Podcamp Boston... A social media extravaganza.

So I started this semester with an idea that with my new media class, I would grow even more obsessed with facebook then I already was, because I would be able to combine two of my passions: social media and PR.

I was always a little bit skeptical to really dive into crazy new media stuff.
I thought that this world was somewhere that I didn't belong because I didn't know that much about it. But now I have realized how much I really like this stuff and more importantly, that anyone can have an online presence -- and thats the beauty of it.

on to my next point.

This past weekend was Podcamp Boston and oh what a whirlwind it was!
There were so many interesting people to meet and interesting ideas to take away from this unique conference. One of the first ideas that stuck with me and really manifested itself throughout the whole day and night was Chris Brogan's "genius" idea, that everyone at this conference was human! Wow, what a crazy idea! But this really stuck with me, because what I have to say is valid and I can learn more just by looking to all these people because they are not just knowledgeable, but approachable.

So if you are seeing this, I just wanna say thanks so such an awesome time.

New media can certainly be intimidating. It's such a huge world, but its so cool at the same time!

Look out world, Here I come!

I happened to glance down at PR week yesterday, and was stunned to see this article about large agencies using social media to recruit people like me! I'm sure you can imagine how excited I was about this.

This article mostly discussed agencies using new media as a research tool to find out more information about their latest candidate and also to find interested candidates.



This idea opens a whole new can of worms concerning my generations usage of facebook and other social networking sites and how this represents our true personality. An interesting part of this article discussed agencies using the youtube videos they made as comedic representations of an internship (as thats what this article focused on)... but this got me thinking, are we as potential employees being held to an unfair standard?

Agencies realize the power of a funny, well thought-out online video advertisement and how this appeals to a college demographic. But why is it, that if we use a similar theme on our social networking sites, its suddenly looked down upon.

Of course, I understand the need to maintain professionalism, and I certainly have thought twice about what is posted online about me, but I think its also important to remember the human nature of these sites. The scariest part, is that everyone is looking.

Don't get me wrong. I love social media and I think it has the power to do great things for me and my generation. I am extremely glad that so many big agencies are open to use it, and realize the power it has as an influential marketing tool. I'm just interested to see whats gonna happen in the future!

I love facebook, Yes I do. I love facebook, How about you?

Today I came across this post, and it really got me thinking...

This guy claims that social media is dead.
I'm sorry Sir, but I think you're wrong... although you've make some interesting points.

He says that in recent days, there have not been any applications with substance created for various social media sites. I guess that you can always argue that nothing "important" has been added to facebook recently, the truth is that it really just depends on what the user is looking for.

Personally, I don't need all the hoopla on my page. I just want the facts. I don't need to compare friends, or any of those other useless applications. However, there certainly is merit in the music applications or other forums that encourage sharing of ideas.. since hey, isnt that what this is all about? And on the subject of facebook, should I even mention the whole google situation... will google buy FB? and what will this mean for me, and other members? Am I going to constantly be bombarded with ads? Will google find out a perfect way to actually pin point what I want and who I am?

I guess the thing is, yes... right now social media is certainly in a crossroads..
What does the future holds for these influencial, interesting and thought-provoking networks?

But to say that social media is dead? That just seems dumb.

what do you think?

Second Life coming even closer...

So I'll be honest with you once more.
I actually do not know very much about Second Life although I am very interested in this concept, because it seems like such an interesting, thought-provoking, out-of-this-world kind of a place. Oh wait, it is out of this world!

However, I stumbled across this tech crunch posting about how CSI NY is coming to Second Life and it really freaked me out.

Heres the thing... I really thought that this whole idea was very foreign and very outrageous. I didn't understand why this SIMS like world is being taken over in such a mainstream way.

I love culture. I love everything about it. I love entertainment and yadda yadda yadda. But I just don't get second life and the expansion of our culture to another world. I agree that here, where there is so much clutter to break through, reaching an audience is tough!

And that is why, I must give props to CSI NY for taking a chance. This link for a you tube clip makes me really wanna see the episode and find out more about second life.
What a huge chance to take, and although I do lead a packed life, I might try and see this weeks episode! So kudos!

Marketing, Samples and Sunshine, Oh my!

WHat do I like more then interactive marketing and free food?
Not much more.

This past weekend was Boston's Head of The Charles Regatta.

Please understand that I was in no way inclined to watch the regatta. Sure the crewing is very exciting and all, but big sponsored Row A Palooza -- really caught my attention.

There are about 40 companies that come and just hand out free stuff. Be it ice cream, coffee, chips or juice. Sure, all these little samples were delious. What I thought was very interesting about these samples, is that most of them were products I wouldn't choose to try. So duh, as customers and organizations, don't we just love sampling!

But heres what really got me thinking...
Kashi, Gillete, Best Buy and Nokia had unbelievable tents set up to not only sample a product, but really become one with the brand. I think that is what has made these companies (especially Kashi) so popular and credible.

But, Gilette's booth took it even a step farther. I took a picture in the booth, created my own music, and even passed up a free shave!
All this hoopla and I was engaging with the product for almost 15 minutes. You couldnt buy that kind of brand integration anywhere.
So interesting and so cool! Good Job Gillete!

Who am I?

So I've been thinking a lot about online presence.

I mean, not only am I obsessed with my new media class and for that reason have developed a new blog habit to go along with my constant need to check facebook. But here is my latest conundrum...
Are you no one until you can be googled?
And, since I do believe that is infact the case, when did this shift occur that says that it is socially acceptable (and not sketchy) to use your real name as your online psuedo alias.

Because here is the problem... I didn't get the message! Right now, danilady is my pseudo alias, and my actual name can not be googled.
Is this a problem?
More importantly, are people (and of course, by people I mean potential employers) going to be turned off by this?
Next questions - should I change my whole online persona and adapt it so that I can be googled?

I do think its very interesting that night now, so many people are using their real names online. This idea was so looked down upon only a few years ago, and this may be just another indication of how quickly trends can change. But somehow, I am not convinced. Am I cynical? Or do I just not trust people? The thing is, I really do think the best of most people.


Right now, I don't know the answer to this. But heres my course of action.
Rather then deal with creating a whole new online persona, I have decided (with some help) that being consistant is the most important thing.
Therefore, I Danielle Katz am now Danilady.

or at least for now...

Do we have time to LISTEN?

Yesterday, in Chris Brogan's blog, he has this post about the importance of listening.

Of course, I have a little something to say....
This post, which I found very interesting and really rather important really got me thinking about my generation in terms of listening to blogs and social media.

The thing is: I don't think we ever listen.

In an age where we are constantly connected, we are consequently growing increasingly impatient. I can hardly wait for a you-tube video to load, a friend's ringback tone to go to voicemail or the how long it takes the Boston T to take me to my final destination.

The thing is: although I am impatient, I do often take time to surf the web. I may lead a relatively busy life, but the truth is that I find a few minutes to read blogs and listen to and sometimes even participate in what people are saying. The truth of the matter is, to someone who is newly interested in social media, reading blogs and finding more info from them is the number one thing I can do to learn more. And although I think that most people my age claim to be incredibly busy -- and maybe too busy to read and follow blogs and trends, I enjoy it and right now it is something that I will continue to do.

Big News For All Spice Girls Enthusiasts!

So, If you grew up in the 90's like I did, then you will agree that The Spice Girls are a big deal.

Things I loved / still do love about the Spice Girls
1. platform shoes
2. They were FIERCE.
3. They thought they were talented singers
4. Because they thought they were talented singers, they made the best (or worst) move ever, SPICE WORLD!


But sadly, this post is not about my devotion to the most (or least) talented group of british pop royalty... this post is about their latest news.

Basically, the much anticipated Spice Girls "Greatest Hits" album, that is slated to be released for this holiday season will NOT be sold in music stores (wait, those still exist?)... Instead, the album will be sold online on iTunes and Victoria's Secret. CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS! and evidently, the VS albums must be pre-ordered because the supply will be limited!

hold up.

Now, although you probably think that I would be first in line to grab this new album, truthfully, that wasn't my plan. Honestly, I haven't gone to a music store to an album in many many years. But this striking news is very interesting for the music industry, because it seems that their uncertainty and demise is most likely to continue.

So what does this mean for consumers?
I think that tons of people will go online and buy the album as if it was the 1990's before album piracy and all that business started."In the seventies, the action was at the record store. Today it’s at the Apple Store. Oh, what a long strange trip it’s been." Found this quote and although its about the iphone, it couldn't be more true!

Clearly an indication of where the music industry should be headed!

I think the Spice Girls will continue to Spice Up Your Life!

agenda setting

Recently I came across this post.

Funny how today, in Corporate Comm we were discussing the agenda setting theory. Now, of course I don't wanna get into all that theory business...it is far too boring and really, thats not the focus of this post.

But, what I was very interested in was the TOP 3 (out of 50) AGENDA SETTERS of 2007
1 Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook founder
2. Steve Jobs
Apple CEO
3. Eric Schmidt
Google CEO

What really struck me as interesting is that these three websites are like what I use all the time. REALLY. all the time.
I check my mail and search with yahoo. Clearly, I'm a college student obsessed with FB. and I am, I am on it all the time. and then Apple.. which as a PR student who is obsessed with computers (sorry, I don't mean obsessed, I mean passionate) so I love my apple and I love my ipod (except that its breaking all the time and there is nothing I can do except hit it hard against my desk (which works!).

Anyway.. point is -- yes, these men can and are REALLY really impacting my life.

thank you.

Legally Blonde Takes On Broadway and The World!

MTV is airing Legally Blonde the Musical on MTV.

Clearly, I have a lot to say about this.

First -- I mean, do I even have to begin with saying how I feel about the fact that this is a new musical. That this is the future of musical theater? is this what people think quality Musical theater is?
oy.

Second - why are they selling the musical to MTV? is this gonna get more people to broadway? Are more people going to buy tickets to see the musical?

Thirdly -- Everyone keeps asking me what I thought about the musical. This viewing would mark the second time I actually saw the show, as I of course came home from college last may and got tickets to see it. I loved the movie and thought why not. The thing is, I loved the musical. It's not exactly an outstanding piece of art (but you could argue that musical theater is no longer an elegant, thoughtful artform... unless its steven sondheim. but more on that later). The music was fun and catchy. Great work-out music, if I say so myself.

weekly addiction.

I wouldnt say that I have an addictive personality.

I'm not one of those people who has
to do something at the same time everyday. There are just websites, stores, songs de jour, tv shows and other random things that I like to often check, shop at, listen to, watch and do.

What I think gets me about post secret is the truth. Its just so good.
and its always changing.

This is one of the most successful and innovative blogs.
I have been checking post secret for over year and a half.
Before I even began stalking perez hilton, I was so touched by the honesty and raw emotion on PS.

I have always wanted to send in secrets and I also think that since everyone has secrets its mass appeal is what makes it so universal.
the ability the site has to change peoples lives is what also always makes me smile.

the internet killed the radio star.

This past summer I worked for WBR.
The experience taught me a lot.
Not so much about PR or anything productive, but what I did learn was that the industry is screwed.

This article is about how these hot bands are releasing their albums for free.
FOR FREE?
what
are
they
thinking?

the thing is, what a good move.
let people "donate" to hte site.

how interesting...

Delicious 4 Dummies.

del.icio.us.

yummy.

In my social media class, we have discussed this hilarious informative video.

This Site is not that confusing... or is it?

I really like this idea. I mean, i love using this to pull what I want. This fancy aggregator...if you will...

Heres the funny part.
This video is intended to explain the site to your parents. aka.

problem was.
my dad still didnt get it.
do people who arent nerdy bloggers understand this.

my dad is happening.
he gets this computer stuff.
but doesnt get blogs.
ugh.

Social Media 101.

social media.

yes, I'm a skeptic.

Do I think that the future of my industry rests in the websites that I am currently obsessed with?

maybe.

I love facebook. but so do a lot of people.
but will it revolutionize the world.

I'm afraid yes.
and the reason is.
it already has.

college kids know whats cool.
4 years ago, I joined FB, and life has never been better.

well, I'm only kidding about that.
but really.

Confessions: I love gossip girl.

ok.
all you girls (and guys) out there who run home to watch GOSSIP GIRL, this one is for you.

and because I am one of you.
this one is for me.

Am I really a 21 year old, thoughtful and educated person, who can't get enough of these pretend, obnoxious and addictive characters? and more importantly...

Why do I love these backstabbing, conniving and horribly fabulous people.
Is it becasue they remind me of people I grew up with?
or friends?
or myself? (gasp!)

Now there are a few things I need to think about.
1. Gossip Girls (and boys) are on facebook... and sadly, I'm embarrassed to admit it, but
My name is Danielle and I'm friends with Serena Van Der Woodsen on facebook.


Anything to learn from this guilty pleasure?

Everythings coming up roses, AGAIN!

Gypsy back on Bway?
With Patti?
Could I be more excited?

could I?

the revival with Bernadette was on bway on 4 years ago, do we need to blow 9 million on an "outstanding" show.
Now, i did see gypsy this summer with Patti, and she was great. but do we really need this?

thats the question.

However, will the next big show be Finding Nemo? In that case, put Gypsy back on (and fast!)
Even though I am thrilled for Mel Brooks's Young Frakenstein, I dont know if I'll even be able to find tickets, let alone afford them!

more on that laterrrrr