Social, but Not Too Social

It was pointed out on today’s techdirt news stream that Weezer’s Pork and Beans music video was released on YouTube. The catch is that the video is not able to be shared as an embedded video.

It seems odd Weezer would go throught the efforts of a campaign and skip the last leg and not make it consumable everywhere. A potentially catchy video like this is seems dead in the water because it has reached its final destination before it got out of the gates.

Is this a sign that the music industry is coming around? I doubt it, but at least there are few trying. I would say a step in the right direction, but don’t be afraid to open up and share and drive the buzz.  

Socially Saving a Community

As part of the conference my employer hosted bi-annually I am fortunate enough to meet some really interesting people. This year will be no different. Alan Gutierrez of Think New Orleans will be presenting on collaboration and how social software and media has allowed a community within New Orleans to be rebuilt. I am excited to speak with him about the planning process and goals and initiatives lined to enable the community to find each other and rapid updates. 

This is a great example of people coming together via a social platform and strengthening the community. A symbol of great work.  

Social Fatigue

At the Digital Impact Conference I attended June 9-10 an interesting discussion ended the day with Business Stephen E. Ante. The questions was asked with economy as it is and venture capitalists tightening up will the social media bubble will burst? (similar to that of the .com bubble)

Ante’s response to this was probably not and if it does it will not be in the neat future. His reason are because most of these networks are not public trading companies so there is little public interest and money at risk. This makes sense because as long as VC’s are willing to provide financial backing the public’s intrest is purely on finding friends and joining the community. Ante also mentioned that this is still a hot area of VC’s to invest. The sense I came away with is that while social networks are a great benefit to participants there could come a day when social fatigue sets in and participants will be spread too thin and interest will be lost.

Another conference attendee noted that ”social plague” could drive communities away. In this case the reference social plague refers to social networks becoming overwhelmed with ads and marketing material as PR and marketing professionals become more proficient in these spaces. If this happens will everyone run? In my opinion this could potentially happen, but before it does I would suspect another platform will come available to run to. The more likely scenario will be staying status quo and PR and marketing people will continue to be strong armed and treated harshly to keep rookies away and relationships strong. 

Twittering for PR

I have just returned home from the PRSA conference Digital Impact (more to come later) and have found a new addiction, Twitter. I have been following the community for a few months now and made the leap over the weekend. It was amazing how fast your community can grow and how fast the conversation happens. The thing that amazed me the most was how relevant the conversation is. Based on my community of PR folks, the conversation is broad, the answers come quick, and the reach is endless.

Please join my growing community @collin_s