Legal and Ethics Issues With Social Media

I could only imagine what some of the older lawyers and judges said when social media started to become a popular avenue for expressing people's thoughts. It has created a large portion of work, not to mention the rules and standards are still being written. In an article titled, "How Social Media Is Pushing the Limits of Legal Ethics"they go through several examples of social media being used in legal situations. The article varies from jurors tweeting while doing their juror duty to jurors being chosen through Facebook and they even discuss if a Foursquare check-in will work as an alibi or as proof that you were at a disclosed place at a certain time.

An interesting fact that I stumbled upon while reading articles on this subject was the widening of the intergenerational gap. Here is a quote explaining this idea.


"The last 2 decades, in particular, have been characterized by exponential advances in technology, especially by personal access to ever more sophisticated electronic devices for information retrieval and communication. Concomitant changes in cultural mores relative to the use of such devices have widened the intergenerational gap, affecting all institutions, including law and education." (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/736430)


 One thing is for certain, as social media changes the rules, laws, and ethics surrounding it will also change. It will be interesting to look back at cases that go all the way through the supreme court and see rulings that have dealt with social media and the laws of the First Amendment.

Text Messages, Apps and QR Codes

I remember getting excited in the early 2000's when I found out I could get sports updates via text messages to my cell phone. I spent hours signing up for all my favorite sports teams. On average I would receive 10-50 text messages a day with breaking news or every time my favorite football team scored. As technology has progressed applications (apps) have taken over the majority of how I receive information, both in sports and even with news. On my phone at this time I have seven different sports apps. One collects all the tweets from players, coaches and journalists for the NFL, NHL and NCAA football. Two of them are apps that I use for my fantasy sports teams. Two others are getting updates on scores for the various sports I follow and the final two are direct links to my favorite baseball team and my favorite NFL teams ranking and schedules.

Another thing that I have enjoyed in the last few years that has still kept text messaging relevant for me has been using certain apps to do group texting. I use this with several friends to discuss sporting news and often to argue which teams are better than others. It has been a fun way to have a group discussion via text messaging. The two I have used for this are Group Me and Google Voice but there are several other options. Here is an article that goes over the top 5 of these applications.

Another app that has taken the technology and advertising worlds by storm is the use of QR codes. Like a barcode it stores information that can instantly be uploaded to your phone. I have seen several local businesses in Logan, Utah take advantage of the QR codes. For example. Lebeau's has a QR code on the wall at every table in their restaurant. If you upload the information each one is a different business that is advertising their products or services. Marketers, advertisers and PR pros are continually helping to write the book as to how to use QR codes and what to avoid. Here is an article explaining this point. I have seen QR codes on head stones, I have seen them in random shapes of different companies logos but they all have two things in common. They store information and they are a risk when downloading it to your phone. As with any technology hackers and people who enjoy destroying things use technology to send viruses and corrupt programs that can cripple your phone or computer. When scanning a QR code, you are taking a risk that it is malicious, so be careful!

Search Engine Optimization

This concept has to be one of the most brilliant ideas in online work. Using certain algorithms you can help companies get higher and higher on search engine lists. For example, if your tag line were something like "Your business elevated," you can use search engine optimization to have your company come up when key words are entered at google. Perhaps when people search for business ideas or help your name could come up. If you offer unique services you can have those services come up when people are searching for certain ideas that you offer but they may not know you exist. I must admit I am quite ignorant in this topic so far but currently am learning more about it for a business that I helped create. I found an article that goes over the Ethical Search Engine Optimization Practices, which is something that is critical to know.

Another article I found described some tips for doing search engine optimization on a local level. Some of the tips include getting your company name in to as many directories as you can. Online and in print, like phone books and then submit your site to local search engines like google business center and stuff like that. The more work you do in the beginning will result in the more success that comes from this great tool.

Collaborative and Distance Communication Tools: Skype For A Purpose

Skype For A Purpose

There is no doubt that Skype or Skyping has taken off. It is a great tool that allows people to communicate through video chatting from different continents or just next door. You can use it for personal reasons or educational reasons but one of the main keys is to use it for a specific purpose. As with any tool in social media if you don’t have a good reason or purpose to use it, the effectiveness of the tool is not utilized. This is especially true within education. Many younger classes throughout the world have used Skype to connect classes from different countries. Teachers are now saying they should not do this unless actual things are being taught and education is continuing to be on the forefront of the conversation. Check out thisarticle I found confirming this point.

Another phenomenon starting to take place is clubbing fromhome via Ustream or Boiler Room. I have to admit I have never heard of this and I think it is quite sad that sitting on your couch watching people party is your idea of a good time but hey at least you won’t be driving home under the influence (trying to find some positives here…). However, you could use services like these to check out a party before you go to see if it is worth your time. As always, technology is amazing and things will continue to come out of the woodworks that will be able to connect people throughout the world together.

Viral Videos: A New Sensation

Viral Videos: A New Sensation

Times are changing, videos are easily shared and laughter is common with unique, strange, and even sketchy videos of people these days. Marketers are using viral videos to capture thousands of impressions within hours and some times even minutes. As I was reading articles on viral videos I found one that talks about some of the lesson’s learned from viral videos in 2010.  Click on this to see the article and all the videos associated with it!

My favorite things mentioned in the article are these:

The Local TV News is a Breeding Ground for Viral Stars – as in Antoine Dodson and his “hide your kids, hide your wife” video. Or the strange Leprechaun in the South.

Stop-Motion Animation More Popular Than Ever – some things never die! 

We Like To See Unique People Being Themselves – Pants on the ground! Need I say more… Ok, I will. For some reason watching strange people do stupid things is funny and brings some sense of satisfaction to us, mainly laughter.

Brands Get Serious About Viral Quality & Innovation – Old Spice is one of the leading companies in this effort. Lots of views, strange commercials, but people remember Old Spice.

Source: Top Viral Video Marketing Lessons From 2010 http://www.reelseo.com/viral-video-lessons-2010/#ixzz1aUtWCJiY
©2008-2011 ReelSEO.com Online Video Guide 

Another great article on viral videos: http://techcrunch.com/2007/11/22/the-secret-strategies-behind-many-viral-videos/

This article may be four years old, but it shows not only where viral videos started but the core goal of getting to the most viewed page is still the main goal. Most of the points are the still relevant today.

Location Based Services – A Marketer’s Dream

It took a few years for some consumers to adopt location based services but nonetheless it has taken the social media world and marketing world by storm. Google latitude, Foursquare, Facebook, Twitter, just about every avenue of social media has some version of recording where you are when you post a message or check in to an event or at a certain location.

According to an article I found on Mobile Marketing Association’s website they believe location based services “are advertising or marketing services that use specific location information for delivering the right message to the right person at the right place AND time.” (http://mmaglobal.com/articles/location-based-services-%E2%80%93-marketer%E2%80%99s-dream)

Marketer’s have utilized these services and it is paying dividends by the boat load. With nearly every household having at least one smart phone, people are using location-based services whether they know it or not… thank you Google.  The problem however is many people with these phones do not know what location based services are or how to utilize them. Another article I found did a survey to find out exactly what people thought about these services. The results are quite stunning.

“Most smartphone users are unaware of these apps or do not know what they do, according to the survey. About two-thirds of the smartphone users in the White Horse survey do not use LBS (60.1 percent, or 266 of 437 respondents), and 72.6 percent of this group either ‘don’t know about’ any of them or ‘know about them but don’t know what they do.’” (http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/research/9531.html)

Look for marketer’s and location based services to continue in creating awareness of these services and how users can utilize them to make life easier and fun. Foursquare as easily had the lead in these services and they offer deals at certain locations, a point system with quality check ins, mayorships when you have been the most frequent visitor that month, etc.

Traditional Views

Traditional Media Trying To Incorporate Social Media

Traditional media will eventually have to connect to social media in some aspect or be left to wade around in dust and cobwebs.  Newspapers and other media outlets of the previous decades are doing their best to keep their “integrity” and “journalistic reputation” while still incorporating the new phases of technology.

Here are 5 ways they are doing this.

1. Widget TV

“Verizon will soon push a software update to its FiOS service that will allow customers to connect their set-top boxes to the Web.” They are also finding ways to incorporate Facebook and Twitter into video production.

2. Pitch the Editor-in-Chief
John Byrne, editor in chief of Business Week, has his twitter followers send their pitches via clicking on his link on his twitter page. This is just one example of old journalism, mixing with the new.

3. Newspapers on YouTube

This is self explanatory, but nonetheless it is brilliant.

4. Now playing at a Bookstore Near You

Book publishers posting trailers on YouTube? Many people thought books were going to struggle; this can really help curb that idea or at least keep them alive for a few more years.

5. Literati as Twitterati

Publishing poems, books, and articles on twitter, crazy right?  Of course it would have to be in 140 character increments but some people, especially in Britain, love this idea.

All information including the 5 ideas and quotes came from http://mashable.com/2009/05/04/old-media-goes-social/

How Traditional Media Created Social Media

This may come as a shock to many and I am sure many would disagree with this idea, but I have read several articles and posts referring to this phenomenon. One of them is http://socialmediatoday.com/mike-frey/170938/how-traditional-media-created-social-media

Basically, the old media, more formally known as the big three or TV, Radio, and Print or newspapers cared more about ratings and who was watching or tuning in. With social media we tailor things the way we want them, and we are seeing the focus being how many instead of just who. That is the difference and the fact the older and more traditional media is starting to adapt or fade away is further proof to this point.

One quote from the article I loved and completely agree with is this, “ I stopped my subscription to the newspaper because they failed to give me the news I was looking for in a timely manner.  Radio; what once was the rebel of the big three is now just a corporate suit.  It’s no wonder that social media has exploded and will continue to grow.  People will always gather were they’re entertained.”

Blogs

Blogs

As the concept and practice of blogging continues to become more popular it is important to look at the advantages of having a blog.

Whether you are blogging for personal reasons, or trying to market items to sell, those who follow you are looking for relevant and interesting information. The good thing about a blog, is you can change it up and redesign as well as control what goes on there. You can be secret and you can be open, you can control your information or you can let the information control you.

It used to be that organizations wrote newsletters and circulated them both by print and through email. Now, many organizations just keep a blog. Why? What is the purpose? I think this quote best describes it. “If you have an opinion to share, a product to sell, a brand to market or something else to say on the internet, and you think that people are going to want to read what it is that you have to say, then blogging is an excellent option for you to consider.”

Therefore, if you work for someone who does not have a specific product or if you do not have a specific direction for your blog, maybe it is not for you. However, in a day where having an online presence is so important the question is not so much “why blog?” but rather, “why not?”

All information including quotes were taken from http://www.blogtrafficexchange.com/why-blog-ill-tell-you-why/

Top 5 Blogging Misconceptions:

I found these top 5 blogging misconceptions and happen to think they are spot on. If you are blogging just to say you are blogging, maybe you should rethink your strategy. However, blogging can be beneficial so try to avoid blogging for these reasons.

1.  If you write it they will come…

Just because you write, it does not mean that people care what you are saying. Be direct, focused and tailor your message to those you want to inform and attract to your blog.

2. People will read because of my great writing

I can’t even begin to tell you how many people I have met that think their writing is something special. Just because you write well it is easy to think people will see your blog. However, it is important to remember that your message and information needs to be relevant and engaging.

3. Other bloggers will always be willing to help

For the most part, others are willing to help. Yet there are still some sticks in the mud who take blogging way too seriously and look to get a leg up on everyone else, hence the fact that some won’t offer help or at least offering help for free.

4. You will start making money right away

Blogging for money is tricky. You need a lot of followers and you need people who want to advertise on your blog. Otherwise you might as well find another way to make money.

5. It’s easy to blog

The concept of blogging is easy, yes. Yet, keeping a blog up to date, relevant and engaging is a lot of work. No one likes reading a blog that still has the “Welcome to the Blogging World” message still on the first page. If you do not plan on keeping your blog up to date, you may want to find another alternative.

All information including quotes were taken from http://www.dailyblogtips.com/top-5-blogging-misconceptions/

Organizational Uses

7 Outcomes of Organizational Communication & Social Media

All information, including quotes and the 7 Outcomes of Organizational Communication & Social Media were taken from http://www.nateriggs.com/2010/05/10/7-outcomes-of-organizational-communication-social-media-a-draft-framework/content-marketing-consulting

1 - Information Flow & Decision Making

In most cases we think of organizations starting from the top and going to the bottom. Since the outbreak of social media in the last few years, the information that is shared from one section of the organization to the next and so on all the way to the top has sped up rapidly. With Facebook, Twitter and blogs it could take just a matter of minutes for information to be shared rather than having meetings to bring up certain issues.

2 - Promoting Internal Transparency

“Using social media tools to create internal transparency, context and understanding around organizational decisions can result in greater satisfaction, trust in and connectedness to organizational leadership.”

As you can see social media helps the image of the overall result.

3 - Reducing Communication Breakdown

This is a key in social media. You have to develop some sort of strategy in order to keep all the information current, undiluted and accurate without allowing any information to slips through the cracks.

4 - Visualizing Organizational Culture

Social Media, especially Facebook can be used to enhance the conversation between employees and help them engage in better work relationships. Of course, there is also a risk that negative things will be said and you will have to have someone monitor this as well as have consequences for negativity about the organization or other employees.

5 -  Employee Retention & Recruitment

“Social media can be used by employees throughout the organization to bring on new talent, if they are provided with a centralized and visible platform that makes it easy for those interactions and referrals to be made.”

6 - Reduction of Communication Noise

Email has turned into more of a time waster than something that is useful because of the amount of emails we get in a single day, let alone each hour.

“Tools like Yammer and SocialCast are starting to open new opportunities for employees to not only communicate, but also gain analytical data on where inefficiencies and breakdowns might exist.”

7 - Communicating Across Boundaries

It is now possible to work for organizations, especially those involved with social media, in different cities or even countries because of the new technology and social media opportunities. Through video meetings like Skype and working in a Google Doc, people can collaborate and obtain the same thing we used to work on in the same room for hours at a time.

The Future of Social Media and Politics

All information including quotes were taken from http://mashable.com/2010/11/01/future-social-media-politics/

Social Media is changing the playing field in politics and has even been quite ugly and led to the dismissal and resignation of people who use social media improperly. However, social media, when used in the right way, can give politicians and government a great avenue to monitor feedback from voters and those who they serve.

“I believe that social media must be fully incorporated into the daily operation of the United States Congress,” said  Matt Lira, the director of new media for Republican Whip Eric Cantor.

 “Not simply as an outbound communication tool, but to actually include the American public in substantive legislative decision making.”

As the guidelines for social media continue to be written, politicians will have to tailor how they react and use the tools.

The Big Seven

How Twitter has influenced the sporting industry.

It used to be the post game press conference, or the emotional meltdown in front of a group of media that got professional athletes in trouble with their team or league. Now, a simple tweet with less than 140 characters can result in fines, suspensions and in some cases get you traded to another team. Twitter has stormed the sporting industry with every major sporting news and sports team, both professional and collegiate, have what is called a Twitter handle. It is really quite simple, pick a username and put an @ symbol in front of it.

The good part about Twitter for these athletes is that they can reach and relay their information to their fans in a quite simple fashion from the phone or laptop. The problem, they can send a message that deters fans and angers followers.  However, sports psychologists have studied the way fans react and use twitter with their favorite sport teams and players. What they have found is that even though Twitter is not a personal connection between two people, the fan in most cases feels as though they had a personal relationship with those they follow. Is it imagined, well yes? Most of the time you are not going to be “mentioned” or “direct messaged” from your sports hero, but maybe they will retweet something you have said, and all of a sudden you feel like you are friends with them.

Overall, Twitter is helping the sporting industry in marketing, advertising and branding.  “Twitter satisfies fans’ thirst for a closer connection to big-time athletes, many of whom are overpackaged and overmanaged in their quest for marketing cash. There’s also the way Twitter, which has become the fastest-growing major Web site in the U.S., peels back the curtain on an athlete’s existence, showcasing personality layers never seen at press conference.”

All information and citing in this blog post were taken from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/06/05/twitter.sports/index.html?eref=sihpT1.

Facebook and Collegiate Sports

It used to be the post game press conferences and interviews with the media that kept Athletic Departments at most colleges in the U.S. worrying about what their athletes were going to say. Now, in just a few seconds an athlete can post something on Facebook or post a picture that can open a can of worms with more problems than anyone could have imagined.

In fact, many colleges have demanded that their athletes not use sites like Facebook, because of the risk involved. Fred Stutzman, a student from North Carolina, was involved in a study about this topic and said “"Athletic departments are probably more concerned about old media — what athletes say to the press after games," Stutzman says. "But I think there is the potential here for athletic departments to get blindsided."

Controlling and policing athletes has become an ever-growing task that has brought up many questions about First Ammendment rights of students. “Kermit L. Hall, president of the University at Albany (N.Y.) and an authority on campus free-speech issues, thinks schools are probably on safe ground restricting athletes, though probably not other students. (His school does not impose restrictions on Facebook.)”

Social media continues to change and likewise those who allow their institutions and athletes to use such sites will have to adapt and change in order to protect the athletes and the ogranizations.

All information and citing in this blog post were taken from http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/internetprivacy/2006-03-08-athletes-websites_x.htm.

Umpiring & Lockouts: The Lost Cause

In the last five days there have been at least 14 ejections of coaches or players by the MLB umpires. What is the cause for this recent phenomenon? Obviously those who were ejected must have thought the calls were that terrible. Were they right? Yes and No. Some of the calls were so horrendous that former umpires were interviewed by ESPN, as was the case when an umpire allowed a batter to take first base for a walk after three balls. The real question to answer is how perfect should umpires be and when should replay be instituted to help get the calls right.

In baseball, as well as in most sports, athletes are not expected to provide error free performance at any given time. We should use this same reasoning when talking about umpires. However, that does not excuse horrible altering a game and causing one side or the other to lose. For that one reason, we need replay.

Now before all you hoopla's start getting all crazy and wigging out let me explain. Replay on fair or foul balls, trapped catches in the outfield or even close plays at critical moments of a game on a base need to be reviewed. That does not mean time needs to be called and the umpires get together to talk about it. We need an extra official in a press box room with instant replay with several angles and some sort of communication to relay information to the head official on the field/court. When the said official sees a call that needs to be overturned he can relay to the head umpire/official to call time. Quickly explain the call and get on with the game. This way we ensure a better way to get the most correct calls and give the players, coaches and even the fans the best experience possible, which should be the ultimate goal.

Will this happen? Probably not. ESPN and all the other sports shows will be able to continue to debate what could have, should have or what needs to be done until they are blue in the face. The sports industry has been overrun by money and greed, hence the current lockouts with the NBA and NFL. At some point, younger and more technological sports enthusiast and upper management (league commissioners) will have the opportunity to make changes like this. Until then Bud Selig, David Stern, Roger Goodell and Gary Bettman, among others will run the professional sports arena by walking on egg shells to not lose players or owners in all of these ridiculous disagreements.

Why the BCS will be destroyed.

In an era of money being the determining factor across the entire spectrum of life, the sports world is possibly taking the biggest return. With the amount of TV stations picking up sports programs, and the quality of competition, sports revenue is climbing to great heights. With the Bowl Championship Series for college football it is no different. The only problem is, only those who are currently within the "BCS" get the reward. Of course, there have been teams like Utah, Boise State, and TCU, who have crashed the party and received paychecks much higher than they are used to. Yet, each of those teams have gone undefeated, beat a "BCS" opponent, and all been snubbed in regards to playing for a national championship.

I agree that any of the three teams would not make it undefeated in the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12 for a whole season. However, if they were in a conference like that and were able to get the recruiting advantages like those schools, they could be powerhouses and run the table at any given time. But no, they do not have the recruiting advantages, the large pockets, or the staff to be able to pull of such a feat.

Now lets take a step back and look at March Madness with college basketball. Why is it that people love to see underdogs or lesser teams make it to the final four or championship game? Because it is the classic David and Goliath scenario. Why is there not some sort of play-in game for the college football? At least put in a point system for the BCS bowls so that when TCU beats Wisconsin they can have a shot at Oregon or Auburn.

I think the biggest reason the BCS is still in tact is money. People do not want to lose or share money. They like the fact that money will come to their conference even if all of their teams suck (*cough Big East *cough). No disrespect to you UCONN, I am glad you made it for Jazz. That is commendable and puts your institution above many because of the integrity in which you have handled the last year and a half. However, a four loss team...

Nevertheless, I am getting to the point of why the BCS will be destroyed. With the latest snubbing of Michigan State no getting to a BCS bowl, Wisconsin losing to TCU, and ultimately and yes this is my guess that the national championship is going to be a major let down, the BCS members as of now will not be happy and they will also seek for change. I do not know if it will happen. I hope it does. I do not care to see a 16 team playoff that is dragging on a season, but I would like to see some sort of play in system to where an elite non automatic qualifying team can still make it to the title game.

NEW DIRECTION

This blog was built for school purposes, however, I feel that it is time to take it in another direction. My classes that require posts are officially over, and there are only a few things I have strong passions for in this life. Sports, Religion, and my Family. I think I am finally going to start using this more of a journal type record. Nevertheless, y'all know that I love to write and I love to talk sports. I am going to incorporate my thoughts on the issues and events of major sporting events and the minor ones that I am involved in. Please comment and treat this as a column type format, I would love to get feedback or new ideas for what I can write on. Happy 2011 to everyone. Let's hope this is a better year for my sports teams. (Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Braves, Utah State Aggies, Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake)

2011

It is hard to imagine how fast time has gone. It seems just yesterday I was in Blacksmith Fork Canyon proposing to Brittney ... Now we have a handsome son who is everything I have ever hoped for. I look forward to the coming years of making memories with him and his future siblings.

Often times I find it hard to allow people to become close to me or my situation. I think it is more of a fear of me letting people down. I have great family. My parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. are the greatest ever. That is including my in-laws side and their extended families. I am truly blessed.