DaniWeb IT Discussion Community - Growing an Online Community http://www.daniweb.com/forums/ Our Growing an Online Community forum is the place for discussions related to social networking, community building and issues facing forum and chat administrators and moderators. en-US Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:09:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.daniweb.com/alphaimages/misc/rss.jpg DaniWeb IT Discussion Community - Growing an Online Community http://www.daniweb.com/forums/ News Story How to watch your posts go viral http://www.daniweb.com/news/story240308.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:50:40 GMT You know you've established your brand when its name becomes a verb (for example to 'Google' something). A company called PostRank might hope the same holds true for adjectives, as in "What's your PostRank?" The company hosts an ingenious service that tracks the millions of Web postings that appear every day and ranks them based on the tweets, Diggs, reddits, and other linkback activities that follow.

These activities, which the company refers to as "engagements," are a better indicator of the value of a piece, according to PostRank co-founder and VP of development Jim Murphy. "We're looking at what people do, as opposed to what people say. And that's an important difference," he said in a phone interview yesterday. "We're not asking you what is good or bad content--and to vote up or down. If I use delicious, where I'll save a bookmark that I want to refer to later, we record that as an interesting engagement." PostRank has agreements with 18 major social networks, and looking to add all the time, Murphy said.

Founded in 2007 as AideRSS, the company started by developing a way to qualify the huge number of articles fed into RSS readers every day. "The engagement generated by each story has a ranking function that we plug into [RSS] readers. So of these 500 themes, which generate let's say 700 or 800 stories a day, [we present] the 50 you really need to look at," based on how many other people have thought enough of the piece to spread the word. "Don't read every story that's published, just read what matters and what is generating a lot of conversations." The free service is available now.

Last month the company unveiled PostRank Analytics, a fee-based service that resells its engagement data "out the back door to news aggregators, marketing and PR companies and everybody you can imagine," as Murphy put it. A Youtube video shows you how it works. In essence, the service lets you track, in real time, who's clicking on (thanks to a link with Google Analytics), linking to, commenting on and tweeting about your postings. You can even drill down to the individual users and contact them directly. "When you're publishing a story, you're not necessarily trying to convince people to buy a book, download a white paper or do anything. Instead you're tying to figure out what is resonating--which topics, authors and tone--and who's in your audience, how are they responding." ]]> Growing an Online Community EddieC http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240308.html How often do you use social media? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240247.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 14:26:59 GMT I think that technology has made it easier for us to use and access social media all of the time. I remember back in the old days, I will only use my AOL email after work hours. Now I can check it anytime!! I think that technology has made it easier for us to use and access social media all of the time. I remember back in the old days, I will only use my AOL email after work hours. Now I can check it anytime!! ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240247.html Which News Reader do you use? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240154.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:23:54 GMT I just read on Mashable the top ten news reader. I personally use Google Reader which was rated #1. Which one would you use and why?

http://mashable.com/2009/11/20/top-1...=Google+Reader ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240154.html Enterprise MicroBlogging http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240125.html Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:40:32 GMT I was on one of my Linkedin Forums and I saw a question about people who are using SocialText or SocialCast, both of which offer enterprise collaboration software for large companies and corporation who want to centralize all of their social media efforts and encourage collaboration. Has anyone... I was on one of my Linkedin Forums and I saw a question about people who are using SocialText or SocialCast, both of which offer enterprise collaboration software for large companies and corporation who want to centralize all of their social media efforts and encourage collaboration.

Has anyone here used or seen a demo of either of these and what were your impressions? I ask because while these are enterprise products targeted at large companies I can easily see these two products offered in smaller versions to try to capture the larger companies in the SMB market. And if I am right I want to build a knowledgebase now because I know some of my clients will ask about them. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240125.html News Story Woman Loses Insurance for Posting Happy Vacation Photos on Facebook http://www.daniweb.com/news/story240092.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:04:37 GMT We're already heard about people being fired for calling in sick and then posting on Facebook.

Now a woman has lost her insurance.

According to CBCNews, Nathalie Blanchard, 29, has been on leave from her job at IBM for the past year and a half after she was diagnosed with major depression. She was receiving monthly sick-leave benefits from Manulife, her insurance company. When the payments stopped, she called the insurance company and was told she was "available to work, because of Facebook."

The insurance agent reportedly described several pictures Blanchard had posted, including ones showing her at a Chippendales bar show, at her birthday party, and at the beach — evidence that she is no longer depressed.

Blanchard said she had taken the vacation on her doctor's advice and that she had informed the company of the trip.

In addition, Blanchard said she didn't understand how Manulife accessed her photos, because her Facebook profile is locked and only people she approves can look at what she posts. Ironically, it was due to pressure from the Canadian government that Facebook recently revised its privacy policy. Online speculation is that one of the woman's coworkers at IBM may have turned her in.

The company confirmed that it uses the social networking site to investigate clients but said it would not deny or terminate a valid claim solely based on information published on websites such as Facebook. ]]> Growing an Online Community slfisher http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread240092.html choosing name for adult website http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239707.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:04:33 GMT Hi.I need to choose and adult website name. Porobably with com* Do You have any ideas? Hi.I need to choose and adult website name. Porobably with com*
Do You have any ideas? ]]> Growing an Online Community birja http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239707.html News Story Newspaper Outs Anonymous Poster http://www.daniweb.com/news/story239640.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:28:51 GMT Here's a switch. Instead of newspapers trying to protect the identities of the people posting to their websites, the newspaper is the one outing them.

As described by editor Kurt Greenbaum of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, someone posted a vulgar word in the paper's online commenting system, and re-posted it after a newspaper staffer deleted it.

"I deleted it, but noticed in the WordPress e-mail alert that his comment had come from an IP address at a local school," Greenbaum reported. "So I called the school. They were happy to have me forward the e-mail, though I wasn’t sure what they’d be able to do with the meager information it included."

The school managed to track down the offending (literally) poster, who turned out to be a school employee, and when confronted, the person resigned.

Since then, however, the incident has resulted in a great deal of discussion about whether Greenbaum acted responsibly, especially for a newspaper.

"[I]t's still troubling that a journalist with 27 years of experience didn't question whether it was wise to out one of the paper's readers -- a decision that certainly seems to violate the paper's own policies," noted The Daily Online Examiner. "The site's privacy policy states: "We will not share individual user information with third parties unless the user has specifically approved the release of that information. In some cases, however, we may provide information to legal officials.""

The blog went on to say that Greenbaum denied having revealed individual user information, and made fun of him for apparently not realizing what an IP address was.

"Am I the only one who thinks that doing this goes way beyond the normal course of editorial behaviour?" wrote media blogger Matthew Ingram. "[T]here is no way that I would contact someone’s workplace about a comment unless they had done something extremely egregious — such as making death threats, or repeatedly making abusive comments."

The Greenbaum case stands in stark contrast to other examples. Earlier this year, another news site fought a court order demanding that it reveal the identity of anonymous people posting to its website. Instead, the Maryland Court of Appeals reversed the lower-court ruling, and issued guidelines for how such requests should be made in the future. Another news aggregator site is fighting a similar attempt in Texas.

Several people have suggested that, in the future, Greenbaum's paper should moderate comments instead. ]]> Growing an Online Community slfisher http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239640.html Social Media Research tools? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239623.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:57:58 GMT Which social media research tools do you use to find your target audience? I have been told twitter search and google ad planner. Is there anything else? Which social media research tools do you use to find your target audience? I have been told twitter search and google ad planner. Is there anything else? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239623.html Do you use Ning now? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239614.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:14:11 GMT I am created a few Ning groups in the past but not anymore and though it was nice to create them, the communities quickly died because members did not contribute content. So I wonder if this was a general problem and if those ning groups you joined experienced the same problem? I am created a few Ning groups in the past but not anymore and though it was nice to create them, the communities quickly died because members did not contribute content. So I wonder if this was a general problem and if those ning groups you joined experienced the same problem? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239614.html Which Paid Analytics Tool do you use to measure online site success? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239611.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:47:25 GMT Though many sites have google analytics, there are others who use paid web analytical tools. Thus, if you used these paid toold, which one did you use and why? Did you find it useful or helpful? I personally dont like webTrends. It gives me mixed metrics. Though many sites have google analytics, there are others who use paid web analytical tools. Thus, if you used these paid toold, which one did you use and why? Did you find it useful or helpful? I personally dont like webTrends. It gives me mixed metrics. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239611.html <![CDATA[Automated "Friend Adders" - specifically on Twitter]]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239581.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 22:32:09 GMT Anyone with a Twitter account occasionally gets a random new follower. Some may be legit people just wanting to hear what you have to say, some may be cyber-stalkers :P, but MOST are just using some automated software that set's their Twitter account on "Auto-Pilot" and follows as many as people as possible. The goal is to hopefully get you to follow them back. I've heard that some "Twitter Friend Adders" can even target a specific group of people.

Does anyone have any experience with a Friend Adder? Have I even accurately explained how they work? If not, can someone please elaborate? And finally, are "Friend Adders" frowned upon by Twitter? ]]> Growing an Online Community jay 11 http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239581.html Facebook Hacker threat - anyone else hear of this? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239357.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:23:12 GMT A friend of mine posted this on his FB page a few hours ago... *HACKER WARNING! There is a new way to hack your Facebook. A Notification will be sent to you that one of your friends has commented on your status, it will open a new page and tell you to re-enter your Facebook user name and... A friend of mine posted this on his FB page a few hours ago...

HACKER WARNING! There is a new way to hack your Facebook. A Notification will be sent to you that one of your friends has commented on your status, it will open a new page and tell you to re-enter your Facebook user name and password. The page looks just like the FB login page so be on the look out!! please repost this to your status to let your facebook family know.

Has anyone else heard about this and can either confirm or deny?

Until we have confirmation everyone might want to pass this on as a potential warning to all friends. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239357.html Alexa Rank for about 200,000 Uniques http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239337.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:36:51 GMT Any of you guys here have a website with near 200,000 uniques a month? I'm just wondering what's the Alexa ranking for sites with this much traffic. ]]> Growing an Online Community Doctor Inferno http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239337.html Would you pay a tax to be on social media sites? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239331.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:35:33 GMT What if the government taxed you to be on social media? Would it discourage you from using social media? I heard a similar thing about paying tax for email but I have not seen it. What do you think? What if the government taxed you to be on social media? Would it discourage you from using social media? I heard a similar thing about paying tax for email but I have not seen it. What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239331.html Making Friends into Fans http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239328.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:27:14 GMT Is there an easy or efficient way to convert Facebook Friends into Fans of a Facebook Page? Is there a facebook migration program or something? Or is it just the old fashion way of just asking each friend to become fans of a page? Is there an easy or efficient way to convert Facebook Friends into Fans of a Facebook Page? Is there a facebook migration program or something? Or is it just the old fashion way of just asking each friend to become fans of a page? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239328.html Wordpress and Micro Sites http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239121.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:09:13 GMT I am beginning work on some micro-sites for a client who wants separate sites to focus on the top two verticals they target. I am using Wordpress to convert their existing blogs aimed at these verticals into micro-sites. Has anyone had any success or other experiences with micro-sites built from... I am beginning work on some micro-sites for a client who wants separate sites to focus on the top two verticals they target. I am using Wordpress to convert their existing blogs aimed at these verticals into micro-sites. Has anyone had any success or other experiences with micro-sites built from WordPress? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread239121.html Digby and Tweetdeck http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread238808.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 03:12:33 GMT I have been using Tweetdeck quite a bit to keep track of the people I follow and to take care of my tweeting without going through a browser. I just recently downloaded Digby which is an awesome tool for managing all of your social media updated and e-mail. Has anyone else been using Digby... I have been using Tweetdeck quite a bit to keep track of the people I follow and to take care of my tweeting without going through a browser. I just recently downloaded Digby which is an awesome tool for managing all of your social media updated and e-mail.

Has anyone else been using Digby and what are your experiences? Also while I am still a novice Digby user, are Digby and Tweetdeck complimentary products or competitor products? As Digby handles more than twitter I don't know that it would be competitive with Twitter but you never know. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread238808.html News Story Retweet retreat from Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/news/story238331.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:40:40 GMT Twitter has suspended its new retweet function (http://status.twitter.com/post/240745460/retweet-feature-temporarily-disabled). Now, this takes me back. When I started writing about technology this stuff was commonplace. A software company would announce a new version or a new package, its... Twitter has suspended its new retweet function.

Now, this takes me back. When I started writing about technology this stuff was commonplace. A software company would announce a new version or a new package, its target date would come and go and then it would be released as buggy as anything. Windows itself didn't get it right until version 3.1 (3.0 caught the imagination of the market, 3.1 worked a load better).

The fact that this doesn't happen any more is to be applauded = except here we are with Twitter issuing a new tweak and unissuing it within days. We'll gloss over the fact that you could already retweet manually.

Half of me hopes this isn't going to mark a return to the bad old days - for 'software company' read 'social media company' but the idea of premature releases remains constant. The other half of me is rubbing its hands saying 'here we go again, software people back on form...'

I'll keep you posted. ]]> Growing an Online Community GuyClapperton http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread238331.html News Story Does Twitter mean business with LinkedIn deal? http://www.daniweb.com/news/story237470.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:57:05 GMT Everyone seems to be talking about how first Facebook (http://www.itwire.com/content/view/25376/53/) and now Twitter are being adopted by business users, as if the concept of social networking in a business environment was somehow new. Of course, the truth is that services such as LinkedIn have... Everyone seems to be talking about how first Facebook and now Twitter are being adopted by business users, as if the concept of social networking in a business environment was somehow new. Of course, the truth is that services such as LinkedIn have been providing just that for many years now.

Indeed, LinkedIn has fairly quietly grown to some 51 million members worldwide now, yet still seems to struggle to command the same type of media pulling power that either Twitter or Facebook have when it comes to generating news headlines and publicity.

I suspect there will be no such problems today as LinkedIn cleverly announces what it calls an 'integration partnership' with none other than Twitter itself, allowing members to share their status updates between both services.

Unfortunately, while LinkedIn is getting all excited about "cross integration of the two networks through the Tweets app" which "allows members of LinkedIn to automatically share their updates on the professional network with their Twitter followers" and the ability to "select Twitter status updates to share with their LinkedIn network" simply by "adding the #in hashtag to tweets on the microblogging site" I am not jumping up and down myself. Well, at least not with joy or excitement.

It has been possible to do much the same between Facebook and Twitter accounts for some time now, and to be honest it has ended up driving me away from Facebook. I pop in rarely now, only if I get an email notification that someone I'm interested in catching up with wants to connect with me there. My problem being that I already see the updates that my friends post on Twitter, so why on earth would I want to see the exact same updates on Facebook as well? Now it looks like I'll be using LinkedIn even less than I do already, as I certainly don't want to see them all there as well.

"Linking the two together via simple sharing of status updates will add the broadcast power of Twitter to the collective knowledge and business insight of LinkedIn global membership" LinkedIn says in a statement, adding that the partnership will enable members of both sites to "collaborate more easily, communicate with their network and continue to become more productive and successful".

But I still don't get it, not least as surely most people tend to draw a distinct line between Twitter and LinkedIn, between professional and social networking. After all, the whole point of LinkedIn has always been as a way of connecting to other professionals within a business context. I consider LinkedIn to be more like handing your business card around at a conference, and Twitter more like texting your mates. Things do change though, and Twitter is no exception as it has proved recently when it found its voice and roared.

Sure, Twitter has been embraced by the new media business crowd, but more as a marketing tool than anything else and certainly not, as far as I can tell, as a true business networking service. Which leaves me wondering if this will be used more as a one-way medium with LinkedIn postings hitting Twitter far more than the other way around? How that will pan out is pretty unclear, as is how postings of a purely business nature will be received by the Twitterati. So far pure marketing campaigns such as the now infamous Moonfruit one have had a mixed reception, often creating something of a Twitter backlash against the use of hashtag spam. Will LinkedIn messages be treated the same way, as corporate spam?

The only thing I am really sure about is that LinkedIn will get some column inches out of this, courtesy of the Twitter connection. And that has got to be good for business. ]]> Growing an Online Community happygeek http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237470.html News Story News at Eleven: Twitter tops in India http://www.daniweb.com/news/story237081.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:10:41 GMT What do you use Twitter for? Telling your circle of online friends what you are up to? As an alternative to email? Maybe a little bit of legal celebrity stalking? Perhaps, but if you are an Indian Twitter user the chances are you are treating it primarily as an online news source. That is the... What do you use Twitter for? Telling your circle of online friends what you are up to? As an alternative to email? Maybe a little bit of legal celebrity stalking? Perhaps, but if you are an Indian Twitter user the chances are you are treating it primarily as an online news source.

That is the surprising conclusion of a new survey which reveals that the majority of those asked (16%) regularly turn to tweets for their news updates. A trend which really started during the 26/11 attacks when there were nearly 1000 Tweets a minute being posted by eyewitnesses to the horrific events as they unfolded. This helped propel Twitter into the big time in India, which now has the largest number of Twitter users of any country other than US and Germany according to reports.

Of course, Twitter is used to making the news as well as distributing it. With more than 5 billion Tweets already, it is hardly surprising that Twitter is becoming a news medium in its own right. ]]> Growing an Online Community newsguy http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237081.html Who benefits from Social Media? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237013.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:00:21 GMT I just read from a blog post about who benefits from social media? good question. I think it all depends on what is the goal and reach of your social media circle. For example, I might have a private Facebook page for personal yet be on many professional yahoo/LinkedIn groups. Thus, I have... I just read from a blog post about who benefits from social media? good question. I think it all depends on what is the goal and reach of your social media circle. For example, I might have a private Facebook page for personal yet be on many professional yahoo/LinkedIn groups. Thus, I have leveraging social media differently here. What about you? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237013.html Do you use quick answer sites? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237004.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:04:26 GMT I just read on a blog that Answers.com is becoming one of the top visited sites. I would have thought it be Yahoo Answers. I also have used Cha Cha answers in the past. So Im wondering, do you use these sites, and if so, why? I just read on a blog that Answers.com is becoming one of the top visited sites. I would have thought it be Yahoo Answers. I also have used Cha Cha answers in the past. So Im wondering, do you use these sites, and if so, why? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread237004.html Have your networking on meetups worked to grow your online community? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236997.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 15:18:54 GMT As many of us know, joining a few professional meetups help increase our awareness of the business, network with other professionals, and just be in the know-how. So Im wondering, let's say you have an online community you want to increase awareness and new membership, would you use meetups? If yes or not, why or why not? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236997.html Gen X uses Facebook, Gen Y uses Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236805.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:33:05 GMT I just read a very interesting blog post on Pew Internet recent study about their most recent findings. http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/140357 Insights: Younger generations are moving towards Twitter while Older Generations have embraced Facebook. I just read a very interesting blog post on Pew Internet recent study about their most recent findings.
http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/140357

Insights:
Younger generations are moving towards Twitter
while Older Generations have embraced Facebook. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236805.html <![CDATA[Understanding Video Analytics to Grow Your Viewers' Base]]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236803.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:22:26 GMT Have you posted a video online and wondered how people foudn the video, when during the video viewers stopped watching, and most of all, did the viewers liked the video? I know YouTube have a basic analytics reporting now but what other tools do you use to obtain such information regarding the... Have you posted a video online and wondered how people foudn the video, when during the video viewers stopped watching, and most of all, did the viewers liked the video? I know YouTube have a basic analytics reporting now but what other tools do you use to obtain such information regarding the video you posted on your blog or site? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236803.html Which Tools do you use for Psychographics Profiles on your visitors? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236801.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:19:29 GMT Understanding visitors go beyond the click. Thus, I have seen a few toold out there that discuss on behavioral targeting and psychographics. I have used QuantCast to gain an understanding of the visitors' behavioral profile. But what else is out there? Do you know of any other tool other ther? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236801.html Measuring analytics on Facebook http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236799.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 15:14:10 GMT As we all know, many vendors are jumping into creating a Facebook app or page for their business. Thus, one needs to measure success from a quantitative perspective. So I was curious when I read of Kontagent - a social anlaytics tool. I personally never heard of them before. Have you? I would post... As we all know, many vendors are jumping into creating a Facebook app or page for their business. Thus, one needs to measure success from a quantitative perspective. So I was curious when I read of Kontagent - a social anlaytics tool. I personally never heard of them before. Have you? I would post the link up but I dont want my post to be deleted. So let me know what you think of it? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236799.html Help with choosing a Live Chat Support Software http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236718.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:37:44 GMT Does anyone know of any Live Chat Software that I can use, what I mean is Live chat software and/or live chat service where they do the customer service, I’m looking to outsource my customer service to a 24 hour live chat operator because they are cheaper than paying for staff myself, I found one... Does anyone know of any Live Chat Software that I can use, what I mean is Live chat software and/or live chat service where they do the customer service, I’m looking to outsource my customer service to a 24 hour live chat operator because they are cheaper than paying for staff myself, I found one website that was recommended to me called live247support.com This site seems to offer the Live Chat Support at a really good price. And id much rather go with a recommendation that just simply randomly searching on Google for it, If anyone in this forum is using a service like this, please let me know what they are like and then I can make a final decision who to use. Thanks ]]> Growing an Online Community carollinehilton http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236718.html Interesting Finding: iPhone Users Are Mean http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236676.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:21:54 GMT I just read on MediaPost about a study that found iPhone users are mean. I dont like that conclusion but it was probably based on the fact that iPhone users watch porno. Who knows? So what do you think?
http://www.mediapost.com/publication...art_aid=116903

Disclaimer: I am NOT involved in any way with this study nor with MediaPost. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236676.html Do you feel the effects of unemployment online? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236674.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:05:53 GMT I read online that the unemployment rate for the month of October was at a high of 12%. Thus, I wonder if you have noticed an influx of activity, especially during the day time, during these times or a change of online behavior. I wonder post the link to that third party blog so this post wont get... I read online that the unemployment rate for the month of October was at a high of 12%. Thus, I wonder if you have noticed an influx of activity, especially during the day time, during these times or a change of online behavior. I wonder post the link to that third party blog so this post wont get deleted. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236674.html Do you Poke? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236099.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:09:05 GMT Facebook uses pokes to adjust their algorithms. Thus, the more you poke your friend, the more news you get on your friend. So my question for you is "Do you poke?"

http://www forbes.com/2009/10/26/twi...ces_newsletter

These pokes actually have a financial cost involved. Interesting. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236099.html Do you still use AOL? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236097.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:00:38 GMT Once upon a time, AOL was the king of online experience. Now, it might just be a tiny leftover kingdom. So I was not surprised when I read that membership is going down. ... Once upon a time, AOL was the king of online experience. Now, it might just be a tiny leftover kingdom. So I was not surprised when I read that membership is going down.
http://www.businessinsider.com/chart...2011%2F04%2F09
I used to use AOL and I still do. I thank God I dont pay 8 cents a minute anymore to use their search engine.
So do you use AOL? Why not or yes? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236097.html Need help making a online community http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236063.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:04:33 GMT I had a someone ask me to day if i can make an online community..... thought this is going to be easy...... next think i know it needs to be based like face book..... Goin to start today...... if anyone can help in any way....... i do thank you. I had a someone ask me to day if i can make an online community..... thought this is going to be easy...... next think i know it needs to be based like face book..... Goin to start today...... if anyone can help in any way....... i do thank you. ]]> Growing an Online Community stevenpetersen http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread236063.html Does anyone gets booted from Facebook? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235951.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:23:27 GMT Im just curious. I constantly see my friends number going down by one or two every so often. I know that in Twitter - this is normal since Twitter is known to clean out spamming accounts. But what about Facebook? Have you ever met someone to get booted from Facebook? Im just curious. I constantly see my friends number going down by one or two every so often. I know that in Twitter - this is normal since Twitter is known to clean out spamming accounts. But what about Facebook? Have you ever met someone to get booted from Facebook? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235951.html Is a widget social media? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235802.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:36:20 GMT Yes, it may seem like a simple question, but I often run into this question among internet marketers. So I ask you the same question. Yes, it may seem like a simple question, but I often run into this question among internet marketers. So I ask you the same question. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235802.html Co-brand experience with online communities http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235801.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:34:41 GMT I have a client that is exploring launching co-promotion on content and online network sites - not only with rich media ads, but with push-polls, banner ads that include surveys, forum discussion, and a page with relevant content. Thus, the goal of this campaign is to create multiple touch... I have a client that is exploring launching co-promotion on content and online network sites - not only with rich media ads, but with push-polls, banner ads that include surveys, forum discussion, and a page with relevant content.

Thus, the goal of this campaign is to create multiple touch points visitors awareness. So if you helped a client launch similar projects, do share your comments and wisdom.

Thanks ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235801.html Predictions for 2010 - Social Media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235799.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:31:29 GMT I cant believe that the holiday season is already here, thus, very soon, we will see on TV and online, Predictions for 2010. So let's say our thread here - what do you predict for 2010 on Social Media. Let me start with mine:
1. I predict social media will have a stronger semantic angle to it.
2. Also, social media will be pushed further and further into daily living
3. the Laggards will be using social media now.

What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235799.html Where best to learn about Social Media? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235338.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:26:10 GMT There are thousands of blogs and sources to learn about social media, but among this clutter, where are the best resources to learn and keep up about social media? I will start with Mashable, DaniWeb (of course), and eMarketer. Where else would you say? There are thousands of blogs and sources to learn about social media, but among this clutter, where are the best resources to learn and keep up about social media? I will start with Mashable, DaniWeb (of course), and eMarketer. Where else would you say? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235338.html Which marketing objectives for Social Media campaigns? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235335.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:23:33 GMT Yes, almost every single business out there wants to start a social media outreach, but I do wonder, from a marketing standpoint, which objectives are you trying to measure or answer with a social media campaign? IS it engagement? Or does having a Facebook page increase brick n mortal sales? It... Yes, almost every single business out there wants to start a social media outreach, but I do wonder, from a marketing standpoint, which objectives are you trying to measure or answer with a social media campaign? IS it engagement? Or does having a Facebook page increase brick n mortal sales? It depends by business but I do wonder. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235335.html Do you use Social Media to search for information? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235223.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 03:05:10 GMT I just read on a blog that 18% of online visitors use social media to search for information. I actually think it is higher. I personally have used Yelp, Facebook, and Twitter to search for restaurant recommendations and events. What about you? What do you think? I just read on a blog that 18% of online visitors use social media to search for information. I actually think it is higher. I personally have used Yelp, Facebook, and Twitter to search for restaurant recommendations and events. What about you? What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread235223.html News Story Social Media Costs UK £1.4 Billion Annually http://www.daniweb.com/news/story234801.html Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:50:02 GMT Calling social media sites a "productivity black hole," the UK IT services group Morse said that staff who use Twitter and other social networking sites while at work are costing UK businesses £1.38bn every year, according to the BBC.

More than half those surveyed said they used social networking sites during the working day for personal use, with the average being 40 minutes per week on these sites. While this doesn't sound like much, it adds up to almost a week a year, Morse said.

Other responses from the study, which surveyed 1,460 people:
  • More than three-quarters of respondents said their employer had not given them specific guidelines with regards to using Twitter.
  • A third of workers said they had seen sensitive information posted on social networks.
  • 84 percent said they felt it should be up to them what they posted online.
]]> Growing an Online Community slfisher http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234801.html Using mobile to grow your online community? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234564.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:33:31 GMT Mobile is growing and growing. Hence, have you used or explored mobile push campaign to recruit new members to your online community? Im just curious. Mobile is growing and growing. Hence, have you used or explored mobile push campaign to recruit new members to your online community? Im just curious. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234564.html Are you tired of hearing about social media? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234273.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:59:51 GMT Well, did I get your attention? If I did, it worked!!! I wonder how many people who freely use the term social media actually understands it. Do they understand its uses and implications? Or could it be a fad that most will forget after a while. What do you think? Well, did I get your attention? If I did, it worked!!!

I wonder how many people who freely use the term social media actually understands it. Do they understand its uses and implications? Or could it be a fad that most will forget after a while. What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234273.html What do you expect from a Social Media Consultant? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234244.html Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:05:34 GMT I have been at so many internet marketing events where every other person is a social media consultant. So I ask, "If you hired a social media consultant, what factors or qualities are you looking for?" ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234244.html Blending Social Media in your business card http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234020.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:49:59 GMT I remember the day when business cards were small and contained the basic information. It seems though that many internet marketers have a very social media friendly business card, with logos, profile picture, and all their social media contact information. So would you create such a card? If you... I remember the day when business cards were small and contained the basic information. It seems though that many internet marketers have a very social media friendly business card, with logos, profile picture, and all their social media contact information. So would you create such a card? If you have such a card, do you think it has helped you become more connected? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234020.html Would you share your life online? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234017.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:36:32 GMT Social media have allowed users to share their lives in many different ways, via updates, images, voice, videos, etc. Now that many platforms are integrated, it is easier to catalog and archive your life. From a privacy perspective, I personally would be hesitant towards this. I just read about a... Social media have allowed users to share their lives in many different ways, via updates, images, voice, videos, etc. Now that many platforms are integrated, it is easier to catalog and archive your life. From a privacy perspective, I personally would be hesitant towards this. I just read about a new tool that allows publicizing your life easier - http://www.mov.io/ Would you make your life that public? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234017.html chat while emailing and social media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234016.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:28:32 GMT Years ago, chat was a big thing. Now, chat is also a regular part of social media and online communication. I know at many jobs, my bosses wanted us to either use Yahoo Messenger or Google Chat to continue communication - even if we were just a few offices away. So how have you used chat in your... Years ago, chat was a big thing. Now, chat is also a regular part of social media and online communication. I know at many jobs, my bosses wanted us to either use Yahoo Messenger or Google Chat to continue communication - even if we were just a few offices away. So how have you used chat in your business and normal life? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234016.html e-couponing http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234015.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 02:24:11 GMT I just read online about a new site that helps users obtain mobile coupons for nearby businesses. I do find this useful if this service if the value is worth it. Check this site out: http://www.vooch.at/eng/homepages/index I personally would use it. What about you? I know my friend has shared... I just read online about a new site that helps users obtain mobile coupons for nearby businesses. I do find this useful if this service if the value is worth it. Check this site out:
http://www.vooch.at/eng/homepages/index
I personally would use it. What about you? I know my friend has shared with me her coupon from an email for me to get a discount at Borders. So that is why I would use this. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234015.html e-Learning http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234001.html Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:18:45 GMT There are countless e-programs and many people subscribe to it, but the true question is, do these e-learners actually finish their curriculum. What about University of Phoenix, which is solely digital? I know I personally have signed up for many e-learning classes and forgot to finish them with... There are countless e-programs and many people subscribe to it, but the true question is, do these e-learners actually finish their curriculum. What about University of Phoenix, which is solely digital? I know I personally have signed up for many e-learning classes and forgot to finish them with the exception of two. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread234001.html Having trouble getting membership...HELP!!! http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233875.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:04:19 GMT Hey everyone, Membership website is $1.50/mo and the membership includes: games and challenges with real cash prizes ranging from $5 - $100. I have 3 lousy members. Ive dumped $300 into facebook ads, $100 into myspace ads, $300 into google ads, adgitize ads, projectwonderful ads,... Hey everyone,

Membership website is $1.50/mo and the membership includes:

games and challenges with real cash prizes ranging from $5 - $100.

I have 3 lousy members.
Ive dumped $300 into facebook ads, $100 into myspace ads, $300 into google ads, adgitize ads, projectwonderful ads, $10/mo on blogcatalog, and I still cant even pull any more people. The clicks are there because Ive had high advertising cost. Click conversion is decent about 56% CTR. Converting sales is boooooo, it sucks.

Anyone with experiencing running a membership site please respond!! ]]> Growing an Online Community nysilly http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233875.html <![CDATA[Traffic from Twitter & Facebook]]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233739.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:57:18 GMT How much traffics you are getting from Facebook and Twitter and what strategy you are following to target these social networks? *Also post your Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin profile here so that interested member can follow or connect with you.* How much traffics you are getting from Facebook and Twitter and what strategy you are following to target these social networks?


Also post your Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin profile here so that interested member can follow or connect with you. ]]> Growing an Online Community sck4784 http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233739.html How to improve Traffic with Social Media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233723.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:58:54 GMT Hello Friends Please tell me how can improve traffic with social sites Hello Friends

Please tell me how can improve traffic with social sites ]]> Growing an Online Community guptavicky http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233723.html List of Social Bookmark Sites http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233083.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 05:45:18 GMT i want to promote my website using online community, so i decided to promote my website using Bookmark sites, from where i can get list of social bookmark sites. i want to promote my website using online community, so i decided to promote my website using Bookmark sites, from where i can get list of social bookmark sites. ]]> Growing an Online Community umairraja52 http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233083.html Facebook new look? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233066.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:34:48 GMT I read on a blog that Facebook will have a new look - http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/091020-141738 I personally did not see much difference on the Facebook page except the letters looked bigger but I thought I changed my screen settings. So what do you think about it? I read on a blog that Facebook will have a new look - http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/091020-141738

I personally did not see much difference on the Facebook page except the letters looked bigger but I thought I changed my screen settings. So what do you think about it? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233066.html Nigeria actually arrests online scammers http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233064.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:17:28 GMT We all have received multiple emails from Nigeria requesting us for funds. Also, if you saw District 9, "The Nigerians" also played a bully role on the site. Thus, I thought this was sort of funny but I am glad the Nigerias are finally taking a stand.

http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/n...e-scammers.ars ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233064.html Whats the fuss with Hulu? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233060.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:08:30 GMT Perhaps I am not hip yet, but I read too much about Hulu. I just read Hulu will start charging for content. Why is this big news? Perhaps is it because in today's society, people have become accustomed to a free site or is it that people are just cheap. So when I read about Hulu charging, my thoughts are:
1. Will it affect membership?
2. Is hulu better than youtube?

So what are your thought? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233060.html A New Social Media Mashup site http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233057.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:50:54 GMT I just read on a blog a new social media mashup site - tracked.com and I really liked it. http://www.tracked.com/ For an internet marketing professional, I really see this site has strong potential. So what do you think? I just read on a blog a new social media mashup site - tracked.com and I really liked it. http://www.tracked.com/
For an internet marketing professional, I really see this site has strong potential. So what do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233057.html Social Media Faceoff http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233053.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:20:56 GMT I just read on Mashable the results of this week's faceoff.

http://mashable.com/2009/10/23/wordpress-over-typepad/

So I figured we members of DaniWeb can have our own FaceOff. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233053.html Would you buy a Netbook to be more connected online? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233051.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:12:05 GMT Netbooks are becoming more popular these days. Its portable and easy to use. Though an iPhone allows users to be connected online, I know a friend who bought a Netbook to better type up blog postings and updates. So would you buy a Netbook to increase your online connectivity? Netbooks are becoming more popular these days. Its portable and easy to use. Though an iPhone allows users to be connected online, I know a friend who bought a Netbook to better type up blog postings and updates. So would you buy a Netbook to increase your online connectivity? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233051.html Facebook Apps http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233046.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:04:00 GMT Each of our our facebook pages are different. Why? Not only is it because of our postings on our wall, but also the apps we add to our pages. I just read about the plethora of Facebook apps on Mashable - http://mashable.com/2009/10/24/facebook-apps-guide/ So which apps do you use? Each of our our facebook pages are different. Why? Not only is it because of our postings on our wall, but also the apps we add to our pages. I just read about the plethora of Facebook apps on Mashable - http://mashable.com/2009/10/24/facebook-apps-guide/
So which apps do you use? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread233046.html Social Media Bill of Rights? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232930.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 14:04:16 GMT What if there is a social media bill of rights? What will it say? Let's do some crowdsourcing now. What would you include?
See this: http://www.digitalconsumer.org/bill.html

My recommendations are:
1. Do not start unnecessary flame wars.
2. Always be nice and giving

What else would you add? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232930.html Word Cloud http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232926.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:58:50 GMT Once upon a time, I saw many sites that had a word cloud. Even some of the sentiment tools have a word cloud. I even think some websites have it. Do you think these wordclouds increase your stickiness to an online community? Once upon a time, I saw many sites that had a word cloud. Even some of the sentiment tools have a word cloud. I even think some websites have it. Do you think these wordclouds increase your stickiness to an online community? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232926.html Sentimentalizing Social Media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232924.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:49:08 GMT With all the changes constantly going on, I would not be surprised that in a few years from now or even months, it will be common place to go to a major search engine and see a little icon next to the search signaling me if its positive, negative, or neutral. There are already a few sentiment... With all the changes constantly going on, I would not be surprised that in a few years from now or even months, it will be common place to go to a major search engine and see a little icon next to the search signaling me if its positive, negative, or neutral. There are already a few sentiment analysis tools out there but its not in the masses yet. So if you have used such tools, like Radian6, what do you think about it? Do you think you can actually sentimentalize social media? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232924.html Sharing our reading experience http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232922.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:36:57 GMT No longer are the days when people would photo copy a note or a page of a copy. People now a days say "email it to me" or post it on FB. Thus, the other day, I was taking a commuter train from the burbs to NYC and noticed lots of Kindles instead of reading the WSJ or NYTs. Thus, with the advent of another e-book reader online - B&N EReader - I do wonder how this will make sharing books easier or harder in today's connected society. http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/...-is-different/
One thing for sure, you just cant tear off a sheet from a book anymore. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232922.html Fake AP Writing Style for Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232921.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:30:29 GMT Okay, Folks, we all know that writing online has disrupted the writing styles that our grammar school teachers have taught us. All I know it not to type in caps since it is yelling. Other than that - almost anything goes. So what do you think about this? I thought it was funny.... Okay, Folks, we all know that writing online has disrupted the writing styles that our grammar school teachers have taught us. All I know it not to type in caps since it is yelling. Other than that - almost anything goes. So what do you think about this? I thought it was funny.
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/...ap-style-book/
Fake Associated Press Writing style for Twitter. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232921.html Snow Leopard and Social Media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232920.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:26:21 GMT As people on this board may know, I have drank the Apple Kool-aid though I dont have an IPhone yet... Anyway, I just upgraded to Snow Leopard OS and I dont see any difference whatsoever. Not even online or offline. Saying that, I do wonder if it will enhance my online experience, especially... As people on this board may know, I have drank the Apple Kool-aid though I dont have an IPhone yet... Anyway, I just upgraded to Snow Leopard OS and I dont see any difference whatsoever. Not even online or offline.

Saying that, I do wonder if it will enhance my online experience, especially social media apps. I remember back in the days that everytime you upgraded your OS, it meant buying new versions of software. Now, since everything is online, OS upgrade has less of a major software haul effect.

Thus, what are your thoughts about how OS actually dont impact our digital experience anymore?
(Perhaps if I was a Windows user - I would have a different experience) ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232920.html Raindrop - new FireFox script to integrate your social media needs http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232919.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:22:04 GMT I just read this on a blog about RainDrop - http://www.webmonkey.com/blog/Mozilla_s_Raindrop_Wants_to_Solve_Your_Communication_Woes It is not a widget but a script and it is still in baby mode. So guess what, you will encounter bugs. I personally like Firefox - it rocks! But anyway, I do like... I just read this on a blog about RainDrop - http://www.webmonkey.com/blog/Mozill...unication_Woes

It is not a widget but a script and it is still in baby mode. So guess what, you will encounter bugs. I personally like Firefox - it rocks! But anyway, I do like how Firefox is taking this step to integrate the social media experience on your browser. Rather nifty. I will use it. What about you? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232919.html Vulnerability to CyberAttacks while being on social media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232917.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:18:10 GMT A friend of mine shared a warning yesterday about a hoax email being circulated about "Facebook needs you to re-enter your login" for security purposes and then it attacks your computer. This is really dangerous because we have so much on our computers and then it can spread non-stop in this never ending network of connections.

So what do you think about this? What precautions do you take to prevent this? First of all, I have a mac but in today's day, that is not even a protection anymore. Second, I have Norton Security suite but it does slow my computer at times. Third, I am very cautious with what I link to. I have added a plug-in to my Firefox to warn me of fishy sites. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232917.html No Mas Early Adopters of Social Media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232916.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 13:14:16 GMT With technology and actually with anything else, adoption of the new item or technology takes times and lots of effort. With the adoption of social media at fast speed, I truly believe that now the laggards are embracing it. You are seeing older generations on Facebook. One important fact is... With technology and actually with anything else, adoption of the new item or technology takes times and lots of effort.

With the adoption of social media at fast speed, I truly believe that now the laggards are embracing it. You are seeing older generations on Facebook. One important fact is that technology has become commonplace in society and it will not be obsolete, like my lovely BetaMax or Commodore 64.

So what do you think about this?
  • the first 2.5% of the adopters are the "innovators"
  • the next 13.5% of the adopters are the "early adopters"
  • the next 34% of the adopters are the "early majority"
  • the next 34% of the adopters are the "late majority"
  • the last 16% of the adopters are the "laggards"
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Diffusionofideas.PNG
Rodgers - Diffusion Theory ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232916.html News Story Connecticut Republicans Set Up Fake Democratic Accounts http://www.daniweb.com/news/story232782.html Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:52:58 GMT Twitter, Inc., has shut down 33 fake Twitter accounts created by Republicans using the names of Democratic state representatives, but fake websites using the Democrats' names are still up.

The story was reported in the Hartford Advocate, an alternative newsweekly.

State Republican Chairman Chris Healy told the paper that it was the Connecticut Republicans' idea.

Twitter announced earlier this year that it planned to verify the accounts of people such as public officials, after several cases of Twitter impersonations.

According to the paper, a Democratic legislative leader reported the accounts to Twitter, which replied, "A person may not impersonate others through the Twitter service in a manner that does or is intended to mislead, confuse or deceive others. ... Impersonation is against our terms unless it is a parody. The standard for defining parody is, 'Would a reasonable person be aware that it's a joke?' Because this is not the case in your situation, we have removed the profile(s) from circulation."

Healy criticized the Democrats' response as "stopping free speech."

The fake web sites all use the same theme and basic design, and note at the bottom that they were "Paid for and Authorized by the Connecticut Republican Party, Jerry Labriola Jr. Treasurer." They are called "Meet Matt Lesser," "Meet Joe Aresimowicz," and so on, with the names of the 33 Democratic legislators.

The sites, as well as other articles about the issue, can be found with this web search. ]]> Growing an Online Community slfisher http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232782.html <![CDATA[Facebook Updates to appear on Bing 'within two months']]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232653.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:03:14 GMT Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, confirmed to the Telegraph UK, that their updates will go live on Bing within two months. She also addresses the privacy concerns for Facebook users, saying that they will only be streaming updates of those members who have set their privacy settings to allow... Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, confirmed to the Telegraph UK, that their updates will go live on Bing within two months.

She also addresses the privacy concerns for Facebook users, saying that they will only be streaming updates of those members who have set their privacy settings to allow viewing by “everyone on web.”

View article here ]]> Growing an Online Community jay 11 http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232653.html Twitter Lists Have Arrived http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232475.html Fri, 23 Oct 2009 01:48:54 GMT It looks like Twitter Lists have arrived - Hallelujah! I just signed in to my account and got the following:

Quote:
"New! Lists. A great way to organize the people you follow and discover new and interesting accounts. (BETA)

Lists are timelines you build yourself, consisting of friends, family, co-workers, sports teams, you name it. You're part of a small group receiving this feature, so don't tweet about it yet!"
Off to play now...
Attached Images
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]]> Growing an Online Community jay 11 http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232475.html <![CDATA[Improve conversion ratio's and membership]]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232370.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:18:46 GMT I have a dating site and I wish to increase the conversion ratio and gain a much larger membership. I am new to this so wonering how this is done. I know there is lots of compertion but site is at 800,000 so I have done a lot to get to here but not sure what to do next. So how do I get better... I have a dating site and I wish to increase the conversion ratio and gain a much larger membership. I am new to this so wonering how this is done. I know there is lots of compertion but site is at 800,000 so I have done a lot to get to here but not sure what to do next.

So how do I get better conversion ratios!! ]]> Growing an Online Community jedivid http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232370.html Bing/Google Now Showing Twitter Searches? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232315.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:10:34 GMT Hi, Does anyone have any information on Google and Bing planning to include Twitter posts within their searches? This sounds really bizarre or will it be in a seperate search function? Anyone heard anything about this? Hi,

Does anyone have any information on Google and Bing planning to include Twitter posts within their searches?

This sounds really bizarre or will it be in a seperate search function?

Anyone heard anything about this? ]]> Growing an Online Community justlukeyou http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232315.html Different People Use Online Communities Differently http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232273.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:24:41 GMT I read on the Forrester Blog that it found in its recent survey that: * Young singles and couples are the most connected. * Young families are heavy tech users, especially for shared experiences. * Older families are straddling different worlds. * Older singles and couples use technology more... I read on the Forrester Blog that it found in its recent survey that:
  • Young singles and couples are the most connected.
  • Young families are heavy tech users, especially for shared experiences.
  • Older families are straddling different worlds.
  • Older singles and couples use technology more surgically.

This is very interesting but true. http://blogs.forrester.com/marketing...a-is-here.html

What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232273.html Do you access online communities on your mobile? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232270.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:17:12 GMT Smartphones have increased the ways people are connected. Thus, it is very easy to integrate Facebook, TweetDeck, and other applications to your phones. I have FB on my blackberry but I dont follow tweets. I used to but not anymore since I was getting tweets all day on my cell so I stopped. What... Smartphones have increased the ways people are connected. Thus, it is very easy to integrate Facebook, TweetDeck, and other applications to your phones. I have FB on my blackberry but I dont follow tweets. I used to but not anymore since I was getting tweets all day on my cell so I stopped. What about you? How connected are you to your online communities on your cell? ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232270.html <![CDATA[Search Engines Indexing Your "private tweets"]]> http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232269.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:14:06 GMT We all know that Twitter and Facebook allows for some level of privacy in regards to your tweets and updates. Some users just make it very public while others make their updates very private and for the eyes of selected few. Thus, there was a concern that search engines, especially Google, will... We all know that Twitter and Facebook allows for some level of privacy in regards to your tweets and updates. Some users just make it very public while others make their updates very private and for the eyes of selected few. Thus, there was a concern that search engines, especially Google, will index these "private thoughts" as well. Mashable reported it will not. But my thought is - nothing is "private" in social media so this issue can indeed be a possibility. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232269.html Using Social Media as a Research Tool http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232222.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:23:18 GMT Nielsen found that 18% of online visitors (at least from their sample) use social media as a discovery tool aka as research tool. I know I do it. It is a way to find "hidden gems".
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/...ent-discovery/
So what do you think? I am very big into finding so much wealth and gems in user generated content. It is a great way of conducting preliminary qualitative research. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232222.html Online Reputation Management http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232214.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 08:06:10 GMT In this digital age where tweeting and updating your Facebook page is such a common place behavior, one major concern for me is online reputation management. The information you put online can come back and bite you. Most people may not realize this. HR folks facebook potential employees and now... In this digital age where tweeting and updating your Facebook page is such a common place behavior, one major concern for me is online reputation management. The information you put online can come back and bite you. Most people may not realize this. HR folks facebook potential employees and now that social media communities have integration partnership with major search engines, this issue becomes more threatening. Imagine - you just had a job interview and tweet about how "great" your interview went and hope never to see them again. Imagine if the HR or even the person you interviewed with saw the tweet. Just a thought. ]]> Growing an Online Community InsightsDigital http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232214.html Microsoft makes deal to include Facebook and Twitter updates in Bing Searches http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232106.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:25:49 GMT Here is the link to the story at All Things Digital http://kara.allthingsd.com/20091021/exclusive-guess-who-else-is-coming-to-dinner-twitter-microsoft-bing-deal-confirmed-but-so-is-facebook-bing/ Microsoft/Bing seems to have one-upped Google! Here is the link to the story at All Things Digital

http://kara.allthingsd.com/20091021/...facebook-bing/

Microsoft/Bing seems to have one-upped Google! ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232106.html Why in Gods name, Why? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232104.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:21:17 GMT I would like to say this is a joke but it is not. Read the link and learn about how you can earn $10,000, if chosen, to blog from inside a branded bathroom (yes, a branded bathroom) in Times Square on behalf of Charmin. In my time in marketing I have come up with and participated in some odd... I would like to say this is a joke but it is not. Read the link and learn about how you can earn $10,000, if chosen, to blog from inside a branded bathroom (yes, a branded bathroom) in Times Square on behalf of Charmin. In my time in marketing I have come up with and participated in some odd marketing campaigns but this one is way out there.

http://mashable.com/2009/10/21/charmin-enjoy-the-go/ ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232104.html Interesting Facebook stat from the Web 2.0 summit http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232102.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:16:37 GMT Mashable is reporting that Facebook's COO, Sheryl Sandberg, revealed that Facebook is averaging 45 million status updates from 30 million unique visitors per day. So in the last few weeks, along with this info plus the 5 billionth tweet through Twitter and Linkedin going over the 50 million mark in subscribers. Some outlets have reported stats that say that growth is starting to level off in the social media world but I am not so sure. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232102.html Google incorporating Twitter into search results http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232085.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:24:30 GMT Check out this article on the official Google Blog:

http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/...nd-search.html

Tweets within search results because Twitter is doing something that even Google can't do ... provide LIVE search results. ]]> Growing an Online Community cscgal http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread232085.html How about some success stories http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231849.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:44:48 GMT We all come on this forum to ask questions and discuss possible solutions and strategies and occaisionally we will mention a success story related to those topics. But why don't we all post a win or an accomplishment so that we can all be inspired. I will kick this off.

One of my clients was extremely dubious of social media in any way, shape or form. Whenever I attended monthly status meetings and spoke about the opportunities that existed to promote their busines through social media he would make joking comments that were subtle hints that he saw no benefit. So, I took matters into my own hands. I built a Linkedin presence for the company including a profile for the owner of the company and their heads of sales and marketing. In Linkedin I joined groups and posted announcements of webinars and events. I established a blog for the company and posted up content that they used in their monthly customer newsletters. I developed a twitter presence and tweeted about wins and tweeted links to case studies and press releases. I established a channel on YouTube and an account on SlideShare and put up sales content. All of these accounts and presences had links back to the corporate website. I then created a field on the various forms on the website asking people to say where they heard about the company. Two months later I gave a presentation during a monthly meeting showing how a number of leads were attributed to the presences I created. I also showed through google analytics all of the referrals to the corporate website that came from these presences and accounts. It was a gamble because I knew that if the results were not convincing or the owner found out what I was doing before I could prove the benefits I could lose my contract and possibly be sued. Happily, after the initial shock wore off I received a very public apology from the owner and he had me document all of my efforts and establish guidelines and processes to keep all of the activities moving forward. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231849.html This is cool http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231842.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:17:59 GMT I found this on a blog and it really is interesting to see. The blogger developed a flash counter that tallys the amount of activity of various social media types starting with the moment you start looking at it (i.e., number of blog posts, number of tweets, number of new facebook accounts, etc). ... I found this on a blog and it really is interesting to see. The blogger developed a flash counter that tallys the amount of activity of various social media types starting with the moment you start looking at it (i.e., number of blog posts, number of tweets, number of new facebook accounts, etc).

The author explains how it works and what inspired him to do it. It really is amazing to see.

http://www.personalizemedia.com/gary...l-media-count/ ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231842.html Budget of Begging http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231840.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:12:29 GMT I saw an interesting poll being conducted on Social Media Today asking "Does Social Media have its own budget in the corporation or does it have to go begging?". There were less than 100 votes but by a 2 to 1 margin Begging seems to be the order of the day in terms of funding social media in corporations. Does anyone here want to comment on their own experiences in terms of this? For my clients, some have set up modest budgets while others are willing to dabble and experiment as long as there is little or no cost (preferably no cost). ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231840.html This might help if you have clients or bosses who are dubious of social media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231837.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:05:32 GMT I found this blog on Duct Tape Marketing that has some really positive numbers about social media adoption by small businesses. It might be helpful (I know I am going to use it with some of my clients) if you have clients who are small businesses and don't think that social media is a small business kind of thing.

http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/blo...media-rapidly/ ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231837.html Anyone attending Blog World Expo 2009? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231836.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 04:01:36 GMT And if you are would you care to share any interesting tidbits you may have picked up on? While some outlets are covering the festivities I always find that the big name stuff is covered while the more interesting niche stuff is ignored. So if anyone is or was there and has anything cool to talk... And if you are would you care to share any interesting tidbits you may have picked up on? While some outlets are covering the festivities I always find that the big name stuff is covered while the more interesting niche stuff is ignored. So if anyone is or was there and has anything cool to talk about, lets hear it! ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231836.html Customer Service through Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231833.html Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:48:36 GMT I was reading an interesting blog on Social Media Today about Customer Service being supplied by or accessed through twitter. One of my clients brought the blog to my attention and is interested in the possibility of using twitter in the company's customer service efforts. To be honest, while I have read about theoretical use of twitter in this fashion and I know that some consumer-oriented companies are doing this, my client is a B2B operation and my first reaction is to tread lightly as you do not want to alienate or annoy customers. Is anyone working with a
B2B company or knows of one that is using Twitter as part of their customer service initiatives? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231833.html News Story 5 Billion Tweets! http://www.daniweb.com/news/story231619.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:13:10 GMT GigaTweet (http://popacular.com/gigatweet/) has been counting the total number of messages posted to Twitter in real time, and the rolling count is almost hypnotic. Overnight the 5 billionth Tweet was posted. So what was it? Perhaps someone speaking out... GigaTweet has been counting the total number of messages posted to Twitter in real time, and the rolling count is almost hypnotic. Overnight the 5 billionth Tweet was posted.

So what was it?

Perhaps someone speaking out against corporates trying to gag freedom of the press again? Nope.

Maybe another campaign kicking off against insensitive and homophobic ranting in the Daily Mail newspaper? Nope.

Must be an anarchist orchestrating a protest movement then? Nope.

Which surely only leaves the willy waving celebrity crowd, was it one of them letting us know they had eaten dinner with another celeb and were off to bed now? Nope.

It surely wasn't me, @happygeek, saying something profound? Nope, no chance of that I am afraid.

Actually, the 5 billionth Tweet was something of a let down, yet a refreshing reminder that the real power of Twitter is with ordinary users having ordinary conversations with their ordinary friends.

It would appear that Tweet 5,000,000,000 was posted by one Robin Sloan (@robinsloan) in reply to a user called @sexysloan9912e, and simply said "Oh lord".

Indeed. ]]> Growing an Online Community happygeek http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231619.html Selling real estate throught social media http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231570.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 05:10:20 GMT Does anyone have any experience setting up social media presences for realtors? I have a friend who is an independent realtor and she is looking for ways to expand her reach. She knows I work with social media and asked my advice. As I have not worked with realtors in terms of social media I am... Does anyone have any experience setting up social media presences for realtors? I have a friend who is an independent realtor and she is looking for ways to expand her reach. She knows I work with social media and asked my advice. As I have not worked with realtors in terms of social media I am reaching out to the community for help. Thanks. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231570.html The best social media starting point for a small business? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231567.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:56:48 GMT I saw this question posted in one of my linkedin groups and thought it could be an interesting one for this forum. What would you say is the best social media outlet as a starting point for a small business to launch their social media strategy from? I would say that it depends on two... I saw this question posted in one of my linkedin groups and thought it could be an interesting one for this forum. What would you say is the best social media outlet as a starting point for a small business to launch their social media strategy from?

I would say that it depends on two factors, product and target market. If it is a small business with a product that is targeted at a national market of businesses, Linkedin would be a good place to start as they can seek out and join groups that have the very companies they are targeting as potential clients. If they are targeting consumers in a smaller, regional market then they might want to look at Facebook where you can set up fan pages and advertise to people who are within your target market.

Any other thoughts? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231567.html Validating identities http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231566.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:47:43 GMT I recently came across a service that allows people to get a badge that can be included as part of their social media identity that validates that they are online in communities as a private citizen, a business professional, a representative of a corporation or as part of a not-for-profit or... I recently came across a service that allows people to get a badge that can be included as part of their social media identity that validates that they are online in communities as a private citizen, a business professional, a representative of a corporation or as part of a not-for-profit or academia. While this seems like a good idea and could have some valid applications in the various social media arenas, does anyone think that there will be a wider push for people to validate who they are or in what capacity they are participating in a social media channel as? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231566.html Branded online communities http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231564.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 04:40:14 GMT I recently came across a Wall Street Journal piece about branded online communities (link below) and the author talked about how while Lego was looking to come out with a new line of products they tapped into an online community for people who are Lego enthusiasts set up by people who are Lego... I recently came across a Wall Street Journal piece about branded online communities (link below) and the author talked about how while Lego was looking to come out with a new line of products they tapped into an online community for people who are Lego enthusiasts set up by people who are Lego enthusiasts. The basic thrust of the article is how companies that set up branded online communities as an extension of their marketing effort can turn these communities into market research tools, early warning systems for customer concerns and complaints and customer loyalty building tools. The author pointed out that for corporations to make this work they have to let go of their tight branding control and allow free exchanges of ideas to occur. It was also acknowledged that while communities like this can offer up a wealth of information for the corporation they also can become forums for people to bitch about product issues and that the corporations have to fight the urge to edit out negative threads so that the free flow of all info remains pure.

Does anyone work for a company where they think this type of branded community could work and where the company has the patience and resiliency to allow negative threads to run their natural course? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231564.html The growth of Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231518.html Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:42:46 GMT I was just reading that in November of last year the one billionth tweet was...well...tweeted! Sometime in the last 24 hours the *_five billionth tweet _*was tweeted. Do you think that the rapid growth is because of the trendiness of tweeting (thanks to Ashton Kutcher, OchoCinco and a host of... I was just reading that in November of last year the one billionth tweet was...well...tweeted! Sometime in the last 24 hours the five billionth tweet was tweeted. Do you think that the rapid growth is because of the trendiness of tweeting (thanks to Ashton Kutcher, OchoCinco and a host of other Twits), because of the growth of business use of twitter or a combination of both. I think that it is more the celebri-Twits and their sheep-like fans but I think that business use will soon bring things more into balance eventually. What say you? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231518.html If you were building the next Facebook, what would it look like? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231310.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:36:44 GMT Seems like a basic question for this forum but I wasn't certain if it had been asked. We all know how MySpace was and how Facebook improved on it. What would you build into the perfect next generation social media community if you knew you were the one chosen to do it? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231310.html Heard of CMP.ly? http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231306.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:27:46 GMT A few threads back we were discussing possible FTC regs that would require bloggers to disclose if they were being compensated for blogging about products or services. Well, as is the case with the internet community, a solution has been created. http://cmp.ly/ The link above will take you... A few threads back we were discussing possible FTC regs that would require bloggers to disclose if they were being compensated for blogging about products or services. Well, as is the case with the internet community, a solution has been created.

http://cmp.ly/

The link above will take you to a simple page that lays out 6 disclosures that can be included in blog posts or tweets that allow people to reveal a connection or lack of connection between a blogger and the product or service they are talking about. Check it out and let us know what you think. I like it and think that it will eliminate both the mystery of how to be in compliance and the fear that you may or may not be in compliance with the new regs. ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231306.html First the sports world and now Hollywood is clamping down on Twitter http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231304.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:20:18 GMT I saw a report that Hollywood Studios (both movies and TV) and the agencies that manage celebrities are trying to crack down on celebrities tweeting for fear of news getting out that the studios might want to use for publicity at a better time. Personally, I think that as industry after industry... I saw a report that Hollywood Studios (both movies and TV) and the agencies that manage celebrities are trying to crack down on celebrities tweeting for fear of news getting out that the studios might want to use for publicity at a better time. Personally, I think that as industry after industry tries to crack down on tweeting they are going to encourage more people to get on twitter to see what is going on. This can only benefit the people who created Twitter if they ever go public. What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231304.html migrating from blogging to tweeting http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231302.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 04:14:42 GMT Mashable is reporting that the top twitter trend to watch is some bloggers migrating to tweeting because they can get their point across in 140 characters or less. While I could see this among the bloggers who are more humor-based in their blogging I don't know that this is going to be as big a trend as the people at BlogWord think. What do you think? ]]> Growing an Online Community MktgRob http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231302.html News Story How the Internet is Changing Politics -- or is It? http://www.daniweb.com/news/story231276.html Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:35:28 GMT The 2008 presidential election featured a new emphasis on using the Internet, ranging from raising money to advertising to getting support.

It's still going on. Facebook, in particular, due to the ease in which people can set up affinity groups, is proving to be a new source of online activism, according to a recent article.

"Facebook’s features, such as the ability to add real-world events to a group or fan page, the ability to send a message to up to 5,000 members on a group page and the built-in discussion boards, make it an all-in-one stop for the connected protester," the article said.

It's also expected that, while the Federal Elections Commission ruled in 2006 that campaign regulations do not apply to most Internet activity, except for paid political advertising on someone else's Web site, new rules on campaigning will be in effect by the 2010 election cycle, according to an AP article.

"When does a blog connected to a campaign need to disclose its allegiance?," the article asks. "Does a candidate's personal Facebook page need a disclaimer if it is updated by a staffer? Can a campaign-related tweet — a message posted on social media site Twitter — even be regulated?" Another example cited in the article was whether Internet advertising -- such as pop-up ads whenever someone Googles an opponent -- need the sort of "Paid for by..." disclaimer that printed ads require.

Ironically, however, a report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project called Civic Engagement Online found that the Internet hasn't much changed the political landscape.

"Contrary to the hopes of some advocates, the internet [sic] is not changing the socio-economic character of civic engagement in America," said Aaron Smith in the report. "Just as in offline civic life, the well-to-do and well-educated are more likely than those less well off to participate in online political activities such as emailing a government official, signing an online petition or making a political contribution."

However, this may change in the future, Smith said. It is "not inevitable that those with high levels of income and education are the most active in civic and political affairs," he said. "In contrast to traditional acts of political participation -- whether undertaken online or offline -- forms of engagement that use blogs or online social network sites are not characterized by such a strong association with socio-economic stratification." ]]> Growing an Online Community slfisher http://www.daniweb.com/forums/thread231276.html