Jan
29

We’re All Trolls: 11 Ways We Can Stop Being So Damn Divisive!

Justin on January 29th, 2010

Lately, I’ve been arguing against the perpetual “us vs. them” method of storytelling because I think it’s ruining our ability (and desire) to understand each other.  Opposing groups have always been quick to condemn “the other,” but the degree to (and zest with) which we do it these days borders on alarming. A few days [...]

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Armchair Sociology, My Social Media POV 6 Comments »
Jan
28

What’s the ROI of Everything?

Justin on January 28th, 2010

Lately, there’s been a growing insistence that social media (and marketing in general) be measured solely by the end result: sales. Despite plenty of lucid arguments to the contrary, many smart (and opinionated) people believe that “community building,” “brand management,” “increased awareness” and other intangible benefits of marketing are useless, or at least that they’re [...]

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My Social Media POV 11 Comments »
Jan
27

The Two Kinds of Confidence

Justin on January 27th, 2010

Whether employers are hiring employees, clients are choosing contractors or potential mates are sizing each other up for compatibility, everything boils down to confidence. Employers want to know that they can trust the person they’re paying to get the job done.  Ditto for clients, who need to know they’re in good hands before they relinquish [...]

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Armchair Sociology, Freelance Tips 4 Comments »
Jan
26

The Sudden Sexiness of Walled Gardens

Justin on January 26th, 2010

For the past decade, we’ve all felt increasing pressure to “join the conversation.”  Companies and communicators alike have been advised to bring their messaging to the people and service them “where they are,” rather than the now-passé tradition of expecting the people to come to you. This approach has resulted in a cacophony of competing [...]

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Armchair Sociology, My Social Media POV 4 Comments »
Jan
25

The Relevance Economy

Justin on January 25th, 2010

First, let’s all agree that money is dead. When the very same banks we so recently “bailed out” with our hard-earned tax dollars are suddenly announcing record bonuses even as Americans report underemployment in record numbers, it’s impossible to take our financial system seriously.  Actual currency has become so ethereal as to be downright irrelevant.  [...]

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Armchair Sociology, My Social Media POV 24 Comments »