Google+

I have always said that while Facebook might be the first major social network, it wouldn’t be the last. I originally joined Facebook in 2005 while studying abroad, because I wanted a convenient way to reconnect with my friends at home. I quickly discovered the ‘cool’ factor of Facebook – it was under the radar, only my peers had access and there were no gimmicks…it was just simple social networking.

However these days – my grandma and my 13 year old cousin are my friends on Facebook, the platform is saturated with ads targeted directly towards my information and there are a ton of privacy concerns. Even though right now it’s hot, Facebook is slowly losing its cool factor.

Well, hello Google+!

Google is developing a new network, Google+, that hopes to rival the popularity of Facebook. It makes sense, right? They are the leaders of search, emails, ads and office software – why wouldn’t they combine their different strengths into one major operation? For the moment, this new platform is in Beta version and only those invited can participate. While I am still searching for that invite, a la the Buzz era, I am excited to see where this network goes. It has a tough road ahead, but Google is just the company who may be able to pull it off.

Social Media Day 2011 - See You There!

Mashable's Social Media Day is June 30! @Sisarina & @DCeventjunkie have partnered again to bring you a fun evening to celebrate all things social media! Gather your Facebook friends, your Twitter followers and your LinkedIn folks and come hang out with us for happy hour. Come meet your 'friends & followers' IRL (in real life).
 
This event is free but you must RSVP here to attend as we plan to hit max capacity on the roof. (Hint: The event is listed as 'Sold Out', but go ahead and put your name on "Add Me To The Waitlist" - they are following up with everyone who registers)

WHERE: Ozio's Rooftop
WHEN: June 30 - 5:30-9pm
ADDRESS: 1813 M Street NW DC
METRO: Farragut North or Dupont (South exit)
WHAT: Social Media Happy Hour Rooftop-style!

SPECIALS: Happy Hour extended until 9pm
$5 House Martini's
$6 Premium Martini's
$4 House Wine
$3 Domestic Beers
$4 Imported Beers
Sesame Chicken, Taquitos, Quesadillas, Mozzarella, and Ozio Burgers.

TWEET & POST: Tweet & post about it with: #smdaydc & http://bit.ly/smday2011

Beware of Twitter Bots!

I recently read a headline on CNN that said “Twitter is the new Facebook.” There’s no doubt that Twitter is growing in popularity at an extremely fast rate and businesses are buying into the hype. Everyone is taking full advantage of the free, real-time social media platform to engage their customers. Now, the question has transitioned from whether or not to have an account, to how do we expand our follower base? Enter the Twitter bots. AHHH!

Twitter bots are basically software programs that are designed to roam Twitter, find popular hashtags or words, and then capture the users who utilize those specific words in their tweets. Then it begins following those users hoping they will return the favor (as most people usually do). Once you fall into their trap, they spam your feed and direct message inbox until you remove them from your account. Some Bots promise to increase a company's Twitter base up to almost 3,500 followers per week!

My question: sure numbers are important in a world so concerned with metrics and yeah, I can see why it’d be fun to tout your massive amount of followers – however, wouldn’t you rather have a solid group of tweeple, whatever the size, who chose to follow you on their own accord and not only support your brand, but are also engaged with it?