Comments by Andy Gonzalez Subscribe

On Bridging the Gap: Students, Teachers and Social Media

Thank you so much, Pam. If someone would just tell my wife to listen when I speak, my world would be sooo much easier. :)

On Bridging the Gap: Students, Teachers and Social Media

Thanks Brad! It's almost too obvious. Still, I think its time to move forward. I've recently read a few articles about teachers in Canada that are doing this in some way, shape or form. We'll keep a close eye and see how it goes.Have a great day!

On Bridging the Gap: Students, Teachers and Social Media

Thanks for your input Adam! I appreciate you taking time out and posting a comment. I agree with you totally!...our children are going to grow up in a VERY different world than we did (or our parents) Social Media will be a huge part of their lives whether we accept it or not. We might as well embrace it, shape it and create its boundaries.

On The Maverick Genius

Many, many thanks to Steve Jobs and what he did for a product I love. I'm typing away on my MacBook pro, reading an iPad and checking my twitter feed on an iPhone. If that doesn't sum up with he has meant to the global technology community, I do not know what does.

That said, let us remember that a family lost a father and a brother. Keep them in your prayers.

Say hello to heaven, Steve.

On The Social Media Trap

Great article, David! You are spot on. One of the frequent questions we are faced with when presenting to a potential client is "What is the ROI" and "What successful campaigns has your company been a part of? ... It is these questions that a Social Media marketer must be able to answer. If they can't, they should be prepared to get shook loose once the "shake-up" happens.

On Sex sells, Social Media influences

Great point, Jamie. I think that a good blogger can be one of the most influential voices for your brand. The important thing is that you make sure to source them for their thoughts, respect their opinion and give them some type of exclusive access to your product or brand.   

On Sex sells, Social Media influences

Great work on this blog! I've actually seen the power of the "influencer" at work. 

On Facebook Followers are Earned... Not Traded

Tony, 

If you think that the people you "like" are going to keep you in mind should someone need services that you provide, you are most likely mistaken. The WHOLE POINT of social media is to be SOCIAL. It is to curate an organic followship that is engaged and cares about Tony. Exchanging "likes" removes the voice that people identify with and give their loyalty to. I think of it as a short cut for people who are concerned with numbers and not concerned with HOW SOCIAL MEDIA WORKS. In essence, you are surrounding yourself with people who know little about social media and could care less about your "business card".

I could be wrong, but they might as well be robots. 

Andy-

On Facebook Followers are Earned... Not Traded

Marie,

You, like others, seem to be taking this very personal. 

Two things:

1. This article is NOT talking about the 50,000 followers you built the "old fashioned way". In fact, that is a decent size network. Anyone who naturally builds a network of that size deserves respect. 

2. This article IS about the tool and the hundreds of tools like it. 

I am a bit confused why someone who has organically built networks of 50,000 followers would ever use a tool like this? It seems that you have no need to use a "like exchange" program. This program is an easy way for people who can not speak the language of social media to gain followers. Its a short cut for the lazy. If you indeed have built a network of 50,000 followers, you should know the difference between "like exchange" and what it takes to build a real, engaged audience. 

On Facebook Followers are Earned... Not Traded

I appreciate everyone taking time to post their thoughts on my article topic.

I would like to remind everyone that social media is not a one way street. In fact, it is not a two way street. It is a hectic, multi-connecting highway of people looking for the shortest route to a solution. For those of us educated in how Facebook works, programs like "Like Exchange" may serve some purpose. 

I've read many of the comments defending the "Like Exchange" program. Most of you say the same thing ... Just uncheck the boxes and you are never spammed and you never spam others. My constructive argument to that is: If that is the case, why do it? Isn't the point of the "Like Exchange" wall post feature to notify others that you have added their page and to ask them to reciprocate? If you are unchecking these "spam boxes" how would anyone know that you have indeed liked their fan page and which fan page of yours they should like in return?

Look, I know it is easy to get caught up in a numbers game. To be honest, Michelle (CEO of http://www.WebMediaExpert.com an the creator of this product) makes a lot of sense when she speaks of quantity -vs- quality and how to apply both perspectives at the right times. My fear is that by providing this short cut to a person that is not social media savvy, the engagement, curation and true brand building could be missed. I feel, in the end, most people that will use this tool are those who do not know how to cultivate an engaged, organic followship and this is something that is pivotal for the success of any brand. 

Thanks again, for all the great debate. 

Regards, 

Andy Gonzalez

On Facebook Followers are Earned... Not Traded

David, 

I welcome you to try it. It might work out well for you. Please keep me posted 

Regards,

Andy Gonzalez

On Facebook Followers are Earned... Not Traded

Marie,

"Quantity will garner enough eyeballs to allow more viewers...those followers/friends/contacts of your new 'like-buddy' to review your content and engage, one way or another."

The only way that this happens is if you allow the automated message to spam your wall and potentially the wall feeds of your friends. Is that acceptable to you? EVERYONE I deal with would turn their backs on something like this. I have run many successful social media campaigns without ever having to use tactics like this. 

Social Media is about natural conversation and organic followhips. Anyone who believes otherwise is practicing Anti-Social Media.