Erik Qualman's Blog, page 677

Top Social Media Site Comes Face-to-Face with Porn Issue

[image error]It is safe to say that social media giant Facebook was rather red in the face recently when it was discovered that a large number of pornographic and violent images were posted to its family-friendly site.

Coming in the forms of pictures, links and videos involving well-known celebrities, the content hit Facebook on Nov. 14, leading a Facebook spokesperson to tell the media, "We have recently experienced an increase in reports and we are investigating and addressing the issue. We are always working to improve our systems to isolate and remove material that violates our terms. Protecting the people who use Facebook from spam and malicious content is a top priority for us."

Tech experts report the swarm of unwanted images seemed to be tied to a form of spam virus that propagates when an unknowing users taps into the infected content.

In an ironic twist, many disgruntled Facebook users turned to rival Twitter to express their dissatisfaction with what occurred.

In a company blog on the web security site Sophons, a senior tech consultant stated, "It's (spam virus) precisely this kind of problem which is likely to drive people away from the site. Facebook needs to get a handle on this problem quickly, and prevent it from happening on such a scale again."

Just who is the cause behind the problem remains to be seen, but there has been some talk recently of planned attacks against the site which boasts more than 700 million users worldwide.

A hacking group known as Anonymous had made threats several months back to silence Facebook on Nov. 5, but that date has obviously come and gone without major incident, leaving those investigating scratching their heads.  As of Nov. 15, there was no mention on the Facebook blog regarding the issue.

While Facebook typically relies on users to flag down inappropriate content, this is not the first time images depicting pornography have appeared on the site.

That being the case, one would hope Facebook techs are feverishly working on putting together photo recognition software that picks up on porn and other unwanted images.

Given the fact that recent reports show more and more children are gaining access to Facebook at a younger age than previously thought, the social media giant needs to face up to the issue of unwanted content ending up in the wrong hands, or in this case, eyes.

Photo credit: hackingthenet.blogspot.com

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Social Commerce: Converting the Last Mile

In the combative world of online marketing managers like me, a measurable and effective channel to the "last mile" of conversion is critical. While I know, my Tweets and Facebook updates are creating interest and possible traffic to my site, I cannot with a 100% certainty have an attribution mapping system for these sources. Group buying combined with daily deals has of course seen positive traction, but I am curious as to how else the social graph can be leveraged for a quantitative solution like say Pay-Per-Click (e.g. Google AdWords).

 

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Klout Perks, for instance, in my opinion, is a determined effort to develop a platform for social commerce by incentivising (Or maybe bribing!) the influencers. While the system rightly attempts to measure one's ability to drive action on social media, the scoring model and even the expected outcome is possibly flawed. Are Klout scores measured with consistency? Can Influence be generalized? As in, lets say, can and should an influential chef endorse the test drive of a Chevy? Even if all of the above are put into place, how can I as a manager attribute sales to influence? So my quest continues.

Taking rewarding influence to the next level is Curebit.com. The system gives redeemable points if purchases happened as a result of one's influence on social media. It goes totally in the direction of quantifiable, attributable model with strong Analytics which explain where my buyers came from and under the influence of whom. The dashboard can be easily integrated with most online shop fronts and gives fantastic analytics to support campaign decisions for the seller. This is moving very close to eliminating the guessing game and making the social graph work for me on the last mile to conversion.

There are other very interesting early stage hybrids in this movement towards making the social network quantifiable. Likebids.com is a refreshingly disruptive model where offer coupons are unlocked once the offer has a minimum threshold of Likes. Technically, what this means is that the sharing happens before  transactions, unlike, lets say Curebit.com where sharing happens post the purchase. In some ways, the brand is assured of decent visibility due to the cascading effect of social media. I, as a marketer, will certainly love the potential visibility, if there is a backend that can give me precise data of my success.

As more online businesses lock horns via social networks, a platform that can establish a clear, effective and quantifiable conversion generating and tracking system will be able to offer a larger chunk of the pie. I cant wait to see some astonishing innovations and investments in this space.

Image Courtesy: Central-e-commerce.com

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QR Code Made of 2,000 Soccer Balls

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The world's biggest QR code made from footballs/soccer balls. Using 2000 footballs, A plane, 2 Skydivers and Betfair mobile  created a huge QR code for the Ireland v. Estonia game this week at the Aviva Stadium and then placed a bet on the game while sky diving and using their phones to read the code.

Related: Pippa Middleton | QR Code – Charity Use

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Live Internet Video Marketing: YouTube Vs New Livestream

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With Livestream getting an exciting new revamp and YouTube streaming an entire concert from Madrid (Coldplay) it's no wonder these two Internet video heavyweights are becoming the talk of the World Wide Web. It's interesting to see the new features both sites are showcasing to the online world, as over the past year brands, bloggers and businesses have been utilising live Web Chats, Video Conferencing, Video Calls, Webinars and live event streaming more than ever before.

With such formats rapidly growing in popularity Internet marketers across the net are constantly trying to find the best platform for their approaches. Unsurprisingly the biggest format on marketer's minds today is the one that perhaps provides the biggest advantages of all – live event streaming.

So with two big video companies beginning to set the bar in live streaming standards, it's only fair to see which site is the most beneficial to Internet marketers.

YouTube

YouTube is an Internet marketer's best friend. Over the years the world over has loved YouTube's ability to invade the Page 1 search results of Google, and have made optimum use of the SEO benefits of Titling, Tagging, Describing and inputting Closed Captions into their video content.

Using YouTube put Internet marketer's on Google's good side, and by ticking all the YouTube boxes they could climb up YouTube's search engine rankings too. The result of which saw marketer's Internet videos receive a higher search engine ranking in the world's top two search engines.

YouTube Live, which launched back in April of this year, was set to take the already stellar relationship between YouTube and Internet marketers to soaring new heights. Unfortunately even today the YouTube Live feature is still reserved for YouTube Partners only.

Having live streaming capabilities means you can broadcast everything from conferences and events, to product tutorials and desk side chats. Being able to air live video content whenever you need would be a powerful addition to any Internet video marketing arsenal.

Sadly we'll just have to wait and see what YouTube Live holds for the rest of the world, whilst it deals with its bugs and streaming issues in its trial Partner phase. One thing's for sure though, if YouTube manage to nail their Live feature, Internet video marketing will become a whole new ballgame, which will perhaps reshape how we use online video for years to come.

New Livestream

Livestream has been a great tool for Internet marketers and Internet users alike. Everyone from brands, businesses and bloggers to bands, artists and the general public at large, has been using Livestream for all sorts of purposes. Livestream's innovative streaming technology has made the benefits of live streaming available to universal audiences, not just wealthy blue-chip corporate companies.

The biggest issue with Livestream was its subpar relationship with social media platforms, and its lack of convergence with other types of media. The guys at Livestream know the errors of their ways all to well, and as a result have released New Livestream BETA.

New Livestream aims to bring with it connection quality selection, HD video, DVR functionality, real time text and photo updates and of course optimum uninterrupted live streaming. Users can also comment, follow, like and share live stream content without interrupting their live session.

Unfortunately with New Livestream in its BETA phase, users won't get to use the site to its full extent until April 2012 (ironically a year after YouTube launched its YouTube Live). However, while the wait may be long, the quality of the service will more than likely be worth it.

Conclusion

Sadly both YouTube Live and New Livestream are sites universal audiences will have to wait to explore and utilise fully, but their features are on display for the world to see right now.

Live streaming as a whole brings with it an array of benefits such as increased website traffic, higher levels of lead generation, SEO boosts, wide spread brand awareness and even improved revenue streams, but which platform will be the best site for "your" live Internet video campaign?

With the sites yet to fully unfold it's difficult to say, but let's look at the facts:

- YouTube will undoubtedly offer a wider audience.

- YouTube has great SEO benefit

- YouTube is a world renowned video sharing site that is owned by Google.

- Livestream is a lesser known, underused platform

- Livestream is perhaps a tad more professional

- Livestram will more than likely provide a better quality footage and a stronger live streaming connection as a result of its smaller audience.

When both of these sites open their doors to the world the state of Internet video will certainly change forever, but what site will be best? Only time will tell.

Have Your Say

What are your thoughts about the new YouTube and Livestream developments? Do you think live streaming will change the state of Internet marketing? Be sure to share your knowledge in the Comments section below.

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How NOT to Network on Twitter: 5 Common Pitfalls and how to Avoid Them

There are countless articles circulating the Web about how to network on Twitter, how to get more Twitter followers, how to tweet, when to tweet, what to tweet, who to follow, what URL shorteners to use, Twitter SEO, and so on. With all of that information available, it's not hard to imagine that Twitter users, particularly Twitter beginners, can go a bit overboard and actually end up driving otherwise willing followers away while thinking they're following all the 'rules'.

Are you guilty of the following Twitter networking faux pas?

Overzealous following

"Follow me and I'll follow you back!" Have you heard this one before? Don't be tricked into thinking that following magnitudes of people will make you an instant Twitter star. While there are many that follow the "you follow/I follow" mentality, be aware that this often leads to little substance.

Your time is much better served reaching out to thought leaders you admire and other professionals in your industry. If you regularly reach out to others (with the @ symbol), tweet about things relevant to your niche, and retweet thoughtfully, you will see your follower list begin to grow naturally!

Tweeting once a year

We're exaggerating a little bit here, but twitter, much like blogging, can be a trap for some where they get really excited at first and tweet like crazy and then the excitement wears off and their tweets dwindle to once every couple of days, maybe once a week, and sometimes…months go by with no tweeting at all. Can you hear the crickets chirping? If you're not using your voice, no one is going to listen to you! Be sure that you keep your twitter account active. This doesn't mean you have to tweet every time you blink (which it seems that some people do), but try not to let too long go between your interactions on twitter or you're likely to lose followers.

Tweeting TMI

TMI stands for Too Much Info, and this can be a scary line to cross if you're tweeting, particularly if your tweets aren't protected (which, if you're looking to build a large following, it's usually a good idea to go public), and if you're representing a business, yours or otherwise. Twitter makes it so easy to express yourself that a hasty tweet in moment of bad judgment can occur without even realizing it. Even though you want to be yourself, unless you are a comedian known for your lewd jokes or a brazen celeb whose fans thrive on the drama, be mindful of what you say or what pictures you post. Potential employers, competitors, and other influencers take notice.

Tweet Spam

While it's true that twitter can be a great way to spread news about your business, as in any venue where your voice can be heard, you need to maintain a balance between promoting yourself and sharing non-promotional things. If every tweet becomes "check out my latest item I listed on eBay!" or "click for the best deal on cell phone ringtones!" or "15% off with this special code!", people are going to start seeing your tweets like they see ads and tune them out. Having your link in your twitter bio will draw traffic from your followers, and the more interesting content you give them when you tweet, the more they'll trust you and be likely to click when you do share that occasional promotional tweet.

Conversely, if you are a business that uses twitter solely for product updates and discounts, be up front about your twitter account with followers and post wisely!

Tweet Fraud

Okay this title makes this sound like something truly awful (and if you are genuinely stealing someone else's identity on Twitter, you probably aren't reading this article right now), but the point here is be genuine. Twitter was created as a means for social interaction and connection with other people. If you are tweeting on behalf of a business, have a voice and give people the sense that you are accessible and real. By being genuine with your followers, you're giving them the chance to feel a connection to you and feel that their voice also matters to you. Business is business, but at the end of the day, twitter is social.

Avoid these Twitter mistakes and you should be well on your way to developing a solid following of loyal twitter fans! Do you have any tips to add?

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Paterno, Penn State and the Social Media Outcry

[image error]For those individuals who do not follow college football, a legend's career that has spanned some 60-plus years all told may be coming to a rather unceremonious end sooner rather than later.

Having grown up in Pennsylvania, I can speak first-hand of the iconic status of Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno.

Although I chose to root for Alabama and legendary coach Bear Bryant at an early age, I remember with great fondness the trips to Happy Valley to see the Nittany Lions and Crimson Tide clash during the 1980s and into the early 1990s before the series ended.

Paterno, who became PSU's head coach right around the time I was born, has had a stellar career, both on and off the field.

Sporting the most wins by a college football head coach in NCAA history (409 going into the Nebraska game on Nov. 12), claiming a pair of national championships (1982 and 1986), and helping in overseeing one of the country's higher graduation rates for football players, Paterno has done and seen it all.

Now, however, the 84-year-old legend is quite possibly looking at his final days or weeks as PSU's most famous individual.

Just in the last few days, a former defensive coordinator under Paterno's wing, Jerry Sandusky, was arrested in the wake of a sex-abuse scandal allegedly involving more than half-a-dozen young boys.

Sandusky is alleged to have abused at least eight boys over a 15-year period, including one reported assault nine years ago that Paterno reportedly discovered. While Paterno cooperated with police back then and does not face any charges himself, many are saying he could have done more.

Additionally, a pair of top university officials — Gary Schultz, the senior vice president for finance and business, and Tim Curley, the athletic director — were charged with perjury and failure to report to authorities what they knew of the allegations, as required by Pennsylvania law.

Despite the fact it is Sandusky charged with these alleged crimes, it is Paterno who is in the eye of the storm.

When you Google Paterno's name the search engine alone leads you to more than 7,000 articles.

If you check out Twitter, Facebook and other such sites, Paterno, Penn State, etc. are all over the place.

The reason I mention this is there are good and bad outcomes to so many of us utilizing social media to obtain a portion or all of our news these days.

Like many other news junkies, I keep my eye on Twitter during the day for links to any breaking news etc. Friends of Facebook will also contact me or vice-versa when there is an interesting piece of news that we think is worth sharing.

While that is all good, the problem becomes that such social networking sites can sometimes end up being the judge, juror and executioner for the subject matter. I can't tell you how many tweets I have seen in just the last 24 hours or so that said Joe must go, Joe did as much as he could, etc.

Twitter hashtags with various names have popped up in recent days regarding the matter, some creative, some informative and some downright ridiculous.

The bottom line going forward is that social media will only play an even greater influence in our daily lives, giving us so much information at times that we cannot process it all.

In the end, I find the collision of eras quite interesting.

The relatively new era of online social media and the old era of a head football coach, a man who has meant more to his university than anyone else before him and likely anyone else to come in the foreseeable future.

Joe Paterno has not been accused of anything other than allegedly not doing enough to thwart an alleged sexual abuser on the Penn State campus

Before much of the social media world convicts Paterno of anything, let's take a deep breath and think about what we're tweeting and sharing before we hit the mouse.

Photo credit: Bleacherreport.com

 

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B2B Storytelling

When we produced the first YouTube B2B comedy in 2006, our video didn't sell any two-million dollar IBM mainframes, but it earned extensive coverage from press and analysts, and increased our blog traffic by over 25 times. Some  B2B marketers are slow to invest in social media because they believe that the ROI should be based on an increase in sales. Wrong. The focus should be on engaging conversation with influencers who matter. It's the first step toward social business.

A year ago at Cisco, we launched the  The Connected Life Exchange blog and invited industry experts to be the authors, along with only a few company employees. We do not blog about our company or products, but discuss the industry issues that are relevant to our customers: the telecom service provider. It has proven to be a powerful approach in engaging analysts, bloggers and customers in a welcomed way — through storytelling.

We just finished production of a web documentary series, "The Network Effect," again with no mention of our company, but focusing on entertaining stories about the inventors who built the network and the impact it has on economic growth, particularly in developing counties.  Here's  the first episode of six:

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Khan Academy & Online Learning Changing Education

As this education infographic points out. The face of education is changing rapidly and the world is benefiting. Anyone in the world with Internet access can learn from the best and brightest…for free. Now we need to solve the digital divide!


Via: OnlineEducation.net

 

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Three Secrets to Social Media Success

I've had the opportunity to a do lot of public speaking lately and it's something I really enjoy. I'd highly recommend it for dozens of reason but that's for another blog.  The audiences I speak to are diverse and in the business community.  Many times there are a lot of senior leadership (CEOs, CMOs, and even Chief People Officers) in attendance.  They all are asking "what exactly is social media and how does it relate to my business".  To clarify, these companies are not "business to consumer" type of companies but rather "business to business or B2B" companies.  Many are skeptical of this new medium, most believe its purpose is for high school teenagers and almost all of them think it's just a fad. 

 I was frustrated at first trying to describe it in a simple and compelling way.  Public speaking is a lot like Twitter.  You have to be interesting, hold their attention and you have a limited amount of time to provide them something valuable to walk away with.  Like tweeting, it takes a little while to get the hang of it.  On Twitter, the most awkward part for me was learning how to abbreviate the English language in such a way that I could communicate my point in 140 characters (really 100 characters if I wanted it to be re-tweeted or RT).

 I never claimed to be the smartest guy in the room and I certainly don't claim to be an expert on social media.  I am, however, evangelistic about social media and that's what led me to discover that social media is truly about People, Passion and Story. 

 People from all walks of life, sharing their passion and telling their story.  Everyone has a compelling story to tell.  Every company, every customer and every employee.  Are you passionate about your product, your industry or your customer?  Are you passionate about your service offering or your customer's experience with your solution?  That passion belongs on the social web. 

 Do you smile when the person you're listening to is explaining something with incredible passion?  I do.  It's great.  I love it.

 Everyone likes to hear a good story. Stories are powerful.  They draw people in.  I would argue that it's the most effective way to share information and communicate your message.  Social media enables you to write your own script and tell your story.  It won't be boring if there's passion behind it. 

 Have you ever lived in different parts of the country or even overseas?  Did you meet some interesting people when you were there?  Do you have any good stories you like to tell about those experiences?  I lived inSeville,Spainand they were passionate about having a good time that's for sure.  Flamenco, La Feria and bullfighting are their pastime.  InAtlantacollege football is king.  And New Yorkers love their Yankees.  I met some great people in all three places and walked away with dozens of incredible stories. 

 It's no different in business.  Change your thinking a little bit.  Have your peers, colleagues, co-workers and customers bring their passion for whatever it is you produce, serve or experience with your company.  Put it into a story format and watch what happens.  It will draw people in and it will take the conversation on the social web to a new level and a new audience.

 What is social media?  It's people talking about their passion and telling their own story.  That's why it has taken off so quickly and become so popular. 

 Put pen to paper.  Pick up a dry eraser and start crafting your message on a white board in the conference room.  Get ideas from others and have fun with it.  You'll be surprise how easy it is to write your script and tell your story.

 

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Startup Spotlight: VizLingo

Have you ever wished there was a better way to add some excitement and personalization to text messages or posts? Not many startups attempt to create an entirely new language for such but that is exactly what New York based startup Vizlingo is seeking to do with their revolutionary "text to video" platform. That's right you heard me. Text to Video.The application is easy to use, and while still currently in Beta, is already proving to be very interesting. Simply enter your text, and hit "create" to see your message turned to video. The system pairs up your words with user generated video content, effectively creating miniature movies based off your text.I spoke with their CEO Azeo Fables, and he is particularly excited about iOS and Facebook apps currently in development. Eventually Vizlingo will support user-generated content and fully integrated send functionality so you'll be able to send messages directly to friends and networks.  This means Vizlingo will allow you to add your own clips to the database. In addition to collaboration with groups like studios, celebrities and agencies, one can only hope there is no partnership with Texts from Last Night in the works…


www.vizlingo.com







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