The Internets Are Watching

Last week on Twitter, a prolific user tweeted their social security number in a completely nonchalant way. "My Social Security number: 555-55-5555." You get the drift. I would go back and find the post and poster to give this person props if Twitter had better search archive functionality, but I can't. Twitter, are you listening?

Whether or not it was their real social security number, I do not know. However, I almost fell out of my chair from the sheer genius of it. Twitterville is (currently) a trusting and open community, with people posting often intimate details of their daily lives. Was this person testing the waters to see what the implications of tweeting their social would be? Were they making a commentary about how our personal information really is available for anyone to find? Were they being snarky? Perhaps a combination of all of these things.

Lately there has been talk by some major bloggers (Tamar Weinberg and Danny Sullivan in particular) about the transparency of social networks such as Twitter and FriendFeed and the implications for daily life. Some of the blog posts were concerned with the implications for the safety of their children, and rightfully so. Someone can easily "know" Mommy or Daddy very well online and be a complete stranger. FriendFeed is very useful, yet it also allows everyone to see exactly what you are doing on the net. Let's call it "FriendSpy" if you will.

I think the trust and community we place in our social networks allows us to sleep at night. They are cyber-neighborhoods. However, by putting our lives on display for public consumption, we are essentially enabling stalking on a global scale, are we not? As a non-celebrity, I don't let this worry me. Stalkers are more likely to find you in person. :) If I had children, I am sure I would be more concerned. Plus, if someone wants to see what I am bookmarking, I am OK with that because I try not to go overboard with it.

Telecommunication providers keep all phone and internet records on everyone for a minimum of two years. In many states, public documents that include your social security number and home address are readily available online in public databases. Once indexed by search engines, every blog post, website, picture, Facebook entry, etc., can be dug up after it's deleted by anyone who really knows how to find these items. I am not trying to fear monger. This is the reality of the internet and public communication today. We need to get used to it, and next generation needs to understand the possible repercussions of posting all their crazy antics. If a thief wants your social security number, they will get it, whether you tweet it or not. It is much better to open your eyes, realize that everything you do today is on display, and act with full intention.

Frankly, I am mostly glad that the antics of my college days came before digital cameras and Facebook. Someone would have to search hard for silly photos of me, in actual albums. Political campaigns are going to get a lot more interesting when Gen Y starts running for office and everyone's dirt is public domain.

Only in America... Tanning Beds for Your Pet

Live in a cold, cloudy climate? Is Fluffy or Spot suffering Seasonal Affective Disorder along with the rest of the household? Either this new product is a sign of the pending Zombie Apocalypse or Genuis Marketing, or both. It is getting tons of attention on the interwebs... Gizmodo, Buzzfeed, and Trendhunter all have the scoop. Behold the SunSpa Tanning Bed, meant to simulate a relaxing nap in the sunshine for your cat (or dog, okay I'm partial). Officially launching at the Pet Industry Spring Trade Show May 16-18 in Baltimore, it is available for pre-order at the show... Run, don't walk folks!

Inspiration: Why Am I Doing This?

There are what often feels like a million great blogs about marketing, SEO, social media, the interwebs and the various topics I am writing about. What can I possibly add to the conversation?

While I have many years of marketing communications experience behind me, I am learning Social Media and SEO as I go. Honestly, I think that's is still the case for a lot of people, at this moment in time, 4/25/08. I'm not particularly thrilled with the work our outsourced SEO firm is doing. It's fair, not excellent. A lot of link building, but little else. The links aren't on industry-related sites. The article content- don't get me started. I think I can probably do better, time permitting. I am passionate person, which extends into my work.

My Dad is on Facebook is my opportunity to learn the best way I know-- by doing. To stretch my writing skills above and beyond corporate jargon and press releases. To write about topics other than work. To share amusing things with my family and friends, and maybe even some strangers. To finally get the code correct for the stumble upon and del.icio.us icons at the bottom of my posts in Blogger, which is annoying me. To grow, stretch my legs, stumble and pick myself back up.

Absolut Kafuffle: Advertisers, Bloggers and Aftershocks

I came across an article in AdAge today that got me thinking. To make a long story short, this country-specific Absolut Ad from Mexico was found amusing by the original blogger, Laura Martinez, who posted to her site on March 31. See her original blog post here.

The result? Hundreds of furious blog comments, stories in the LA Times and Austin American Statesman and finally, a public apology from the makers of Absolut on April 4. Timeline? 5 Days.

This ad depicts Mexico's original borders. For Americans, does it provoke strong feelings for people on various sides of the immigration debate? Of course.

This ad ran in print publications in Mexico only. But in today's global communication landscape, words, images and photos spread virally across the internets at lightning speed. Organizations (and individuals alike) simply cannot operate under the impression that something shown in country X won't be seen by country Y.

Absolut likely angered many people and lost customers during this process. However, they also got tons of free press because of a chain reaction started by a blogger. Will customers stay angry enough to stop buying Absolut? Time will tell, but my guess is no.

What exactly does great advertising do? It grabs your attention and provokes an emotional response. Mission Accomplished.

And Laura? You have a new fan.