marketing: Marketing to the Swarm as well as the Herd by Chuck Brymer

Defining Twitter - The Best User Tweets From #definetwitter

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

What is Twitter? What is Twitter good for? How do you use Twitter? Why is Twitter so popular? How does a company use Twitter? How do you make money with Twitter?

Each day more people around the world are asking questions about Twitter. It's on the news, in local papers, and on business cards. Today, one of the top trending topics was #definetwitter. I have taken some of my favorite responses and posted them here to help you understand a little more about what makes Twitter so special.

You can find me on Twitter @ADMAVEN

richardpeacock : #definetwitter The only religion that answers back

Posted at 11:02 - View Tweet - Reply

wasatchwoman : a distraction from work...and a resource for my mag content. #definetwitter

Posted at 11:06 - View Tweet - Reply

JanetGomez : Twitter is about sharing with peeps you'll maybe never meet in person but with whom you feel a connection #definetwitter

Posted at 10:56 - View Tweet - Reply

Tom_Sweatman : Twitter is a perpetual regurgitation of mass perspective. #definetwitter

Posted at 10:51 - View Tweet - Reply

robert_brady : @unmarketing #definetwitter Twitter is whatever you can make it and whatever you want it to be. Why pigeonhole it?

Posted at 10:17 - View Tweet - Reply

LifeCoachMary : #definetwitter Twitter to me is like a virtual office cubicles by day. I can look over the virtual wall to get inspired, chat or learn.

Posted at 11:17 - View Tweet - Reply

eExecutives : Twitter is a place I can get and share ideas, insights, and fun just as they pop up... no lines, no waiting! #definetwitter

Posted at 11:27 - View Tweet - Reply

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Book Review: Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition by Andy Sernovitz

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

ADMAVEN RATES WORD OF MOUTH MARKETING: 4/5

It doesn't matter whether you're selling real estate, jelly, or jet engines. People will ask other people about you before they decide to buy from you. We turn to people we trust first - friends, family, coworkers, and other people like us - when starting to look for something to buy. Not ads, not brochures, not phone books. (Word of Mouth Marketing page xv).

I recently received an advance edition of Andy Sernovitz’s “Word of Mouth Marketing: How Smart Companies Get People Talking - Revised Edition”. Mr. Sernovitz is the CEO of Gaspedal, a Chicago based word of mouth marketing company, and editor of “Damn, I Wish I'd Thought of That”, a marketing blog and newsletter. I agreed to review the book for several reasons. Mr. Sernovitz practices what he preaches, and included a special edition of the manuscript that encourages direct feedback – good or bad – on Amazon and other social media outlets.

"Word of Mouth Marketing" espouses a word of mouth ethos – a roadmap in which to operate a successful campaign for any sized company (although the primary focus seems to be small and medium sized businesses) and includes a foreword by Seth Godin and an afterword from Guy Kawasaki.

Mr. Sernovitz writing is, if nothing else, enthusiastic, and discussed an excellent mix of guiding principles as well as specific “what you can do today” tactics such as:

1. Look on the web for people talking about you.
2. Assign someone to join these conversations. Start today.
3. Create a blog.
4. Make a new rule: Ask "Is this buzzworthy?" in every meeting.
5. Come up with one buzzworthy topic. Keep it simple.
("Word of Mouth Marketing", page 197)

Of note – the revised edition includes two new sections (business to business and negative word of mouth) as well as other minor changes.

"Word of Mouth Marketing" is a quick read at 205 pages, yet provides a realistic look at the challenges facing modern marketers and advertising agencies. I enjoyed the fact that Mr. Sernovitz injects much of his own personality into the writing, and does not make sweeping, unsubstantiated generalizations about marketing.

Of note: though the content is generally relevant and interesting, don't expect to find revolutionary or unexpected ideas if you are a seasoned word of mouth/social media advocate. Case examples such as Southwest Airlines and Sony have been analyzed many times in the past; despite the repetitive elements "Word of Mouth Marketing" is a must read for anyone interested in entering the social media or word of mouth space.

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The Printed Blog's Joshua Karp Calls Writers and Editors to Action

Nicholas Kinports (follow him on Twitter @ADMAVEN) has worked in the interactive technology world for over 15 years. He is the Digital Strategy Lead and founder of Chicago-based digital marketing firm lonelybrand, where he directs the creation and execution of digital marketing programs that generate measurable signups, conversions and sales.

I received a call to action via Facebook yesterday from The Printed Blog's founder Joshua Karp:

In three weeks, The Printed Blog is going to publish its first Special Issue. The First Special Issue will be 10 pages long... but:

2 pages will be in Spanish; 2 pages will be in French; 2 pages will be in Hebrew; 2 pages will be in Chinese; and 2 pages will be in English

We are going to distribute the paper in Beijing, Tel Aviv, Paris, Madrid, London, Mexico City, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

This is an experiment.

Each 2 page spread will be comprised of blogs, photographs, events, music, and profiles from each country, in their original language. Can we leverage the power of the social network to engage people to create a global newspaper?

I think so, but we need your help. If you would like to help promote the next new era of citizen journalism and, hopefully, global cultural awareness, let me know. Here's what we need:

1) editors in each language, in each city, who can also speak English
2) an editor in Chicago for each language (who can also speak English)
3) bloggers in each language, ideally with permission to use their posts
4) photographers from each city, also with permission to use their photographs
4) musicians from each city who would like to be promoted within the pages of The Printed Blog
5) events happening in late March for each city (in the original language)

Guest editors are paid $250.00 per issue... bloggers and photographers will receive a portion of the ad revenue from any ads run near their content; everyone else gets exposure in the paper. Maybe you fit into one of these categories, maybe you know someone else who does?

Please send your information to: specialissue@theprintedblo

g.com.

We need people from around the world to be aware of this project and to get involved in this project. That means inviting your friends: from Des Moines to China. We need ideas of how to find editors, bloggers, photographers, and musicians in each of the counties (Craigslist will only go so far). We need people to translate. If you are a blogger, if you felt like writing about this, that would be great, too.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me directly at jkarp@theprintedblog.com. Let me know what you think about this project. Feel free to "friend" me if we are not already. Please tell your friends, and invite them, too.

Thank you very much!
Josh

Web: http://www.theprintedblog.com
Blog: http://blog.theprintedblog.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/theprintedblog

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