Archive for February, 2007
Posted February 27th, 2007 by Kevin
Every business should have a damage control strategy. Of course, the tactics used only five years ago are no longer sufficient considering the rise of social media. Quickly distributing a press release and burying it in the Company News section of the website (like Yum Brands did as a result of this story involving rats at Taco Bell in NY) does not effectively reassure your customers that the organization is addressing the situation. In the case of the Taco Bell incident, one would think that the Damage Control strategy would have been updated as a result of last year’s E. coli scare, but a visit to both the Taco Bell site and the Yum Brands site failed to address either issue on the homepage.
However, in today’s social media world, individuals might want to start developing their own “Damage Control” strategy. Consider the recent American Idol news surrounding some lurid pictures of contestant Antonella Barba. After watching the show, one would think her focus would be on trying to improve her below average singing chops, but based on pictures that surfaced during the last week (which we won’t link to here), she might have more to worry about, like her entire reputation. Thankfully, social media even chips in to help out individual reputations. Popular American Idol site, Vote For The Worst, has done the research and at least helped Barba prove that she is not the girl in the extremely raunchy images (other images cannot be refuted). However, Vote for the Worst may only have protected her to fulfill its own agenda; keeping the least talented individual on the show, which Barba obviously is.
Clearly, having fans or brand advocates can help not only business, but individuals conduct damage control. What’s your plan?
Posted February 22nd, 2007 by Kelby
I came across the topic of “Revolutionizing Medicare and Healthcare through SecondLife” today, but was unable to attend because of other commitments. This topic is of interest to me as Digital Influence is currently working with several companies that are beginning to engage with patients via online services and any discussions and keynote speaker insights that took place could be very valuable to their initiatives.
Does anyone that attended this have any feedback on today’s event? Who were the keynote speakers and what insights did they provide moving forward with virtual world healthcare systems? I look forward to learning more about this event.
Posted February 20th, 2007 by Scott
Last month the social networking giant MySpace agreed to take part in an initiative with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The community will issue Amber alerts to users in the area where the child went missing. The alert will appear in a text box on the login screen for members who are registered with the same zip code as where the child was last seen. In addition to the alert, users will be able to view a photo of the child as well as the suspected kidnapper.
Government officials have taken a leap into using social networks like MySpace to help gather information in order to make arrests. Sites like Politicopia have been created for people to actually participate in government conversations and business. I think everyone should have their hand in on lawmaking. This social network empowers the public to do just that.
As helpful as social networks may be, it is important to share the risks and safety tips behind them. If you are interested in some of the best practices for social networking for teens and tweens check out this site.
Posted February 16th, 2007 by admin
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought I would bring the mess that Google made of their logo to the attention of whoever did not see it. Going with their holiday tradition, yesterday Google transformed their logo once again. This time they distorted it into a chocolate covered strawberry. However, it appears as if they left the “L” out of their logo, thus converting their named to “Googe.”
According to the Google Blog post:
“When you look at the logo, you may worry that we forgot our name overnight, skipped a letter, or have decided that ‘Googe’ has a better ring to it. None of the above. I just know that those with true romance and poetry in their soul will see the subtlety immediately. And if you’re feeling grouchy today, may I suggest eating a strawberry.”
It still looks to me like they misspelled Google, but then again maybe I’m just grouchy and need a strawberry.
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