January 25, 2008
Which social networking sites are you using?
By Robert Niles
5 comments | 
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I suspected that the OJAs would have an advantage in the vote, given that USC Annenberg (OJR's publisher) used to administer the awards for the ONA, making it more likely that OJR readers would, at least, be aware of the ONA's awards.
But the NAA and EPpy fans didn't take that challenge lying down, and I was amused when friends of OJR forwarded e-mails that were sent on each award's behalf, urging folks to visit the site and vote.
Now, did the vote tell us anything about the relative quality of these awards? Heck, no. But they did prove to us that they each have their passionate supporters. And, as I wrote, we always appreciate new traffic.
On to this week's question, then. It follows Jean Yung's report yesterday on efforts by the Dallas Morning News and St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times to use YouTube videos to promote special story packages on their newspapers' websites. Which prompts me to ask: How are you using social media websites to keep in touch with colleagues and friends? Are you using them to promote your work? And is your employer or publication using these sites to promote itself?
You may choose more than one option in this week's twin questions. In the comments, please elaborate a bit about your use of social media (your examples need not be limited to the communities listed in our question). If you're doing something interesting, like the News or the Times, we might feature it in a future OJR piece.
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Comments:
From 72.83.203.178 on January 26, 2008 at 9:39 AM
We have a private group for our division on Facebook, but to be honest I haven't been there in a while. Since it's private, it doesn't show up on your profile--so it doesn't get your attention. And Facebook doesn't automatically send you a notification when something (discussions, new members, etc.) is updated, so group activity is easy to ignore.It's not a knockout tool for business collaboration, but that doesn't mean making a group for your colleagues isn't fun!
From Mary Specht on January 26, 2008 at 9:40 AM
We have a private group for our division on Facebook, but to be honest I haven't been there in a while. Since it's private, it doesn't show up on your profile--so it doesn't get your attention. And Facebook doesn't automatically send you a notification when something (discussions, new members, etc.) is updated, so group activity is easy to ignore.It's not a knockout tool for business collaboration, but that doesn't mean making a group for your colleagues isn't fun!
From 203.87.148.16 on January 27, 2008 at 11:42 PM
As far as I know, our news website is not using any social networking site.What is the value/benefit/advantage of using social networking for news websites?
I want to learn from those who have already tried it.
Thanks,
Veronica C. Silva-Cusi
Online Editor
BusinessWorld Publishing Corporation
Quezon City, Philippines
www.bworldonline.com
From 72.129.18.24 on February 1, 2008 at 12:56 AM
I recently began posting some of my daily blog items on Facebook. I'm looking for ways to cultivate readers ... Gary Robbins, science editor, The Orange County Register (ocregister.com/sciencedude)This article has been archived and is no longer accepting comments.
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From Robert Niles on January 25, 2008 at 5:07 PM
FWIW, OJR has a group on Facebook, and I've considered starting one on LinkedIn. We also have a Twitter feed, though I'm not seeing much traffic coming to the site from that, at this point. Anyone having any success driving traffic through these groups?