Imaginative Marketing…For a Good Cause
October 6, 2008 by Simon Ashton
Filed under All, PR, social media
I don’t think many people realize exactly how hard it is to market for a charity. Years ago I worked on a website which raised money for a South African park project, and it was far, far tougher trying to get noticed there than on most of the commercial sites I’ve worked with.
So I was extremely impressed with the approach this Belgian company took to getting their message across
(tip of the hat to Donor Power Blog, where I came across this):
Unlike the ‘edgy’ Truth stunts and videos, which appear to be trying way too hard, this campaign actually worked, not only in raising awareness of the issue, but (more importantly?) dollars too. Well, Euros.
Where Did You See the Palin Skits?
October 5, 2008 by Lyn Mettler
Filed under All, social media
Alright, so most of you have probably seen Saturday Night Live’s skits featuring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin. They’ve been a big hit so far. I mean, how could they not? Tina Fey looks SO much like Palin and she does a great impression to boot. But, the question is, where did you see it?
As much as I hate to admit it, because it makes me feel like I am definitely no longer cool (well, not sure I ever was 
), but I never stay up to watch Saturday Night Live any more. OK, I haven’t stayed up to watch it since my first son was born 4 1/2 years ago. I used to love SNL, but Mommy hours just don’t allow for 1 a.m. nights anymore. I’m guessing I’m not alone in my un-coolness.
Thank goodness for the Web. Now, this mom, who, admission No. 2: does not have a DVR either, can watch the funny skits online at my leisure. The best part, I don’t have to suffer through all the un-funny ones either.
A new survey came out recently that confirmed my suspicions: 51% of people who saw at least one of the Palin skits saw it on the Internet. They watched it either on YouTube, NBC.com or Hulu.com. Those of you who don’t know about Hulu should check it out. It’s one of my favorites. They have shows from NBC, FOX, Comedy Central, Bravo, Sci Fi, E!, FX and more on there, including tons of classic SNL skits (see: d%&* in a box with Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg – caution: not family friendly), in a format that is actually appealing to view. Very high quality, not the grainy YouTube look. It’s lovely.
I think this is a turning point for Web video and a real advantage that online can offer over TV. Sure, you can record your shows and watch them later, but for something short like an SNL skit, it’s so much easier just to pull it up on your computer — and even easier to forward it around, share it on Facebook, “tweet” it on Twitter and more.
Where did you see one of the Palin skits? Answer below:
Introducing the Lowcountry Twitter List
October 1, 2008 by Simon Ashton
Filed under All, social media
Join the Lowcountry Twitter List
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Twitter. It’s currently both my favorite waste of time and my most productive outlet. For fun, making contacts, publicity, research and much more, Twitter is simply the best right now.
But…
While it’s easy to make contact with those in your field, or with similar interests, it can be kind of tricky to find those geographically close to you. You can try TwitterLocal, or search for mentions of you city, but it’s still a bit hit or miss.
So, inspired by the Official Nashville Twitter List, we decided to start the Official Lowcountry Twitter List. If you’re looking to make local contacts, we’re here. If you want to make yourself known, please send us your info via the form or contact @simonashton on Twitter . Feel free to copy or share the page, the more the merrier, and any suggestions or comments are more than welcome.
Hope to hear from you soon.
