Suicide Isn't a Joking Matter - Tweeted or Not

More and more we find sports personalities tweeting their daily events - sometimes even moment to moment.  And why not?  It's great and, more importantly, cheap press.  People from all over the world get to connect with the athlete and feel like they know him/her resulting in them rooting for the athlete.  The readers also learn more about the team or the sport and get to participate in conversations about a sport they feel passionately about or at least a topic they enjoy.


I'm an avid sports fan.  I have very specific opinions on football, baseball, hockey, swimming, the Olympics, and basketball.  I could take or leave golf - but I can respect a true fan of the sport because a fan is a fan.  And like the word "fan", you could describe me as "fanatical" in some instances.  I have my teams and my athletes whom I stand behind - win or lose - good and bad.  But on the other side of the coin, I have those that I feel just as passionately about disliking.  It's the age old concept of the rivalry.  


However, I'm not a jeerer.  I have better things to do with my time than "boo" and "hiss".  To support my theory on jeering, there are a lot of Philly Eagles fans who attended the NFL Draft in 1999 who, years later, now look like idiots for booing the choice of Donavan McNabb as their first round draft pick for quarterback.  Since I'm never sure what player will ultimately be traded to my team, I try to keep my mouth shut publicly as much as possible regarding demeaning comments.  Of course what I say to the NFL Network on my TV screen in the comfort of my living room is a different story.


I understand there are fans who think jeering is part of the game.  They enjoy it - they look for opportunities.  I can think back to an episode of NFL Full Contact of two guys at last year's NFL Draft wearing some very unique (nice term for they looked odd) Patriots' costumes yelling at Marshall Faulk from the stands.  All I could think of was "get over it - the Greatest Show on Turf is part of NFL history." 


So was I shocked that Santonio Holmes, Super Bowl XLIII MVP, is on Twitter self promoting?  Of course not.  Was I shocked to find out that someone decided to heckle him on Twitter?  No, I'm sure most of the players who put themselves out on social media sites get it on a daily basis from at least one loud mouth.  Was I surprised that someone being sued for assault would be doing anything other than trying to make himself look like a shining star and a valuable member of society?  Yes because I thought any good attorney would give such PR advice to his/her client.  However, I was horrified to find out that not only could Holmes not self promote in a positive way, but that he would go so far as to recommend someone kill himself because of the heckler's opinion.  


"Shud try finding the worst thing that you could drink n kill urself".  Really, Santonio?  Is that where you wanted to go?  Think that's going to help you out in the eye of public opinion?  I thought the purpose of your Twitter account was to advertise yourself and get more positive attention - more attention equals more viewers of your games - equals more pull for your when you go to negotiations for more money.  More fans also equals more jersey sales.  And, Santonio, do you really think that Twitter is the place to announce to the world that you don't think fans sign your paychecks?  Because I'm pretty sure if the fans turn on you and decide not to watch you then those jerseys stop getting sold and your contract bargaining power goes down the drain.


Twitter is for marketing.  Not for suicide promotion.  It's not funny.  It's not entertaining.  It doesn't make people like you, respect you, or other wise want to support you.  Suicide isn't a joking matter.  It's not appropriate, and it shouldn't be tolerated.  So my recommendation is, Mr. Holmes, get off Twitter and go get a volunteer job at a suicide prevention center and see the impact that harsh words can have on people.  When Mr. Holmes has does something of value, try Tweeting about your ability to contribute to society instead of showing us that not only do you not value fans, but also doesn't value human life enough to watch your Tweet comments.


And Mr. Holmes, if you need a social media advisor - give me a call.  



Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Out Sourcing Social Media? Your Thoughts

So tell me?  What are your thoughts on outsourcing Social Media?  For example, Jan's Social Media offers to help you with it all.  So tell me:  in-house or outsourced?  Pros and Cons?

And if you haven't checked out Jan's website, I would recommend it.



Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Social Vibe: Laptops for Children

If you have not yet had the opportunity to see it, on the right-hand side of the page - you may need to scroll down a bit - is a charity badge signifying Social Media and the Pea's participation in raising money to purchase computers for children in need.  SocialVibe is considered a "social networking" or social media site because it brings together people with a common interest or goal - in this case, bringing people interested in helping the cause "One Laptop Per Child".

From SocialVibe:  The Mission of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) movement is to ensure that all school-aged children in the developing world are able to engage effectively with their own personal laptop, networked to the world, so that they, their families and their communities can openly learn and learn about learning.  www.socialvibe.com/laptop

Through joining SocialVibe, posting a link on a blog, participating in questions about brands and activities, sponsors give money on your behalf to a specific cause.  So for example, there are 331 supporters on SocialVibe of "One Laptop per Child".  The total raised on behalf of these supporters is currently $7,319.  So by participating is discussions with these 331 others, sharing data/participating in polls and research regarding my shopping and opinions, and watching promotions and ads on their site, dollars are generated for those in need.

There are causes that appeal to everyone.  Causes in need of help include The American Red Cross, The Children's Miracle Network, To Write Love On Her Arms, The World Wildlife Fund, Charity Water, and The American Diabetes Association, to name only a handful.

Is this social site going to send your professional career soaring or make you an overnight socialite?  No, but you would have the honor and the privilege of knowing that you are participating is something greater than your self.  And if you need more of a self promoting measure of your participation, you get a cool badge to put all over your other social networking sites.  You can help by clicking here.




Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

What Would Mickey Do?

I was watching the Disney Channel.  I know.  I know.  I was surfing, and I landed on Harriet the Spy:  Blog Wars, and well, as a blogger, I was intrigued.  Mesmerized?  Ok - pathetically sucked in.  Call it what you will.  I made it through about seven minutes.  Then a commercial came on that I have now watched three or four times:  I had to - someone after my own heart wrote it.

So the gist is, Disney has public service announcements called "TTI" or "The Time I...".  In this particular commercial called "Katie:  The Time I was a Lousy Friend," two girls are texting.  Katie informs Nat that she has told unnamed person/persons about Nat's crush on Drew.  Turns out the young, wippersnapper, Katie accepted a dare from two other "buddies" to post the information about Nat's crush on Drew's "profile".  Katie attempts to apologize multiple times via texting, but it takes accidently running into each other and Katie apologizing in person for the issue to reach resolution.

The Afterschool Special moment comes with Katie's commentary at the end:
I was lucky because Natalie is a super friend.  But I almost lost her because of one stupid web post.  From now on, I'm going to think about what I do and say online.  Because what you text or post can embarrass you and hurt other people.  And when it's online, you can't deny it, and you can't erase it.

And it got me thinking, there is no etiquette book for blogging, texting, or social media of any kind, but Disney found it socially important enough to address it with tweens.  The fact is when using social media, we need to realize, just as in conversation, tact and appropriateness need to be key.  The same social norms apply - even if you think you're hidden by the anonymity of a user name.  Tween or adult, we are all ultimately responsible for our behavior.

On the other hand, I have no idea how good ol' Harriet the Spy ended.

Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

"Hello? Is It Me You're Looking For?"

Lionel Richie sings to me in my head, but why?  Because I'm reading CNN.  I can see you're not quite following me so let me take you with me - literally.  This week, CNN announced Facebook's new plans to include a "place" feature so, in theory, you can share your location with your closest 500 "friends" or whomever you have on your page.

The hows and whys have not been released.  The concept has both pros and cons, that I would hope are being carefully thought through prior to the release.  For the few whom have only their trusted inner-circle as friends on Facebook, the new feature would allow them to keep everyone in the loop - although, sometimes I don't want everyone I know to know where I am at all times (sometimes I just want to get my Starbucks at the drive-thru in peace).  Of course - much more of a concern, for those who "friend" every person who sends them a request or "friends"every person they've met in the last fifteen years, it could be highly dangerous to give out your location regularly.  Ask Paris Hilton how safe it is to put your location out on the Internet, and you'll learn it got her robbed - repeatedly.  And this all comes on the heels of the death of Ashleigh Hall, and Facebook telling the United Kingdom they will not put a panic button on their page for victims to report sex offenders.  If I'm running to the store, I really don't want everyone to know I'm not at home or knowing where I am.  And women especially don't need to be telling people when they are alone and children and youths using Facebook really don't need to be giving out that information, in my opinion.

On the lighter side, it would be fun to be able to update a select handful of people where I am and what I am doing so that if they are in the neighborhood they could swing by.  If Chris and Ray are out shopping, and I'm getting a bagel - I'd love for them to join me - most of the time.  Great to be wondering around Walmart and get a heads up that someone I would love to see is on isle 15.  Only the upcoming few weeks will be able to tell us if there are control features in place to limit our whats and wheres to the whos.  But as with everything, it will be up to us to make wise decisions and up to parents to protect their children.

But if you have your employer on your Facebook page, you may want to make sure you don't get caught visiting the competitor on your "places" update because, well, that's another story....



Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Churches - Social Networking Site for You!

Churches - a new application has been created for iPhone users to help them connect with your church through social media.  Check out AppChurch on iTunes.  It costs your church a nominal fee and the app is free to your congregation via the Apple App Store.  Facebook, Twitter feeds, Blogs, and your church website can all be set up making it easier to reach your community.

(www.appchurch.com)

Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Obviously I Need to Expand to the UK

In the currently overwhelming number of posts on the blog - I can see how someone might have missed my article "You May Want to Keep Your Twitter Clothes On".  Obviously, my article did not cross the pond to the United Kingdom or "Elaine", the poor speller, would not be the butt of my posting today.

Last night, enjoying my almost daily obsession with reading GeekSugar, I came across the posting "Teen Gets Fired From Job Via Facebook."  My initial reaction was simply, "this is wrong on so many levels."  But lets hit the highlights.  As a professional who has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, I can safely say, I have seen things done well and not as well.  This one falls under "what were you thinking"!

If you want to be respected, you must give respect:  firing someone via Facebook isn't just disrespectful - it's down right foul.  If an employee makes a mistake and needs to be let go, have documentation to back up your decision:  you'll want it, if you don't want to wind up in court.  If you would like to avoid being sued for slander, I would certainly watch out for confidentiality and not post things for all the world to see - and especially in a place where there would be lots of witnesses who would not likely be on your side.  And finally, if you must speak publicly about your profession or represent your company - learn to spell.  Or get someone who's willing to proof read your work.  "Elaine", your posting is rude, poorly thought out, sloppy, and makes you look like a fool.  I'm assuming that is not the look you were going for but it is the one you created.

Had "Elaine" put her "Twitter clothes on" before hitting the post button, I would have hope that she would have deleted the entire posting and waited for the appropriate time, place, and method for handing the situation with "Chelsea".  However, not knowing "Elaine," I cannot be entirely sure of that.  So here is my advice to all of you, unless you want people from all over the world mocking you and making you fodder for water cooler conversations, think before you post.  If thinking is not your strong suit, get friends who will proof read your work for you and who will disconnect your Internet connection as appropriate.

(http://www.gettyimages.com/detail/AV1283-001/Stone)


Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Recommendation of the Day: Mario Armstrong

www.marioarmstrong.com

www.Twitter.com/marioarmstrong

www.facebook.com/marioarmstrong

Mario's Bio from his website www.MarioArmstrong.com

"Mario Armstrong is a technology advocate, talk show host, commentator, media personality, social entrepreneur, public speaker and youth non-profit co-founder! He translates technology for non-tech audiences. He is the on-air tech contributor for NPR's Morning Edition program reaching 17 million households. He appears weekly on CNN and hosts a weekly technology talk show on Sirius XM radio and hosts shows on public radio stations WYPR & WEAA. He's also hosted a show on PBS-MPT and appeared on CNBC, TV-One, PBS and C-Span.

Mario covers the stories, issues, devices and news makers of the day through the lens of technology! He explores how technology impacts our lives, education, institutions, entertainment, politics, society and business.

Mario has created 2 educational youth tech programs to inspire students to pursue STEM (academics and careers):
1) TechTechBoom.com - a social & educational community for teens
2) The travelling science and tech event "STEM Rockstars - Dream, Create, Go!""

You May Want to Keep Your Twitter Clothes On

Being a typical girl, I loved my Barbie® dolls.  I was always of the opinion, however, that they needed to be dressed to the nines at all times because I never knew who might see them:  Prince Charming, Ken®, G.I. Joe®, Mickey Mouse®, etc.  How horrifying it would be for them to be tossed into the toy box naked and run into someone that way!  Their clothes, their shoes, their hair always needed to be perfect so they would be ready to put their best face to the world.

Now I realize some of you are naked Barbie® people.  Naked Barbie® kids are the ones that got the doll out of the box, immediately removed their clothes, and then the dolls laid all over the house showing off all their glory.   They truly let it all hang out.

Our Twitter® accounts are the same way.  There is the theory that since you never know who might be reading your posting that you should be on your best behavior.  What if the viewer is a prospective employer, your current employer, a writer, an organization?  Are your postings helping or hindering your reputation?  Is the Barbie's® hair done and clothes looking sharp?  There is also the theory - Twitter® is a place to express one's true opinion to the masses for anyone who cares to read it:  essentially the naked Barbie® theory.  Here it is, look at me.  Don't get me wrong, I've done that, too.  The question is what kind of reputation do you want to create for yourself?   Since you don't always know your audience, how do you feel about the President reading what you've written?

So who is your Twitter® account for?  Is it for you?  Is it your outlet regardless of the consequences?  Then be free and show your plastic buff to the world!  If your micro blogs are for your audience, you may want to keep your Twitter® clothes on.




Social Media and the Pea by Alice Ann Williams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.
Based on a work at www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://www.socialmediaandthepea.blogspot.com/.

Barbie® is a product of Mattel, Inc.

Social Media and the Pea

You've heard the story of the Princess and the Pea. The stranger, claiming to be a princess, shows up on the doorsteps of the palace all drenched and looking pathetic. They decide to test her royalty by placing blankets and mattresses upon more blankets and mattresses all on top of a pea. The stranger comes down to the royal family the next day to express she had a horrible night of sleep. All rejoice because her royal heritage is proven by her inability to sleep as the pea was enough to keep her up at night.

Social Media should be no different. Knowing that someone is out there and has not heard your message, learned of your product, or been introduced to your group should be keeping you up at night. Your means of getting the information out there is Social Media. All the soft, fluffy, warm-fuzzies should not convince you that you are doing enough if you are not effectively using Social Media to promote yourself or your organization.

It keeps me up at night. It is my pea under the mattress. So commences this blog. Join me as we look at Social Media, reach those we missed, keep in touch with those we have connected with, and learn how truly impacting word of mouth - or in this case, word of Internet - is in our lives and how we can best use it. So we can all sleep better at night.   

(Painting:  The Princess and the Pea.  Artist Sharon Furner)