What’s the Buzz on Social Media for Fall 2010? New Info!

The global online survey showed that people who received news content from a friend or associate via social media, were 19% more likely to recommend the brand that advertised around that story to others and 27% more likely to favour that brand themselves.

For narrative, 65%of shared content comprises ongoing stories, 19% comprises breaking news and 16% of content falls into the “quirky or funny” category.

27% of all sharers* account for 87% of all news stories shared. The average global user shares 13 stories per week and receives 26stories through shared social media links or emails.

43% of news sharing comes from social media networks and tools == email (30%), SMS (15%) and IM (12%).

http://cnninternational.presslift.com/socialmediaresearch

92% of U.S. Toddlers Have Online Presence [STUDY]

According to a recent international survey of 2,200 mothers, 81% of children under the age of two currently have some form of online presence — ranging from photos uploaded and shared by their parents, to a full-fledged profile on a social networking site. A full 92% of children in the U.S. have an online presence by the time they are two, compared to 73% in western Europe.

On average, 23% of parents share images from prenatal sonograms on the web; a full third do so in the U.S. The practice is even more common in Canada (37%), and significantly less popular in western Europe (13-15%) and Japan (14%).

http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101006006722/en/Digital-Birth-Online-World

 

FACEBOOK GROUPS NEW!

The Case For Social Media in Schools

click here: http://mashable.com/2010/09/29/social-media-in-school/

 

SUPER RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA INSIGHT

Social Media

• Exclusive: Trent Reznor on “The Social Network” [INTERVIEW]
  As the premiere of “The Social Network” approaches, we talked with Reznor about scoring a movie in its entirety, among other things.
• How and Why PepsiCo Engages in Social Good [VIDEO]
  We had an opportunity to chat more in-depth with Bough about how Refresh is going, what it means for PepsiCo and its various brands, and what’s next for the project.
• “The Social Network”: Mashable’s Complete Movie Review
  “The Social Network” is more than just the story of one website; it is both a micro and macro look at success, failure and the trappings of ego and greed.
• Which Words Does Google Instant Blacklist?
  You have to hit enter to confirm, yes, you really do want to know about something in some way related to bisexuals or lesbians.
• Tech Entrepreneurs Discuss “The Social Network” [VIDEO]
  We followed up our Mashable New York screening of “The Social Network” with a panel that discussed several of the prominent themes of the film.
• The Case for Social Media in Schools
  Teachers and parents are often wary about using social media in the classroom. Here’s why the benefits outweigh the risks.
• 9 Creative Social Good Campaigns Worth Recognizing [Mashable Awards]
  Many causes have leveraged the power of social media in some incredibly creative ways. In connection with the Mashable Awards nominations, we’ve highlighted the standouts.
• How NPR Is Leveraging the Twitter Generation [STATS]
  NPR has just released a fascinating set of stats about its Twitter followers.
• HOW TO: Win the Search Rank Race for Your Name
  In a world where almost 80% of hiring managers Google job candidates, it’s important to make sure that people can find the right “you.” These tips can help.
• Minecraft: How Social Media Spawned a Gaming Sensation
  The sandbox building and exploring game Minecraft has taken the web by storm, and it couldn’t have happened without social media. Here’s a look at its recent meteoric rise.

Tech & Mobile

• HOW TO: Score a Job in Social Gaming
  Social gaming can be a tough industry to break into. We spoke with some pros to get a few tips on tackling the social gaming job market.
• 11 Astounding Sci-Fi Predictions That Came True
  Decades, even centuries ago, some of literature’s most creative minds imagined — with eerie accuracy — some of the high technology many of us take for granted today.
• 7 Ways Mobile Apps are Enriching Historical Tourism
  Wish you could get more out of sightseeing without expensive books and hired guides? Mobile apps are changing historical tourism, and these 7 are particularly intriguing.
• The Evolution of the Apple Mouse [PICS]
  We’ve taken a look at Apple’s input device — the humble mouse — to see how the design has changed from way back in the early 80s right up to today.
• A Detailed Look at Apple and Google’s Fight for Mobile Developer Attention
  Google’s Android platform continues to be where developers see the most longterm potential, especially when powering multiple types of devices.
• 11 Trends in Web Logo Design: The Good, the Bad and the Overused
  Good design, like any art or fashion, has roots. What’s hot in web logos right now, and what’s been done to death? Check out this detailed rundown of the biggest trends.
• How Popular Is the iPhone, Really? [INFOGRAPHIC]
  While the iPhone is a very popular smartphone, Apple’s overall share in the mobile phone market is still very low compared to giants such as Nokia and Samsung.
• 10 iPhone Apps for the Global Foodie
  Let your taste buds rejoice! We’ve found 10 iPhone apps to help adventurous foodies explore and enjoy the best international dishes.
• 10 Killer Firefox Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts
  These simple but powerful tips and tricks for the open source browser will have you cruising the web faster and smarter in no time.
• How the iPad Is Transforming Web Design
  In the last few months, several high-profile websites have adjusted their designs to look and feel more like the iPad. We’re dubbing this, the “iPadification of the web.”
• DROID R2-D2: The Unboxing [VIDEO]
  The DROID R2-D2 is here and Mashable has a rundown of the all the special features that will make any “Star Wars” fan swoon.
• 10 Incredible Inventions from the World Maker Faire [PICS]
  The World Maker Faire is an impossible density of coolness, but these 10 exhibits stood out.
• 10 Stories Beautifully Told with Animated Typography [VIDEOS]
  Moving type, or “kinetic typography,” is a clever way to make simple text cut through the visual clutter of today’s online world. We’ve hand-picked 10 great video examples.
• Connected TV: The New Battle for Your Living Room [INFOGRAPHIC]
  Apple TV, the Boxee Box, and Roku are finally bringing web entertainment to the living room. How do these products stack up? Check out this detailed price and feature comparison chart.

Business

• 3 Business Tools to Spice up Boring Work Tasks
  While there’s no escaping boring work tasks, newer web and mobile apps, like Prezi, inDinero and Expensify, make the time spent doing them much less arduous.
• 37 Productivity Tips for Working From Anywhere
  These days, your office is your laptop, whether you’re in a cubicle, a coffee shop or on a plane. We asked professionals for their best advice on getting things done no matter where you work.
• 6 Free Web Tools for Managing Time Differences
  Conducting business with international clients can mean more than just a language barrier — there can be a time barrier as well. These web apps can keep your biz organized across time zones.
• HOW TO: Advertise Inside Social Games on Facebook
  One of the most effective new ways for companies to reach consumers on Facebook is to advertise inside social games. Check out these key strategies.
• Top 5 Emerging Brand Trends on Facebook
  Big brands are finally keyed in to the power of social marketing on Facebook, and they’re launching some impressive campaigns. Keep an eye on these five important trends.
• 5 Ways to Use Google Voice for Your Business
  Google Voice can greatly improve the efficiency of your business’s phone communications and save you money. Check out five easy implementations for the office.
• Why We Need to Reframe the “Women in Tech” Debate
  While the media decry the lack of women in tech, the numbers paint a different picture. It’s time to change the discussion around female entrepreneurship.
• How Social Media Marketers Can Convert Attention Into Action
  It’s one thing to start a conversation on the social web. It’s another to convert that into a sale for your business. But keen analysis of your strategy can boost the odds.
• Why Product Reviews Can Drive Group Buying Success for Retailers
  Group buying sites like Groupon represent a major potential market for small businesses, but with money lost on every sale, it takes something special to succeed.

————————-

MAKE A TV AD: WIN $25,000 IN GOOGLE ADVERTISING!

http://www.youtube.com/tvforall

Social Media Revolution

The Social Media Revolution has arrived! We have studied the effects of social networking as online sites have create a new means of “word of mouth”. With the network of people, advertisers are eagerly finding marketing strategies to reach these viral audiences. Elucid Marketing is one of them and looking to help you create an online marketing campaign with the use of all the free online resources, sites, and technology. Contact us, today!

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Social Media Revolution, posted with vodpod

 

Technology of 2010: Go Mobile? Facebook Ads? Droid X? Xbox Kinect? Read to know more!

I decided to give everyone a new post as technology seems to be moving at a fast pace.  I barely have time to write as I ride the Tech wave to new heights, but felt I need to document & cover a few points.

Let’s start with Apple.

CEO Steve Jobs has been bragging and criticizing other top tech companies for awhile now.  With the launch of the iPhone 4, the backlash could double as the phone has problems with its antenna.

Fans of Apple have backed Mr. Jobs, but now see his cockiness may create gaffes which could ultimately hurt the brand.  With the release of the iPad, things seemed promising.  Apple taunts others and even tells Adobe (in so many words) Your just not cool as us.  The CEO seems to play “God of Technology” and attempts to create “standards” or “platforms”, yet they are always isolated in private, premium-like products.  Apple is usually the king of quality. Yet, we have seen from iPad’s specifications and the lastest flop of iPhone quality, and this may be another concern in recent decesions.  It’s hard to compete in modern times as a luxury brand as the economy will give less purchasing power.  Steve Jobs decided to offer a $500 product to hold off HP, showoff new ideas, & add on to the OS from iPhone, iPod.   So will they maintain or ever be better than giants such as, Google, Microsoft, HP, etc?

Let me state some great facts.  Google is the best, lol, that’s a fact.

They have the power to do anything they want… not just electronics or web.  Google is king of the web & maybe sharing the crown with social networking site, Facebook.  But nonetheless, Google has a grip on gmail, geolocation maps, cell phones (G1), mobile tech/apps (DROID X), and small projects like Google Wave, Buzz, Reader.  Matterfact, this is just a handful compared to other services that really have potential, so I say Google’s “width” in product development is extreme.  Personally, no one can “compete” with Google & I stand to place bets, lol.  Anyhow, Droid X is different from Droid (produced by Google “Android”).  Droid X is aligned to take some shaky iPhone users to the Google world since the Apple antenna problems.  People love it.  Google has aggressively challenged the electronic giants as a relatively new guy.  Google specializes in the web, yet still has cutting edge technology that matches the skills of other web corporations.  They are king of the web, offering plenty services free where they actually could charge $1 and buy the rest of the internet world with the profits.  Google’s advertising is the profit generator which is now threatened by Facebook’s growth.  Facebook is now the number 1 thing to do on the web says recent reports.

Google must see Facebook coming in the same back door toward the top of the web.

There is even rumor that Google is preparing to launch something just as powerful as Facebook.   They want something that is as socially connected as Facebook and if Google can find the right way to “stay in-touch with web user’s needs”… then Google can shake down the giant social site.   We’ll have to see, as much attention seems to be in competing in the mobile marketing.

Which leads us to Microsoft who seems slow to gain ground.  I actually liked the “Kin” model of cell phones, which included social streams & other sharing features. Their success lies with XBOX360

Microsoft seems to have attention in video games as XBOX plans a launch of “Kinect” ( a wireless controller where the body is actual controller).   This new launch seems to catch the game leader, Nintendo.  Wii’s innovation is now matched and may have a nice impact this holiday season.   PS3 has introduced a similar Wii controller to stop the Nintendo competition.  Nintendo’s new 3DS is a new approach to the 3D craze in media entertainment.  Kids love it and if 3D comes to the Wii, all ages will enjoy it.

What’s Next in the Tech world takeover?  How about geo-location maps combined with social networking features, How about more augmented reality, visual enhancements, or computers in autos?

I like the new idea of 3D on home TV entertainment centers as the movie theaters seems growing demand.  I see the 3D glasses for home use can cost $200 or as cheap as $50 with a luxurious offer.  3D is a hit and needs to be everywhere, just do the study and make sure it doesn’t mess up my ‘everday vision’ lol.  Nintendo introduces 3D handheld devices, so the crazy should stir even more demand.  Geo Location is a smash in the underground and hopes to become mainstream soon. Google Maps has been finding more ways to integrate status updates with GPS positions. This could track your friends, find local businesses, virtual site-seeing, or calculating distances.  It’s pretty cool to me, but i wonder if the privacy will be an issue as this debate always splits the crowd.  Facebook has tried to make people more open to public sharing, but there’s resistance. Maybe when Facebook collides with this geo-location tracker or map, then people will want to join a growing trend to be “publicized”. All these features and devices seem to impact our culture as the change is rapid and young generation adopt as its been here for centuries.  Innovation will increase & hopefully we will have better ways of doing things as well as safe, healthy, & trustworthy “device” in our life.   Thanks for reading my blog,

Kres Thomas

Elucid Marketing Group – CEO & Founder

Roller Social – Creative Director

@4NorthCarolina – Social Media Marketing Director

Elucid Marketing’s DayDream of 2009 to Present to Future: Social Media Impacts the World and Could Change Local Communities!

Elucid Marketing has celebrated their 1 year anniversary in the business world.  The year went fast, but the tech world moved at the same speed, so a wild ride ensued for Elucid, yet fun and rewarding.

Elucid consist of the creative strategies of CEO Kres Thomas, a graphic designer, a news junkie, trendy nerd, kinda guy.   Kres has proven to give a new meanings to social media marketing, as each social media project’s results are better than the last.  From artwork to creating a logo or brand, then target marketing users within a related field, and lastly, engaging these users to supply valuable resources; this what makes him special.  The Elucid team embraces this center point, to build supporting strategies and eye the future of social media and web technologies.  In plain English, Kres  & the Elucid team is like a basketball team, like a new harlem globetrotters, lol, loves to entertain with tricks of the trade, draw massive crowds, & win the game!

Let’s discuss some of the tricks in social media, since Facebook is becoming the dominating online activity beyond search, and Twitter has become a household term, connecting anyone to friends, family, or even ur favorite celeb’s life.  The Reality TV shows were a precursor to this social media boom, as we all love being nosey & compare our life.  Websites consist of uploaded photos/videos and include text that is frequently updated.  This user-generated, social content is the “meat” of most websites today & tommorrow.  From old school forums and comment boxes, to new age chatrooms, texting, tweets, and status updates, we use technology more frequently to communicate.  Elucid aims to use this for business marketing functions and create a private project that includes the favorites of social networking, media, and entertaining news sites today!

Elucid enjoyed the “real-time” updates, so much in May 2009, we dedicated this to our future research and planning.  Our investment was into social media and it’s impact on businesses. We learned it was a new platform for friends & family, like a new phone invention, making a new “channel” to communicate and fast!  The growth rate of Twitter was remarkable, so we customized an @Elucid profile and started to reach out to others in social media.   We documented what we found and shared this to others, hoping to spur the growth of Twitter and social media interests.  Each month we would get someone interested in helping or getting help for their own projects.  We noticed Bloggers liked how social media increased website traffic.  Some small business owners wanted to find customers, like real estate agents for leads, contractors, or small service providers.  The funny part was news companies were skeptical and some still are, as most printed items are read online.  Most are scared of the change as only the most innovative will survive.  The rug was swept under these news corporation’s feet… and the rug was the advertising industry which Google revolutionized.  Follow that car!

Newspaper companies also fear the “free”, digital age that is killing their printing revenues.  The have always incorporated a business model to pay for the hardwork of journalist & photographers, selling advertising slots and a lousy 50 cents – a dollar and change, newspaper.  There needs to be a business model; there is not one developed secure or great enough to save the industry.  Maybe the industry will shape itself, but there’s risk in someone loosing out bigtime! (probably not the tech guys)   That bring’s us back to Elucid, where innovation and strategy is key to survival in modern business. It’s competitive and flooded in most industries, compared to years ago.  Anything can happen in a changing world, from economic structure to social and behavior aspects with new technology.  Anything can happen in business, so traditions & policies must be molded around how flexible a company is, like instant competitive strategies, rather than long-term expectation from yesteryear.  Measuring how fast they can adapt to a competitor’s new product is a good indicator of how profitable they will be.  Can they develop the next revolutionary feature or product or know what the other guys are inventing?!  A good tech company is made from this clever character, such as Adobe.  Apple iPads have cut out Adobe’s hardwork (by eliminating Flash Player) even though Abobe is a longtime champion of web software ( from FLASH/acrobat reader/photoshop/even tweetdeck!).   Adobe took this in stride, amazingly so.  They must have something creative up their sleeve and can manage to think out the box to stay afloat.  We’ll see if they can actually do this.  (many developers are not ready for this great leap started by Apple)

Innovation for the newspaper company must happen soon!  More and more people are reporting news better than the journalist. Regular users post updates and messages,  in “real-time” (like right now, and now!). This is done in the heart of action, during or after hurricanes, earthquakes, acts of violence, or other “caught-on-tape” footage, making everyone a reporter!  Social media is part of our life and if it grows further, it can change many more industries and fields as it already has.  If our households and lifestyle includes this technology, slowing the use of print, TV, or even reality!  Last year, doctors tweeted surgeries and lawsuits have included tweets as evidence.  Today we can’t resist posting our lives in a reality show-like way and more people are becoming addicted faster than research can prove it.  We have every long lost friends at our fingertips and our favorite family members to share photos with.  We like it so much, we occasionally accept our favorite businesses & celebrities, too!  Elucid aims to make everyone a celebrity who is talented at their work.  This is by design and strategy, creating a viral approach to launching brands!

The changing techniques of Marketing is interesting:  from the design, the call for action, the benefit announced, but most importantly the communication between the consumer and company.  Social media is perfect for this, as a business can be personified and informative, 24/7 accessible!   The communication channel is open, we have the power to broadcast media!  Elucid encourages small biz to announce weekly sales ads, occasional promos, contest, or updates.  Social media marketing is becoming the cheapest way to communicate as well as advertise. This is more necessary in this hurting US economy.   Why isn’t everyone or businesses doing it?  They don’t understand it, would be our guess, not to be judgemental, they may see more liability from not knowing how to control or manage it.  But the benefits are too great  NOT do it, so we say learn it ASAP.   Some fear they would hurt their brand by not knowing how to run a marketing campaign or interact with the users … it may be more liability if your moderator says the wrong thing, gives a quacky opinion, or defends your brand wrong on a thread.   There are social media companies that manage accounts, but few trust them with their brand’s image.  Elucid Marketing creates trust with clients by providing an outline and research of their market.  This can be done by existing reports or launch of new marketing materials (surveys, questionaires, coupons) that could track progress of marketing efforts.  We like describing the psychology of their consumers, and then targeting ways to supply benefit through added value services.  “Technology is pretty cheap, you just have to learn how to use it!” was our 2009 quote that pops up often.  People want more & free. Consumers are spoiled, yet it makes a biz work hard to impress them (lower prices or more features)  The best things in life are free, so added with Elucid’s innovation, we keep a small biz or their customers satisfied.  Try updating you social network with a  free inspirational quote or something of value that cost nothing.  If you find a deal, sale, clearance, share it! Everyone will follow you like you dropped money and they scooping it up!  Elucid encourages adding benefits in all kinds of ways (we love to hold contests)

Kres Thomas has described “online branding” in meetings as, “An ongoing commercial, a sitcom of your brand,  entertaining with your charisma”.   He directs Elucid’s vision in helping “new eyes” remember “your secret sauce”  by brand image, identity, awareness, and inclusion.  Kres still feels he can dominate a whole town or small city with one color, shape/object, or catchy jingle.  Other have tamed his energy and gave him insight on how some brands are built from the inside out ( a collection of what consumers like or accustomed of knowing).  Elucid loves discussing trendy news, online buzz, and even search related keywords.  We find out what people cling to and make that clinch tighter!  People love trends (news to celebs) or they love self-empowerment (learning, experience, creating).   Elucid uses this as their bread & butter, but is working on a full course meal after studying how to combine this (And more stuff, but we cant give away all the intellectual property, lol) .  The power of organizing people and communicating to a group is extraordinary and the way to do it is social media.  The team that knows how and can help is Elucid Marketing Group.

Elucid has took more notice to how people are affected by social media & this new technology, rather than just business alone.  Business is changing and it’s a rough ride until technology sorts our the mess, chosing teams & beginning a new era in our lives.  Kres Thomas is very engaged into sociology, psychology, anthropology and ways to help communities become stable or economically grow.  This bring a more humanitarian side to Elucid,  and currently our strategies are to organize online communities for positive changes through information sharing, social support groups, to business development.   Elucid Marketing has based several projects in their headquarters in Fayetteville, NC which includes the website  FayToday.com which includes social media content about the area.  Its services include Youtube, Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, & Google.  These are linked together in a menu toolbar at the bottom of the page, where collections of Fayetteville media content is available as well as a “LIKE” button & “Tweet from site” formbox.   This social network has been based on Facebook and currently hosts 2,250 users  (Fayetteville population <200,ooo, so we’re proud and hope to grow, yet stay effective).  The FayToday profile also host two fan pages, one for Fayetteville news (aggregated web links) and another for Fayetteville Business News (gives biz info on city programs, education, & startup advice).

These profiles have actively engaged other businesses, city leaders, politicians, students, and military families.  Elucid Supports FayToday’s efforts in impacting the community in a positive way, by info sharing and economic development via tech and web services.   We feel all residents should have the power to know… to know of free resources, their lifestyle options, the business changes that are possible & available in Fayetteville, NC.  FayToday’s drive may later create an organization into a non-profit or community event planning group.  Social media could impact social change and FayToday has a positive and informative network.  Fayetteville is sometimes judged as a high crime and small isolated town, but actually it has great investments brewing from increased military to construction projects in 2010.  Obama’s ReInvestement Act Monies (sry, 4got name) will help out as well as the new 30,000 troops that are becoming stationed in the city soon.  FayToday could help these positive changes to amplify success of a growing southern community.   Thanks for reading and stay tuned for updates!

Nintendo prepares for Apple war. What about the other tech giants, Google, Microsoft, or even Sony?

Does Nintendo really want war or is there a real threat by Apple?  Nintendo is crazy and probably just pulling our leg.  Yeah their profits dropped, but still one of the best consoles out there.  I think Sony could handle Apple on the gaming alone. Nintendo is just slow because of economy and the flood of other gadgets and devices out there.  Let’s move on to the nitty gritty!

Apple is just all talk, since they are rich and respected. They will have to battle all the tech giants out there and I will bet on Google anyday, in any tech field, not just consumer electronics. Apple is just getting to know the web like it should. Microsoft has lost touch with the web, but gaining ground in recent years, after Yahoo, Bing, and Live upgrades. Apple iPad is a game changing device, but not a representation of the entire market. The device is cheap and goes against their longtime quality streak, didn’t the Mercedes Benz brandname do this and loose with a cheap model and lost marketshare.

I think Google will enter mobile markets well, even though Sprint & Verizon doesn’t want the Nexus ONE. Apple better prepare for HP, and their “LABS” of innovation… even though i havent been impressed with the slate, they still are managed well at times. With Apple starting their own marketplace and trying to monopolize apps & media distribution, they are setting up for failure. They are too cocky and the gamers are programmers as well, who will not allow the entrance in the industry easy.

Nintendo is preparing for war, but shouldn’t be threatened yet, unless they have some secrets we don’t know about. Xbox is coming out with “FLUID” or “Project Natal” …which is like the Wii. I would worry about that as Sony doesn’t have the depth as Nintendo or Microsoft. Sony has quality electronics & tried taking a shot at Microsoft with new Linux supported OS inside consoles. Sony must create new devices, not just upgrade existing ones.

AMAZING XBOX for 2010

Apple will probably do something dumb, like make a console instead of just stick to computers. Can they replace the flash based ones that they’re killing with their marketplace? Microsoft should rebuild their software, OS, but doing a great job entering social media, mobile phones/OS, and keeping steady ground in most their ventures.

Nintendo DSI & 3d will grow and the new black Wii, will be attractive. Mario will always live on, who else is better, old sonic? Nintendo is in position to establish a web community and have the basic interface that kids will learn & enjoy. A land of Mii characters to Netflix movies, there is good changes coming, more than they speak of. And loved a recent article where it said “maybe Nintendo should make a mobile device” lol I don’t think they are ready, but maybe Sony is. Sony was scared when iPod touch launched games, with motion sensors. They probably have a strategy for it. Thanks for reading, I share at elucidmarketing.wordpress.com on a blog from time to time.

Elucid Media
elucidmarketing@gmail.com

NINTENDO 3D Preview Video

Facebook Shifts to 5th gear on info highway, Watch out Google! The Web Race continues in 2010!

Facebook has stepped up their position on the web and I don’t know if everyone really knows the impact. With the scare of paying for facebook, situating privacy policies, addiction of games, and app development, the momentum has been building.  Recent reports show the social networking site is the most visited, most accessed, and most active, surpassing Google search and Youtube video browsing.  This feat puts them number one, without all the trophies, lights, and first place ribbons.  We all learned this, and just shrugged it, like “interesting!”.  However, with recent launch of new features in the last few days, I’ve come to the conclusion that Facebook is in a super position to takeover.  The new features include eliminating “Fan Pages”, and simply refer to them as “Likes”.  Why? Look at myspace, they’re music related and commonly have fans.   Looks like facebook has realized myspace is no match and have became a new platform of its own.  The “Like” button is popular, it’s quick and easy way to give an opinion as self expression is growingly popular.

Facebook has also launched the collaboration of this “Like” feature with everyone’s profile, listing interest and activities as active links. Now the “info section” tab has active links to pages.  Now lets talk about these pages, which is the reason I decided to do a blog post.  These pages are powerful as they give more detail of our common interests. We would usually search for a Page or Group, but now, this pages are listed as interest in our info section. The layout has changed as well, giving us more organization and want to fill out personal info.  The company stated their goal was for everyone to use their ‘real identity’ and connect with friends.  This now give facebook a first class ticket into our own real lives as we embrace the technology and ‘fun’ with social networking so quickly.  So now with our real interest listed in profiles, these new pages will instantly be accessible and exposed to our networks.   The gives the old fan pages power, to grow and connect others fast.

The reason its so important is because this is the basis of advertising.  Grouping people creates instant ‘markets’, which is powerful for businesses.  I expect eCommerce, online marketers, and new media advertising to start incorporating facebook even more.  Businesses with “pages” can gather “Likes” and stay posted with a link in the user’s profile, which may be exposed to hundreds or thousands of their friends.  And lastly, there is a secret sauce about this Like button.  As we now enter more personal info from the new profile editing, our interest are automatically suggest to a keyword which creates the link (to fb pages).  Now this link is not only to fb pages, but gives information about what it actually is.  It extracts wikipedia, gives data of how many people ‘Like’ it too, and even shows recent post about the topic (from friends & globally).   I recently added social media as one of my interest and it features a gray icon, as implying a general keyword. It also new with only 300 people there, no wall present, and a tab of strictly wikipedia info about the topic.  This is reinventing the web.  We are now given power to do everything from ‘inside facebook’.  It gives search engine power as well as info seeking power.  Add this our everyday life portrayed on a social networking website.  It has become the center of a web universe.

Google, the advertising kings, managed to make a cool algorithm for a search engine and brand their name on nearly every website on the net, is an amzing feat. Google is battling other giants to really even have a shot at regaining it’s throne, but I think their profits will grow even by not being “so popular”.  Google is now in smartphone business, competing with Apple who is growing as well.  Google has Microsoft making a comeback and Yahoo who is lingering but could always get a second boost (i like underdogs).  I like Adobe as well, but Apple is cutting them out, hindering their growth and opportune.  Google will most likely take more marketshare in consumer electronics, Microsoft will put out more phones and focus on software, and Apple will build a web marketplace.  How about Ning and Yahoo join teams or Gaming companies make more gaming devices or online web markets.  We’ll see!

My other eye is on Ning.com who recently is gonna stop their free services and charge users. The company has invoked a now or never strategy, but seems promising with their growing interest in web apps and empowering user to create their own networks.   The stats show majority of Ning’s traffic is from some superstar profiles, which may not mind paying money after the successful from the platform.  I don’t know how the numbers pan out, but they should make some money to stay around for another launch of a feature or press release.

The newest conferences indicate a notion of “augmented reality” which is basically making the real world, virtual to an extent.  Imagine binoculars that zoomed into an object and then a pop up displayed a wiki page to describe it.  Or how about taking a picture with your cell phone and getting the longitude and latitude.  These are big projects in the future, but more recently we see technology invited into our lifestyle, daily routine, and providing info as in learning and communication as well.   Virtual world here we come and my  bet is through more apps, first mobile and maybe small devices like ipad & similar.

UPDATE:::  FACEBOOK INTERVIEW!

SOCIAL MEDIA STATISTICS

click to enlarge

Check out NEWS on Social Media that we recommend:

• How Facebook’s Newest Feature Could Change the Internet Atlantic Online

   

• 
  

  Apple Fires Back at Adobe in Flash Fiasco

   

• PlayStation to Stream Pro Baseball New York Times
• FCC remains mum on broadband reclassification CNET
• ARM boss pours cold water on Apple bid rumours after shares soar The Guardian
• Microsoft Connects Office To Facebook InformationWeek
• Google acquires startup Agnilux, stirs Android tablet rumors
• Facebook Accounts for 41% of Social Web Traffic Softpedia
• Facebook? Twitter? Microsoft tops social media use-survey

Great links for learning:

• mashable.com
• techcrunch.com
• engadget.com
• gizmodo.com
• readwriteweb.com
• net.tutsplus.com
• http://elucidmarketing.com/learn-social-media.html

Internet is a Fad? LOL See Amazing Internet Statistics from 2009

Click this image to view a comprehensive look at how the internet was utilized in 2009.  Great facts and growing trends, this chart is a must see for all those in marketing, small business, web development, social media lovers, and even students.  Thanks for visiting and check back for more!

Daydreaming of the Future of Web Technologies: A Google Matrix?

Yeah, I have been reading every blog I can to get a glimpse of the future.  Tech Crunch, Engadget, & even news aggregators are my friend in this journey to discover future trends and lifestyle changes caused by tech advancements.   I’ve saw Yahoo and Microsoft making moves as Google shadows Apple with a team of tech guru’s.  Yahoo is interested in Geo-Tagging or knowing where users are located by GPS.  Sounds normal until you mix the fact that advertising runs most the web and social networking has an undeniable force in future technologies.  With this said, your friends have the ability to track you if you want or you can walk into the local Wal-mart and instantly know what’s on sale.  Or even walk into a restaurant and your cell phone recieves a message about the poor rating of that shop.  This leads us to Microsoft (their best friend since short merger contract developed).  Microsoft has been exploring a “bar code-like” software program that links your cell phone camera to recognize Microsofts custom bar code.  The code is a 2d, weird looking image, and when scanned, it pulls details about the code.

So now imagine a cereal box that has this code above the original UPC.  You scan it with your phone and the nutritional facts are displayed on your iPhone.  A current program is educational related, whereas students can tag things on an adventure of learning with help of sponsored schools.  This tagging may be interesting in the future, if everyone embraces the MS code.

See the Tags within the Advert?

Bill Gates has also been eyeing Google Map functions such as StreetView, but they allow search of an object within the 360 images of a specific location.  This allows a person to get information about the location, building, business, and more, just from clicking on it within the “Street View” map.  With all these features, we are looking at the Matrix movie even more closer as it mirrors some future trends.  If every item has data attached to it, then knowledge of items will be much more availabe, businesses will have to try harder to satisfy consumers, and could lead to many more devices or software to encourage this growth.

We have a large part of society that loves learning new info and others who love the visual side of things.  This drives video game makers to push the boundaries and web companies to eye every device that displays data.  Google has played in every arena and becoming successful in establishing a new browser (chrome), a new smartphone with Apps Technology, and social networking tool (Google Wave) …plus many more that’s just sitting in their vault waiting to compete.  Apple is a solid company, but faces it’s toughest challenges yet.  They picked on Microsoft when they were doing bad, now have a swarm of people trying to off the giant.  Verizon vs ATT is not any help, Google is mad they reject a great App, and Microsoft is on every playing field it created.

Watch out Apple!  I read an article of Steve Jobs getting upset, even calling Adobe, lazy.  This is the future, the battle of the tech/info giants as well as the devices/connections that support them.  We’ll see how long it is before we live in a Google Matrix, tagging every item we know to receive instant search results for product description, support, or rating.  Have fun!

******* VIEW MICROSOFT TAG :  Video & ways to create your own!

2010 The Year of Social Media & Networking for Everyone!

Social networking has grown up… into its adolescent years, as 2009 claims victorious for major sites such as Twitter and Facebook.  The cultural impact of Twitter is undeniable, with mentions on many sitcoms, talk shows, and now even used in News articles.  The digital connection between friends and family on facebook is huge, creating interest by businesses, consumer electronics industry, and cell phone users.

Personally,  I have been tracking the progress intensely in the last year and love the capabilities of using social networking.  It’s great for business, generating leads, finding similar business owners, and viewing the current gossip from your target market.  We now can hear your conscious thinking as many are addicted to sending status updates throughout the day.  Last March, celebrities created this obsession, empowering users to detail their own life through text.  So what’s next?  Well, have you checked your blackberry or iPhone lately?  Your phone address book could instantly become updated with your friends facebook page or twitter account.  Depending on your phone or the app installed, your phone will be become more engaged into social networking.  Smartphones are growing to connect each person with the web, especially through apps, whether iPhone, Blackberry, or the new Android phones powered by Google.  Apple and Google are battling in an App War and Microsoft is in the mix, but probably glad someone is helping to destroy Apple.  If this is even possible, Google & Microsoft have a good grip on 2010, from cellular markets to software & electronics.  I can’t wait to see the competition, it brings users more features & benefits!

As Google Search starts to include Tweets & Facebook pages within search engine results, SEO has changed greatly. The mysterious formula to get high rankings has changed from a few variables that were manipulated before, into a complex understanding of each webpage.  No more meta tags! The Google bot reads a page, locating what famous sites are linking you, so having a twitter page actually helps.  Listing your Twitter feed (widget) on your front page is a great idea.  What else helps your rank?  The bot reads your “alt tags” for images or even links, as this helps identify the content.  If your website has relevant material about your industry, services, or products, then it will appear to be valuable in the search engine.  The age of a website was once considered important, but nowadays, we aim for real-time results, like status updates and the newest news break.   Try searching Google and clicking “show options” and find sites updated in the last week, year, etc or limit the number of shopping sites, news sites, etc.  This is what users are playing with, so keep this in mind when establishing yourself online.

Social networking is powerful. It’s a invitation for conversation, not only because the fad of having an online profile is growing, but because its convenient and fast.  When the trend dies down, we will start worrying about privacy and creating more closed networks, but for now, it’s fun!  It’s actually putting the social in the networking, as I can’t get enough of nerdy friends to make convo & learn quicker.  I find social networking much better than sending faxes, email, postal mail, or even in person, convincing a secretary to let me talk to the big man.  Now, I just find their twitter account and send a joke, proposal, & my contact info within 140 characters, yea, I’m getting that good!  The big man probably has a few dozen of tweets a day, but since I’m in the tech industry, most likely he’s infactuated with the growth as well.  Use it, don’t abuse it, twitter and facebook are now very effective.

Back to social media.  What’s the difference? Well, networking refers to just having a friends list. It doesn’tmatter from where, even though websites are currently in the lead, cell phones may have an unknown competitive advantage.  Just joining is fun, but when you add content to your network, then you’re speaking social media.  This includes pics, video, web links, and other things stored as files on your computer.  Sharing these is important to many social sites.  Just think of Youtube, the same design on every page, but entire site is created by user’s upload of videos. They are automatically created into a super site, this is called user generated content.  We have seem to forget the term Web2.0 which was commonly used to describe this, but find some graphic designers using it as a term for adding 3d or reflection to button images.

Now let’s talk the future!  Social networking sites are gearing up to empower web developers.  Learning how to develop websites and Apps is now becoming complicated, but rewarding.  I guarantee if you start to learn how to develop an Android App today, then you’ll be investing into a profitable skill.  Apps are selling like crazy, from $2 – $10, or even free, if you’re trying to get your brand name out there.  Now imagining starting a Android Twitter account, posting links of what you learn & search online, then selling your apps to the twitter audience.  You could even manage your updates on Facebook and ask twitter to join you there.  You can tweet from facebook or myspace now, or even check these on your cell phone 24hrs a day.  This is the marketing effect of social media.  Now each social networking site has a developer section to share ways to make the site even better.  Nerds are frantically helping spawn this episode of social developer fever… and i like it!  Try using the Facebook FBML, a new language as easy as HTML to let user login to your site & display their info.  Twitter API looks good with php, curl, etc, and myspace is coming along in recent months to open up to coders.

There is too much going on, yes, sad to say. Every tech junkie is battling to become the next standard platform or help out to get recognition.  Large corporations are the ones making the big moves. The little guys are smart… as well as have a chance for fame, but probably will sell out to the big guys for the right amount of money, yea, I would too!  The skill of forming strategies and being innovative is the vital key, not the silly websites & software we’re addicted too, knowing how to create this at any minute (with available resources).  Things will change so rapidly, that some developers are not willing to ride this rodeo.   Something new could crumble your new online startup or shatter the dreamy project your worked on.   Being “able to learn, quickly” is the asset most valuable.  The goal should include becoming a “trendy nerd,” not just an inventor, and I guarantee you will survive, lol  don’t take me so literal

Google wave has came and went, or has it? It’s not popular, for sure, but it’s innovation is remarkable and ahead of it’s time.  To put it short and sweet, Google wave is Microsoft Word empowered status updates, with amazing social networking capabilities.  And if you know MS Word, formatting your text as well as integrating web elements is lovely to a designer.  I’m not sure if Google will manage to keep interest in this as I would imagine MS would simply find ways in networking its word processor files.  The key at innovation is making sure everyone catches on quickly, look at twitter & facebook lingering for years.  That’s why I like viral marketing, causing a reaction that forces users to tell more users and spread over social networks.  A great web idea in 2010 can not be overlooked as more of the public is online, waiting to be entertained & empowered.  For developers, I suggest learning ways to create social networks, link devices, compliment life & our daily routines.  Make sure you have a great graphic designer to appeal with simplicity and a programmer that can allow users to have fun, share, store, & read in different languages.  And most of all, marketing & advertising.  You can spend all your money on Google ads, or you can just “shine online”.  Attract the attention of noisemakers and large fanbases, such as media sites, high traffic blogs, or groups and organizations.   Things that are trending in the news and humanitarian will always catch someone attention.

As everyone is linked to the web now through cell phones, netbooks, pc’s, video games, and more, the tech revolution begins. It starts with social networking, leads to social media, and will end with a cultural impact that allows devices and its data to become involved within our every move.  I feel we just aim to become virtual, we love doing everything we already do, but with a device.  We can even do more at a faster rate. I just worry how will it effect us socially as a cultural impact, sounds cute, but could bring more than we bargained.  For now, have fun, tweet, post, and share your media.  With the recession, social media kept us entertained, there is a God!

Try these sites for 2010:

http://newstimeline.googlelabs.com/

http://analytics.google.com

Buzzom.com

Mashable.com

Facebook.com/developers

Ning.com

Look out for these hot products in 2010:

3D HDTV Big Screens for $2000-8000, with 3d glasses costing $50-$100

Nintendo Wii with Netflix on demand

Android Apps

Google Nexus Phone

Microsoft Word finally gets a new release!

ADOBE

Facebook complimentary sites

100 Twitter Tools to Use Before 2010 – Great Resource Guide!

TWITTER’s Impact Continues…

Some social media networks are known as major time drainers for procrastinating students, butTwitter can also be used for school work, valuable networking, job searches and project management.

Here are 100 great Twitter tips, tools and tutorials for serious college students who want to turn their Internet time into something valuable.

Finding People

These tools will help you find the right people to follow, whether you want to hook up with industry insiders, people who can help you with your research, companies you’d like to intern with, or other professors and students.

1. Who Should I Follow?: This service will recommend interesting people for you to follow based on any username you type in.
2. Just Tweet It: With this service, you can find other Tweeters with similar interests as you.
3. Mr.Tweet: Mr. Tweet can also point out influential Tweeters you should be following.
4. WeFollow: Type in keywords to find people who’ve tagged themselves in this directory.
5. FriendOrFollow: Find out who’s not following you back with FriendOrFollow.
6. Twubble: Expand your follow bubble with Twubble.
7. Nearby Tweets: When you need a reference or contact who lives in your city, use this service to find them on Twitter.
8. Twitterator: With Twitterator, you can bulk-follow complete lists of people.
9. SocialToo: Sync follower lists with other social media sites like Facebook.
10. TweepSearch: Use this tool to search users’ bios when you’re looking for specific people to follow.
11. DoesFollow: Find out if certain people are following each other to help friends make connections.

Research

Use these tips and tools for job searches, finding experts to cite in your papers, and to learn more about the topics you’re discussing in class.

1. twitority: Get authority-based Twitter search here.
2. Twitter for Research: Why and How to Do It, Including Case Studies: Learn how to use Twitter for historical research and which tools to use.
3. Monitter: Monitter uses your keywords to find relevant tweets.
4. TweetMeme: TweetMeme is sort of like Digg and is helpful if you want to search popular links that are being tweeted.
5. Tweetag: Tag-Based Search for Twitter: This guide will show you how to use Tweetag to find information based on tags.
6. How to Use Twitter for Information Mining: This guide can help you gather information on companies, individuals and topics.
7. @trendingtopics: Follow Twitter’s trending topics feed to get frequent updates on breaking news.
8. Twitscoop: This service lets you “search and follow what’s buzzing on Twitter in real-time,” great for keeping up with trending topics.
9. Twitter search: Type in a keyword to find out how it’s being discussed on Twitter in real-time.
10. TweetVolume: Here you can enter words and phrases to see how often they pop up on Twitter, and where.
11. How to Search Twitter – The Advanced Guide: Discover how to do a word-level, person-related, location-specific, date-specific or resource search on Twitter.
12. 7 ‘Secret’ Ways to Use Twitter Search: This article will help you become a more efficient researcher and tune out the “chit-chat.”
13. Tweetbeep: Set up alerts so that you know when something or someone is being tweeted about.

Study Breaks

Twitter isn’t just about research and assignments. These tips and tools will show you how to use Twitter for break time, too.

1. Foamee: Keep track of who owes you beer and coffee with this tool.
2. Cursebird: Track curse words on Twitter and see how many times people say the “f” word and other fun swear words.
3. LoveTweet!: Find love poems, break-up stories and more.
4. Tweetwasters: Use this tool to manage your wasted time on Twitter.
5. InnerTwitter: InnerTwitter lets you know when it’s time to get back to work and focus on what’s in front of you.

Discussion and Collaboration

When you have to meet with project group members, study for a test with classmates, talk with a professor, or tweet from club meetings, use these collaboration tools and tips.

1. Share files: Services like FileSocial and FileTwt let you share files publicly or privately.
2. Screenr: Create screencasts for your followers with Screenr.
3. 30+ More Ways to Create Twitter Groups: This guide will show you how to make the most of Twitter groups.
4. Share videos and photos: For school projects and presentations, share videos and photos via Twitter.
5. GroupTweet: Set up private communication with group members using this tool.
6. StrawPoll: It’s easier to collect data from groups of people when you use a poll like this one.
7. Twitzer: When you need to explain something in greater detail, use this app to type in more than 140 characters.
8. TweetCube: Share files — including videos and images — with TweetCube.
9. twonvo: Twonvo is helpful for following conversations: retweets are displayed like Facebook’s threads.
10. Phweet: Phweet is like conference calling for Twitter friends.
11. tweetparty: Group messaging is made possible by tweetparty, which lets you create subgroups too.

Building Relationships

Here you’ll learn all about using Twitter to build quality relationships for school and your career.

1. Don’t spam: Spamming means tweeting every time something pops into your head. Edit your tweets so that you’re only contributing when it matters, not whenever you’re bored.
2. Tweeple Card: Make a business card for Twitter with this tool.
3. twtcard: Send surprise greeting cards to network with people or send invitations to study groups.
4. Retweet: Retweet others’ comments, and they’ll be more likely to do the same for you.
5. Share your knowledge: Let others know you’re available for homework help or to share tips and insight into your passions.
6. Follow Friday: Look for new users to follow on Fridays, when your other friends will hashtag some of their favorites. Highlight your followers too to spread the love.
7. Edit your follow list: The people you follow and your followers can influence what others think about you, so be careful who you network with.
8. Tweet about things besides you: You’ll be known as a more valuable follow if you tweet news stories and about things besides yourself.
9. Become an expert on your community: Whether it’s your dorm or your city, be the one others turn to for help navigating and finding things to do in your area.
10. 8 Things to Consider Before Using Twitter Lists: Before you start listing, read this article to learn about its benefits and downfalls.
11. Use direct messaging: For more private conversations, reach out to someone via direct message.

Career

Twitter is a great career resource too, so make use of these tools and tips when researching companies, finding internships and setting up interviews.

1. twibs: Find businesses to follow with Twibs.
2. Twitter JobSearch: Type in the job you want and let this service find it for you on Twitter.
3. Set up two different accounts: Set up a business account and a separate one for goofing off with your friends: you don’t want your future employers to see what you tweet about parties and late nights.
4. Keep an eye on the competition: Get to know the habits and resumes of people vying for similar jobs as you.
5. Know how to pitch yourself: Don’t just talk about how great you are: pitch your skills in the form of tips for others.
6. Organize a tweetup: Schedule a meet-up or mixer to meet contacts in real-life.
7. Turn Twitter Friends into Real Friends: Learn how to network so that your Twitter relationships result in something concrete.
8. Getting In Front of High Profile People: Copyblogger shares tips for getting on the radar of the tweeters who matter.
9. 10 Networking Tips for Tweeters: Emma Merkas’ tips include standing out from the crowd and being social in real life.
10. Tweetmondo: Look for business contacts in your area or an area of your choosing with Tweetmondo.

Organization

Keep your Twitter experience streamlined and in control with these tools and tips.

1. Twitblocker: When you need Twitter for school and work purposes, block out all the social noise with this tool.
2. Lists: Create lists to organize discussions and groups.
3. Desktop: Use a desktop app so that you can view, filter and organize your Twitter feeds without having to log on.
4. 10 Ways to Archive Your Tweets: Learn about the tools and tips that can save you room on Twitter.
5. 20 Ways to Filter Your Tweets: Learn how to filter tweets by keyword, links, groups, or favorites to stay better organized.
6. TwitKit: TwitKit is a Firefox app that creates a Twitter sidebar for your browser.
7. MyTweeple: Check tweets, hide followers, review people’s stats and reevaluate your follow list with this tool.
8. twuffer: Schedule tweets to share later with twuffer.
9. Twply: Have @replies forwarded to your inbox so you never miss a shout out.
10. Ping.fm: Ping.fm is another tool for syncing FB, Twitter, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, AIM and more.
11. 10 Ways You Can Use Twitter Lists: Sarah Evan’s article shows you 10 ways you can use lists to organize Twitter.

Assignments

Check out this list to find ways to use Twitter for project management, assignment tracking and more.

1. bkkeepr: Track your reading lists here.
2. TwitterNotes: Take, save and tag notes on Twitter with this app.
3. Twittercal: Sync Twitter and your Google calendar so that you’re reminded of deadlines and exam dates.
4. Twitly: Separate your Twitter follows into different lists and groups, which is especially helpful if you want to separate different classmates, people you’re following for different research papers, or general follows.
5. How to use Twitter as a project management tool: Study groups and clubs will get tips on using Twitter effectively here.
6. Remember The Milk: The Twitter version of this task manager can also remind you of upcoming assignments, study groups and more.
7. Read the news: Subscribe to niche and general news feeds for supplementary learning materials.
8. Ask questions: Use Twitter as a study help tool, and ask questions when you can’t get ahold of your professor.
9. Take notes: Take notes from a club meeting or class to save for later, get feedback from others in the community, or share with a friend.

Tutorials and Guides

Turn to these tutorials and guides for in-depth explanations for setting up Twitter, finding people, and more.

1. The Ultimate Guide to Everything Twitter: Start out with this guide to learn about Twitter memes, relationships, apps and more.
2. HOW TO: Do Good on Twitter: This guide will show you how to find nonprofit groups and get your own club on Twitter.
3. Treating Twitter as an Investment: Making Twitter work for you takes time. Read this article to find out why it’s worth it.
4. Twitter for Academia: This guide is written for professors but can also be helpful for students wanting tips for using Twitter for discussion, research and real-life experience.
5. @TwiTuts: Follow this feed to get constant Twitter tutorials and tips.
6. Make the Most of Your 140 Twitter Characters: TutWow can help you say more with less.
7. 3 Ways to Recognize Bots and Spammers on Twitter: Don’t waste your time following worthless auto-spammers.
8. Top Twitter Tools Exposed: If you don’t know which tools to start with, watch this video.
9. Twitter Tutorial: 5 Desktop Apps: This is kind of a goofy video, but it can help you figure out how to pick a desktop application for Twitter.
10. How to use Twitter on the go: Use Twitter on your mobile phone after watching this video.

Miscellaneous Tools

From selling your stuff on Twitter to making Twitter easier to find, check out these tools.

1. Twitpay: If you have PayPal, you can raise money for causes or sell your stuff with TwitPay.
2. twitition: Create, sign and share petitions with this tool.
3. TwitterFone: Send messages to Twitter with your voice when you use TwitterFone.
4. Xpenser: Use Xpenser to track your expenses and save money, even while you’re on Twiter.
5. Twitturl: This Firefox add-on lets you post the URL of the page you’re currently on to Twitter.
6. Twittonary: This dictionary of Twitter words and shorthand will keep you on track with tweeting pros.
7. Twitsig: Your tweets will show up as images when you use this tool.
8. Tweetminster: British politics are tracked on this live Twitter stream.
9. Twitlist: Sell and buy your stuff with Twitter and Craigslist with this mashup.

Thanks to Carol Brown, Accredited Online Colleges.