readings in social media and pr for april 5th 2011

Here is what I am reading today:

• don’t fear social media feedback

“Is the fear of negative comments keeping you from social media endeavors? Are you concerned that if you put your brand “out there”, you might have feedback that is less than stellar, for all to see? If you already have a page or two, are you quick to delete anything that could be perceived as negative, because you are worried that others will see it?

Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn? Fear not! Look at these as opportunities to not only tout your brand, but to engage in conversation with members, embrace opportunities to serve, and show the world how you make your members a priority and solve their problems.”

• political candidates avoid the mainstream media, they use social media!

“Tim Pawlenty announced he was forming a presidential exploratory committee via Facebook. President Obama announced he was seeking reelection to the highest office in the country via a YouTube video. Mitt Romney sent out his retort via Twitter. Collectively, those developments have highlighted the prominent role social media will play in the 2012 presidential campaign.”

• what’s a hardline telephone, typewritter or a newspaper?

“Of the top 20 U.S. newspapers in terms of market penetration — the percentage of adults in a metro region reading the paper in print or online or both — 16 dailies actually saw a decline in audience from 2009 to 2010. Only three saw their overall reach increase. Many of the market penetration declines were modest, but among those suffering the biggest losses in 2010 were the Des Moines Register (-11.3%), the Louisville Courier-Journal (-9.4%) and the Austin American-Statesman (-8.2%)”

• some guy named James Franco thinks social media is dead

“According to Mr Franco, who we have to confess to having absolutely no idea who he is, social networking is as dead as a dead duck. Of course, this fella who is probably some kind of jazz singer like Michael Buble or something, has been an avid Tweeter but now thinks that twitter is over and done with.”

• viral marketing

“Who doesn’t love Betty White? The supremely funny octogenarian has delighted audiences for most of her adult life. Her successes date back to the days when radio was king and men wore fedoras without irony. Yet White’s popularity – at the twilight of her working career — is at an all-time high. Why? Because Betty White went viral in 2010.”