Archive for February, 2012
Are Flickr scared of Pinterest or are they really protecting copyrighted images?
I have just come across an article posted on Venture Beat who on Friday reported that Flickr are clamping down on people pinning pictures onto Pinterest in this article "Flickr disables Pinterest pins on copyrighted images (exclusive)". They say that it is an attempt to protect owners of the images posted on the site. Quite frankly tough, I think that they are bonkers and very very wrong.
When you post images on to your website or on social media platforms or indeed anywhere on the internet, that is it! They are readily available for any one to access and download as their own - not because they have the legal right to do so, but because they can. The most that a bit of code will do is to put off a few non-tech savvy users form attempting to 'steal' the images.
We have already been discussing this issue of sharing images from Facebook in the Internet marketing group. It didn't take long to figure out it is easy to get passed these blocks on Facebook so I can't see that Flickr is going to be that much different. Judging by the comments on the article on VentureBeat - there are plenty of people out there who know lots more ways of getting around the issues.
I am really not convinced that actually it is going to protect the artists, photographers, etc from their work being nicked. If anything it is going to do something far more damaging. The first thing that it is going to do is promote piracy and more dubious practices of sharing other people's work in a way that does not credit them appropriately.
As far as I can see, Pinterest have got it right. Every time someone pins a picture from your website, the originating website stays with the image regardless of how many times it gets repinned, shared, liked, commented on etc. on the site. So if you have a popular image that goes viral and hundreds of people publish it on their boards, each and every one will have a link back to you.
Even if people use the "Embed" option - as I have below - it still credits the original publisher of the picture. As you can see from the hyperlinked text below the image, the original site, my profile and Pinterest. I think that is VERY clever and absolutely right.
If on the other hand, sites like Flickr disable this honest sharing, then what will absolutely happen is much worse. For example you have an image that is equally popular and goes viral - then all the credit will go to potentially hundreds of other sites which have 'stolen' your image.
I know which option I would prefer. Allow everyone to share as many images as they like from my site because each one is promoting everything that I am doing.
Or am I missing something here?
When you post images on to your website or on social media platforms or indeed anywhere on the internet, that is it! They are readily available for any one to access and download as their own - not because they have the legal right to do so, but because they can. The most that a bit of code will do is to put off a few non-tech savvy users form attempting to 'steal' the images.
We have already been discussing this issue of sharing images from Facebook in the Internet marketing group. It didn't take long to figure out it is easy to get passed these blocks on Facebook so I can't see that Flickr is going to be that much different. Judging by the comments on the article on VentureBeat - there are plenty of people out there who know lots more ways of getting around the issues.
I am really not convinced that actually it is going to protect the artists, photographers, etc from their work being nicked. If anything it is going to do something far more damaging. The first thing that it is going to do is promote piracy and more dubious practices of sharing other people's work in a way that does not credit them appropriately.
As far as I can see, Pinterest have got it right. Every time someone pins a picture from your website, the originating website stays with the image regardless of how many times it gets repinned, shared, liked, commented on etc. on the site. So if you have a popular image that goes viral and hundreds of people publish it on their boards, each and every one will have a link back to you.
Even if people use the "Embed" option - as I have below - it still credits the original publisher of the picture. As you can see from the hyperlinked text below the image, the original site, my profile and Pinterest. I think that is VERY clever and absolutely right.
If on the other hand, sites like Flickr disable this honest sharing, then what will absolutely happen is much worse. For example you have an image that is equally popular and goes viral - then all the credit will go to potentially hundreds of other sites which have 'stolen' your image.
I know which option I would prefer. Allow everyone to share as many images as they like from my site because each one is promoting everything that I am doing.
Or am I missing something here?
Source: thesetingstaketime.com via Georgina on Pinterest
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Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Follow me on Pinterest | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK
WILL YOU BE ASSIMILATED? Lessons on engagement with @_BorgCollective – what do you reckon?
I was particularly curious when Stuarte wrote this blog "Anyone can create a Cult of Me and get attention" commenting on the fact that Klout can be gamed. @_BorgCollective was proof of that as it has an unjustifiably high Klout score and was cited as being the epitome of a loathsome spammer. I was intrigued enough to have a look at @_BorgCollective to see what it was all about. I went from "Eurgh!" to "Aha - there is a lesson here!"
It is fairly friendless too with very few followers, fewer friends and is on even less lists. It is just an automated account seemingly without any purpose whatsoever other than targeting specific users and sending them this one message. it does this simple thing - again and again and again and again...... ad infinitum. Arrrrrgggghh!!
Really? So how on earth (or some other far and distant planet) could that EVER be engaging to get a good Klout score? Was this the moment of truth that would prove the skeptics right that us Klout fans and believers belong in the realms of confirmed delusionists.
However, a quick search for the responses told me what I needed to know.
Once you have chosen to be assimilated or not is irrelevant - "IT" doesn't care just moving on to the next person in sight. Whilst you may loathe science fiction and might not be impressed but you do have a choice when and if you get such a message - ignore it, take it seriously or have a giggle and move on. The law of probabilities would suggest that enough will react and respond confirming the validity of "ITS" existence.
Developments in technology as in this blog "What are your predictions for the future of the internet and developments in technology?" might make the threat of being 'assimilated' frighteningly real so it is even more important to remember our spiritual origins and our humanness.
But perhaps you have already been assimilated and you just didn't realise ........?
What is the @_BorgCollective about?
At first glance I was inclined to agree. The monotony of just one single message "YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED" would be the Chinese torture of the twitter world - especially if you have no other friends to follow. Dementia would be the only sanity!!It is fairly friendless too with very few followers, fewer friends and is on even less lists. It is just an automated account seemingly without any purpose whatsoever other than targeting specific users and sending them this one message. it does this simple thing - again and again and again and again...... ad infinitum. Arrrrrgggghh!!
Really? So how on earth (or some other far and distant planet) could that EVER be engaging to get a good Klout score? Was this the moment of truth that would prove the skeptics right that us Klout fans and believers belong in the realms of confirmed delusionists.
However, a quick search for the responses told me what I needed to know.
How can something so dull and monotonous get engagement?
Fans of such things as Star Trek, Dr Who and all the other intergalactic fantasy programmes in which various forms of the Borg reside will no doubt get the joke! Personally though, I do think boredom threshold will be so low that once the initial touch has been made - the novelty will soon wear off.Once you have chosen to be assimilated or not is irrelevant - "IT" doesn't care just moving on to the next person in sight. Whilst you may loathe science fiction and might not be impressed but you do have a choice when and if you get such a message - ignore it, take it seriously or have a giggle and move on. The law of probabilities would suggest that enough will react and respond confirming the validity of "ITS" existence.
The lessons .....
Some tweeters could definitely learn a thing or two from it as well! Think I am bonkers? Well consider these points and ask yourself whether they are valid or not.- The message is simple and very easily understood. Get it? You don't have to be overly pompous, terribly clever and complicated.
- It entertains - well I know that is debatable but you get my drift
- It's different to a great deal of blurb that you might normally get - you might think that is debatable too
- Fans will love getting the messages - they will feel recognised and singled out! See proof below.
- Non-fans might not like it but they will still react even if they protest like crazy - they are still responding so being controversial has its bonuses
- People want to share the message with their friends - who wouldn't?
- It gets engagement (replies) which range from "lol" to "Oh no!" (or FO) - Klout doesn't actually care how you feel
- The voice is very definitely authentic - you cannot argue with that!
- Acts as a warning - behave like a bot, become a bot and YOU WILL BE ASSIMILATED
- It's VERY quick and easy to reply - again simplicity rules
- Your followers are not being expected to be overly intellectual to 'fit in'
- The message is definitely consistent in every way - tone, story, offering, rewards, benefits/consequences, etc..
- It comes with another warning too - if you don't come up with something equally captivating then you will soon lose your audience
- If you don't remember your humanity - you will digitally merge with the digital mass.
Will you be assimilated?
So my conclusions? It's all about authenticity every time. Remember your uniqueness. Remember the things that get you passionate and excited. Remain true to yourself and your message. Remember your humanity and you will connect with real human beings who care about you and what you do.Developments in technology as in this blog "What are your predictions for the future of the internet and developments in technology?" might make the threat of being 'assimilated' frighteningly real so it is even more important to remember our spiritual origins and our humanness.
But perhaps you have already been assimilated and you just didn't realise ........?
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What are your predictions for the future of the internet and developments in technology?
Technology is developing at an exponential rate. New things are being revealed constantly. It seems that we have shot passed the stage where science fiction technologies of fantasy programmes like Star Trek are considered impossible. In fact they have been overtaken with even more fantastical innovations having become science fact and every day reality.
New platforms are being launched daily. Some are new however, some are old hat before they have got off the starting blocks. Some are just too innovative and off the wall to be understood by that critical mass of people for it to develop a real presence in the world.
Mobile technology is set to revolutionise many things. I wonder how that will develop. What will the role of the internet be once mobile has become the primary way of getting online for everyone?
What do you see happening in the future of technology and the way that it is offering new ways to connect with our audiences?
What do you think will change? What will fade and die?
How do you think that will affect our businesses and our marketing?
P.S. Don't cheat by just repeating something that Thomas says - I want to hear YOUR thoughts.
New platforms are being launched daily. Some are new however, some are old hat before they have got off the starting blocks. Some are just too innovative and off the wall to be understood by that critical mass of people for it to develop a real presence in the world.
Mobile technology is set to revolutionise many things. I wonder how that will develop. What will the role of the internet be once mobile has become the primary way of getting online for everyone?
What do you see happening in the future of technology and the way that it is offering new ways to connect with our audiences?
What do you think will change? What will fade and die?
How do you think that will affect our businesses and our marketing?
P.S. Don't cheat by just repeating something that Thomas says - I want to hear YOUR thoughts.
Follow @Georgina_Lester
Digital Coaching & Social Media Support.
Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK
Another #SM network to manage? Really? Is Connect.Me just another Klout? @respectconnect
If you hated Klout - then what will you think of Connect.Me? Will it make your blood boil in frustration or will you give this peer-to-peer reputation network a more positive review? I hear the groans now from the many of us who have gone way passed social media fatigue. However, I would suggest that this one is worth a second glance.
The debates and discussions have been rippling through various corners of the internet as Connect.Me begins its amorphous journey through various communities. It has taken on a life of its own.
Campaigners will argue that sites like Klout bear little resemblance to the real world, showing a distinct lack of correlation between business value and the digitally driven reputation metrics. The fact that they never set out to be a whole solution is of course beside the point.
This site though is aiming to create more holistic solution. Regardless of whether you want to vouch for your hairdresser, builder or the biggest most trustworthy business experts and social media gurus, your personal vote for someone's expertise has tremendous value. Real clout if you like. Additionally, if people trust you then they will trust those for whom you are willing to vouch.
Connect.Me has been letting users into the Private Beta very slowly in order to ensure vouching credibility and set the right tone for the network. These are the latest statistics from the founders:
Connect.Me is based on a solid ethos and vision - You can read more about the Respect Trust Framework here. The credentials of the founders Drummond Reed, Joe Johnston and Marc Coluccio appear to be worthy of note and their interaction with us demonstrates an admirable approach that has a great deal of integrity.
The challenge is that the followers need to understand the value that the platform has to offer. We have already witnessed a surge of users promoting 'vouch for vouch' exchanges with people that they do not know, One or two who have used far more dubious tactics to improve their popularity rankings. Both approaches completely defeat the object of the exercise.
The truth will always come out. The best way to police the internet is to empower individuals to make choices based on their own values. I am pleased to see that the honourable have won the day. People are hording their vouches like precious jewels. They are thinking very carefully about those who they are willing to publicly recommend.
My own directives are straight and to the point. You will not get my vote unless I really know you. As for Trust Anchor vouches - you have to earn one to get one from me. Bribery, cajoling, bullying or bludgeoning will never earn you respect or favours. If you aim to coerce anyone to vouch for you then I will stand by those who would prefer to make their own minds up. Many of those I vote for, I have worked with in real life. All are well known to me from many interactions online. Your directives may not be the same as mine but consistency is important - stick to the way that is right for you.
We have seen many platforms blossom, fade and die within this last year. Some of them have been superb and it has been sad to see them go. I hope that this one rides the waves and emerges as a big player.
Question is do we really need Connect.Me? What value does it have to offer you to convince you that it is worth trying to cope with yet another social network?
The debates and discussions have been rippling through various corners of the internet as Connect.Me begins its amorphous journey through various communities. It has taken on a life of its own.
The value of vouches for real people endorsement
Campaigners will argue that sites like Klout bear little resemblance to the real world, showing a distinct lack of correlation between business value and the digitally driven reputation metrics. The fact that they never set out to be a whole solution is of course beside the point.
This site though is aiming to create more holistic solution. Regardless of whether you want to vouch for your hairdresser, builder or the biggest most trustworthy business experts and social media gurus, your personal vote for someone's expertise has tremendous value. Real clout if you like. Additionally, if people trust you then they will trust those for whom you are willing to vouch.
Connect.Me has been letting users into the Private Beta very slowly in order to ensure vouching credibility and set the right tone for the network. These are the latest statistics from the founders:
- Over 1/2 million vouches.
- Over 15K active users, with a waiting list of another 60K (we can only let in so many new users every day).
- 567 Trust Anchors, with over 1000 additional nominees
The Credibility factor and the scarcity value of your votes of confidence
Connect.Me is based on a solid ethos and vision - You can read more about the Respect Trust Framework here. The credentials of the founders Drummond Reed, Joe Johnston and Marc Coluccio appear to be worthy of note and their interaction with us demonstrates an admirable approach that has a great deal of integrity.
The challenge is that the followers need to understand the value that the platform has to offer. We have already witnessed a surge of users promoting 'vouch for vouch' exchanges with people that they do not know, One or two who have used far more dubious tactics to improve their popularity rankings. Both approaches completely defeat the object of the exercise.
The truth will always come out. The best way to police the internet is to empower individuals to make choices based on their own values. I am pleased to see that the honourable have won the day. People are hording their vouches like precious jewels. They are thinking very carefully about those who they are willing to publicly recommend.
Social people curation - gathering people YOU value the most.
This peer-to-peer reputation network looks like it has the potential to provide ....- a way in which people can curate their own credibility network
- real people can endorse those who have demonstrated real life value
- a human reputation measure that complements and works alongside the digitally driven algorithms such as on Klout, PeerIndex, Empire Avenue, etc.
- a means to balance the gamers who have achieved high scores just because they have understood the mathematics and mechanics rather than through demonstrated expertise
How will you vouch for those in your network?
There are ordinary vouches and then when you demonstrate that you are a trusted member of your network, you become a Trust Anchor and have special Trust Anchor vouches. There is a limited supply.My own directives are straight and to the point. You will not get my vote unless I really know you. As for Trust Anchor vouches - you have to earn one to get one from me. Bribery, cajoling, bullying or bludgeoning will never earn you respect or favours. If you aim to coerce anyone to vouch for you then I will stand by those who would prefer to make their own minds up. Many of those I vote for, I have worked with in real life. All are well known to me from many interactions online. Your directives may not be the same as mine but consistency is important - stick to the way that is right for you.
The future - is it sustainable?
The way that I see it, Connect.Me has the potential to fill a gap - something that fits in between the digital metrics and the close knit communities such as Ecademy in which trust is an inherent part of the way that we nurture relationships with our colleagues, friends and peers.We have seen many platforms blossom, fade and die within this last year. Some of them have been superb and it has been sad to see them go. I hope that this one rides the waves and emerges as a big player.
Question is do we really need Connect.Me? What value does it have to offer you to convince you that it is worth trying to cope with yet another social network?
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Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK
If it’s important to you, you will find a way. If it’s not ….
....... you will find an excuse.
What are you making excuses for right now and why is it not important enough for you to find a way?
What should you be doing instead?
I wonder what effect unimportant goals have on our businesses!
What are you making excuses for right now and why is it not important enough for you to find a way?
What should you be doing instead?
I wonder what effect unimportant goals have on our businesses!
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Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK
Facebook Jail … and I’m not impressed!
I believe in having an open door policy welcoming ALL who wish to connect me on whichever platform suits them. Valuable conversations introduces me to incredible people and I love it. That leads to LOTS of connections.
However, I do worry about the way that some platforms view the way we connect with people who matter. I believe that as humans we are already connected and the digital handshake is merely an acknowledgement of our place in the world and our connectedness. This is a Universal truth. A right for all humans that should not be under the jurisdiction of one controlling force. Especially not one that looks like Facebook.
Several people over the last couple of weeks have been bemoaning the fact that they have been put into Facebook jail. I did wonder whether they were in some kind of obsessive-repetitive-frenzy of hitting that 'Add Friend' button to get blocked so easily? It seems not!
Yesterday I was going through my friend requests! Facebook comes up with its useful suggestions of "Other People you might know" With over 60,000 followers in various places - it does not surprise me if I recognise people across the networks. So I will occasionally hit that "Add Friend" button. Hmm - not such a good idea it seems. Whilst I used to be much more proactive, I have now reached a level of 'critical mass' at which people come to me.
Now though I have been slammed into social klink for two weeks. It might be that I have a lot of outstanding friend requests but of course I can't tell now. For the moment though, I can't send friend requests in that time - doesn't matter if I am on snogging terms with them or not. Can't send messages in case of spam - which is actually a joke because I prefer direct email with real people anyway. Can't do? Bonkers!
So be warned if you are dependent on communicating to your customers via Facebook chat, message, etc. then don't push the boundaries out too far. You might find yourself in jail too.
I personally feel Facebook could do with some lessons on how to use social media more effectively - bit ironic I know but perhaps a bit of advice from Coca Cola might help them. Do you think that I am wrong?
However, I do worry about the way that some platforms view the way we connect with people who matter. I believe that as humans we are already connected and the digital handshake is merely an acknowledgement of our place in the world and our connectedness. This is a Universal truth. A right for all humans that should not be under the jurisdiction of one controlling force. Especially not one that looks like Facebook.
Several people over the last couple of weeks have been bemoaning the fact that they have been put into Facebook jail. I did wonder whether they were in some kind of obsessive-repetitive-frenzy of hitting that 'Add Friend' button to get blocked so easily? It seems not!
Yesterday I was going through my friend requests! Facebook comes up with its useful suggestions of "Other People you might know" With over 60,000 followers in various places - it does not surprise me if I recognise people across the networks. So I will occasionally hit that "Add Friend" button. Hmm - not such a good idea it seems. Whilst I used to be much more proactive, I have now reached a level of 'critical mass' at which people come to me.
Now though I have been slammed into social klink for two weeks. It might be that I have a lot of outstanding friend requests but of course I can't tell now. For the moment though, I can't send friend requests in that time - doesn't matter if I am on snogging terms with them or not. Can't send messages in case of spam - which is actually a joke because I prefer direct email with real people anyway. Can't do? Bonkers!
So be warned if you are dependent on communicating to your customers via Facebook chat, message, etc. then don't push the boundaries out too far. You might find yourself in jail too.
I personally feel Facebook could do with some lessons on how to use social media more effectively - bit ironic I know but perhaps a bit of advice from Coca Cola might help them. Do you think that I am wrong?
Follow @Georgina_Lester
Digital Coaching & Social Media Support.
Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK
Transparency, Engagement, Innovation – Coca Cola 2020 – have they got it right?
If you are interested in how big name brands can embrace (or are embracing) the new technologies and capitalise on social interaction then these videos are definitely worth watching. Coca Cola are on a compelling journey of story telling to promote their liquid brand. Their mission statement is rather interesting but what do you think?
I noticed many superb elements that I think are very cleverly portrayed. It is speaking to an educated audience - they are not dumbing down what they are saying offering transparency in their strategy. It is a clever move to speak to the early adopters who get the power of consumer collaboration. They appear to know that they need to communicate with the "data whisperers who are the new messiahs" if they hope to implement the changes, move with the times and make an impact.
I love the way that they are working on the evolution of story-telling engaging the consumers in a collaborative journey of creation and innovation. They are promoting bigger, braver thinking and are actively seeking 'provocations that lead to transformational actions'.
Cultivating a culture of creative content that is collaborative, adaptive and continuous - is spot on in my view especially as they are looking to work with compelling ideas that develop a life force of their own. They acknowledge that the number of ideas generated by the consumer far exceeds the number birthed by the creative teams working for the company.
Five principles of co-creation ..
They want to encourage and embrace brave thinking knowing that they are likely to fail. They intend to celebrate the failures as well as the successes. Genuine consumer collaboration is exciting - do we believe them? Those who are anti the fact that Coca Cola is not the healthiest option in the world is already creating a reaction. As they are looking to use conflict constructively, I am curious as to how they address that.
I would love to know what you think and whether in fact they have got it right yet. What did you notice in the videos? What stood out for you?
"We need to produce liquid ideas that earn a disproportionate share of popular culture"
I noticed many superb elements that I think are very cleverly portrayed. It is speaking to an educated audience - they are not dumbing down what they are saying offering transparency in their strategy. It is a clever move to speak to the early adopters who get the power of consumer collaboration. They appear to know that they need to communicate with the "data whisperers who are the new messiahs" if they hope to implement the changes, move with the times and make an impact.
I love the way that they are working on the evolution of story-telling engaging the consumers in a collaborative journey of creation and innovation. They are promoting bigger, braver thinking and are actively seeking 'provocations that lead to transformational actions'.
Cultivating a culture of creative content that is collaborative, adaptive and continuous - is spot on in my view especially as they are looking to work with compelling ideas that develop a life force of their own. They acknowledge that the number of ideas generated by the consumer far exceeds the number birthed by the creative teams working for the company.
Five principles of co-creation ..
1. Inspire participation with the very best
2. Connect creative minds
3. Share results of their efforts
4. Continue development
5. Measure success
They want to encourage and embrace brave thinking knowing that they are likely to fail. They intend to celebrate the failures as well as the successes. Genuine consumer collaboration is exciting - do we believe them? Those who are anti the fact that Coca Cola is not the healthiest option in the world is already creating a reaction. As they are looking to use conflict constructively, I am curious as to how they address that.
I would love to know what you think and whether in fact they have got it right yet. What did you notice in the videos? What stood out for you?
Follow @Georgina_Lester
Digital Coaching & Social Media Support.
Boardroom - Hotel du Vin Bristol | Arts Wales | Internet Marketing Group | Luxury Wearable Art for women | Georgina Lester | Arts Wales UK