I agree that social media is becoming a strong foundation for both raising awareness and sparking MSM discussions. When you see how deeply consumers can connect with online conversations, MSM’s affect often pales in comparison.

With social media, we are no longer intermediaries or gatekeepers. Instead, we go back to our original role of creators and conversation facilitators.

Social media gives companies the chance to have a direct relationship with both customers and blogos/journos. Traditional media doesn’t allow for the exploration that online media does. With social media, consumers can easily search and share, causing ideas and information to spread at an awesome rate.

With that in mind, social media can help raise awareness of companies/topics and prime the discussion for the MSM. For me, the effect of gaining exposure with thousands of highly-energized and interested niche blog readers is more powerful than a hit in the MSM.

Find out. Do some legwork. I know it’s lofty thinking to believe that everyone is willing and able to do some legwork, but it’s tough to feel bad for people who don’t even try — especially reporters!

Great post, Chris.

Sure, go ahead!

I was also wondering if I could have permission to
show the video on my blog with a credit link back
to this post…

Teck