What is the Internets?

Unfortunately or fortunately my brain cannot comprehend what it is like to be in a professional environment without access to the internet. This clip shows the highly respected Today Show crew asking - “What does an @ sign represent?” - “What does internet even mean?” - “What does it do?”  Wow.



Personal Plug

You are invited to a fundraising happy hour tonight! The event is for DC Scores, a non-profit after school program that teaches over 800 local students soccer, poetry and service-learning. Event attendees will be able to purchase raffle tickets and try their luck at winning various fabulous prizes http://dcscores.blogspot.com/2011/01/enter-to-win-enticing-handful-of-raffle.html – 100% of the proceeds will go to DC Scores programming.

If you are interested in learning more about DC Scores, please check out the event link: http://dcscoresevents.weebly.com/dc-scores-happy-hour---12711.html

Hope to see you there!

Catfish

In light of the recent success of The Social Network, I thought I would share another cool social media movie you should check out…

Catfish’s trailer describes this documentary as “not based on a true story – not inspired by true events – just true”. (I can vouch for the authenticity b/c these are my colleague’s best friends & he knew about the story as it was happening)

In a nutshell: This young guy is a photographer living in NYC…he connects with a rural Michigan family because an eight year old girl sends him a painting of one of his photographs. Through Facebook he gradually meets her entire family, including the girl’s older sister. The photographer and older sister begin an online romance although they have never met. One day, he is falling so hard for this girl he decides that is time they meet- however on his way to Michigan he realizes the family is a fabrication of their own imaginations.

This documentary is a great look into the more questionable side of social media and I think it’s important for every communication professional to be aware that part exist.

(Click here to watch the trailer) Catfish was released on DVD and Blu-ray on January 4, 2011.

Congrats!!!!

WINNER OF 4 GOLDEN GLOBES!!!

Best Picture, Drama: The Social Network

Best Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, The Social Network

Best Score: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, The Social Network

Best Director, Motion Picture: David Fincher, The Social Network

The Sampler

Cutting edge and innovative are two words which are frequently used when discussing the future of digital communications. Sure it sounds forward-thinking, but what do those words even mean?

I think Converse’s new IPhone app, The Sampler, is a perfect example of the possibilities of cutting-edge digital technology. Their app allows you to try on a pair of Converse shoes without evev stepping foot in a shoe store. Just grab your phone, point it towards your right foot and through augmented reality, you can see what you would look like in a Converse shoe. Need a second opinion? The app allows you to share the image with friends on Facebook.

 Click here to download the app for free

I WANT TO GO!!! (stomps her feet & pouts)

Using Social Media for New Business: How One Agency Increases Revenues and Profits Despite a Down Economy

"Join the PRSA Counselors Academy on Jan.14 for our first breakfast seminar, "Using Social Media for New Business." This in-person event at NASDAQ MarketSite in New York City is designed to connect senior-level counselors with the latest ROI-building strategies and highlight growth areas where investment should be considered.

Based on speaker Indra Gardiner's popular session at the PRSA 2010 International Conference, this event will feature insight on how to layer online and offline efforts for maximum exposure. With case studies and research, Gardiner will explain how to treat your agency like a client and increase visibility with aggressive branding, community outreach, public relations and a social media program. Also, practical strategies will be offered to grow a new business program and use social media for new business development.


Network with fellow agency counselors, while deepening your insight on an area of the industry that is still evolving!"

1-Hour 30-minute Seminar
Friday, January 14, 2011
8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. ET
New York, NY

Click here for more event information

2011 Tech Trends

http://www.trendhunter.com/cool-hunting/category/Technology-Trends-and-Gadgets