Social Media Top 5: Getting Metaphysical with FourSquare, Books, Drawing Disclosure

FourSquare- Mayor of Squatville

I have been using FourSquare, the service which lets you alert friends of your whereabouts,  a bit lately. I like the utility for nights out and especially for large events where people like to know where the party is. I used it quite a bit in Las Vegas during BlogWorld, for example, to figure out where some of my friends were and get a pulse of the evening events.

I don’t particularly care about the little “prizes” the site awards, such as making you “mayor” of a location you check in from often- but I suppose I’m not the target demographic.

I also have been experimenting with the metaphysical uses of Foursquare. Real possibilities there….

Books Update: Twitterville

I have blogged in the past on  my mixed feelings about social media books. I have also noted why I thoght Trust Agents worked for me despite my closeness to the subject.  I have been reminded of another attraction of social media- or any- book: readability. Shel Israel’s Twitterville goes down smooth, and it is refreshing to actually enjoy the read, enhanced by a seasoned writer and the apparent presence of a professional editor, regardless of business/career objectives. I’m not done with the book yet, but I’m never bored.

Live Tweeting Curmudgeon Converted

I have enjoyed following Steve Crescenzo’s battles with live blogging and live tweeting over the years. He has had legitimate gripes against the practices, despite the support of people like his friend, Shel Holtz (and me). The latest development: he finally has a good experience with a live Tweeter who manages to get things right add value, and not piss off the speaker.

Drawing Out Disclosure for Bloggers

Whitney Hoffman has been following the FTC guidelines for blogger disclosure closely. In a recent post, she attempts to draw out the disclosure decision process in a flow chart. What do you think?

Apple’s Vaunted PR?

I have often struggled with the “appeal” of Apple public relations. The Big Fruit has been a “command and control” company in an age of increased conversation and interaction. Arrogance is successful as long as the products stay elegant, good, and popular- in the case of Apple, that goes a long way. But are they a Newton or two (along with the eventual departure of Steve Jobs) from wishing they had taken a more attractive communications strategy? This recent post by Peter Himler (“The Flack”) brings me back to these thoughts on the subject.