What Do You Think of Facebook Timelines vs. Profiles? by Erik Sass

Well, all those previous changes and additions sort of shrink into insignificance compared to the major changes announced today by Facebook at the F8 developer conference: the world's largest social network will be replacing all user profiles with a new "Timeline" format, which looks a little bit more like a personal blog than the old profiles did. This includes a big picture at the top, with posts and updates appearing vertical-chronologically beneath it. Of course I have my own opinions about this drastic revamp, but since social media is all about sharing -- and since I am privileged to address ...Read the whole story

What A Stew: The Recipe For The New Facebook by Catharine P. Taylor

I've been watching the new Facebook stewing in the crockpot since yesterday morning, and have discovered the recipe for making it: To a base of existing Facebook friends and surfing habits, add three tablespoons of Google+ Circles along the left-hand margin, a pound of Flipboard to the News Feed, and a heavy dollop of Twitter along the right hand side. Then, add a raft of user complaints, simmer for a while, and behold: it's the hotly controversial new Facebook! What a stinky stew ...More

  • Not-So-'Glee'-ful Trends In Social Media And TV Ratings by Wayne Friedman

    Look closer at social media numbers and TV ratings. Can you draw any conclusions? Exclusions? Fox spent much on marketing and public relations efforts for such new shows as "The X Factor" and "New Girl." Returning shows typically don't need as much. But perhaps "Glee" should have had a bit more. ...More

  • Mythbusting The Differences Between B-To-B Email And Social

    It's easy to point out the ways in which email and social media are different, and how it is possible to conclude that a company that has built its communications program on email should not move resources into social. That email marketers make excellent social media marketers is one very good reason to supplement communications through social. Still, there are many counter arguments I come across, some less defensible than others. Here are a few of the most frequently cited, each in need of a little mythbusting: ...More

  • What To Say When A Brand Says 'No' To Social by Cory Treffiletti

    We all know that social media is getting bigger and bigger with every passing day, and more brands are engaging in social media every hour, but what about those brands that are still hesitant to get in the game?  What do you say to them? If a brand is still afraid to get involved in social, it's because of one of the following "excuses" (and yes, I mean "excuses" -- because none of these are relevant reasons to stay out of it): §       "I can't control my message in social." §       "There's no clear way to engage my consumers -- ...More

  • Social Media's The Place To Go by Jack Loechner

    According to a new Nielsen report, social media's growth connects people with just about everything they watch and buy. Whether it's a brand icon to connect with a company on LinkedIn, a news ticker promoting an anchor's Twitter handle or an advertisement asking a consumer to "Like" a product on Facebook, people are constantly being driven to social media. The latest Nielsen insights provide some answers on exactly how powerful this influence is on consumer behavior, both online and off. ...More

  • Social TV Marketing Is NOT Always Good News by Wayne Friedman

    So-called social TV marketing, and social media in general, comes down to the underlying message that word-of-mouth has always been about: "This [insert your favorite TV/movie/song] comes from a friend whose taste you trust." Though I have lots of friends, they mostly don't have the same taste as I. That's fine with me. What happens next? It leaves me depending on strangers, stumbling onto media and entertainment I might like, or even counting on professional critics. ...More