Networking in the Niches

A colleague of mine shared this quick post from Paul Chaney of Bizzuka who writes that many of the discussion groups created at large social networking sites aren't all that active. He comments that 'indigenous, self-standing niche networks" might be a more successful model, especially effective for niche networks and membership groups. He also links to a site devoted to WOM (word of mouth) marketing.

This is another example that networking, sharing and publishing might be easier and faster than ever, but the basics of networking continue on. Here is Chaney's post: http://www.socialmediatoday.com/SMC/28580.

From where I sit, and criticize all around me, I think we've made it too easy for people write and publish and share and forward . . . . Unless it's me, of course, I'd like everyone to think before hitting the send button. How can I possible read all your posts and emails when I am busy writing them myself?

Goo Goo, Dah Dah, Bebo: Time is Running Out on Baby Names

With AOL's $850M purchase of social media company Bebo, with a 40-million-member community, I am reminded that time is running out on securing those really funny baby-talk names. I was thinking BooBoo.com might be a great one, especially if you sold bandages, GlugGlug.com would good if you, say, ran a beer marketing publication, but it looks snapped up. Because "ma" is often a child's first word, I thought http://www.mamma.com/ would be good. Turns out it's a snappy little search engine. I searched myself on it, and it was pretty good. Anytime I can seem my name on the Internet gives me chills of excitement. It also turned up a photo of Wild Bill Hagy (pictured). No relation.

Anyway, to see a story about AOL and Bebo, written in adult English, go here: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23609587/. AOL, for those of you who just arrived in by donkey cart, is owned by Time Warner.

Thanks to Scott Jacobs for sending it over.

Bye For Now, Margie

Folks, our SIPA circle just got a little less warm. We are all going to have step it up.

Margie, I miss your smiling face and wise counsel already. You're not one to leave the party early so there must have been a reason, or you're really ticked off right now. Either way, let's laugh our asses off at the next one too.

Our hearts go out to Larry, the kids, family and many close friends. She was the best.