Should Facebook Shore up its Security Features?

Everyday I check out foxnews.com to get a daily news update, and today a headline really caught my eye.  It not only caught my eye because it was disgusting, but it made me wonder what people and groups can get away with on facebook. 

http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/09/28/pedophiles-find-home-social-networking-facebook/

There supposedly was a group on facebook that was dedicated to helping pedophiles connect with each other and share strategies.  I know this sounds crazy, but its true.  Now obviously Facebook took this down immeadiately after the news article is posted, but it still makes me wonder what else is out there.  There are facebook groups dedicated to neo-nazism, anti civil rights groups, and groups on mass suicide.  Facebook says it stops these type of groups, but they are still out there.  It is my hope that facebook will step up its security features and shut down these type of groups.

Has Freedom of Speech gone too far?

Hey everybody.  First of all, I apologize for the delay in writing my second blog.  I thought I had posted my blog a few days ago, but I must have just just pressed the preview button.  But i'll get the hang of this eventually!

I want to write about social media and freedom of speech.  I was looking at CNN's web page the other day and one of the headlining stories was about a person in South Africa who was using their twitter account to alert locals about road blocks and speed traps.  This person's account, named @PigSpotter posts pictures of cops hidden behind trees and speed traps to their twitter account so all of their followers can see.  The South African police force has charged this person with  defamation and "defeating the ends of justice".  They claimed that @PigSpotter is obstructing justice with the twitter updates, because they set up traps to maintain order and keep drivers from breaking the law. 

What does everybody think about this?  In America, freedom of speech is our first and most important amendment.  But would it be okay for me to copy what this guy is doing and post speed trap locations on my twitter account about cop locations on Scottsville Rd or I-65?

DMB and Social Media

Well i'll be the first one to admit that I may have some sort of problem.  I don't smoke or drink, or gamble or anything like that.  But I am obcessed with one band, and thats the Dave Matthews Band.  I've been a hardcore fan for four years now, and have made it to three shows since then.  Just to put in perspective on how crazy I am, I have 24 versions of Two Step and Rapunzel on my ipod, which is ridiculous.  Tonight I am leaving for Chicago to go see DMB play at Wrigley, and while I admit skipping my friday class is not the best thing to do, this is a trip I just could not pass up. 

The Dave Matthews Band and its management team started using Social Media to connect with fans years ago.  There are tens of thousands of other fans just like me who hang on the edge of their seat for any new information about the band or any new releases they might have.  The band realizes how important it is to keep it's fans in the loop, because as long as the fans are happy, then the money will keep rolling in. 

The Dave Matthews Band utilizes Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter.  It's facebook page has almost 1.5 million fans.  They use this page to let fans preview new music, remind them about television appearances, and to share their concert dates.  Their MySpace page has the same format, but we all know that FaceBook is king. 

http://www.facebook.com/davematthewsband

Dave Matthews, who is the lead singer and guitar player of the group, has his own Twitter page.  He uses this to stay connected with fans and to post just random things that are going through his warped mind.  Steffarn Lessard, who is the bass player, also has a Twitter account.  Stefan is a lot more active on his and he posts daily updates on how the tour is going and stuff like that. He currently has over 27,000 followers. 

http://twitter.com/SLessard

More bands should adopt a social media strategy in my opinion.  It doesn't take much work, and it gives a chance for crazy fans like me to follow their every move, without falling into the creeper category!

Social Media

Well everybody, this is my first blog experience.  I am excited to share my opinions and views as they affect social media throughout the next few months. 

I expect to learn a lot in this course.  Honestly I do not know a whole lot about Social Media.  I have a Facebook page just like everybody else, but I have never used Twitter or Linkedin or blogged before.  However I do know the power the social media holds.  With YouTube and Facebook being two of the most popular pages in the world, its very apparant how powerful social media can be.

I'm ready for the semester!