Great report about some interesting trends regarding new media, social networking and future web. To download and get further info about the authors go to; http://www.urban-lifestyle.se/ To download; http://www.urbanlifestylereport.com

1. #ULRNM
URBAN LIFESTYLE REPORT NEW MEDIA
free no. 1
new media january
trend report 2009
for marketers

2. editorial staff
THE HASHTAG ISSUE!
TOMAS NIHLÉN - EDITOR IN CHIEF LINDA PIERRE - EDITOR
You might wonder what the hell the weird sign on the front cover means. Or you
might recognise it from numerous places like for instance from Twitter. In fact you are
completely right if you thought about Twitter. This might seem like a worn out topic,
but it has become such an important part of the current media landscape that it would
be impossible to write a new media trend report without giving this topic the proper
attention. Many bloggers out their write tons of great advice on different Twitter apps,
we are in this issue focusing mostly on how Twitter is actually used by people and
how it can create value for brands.
Tomas Nihlén, Editor in Chief and Linda Pierre, Editor and responsible
writer. Co-founder of Urban Lifestyle. for layout & design. Co-founder and co- Since this is the first issue of 2009 I felt it was almost necessary to start off this issue
Holds a very strong interest in new owner of Urban Lifestyle. She is also with a glance into the crystal ball in the first article. But since you probably already have
media and how Internet is changing the marketing director for an e-commerce read quite a few of these already I only choose a few of the trends that I personally
fundamentals of the whole marketing site in the travel accessories category.
think are important in media production and gadget consumption. Convergence and
arena. He particularly keeps an eye on Linda enjoys actually using social
divergence are two key words here. But this issue is so packed full of information
the evolving Internet video scene. Also media in her daily work instead of just
and insights that you really need to poor yourself a cup of tea, or coffee, and start
loves podcasting both as a viewer and talking about it. She loves podcasting,
cracking at this bad boy. First a few words about the future of this report though.
a creator. both practicing and consuming.
We are proud to present some new writers in this issue and we would love to
E-mail: tomas@urban-lifestyle.se E-mail: linda@urban-lifestyle.se
find more and more writers out there who can help improve this report. So please let
us know if you want to write an article or become a regular writer.
INFORMATION - WHAT IS ”URBAN LIFSTYLE REPORT - NEW MEDIA”?
It feels exciting to take this product from a walled garden out into the world
of free content. And it is much appreciated if you help us spread the word. You
”Beyond buzz words and corporate bullshit. We write about what’s actually going
can send our reports to friends but it would be great if you
on in new media and how it’s changing the marketing game. And we are always on
would ask them to register their own accounts on www.
the look for talented and passionate people who want to write for us. So if you think
UrbanLifestyleReport.com so that they get all the latest
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How do I get free issues? Create an account at
Editor in Chief Tomas Nihlén
commenting on our reports on Twitter.
www.UrbanLifestyleReport.com and you’ll get an
tomas@urban-lifestyle.se +46 8 501 64 377
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Editor & Creative Director Linda Pierre
Now, I know you can’t wait any more so just turn the page
How often? 4-5 times per year.
linda@urban-lifestyle.se +46 8 501 64 376
Images & illustrations: If not taken by any of our and get started already! :)
Company behind the report:
writers, been approved by the copy holder or free
Urban Lifestyle AB
of use from Flickr Creative Commons.

3. writers
TOMAS NIHLÉN - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN OLLE AHNVE - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Obsessed with new media but even more so if it is related to A curiosity geek at a Stockholm based PR agency who thinks ”social”
moving images on a digital screen. Wanted to become a movie is the most important part of social media and enjoys diving into
director in high school, and now enjoys every second spent this digital ocean every day. He thinks everybody should try Twitter
in Final Cut editing video podcasts or short documentaries. at least once in their lifetime and not be afraid to try new things.
Web: Urban Lifestyle Report Twitter: @tomasnihlen Web: http://jungrelations.com/blog Twitter: @oahnve
LINDA PIERRE - STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN ANDERS ABRAHAMSSON - NORRKÖPING, SWEDEN
A perfectionist who is addicted to keeping up to date to Sustainopreneurship facilitator and global knowledge nomad
everything new, but in particular everything digital. Relives an old networking with intention and quality who runs/develops six
dream to become a radio host by keeping a mic close to her at all ventures.
times so that she can start a podcast episode at any given time.
Web: http://www.sustainopreneurship.biz/Twitter: @sliceonline
Web: Urban Lifestyle Report Twitter: @lindapierre
HJÖRTUR SMÁRASON - REYKJAVIK, ICELAND NICHOLAS GILL - LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Anthropologist who went practical. Writes, speaks and Planner with a love for digital at Lawton Communications
consults on Internet marketing. He is also owner and Group but also a blogger, podcaster and general evangelist for
director of a marketing consultancy in Reykjavik, Iceland innovative marketing strategies. Has previously worked as a client
specializing in branding, social media and Internet marketing. partner and strategic leader for a wide range of blue chip clients.
Web: http://blog.scope.is/ Twitter: @hjortur Web: http://bluurb.wordpress.com Twitter: @nicholasgill
LIA DUTRA - SAO PAULO, BRAZIL DAN THORNTON - PETERBOROUGH, UNITED KINGDOM
Passionate strategic planner at the Brazilian agency Africa 30-something Community Marketing Manager at Bauer
Propaganda who believes that in hard times creativity blossoms. Media, specializing in creating content, conversation and
Her thirst for knowledge never stops and her blog and articles here communities. Also experienced blogger (www.thewayoftheweb.
are two outlets for her thoughts on marketing and related topics. net and www.140char.com), journalist and social media addict.
Web: http://liadutra.blogspot.com/ Twitter: @liadutra Web: http://www.thewayoftheweb.net Twitter: @badgergravling

4. in this issue 2009.01
5. First some mandatory crystal ball predictions
41. A crisis of convergence Music 3.0
8. A year of Value, not wealth
45. Liar liar pants on fire!
9. One day at a time
47. Opinion: STOP bugging us!
11. The New Media (and people) scenario
14. Curiosity Geek - the marketing pro of tomorrow 48. Connect with us!
49. Donations & ”Looking for Indesign Guru!”
16. The next phase of social networking online
19. Micro-blogging? All know what it is, no one knows what it is
25. Hashtags & Retweets - more than just fancy words?
30. The live web - at first glance
34. A different kind of Internet Buzz - the one that comes from drinking
36. It’s all about the brand experience - seamless but not standardised
40. Death of the anonymous web? COVER IMAGE BY:
respres

5. 5
First some
mandatory
crystal ball
predictions
TOMAS NIHLÉN
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: http://tomasnihlen.tumblr.com/
Picture: swanksalot
S ince this is the first issue of 2009 it would be The two hottest gadgets right now seem to be smartphones
and netbooks. And related to netbooks we see ultra
almost unheard of not to do some predictions
portable laptops like MacBook Air. In fact, no matter if you
for this year. But I will keep it short and are rocking a small laptop, netbook or even smartphone it’s
(hopefully) sweet. Basically just some of the things cheaper and easier than ever to bring your office wherever
you go.
I’m contemplating right now, in regards to new
media and consumer trends. But just focus on a Apple revolutionised the smartphone industry when iPhone
couple of interesting things rather than everything hit the market. No doubt about that. They focused on
making a great product instead of copying the competition
going on right now in this field.
or sticking to industry standards.

6. 6
Not smart at all if my SonyEricsson P1 can claim that title. It’s the dumbest phone
I have ever had the misfortune to use.
Speaking of convergence, another interesting field with great convergence is
between digital still cameras and digital video cameras. Canon Mark II for instance
is a digital SLR that also shoots full HD video and has even been used to shoot this
short film.
These two types of products will no doubt grow into one in the future, but it will
be interesting to see what the winning form factor will look like. Will it be a video
Picture: P/UL camera that shoots great still images or a still camera that shoots great video? At
the moment it looks like the latter alternative, but I guess time will tell.
Now the other manufacturers are doing what they usually
do; playing copycat and building iPhone like products. It’s We do not only see convergence in the field of
obvious that the strategies vary between Apple and the digital video capturing though, we actually
rest of the brands in this space. But that’s all I’m going to see both convergence and divergence
say in this fanboy maner. at the same time. Let me explain
what I mean. My example is the Flip
My prediction here is that we will see continued growth
camera, a small and super easy to
in the netbook sector and we will also see more and
use digital video camera. The first
more netbooks running OS X, something that Apple
model focused on two things; easy
will need to address. Microsoft needs to watch out,
to use and cheap. So it was different
because I think both Linux and OS X are really attractive
from many other cameras going for
operating systems for these netbooks.
the top end or middle range. But
with the new model of the Flip Mino
In the cell phone corner we will see a convergence
HD you actually get HD in a very small
between regular phones and smartphones. In the future
and cheap little box. I think this type of
this categorisation will not make sense anymore, and I’m
cameras will flood the market and replace
not sure it even does at the moment. How smart does a
regular users’ old DV cameras.
smartphone need to be, eh well to be called a ”smartphone”?
Picture: Steve Keys

7. 7
This should in fact become the top choice for both regular
consumers and average Internet users who need a cheap
and easy way to shoot and publish videos to the Internet. I
also see great corporate uses for these type of cameras, just
send me and e-mail and I would love to talk more about this
topic. I love almost everything about digital video online.
So here is a summary of what I will (and you should?) keep
an extra eye on during 2009:
1 Laptops; cheaper and cheaper + faster and faster
2 Netbooks; shooting for the stars
3 Microsoft getting competition in the netbook sector
4 Convergence between digital still cameras and digital
video cameras
5 HD video cameras that disappears in your pocket
Well that's my two cents anyway, when it comes to articles
in the “new year predictions” style. At least for now.
Picture: JOE M500

8. 8
A YEAR OF VALUE,
not wealth
HJÖRTUR SMÁRASON
Location: Reykjavik, Iceland
Blog: Marketing Safari
With the slow economy, declining ad budgets and tougher markets, or followers you have
Picture:
marketers are going to be seeking new ways to market their products. and can spam with your
buggolo
Traditional opinion makers, newspapers, TV channels and other traditional ads, offers or messages. It’s
media outlets are losing out while new influencers are taking over. measured in the value your words have, the value you provide
Influencers in social media. Average Joes who become powerful opinion to your listeners and the quality of your network. For your
makers online. Seeing the success some marketers are getting via social words to have some value for people you need to establish a
media, many advertisers will try their luck using social media as a marketingrelationship with people. And to get these people to listen, you
channel. So we will be looking at a lot of noise later in have to build up trust. That is a process where
the year in social media. you need to invest time, energy and
creativity. Don’t think you can get
“Try not to be a man of success, but your way with people with your
Next year, those same marketers rather try to become a man of value” first tweet.
will say that social media marketing Albert Einstein
doesn’t work, that it’s a waste of time.
That’s because they don’t get it. They’ll never be The year 2009 will be a year of change. Change
influencers. They’ll just be spammers. driven by a different economic environment, new markets and
new opportunities. Let’s embrace the opportunities those
changes bring. Let’s build new relationships, strengthen our
You see, being an influencer is not measured by the number of friends networks and bring value to our friends and followers.

9. 9
One day at a time
LINDA PIERRE
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: http://lindapierre.tumblr.com/
the enormous universe called the Internet is not
showing any signs of running out of space due to
too much information, not yet anyway.
Every day thousands of pictures are being uploaded to sites like Flickr,
Photobucket and not to forget the biggest ones of them all Facebook.
People don’t seem to get enough of the attention a photo can give. Some
do it to archive their photos, some to show their friends and family and
others seek the stardom a perfect photo can give you.
Back in 2004 Taylor McKnight started taking photos of himself and called
it “Project 365”. We’ve seen many similar projects since then, like this girl
taking a photo of herself every day for three years and then she made a
video out of it. Noah Kalina took it a bit further taking a photo of himself
during eight years and of course also made a viral video hit out of it with
over 11 million views so far on YouTube and 49 000 on Vimeo. A few things
hits me, there’s is no way you can have the exact same hairstyle two times
in your life and why do they have to look so bored, isn’t this supposed to
be a fun thing, right? And it seems like men tend to grow their hair longer
as they get older. Middle age crises or what?
Picture: erin MC hammer

10. 10
Anyway let me get back on the path I intended to go with this
article. The phenomenon of taking your own picture everyday
Picture: Noah Kalina
wasn’t just a hype that went away. The photo site Photojojo
urges everyone to create their own “Project 365”. You might
wonder why. Well if not for your own sake, like a diary, you
could do it to be able to show your kids what you did and how
you looked during this period of time. There are many different
ways in which you can do this, it doesn’t have to be a (boring)
facial picture. You could choose to take a photo of your shoes
or why not do as this Canadian photographer did and take a
photo of people in your neighbourhood? People all over the
world already upload their pictures to different Flickr groups
doing similar things like that.
EpicFu has got the list of people taking the challenge at the
moment. There’s no limit to where your imagination can bring
you, or your company for that matter. I mean if people like seeing
things grow (like beards) or decrease (beach season closing in
on us) it doesn’t have to be something on a human being...
Picture: erin MC hammer
Think about that all you marketers out there! And let me know
if you come up with a neat idea. Also check out Photojojo’s Time
Capsule, a cool way of reminding yourself what you did at the
same time last year. Oh time for my daily time saver...
Click!

11. 1
1
The
new
media
(and people)
scenario
Through a world crisis
LIA DUTRA
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Blog: http://liadutra.blogspot.com/
Most bloggers enjoy lists – of all kinds. They love
lists of websites on certain topics, lists of the top
things of several issues, lists of other bloggers and
so on. They enjoy lists even more if they’re on them.
Since I am a blogger myself, I considered making
Illustration: Wesley Fryer
a list for this article, mainly due to how I wanted to
write about this subject – in the predictions form. But
I have to admit I find it hard writing lists of any kind,
so instead, I chose a mix of a list with something of a
narrative, discursive way. Hope you enjoy it.

12. 12
I have seen lots of people making bad predictions about how this will be a tough year – and I
do agree with that in a certain way - but I also do believe it’s time for us to try to recover and
stop complaining about how we won’t be able to justify not even the costs of the company
paper. (As if the lack of money were an excuse for not doing good things). The thing is all
about the money, as usual, but that’s not enough of a reason. Creativity does not require huge
investments. I guess the money issue now can be quite a standard for not allowing bad moves
– since there’ll only be a certain amount money available and that cannot be wasted.
I’m very optimistic about this year. For those who haven’t been going through a good way,
there’s a chance to try to do their best. It’s a brand new beginning, a lifetime chance to start
over – without further explanation.
As this whole crisis started, the worries concerning the global economic scene have been
making companies re-think their investments in communication. But as you might have read
in some publications, this is exactly the time we shouldn’t stop communicating, advertising.
And I truly support that cause.
Picture: miss_rogue
It’s said that in a moment of crisis a lot falls apart. But also, some I guess now it’s time for brands to be clear, transparent and simple. It’s time to
great things rise. And these are the ones that shine and gets highlighted in take complexity aside since no one needs it and keep it all simple without losing the spark
comparison to others, especially because they have a different way of moving and the poetry. It’s time to engage people, even more than how we did in prosperous times.
when compared to the rest. So I believe the key now the marketing investments have decreased is to find other ways that
allow a major return. In this aspect, new media has a great opportunity to grow even more.
What I like the most about these different things is that sometimes it is pretty
clear that they are not just something new coming up. They are not a new
rule, a new innovative practice. But yes, they’re the exception indeed. They
1
Here’s what I believe will happen:
are different because they do things differently. And this is what’s related to
the positive side of the crisis. They bring fresh new perspectives. One thing is for sure, despite companies' and brands' positions and their decisions in
this situation, and even if the market itself does not grow as expected, people won’t
Last year I read some of the Senior Vice President and Worldwide Publisher
2
stop spending time online, nor do it less than they used to.
for BusinessWeek, Jessica Sibley’s, predictions on the magazine market
for 2009. After reading it I realized we strongly have a common ground. In this new scenario it’ll be all about people and what (and most important, HOW)
Crisis are worthy somehow, they provide an environment with room for they relate to brands. People who act and do different things will show up on stage
inspiration and for motivated people who want to make a difference in these inside their professional environments. It’s their time to shine, which is why we are
times – times that actually need a new attitude – and from there new things probably going to say the ‘cool’ will be growing more than ever. Talented people will
with new approaches come up. Turns out, this seems to be true not only in keep hanging there, but new talents will show up. It’s time for innovation.
3
publishing, but in several – if not all – markets.
In 2009 we’re still about to see great campaigns using social media - including Internet,
The world is changing, in every single possible way. The economy is mobile, video (a lot of video), content generation and lots of other tools, maybe even
changing, politics are changing, people are having to change. Anything could greater campaigns than some of the best we had in 2008.
happen.

13. 13
4 I believe we’ll have both interesting and successful initiatives on social media, on
multi-platform initiatives. Exploring all possibilities that multi-media can bring.
5
We’ll do even better once we start realizing that it is not all about the technologies
themselves nor just about the mediums themselves, but also about the content
they carry within. As Cam Brown, the King Fish Media President, wisely said:
“2009 will feature the greatest redirect in marketing approach that the media
industry has seen”. I believe it’ll be time to identify and guide new practices for
the usage of media in a more strategic way. It’s time to notice and realize (for
6
those who still haven’t) that mediums are more than just mediums.
I believe the big open television will become even less relevant for people.
Traditional media will keep dropping as content and social media grow (and I
7
am not saying that just because this is a New Media Report).
The whole new media growth won’t happen only for big brands and their
consumers (as in the way we’re used to name them). On last June’s report Lisa
Sculati wrote about the companies engagement and use of Wikis, and somehow
now it suddenly bumped into my head once I strongly believe companies will
10
start making more usage of social media and networking tools for themselves
internally as well as to communicate externally even more – that includes the
Picture: altemark
B2B market.
It’s highly likely that big traditional companies that crawl mostly through big I just saw Scholz & Friends’ video the other day, describing how we came to “the
traditional media will give a shot to social media efforts. In lots of the beloved social world” where everything is a dialogue and it’s more about people than the
blogs’ lists with predictions for 2009 we can see people talking about the companies themselves. It was called a “dramatic shift in marketing reality”. Simple as
traditional merging with the digital age, whether they are print magazines that it is, it doesn’t say anything actually new to any of us – especially to those who live
will disappear or go online, television channels that will broadcast their shows and breathe the 2.0 and even 3.0 world. But it reminds us of the basics we should be
2
online, bigger media companies that will more and more work with online/social reminded of from time to time.
media provider companies or even make alliances with companies or individuals
9
Now is the time to engage. More than that, I believe there’s a great room for
who offer this nature of services to build that kind of environment.
interaction we should not loose, concerning the philosophical and practical
One of the recent moves concerning this topic is the Printed Blog, the new terms I just mentioned before.
Chicago newspaper made from posts of several blogs, which WILL have local
8
I’m sure I’ve missed a lot to talk about here, in details and all, but I guess the whole
advertisement and WILL be distributed for free.
thing is that this crisis will leave a lot of room for social media to act.
I do believe major brands will keep trying to fit and interact the best way with
12
That’s why I’m so optimistic, even though I am not even a digital strategist, but am in
social media.
fact passionate for it.
Mostly I believe all that will happen not only in advertising and marketing itself
After our recovery, the world will not be back where it was. We’ll be OK again, but
(considering strictly the dialogue between people and brands). I think even the
different from before.
way of shopping (eCommerce) will change with more aggregating services and
integrating people. All we’re going to have to do is adapt. Learn and adapt.

14. 14
Picture: Kapungo
Curiosity
Geek The marketing pro of tomorrow
OLLE AHNVE
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: Jung Relations Blog
Social media is fundamentally changing the work life of the com-
munications professional. While change is nothing new to the commu-
nications industry, this time is different – it’s a fundamental shift both
in style and direction. And it is happening faster than ever before. So
how do you keep up?
I have one humble advice for the communicator of tomorrow: you must be curious
to learn new things. All. The. Time.
Do you converse or broadcast?
You know the modern way of communication is conversational style. You know it
is all about two-way communication, listening and engaging by contributing to the
community. But do you actually do this? Do you listen to find out what your community
is interested in and engage by adding value to the community? Or do you use the same

15. 15
old one-way communication that has done the job historically? learn, and you must be willing to leave your zone of confidence
Do you communicate with a personal voice or do you use the and try new communication styles and new tools. Sure, you
old corporate kind? will display your weakness, but you will learn from experience
and your mistakes.
If you communicate one-way with a corporate voice – is it
because you think it is the best style of communication for Are you afraid that some social media “expert” will tell you
your organization? Or is it because you know the old way of that what you are doing is wrong? Don’t be!
communication and that makes you feel secure?
Picture: aturkus
Do you dare trying?
As long as you are transparent in all your actions and respect
You know there is a whole new line of web technology that
your community, they will guide you rather than attack you.
can help you in your communication. Blogging and micro-
blogging platforms, RSS reading/filtering/mixing, podcasting,
How do I get started?
vodcasting. The list of new and incredibly useful information
technology goes on, but have you tried it? Or do you still use
Being curious will get you a long way, and most of all – it will
the same clipping service and report the same kind of results
get you started. So, go dive into the social media sphere by
that have been successful historically?
trying out Twitter, blogs, RSS, social networks. Ask for help
when you need it, but don’t fear trying.
What does the future communication professional look like?
Trying is being curious. Being curious is good.
Rest assured – you don’t need to become a tech geek. But you
do need to become a curiosity geek. You have to be eager to

16. 16
The Next Phase of
social networking
online
TOMAS NIHLÉN
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: http://tomasnihlen.tumblr.com/
Picture: luc legay
What does the
Facebook started as a small roots movement in an American
status message say on
dorm room a couple of years ago. It was the “David” to the
Facebook right now?
MySpace phenomena that was Goliath. No CEO, CMO, CTO,
marketing consultant or whoever would ever predict that this
Let’s start by checking the status
little web project would ever be a catalyst in a trend that is
of the new social networking king,
transforming not just marketing, but the way businesses will be
what’s really going on with Facebook. Have
built in the future.
Facebook passed its peak and soon to be meeting the same destiny as MySpace?
But today Facebook is the reigning champion and MySpace is, well Many people would like to think so, it seems to be a constant drive for many people to pass off fads
more like the old heavy weight boxer struggling with health issues and to be able to be the first one to proclaim the next big thing. But the truth is that Facebook still has
and possible brain damage.You don’t buy what I’m saying? Well let the magic which translates to 140 million users according to InsideFacebook.com with a growth rate of
me paint out a picture of what I’m seeing as the future of social 600 000 more users per day, which is hard to beat. And it’s not like the network is losing traction, like
networking, or rather the future of social businesses. Let’s use in Argentina for instance, last year can definitely be summed up as a great year for Facebook. How does
Facebook as an example since I think for the foreseeable future a 2 000 per cent increase in a year sound? At the beginning of 2008 there were 100 000 registered
it will be the dominating service in this area, even though many Facebook users in Argentina, but when Santa Clause was climbing down the chimney at the end of the
marketers might think it has lost its coolness. year, this number had in turn climbed up to 2 000 000 users. Neighbouring countries Chile, Venezuela,
and Peru have also seen impressive growth during the last time. 3768 per cent, 1277 per cent, and 328
per cent respectively to be exact. Quite impressive if you ask me.

17. 17
Speaking of Christmas, Facebook certainly had a merry one this year and not
Illustration: Inside Facebook
only in Latin America. According to CNET Hitwise it saw a big peak in traffic
during the holidays. Heather Hopkins of Hitwise lists some possible theories
like crediting the peak to boredom, heavy snow in key cities and/or season
greetings. Maybe Facebook is just a part of peoples lives and these lives circle
around some important events each year like Christmas and therefor Facebook
becomes a must for all big holidays. Anyway, no matter what the real reason is,
these stats provides more proof that Facebook is here to stay, at least for quite
some time. And it is not just a site but rather a way to communicate.
Problems on the horizon?
Maybe becoming a giant makes some of the cool factor and buzz worthiness FriendFeed and similar services collect all your activity from the social web in
fade? Some people think so and maybe that was the reason why Facebook tried one place and generate a “master flow” of all your public activity. Sort of what
to buy the new wonder kid on the block;Twitter, late last year. According to Kara Facebook wants to do but with a totally different approach. Then there are
Swisher that is what some insiders at Facebook are claiming.Twitter was offered services like Power.com that wants to collect your social networking services in
$500 million worth of Facebook stock, i.e. potential value, which in all fairness one place. But wait, didn’t Facebook sue them? Yes they did, claiming it is all about
might be a good deal since Twitter has yet to generate any revenue. But Twitter “copyright and trademark infringement; unlawful competition; and violation of
stuck to its guns and rejected the offer, keeping to a strategy that focuses on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, CAN-SPAM Act, and the Computer Fraud
growth rather than profit, at least for now. For Facebook the deal might have and Abuse Act, among other charges”, according to CNET. Power.com lets you
insured a massive coolness injection and some more cred among the early- access friends and other data from multiple social networking services in one
adopters growing tired of Facebook. place. For Facebook this means that it wouldn’t matter as much for the users
of services like Power.com which friends are on Facebook and which are only
Another area that social networking sites need to keep an eye on is all the new
on other sites like MySpace and Hi5 etc. This could definitely put a dent in the
aggregating sites that wants to be the hub of your social web experience. The
Facebook brand since its core offer and strength is collecting and maintaining
most buzzed about of these services is probably FriendFeed, which if Twitter is
your social graph for you.
approaching the middle of the long tail, is located at the far right of that curve.

18. 18
Capitalising on the social graph The future of social networking
In the time up until now the whole focus and point of Facebook As I started in the paragraph to the left I think Facebook Connect is a look into the future of social
has been this precious social graph, which is basically just a networking online. It’s not the only example, and it has got competition from Google. By the way
fancier name for your “friend list.” But now the site enters a guess what Google calls its own service? Yes that’s right; Google Connect. Go figure... And it would
phase when it need to start doing something with this graph, be a big surprise if Google wouldn’t do anything in their power to try to beat Facebook in this
and something more than just being a playground for viral area.
marketing, annoying games and endless invites to causes or
In 2009 I predict we will see several new initiatives in this area but it remains to see which ones
events. Facebook Connect is an example of the future of
will prove to be sticky. They also have some competition in theory by an open source alternative
social networking online; bring your social graph wherever
called OpenID. But the truth is that it’s not about the best alternative, the best integrity or anything
you go online. Letting websites all over the world implement
else, but a matter of what service the masses will adopt. Will you want to use your already existing
this service means for instance that comment functions on
Facebook account or would you rather get yet another one from for instance OpenID? At this time
blogs can be integrated with Facebook. This is the first step,
I would bet my money on Facebook and put Google as a potential runner-up, but it could end up
but going forward I think we will see whole sites just build
the other way around as well.
on common interests and Facebook Connect. This is a great
service to website builders and a great move for Facebook So now to my prediction. I think that 2009 is all about phase two of social networking online. And
strengthening loyalty and increasing its reach. in my book that means making the social graph portable and going from destination sites to an
important part of the infrastructure of the social web. This phase will also start changing the way
Also by integrating the service with media companies to
businesses act on the market. Smart companies will find endless new opportunities and remember
connect news and media in general with Facebook they
Urban Lifestyle’s three golden rules of social media:
can create new revenue streams. For instance there is an
interesting initiative between Facebook and the social media
1. Don't suck
platform Pluck. An example of this collaboration is that visitors
to SFGate (the digital home of The San Francisco Chronicle) 2. Create good content
who comment on articles via Facebook Connect also get their
3. Be a part of the conversation
comments automatically imported into their News Flows in
Facebook. This is a great service to SFGate’s visitors, drives
It's not harder than that, no matter what so called “social media experts” will tell you. The principals
traffic to SFGate.com and also a smart move for Facebook.
are easy, it's the execution that is a bit tricky.
This is an examples of how companies are becoming far more
social than before and it is also a part of an increasing demand
But at the end of 2009, if I was wrong about my predictions and our golden rules of social media,
for transparency.
you can hate all over me on Facebook, Twitter and FriendFeed...

19. 19
Micro-blogging?
All know what it is,
Illustration: HubSpot Inblund Marketing Blog
no one knows what it is
ANDERS ABRAHAMSSON
Location: Norrköping, Sweden
Blog: http://sliceonline.tumblr.com/
One blog post that went up for the 24 hour-of-fame buzz on the #1
position on Twitturly (a service that tracks what is linked the most in
to serve and lead your life better. Yes, someone that adds value to your life,
twitterverse) a day in January 2009 was called ”Social Media ‘Experts’ are
and thus worth your attention, and adding value back, unconditionally.
the Cancer of Twitter (and Must Be Stopped)”. A sign of the times. Yes,
I do agree that they who start to follow me and introduce themselves
Coming this far, I claim no expertise, more than applied common sense
as such in their micro-bios at their Twitter profiles by default is an auto-
and humbly learning from and reflecting around my experiences as a social
nonfollow for me – usually just another one who tries to surf the wave
media ‘learner’. Quoting the media guru, for true - Marshall McLuhan -
of a recent phenomenon, and seldom adds value beyond acting as a part
”I don’t necessarily agree with everything I say”. In this article I want to
of a big echo-chamber with few spots of original thinking.
share some short notes and noteworthy on the phenomenon of ”micro-
blogging”, with a special focus on how to approach this conversational buzz
One core aspect of the twitterverse is illustrated by this in a nutshell,
bubble as a marketer for a brand or a business. Sharing is caring!
emphasizing the social in ‘social media’ – follow or be followed. Or most
preferrably, excluding “or”; the mutual follow – where some of these
couples of people following their respective streams of sms-lengthy
snippets in their micro-blogging actually call themselves “friends”. You Social media and the market conversation
know, what it meant in LBF – Life Before Facebook: Actually someone
Micro-blogging is a part of the wider game related to social media,
you even happen to meet offline, and share both dinners and potentially
concluded so far. One of the many attempts to grasp what social media
your innermost thoughts and private secrets in hope for an honest advice

20. 20
Illustration: Gapingvoid
”is” has been done by Social Media Club co-founder Brian Solis through
the ”Conversation Prism”. As he says; ”The conversation map is a living,
breathing representation of Social Media and will evolve as services and
conversation channels emerge, fuse, and dissipate.”. It is exactly of this reason
there is no collected ”expertise” to find - it’s all about interpretations of a
domain in constant flux and knowledge distributed among all stakeholders.
So, if I choose only one thing that I want you to bring with you from this
article, is this: take part of the conversation about ‘social media’ by actually
joining the conversation using one of the social media services – where Micro-blogging, defined?
micro-blogging would be on my number one recommendation! It is as a social
A definition is no proof, but if we turn to Wikipedia, micro-blogging is ”a
media user you can have a chance to understand what it ”is”. And micro-blogging
form of multimedia blogging that allows users to send brief text updates (say,
in a sense actually is the lowest barrier of entry in the many arts of ‘DIY publishing
140 characters or fewer) or micromedia such as photos or audio clips and
on the web’ – posting 140 characters or less at a time.
publish them, either to be viewed by anyone or by a restricted group which
The rest of the ‘barrier of entry’ is actually inside your forehead, and that is the can be chosen by the user. These messages can be submitted by a variety
greatest sometimes, isn’t it? By being an active user, you take part of and influence of means, including text messaging, instant messaging, email, digital audio or
the evolving dynamic landscape that actively gets co-developed by its users, creators the web.” It’s a story that started in July 2006 with the launch of Twitter, and
and producers – and thus co-discovered, applying collective and collaborative emerged from the question answered; ”What are you doing right now?”, with
intelligence. Since the Cluetrain Manifesto, celebrating its ten year anniversary in the breakthrough and rapid growth when winning a web award in SXSW07,
april 2009, we have learned that ”markets are conversations”, with human spirits, March 2007. If you’re first and succeed in your new niche, you define and rule
brains, hearts and emotions. With the last of the 95 Theses formulated back in the game. And they sure do. Many other services have been trying to get
1999 in response to the evolvement of Internet and its impact on markets and into the sphere of micro-blogging (these were covered in the Urban Lifestyle
marketing; ”We are waking up and linking to each other. We are watching. But we Report in August 2008), but Twitter is the biggest with far beyond 3 million
are not waiting.”. If you’re not micro-blogging yet, what are you waiting for? Listen, users, with somewhat around half a million messages sent per day. Twitter has
participate, play, try. And learn with me (http://twitter.com/sliceonline – or more grown in traffic by 422% from August 07 to August 08 - no other social media
commonly expressed nowadays, the Twitter ID format that goes with your next service has had this kind of growth. And, paradoxically, still, they actually lack a
deck of business cards printed; @sliceonline) and all others in the conversation. business model soon three years after its inception, but is about to get one.

21. 21
Who microblogs?
To get into this hive with your message, you need to know your population.
Users are - among many kinds - first and foremost individuals, brands,
companies and organisations, where you usually introduce yourself with
your ‘@name’ – linking to http://twitter.com/’name’. Individuals range
from the neighbour-around-the-corner to the super celebrity (either
celebrity ‘before Twitter’ such as @BritneySpears and @BarackObama,
or the new breed of ‘Top Twitterati’, the ‘Twitter Elite’ famed on the
platform in itself such as Guy Kawasaki (@GuyKawasaki) or Michael
Arrington (@Techcrunch). There are some fictive characters as well –
early on users were Borat and Darth Vader, and all fake tweets delivered
by @historicaltweets blog lately, just for fun.
Brands and companies constitute an increasing number, and a sample
of them are listed in two blog posts (Mashable and Buzz Marketing for
Tech postings). Maybe one of the most travelled stories on proactive
usage to boost your brand through engaging in your customers is @
ComcastCares. And, actually a washing machine (@PIMPY3WASH
– created to tell its first geeky follower and account creator when the
washing machine is finished, and clothes ready to dry via an auto-sms
to its Twitter account). If you compare followers vs follows numbers,
One exceptional case of excessive numbers in both follows and followers is
you could conclude that one who follows many, but have few followers
newly installed president Barack Obama, beyond 160 000 in numbers in both
probably is a ”twammer” or ”spitter” - a Twitter spammer – who have
ends. The new presidential administration in the USA is worth a separate
tried to get a lot of attention by random mass-quantitative following.
coverage and case story article in itself with an ongoing development of a
And vice versa – a ‘guru’ profile maybe shows up to be someone who
very proactive web strategy, where Twitter has a central place in the quest
follows a selected few, but is followed by many, a pattern also found with
to be the most transparent governmental administration in US history, see
mainstream media news services twitter accounts, and e. g. web apps/
e. g. the new http://whitehouse.gov, revamped beyond inauguration.
services update streams/status reports.

22. 22
What do they blog about?
It started out by the trivia following the original question of everydayness in
real-time, but since then it has evolved significantly in a whole new ecosystem
of communication. There is little formal academic research on the subject,
but the first formal academic research covered usage patterns, with daily
chatter, conversations, sharing links and commenting on news as the most
frequent activities going on. A bit outdated, but the findings still apply. Some
are just ”dumping” content from other places using e. g. Twitterfeed to
notify when new blog posts are out, some shares more actively other stuff
like media (music through Blip.FM, pictures through Twitpic, videos through
TweeTube) and recent discoveries with one of the flourishing numbers
of URL shorteners – where TinyURL.com was quite alone and dominant
before the brief 140 character messages were common, and now you have
this space filled with new services, like snURL, bit.ly, is.gd, ow.ly and tr.im to
mention just a few.
Notably is that Twitter works multi-purpose – some have e. g. abandoned
Instant Messaging chats altogether, with the use of Direct Messages, ‘D
user message’. In that sense, micro-blogging is a convergence of different
communication evolution tracks. One is the ”distant communication 1x1”
- roughly following a development of telegraph > telephone > telefax >
email > mobile phone > instant messaging > direct messages through
Twitter. One other trace is ”news dissemination” through the centuries: the
Marathon Runner or Horse Courier > the priest in the church on Sundays
> newspapers > radio > tv > Internet > blogs > Twitter, where news can
show up before even regular news services catch them.
One Twitpic from the Hudson River Plane emergency landing by an iPhone
photographer from a ferry even ended up as an official AP newsdesk
syndicated picture, which actually crashed the Twitpic server from
the traffic at the time. We can thus talk about a special kind of ”media
convergence”, where all communication, direct one to one, side by side
with the one-to-many, is shared on the same platform. And you better
be there – the conversation goes on, with or without you (to define your
”Twitter Acceptance” 5-stage, check Rohit Bhargavas blog on the subject)!
Imagine your company getting the viral buzz that Hudson River picture had
– it happens in seconds on Twitter, where it used to be hours through email
before. Positive, or negative. You better let it to be positive news spreading,
right? In that sense, being there with your own voice also works great for
Picture: jkrums
‘crisis communication management’.

23. 23
How to approach the micro-blogging tweeters?
care about your most valuable asset beyond your own value-creation means – the
For a PR/Marketing department to formulate a strategy, it is wise not to strategize
customer. Now you have naked direct contact, and if someone converses you
too much. In fact, it’s better to ‘get on with it’, in small scale as a pilot project,
through an @reply in the public stream, be sure to respond! Remember that
with some individual users tweeting with their personal brands, in order to
an @reply in your followers stream also gets visible through their followers. To
learn from the medium. Beyond that, a formal brand or company tweet can be
simplify this procedure and making it manageable for your customer service team,
established. Mainly it is an endless loop (I owe this basic, simple outline of the
use applications such as TweetDeck that maximises your tracking and control.
Twitter Marketing and PR interactive loop to HubSpot, where I have spiced it up
And, you keep your followers by conversation and adding value, not to push your
with some own references and learning bits) - 1. Building your network, 2. Engage
product/service in every tweet. They can check you through Followcost to see if
in your community and 3. Track and analyze, and then start all over from 1.
following you is worth the effort ;). And be sure that you have an activity in your
1. Build your network - attract qualitative followers company that actually gets tweeted beyond your own tweets and without your
own prompts, from other tweeters than you!
First of all, after establishing a Twitter account, important is to juice up your profile
to be attractive – the first glance could be your only chance to attract a subscriber, 3. Track and analyze - monitor your brand and your core tags and keywords
since many people who use Twitter only judge once by the Twitter page, and then
With TweetDeck and other tools, you can evaluate and search what’s going
beyond follow-click get your stream through other means (popular are client-side
on with buzz around your company, brand and offerings in real time, e. g. by
applications such as TweetDeck or Twhirl – see a comparison with Mashables
adding a column with your tag search and get notified directly as it’s happening.
blogpost and review on the subject). As a brand, you should let it glow in a
Beyond searching your own brand name, you can also trace your most important
nice setting with a customized background (for inspiration and how-to, see e. g.
keywords to see if your brand is mentioned in conjunction. Check your ”status”
Twitter Backgrounds Gallery). Add your location. Add short bio with your tagline
through Twitter-Grader and various stats tools, such as TweetStats, Twinfluence,
and preferably also what to expect from the tweet stream – in two sentences or
Twitterholic and Twitter-Friends. Those who talk about you, approach them by
less. Link maybe to your company site, but preferably if you have a company or
following them – they get notified when you start to follow, and thus have that
brand blog. If it is an individual representing the company direct, add that person’s
once-in-a-lifetime chance to have them to follow you back (for really good advice,
avatar – otherwise use the company logo as avatar – but do add an avatar! For
check ”Twitter Follow Fail” - @ABartelby guest blog at Mashable blog). But be
startups it is important maybe to have both – one stream for the company/brand,
sure to be worth the effort to be followed. Which leads us back to one!
and separate streams for the individual team members to engage in community
building and sharing their stories in real-time. See e. g. Ki-work and Twingly, as two
interesting startups (@kiwork ‘enabling agile businesses’ and @twingly, a blog and
micro-blog search engine with Ki-work core team members father and son @ In short: Be personal. Be interesting. Be valuable. Be nice. Be
michaelwolff (CEO) and @jimwolffman (COO) check their different tweet styles; colourful!
Twingly CEO Martin Källström is @martinkallstrom). A strategy also applicable
for established companies, such as Virgin (@virgindotcom) and Richard Branson
(@RichardBranson).
Now, go on register - or tweet this report and mention the articles on Twitter if
you’re already are a Tweet-a-holic :) - here’s the retweet copy: ‘RT @urbanlifestyle
2. Engage in your community - remember, it’s a conversation, not a broadcast
#ULRNM Urban Lifestyle Report: great Freemium Content PDF – latest issue
A conversational and personal tone, with the @replies showing that you actually with micro-blogging features!’. See you there!

24. 24
Resources: Recommended Selected Apps and Services (linked):
- On the web – directories, portals and collections; • Twitter management: TweetDeck, Twhirl, BrightKit, Twitteriffic, Ping.fm,
HelloTXT, Tweetie (iPhone, paid)
• A twitter wiki library – the ultimate resource base: http://twitter.pbwiki.
com • Twitter mobile apps: Twitter Mobile (updates, browser), Twapper (monitoring,
browser), Twitterfon (iPhone, free)
• A database of twitter applications: http://twitdom.com
• Twitter stats: Twitter Grader, TweetStats, Twinfluence, Twitterholic,
• List of twitter tools: http://mashable.com/2007/09/29/twitter-toolbox/ TwitterFriends
and follow up list http://mashable.com/2008/05/24/14-more-twitter-tools/
• Feeding your Twitter elsewhere: FeedInformer, Twitter’s own widgets and
• Squidoo page on Twitter applications: http://www.squidoo.com/ badges, SpringWidget Twitter Widget, TwitStamp
twitterapps
• Sharing media (pictures, video, music, web quotes): TwitPic, TweeTube, BlipFM,
• Twitter tools for Community and Communication Professionals: http:// TwitSnip
www.briansolis.com/2008/10/twitter-tools-for-community-and.html
• Shortening links: Tr.im, budURL, TinyURL, SnURL, bit.ly, is.gd, ow.ly, TwitSnip
• 181 Free Twitter Buttons, Badges, Widget and Counters to Help You Find
Followers: http://www.twitip.com/181-twitter-buttons-badges-widget-and- • Tracking twitter buzz: Twitturly, TweetDeck (note: add search column with
counters-to-help-you-find-followers/ fixed tag and get update notification popup), Advanced Search in Twitter,
Twingly Microblog Search, TweetScan, Twellow, Twittervision, Twistori, Twitscoop
• Twitter groups/recommendations: MrTweet, TwittGroups
• Follow Fail (to check when someone unfollows you): Qwitter
Design: • Evaluating Twitters – follow or not to follow? FollowCost, Twitter Grader,
• Twitter Backgrounds Gallery: http://twitterbackgroundsgallery.com Twitterholic
• Creating a Twitter Background using PowerPoint: http://
theclosetentrepreneur.com/create-a-twitter-background-using-powerpoint
• Creating a Twitter Background using PhotoShop: http://www.elasticmind.
ca/innerpreneur/index.php/2008/09/25/download-my-twitter-background-
design-psd-template/
Blog Coverage:
• Directories at Alltop.com with live update headlines/feeds:
Books: - GoodTweets
• An updated list is found at http://books.twitdom.com/ - Twitter News:
- Twitterati

25. 25
Hashtags (#) & retweetS (RT)
MORE THAN JUST FANCY WORDS?
LINDA PIERRE
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: http://lindapierre.tumblr.com/
Twitter is the micro-blogging tool I use the most out of the ones available right now. It may not be the
best one if you look at functions but for me it’s the obvious choice, not only because it has most users
but also because of the climate within. At this party everyone is invited and no one (well except for
spammers) are left out in the cold. It’s also a fascinating environment to walk around in. People from all
over the world are constantly telling each other what they read, watch, like and dislike.
There are so many different ways to use Twitter (and other everybody was saying at, or about, that particular event. Since
micro-blogging tools for that matter) that it would definitely Twitter isn’t famous for its structure that made sense. This was
take up all the space in this report if I would let it. There are tons a way to make it easier to gather information and to see what a
of applications that let you use the service in a number of ways. large amount of people were saying about a particular subject.
This time though I have chosen to put the magnifying glass on
The past few months the use of hashtags have grown to be much
two different ways of using Twitter, namely “hashtags” and
more than just a way to structure and/or gather information.
“retweets.”
We saw how the Twitter crowd used it at tragical events such
Recently I discovered a flow, or should I say “stream”, of people as the one in Mumbai back in November for instance by using
on Twitter using hashtags (#) in front of a word or, more often, an #mumbai when tweeting. The voices from within the disaster
abbreviation. At first it seemed like it was mostly used related to were being heard through the megaphone of Twitter.
different conferences and other events. A way to organise what

26. 26
News about what was going on in and around the area Not more than a few weeks ago, while there were still
of Mumbai spread faster than traditional media ever a few slices of the Christmas ham left, many Swedes
could catch up with. What I think is most interesting started to look for a new puppy to cuddle with in the
about the use of hashtags in this way is that it’s the big world wide web. Before Christmas the choice had
people, not the media, who create the news. When been the Finnish micro-blogging service Jaiku and
this becomes a tool in every mans mobile phone we those of us in Sweden that preferred Twitter weren’t
have a new journalist in every corner of the world, that many. Overall we were still talking about a fairly
telling and showing the rest of the population what small amount of people using both these services,
is going on in real time. until something happened a couple of weeks ago.
All of a sudden Swedish mainstream media opened
Using hashtags as a way to collaborate on a story up their eyes to this treasure of information and
was exactly what these journalists did to gather registered accounts on Twitter. At the same time
information about the flood in southern Washington Swedish politicians also joined and the beginning of
a few weeks ago. Instead of working in their own using micro-blogging as a tool might have taken an
chambers separated from each other, they chose important step towards going mainstream almost
to use the hashtag #waflood. This way they could over night here in Sweden. The use of hashtags
aggregate both what they as different newspapers while tweeting didn’t come far behind. Soon there
were tweeting about, and what other people in the were hashtags such as #svpt (Swedes on Twitter)
area could update them and the rest of the world in and #svbloggen which aggregates different types
real time. One of the journalists took it a bit further of Swedish blog posts. Two Swedes took the
by creating a widget to put on his website, which all opportunity to put together a site that made it even
of the others also did after a while. This way their easier for you to follow everything being tagged
readers could easy follow the news without having with #svpt. Hans Kullin, a Swedish blogger and PR
to go elsewhere than to their favourite news site. consultant, put together a widget that aggregates
Collaborative journalism became a fact. The scoop all tweets including the hashtag #svpt. By putting
was no longer the main goal but to get as much this widget on your blog, you and everybody else
and accurate information as possible. Then it was using that particular tag can reach out to people not
up to the readers to choose where they wanted to yet using Twitter.
consume the whole story.

27. 27
I’m not sure I think it’s such a good idea to put such a broad tag like 10 updates) this account has attracted over 25 000 followers. They are
#svpt next to everything you tweet about though. For me the purpose also the ones who created the social network I mentioned earlier called
of that tag was simply to show others that you exist and I don’t think hashtags.org. That number is probably that high because if you follow
you should do that in every message you put out there. The more people this account, it will automatically follow you back and can then index
are using any hashtag in the wrong way the more it’s destroying its your hashtags into their statistics at hashtags.org.
value and going against its purpose. At least that’s what I think.
Not only about news
Hopefully though this will contribute to make micro-blogs more
There are other ways to use hashtags than just categorising news,
mainstream and that is something I definitely encourage. If you are
more relaxed and fun ways. One of those is when hashtags are being
Swedish and want to see which hashtags that are most active at the
integrated with Google Maps to for instance find fellow tweeters. Say
moment, check out this page. If you prefer keeping a wider perspective to
you are at the airport waiting for boarding, just tweet #boarding and
what conversations to take part in within the Twittersphere, hashtags.
your tweet will appear at this Twitter Google maps mashup called
org is the site for you. There’s even a twitter account that is all about
Boarding. The idea behind the application is to find fellow stranded
hashtags simply called @hashtags. In just a month (and not more than

28. 28
travellers, but to do so you must add the three letter airport code
after the hashtag or no one will be able to find you and vice versa.
Another way people use hashtags are to see what other people’s year
resolutions are by tagging them with #resolutions. You can also find
new interesting Twitter users to follow by looking up the hashtag
#followfriday. Its purpose is to tip other fellow tweeters about that
certain somebody you are following and think
should get more attention and more followers.
The list of ways to use hashtags could go on
but if we stop here and think for a while. Is this
fairly new way of trying to structure messages
on different micro-blogging services only a good
thing? Absolutely not. Almost nothing comes in
just one flavour. There’s of course both good tastes
and more bitter ones. An over usage of hashtags
not only takes space away from those poor 140
signs you have to express yourself with, but also
makes it less spontaneous and more database
alike. How often you should use hashtags (if at all)
and how many at the same time is of course totally up to you. Even
though I think there are great potential to make good things out of
this new phenomena you should think before you automatically put a
hashtag next to your message. Ask yourself is this really something
that would add value to that certain conversation or topic?
The enormous amount of attention and the massive growth in usage
of hashtags tells me though that this is here to stay, well at least for
a while until something better comes along.

29. 29
Picture: bitterlysweet
What about Retweets?
Well I guess this trend suffers from the same syndrome as the usage of
hashtags. It’s becoming more and more common, which means people might
be clicking on that “retweet-button” a bit too much. What is a retweet you
might wonder? Think about the way we use forwarding to pass on an
email to others you think might be interested as well. This is kind of
the same thing but with Twitter messages instead and it’s open for
every one to see. If you choose to retweet somebody’s message
everybody that follows you are the receivers you could say. It’s like
giving props to a message you want to help spread.
Sometimes it could be a good thing. You easily see what a lot of
people find important right now. But mostly I think it’s a way to
clap on each others shoulders (and we all need that ones and a
while) and to suck up to someone you follow. I’m not saying I
haven’t done this myself but it’s important I think not only to
pass along what others say but to contribute with your own
opinions. As long as you do that a retweet now and then is a
good thing, at least in my opinion.
The worst symptom due to too many retweets is that it can
send the Twittersphere into a loop, just going round and
round. Like a giant eco chamber, and that is something we
do not want right? We have already seen it happen in the
blogosphere, please do not make the world of micro-blogs
another puddle in which only a few pieces of information
makes it to the surface! Most important to remember is
that you can use hashtags for a good cause as well, and
not only to be a part of a certain group of people. If more
If you want to dig deaper into the world of hashtags and retweets:
people would gather up and use hashtags and retweets
for new ideas and solutions within different areas this
Twitter Fan Wiki
might actually make a difference. Jim Carlberg created the
hashtag #peace so that you could say that you “Twitter Hashtags – open source grouping
for peace”, a good start but what if that could evolve and
Why I unfollow people who use hashtags on Twitter
actually mean that people around the globe would join in
and do something concrete instead of just talking about it. The microblogging phenomenon Retweet
Think about that all you tweeters out there!

30. 30
The live web
- at first glance
TOMAS NIHLÉN
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Blog: http://tomasnihlen.tumblr.com/
Picture: David Jones
Late 2008 tickets for Barack Obama’s inauguration
were reaching insane levels online a few weeks before
the historical event took place. CNN reported that one ticket vendor wanted over $20,000 for a
single ticket! This is indeed an historical event, but why cough up 20 grand when you can watch the
whole thing online I wonder? I mean we are living in the era of the live web and our choices for
what to watch at the click of a button is growing faster than algees in a summer lake.

31. 31
Picture: ralphbijker
The principals
First let’s break it down, what do I mean by “the live web”?
This is a trend that started way back in the days of the
Internet adolescence but we are now at a point where
both the technology is there and the consumer behaviours
as well. These to factors are of course the most important A new way to create collaborative spaces for covering things in real time is by
ones for a trend like this to gain momentum. using FriendFeed (an aggregator of your social services) and to start a “Room”
there where other people can add text, links and photos. These rooms can
Live information or entertainment can come in many forms,
then be watched in real time to get an overview of these events. But somebody
but basically it’s all about the components of the web:
needs to create an event quickly for it to be relevant. For instance web profile
1 Text Robert Scoble regrets deeply that he didn't create a room after a plane crash
recently, the comments give a good motivation to the benefits of creating such
2 Images a room on FriendFeed.
3 Audio Video
4 Video We have in the past written about “life casting” where more or less insane
people bring along broadcasting equipment of some sort to let the world peek
5 Other file formats into their everyday lives. These could be seen as catalysts and role-models for
other people to open up to the idea of starring in their own Internet soap of
In this article I will focus on text, audio and video.
sorts. Justin Kan of Justin.tv and iJustine are two people who attracted massive
Text attention for their life casting projects. They have both moved on and Justin.
tv is now one of several services that let you put yourself out there using your
Live text might not sound that exciting, but in many cases it can in fact prove computer and/or cellphone.
to be very interesting. And I would actually claim that text has led the way for
many consumers on the path to adapting the live web. Most important might If life casting is a more continuos project or reality show online, there are also
be the Facebook mass adoption that seemed to sweep over the globe last a lot of people who just broadcast snippets of their lives at certain moments.
year. One of Facebooks success factors was their news feed that presents the If you want to try some webcam/computer broadcasting I would recommend
activity in your network in more or less a real time feed. At first the only way taking a look at Mogulus, Ustream and Stickam. For mobile live broadcasting I
to get the real time experience was to constantly hit “Refresh” but now there recommend Qik or kyte (both mobile and computer), but you can also check
is the option to watch the live feed. out Bambuser (a Swedish service).

32. Picture: Brian ”DoctaBu” Moore