R.I.P. JD Salinger: It was a Good Run Yah Sonuva…

Thursday, January 28, 2010 – I raise my glass ( cup of coffee ) to not only a phenomenal author, but a person who sparked my interest in reading from a very young age. Cheers to you, Jerome David Salinger.

Salinger, most known for his sharp wit and vulgarities, goes down as a legend in my book. It could be due to the fact that he and I shared a profound connection as I stepped into the world of adolescence at age 13, flipping through each page of “Catcher in the Rye,” not knowing whether to be astounded by Holden Caufield’s language, or inspired by his sense of independence. Either way, intrigued, young, on the brink of becoming a woman, I was motivated to turn one page to the next, rapidly breezing through his novel like I would a Vogue magazine. Always taught to speak politely, reading quotes like, “They really were sons of bitches to tell yah the truth,” made me feel alive. It gave me a sense of freedom, freeing me from the chains of being “lady-like.” Perhaps, this is where my sailor mouth came from. Kudos, Sir J.D.

Salinger was born in New York on January 1, 1919. Not one to enjoy being tied down, he attended several schools before inevitably falling in love with writing.

After his father, Solomon, experienced great success as a food importer, Salinger’s family moved to Park Avenue in NYC. It was there, that Salinger ( cough cough, Holden ) began to attend a private school in Manhattan, flunking out only two years later. From there, he was moved to Valley Forge Military Academy outside of Philadelphia (can someone say, Pency Prep???). After graduation, Salinger attended notorious New York University, dropping out after two semesters.

In fall of 1939, Salinger signed up for a writing class at Columbia University. It was here that his remarkable sense of wit, sarcasm and talent was discovered.

In 1951, “Catcher in the Rye” was published for the world to read and review.

While so many words can be spoken on the topic of Salinger’s passing, none sums it up better than to say that his personality and humor opened the hearts and minds of many readers.

Stepping away from the world of professionalism, please excuse me  if only for a moment, in light of J.D.’s passing, to say,” Cheers yah sonuva bitch. You will be missed. Yah really will to tell yah the truth.”

Cheers,

JJ

We’ve Got the East Coast Covered!: North East Welcomes FLASH!

FLASH Relations is proud to announce they have expanded to the North East!

Currently located in New York City!

More details to follow THIS WEEK!

Cheers,

Founder – Jesse Jordan

The Globalization of Tweeting

By: Chris Kaftan, Contributing Author

A year ago, I’d have laughed in your face if you told me I’d be using Twitter on a frequent basis.

Heck, I would have asked you “what is a twitter?”

Now it is a big part of my daily activities — from finding out what friends are up to or hearing about hot topics, it has become the tool that the developers intended it to be — a microblog.

When my mom ranted a couple of months ago about where I find all this time to do Facebook, blogging, and tweeting, I just didn’t bother answering. Part of me knew she wouldn’t understand what I would explain to her. The bottom line…it doesn’t take much time or effort.

I recently wrote a new column for my regular piece at i711.com and this column focused on how these multimedia tools have replaced several mainstays in the deaf community — particularly deaf periodicals. In that column, I explained how tweeting and updating one’s status on Facebook has replaced the way we receive news.

Remember how when Michael Jackson died, he nearly brought the Internet with him? We, as a society, crave instant results. Instant gratification. As a former high school teacher, I see that all the time now. My students want to know their grades now, now and now.

Deaf blogger and tweeter Jared Evans (@jaredev) recently presented at the DCARA vlog symposium and was gracious enough to allow people who read his blog to view his PowerPoint presentation. One story from his presentation stood out for me.

Just how powerful Twitter can be in the community.

The world’s biggest online movie ordering service does not caption their online service. Yes. I’m talking about Netflix.

It’s been going around in the blogging community that the Netflix Chief Product Officer (gee-they have a position called that?) wrote a blog last June explaining, among other things, that, “…The majority of viewers would object to English captions on English content, so we have to figure out how to let individual viewers turn them on and off.” Excuse my English, but what kind of dumb response is that from the Netflix CPO?

Not only that, Netflix’s production company, Red Envelope Entertainment – which has apparently just closed – does not caption any of the independent films they purchase and mass-produce.

Neil Hunt, Netflix’s CPO, says that this isn’t something that can be quickly addressed. He said in the blog post, “captioning is in our development plans but is about a year away.”

Hunt also claims that in order to process the text files for each movie, especially the ones they provide through Silverlight – their online viewing service – it will take 500 processor months to make one encode.

I don’t buy it. Neither do other web programmers that I know.

If Hulu and other online movie and television services can provide text for the captions, why can’t Netflix? They’ve long been neglecting the Deaf and hard-of-hearing Community’s requests – and to some degree, actually not caring.

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin led a protest of sorts on her Twitter account (@MarleeMatlin) to bring attention to the folks at Netflix that the deaf community wants this to happen sooner.

In his PowerPoint presentation at the DCARA symposium, Evans illustrated that in the days after the furor started, because of the ability to do searches in Twitter (#Netflix) and RT (retweeting), word of what Netflix said flew through space like the Millennium Falcon. In a week, Matlin doubled the number of followers from 5,000 to nearly 10,000. All because of RT’ing.

With Twitter, we have gained a powerful tool that can be used to measure how news gets to us.

Chris Kaftan is a blogger, a tweeter, and a Facebooker. Kaftan has a blog covering the New York Yankees at www.generationthird.com. He also has his own personal blog at www.historyofck.com and Twitter at @HistoryofCK. He is a native of Woodstock, NY and currently lives in Maryland. Kaftan can be reached at ckaftan@yahoo.com.

http://www.i711.com/my711.php?tab=2&article=302

http://www.jaredlog.com/?p=1101

http://www.netflix.com

http://blog.netflix.com/2009_06_01_archive.html

http://www.hulu.com

Charleston, SC Welcomes Chique St: Online Magazine for Young Entrepreneurs, Fashion, Social Media and Public Relations

Chique St. online magazine recently began their launch in early August 2009. With a strong drive to motivate and boost young entrepreneurs, Chique St. provides advice, tips, hot spots for networking and information for getting the most for your dollar. Currently geared toward a Charleston, SC audience, Chique St. hopes to gain support and advance rapidly, expanding to other metropolitan areas.

Editor of Chique states, “Chique St. is not about the must haves, expensive buys and top dollar, lavish restaurants and go-to spots. It’s all about young adults who aspire to make their print in the world, working from the bottom up. It’s about taking a dollar and seeing how far you can stretch it. It’s about appreciating other people, their hard work and celebrating youth. To be chic, in my opinion, it takes skill, hard work and tremendous perseverance. My goal is to inspire and motivate in hard economic times. I started with $20 in my pocket. You can too.”

Chique St. includes fashion, PR and SMM tips because they feel that there is much more than having a “presence” in the business world. “Starting your own business, and paving your own path is a package deal. Dress the role. Dress for your career. Be yourself. Market yourself. Your product, your business, is nothing without your character and everything you bring to the table. Those who take risks are the ones who succeed,” says Editor in Chief of Chique St.

Those who live or have visited Charleston, know that there is much to see and enjoy. Fall captures the true beauty that this city offers, encapsulating an abundance of character, streets laced in Spanish moss and happy residents, eager to take a break from the Summer’s intense heat.  Skip to the beat of Chique and enjoy the autumn ride.

Chique St. presents a line-up of Fall fashion, social media marketing and public relations tips, along with a strong emphasis placed on young entrepreneurs. Each entrepreneur elected will be given the spotlight, highlighting their business, background information and a picture.

We look forward to supporting self-motivated individuals who work hard to achieve success. In times of economic hardship, FLASH Relations feels stronger than ever, that it’s time to reach out and help others. Today’s youth is tomorrow’s business women and men of the world.

Grab your morning cup of coffee, or curl up with a “spot” of tea, and cozy up to Chique St. This is just the beginning, a beginning, that has no end.

Help support and Join Chique St. We’ve recently been informed that they will be starting their own domain name. We will keep you posted with new information.

www.streetchique.wordpress.com

Interested in being a feature for their “Young Entrepreneur” column? Send your business information, background experience, age and a picture to Chique St. to apply @ chiquestmag@gmail.com .

SMM AND PR: Treat Others (Competition Included) the Way You Want to Be Treated

Support the competition? What?!

Social Media Marketing (SMM)/Public Relations (PR) and a Couple Words of Wisdom:

1: Be a good, social citizen (virtually and physically).

Hi. I know you’re on the other side of the internet connection, but just because we can’t see one another, doesn’t mean similar, polite rules don’t apply for basic ( or should I say social media) interaction. Support authors by Digging their submissions and retweeting.  We want other people to comment, support and retweet our hard work, so, why not do it for others? The benefit? We learn something and build potential valuable relationships. Also, by commenting on various blogs, we establish credibility, a place to leave our website and Twitter ID (much like you would a business card) and create an interactive social atmosphere where we stay invigorated and engaged. Just make sure you are providing a valuable comment with an honest opinion. No one likes SPAM. No one likes when people drop their Twitter ID and URL as a way of receiving attention. Be an active participant.

2: In the world of SMM, everyone involved is our friend.

What makes social media clubs and other various functions so fun are the PEOPLE. Chances are, if you go to these functions, a lot of the same kind of people in similar areas of business and interest will attend. You talk. You exchange ideas. You’re excited that people share the same passions for and about social media, public relations, the virtual world and blogging that you do. Support others and be innovative. If someone needs a suggestion or help, lend them a minute. You hope they would do the same for you, right?!  You never know what’s around the corner. Sometimes, an old buddy who you once helped might provide a positive reference for your company, or even shoot a client your way. Treat everyone equally and see what everyone has to offer.

I’ve had colleagues, friends and business connections go above and beyond to lend me tips, suggestions and take the time to review and secure pitches. For that, I am most appreciative. I would do the same for them in a heart beat. Keep the social atmosphere upbeat and positive.  In fact, let’s give them some live kudos, shall we?

Here’s a list of this past weeks best Tweeters/retweeters, suggestion lenders, information and support providers: (I will update this list every week to give kudos to those who help to spread the word about others and are active in the social media world!)

@Chainbreakingpr

@Jaredwsmith

@pensarc

@fitmenu

@opcgal

@samparvin

@connectingwomen

@seanhughes

Help others get more followers on Twitter. Help by providing your own useful tips and suggestions for people in social media marketing and public relations. Treat editors and publishers kindly and allow relationships to build.

Social media marketing is a rapidly progressing business and strategy. At the end of the day though, it boils down to one thing: People. Don’t forget that there are REAL people on the other side of an e-mail, a tweet, a pitch, a Facebook group or application or the phone. Get to know them a bit.

Cheers. For more useful tips and suggestions, I tweet on the regular @FLASHRelations. Do you have useful tips to add to this?! Comment and leave your opinions and feedback.

Freedom of TWEET? Not on (or should I say at) the Horizon

It’s no surprise to those who have kept up with the news today, that Horizon Realty is suing former tenant, Amanda Bonnen, for $50,000.  Why? Where do we start, fellow Twitterers?

Bonnen reportedly announced via tweet, “Who said sleeping in a moldy apartment was bad for you? Horizon Realty thinks it’s okay.”

Horizon Realty, located in Chicago with about 1,200 apartments responded, “The statements are obviously false, and it’s our intention to prove that.” I’ll give the credit to Jeffery Michael, of Horizon Realty for that one. As if that’s not bad enough, the following statement is what has caused an online OUTRAGE: “We’re a sue first, ask questions later kind of an organization.”

BREAKS. EEErrrrrrr! *crash* WHAT? Did we all hear (see) this correctly? So, what you’re trying to say is, under any set of circumstances that you’re not in agreement with, you’re going to sue and THEN proceed to research and figure out the grunt work?  WHO in their right MIND would want to live in a housing community such as this? People have enough problems in their daily lives; Horizon doesn’t need to be another. Get a life.

It’s all OK though, because Horizon has a “good reputation it wants to preserve.”  YEAH. Hats off and the best to you!

Amanda Bonnen’s Twitter account is no longer active, but Horizon Realty has landed themselves on the most “Trending Topics” via Twitter. Way to go! Hope you got what you wanted! Certainly an interesting marketing scheme. (Am I allowed to write this, or will I be sued, too?!).

This brings me to my most important and last topic of discussion. What happened to Freedom of Speech? Furthermore, Freedom of TWEET?!  Must we limit ourselves and what we say on Twitter?

Do we think what Amanda Bonnen did was wrong!? It’s just a matter of time before more issues such as this are on the horizon (no pun intended). Is Horizon Realty just full of a bunch of idiots?! Or is this a major concern in the social media world!?

@FLASHRelations (Follow me on Twitter for more updates!)

FLASH wants to know what YOU think. Post comments below (and leave your Twitter address):

I Love Albert and All, but What the Heck is THIS!?

Do we like this? Is this a strange example of a karaoke festivity? Not sure about this one, Al.

#MusicMonday The Doves Presents…

Bringing Twitter’s #MusicMonday to FLASH Relations!

An Over-Crowded, Rapidly Growing Social Paradise: The Scoop on Online Traffic

Years back, 2004 to be exact, I joined the Facebook world with arms wide open.  I embraced the free-flow of social exchange and networking with my fellow generation and college attendees.  I then, naturally, joined MySpace, opening the flood gates to the rest of the networking addicts. The virtual, online world became a way of life, and before I knew it, nights and days were spent on my computer.  Well…I’m not alone.

Let’s get some facts straight before we hit the good fluff. I mean, stuff.

Facebook, launched on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerman, was initially for exclusive use by Harvard students.  Well, that didn’t last long. Two weeks later, half of the colleges around the U.S. were already buzzing on the site.  Facebook was founded on February 1, 2004 and received $716 million in funding (not that we necessarily care, but hey, these are the facts).

Here’s some news. The stats are in! In December 2008, Facebook reported that they have over 222 MILLION active users, making Facebook the golden empire of the social networking world.  What’s more? Facebook has over 80 BILLION monthly page views.  Now, for those who are having difficulty putting that into perspective, consider this: Everyday, blogs get anywhere from 0 to let’s say, 500 hits. Larger companies, depending on the release of new information can acquire thousands of hits a day. Add those numbers up at the end of the month…Yeah.

What about MySpace?  What used to be the #1 way to network, is now slowly fading off the charts.  They have about 125 million users and 43 billion monthly page views.  Founded on August 1, 2003, MySpace succeeded rapidly in the networking world, and was quickly scooped up and acquired by Fox Interactive Media on July 1, 2005 for $580 million CASH.  Cha-ching.

Although a HUGE fan of both of these social media tools, I’ve got to give it up for my number one: Twitter. Twitter, created in 2006, by Jack Dorsey, is now in Alexa’s top 50 sites.  With over 14 million users in the U.S. alone, Twitter continues to rapidly grow with six-million unique visitors monthly and over 55 million monthly visits.  In 2010, Twitter expects over 18 million active users. Now that’s a TON of tweeting. Or twittering. Or twatting (past tense?).

Whether you get it, or you don’t, it’s simple. It’s a free social networking/micro-blogging tool that allows companies and everyday people to share their buzz. Think of it as FREE advertising. That’s right. FREE advertising. But, please, tend to your tweets carefully. Spam frequently visits the world of tweeting paradise, crowding an already over capacity site.  Not to mention, people want to read interesting tweets. We don’t care about your product or you. We want BUZZ. The only person who cares enough about what you have to offer, is most likely, YOU!  That’s right, so while I sometimes throw in a tweet about FLASH Relations being the best, truth in the matter is, we are!  Just kidding. Truth in the matter is, why should you care?  Please tweet responsibly and give me something riveting.

Keeping up with the social buzz is a full-time job! Not to mention, going online these days is like being stuck in LA traffic.  Half the time I “tweet,” Twitter is over its “user capacity limit.”  Just HOW many people are tweeting? Yeesh. Get a life. OK, moment of honesty: I can’t help myself either. Truly. Check me out via @FLASHRelations .

In addition, I must go off tangent to report that older generations just don’t get it. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and all the other billion, growing applications are like foreign lands.  ”What’s this one?” ” Who is this sending me a message? I don’t know them.” Get with the program.

Parents are now befriending my friends online, employers are checking out the 411 of prospective employees and people are commenting on Facebook pages every which way. An avid social media fan, I can hardly keep up. Is it really necessary for someone else, other than me, to respond and converse on my page in regards to a comment that was addressed to me? See. It gets so confusing that you might have to re-read that sentence over again to understand it.

With all the traffic, I’ve recently felt like I’ve been driving a Hummer, adding more social pollution to the mix. So, I swopped my Hummer out for a Prius, and now converse via applications such as Identi.ca. Using Identi.ca, you can update your Twitter, Identi.ca and F-book all at the same time. Finally, a way to consolidate. There are MANY applications similar to this, but I feel identi.ca is easier on the average buzzing beginner.

The simplistic social days are over. AIM is no longer my go-to. Facebook alone, doesn’t cure my social itch. We are a society that is never content, always craving more. Applications are being produced by the hours. It’s just a matter of time before I can reach inside my computer screen and literally touch you. Conversing online is instant satisfaction, gratification and feedback that the “outside world” can’t provide.

That being said, trading in simplicity for complexity has a lot of perks.  Blogs allow everyone a guaranteed freedom of speech for the world to see. Heck, my company website is through www.wordpress.com.  Is it so bad that we are rapidly advancing?  (The answer is “no” or else my career would cease to exist.)

Let me end with this: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Amen.

@FLASHRelations