Group Collaborations Made Easy with Micromobs

In short, Micromobs is like Twitter or Yammer for family, friends and classmates. The service lets you create groups, which can be public or private. Each mob is set up like a mini microblogging service with status updates, replies, search, etc. If you’re looking for a simple collaboration tool for school, groups of friends or a way to keep in touch with family then this tool is perfect. It only takes a few minutes to set up your mob, and you can login via Facebook or Twitter.

Create A Mob

You’ll need a name for your mob. The name you choose will also be attached to your custom domain, so make sure it’s not too long. You’ll have the option to invite friends via email or by sharing a short URL (supplied by the site). You can also share your mob on Facebook and/or Twitter with the click of a button. It’s also a good idea to go into the settings and add a description and image to your mob. Here you can also set your mob as public or private. If your mob is private, no one will be able to see anything going on in the mob unless they are a member.

Participate In Your Mob

Being active in your mob is easy. Like Twitter, there is a status update box; you can attach an image to your post and even share it on Facebook. What’s nice about Micrombos is that there is no character counter and no limitations to worry about. Like Facebook if you add a link, a description (and sometimes a thumbnail) will be attached to your post (see below).

There is no way to edit your posts, but you can delete them. Others can reply to you in Twitter-like fashion using the “@” symbol. When you click on “reply” below a post, the @username is automatically entered into the text box. You and others can also share posts on Twitter with the click of a tiny icon. All of these options appear only when you scroll your mouse over a specific post.

If you are on the page when a new reply or post is made, a notification will appear at the top of the timeline letting you know. Once you refresh the page you’ll be able to see it.

Popular Topics

As your mob gets more popular and more people are participating, you’ll start to see the popular topics displayed in the right sidebar. This is pretty much like trending topics for Twitter, except they are only applicable to your single mob.

Popular Users

You can also see who the three most active members of the mob. The most active/top user will have the title “chief” displayed next to them.

Quick Reply Methods

Micromobs also has a mobile version, which is great for keeping up with your mob on the go. Alternately, you can also reply by email. You can choose to receive an email whenever someone mentions you or responds to a post you’ve made or commented on. It’s a good idea to enable this because you can just reply to the email notice in order to reply back.

You’ll also get weekly digests sent to your email so that you can keep up with what’s going on with your mobs. You can, of course, choose which mobs to receive email digests for (if any at all).

I have been using Micromobs for a few months now and I have four mobs that I’ve created myself. I’m very happy with the service and how easy it is to use. Even if you have family members who are not very computer literate, they should have no issues with Micromobs as it’s very easy to catch on to. Micromobs has made it fun and easy for me to keep in touch with classmates as well as online friends.

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Study Says Social Media Users Follow Only 5 Brands

More than ever, social media users are including brands in their list of friends and follows but according to the 2010 Cone Consumer New Media Study, five is the magic cutoff number.

How do you become part of the small, inner circle? You already know the answer to that. 77% of users said they followed a brand for free products or discounts. No surprise there. But getting the engagement and keeping it, are two different things.

Says Cone‘s director of new media, Mike Hollywood:

“Attracting new media followers is like starting a fire – coupons are your gasoline, and engaging content are the logs that keep the fire burning. Consumers’ affinity can only tolerate five brands, so companies need to think beyond the coupon or clever widget to figure out how to develop long-term relationships with real staying power. The best new media strategies are those that balance relevant content with timely promotions and ongoing company-consumer dialogue.”

According to the survey, 58% of users will stop following a company if it acts irresponsibly toward its consumers, over-communicates with them (58%) or provides irrelevant content (53%). Under-communicating (36%) or censoring user-generated content (28%) are the lesser reasons why people disconnect.

Personally, I disconnect from brands mostly because the deal I signed up for is over. For example, I’m currently following Lowe’s thanks to their crazy Black Friday promotion but once it’s over, I’ll likely “unlike” them. Facebook has made that easier than ever by including the option on the drop-down linked to each post. Since they added that ability, I’ve disconnected from several brands I was following in order to get a deal or coupon. Why bother disconnecting at all? It does tie back to that magic number five. I simply can’t tolerate more than five commercial messages popping up in my social media stream on Facebook. On Twitter, where things blend in and become invisible very quickly, my tolerance for following brands is much higher.

The takeaway here is that coupons and deals will bring them in but you have to up your game if you intend to keep the audience you developed. You have to deliver content that is useable or fun and you have to engage the community. If a person is a participant and not just a watcher, they’re more likely to stick around, share information and buy what you’re selling. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

You can download the full presentation for free from Cone. Just click here.

Graphic by Cone

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Facebook’s Data Tactics: Disrupting or Disturbing?

Many people like to talk about the disruption that Facebook is creating in the business landscape. Most prominent of those is Mark Zuckerberg himself.

Funny thing is that when he talks about the new world order that is being brought about by Facebook (and I suppose there are others but that’s not his job to say anyone is as smart as he is now, is it?), he usually leaves out the dark spots.

One of those has been revealed by Google as the search giant is pulling Facebook’s ability to import contact data from Google properties (Gmail) for the simple reason that Facebook doesn’t offer reciprocity on the deal like most other sites.

Jason Kincaid of TechCrunch reports on Google’s reasoning for why they are pulling the plug on Facebook with this response from Google themselves

Google is committed to making it easy for users to get their data into and out of Google products. That is why we have a data liberation engineering team dedicated to building import and export tools for users. We are not alone. Many other sites allow users to import and export their information, including contacts, quickly and easily. But sites that do not, such as Facebook, leave users in a data dead end.

So we have decided to change our approach slightly to reflect the fact that users often aren’t aware that once they have imported their contacts into sites like Facebook they are effectively trapped. Google users will still be free to export their contacts from our products to their computers in an open, machine-readable format–and once they have done that they can then import those contacts into any service they choose. However, we will no longer allow websites to automate the import of users’ Google Contacts (via our API) unless they allow similar export to other sites.

It’s important that when we automate the transfer of contacts to another service, users have some certainty that the new service meets a baseline standard of data portability. We hope that reciprocity will be an important step towards creating a world of true data liberation–and that this move will encourage other websites to allow users to automate the export of their contacts as well.

Of course, the goal of this action and the statement that follows it is to paint Google as riding on the white horse of openness while Facebook rides the black horse of closed, unsharing and uncooperative data monger. They actually pull it off in this case.

Kincaid continues

Facebook has claimed in the past that there are sensitive issues around exporting contact information. But that hasn’t stopped it from pulling in whatever data it can. And it has also forged deals with both Hotmail and Yahoo that will let those services access its contact data. Google didn’t do a partnership with Facebook, so it doesn’t get the goods.

In other words, the battle lines are being drawn and there is enough of a window for a company like Google to paint Zuckerberg and Facebook into the corner of their disruptive business being more of a disturbing business. A business where openness is a political front facing ideal that doesn’t quite depict the behind the scenes reality of “If you don’t play with us we won’t recognize you”.

It looks like this gamesmanship is all part of the growing process of the future of the Internet as we know it. Google is now the granddaddy of the space while Facebook is the young whipper snapper coming up with little respect for anyone and doing what it deems necessary to succeed (Which is make as much money as possible not change the world like a sweaty Zuckerberg proclaims. Mark and your minions, please stop thinking that the rest of us are morons like your college ‘friends’).

This won’t necessarily impact the actual users of these services (other than those who are silly enough to just import everything from one place to another without thinking about whether all of those folks even belong there). What it will impact is just how much of the social graph Facebook will have ultimately.

You see, despite their aggressive tactics they are working hard to piss off a rather larger part of the online world by treating Google as the enemy and not a ‘frienemy’. If Google decides to take their ball and go home that will sting even the mighty Facebook and it could disrupt the disruptor even more.

Your thoughts?

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Leave Your Social Footprints All Over the Web with Marginize

I have been using the Marginize browser plugin for a couple weeks now on both Firefox and Google Chrome. It’s a non-obtrusive tool that I really enjoy using because it makes browsing the Web more fun and social. Marginize is a great way to see what others are saying (on Twitter, Facebook and Google Buzz) about a specific web page. As you’re surfing the Web, you can also share your own thoughts and opinions about any web page. Not only that but you can check-in to any web page and possibly become the “curator”. Being the curator means that you are the most active person on that site (for the moment).

Like many sites now, Marginize allows you to sign in with your existing Twitter, Facebook or Google Buzz account; no need for creating a new account. One you install the browser plugin (or add the bookmarklet to your bookmarks bar) you will see a tab displayed on the right side of your browser. There will also be a button at the top of your toolbar that allows you to show/hide the tab. The tab will also have a number displayed on it, which represents the number of people who have commented on that page via the plugin.

Clicking on the tab will open up a sidebar-like window (on top of the current web page). This is where you interact on Marginize. You can check-in to the current web page with the click of a button. When you check in, you’ll have the option to share your check-in on Twitter, Facebook or Google Buzz (depending on which network is selected when you click check-in). By the way, you’ll be able to see all of your check-ins and comments on your profile page.

You can only check in to a specific web page once every 4 hours. You will not be allowed to check in until time is up. Until then, a timer will show on the button letting you know how many hours, minutes and seconds you have left until you can check in again.

You can see who (from the Marginize community) has recently been to that page. You can view the “community” for that site, which will show all of the people who have been to that page and how many times. Users will be ranked by number of visits to the page and you’ll be able to see the current curator.

Then there is a box that lets you say something about the website, and you can choose which social network to share your comment on. If others have reacted/commented, you will be able to see those below the box. If not, you’ll be invited to be the first one to react. If there are reactions/comments already there you can like, RT and comment on them. You can also click on the user’s name or avatar to view their Marginize profile.

I like that with Marginize, you can take Twitter, Facebook and Google Buzz to every web page that you visit. Surprisingly, the tab never seems to get in the way and it doesn’t slow down any web pages either. In my opinion, Marginize is a definite win for those who want to be more social and love sharing what they’re doing all around the Web.

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Lowe’s, Best Buy Start Black Friday Early

It’s 8:47 pm PST, nearly midnight on the east coast and 2,000 people have just left a comment on a Lowe’s Facebook post that went up five minutes ago. Why? Because in just a few minutes, Lowe’s is going to launch their Black Friday Sneak Peek Party where they say they’ll be giving out coupon codes for up to 90% off items at Lowes.com.

The deals will be off specific items and limited in quantity which means bargain hunters have to virtually stand in line and fight the crowd if they want to get one. A coupon handed out at 1 am will probably sell out within the hour, which of course, is meant to entice people to stay on all day and night. In between giveaways, Lowe’s is going to announce the Black Friday sale items that will be available on the real BF – the day after Thanksgiving. Talk about creating a buzz!

Though it’s likely no one will be trampled in the Facebook melee, (more than 90,000 people signed up for the event), there’s bound to be some hitches and some hard feelings as the day goes on. One can only hope that Lowe’s has a properly prepared staff of social media managers, customer service reps and website troubleshooters on hand to deal with the load.

For those that like a more visceral experience, Best Buy is having their own pre-Black Friday sale this Friday and Saturday. It may be wishful thinking on their part, but the ad talks about lines forming two hours before store opening, tickets as place holders and limited quantities.

All this without the sinking sensation of having eaten too much turkey? How’s a person supposed to cope with that?

For months, experts have been saying that the deals will happen early and often this holiday season, with some retailers, like Newegg.com, going for a Black November concept in order to maximize sales.

Update – two minutes after the hour and Facebook fans are already complaining that Lowes.com is down. It’s going to be a long night.

Are you ready for Black Friday?

ETA: Lowe’s 5,000 90% off coupon Black Friday Facebook Party just ended a half hour in with only 100 coupons given out on a mixer. Servers are dead. Party’s over and the mocking has begun. A lesson to be learned here for sure.

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5 Reasons to Attending Blogging (and Other) Conferences

It’s a known fact that conferences can be expensive. Not only do you have the cost of registration and travel, but also the expense of time away from your work, family and social life at home.

If you are traveling to another city for a major multi-day conference you can easily expect to spend several thousand dollars in travel costs and miss at least a week of your normal life. As great of a time as it might be, it can be hard to justify the expense when you consider an actual vacation can cost less and be far more relaxing.

Because of this, many bloggers choose to stick to their online socialization. However, as great as email, IM, comments and other forms of communication are, they are no substitute for meeting someone face-to-face

So if you tend to pass on conferences because they are too expensive (in one regard or another) or simply not valuable enough, here’s five reasons you may wish to reconsider that and maybe give going to one a (second) try.

1. Networking

Though you can do some great networking online, it can’t compete what you can do face-to-face. The ability to look someone in the eye, shake hands, have a natural conversation without the barriers of technology and enjoy a meal together are just some of the things you can’t do on the Web.

Physical networking is more “real” and memorable than virtual networking and the people you meet face-to-face are much more likely to remember you than those you’ve exchanged a few emails with. There are people I’ve met once at a conference I’ll never forget but people I talk to semi-regularly online I can barely recall.

In short, physical interaction just brings you closer to other people and lets you build stronger connections that you can take into the virtual world.

If you need any tips on how to network better at a conference, take a look at Ben Spark’s excellent post filled with such tips.

2. Information and Education

Conferences are not just about meeting new people and heavy drinking. Contrary to popular belief, conferences have sessions where people teach things they know and give others the chance to ask questions.

Attending sessions at relevant conferences is a great chance to expand your knowledge into new areas or simply get a brush up on what you should already know. It’s also a great chance to get a grasp on a new technology or idea that you haven’t had the chance to try out yet and get yourself on the cutting edge of your field.

3. Ending Isolation

Blogging, by in large, is a very solitary activity, usually done by one person alone in their home or office blogging on subjects they feel passionate about. Conference are a chance to break that isolation, see that there are other people out there who do they same thing you do, put faces to names and make human connections.

More than just networking, conferences are a reminder that you aren’t isolated that the Web is “real” and that the things we do online do have an impact in the physical world and that you are part of a community, whether you realize it or not.

Basically, if you’re experiencing a case of blogger blues, a conference may be just what you need.

4. Get New Ideas

If you feel like you’re running low on ideas for your site, a conference may be just the thing that you need. Talking with other people, getting new perspectives and seeing what outsiders have to say about your niche can give you a lot of great things to talk to on your site and may even enable you to choose topics that let you reach out to new audiences.

A conference can lead you to new paths to follow and that can make blogging exciting again, both for you and your readers.

5. They Don’t Have to Be Expensive

As true as it is that many of the bigger blog conferences can be very costly, in every sense of the word, there are many, smaller ones that probably won’t be. If you seek out smaller events closer to home, you’ll save on travel, time away and, in most cases, registration.

By staying more local, you can not only cut the cost of the event, but also meet people in your area that you may be able to form a local network with and see on a regular basis. This can help turn blogging friendships into new real-life friendships that can help you in an infinite number of ways down the road.

Bottom Line

To be clear, conferences aren’t a magic place and I don’t think bloggers should spend more time mingling and networking than they do producing good content. But that doesn’t change the fact that going to conferences regularly is not just a great chance to have some fun, but will also help make you a better blogger and help you keep your enthusiasm about your site alive.

In the end, if you’ve been shying away from conferences, it might be time to give them a shot and, if you’ve been before and didn’t enjoy it, it’s likely time to try another event.

There are just too many ways conferences can help you be a better blogger to ignore them outright and you owe it to yourself, and your readers, to see if you can take advantage of what they have to offer.

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News Corp to MySpace: Shape Up or Ship Out

“We’ve been clear that MySpace is a problem.”

“The current losses are not acceptable or sustainable.”

They must show improvement in “in quarters, not in years.”

News Corp. president Chase Carey spoke to investors earlier this week and everyone is talking about it. He made it clear that the 70 million drop in ad and search revenue wasn’t going to be tolerated and that without a major improvement MySpace’s days were numbered.

It’s interesting timing. Not two weeks ago, MySpace announced a major overhaul that included a redesign and a focus on entertainment and a younger demographic. The website’s one saving grace over the years has been its popularity with musicians. Back in 2005, shortly after the NewsCorp buyout, MySpace launched its own record label.

“We have marketing power reach at our fingertips,” MySpace CEO Chris DeWolfe said Thursday. He said the relationship with News Corp. could get bands it signs into movies developed by 20th Century Fox and on television shows on the Fox network.”

Their first band was called Hollywood Undead. Maybe that should have been a sign.

So here we are in 2010 and here’s Carey tapping his foot as he waits impatiently for the hordes to return to the once beautiful and powerful Oz. Will it happen? I think it could. But first MySpace has to stop trying to be Facebook. They can’t compete, but they can come back with an entirely different product that gets people excited about social media again.

If MySpace can build an interactive playground focusing on trends in movies, music and TV, they could have something. Facebook doesn’t cut it in this area and neither does iTunes’ new Ping network. Give me a spot that makes it easy to send my friends my favorite clip from a TV show and download the song that played over it and I’d come back to MySpace.

The question is, will they be able to build something new before the NewsCorp clock runs out.

What do you think? Does MySpace have a chance of regaining an audience or will it be on the auction block within a year?

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