www.Twitter.com

Twitter spammers finally need to beware! Now all Twitter users have a new option, “report [username] for spam” link. When clicked, the feature alerts you that it will immediately block the user and report them to Twitter for review. In the past, Twitter has been using the “@spam” account to allow users to quickly report spam messages via direct message. The “report spam” link should make this process a bit easier and more readily apparent for users of the Web interface.

Best,

Adam Faragalli

Shannon D. Jackson of Hendersonville, Tennessee, was arrested on September 25th after she violated an “order of protection” by allegedly poking a woman on Facebook. The court order stated, “no telephoning, contacting or otherwise communicating with the petitioner.” Believe it or not, Jackson’s bond is set at $1,500. If found guilty Jackson could face up to 29 days in jail and a hefty $2,500 fine.

According to our regional newspaper, The Tennessean writes: “According to the affidavit filed in Sumner County General Sessions Court, Jackson is accused of using the “poke” option on Facebook to contact a Hendersonville woman, thus violating the terms of the order of protection…Hendersonville police have made copies of the page in which the alleged victim is shown to be “poked,” according to the affidavit.”

So what have we learned? Communication online, via Facebook, even just a poke, can lead to serious consequences if you already have a court ordered restraining order. Personally I found the story hilarious and thought I might share. Kodos to Mashable for dropping the story over the weekend.

Best,

Adam Faragalli

Google Wave, announced several months back at the Google I/O conference, aims to change the way people collaborate and communicate with others. According to Google, a “wave” is equal parts conversation and document, where people can communicate and work together with richly formatted text, photos, videos, maps, and more.”
The question the developers asked if email was invented today, what would it look like and ultimately how would it work? Google Wave is the answer. If you have some time, check out the long demonstration video below of the conference back in May.

Here’s how it works: In Google Wave you create a wave and add people to it. Everyone on your wave can use richly formatted text, photos, gadgets, and even feeds from other sources on the web. They can insert a reply or edit the wave directly. It’s concurrent rich-text editing, where you see on your screen nearly instantly what your fellow collaborators are typing in your wave. That means Google Wave is just as well suited for quick messages as for persistent content - it allows for both collaboration and communication. You can also use “playback” to rewind the wave and see how it evolved.

Some key technologies in Google Wave include real-time collaboration tools, Natural language tools, Extending Google Wave.

I especially love the playback ability and the instant ability to see the message as it is being typed. Think about just how much time one can save when one can plan there response as someone forms their message. This is in contrast to the typing icon that currently works in most email and instant message applications. What is also great is you can turn this feature off, helpful for those of us who are not quite sure about spelling or a quick response. But these features are just bonus to an revolutionary online tool!

In the near future, there is little doubt that Google Wave will have a major impact on the way we all email and share online. If you would like to give it a shot, try your hand at requesting an invitation. I am still eargerly awaiting the official release of Google Wave, which is supposed to be coming very soon last this year! As soon as it is released I will make a new blog and let you know.

Best,

Adam Faragalli

Twine.com sent me this link this morning from LifeHacker.com about there list of Top 10 Web Collaboration Tools. As they state, these collaboration tools stand apart from the awesome platform Google Wave, announced a few months back, which I will save for another blog entry. Many of these I had never heard of but many are very helpful. I especially liked MindMeister.

MindMeister Preview Image

From the developers Web site, “MindMeister brings the concept of mind mapping to the web, using its facilities for real-time collaboration to allow truly global brainstorming sessions. Users can create, manage and share mind maps online and access them anytime, from anywhere. In brainstorming mode, fellow MindMeisters from around the world (or just in different rooms) can simultaneously work on the same mind map and see each other’s changes as they happen.”

I hope you take a look at them and be sure to thank LifeHacker.com for the article, Top 10 Web Collaboration Tools.

Best,

Adam Faragalli

Nielsen Ratings, aka Nielson Wire posted this study on their blog which clearly shows an ever increasing percetage of American’s spending more time online doing social networking related activities. Take a look at the article here.  This in turn causes advertising growth. All in all this is great news for us online marketers. Need more proof to move to online social mediums to grow your ideas and business?

“This growth suggests a wholesale change in the way the Internet is used,” said Jon Gibs, vice president, media and agency insights, Nielsen’s online division. “While video and text content remain central to the Web experience – the desire of online consumers to connect, communicate and share is increasingly driving the medium’s growth.

Among those taking note of this trend: advertisers.  Estimated online advertising spending on the top social network and blogging sites increased 119 percent, from approximately $49 million in August 2008 to approximately $108 million in August 2009 – all despite a recession. Share of estimated spend on these sites has doubled, from 7 percent of online ad spend in 2008 to 15 percent in 2009.”

Nielsen Social Media Ratings Table 2009

SocialWebTools.info brings this article to help the Twittering masses get their pictures and even videos shared on Twitter. In the article, 26 helpful online sites and applications are presented, many which I have used, many I never knew existed. Enjoy the read and I hope this helps you share your stories and build your network.

Best,

Adam Faragalli