Myspace's 9 Lives

Myspace is like a cat with 9 lives.

Doesn't it seem like it KEEPS "relaunching"?  Didn't this just happen earlier this year?  Is it déjà vu?  Are we in the movie Groundhog Day!?

Yet, I put away my apparent cynicism for a moment and open my mind to the possibility that maybe, just maybe, this time is different for Myspace.  The once front-runner of social media networks, MySpace (notice the previously capitalized S in space, that they have now done away with) lost basically all its users to Facebook and has been trying to reinvent itself since. 

But new owners Tim and Chris Vanderhook seem to realize that you need to do a lot more than change the capitalization of an "S" to reinvent yourself and shake the "failed social network" stigma.  The new Myspace is embarking on additional paths for this relaunch.  Remaining true to its original shift from 2012 to a music-discovery service, Myspace is keeping the hip social-music aspect, but building on it.  The most promising new feature seems to be My Radio, a service similar to Pandora or iTunes Radio, but that relies on crowd sourcing for the stations rather than user-customized algorithms.  So, what does that mean?  Basically that every user, spanning from me, to a cool new band, to Justin Timberlake, will have their own station- turning us into mini-DJ's promoted by the site itself.  This seems to be a unique differentiator, but what isn't clear is how users will respond.  Only time will tell.

Additional features on the new Myspace range from necessary standards (like its mobile device apps) to some more random offerings (like a user-friendly GIF maker). 

You'll soon see commercials for the new Myspace that feature a bunch of hip looking twenty-somethings dancing and running around to an upbeat music.  Doesn't seem like anything we haven't seen before, but the company is putting $20 million into this ad campaign reaching broadcast, radio and digital platforms. 

But, you know what?  I am typically one to root for an underdog.  And even given its former glory, that is really what Myspace has become. 

Will you try the new Myspace?  Do you think Myspace has a chance this time?  Share your thoughts below.

Death By Twitter: Taco Edition

Our Death By Twitter sagas have been at a standstill lately. But now we are back with a really unappetizing one.

Earlier this week, an unwise series of events led to this picture being posted on Taco Bell's official Facebook page. Wow. Talk about bad decisions! Let's review the elements of this bad decision:

- Licking tall stack of taco shells

- While wearing uniform

- With visible face

- Posting to Internet

- More specifically, on the official page of your employer

 This Death by Twitter is one that has a very obvious outcome. At least on initial review. The employee pictured -- and the employee who posted the picture -- were fired this week after the nasty pic and story went viral. Less obvious, though, are the strange twists to this tale that have been uncovered since then.

Turns out, the picture was in response to an internal competition from Taco Bell for employees to "submit photos of themselves enjoying their first bite of a new product". The taco shells were being thrown out and the employee was apparently attempting to show his love for the taste of Taco Bell.

Okay, the photo is still pretty gross... but at least these facts put it in context. Right?? The lesson for everyone here is that while the corporate reaction was quick to fire the offending employees, they were slow to reveal the somewhat redeeming circumstances of the photo as a response to an internal contest. These factors were revealed days after the picture went viral, so most people who saw the offending picture don't even know. They just walked away thinking about Taco Bell with a bad taste in their mouth. No pun intended

Are you as grossed out as I am? Do you think the employees should have been fired?

Get Ready, Twitter! Here Comes Hillary!

Is it really starting already? I feel like I was JUST posting about politics on social media and how cool it was that candidates were using different media because I was tired of ads.

And while I still think it’s cool, we JUST got done!

Nevertheless, Twitter has been abuzz with rumors that former Secretary of State - and possible 2016 presidential candidate - Hillary Clinton will soon be taking political aim on Twitter. Not surprising, really, after the success Barack Obama had in garnering support through social media. But, come on. It's May 2013. I guess you can't blame them for creating buzz!

 

It's not official yet, of course, but reports are already out on USA Today and Politico. And the reported handle, @hillaryclinton, currently shows protected tweets, just baiting us even more!

 

It was just over a month ago that her husband, Bill Clinton, joined Twitter- but with much less fanfare. Currently, @billclinton has totaled 26 tweets. Let's hope that all the ruckus about Hillary's handle amounts to more than that!

 

So, what do you think, are you ready for 2016 campaigning to start?

Google Doodle Tells Touching Story

If you have searched on Google at all today, you were greeted by a touching Google Doodle.  More specifically, what many social media leaders are referring to as the "most moving logo Google has ever posted". 

The doodle is a product of Google's "Doodle 4 Google" competition, which challenges US grade school students to create unique images for the iconic Google logo on the company's homepage.  This year's winner was 12th grader Sabrina Brady of Sparta, Wisconsin.  Her winning doodle is her depiction of the competition's prompt: "My Best Day Ever".

Sabrina explained, "When I was 10 years old, my dad came home from war. This was my best day ever."

Her image, entitled "Coming Home" is touching, and I can see why she won!  And now, today might rank up there as her second best day ever, since her image was hosted on Google all day, and she also won a $30,000 college scholarship, a Chromebook computer and a $50,000 technology grant for her favorite school.

Way to go Sabrina! 

What did you think of today's Google Doodle?  Do you have any other favorites from the past?

Pep-Talk to Perk up your Monday!

If you are entering the day with a "case of the Mondays", take ONE minute and watch this video.
In literally 60 seconds, you will learn a powerful new technique on how to pump yourself up to face the day!

Did you watch it?  If so, you are among 13 million that have now been encouraged by "Jessica's Daily Affirmation".

How great is THAT!  I love that she just lists random things to like... my aunts, my Allisons, my haircut, my house.  So funny.

So the crazy part about this viral hit is that it was filmed YEARS ago.  Seriously, look at this video and Jessica is now almost a teenager!  So all this was, really, is a dad going through his old family videos and putting up one he thought was funny.  Strange that what used to be an "America's Funniest Home Video" is now a viral media sensation.

I guess it goes to show you that a good, positive pep-talk never goes out of style!

Have a great Monday and remember... you can do anything better than anyone!

Is the Tonight Show's Karaoke Couple faking it!?

The intersection of late-night television and social media has been quickly expanding. What a perfect fit, too! I, for one, love cuddling up for some late-night shows with my computer on my lap and a nice glass of sweet tea - or a glass of pinot - in my hand!

 

From Jimmy Fallon's mobile app, LNJF, featuring clips and joke-apps, to Jimmy Kimmel's YouTube Challenges, I'm typically not disappointed. And, while a little late to the game, Jay Leno finally had a huge social media hit in the Karaoke Gas Station video that went viral last week, garnering almost 8 million views in 4 days. (Granted, probably 10 of those are from me... I laughed so hard!)

 

But earlier this week,  TheSmokingGun.com released information claiming the clip is a fake! Apparently, the couple featured are both Chicago-based actors and have been featured in similar videos by The Tonight Show. I feel a little cheated. Here's the thing... the clip is FUNNY. The scenario is FUNNY. I like them! I actually might not have CARED if Leno was upfront about it and told us it was a skit. But don't lie to me. Social media is supposed to be all about authenticity and, when viewers feel cheated or lied to, trust and engagement go down the tubes.

Weigh in, here. Are

pre-fabricated skits all part of show business, or should we feel misled?

Happy Mother's Day!

Moms take over social media!  Check out my favorite displays of motherhood all over digital media!
And this Sunday, use that mobile device to make a call--- to your MOM!!!

1) Quirky Moms on Twitter
Motherhood is full of joys, and these Twitter Moms capture the hilarity in all of them!  Follow their silly snack times, crazy carpools and touching teachings as they navigate family life with a sense of humor!  Lots of moms tweet, of course, but check out these three for some giggles: 

@Carbosly: My husband brought the kids to a baseball game so I woke them up at 2am to feed them candy. No way I'm losing the "favorite parent" battle.

@KelleysBreakRm: Neat birthday party trick: dump Swedish Fish in a small fish bowl, tell all the kids the fish died, stick your face in the water & eat them.

@KellyOxford: If you haven't listed every single thing your kid is afraid of and hates to eat and told them "THAT'S WHAT JAIL IS" You're doing it wrong.

2) Memorable Mother's Day Merchandise on Etsy

Etsy is well known for its custom stores selling homemade, unique items.  A perfect place for a Mother's Day gift.  If you are still looking for the perfect gift, check out these three awesome shops.   Be sure to check rush delivery, though, you are running out of time!

Cardtorial: I love these personalized wooden cards!

Lilly Reed: Custom iPhone cases for a tech-savvy momma.

Soap For Your Soul: Eco-friendly moms will love these vegan soaps!





















3) Funny Texts from Moms on DamnYouAutoCorrect
If you haven't seen this site yet, you are missing out.  I wonder if it is a coincidence that some of the best entries to the site are from Moms.  A few of my faves below, but visit the site to browse if you want to keep laughing.