Media Hunter

More signs that social media marketing is joining the mainstream

It seems like only a year ago that if I started talking about social media in Australia I received perplexed responses. I might as well have suggested that we consider voodoo for the next campaign.

However, while I have stuck to my guns in the belief that social media marketing would emerge as a viable option, I have to admit there were moments when I wondered if we were on the right track.

These days I am more certain than ever that social media marketing in Australia has arrived. Witness these recent activities, announcements and stories:

CNN using social media during broadcasts

Still a social media sceptic? Still think micro-blogging is frivolous time wasting?

Read this.

Tech blogger Robert Scoble just notified me (via Twitter) of this great post by Steve Rubel about CNN in America:

If you haven't been watching CNN on the weekends you've been missing out. CNN anchor Rick Sanchez has been increasingly using Twitter to engage viewers in conversation while on the air. He was particularly active during the lead up to the conventions and Hurricane Gustav. Now Sanchez is now taking his Twitter love to the next level with a brand new show called Rick Sanchez Direct, which debuts today at 3 pm EST.

Craig Stoltz has the deets on the new show. Sanchez is using Twitter to create a level of interaction with viewers that is transparent, authentic and captivating. Hopefully this will raise awareness for Twitter among corporations who will also start to use the platform towards similar outcomes.

Watch for more media to follow CNN in lock step. Newspapers are already jumping in. Newsday, my local paper, was using Twitter to track Tropical Storm Hanna as it hit Long Island on Saturday.

When will Australian media start interacting more with their audiences? Soon, I think.

Journalist launches Australian social media magazine for businesswomen

Former radio announcer and freelance journalist Carlee Potter has launched an innovative new social media magazine for Australian businesswomen. SNOBS is an online magazine designed for businesswomen and providing relevant information, news and events. SNOBS embraces social media philosophies of online community, open feedback and citizen journalism.

Proof that social media is trumping traditional media

While the traditional versus new media debate rages on, I have just witnessed the amazing speed and power of social media.

Its a rainy, windy Saturday here and I have been cruising around Twitter and Facebook following various discussions online when an earthquake hit northern California.

Loic le Meur was the first to comment when his house started shaking. Within seconds the Twitter network was alive with quake messages, including Robert Scoble who joined in the conversation.

Australian social media marketers Sydney soiree

Some of the best and brightest social media marketers and commentators gathered in Sydney last night for an informal drinks and dinner including an appearance from US marketer Joseph Jaffe.

Originally intended to be a Jaffe meet-up while he is in Australia, local bloggers and marketers took it as an opportunity to put a face to the name of many of the online identities involved in the Aussie social media conversation.

Amongst those present were: Julian Cole, Gordon Whitehead, Gavin Heaton, Jenni Beattie, Scott Drummond from Marketing Magazine, Joeseph Jaffe, Katie Chatfield, Zoe Scaman, Ian Lyons and more. (Sorry if I left anyone out).                                                                     

The enthusiasm, ideas and war stories were infectious and it seems there are some exciting initiatives on the way with many of the participants, including new client campaigns and new business developments.

Best of all it was just nice to put the social into social media.

Picture- Joseph Jaffe and Julian Cole. Katie Chatfield in background.

Some Aussie media blogs worth a look

One of the great things about checking traffic to your site is finding new links that have directed people to you and then exploring those sites. This week my online meanderings have unearthed a few sites I either hadn't been aware of or hadn't visited yet.

Laurel Papworth is a Top 100 Australian blogger, who is regularly interviewed about social networks in international press and on Australian TV shows and Radio National, Vogue Australia, The Australian and the Fin Review, SMH, Telegraph, and various magazines. Her Social Networks blog provides excellent insight into social media, participatory journalism and user-generated content.

Laurel recently posted about Australia's most influential bloggers and was kind enough to mention Media Hunter. The post touches on some of the media and marketing lists such as AdAges Power 150 and AdSpace Pioneers. Overall its a good introduction to some of the best marketing content online.

Naked Bear Media is a new blog on the block by digital marketer Sean Smith. I have only just come across this one but I like what is see so far. Sean doesn't seem afraid to make some bold statements and ask good questions. In just a few posts he has lined up Twitter, the iPhone and NineMSN. Good stuff.

Social Media?.....and then all hell broke loose

Social media is all about discussion, transparency and a genuine voice. Therefore I feel its only right that I relay a very spirited debate that has taken place in our offices today.

Last night my partner in blogging crime Gordon, aka The Marketer posted about the forthcoming Nine Network television series Scorched. I happened to notice the post while doing the Olympics/laptop double and made a mental note: "must discuss post in morning".

We did, and that's when all hell broke loose.

We love a good debate in this office, but this one really got passions stirring, so much so that everyone else had to leave their cubby houses to join in.

Obama understands social media

Barrack Obama has changed the game when it comes to political campaigning. Using grassroots campaigning and a savvy online presence he has raised record amounts of funding and encouraged amazing voter turnout during the Democratic Primaries.

Now he is thanking his voter base by allowing them to be the first to know his Vice Presidential running mate via email and text message rather than in a traditional press conference announcement.

The following news clipping demonstrate this remarkable change in political campaigning

Media Hunter hits the radio waves

I was recently interviewed by Amy Spear for a syndicated community radio program called Insight regarding advertising and the emerging digital and social media landscapes. The interview has since played on 50 radio stations around Australia.

Maybe the most remarkable aspect of this interview is that it has been generated by community radio, not the mainstream media who still seem either oblivious or opposed to this next generation of media thinking.

Also on the interview is Josh Grace, head of Direct Marketing at Leo Burnett.       

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What is social media?

Take the time to check out this sensational presentation from Marta Kagan which is currently getting tons of play around the world.

then....get on board.

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