Why Twitter? Why?

I understand that sometimes way too many people flood Twitter and cause the site to be "over capacity" -- but why doesn't happen to other social networking sites, such as Facebook? And why does it happen at such random times, like right now in the middle of the work day...

And, of course, the Twitter world later explodes with chatter about how the site has been down. I'm curious, what's the deal? You'd think Twitter would have this down by now.

What luxury execs need to know about Gen Y

A few weeks ago I went to L2’s Generation Next Forum in New York City and heard a lot about how brands can better market to Gen Y. This is a rather lengthy clip (it runs about 17 minutes), but it gives great insight into how Gen Y views luxury brands. Sterling Lanier from market research firm Chatter Inc. discusses what luxury marketers need to know about how the group sees the category.




Click, click, click.

Stalkers wanted

Like so many of you, it often takes me awhile to go through my crowded inbox. Plus, sometimes companies send such boring emails that it's a struggle just to get through them. Before today, I never heard of a company called LearnSomething Inc. -- a Tallahassee-based e-solution company serving the pharmacy, healthcare and supermarket industries -- but it got my attention earlier when it "cordially invited" via email me to start stalking them on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

My initial thought? Don't mind if I do...

With so many companies on social networking sites these days, it's hard to draw attention to your e-media initiatives. But what I love about this email blast from LearnSomething is that it 1) told me in a cute, clever way where to find them online; 2) provided all of the links to do so right in the email; and 3) avoided using overused language -- such as "Follow us on Twitter!" -- and instead invited me to "stalk" them.

Stalking is actually the perfect word to use when it comes to sites like Facebook and Twitter. It shows me that LearnSomething knows a thing or two about social media.

Okay, so it's probably too cheesy to suggest you learn something from LearnSomething, but hey, if you haven't already, consider sending your core audience a clever message like this one to connect them to your company's social networking pages. They might not even know where to find you, so grab their attention and point them in the right direction.

Pizza Hut keeps it relevant

I like when companies tie pop culture into its Twitter messaging. It makes me wonder what Pizza Hut thought of LOST.

Target gets 'LOST'

Like many, today I'm mourning the series finale of "LOST." And yes, it was a beautiful conclusion to six chaotic, complicated and emotionally draining years on the island. When millions of eyes were glued to the TV last night to watch the series wrap up -- and to see Jimmy Kimmel's cast reunion special afterward -- Target jumped in with this hilarious commercial about the island's mysterious smoke monster. Perfection.

Google finds a way to keep you on its homepage

It's always exciting when Google switches up its homepage logo for various holidays. But today's celebration of the 30th anniversary of Pac-Man brings search interaction to a whole new level. You can actually PLAY Pac-Man on the homepage. So long Friday afternoon productivity!

People of Walmart are Web celebs

The People of Walmart blog has been around for quite awhile now, but I keep seeing more and more sites linking to it.

I wonder how Walmart's marketing department feels about the existence of a heavily-trafficked blog that pokes fun of its clientele?