Pittsburgh Social Media Buzz #12

I hear this quote a lot:

"If the world is coming to an end then I want to be in Pittsburgh, because it is 5 years behind the rest of the world."

This blog is devoted to the companies and individuals that dare to surf the waves of new media change in Pittsburgh. We are always on the look out for progressive application examples. In the 12th edition those come from a regional banking institution and a regular featured company in this space.

Banking on IPod

NexTier Bank is not your ordinary banking institution. After all, how many regional banks can boast having services that even some of the big banks don't offer. This progressive thinking also lead the company to embrace podcasting as an educational tool.

The NexTier Business Education Series is available at the www.thebank.com or from ITunes. It has a variety of speakers from within NexTier that delve into topics from wealth management to personal financial advice and beyond. The podcast is produced with the help of TalkShoe, which was featured in a past edition.

The portability of podcasting means you can take the advice on the go with you in the car, at the gym, or even cutting the grass.

Rockin Out with More Retail

Pittsburgh has an advantage over other cities. Unless it is Jimmy Buffet, you are likely to be able to get concert tickets. When I lived in NY, this was a never ending battle to see the shows. What we lacked was a good festival to show off our city's rich musical tradition from a great local music scene.

American Eagle Outfitters recognized this need and is delivering with the New America Music Union on August 8th and 9th. The festival takes place at the company's new digs at South Side Works and features Bob Dylan, The Rancoteurs, Spoon, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots and more.

A second stage will feature the 15 best up and coming college bands. Being a clothing company, AE is giving the concert tee with every ticket purchase. Music and fashion go hand and hand and I can't even begin to list all of the many social media outlets that have been tied in from social networks to podcasts.

In the next issue:

The Local Blog Edition

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Buzz #11

We are back with the 11th edition which has the latest in social media from rue21 and a look at Google's new Lively.

Adventure on a Subway

rue21 is at it again. They have again pushed their social media program to new heights with the launch of The Metro. The Metro is a sub area of their website for their social community to connect and in turn have some fun. The Metro has stops at their other social media places on My Space, Facebook and YouTube as well.

Another stop on rue21's Metro is the rueVenture: Quest for The Hidden Temple of Denim game. Players must navigate a series of challenges following the clues to open the Temple and the treasures that lie within.

To ride the Metro you have to be a member of the 'rue community'. Sign up is free and simple.

A Lively Addition to the Edition

Google announced a competitor to Second Life in virtual entertainment. The new world is called “lively”. It features 3D Avatars common in other virtual spaces as well as rooms that can be furnished and visited. Lively will also play YouTube videos on screens, taking advantage of other Google properties.

Here are some thoughts from around the web on the new site:

Earlier in the week, we reported on the social media initiative from Google called Lively, a virtual entertainment site. Several responded with some excellent insight that I would like to share with you today.


Pierre DeBois -
Although new, I think the ability to display visual content relevant to your firm and have the world of Lively linked to the company website or blog to add a new component of branding. To a degree it may make either a website or a blog irrelevant if the content is combined in a certain way.

Gerald Inman -
There is some merit to a “Virtual World” concept for conveying information. IBM and Linden Labs have begun to work together to create an “Open Sim” concept in which an avatar can move from one virtual world to another.
(http://blog.secondlife.com/2008/07/08/ibm-linden-lab-interoperability-announcement)
Since information transference has been the goal of these virtual systems, there is merit for this technology. “Wallace Jackson” hit on a key point in that computing power at the desktop level has increased significantly over the years so the success of this technology is far better now than the mid 90s when “The Palace” first came on the scene.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Palace_(computer_program))

I suspect that Google’s interest has to do with running advertisements in these virtual worlds. Although the security is not as strong as “IBM’s Metaverse”, as Google matures the technology, I am sure there will be opportunities for business.
(http://www.product-reviews.net/2008/07/09/googles-lively-vs-ibm-metaverse-and-second-life-virtual-world)

With so many eyeballs in these environments, advertisers would want to capture that market as well. If Google can build an advertisement model for their Google Lively, then they will be a viable competitor.

I hope this information helps you Christopher.
Links:http://www.raphkoster.com/2008/07/08/googles-lively/ http://www.webware.com/8301-1_109-9984909-2.html

Tim Whale-
As a keen proponent of virtual space and a develop of 3 years standing in second life, I have great enthusiasm for developments such as this.
I created my 3d room on day one and sent out a subscriber list invitation to an event in the room for the weekend.

Within 3 hours of that invite going out, I had received 18 acceptances, despite the recipients not having heard of lively, for obvious reasons.

There is no real comparison between lively and second life. Lively has the potential to being a superb tool for marketing events, I would expect my rooms to be empty when events are not being hosted, as when I seek to drive 3d continual traffic, I use second life, as it is a far more interesting ‘hang-out’ platform.

But for an event, lively suits my target market and requires no lengthy or steep learning curve.
The main issue with lively is the inability of mac users to gain access.

In the next issue:

Banking on IPod

Rockin Out with More Retail

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #10

The Buzz hits double digits. The 10th edition features a look at one person's passion for a new work out lead to social media and some thoughts on how you can be a part of the next viral campaign.

Working Out The Web

Dan Lapic is not your typical trainer. Lapic has a full time job with a local hospital, writes music in his spare time, trains the Freedom High School Wrestling Team, and wanted to share his passion for a home gym with the world.

About two months ago, he brought his vision to the web with USA Jungle Gym. On the site, he not only gives information on websites that you can do at home and inexpensive options for building your own home gym, but he also practices what he preaches by demonstrating exercises and regimens on video.

Lapic also has a channel on YouTube with video editions of work out routines. Lapic reports that he has been contacted by exercisers from outside of this area for advice, including those training for a triathlon. He is always happy to share advice and can be contacted on his site.

Catch a Viral

Content is king on the web. Egaging content can explode and spread fast. However, you don't necessarily need to create your own content to hitch a ride on the viral express. Amazon recently announced it is releasing a service for video advertising. YouTube is now selling placements and pre-roll as well.

For smaller content producers, who have been holding their own against their larger colleagues, there is a service at Sponsor Bids for product placement opportunties. Content creators post their projects and potential advertisers can review and evaluate opportunities. There are often some great bargains for marketers on the ste and in exchange smaller content producers can off set their costs.

Viral is one of the least expensive with high effectiveness for branding. Take a look and catch a viral. Don't forget to let us know so we can feature you in this space.

Don't forget UniversalWit's Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com. Weekly drawings for $50 gas cards began on July 4th.

In the next issue:

Adventure on a Subway

A Lively Addition to the Edition

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #9

Welcome to Pittsburgh's Social Media Marketing Buzz, keeping tabs on the social media activities going on in and around the 'burgh. Issue 9 takes a look at cat celebrities and a survey with direct implications on social media.

MEOW Updates An Old TV Trick

With video exploding on the web, Del Monte has taken their campaign to TV, using a method that has successful roots in the past. Meow Mix brand cat food is sponsoring a branded TV game show on Animal Planet in the fall.

Branded entertainment was very popular on TV in its infancy with Your Product Here Hours. The networks used this to gain more content and offset development costs, while the brand got maximum exposure in this new medium.

Meow Mix branded entertainment seeks to find and showcase the talents of cats and likely their owners from around the nation.

Though it is starting in a traditional manner, a logical extension to the web is plausible. Stay tuned.

Are You in This Boat?

You may be feeling uneasy about adapting new media as part of your marketing programs. Sure, the stats show us that traditional marketing is declining and new media is growing. However, we know that there is still uneasiness over a customer base that is empowered and a communications explosion.

A recent study of CMOs shows that you are not alone.

The following information was reported by Ted Mininni in his blog.

Marketing Daily recently conducted an interview with The CMO Council’s Donovan Neale-May, who divulged some starting information. It appears that in a survey conducted by The CMO Council and the Boston Consulting Group of 1000 senior marketing execs, only 6% of respondents felt that their “go to market” capabilities were “very good.”

The opening paragraph shocked Mininni - “Marketers are not taking advantage of all-or even many-of the tools available to them to create effective sales and marketing platforms. What’s more, they know it-and they’re not doing much about it.”

The study and article disclosed that “despite their acknowledged deficiencies, the majority of executives are unwilling to stray outside of their comfort zone.”

* 66% of respondents reported that they remain focused on traditional marketing, branding and promotional communications.
* Only 26% reported making inroads in better understanding their consumer targets was a priority.
* Only 14% cited retail and service execution was a priority.

Neale-May observed that the “same old” proven marketing strategies might be effective, it’s also important to embrace “innovative new approaches.”

Many of the marketers surveyed recognized a need for the following:
* 52% are modifying sales and marketing strategies for better results.
* 32% need to hire new talent.
* Yet these two areas are not a fiscal priority-58% cited these two initiatives would have to be financed from current budgets.

The survey found that a healthy 48% of executives surveyed stated they had “insufficient resources as a barrier to implementing successful programs”.

48% said they had “talent issues” and 35% cited “a gap between current and desired capabilities.”

As to the future focus for the marketers surveyed?

* 56% are focused on ‘talent management and performance’-85% reported that they are rating the success of their marketing programs via revenue growth. And 53% reported that customer acquisition and retention were employed as marketing measures.
* 52% are focusing on ‘business strategy’
* Only 14% are focusing on investing in new metrics
* Only 12% are focusing on technology and IT
* Only 20% are focusing on productivity
* Only 10% are focusing on channel development

That is a lot of numbers to digest. The key take away that I see is you are not alone, but that does not mean you should not try. Don’t embrace social media just for social media sake. Take a look at your customers. How have their patterns changed over the last few years.
Do more use text to communicate now? Do they turn to blogs for information? Do they utilize social communities for dating, friendship, or other services? Would they prefer to see your materials in video rather than on paper? Do they turn off prime time television to play video games?

Get a good picture of your customers and begin to think about the best ways to communicate with them. How much budget should be devoted to these new activities? Where are your current programs failing. Can money be diverted from these programs to new programs?
Management may be hesitant towards new media, but one thing remains common from old to new and that is ROI. Devote the time to understand how to measure your programs. Social Media is measurable in many ways. When you can show bottom line improvement, management listens and you as a marketer are rewarded.

Lastly, you are not alone in facing these issues either. There is help out there, including UniversalWit to guide you, educate you, and help you along the way no matter what the budget turns out to be.

Don't forget UniversalWit's Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com. Weekly drawings for $50 gas cards began on July 4th.

In the next issue:

Working Out The Web

Catch a Viral

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at http://www.universalwit.com/. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #8

Welcome to Pittsburgh's Social Media Marketing Buzz, keeping tabs on the social media activities going on in and around the 'burgh. Issue 8 takes a look at a career coach with a future design and we bring you tips for email marketing in time for July 7th policy changes.

A Future You

So what does a career and life coach with a Zen and Christian Chaplain background do to reach an audience. Well, Neal Griebling turned to the web and brought Future Design Studio to the World.

Future Design Studio even has its own blog with helpful tips for those that want to change their career direction and even a little Zen as well.

Neal has big plans for social media as well. He is looking into bringing video and maybe even a podcast in the future and will begin selling products as well soon. In his other time, he gives seminars and counsels job seekers on how to become career ronins.

Email Marketing Provisions Update

Originally released in the UniversalWit blog, we thought it should show up in this space as well. New CAN/SPAM regulations will go into effect on July 7th, 2008.

The new rule provisions address four topics:

1. Unsubscribe Requirements: In the new rules, the FTC states that an email recipient cannot be required to pay a fee, provide information other than his or her email address and opt-out preferences, or take any steps other than sending a reply email message or visiting a single Internet Web page to opt out of receiving future email from a sender. This will impact senders that currently require their subscribers to provide a password or visit more than one web page to unsubscribe. We recommend marketers utilize a One-Click Unsubscribe mechanism or link directly to their subscription center to manage this process.

2. Definition of “Sender”: Under CAN-SPAM, a “sender” is defined as the entity whose goods or services are advertised in a commercial email message. The new rules provide a clearer definition of “sender”, and make it easier to determine which of multiple parties advertising in a single email message is responsible for complying with the Act’s opt-out requirements. Those mailing on behalf of other advertisers or including advertising in their messages should take note of these changes. Generally speaking, the new rules state that the sole sender appearing in the “from” line of the email becomes the designated sender of the message, and therefore must comply with all provisions of the Act (such as listing a physical postal address and providing an opt-out mechanism).

3. Post Office Box Allowed: A “sender” of commercial email can include an accurately-registered post office box or private mailbox to satisfy the Act’s requirement that a commercial email display a “valid physical postal address.”

4. Liability Clarifications: The definition of the term”person” was added to clarify that CAN-SPAM’s obligations are not limited to natural persons. The scope of the Act includes individuals, groups, unincorporated associations, corporations, and non-profits. There is no exemption from CAN-SPAM for any of these groups.

The above info was provided by ExactTarget and they recommend consulting your own counsel to learn how these changes specifically impact your email program. You can download ExactTarget’s new CAN SPAM compliance whitepaper for more information.

If you are unsure about your email marketing programs, please feel free to contact UniversalWit.

Don't Forget UniversalWit's Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com. We will begin weekly drawings for $50 gas cards on July 4th.

In the next issue:

MEOW Updates An Old TV Trick

Are You in This Boat?

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to
blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #7

Wow! We have made it to issue #7 of Pittsburgh's Social Media Marketing Buzz already. Just goes to show you that there is a lot of new media happening in the 'burgh. In this issue, we look at a little band that could with its small social media steps and then visit a favorite
Pittsburgh topic - Zombies.

Taking Care of Business

I have a task for you. Type in businessmen in Google and tell me what comes up. Go ahead and do it and then come back and read the rest of this article.

So what did you find? Wiki #1. AskMen #2. And then a little band from Pittsburgh is the coveted #3 spot. Businessmen is a fairly common term so how did this band of 30 and 40 somethings manage to move that spot.

They are utilizing social media concepts for search engine optimization. The Pittsburgh Businessmen utilize the My Fast Site web platform (so does UniversalWit), which has a social media architecture. My Fast Site has search engine optimization plug ins built in and feature a blog on the home page complete with RSS feed.

Couple this with their ability to generate traffic for their loyal following and because of the wonderful charitable works that the band provides and you have a winning SEO strategy built with social media.

Following in the Footsteps of Zombies

Ever since George Romero brought zombies to Pittsburgh, the city has been obsessed with them. There have been Zombie Walks and Zombie Fests and zombies wandering the local haunted houses.

Pittsburghers will be glad to know that zombies have even moved into social media. There are numerous groups on Facebook and My Space devoted to the beasts. There is a claymation movie being promoted on My Space. My personal favorite is the addition of several zombie widgets on Facebook.

UniversalWit is also zombie obsessed as we try and bring Zombie Invasion as part of our game slate for Halloween. Our plan is to give you both a physical and online challenge that honors the great Pittsburgh zombie tradition. We are currently seeking sponsors, advertisers and even
investors to help us realize the vision. Join us as we launch a new chapter in zombie and social media hstory.

Don't Forget UniversalWit's Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com. We will begin weekly drawings for $50 gas cards on July 4th.

In the next issue:

A Future You

Email Marketing Provisions Update

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to
blog@universalwit.com

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #6

Hi and welcome to issue #6 of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. In this issue, we take a look at the local classic theme park updated and revisit rueVolution.

Making New Memories & Sharing Them

Summer time here in the 'burgh and that leads a lot of people to think Kennywood. Kennywood has been around since the 1800s and has plenty of history. IT could have gone by the wayside many times in its history, but managed to always come about with something new.

This year's new includes a revamped website complete with user generated content (UGC) in the form of KTube. KTube allows users to upload their videos from recent or past Kennywood experiences. It all culminates on August 29th with the Kennywood Film Festival. Can't wait to see your videos.

While you there, check out the Kennywood ringtones. Yes, that's two social media programs from one old amusement park company.

Igniting Teens - Follow Up with rueVolution

Way back in episode #2, we told you about rue21's rueVolution, a program that allows teens to share how they are impacting their community by submitting video, photos, artwork, poems or stories.

As a follow up, we wanted to share with you the rueVolution Gallery. The Gallery launched about a week ago and is full of submissions already. It is nice to see that a generation that is empowered through UGC is enjoying showing how they make a difference in the world.

IF you know a teen, encourage them to participate.

Don’t Forget UniversalWit’s Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com

In the next issue:

Taking Care of Business

Following in the Footsteps of Zombies

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #5

Hi and welcome to issue #5 of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. In this issue, we take a look at the Pens and their marvelous season on and off the ice as well as a local company that is driving podcasting.

Going For the Cup on Facebook

The city came to a collective sigh as the Pens season ended just a little short of the Stanley Cup. At a time like this, it is a good opportunity to take stock on the past season. When we look back, it was a tremendous step forward on the ice, for the franchise, and even in marketing for the Pens.

What a turnaround can be seen in the Pens. A new arena is being built and a strong image is being built alongside it. I would argue that the team’s brand is stronger today than even in the glory years of Mario. A big part of that are the new media and technology tools now at the disposal of the Pens’ marketing team.

You can see this on display if you go to the game. How cool is the new projection technology used pregame that displays videos right on the ice surface. IT does not stop there though. The Pens made a run for the cup on Facebook as well.

The Pens page on Facebook has over 15,000 fans already and it launched approximately mid-season this year. It is not a passive arena either. The fans actively utilize the wall to post and carry on discussions about their favorite hockey topics. There is also a gallery where fans post pictures from the games. It is truly an interactive social media site that has brought together the Pens community and given them a forum to engage.

I look for big things to continue on and off the ice for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Congratulations to all.

Live & Direct to Your IPod

In the Wexford suburb of Pittsburgh sits a company with a funny name and some real technology that is impacting podcasting. The company is TalkShoe and the technology is a service that allows listeners to connect and participate to live community calls.

The technology allows podcasters to broadcast their show live and take calls just like a terrestrial radio program. TalkShoe also has created widgets to aid in distribution of podcasts across other social networks like ITunes, Facebook, blogs, and more.

As a listener, you can join in and participate in the calls and broadcasts going on at anytime. For a full list of programs and schedules visit TalkShoe.com.

Don’t Forget UniversalWit’s Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com

In the next issue:

Making New Memories & Sharing Them

Igniting Teens – a Follow Up to a rueVolution

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #4

Hi and welcome to issue #4 of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. In this issue we leave the retailers behind for an issue and move onto the politicians and we will send some love out to PodCamp Pittsburgh3.

A Direct Line to Politicians

Do you really believe you control how a politician governs with your vote? We all know that there is a power behind the power and that has ruled politics for decades here in the US.
Well, the GOP is actually giving you the opportunity to be the brain trust in the future. They have recently launched a public beta called GOP onDemand . GOP onDemand allows you to communicate directly to your Republican committeeman and committeewoman. On the other side of GOP onDemand is the Republican committee people’s software, Republican All in One. It allows the Republican committee people to be more responsive to your concerns, to be more of service to you.

You can sound out on issues, take your leaders to task, and otherwise support the political process. The site was programmed locally by Political Technology Group. They report brisk sign up in the first few weeks of the launch.

I have not heard of any initiatives from the other parties at this time, but I expect they will follow suit. In the future, you as a citizen will have a direct stake and the technology to shape the country’s political future.

PodCamp Pittsburgh

The 3rd edition of PodCamp Pittsburgh returns in October '08.

PodCamp Pittsburgh is a FREE community UnConference, run by and for people who create, enjoy or are interested in learning more about:
• blogs
• vlogs (video podcasts)
• audio podcasts
• web video
• social and content networks
• new media monetization
• more!

It happens on October 18 and 19, 2008. Registration and more information can be found at PodCamp Pittsburgh.

Don’t Forget UniversalWit’s Seeker Game is going on now at UniversalWit.com

In the next issue:

Live & Direct to Your IPod
Going for the Cup on Facebook

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz #3

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz by UniversalWit Blog Issue #3

Hi and welcome to issue #3 of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. In this issue we look at American Eagle’s Aerie brand on Facebook, a look ahead to the New Media Conference in Las Vegas, and The Seeker online game from UniversalWit.

Smooches from Aerie

It is not by coincidence that 2 of our first 3 episodes involve the large Pittsburgh retail companies. Both rue21 and American Eagle Outfitters are on the forefront of social media marketing in Pittsburgh.

AE has set the bar high for other companies. They found success with YouTube with their webisode – ‘It’s a Mall World’. In fact, the episodes even made their way to MTV. Recently, AE turned their efforts to Facebook, especially with the Aerie brand.

Facebook got the jump on bigger competitor My Space by offering businesses free pages on the site. Pages are slightly different than profiles and it does take some work to develop an audience. Aerie took the page concept one step further by creating a Facebook widget. If you have played with Facebook, then you know how much fun and addicting these can be (I really like throwing sheep for some reason). Aerie gives you the chance to trade smooches with other Facebook fanatics in their kissing booth. The Aerie Kissing Booth is a great example of using social media to build your brand through fun and engagement.

The New Media Expo

This year’s New Media Expo will be held in Las Vegas on August 14-16th. The Expo brings together some of the leading minds in New Media as well as exhibits on the latest technology. Sponsors include Ambrosia Software, Sony, and many other names.

I am making plans to attend and will file reports on the Buzz during and after the conference.

UniversalWit Presents a New Online Game

On Friday, May 30th, UniversalWit launched The Seeker and the Hidden Skulls seek and unscramble game. It is free to play and no registration is required either. Simply find the 13 skulls hidden throughout the UniversalWit sites and collect the letters they contain. Unscramble the letters to make a word and send that word to games@universalwit.com.
Correct entries will be entered into a weekly drawing starting July 4th, 2008 for a $50.00 gas card. Game ends August 31, 2008. Good luck and have fun. More information is available at UniversalWit.

In the next issue:

A Direct Line to a Politician
Pittsburgh Podcamp

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz Issue #2

Hi and welcome to issue #2 of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. In this issue we look at rue21’s new rueVolution campaign and share some statistics on teen new media usage from the Pew.

Join the rueVolution

rue21 is using social media as well as their own site to encourage teens to share how they make a difference in their communities. We might think as teens as video game junkies or glued to their social networks (And the next topic might back that up), but teens are often the most energetic and dedicated volunteers to a cause or organization.

rueVolution is giving them a platform to show how they make a difference by encouraging them to submit videos, photos, poems, artwork, or anything else that they consider noteworthy. rue plans to display their work on their site as well as on YouTube. You can see the rueVolution video here.

New Media & Teens

Today’s teenagers have an explosion of technology at their fingertips, so it should be no surprise that they spend a lot of their time online. In fact according to a study conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project and reported by eMarketer , more than nine out of ten US teens surveyed said they used the Internet or email.

Additional statistics reported from the survey:

· 71% had a mobile phone

· 59% had a notebook or desktop PC

· 58% had a social network profile

· 27% had a blog

In the next issue:

Smooches from Aerie

A Look Ahead to the New Media Conference

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz Issue #1

Greetings and welcome to the initial edition of Pittsburgh’s Social Media Marketing Buzz. This blog is published by UniversalWit and is dedicated to news and events around the Pittsburgh region related to social media as well as stats and information from around the country.

We encourage you to share your news in this space, by contacting us through this blog. Specific information on area blogs, podcasts, social network events and campaigns, alternative reality games, and other new media are always welcome and appreciated.

Join the discussion by submitting your comments.

On tap for the next edition:

Join the rueVolution

Teens & the Internet

The Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing Buzz is a publication of UniversalWit. More information on UniversalWit is available at www.universalwit.com. Submit your new media news to blog@universalwit.com.