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SXSW 2010 Recap: Austintatious

Gary Moneysmith — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 18:25:49 +0000

Yes, I know – it’s a horrible pun. But it’s true. The South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive conference is over the top in every regard. The 15,000+ attendees, crowded sessions and who’s who list of presenters makes for an ostentatious spectacle. Not to mention the parties — the crown jewel of the SXSW experience.

Having attended SXSW last year, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect. Or perhaps more important, what NOT to expect. I think what drives the popularity of the event is the people and culture BEHIND technology and not the hardcore technologies themselves. If you’re looking for a tutorial on the latest and greatest server software, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want to hear the story (the failures, personalities, and inspirations) behind the newest Google innovation, you’re in the right spot. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about people — and so is SXSW.

That said, there were a few notable takeaways from SXSW 2010:

Geosocial Applications
Gowalla and foursquare are gaining serious traction. Both companies released upgrades days before the conference in preparation for this Spring Break for Geeks. With such a concentration of tech savvy users, SXSW is a veritable test lab for the latest and greatest ideas and gadgets. Everywhere I went, the first thing everyone did was “check in” to grab the cool little “badges.” Being somewhat skeptical about games that require me to announce my whereabouts, I must admit to being impressed. In the immediate sense, it was very handy seeing where other people were hanging out. It allowed for more chance encounters instead of firm meet-ups which is basically impossible at a chaotic event like SXSW. In the future, I can see incentives and gameplay evolving where users get actual rewards for performing normal daily tasks. Still in the “PONG-like” state of evolution, foursquare is already being used by coffeeshops who give free pastries to every person who checks in X-number of times. The biggest takeaway for me is the psychological power of gameplay. People like to be recognized as a leader (or “mayor” in foursquare) and they like mini-rewards for doing otherwise mundane tasks (picking up/dropping “badges”). The pieces-parts of these social games are just beginning surface. It’s going to be very interesting to see if these geosocial applications become the next “must have” in our daily lives like the darling of SXSW 2007 – Twitter.

Content Worth Talking About
Now that social media tools and technologies have been mainstream for over three years, attention is being focused on how to offer content that actually does something productive. The experimentation time with Facebook and Twitter is over. We’re now in the “what’s our SPECIFIC strategy and EXACTLY what content should be used” phase. There were two social psyhologists that were particularly interesting: Ben Scofield (”Mind Control: Psychology for the Web”) and Dan Ariely (”Perfectly Irrational”). Scofield offered the following rule(s) of thumb when developing Web site content:

Likeability – Be likable (no kidding!)
Social Proof – Show people what their peers are doing
Authority – Demonstrate that you are trustworthy
Reciprocity – Give people something for free
Scarcity – Tell people when time is running out
Commitment – Give people a low cost way to commit
Decoy Effect – Make it easy to compare choices

The more your site can offer content that delivers on these points, the more persuasive and effective it will be.

@Anywhere
Finally, the big hullabaloo was Twitter’s announcement during the Monday keynote address by founder Ev Williams. Early speculation was that Twitter would unveil it’s new advertising model. Instead, Williams anticlimactically explained their new @anywhere service which will be rolled out to select publishers (such as the NY Times) in the near future. Basically @anywhere is a little overlay that will be on websites that allows you to follow somewhere directly from that site. Imagine reading an article, clicking on the author’s name and selecting “follow” via a popup window instead of visiting Twitter.com in another window (or a 3rd party app like Tweetdeck), searching for their name/handle and following. They’re basically trying to eliminate the disconnect between publishers and Twitter. Cool? Yes. Underwhelming. Very much so. But in true Twitter fashion, this understated release will probably be turned into something much more impressive and practical by 3rd party developers — just like the rest of Twitter’s history.

I’d highly recommend attending SXSW as it’s definitely a unique experience. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and stock up ahead of time on sleep. See you next year!

iPad Prediction: Your Newest Kitchen Appliance

Gary Moneysmith — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:06:59 +0000

Like millions of other geeks, I watched/listened/read along as Steve Jobs did his best Billy Mays impression introducing the Apple iPad. Positioned as the new mobile device that’s “between” the iPhone and laptops, the iPad is basically a giant iPod Touch. It looks gorgeous and is probably a joy to hold — which you’d expect from Apple. I get it.

But I was left wondering where this device would “fit” in my life. It’s not a replacement for my phone. It doesn’t replace my laptop which I use for typical office work: Excel, Word, Photoshop, etc. And I can’t use public transportation (train or subway) to commute to work so I don’t have time to kill to play games, read magazines or books. So what is this thing?

Then it hit me: I could really enjoy an iPad in my kitchen. I never realized how much time our family spends in the kitchen. Like it our not, it’s the one room in my house where I “pivot” off throughout the day. I don’t particularly enjoy my kitchen — it’s a functional place where I HAVE to be doing food prep and clean-up, day-after-day. Rinse and repeat, literally. And while I’d enjoy some light entertainment in the kitchen, I’m not risking water/crumb damage to my laptop; plus, you have to tap keys and finger the trackpad which are no-no’s with dishpan hands. It’s just not right.

BUT, an iPad is different. It’s small and wouldn’t take up much countertop space. It doesn’t use keys and can be operated with a simple touch or swipe. I could listen to music, catch-up on Podcasts, passively watch some videos and the flip over to read Facebook posts or Twitter feeds. I’d use the iPad as a catch-as-catch-may entertainment device for quick snippets of content in between kitchen chores.

The iPad calendar system would also be a handy family organizer to keep track of after school activities, lessons, meetings, appointments, etc. A daily pop-up reminder would nice.

I’d love an app that offered video cooking lessons and recipes, especially for niches like “gluten free” recipes. Having it compile shopping lists for me based on the necessary ingredients would be sweet.

Face it, it’d be fun to work on an iPad crossword/Sudoku puzzle for a few minutes while you’re waiting for pizza to cook. Plus you could easily skim the day’s news and check school closings due to weather all while brewing your coffee. And, of course, while the kids eat their cereal, I could get a jump on the day’s email without leaving the room.

Now don’t get me wrong. I know all these things can be done on other devices including plain ol’ newspaper radio and TV, but it’s the all-in-one, instant availability and ease-of-use that’s enticing. And no, I don’t need a computer in every room of my house. But you must admit, the kitchen is a “work room” for most families. So if there’s a way to make it more productive and enjoyable, I’ll definitely consider it.

What do you think?

Finding People To Follow Via TweetMeme

Gary Moneysmith — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:13:21 +0000

Who should I follow on Twitter?

Great question. There are many ways to find people. But one nifty way to find SELF QUALIFIED people is via TweetMeme. What’s TweetMeme? It’s a service that bloggers use to make it easy for their readers to tweet a story on their behalf. See the greet “retweet” button to the upper right of this blog post — that’s it. Generally, the more people re-tweet your blog post, the most coverage and tacit endorsement it gets. The little green buttons are commonplace on many AdAge Power 150 blogs such as:

Every time you see one of these green gems, a number is displayed. If you click that number (and it’s not obvious that it’s clickable), you can see a listing of every person who re-tweeted that blog post. If you liked the post, you can find the other birds-of-a-feather who also liked it so much they re-tweeted it. These people have effectively stood up and qualified themselves as good candidates to follow. You know they’re active and interested in the same niche topic as you.

Here’s an example from the inimitable Chris Brogan blog:

You could find 108 other people to follow from this one Brogan post alone. While not used on every blog, these TweetMeme buttons could help you uncover excellent new contacts and networks.

UPDATE: One note to clarify. SOMETIMES the actual number displayed appears different than the people listed. This is likely due to people re-tweeting multiple times and/or a lag in the TweetMeme system. When I found out the reason for sure, I’ll update this post.

Putting Social Media to Work For Non-Profit Organizations

Gary Moneysmith — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:38:45 +0000

I had the pleasure of presenting to the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries (OAGI) this morning. Great people. Great questions. Great cause. My presentation is posted below. Click here to download it as a PDF document.

Is Your Brand a Social Media Zombie?

Gary Moneysmith — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:46:40 +0000

When it comes to using social media, some companies thrive by monitoring their brands online, participating in meaningful conversations and reaching out to key stakeholders — all breathing life into their brands. At the same time, too many organizations are neglecting their brand presence in social media, dooming them to the fate of zombies.

Brand zombies are mindless, incapable of communication and show no signs of personality. They’re controlled in an undead state by mysterious outside forces.

Sound like any brands you know? To prevent your brand from becoming a flesh-eating drone, consider following these steps:

ANALYSIS
Gauge the relative health of your brand in various social media channels such as blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and niche social networks. Though you might not personally frequent these places, don’t assume people aren’t talking about your brand. Online comments and conversations absolutely affect the associations and feelings people have about your brand. Here are 5 easy research tools:

PARTICIPATION
After identifying key places and people that may be influencing your brand online, begin participation that proves you’re alive and well. Post some blog comments. Answers some Twitter questions. Be an active member in these mini-communities to show you’re not living in an ivory tower, insulated from the people that help keep your business/brand alive.

OUTREACH
Once you’re reasonably comfortable knowing your online brand dynamics and have established a baseline presence, you’re hopefully ready for proactive outreach to people important to your business: customers, partners, suppliers, employees, etc. What brand experience can you offer that delivers value to these key people? FedEx created tracking widgets, Best Buy launched TwelpForce, a Twitter-based tech support system, and GM opened up their FastLane blog. Each of these offerings reinforces important brand attributes: FedEx: Delivery Timeliness, Best Buy: Accessible Tech Support and GM: Innovation & Transparency.

Zombies are scary business. Don’t let your brands languish to the point of being undead versions of their former selves. Use readily available social media tools to ward off unwanted spirits and build your brand so it thrives for years to come.

Twitter Presentation: Serious Business. Serious Fun.

Gary Moneysmith — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 14:16:22 +0000

As part of the Columbus Business First “Social Media Summer Camp” series, I had the honor of presenting on Twitter. It was a lot of fun — great people, great questions.

Social Media Success Story: Romeo the Cat

Gary Moneysmith — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:18:58 +0000

I was recently invited by the Columbus Chamber of Commerce to present a short Social Media success story. I featured my friend Caroline Golon’s hobby project titled Romeo: The Cat’s Meow of Social Media. Caroline combines her savvy media relations skills and creativity with her love for shelter animals. The resulting pet project (pun intended) has raised over $17,000 using Twitter, Facebook and a blog. Here’s a slideshow from the event:

Juicy Juice & VW: Advertweeting?

Gary Moneysmith — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 03:54:42 +0000

In a recent ad campaign by consumer package goods giant Nestle, Juicy Juice banner ads are integrated with viewer Twitter messages (”tweets”). You simply send a tweet to a designated hashtag to have it displayed within the Juicy Juice banner ad itself. This format has been dubbed “Twitter Pulse” — ostensibly reflecting there heartbeat of consumers’ thinking.

While it’s easy to dismiss this concept — I mean seriously, who wants to write something to display in a banner ad? — don’t be so quick. There’s a human element that is drawn towards interacting with a brands we enjoy. We plaster our bodies with conspicuously branded products: Nike shoes, Polo shirts, Gap jeans, ad nauseam. Seeing your name and Twitter message (even for a short time period) associated with a brand you respect is attractive to many people.

In the offline world, Mini Cooper started using RFID technology in 2007 to recognize their car owners when they drive by billboards which digitally display a custom message based based on their owner’s name and car information. Even in 2005, Brits could send short text messages to a designated number and have them displayed on a digital construction sign (you know, the ones that warn us about traffic accidents) which was used to promote a Creative Technology Festival, go figure. So the idea of customized advertisement isn’t new, it’s just new to the Twitterverse.

Another example is from Volkswagen. You simply enter your Twitter name and it “analyzes” your Tweets to make a recommendation on which VW car is best for you. Below are screen captures of the basic animation sequence:

Corny? Yes. But it is entertaining and attempts to do “something” that helps create a link in potential buyers’ minds. I applaud them for pushing Twitter and animation technology this far as you must admit, it is innovative and fun. It’s not a homerun, but it’s a decent bunt single. And in today’s day-and-age, getting on base is half the battle.

So how will you use Twitter to better engage consumers with your advertising? Would love to hear….

PS: I’ve already registered “advertweeting.com” — sorry suckers!

Trip to the 2009 Webby Awards – Part 2

Gary Moneysmith — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:30:32 +0000

The Webby Awards gala was held at the swanky Wall Street Cipriani — a massive ballroom decorated in Greek revival style. Host Seth Myers quipped that “there was no better place to celebrate innovation and vision than Wall Street. What?! Were there no rooms available in Detroit?”

Unlike most awards shows, the Webbys limit acceptance speeches to 5-words. From a marriage proposal to comedienne Sarah Silverman’s “Holocaust. Did it happen? Yes…” the quips were as crazy as you’d expect from a ballroom of uber-creative people. They’re all available for viewing on YouTube so check them out.

Normally, I don’t really care about celebrities. Really. But when they’re in the same room celebrating internet oriented achievements, it’s pretty damn cool. Martha Stewart, Seth Myers, Cameron Diaz, Charlie Rose, Trent Reznor, Molly Sims, Jimmy Fallon and Isabella Rossellini all mingled with the crowd (sort’ve) throughout the night. Quite validating for me considering all those incredibly late nights I spent working in obscurity in the in mid-90’s when the Web was still the domain of socially inept geeks. Not that I was ever one of those. I’m just saying…

The biggest attraction for me was meeting the inventor of the World Wide Web – Tim Berners Lee. I brought along the book he wrote “Weaving the Web” and got it autographed. He was impressed I read it; the dogeared pages with scribbled notes from a decade ago proved my case proved that indeed I was nerdy enough to read a novel about his invention.

Here’s a photo of us walking on the red carpet. Note the book — oh yah!

Here’s a shot of Nicole (right) and our friends from Black Magic Marker (Holland). Both are gorgeous, the picture really doesn’t do them justice. And before you tease me, YES I KNOW I’m a lucky dude.

After the awards gala, we briefly met Seth Meyers and thanked him for emceeing the event. He’s amazingly quick witted, endearing and sincere. And he was cool enough to let us snap a quick photo:

In the end, it was a fantastic weeked. And my 5-word speech? “Geeks Will Inherit the Earth.”

Trip to the 2009 Webby Awards – Part 1

Gary Moneysmith — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 03:33:31 +0000

This definitely falls into the Social Media @ PLAY category. Back in March, a friend from RHI/The Creative Group encouraged me to enter their online essay contest asking about trends on the Internet. I wrote about the convergence of social media integrating with popular websites that were also streaming live television. Think back to the CurrentTV online broadcast of the Presidential debates that had live tweets streaming across the stream or TNT’s website that allowed users to select their camera angle during the NBA All-Star game and chat with their friends via Facebook Connect. I’m very intrigued on how these 3 areas are being homogenized into an entirely new, communal experience. Face it, American Idol is a lot more fun when simultaneously watching the show and chatting online about it with friends or family spread around the world.

Long story short, my entry was selected by the contest sponsor and the Webby executive director out of a couple hundred entries. So I got a free trip to NYC to watch the Webby’s in-person with my lovely wife Nicole. Mind you, we have 1-year old so this was our first Mommy-Daddy outing in 16-months. You could’ve given me a trip to see Muppets-on-Ice in Paducah, Kentucky and I would’ve been stoked. But to attend the Webby Awards in NYC was beyond awesome.

The Webby Awards are the Oscars for Internet projects. And while most self-respecting Web geeks scoff at awards, this event is to die for. Seriously. You have to win an award to attend — you can’t just buy a ticket. So for most people (including yours truly), it’s a once in a lifetime event.

The cocktail party the night before was the official ice-breaker. And like all good open bars, the ice was broken, crushed and served into free drinks. We met our super-fun hosts from RHI/The Creative Group – Jen and Megan – who couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful. We had fantastic conversations with designers from Weiden + Kennedy, Qik, the LA Times, the BBC Online and big Black Marker, a web development firm from Amsterdam. Amazing talent/people. We ended up befriending the Amsterdam group and sharing a wonderful dinner after the party. They won their Webby for their Tom Tom Secrets website which is super creative – you should check it out.

Here are a couple shots from the evening:

I’ll write about the big Webby Award gala in my next post — coming very soon!