Disqus - Latest Comments for Justin Kownacki

Re: PR, Soc Med, the SME and ethical conflicts

Justin Kownacki — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:53:55 -0000

Most of my work comes through an agency, so I have firsthand experience serving as another company's "web voice." I understand the concerns from purists, and at the heart of the argument, I'd consider myself a purist too.

But I do believe there's a difference between "social media"(aka "things we make and share") and "social marketing" (aka "using web tools to promote something else entirely"). A person wouldn't outsource her videoblog or DeviantArt account because that's considered to be inherently personal. But if a company had to rely solely on their most tech-savvy or conversational employee to manage their social marketing, they'd only get as far as that individual was capable of going on their own.

Personally, I'm a big believer in being as DIY as you can reasonably achieve. But I'm also aware of the realities of business, and the fact that every company seeking to keep their social marketing in-house would face a steep learning curve. So as long as an agency is working *with* a client to manage their social marketing presence (as opposed to inventing it from scratch), this arrangement can be extremely effective.
.-= Justin Kownacki´s last blog ..What Do We Do About Plagiarism? =-.

Re: Here is what is wrong with Podshow (and maybe how to fix it)

Justin Kownacki — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 15:05:15 -0000

I'm sure I'd have something to say on the subject, but I haven't been able to join Podshow as a user because they keep saying I already am one, even though they never validated my email. They also don't have a quick fix for that on their site.

Thus, my identity is locked out, and I don't care enough to fix it. I hear I'm not alone on this either. I shouldn't have to work THAT HARD to join a website -- though that does encapsulate what PodShow must think of its worth...

Re: Podcamp Pittsburgh 3

Justin Kownacki — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:49:35 -0000

... and if anybody wants MORE PENS, please contact http://twitter.com/gaypgh because I believe Jason still has about 200 of them left over. (When you order swag in bulk, there's no controlling the outcome...)

Probably the most apt line above? "I honestly don't remember what sessions I attended." Every year, PCPGH becomes more of a blur for everyone. Next year we might need to videotape everything, including the hallway conversations...

Re: Statement from Wife of Alive in Baghdad Producer Detained in Bejing

Justin Kownacki — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 00:16:07 -0000

Thanks for posting this, Dan. Eowyn exhibits a different kind of bravery than Brian does simply by supporting his efforts despite what some of us might consider a more sensible approach (i.e., asking him to dial it down and do "normal" things). Here's hoping everything works out, and that Brian's fire for justice -- and Eowyn's support for action -- never flickers out.

Re: How Content Marketing Will Shake the Tree

Justin Kownacki — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:35:14 -0000

Great, great post. Everyone wondering "where's the money in social media" needs to ask themselves, "who wants to pay for what I'm creating"? And if what you're creating is information or education about products, services or experiences, then yes, someone wants that information -- and, if it's good, they'll pay for it.

That's what fuels the Travel, Food and Discovery channels.

Re: Picnics

Justin Kownacki — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:11:45 -0000

A member of an arts organizations here in Pittsburgh was recently saying -- during the free "gallery crawl" event we have every 3 months -- that all these people coming down to the arts venues doesn't translate to profits throughout the year.

As I see it, the problem isn't that they're spending too much time giving things away for free. It's that they're NOT spending enough time directing those free attendees and converting them into subscribers / paying customers / supporters of the arts. They bring them in, but then they don't know what to do with them, so the setup fails.

Having an audience is great, but you also need a plan to engage them and make them a part of your own forward momentum, all while providing them something that improves their lives as well.

Re: How to Launch a Group Blog Project

Justin Kownacki — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:48:32 -0000

Goals for a group blog are very important, but considering this one was hatched inside of 60 minutes from a disparate group of Pittsburghers AND non-Pittsburghers, I think an open-ended concept ("the voices of Pittsburgh") is a safe starting point.

Group blogs (or any group work) should have the goals defined by those who expect to do the most work on (or are paying the most to produce) the ongoing project. Since we don't know who'll be taking the lead on this yet, I suspect it'll be a self-policing growth period, and then the core contributors can refine the next steps and decided upon a clearer direction, if necessary.

Thanks for handing us the keys, though, Chris! Sometimes someone else has to start the car in order for it to roll down the hill...

Re: Platform Thinking in Personal Branding

Justin Kownacki — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:49:00 -0000

So THAT'S what I'm known for! And here I thought it was my astounding inability to never grow a full beard...

Kidding aside, my appendix to your post: what YOU think you're known for isn't always what you ARE known for. It helps to know which aspects of your multifaceted personhood are resonating with which audiences.

Re: Say What You Want

Justin Kownacki — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 11:34:20 -0000

Don't forget: McDonald's wasn't always a massive corporation. When they first started out, they were doing something novel -- the fast food hamburger, which was rare 60 years ago -- and so it got people talking.

The key here isn't "how McDonald's ignores the tenets of being remarkable," but "how McDonald's built being remarkable into a massive global empire."

Re: Night at the Byham

Justin Kownacki — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 22:33:06 -0000

Downtown is on the way up, it's true. Thank God for that. There may not be as much real estate there, square-footage wise as as there is in other metropolises (metropoli?), but they can certainly build up...

Speaking of Friendster, are you on MySpace as well? If not, jump in! Pittsburgh itself has a page there, as does our rockin' little web series, Something to Be Desired (shameless plug)

Cheers!