DISQUS

Agree, that's pretty tacky.

Great article!

Thank you for all you do to help others out! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

@patmcgraw, comment #59. You said the KMarts in your area are old and poorly maintained. I used to think the same thing, but the store in my area has recently been remodeled and cleaned up, something I wouldn't have known if I hadn't decided to give them a "second look" due to Chris' original post.

I think KMart is making a smart move by trying a new method of "connecting" with their customers (and potential customers, who, like you, have a negative image).

As far as what Chris did, I agree wholeheartedly with everything he said. Bloggers need to find ways to make money - as many commenters mentioned, the blogging community preaches "do what you love and the money will follow" so it is hypocritical for anyone to complain that "making money" is suddenly crude or tainted in some way. Everyone needs to make a living. It's hard to find a blog these days that doesn't have Google ads on it. Chris was honest and transparent about the gift card and the reason for the original post. Many people consider him an "evangelist" for social media. Well, even evangelists pass the hat after a sermon. There was no deception. I'm sure if he'd found the store to be dirty and poorly stocked, that is the review he would have written. His honesty is, in my opinion, above reproach.

@Alan Wolk, comment #90. "Did having a paid post on your blog actually bring KMart any business?". Yes, I went and spent a little money there, and sent my mother-in-law who spent over $100 (and had also written off KMart before I told her about my visit, which was prompted by Chris' post). And she told my aunt, who went and purchased some items. That's three customers, all going to a store they ordinarily wouldn't have. As far as your "upscale/downscale" notion, in these troubled economic times, I think saving money is no longer a class-defined option - I parked next to a Mercedes on my visit.

I support Chris in his post and rally to his defense as an honest man who is testing the waters in the brave new world of trying to find ways to connect customers and companies via social media. There is nothing wrong with that, in fact it is a bold move that I heartily applaud.

Big hugs to you, Chris!

Self-improvement, huh? Hmmm, think there's a market for information about that? *grin*

Thank you so much for the shout-out, Chris. You are a sweetheart and such a fine judge of good reading *grin*

Seriously, I understand your point, and I do try to help everyone I can. The Internet is so vast and there are so many awesome writers out there, we need to do everything we can to point out those we find who are doing excellent work.

Blessing to you for all you do!

I'm glad I was able to help! Best wishes to you!

I don't think complaining alone will ever accomplish anything, but forcefully stating things that are wrong, proposing solutions and actively working on those solutions - that can make a difference!

Interesting idea though, thanks for sharing!

I played along on Twitter, and thought it was a lot of fun. I don't agree with her politics, but I didn't have anything mean to say, just made up some silly "Little Known Facts" off the top of my head. I think it was worthy of mention here because of the speed with which the meme spread. Someone even created a Facebook app already. If you Google the term, there are more than 25000 results. Big mainstream media took note, as one of the first search results is from the Chicago Tribune. So I say bravo for mentioning it!

I like interviews that begin with something casual, even humorous. A totally off-the-wall question like "Boxers or briefs?" (Obviously not THAT question, but something funny). It's a nice icebreaker for everyone involved. It relaxes the situation for the person being interviewed and for the audience. Start 'em off with a smile, and they'll stick with you through the whole deal!

Best wishes!

Those are excellent suggestions - thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much for stopping by - I love hearing from my friends!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Marti_L from Twitter

Great list - thanks for sharing!

Fabulous! I am so envious - we'd planned on going to Burning Man this year, but my husband hd a stroke. He's recovering, so we're going to shoot for next year. Hope you have a blast!

Peace and joy to you
Marti_L from Twitter

Fabulous! I am so envious - we'd planned on going to Burning Man this year, but my husband hd a stroke. He's recovering, so we're going to shoot for next year. Hope you have a blast!

Peace and joy to you
Marti_L from Twitter

Ripples and circles, all expanding....

Every one of us who blogs about Susan reaches a different group of people, our own circle of friends, spreading awareness and hope.

This is a wonderful campaign, and I find myself feeling like Ann, so pleased to see the pool of concern growing into an ocean, yet sad that this had to happen at all.

God bless you Chris, you are a wonderful and caring friend. My thoughts and prayers will be Susan, and with all of you, as we face this challenge....together.

Peas and joy!

I think I've missed you so! (not a real answer, but it's the truth) I've been so busy with "work" I never find the time to visit the blogs I love to read. Thank you for all you do Chris, always giving your readers something to think about!

I hope that you and your family will have a fabulous Thanksgiving. I am so grateful for the wonderful people I've met on the Internet - like you! God bless you hon, and best wishes for continued success.

I saw a couple of guys debating on cable news yesterday about Facebook opening up their profiles to Google search. One was all up in arms about it and it struck me as terribly odd to be on a social network and not want to be social - LOL

Thanks for the great tips - hope you have a wonderful day!

Excellent post, Chris!

I have trouble saying no, but I've learned that I don't always say "yes" because I want to be helpful, but because it makes me feel indispensable. When I realize it's often more about my own ego than genuinely being of service, and that makes saying "no" a lot easier.

All the best to you hon!

I was out of the house most of yesterday, or I'd have gotten the shakes from twitter being down - LOL I agree with all the points you've made. I don't know why I'm drawn to the people there more than another of the similar apps, but I am.

Great post! Best wishes to you for a fabulous Friday!

This is what I love about Twitter - it can serve so many purposes in such short little bursts! Within the 140 character limit, we can find so much to say - LOL

Thanks for a great post, Chris, and best wishes to you for a terrific day. You always come up with clever and unique takes on things!

Excellent choices! I hope you have a great holiday weekend!

Great post, Chris! I love Twitter for its immediacy and brevity. I do get a teeny bit annoyed at the ones who drop a post link and run away, but their tweets are so brief, I can scan past them for the good stuff - like you!

Best wishes to you for a wonderful day!

Congratulations!

Baloney! /web 2.0 = baln / (snicker) This type of e-mail is not crap. I love hearing that someone wants to add me as a friend or follower at a social network!

Ah! I get it! Excellent!