Dear Mr. Robert McChesney,
Welcome to the beginning of the second decade of the ‘00s – 2010. As I understand, you have just returned from a five-year absence from planet Earth. In that time a lot has changed, especially within the media (as you might imagine). Social media is hip, it’s cool, its now, it’s “it”; it has taken over. I can continue on what social media is, but I suggest you use this video to begin to understand the vast and ever-expanding topic:
The Basics:
The Revolution That Has Ensued:
Before you continue, be warned: this topic is not small…and, in my opinion, there are no “experts,” because it continues to evolve. With that, blogs – heard of them? I suggest you check this one out. It is a great landing place for all things “social” (media):
As we continue to delve further into social media, one of the effects is the transformation to more and more digital media:
Newspapers are struggling:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2009-05-06-senate-newspapers_N.htm
Electronic books and e-readers are soaring:
http://caribbeanbookblog.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/soaring-e-book-sales-amaze-book-traders-and-publishers/
And the newest craze in this all-things-digital, increasingly-portable world – the iPad!
Another of the trends that has been brought about by social media is the power it has given the public. Because of this new-found power, many believe customer service is the new marketing. Sites like Facebook and Twitter allow consumers to instantly provide feedback about products and services, which can seen by millions of people (and unlike “testimonials,” it is believed to be honest and sincere).
With this ease of access social media has the potential to be harmful as well, and it has. Consider this:
dominos
The most recent benefactor of social media (in a positive way): pop-singing sensation, Justin Beiber. Beiber placed performances of himself at a young age on YouTube – the popular video sharing website, and second largest search engine in the world – and was “found” by record execs. Follow this link to see what I mean.
