Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Obama's Birth Certificate


The White House finally released the president's long form birth certificate in an attempt to put his “birth” question to rest. White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer noted, “The President believed the distraction over his birth certificate wasn't good for the country. It may have been good politics and good T.V., but it was bad for the American people and distracting from the many challenges we face as a country.” President Obama already released his birth certificate in 2008, but many nonbelievers said the absence of a long form birth certificate was questionable. In recent weeks potential GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump has brought these “birth” related questions into the forefront of the media. I guess this ends the discussion. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

How To Launch A Social Media Campaign


Most small companies instantly are turning to Facebook, LinkedIn and other established groups to boost business. According to Network Solutions, 31 percent of small firms use social media, up from 24 percent in 2009. However, that still suggests that the majority of small businesses aren’t tapping social media at all. Although a lack of time and resources plays a big role in that reluctance, there’s another reason as well: uncertainty over how to get started.
 Lee Odden, the CEO of Top Rank Marketing explains that most businesses turn to Facebook without a real reason as to why they wish to have a page. Publicity is great, but without a reason, a purpose, it is simply isn’t helping business. As he notes, "There are other consequences from not knowing the "why." For example, you might have employees from two different departments engaging with people on, say, Twitter. If they lack a common understanding of the goal, they can actually confuse customers. Knowing the "why" will allow you to have a cohesive concept of how employees should behave online as they represent the brand. Keep in mind, however, that the strategy you use to accomplish those goals should be adaptive. There simply are too many variables at play and the dynamics of the social Web change so quickly. The reality is, after six months, your hypothesis may need to shift." 
Wendy King, the president of Kazoos, notes that one must understand the kind of media that’s best suited to the target audience. For example, only 8 percent of the U.S. population is on Twitter. And the demographics prove that the users are people under the age of 45. As he says, "If you’re using Twitter as a marketing platform, then it makes sense if that’s your target market. But, if your market is baby boomers, Twitter isn’t the best choice."
From businesses to capaigns, New Media is perhaps the most vital component in terms of growth of any project. Opposing candidates like Pawlenty must ready themselves to challenge Obama, who has clearly figured out how to best reach Americans through New Media. Without excellent and efficient use of New Media, a candidate cannot hope be victorious.



Monday, April 4, 2011

Obama Re-Election Begins With New Media


President Barack Obama formally launched his re-election campaign Monday, urging supporters to mobilize again to protect and conserve the change he's brought over the past two years. The official start of his second White House bid, in the midst of three wars, a budget fight with Congress, and sluggish economic recovery, comes 20 months before the November 2012 election. However, supporters have noted that they never expected change to be easy or quick. They firmly believe President Obama will come through in the end. Republicans were quick to criticize the news. Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty released his own web video in which he says: “How can America win the future, when we're losing the present? In order for America to take a new direction, it's going to take a new president.” Much like the last election, President Obama is taking full advantage of New Media. President Obama himself acknowledged it best, “politics does not begin with expensive TV ads.” President Obama has been directing supporters to a brand new website featuring his new logo, 2012 with the rising sun in the background. The video on the website is a portion of testimonials from a demographically diverse group of backers who intend to stay involved in this campaign ensuring his victory.


Sunday, April 3, 2011

I Stand Tonight With Israel

I found Glenn Beck's words to be incredibly inspirational regarding Israel recently. He explains that is is simply ludicrous to assert that Israel is standing in the way of peace when bloggers are begin jailed, homosexuals and adulterers being murdered amongst the surrounding Arab nations. I find the entire speech to be quite powerful. He uses many tactics including rephrasing all of points in question form to really give the listener a profound message. As he notes, "how many terrorists are wearing a yarmulke?" He also acknowledges that the media is trying to blame Israel. Beck asserts that it is impossible to stand my a country, namely the Arab ones, who will kill people for not joining their faith. Meanwhile, Israel promotes freedom in every regard. They will allow "Bibles and Korans" into their country. Overall, it's nice to know people are looking out for Israel. I've attached the link here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM0DjOC74zI