A Q1 2014 study by Converseon analyzed direct user interactions with 20 leading global brands and found that 55% of those that took place on Twitter were positive in nature. On Facebook, 49% of interactions were positive, with Google+ falling in the middle. On all three networks, interactions were more likely to be neutral than negative. At most, one-fifth of all such interactions went badly.

According to a Technomic Inc. Market Intelligence Report, barbecue flavors that resonate the most with consumers don't typically come from sauce. The two descriptors that appeal to them the most are "grilled" and "smoky." As a result, chefs and operators at all segments are finding ways to bring more of those flavors to their food.

Smokers are turning to electronic cigarettes instead of quitting, or trying to quit with the help of patches, gums, and other products to help people quit. Mintel reports that 34% of U.S. smokers who quit or want to quit think e-cigs are an effective way to do so. The products are just behind nicotine patches (45%) in perceived effectiveness.

Coca-Cola has changed how it pays its agencies: they get more when their work is avant garde. The company will use a "70-20-10" rule. For the 70% of the work that is traditional, agencies get traditional compensation. For 20% of "evolved" or the 10% trying something totally new, there's a guaranteed minimum bonus.

Spotify has tapped crowdsourcing firm Talenthouse in an effort to attract artists, designers, and illustrators with the opportunity to make artwork for its #NowFeeling marketing campaign. The initiative is based on stories of people connecting with each other through Spotify-enabled music. One overall winner will receive $2,500 in cash, exposure across Spotify social channels, and see their work showcased during an exclusive event in London.

Cars.com is launching a campaign that shows how it connects dealers to consumers earlier in the buying process. The print and digital effort, "Before it's too late," began with print ads to inform dealers that they can show off their expertise and inventory early in the consumer's shopping process. A larger marketing push is planned for the second half of this year.

Oft-derided Spirit Airlines has launched an educational campaign to explain its low-fare, no-frills strategy and better prepare passengers for a "stripped down" experience. The airline says its fares are 40% lower than other airlines but its "unique unbundled way of flying has some customers frustrated, ticked-off and asking "WTF!" (Why The Fee)?"

Vibram USA, the company that makes glove-like FiveFingers running shoes, has settled a class action suit about its ad claims, mostly to avoid additional expenses, per court filings. The first of several complainants filed a suit in Vibram's home state of Massachusetts in 2012, claiming the company deceived consumers by advertising that the footwear could reduce foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles, without basing those assertions on any scientific merit.

David Beckham and his Beckham Miami United business group are doing their best to bring a Major League Soccer club to South Florida. But unlike another management team working with success to bring an MLS expansion club to Orlando, Beckham is finding significant opposition, mainly from a group called the Miami Seaport Alliance. It wants to derail Beckham's strategy and proposed stadium location.

Sergio Marchionne will remain CEO of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles through at least 2018 - two years longer than previously indicated - to oversee the rollout of the five-year business plan the company announced this week. Marchionne said he would stay through the full implementation. "I'm going to stay for the plan," Marchionne, 61, said. "I've got to make sure the plan gets delivered."