The "Social Media Tidal Wave"

After a long but enjoyable semester of retweets, @melanders, and #itec335, one thing is certain: social media can boost return on investment in remarkable, inexpensive ways that weren't even fathomable four summers ago. As this may potentially be my final blog post, I will present a final, multifaceted question:

Will businesses soon surpass social networks' carrying-capacities? Are social media networks destined to become oversaturated with 'advertising' like print media and TV? ... Is social media as a marketing platform sustainable?

I am firm believer in the power and potential of social networks. I also believe, though, that there may come a time in the not-so-distant-future where marketing on social networks like Twitter may not yield such impressive results. The number of businesses actively marketing on Twitter and Facebook increases exponentially each week. What happens when this kind of marketing becomes the textbook standard for every new marketing plan? What happens when marketing in this way is not so new and fresh?

Like all things business, companies must always adapt to changing circumstances. Call me a hater or a cynic but I think that social media's marketing potential is not limitless. As the "Social Media Tidal Wave" picks up speed and grows in height and strength, it may eventually hit the shore and what we know now to be quality, impactful marketing may just become the norm. The bubble may burst on socialnomics.

Thoughts please!

The comment box wars

Recent posts on Smashing Magazine and Technorati emphasize the value of corporate blogging, as well as common pitfalls and suggestions for success. One of the articles' many common themes is the importance of leaving a corporate blog's comment box open, even in the face of criticism.

The web 2.0 comment box has arrived! Customers (blog readers) now have an avenue to directly confront corporate bloggers on customer service issues. Public comments challenge the blogger to confront the issue and allow for a conversation to develop. This is a good thing.

What happens when critical comments build up and overwhelm the blogger whose replies aren't sufficient or well received? This is the dilemma that Don Martelli and Paul Boag leave unanswered, in my opinion.

As corporate bloggers are all in the business of increasing their company's sales, is it better to shut down an overly-unruly comment box, or fight back and respond? Responding again and again may expose the blog to more negative comments, but probably shows readers the company cares about their opinion.

At some point, though, the responsible corporate blogger should realize that IF the comment box war is lost. He/she is left with no choice but to throw in the towel and close the comment box...

image courtesy of redroom.com