Bob Bly Direct Response Copywriter Official Banner

Don’t Drink Social Media Kool-Aid

October 9th, 2009 by Bob Bly

David Armano is a VP at Edelman Digital, and I never heard of him until today when I read his column in Advertising Age (9/21/09), p. 43.

But now, after reading his piece on “separating the social media snake oil from the vinegar,” I’m a fan.

His main message: Don’t think social media will save you, because it won’t.

“Anyone framing social media as the solution to the world’s problems is either drinking Kool-Aid or looking to make a buck,” writes Armano.

He acknowledges that social networking is causing a shift in the way we communicate. But, he warns, “don’t confuse shift with salvation.”

Share

This entry was posted on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 12:21 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

61 responses about “Don’t Drink Social Media Kool-Aid”

  1. The Successful Catholic said:

    Nice to see this kind of acknowledgement. Personally, I’m getting a little tired of the “social media” label being thrown around. Many people don’t consider blogs to be social media anymore, instead it’s got to be Facebook or Twitter, etc. Not long ago, blogs were the ULTIMATE form of “scoial media.” Before that it was good old fashioned forums and message boards.

    To me, “social media” is simply becoming the buzz phrase for the latest hot Internet publishing format. Like anything, it should be explored and tested, but it’s not the “future” of online marketing success. Instead, it’s simply the latest chapter.

  2. T said:

    Is there a link to an online version of this column? (If not, think Irony!)

  3. Twitter Trackbacks for Don’t Drink Social Media Kool-Aid - bly.com blog - bly.com direct marketing blog [bly.com] on Topsy.com said:

    […] Don’t Drink Social Media Kool-Aid – bly.com blog – bly.com direct marketing blog bly.com/blog/general/dont-drink-social-media-kool-aid – view page – cached — From the page […]

  4. Bob Bly said:

    T: It’s probably on the Advertising Age web site. But I don’t know, because I get Ad Age in print, not online.

  5. media guy said:

    just to fact check for you – david armano does NOT work at edelman and never did…he was at critical mass and is now at dachis

  6. Lou Wasser said:

    Isn’t this important distinction between “shift” and “salvation” true of all contemporary media?

    Is a website or a blog any more or less a salvation than a twitter or facebook account?

  7. Phil dunn said:

    “Don’t drink the communication Kool-Aid.”

    I agree, ignore the hype and the buzzwords, but make sure you’re communicating where you need to be (target your audiences, etc.)

    Here’s one of my takes – http://bit.ly/1Q5QE4
    And several others (no particular order of stories but all SM related) http://www.qualitywriter.com/tag/social-media/:

  8. Bob Bly said:

    Media guy: I will assume you are correct. I could have sworn Ad Age said Edelman, but I spilled coffee on the issue and had to throw it away….

  9. Greg said:

    I suspect social media has already hit its high point. Yesterday, I was roped into a lunch with a presentation essentially pushing a new social media web site for multi-level marketing.

    Facebook and Linkedin have helped me reconnect with friends and colleagues from my earliest days in business. I am pleased that I was able to do so. That may even lead to some income, but I am not counting on it.

  10. Phil Wrzesinski said:

    Social media, no matter how you define it, is just another form of communication, another tool for fostering relationships.

    I agree, Bob, that it is a shift not a salvation, just as the fax machine was a shift in how we sent documents (that was replaced by email, soon to be replaced by cloud computing).

    The same principles that have governed business for centuries still apply. You have to build relationships.

    Facebook & Twitter can do that. So can blogs. So can good old fashioned networking. They are all tools in the business tool shed, and like tools, each has a job it is designed to do.

    The good news for copywriters is that no matter what your chosen tool, good copy trumps bad copy every time.

  11. Mack Collier said:

    Bob glad you are discovering David, he’s one of the leaders and sharpest minds on social media. Make sure you read his blog, Logic + Emotion, as well – http://darmano.typepad.com/

    But Media Guy is right, he’s not at Edelman, he was at Digitas, then Critical Mass, and he’s currently at The Dachis Group.

  12. Cute Tranny With A Hard Cock said:

    What i do not understood is if truth be told how you’re no longer actually a
    lot more neatly-favored than you may be right now.
    You’re so intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this matter, made me for my part imagine it from numerous various angles.
    Its like men and women don’t seem to be fascinated unless it’s something to accomplish with Woman gaga!
    Your personal stuffs outstanding. Always care for it up!

  13. hal dll yahoo said:

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who had been doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this matter here on your blog.

  14. change destiny said:

    Seeking the help of the police may not resolve such issues. Using the opinion of an expert is a boon. Therefore, you must know about the secret mantras to recite to stay away from the evils of your neighbors.

    Using Mantras To Remove Neighbor’s Noise

  15. Viana said:

    It occurs when the word being modified is either left out of the sentence or isn’t located near the modifier.

    Thanks

  16. Live Cricket said:

    Watch all Live matches of IPL 13 on Live Net TV Apk.

  17. One Dasty said:

    Bringing home a new puppy is a wonderful experience involving the whole family, which is why we begin training early to ease the transition to their new home and family. Owning a pug puppy at first, but by offering our customers a great amount of support, we assist in the preparations to make it less stressful. To provide a completely different environment for our puppies, we thoroughly researched and make sure this puppies will only go to respectable families
    https://pugslandbreeder.company.com

  18. robert said:

    https://savannahbengal.company.com/

  19. leochad82 said:

    Thank

  20. Best Trucks said:

    Best trucks for sale on our best of trucks website. Freightliner Coronado For Sale on our website. Freightliner glider kit in link;
    https://bestoftrucks.com/freightliner-coronado-for-sale/

  21. Adet oldum ama hamileyim said:

    Normal adet oldum ama hamileyim diyorsan?z yan?l?yorsunuz! Hamilelikte adet görülmez.

  22. Real Estate Agent In Long Island said:

    real estate agent in long island offers the best services in house selling or buying. Both house selling and buying can be time taking. We strive to save your time and provide the best rates in town. We help you discover beautiful places at the most prime locations. Explore and see to find what we are offering. Here’s how we are working to make our services reliable for everyone.

  23. jhon bill set said:

    Dial up will rarely be adequate, and even DSL may be iffy for an Internet based business enterprise. CrowdFunding

  24. Alexpeter said:

    The Career Coach is Europe’s top career coaching consultancy – and has helped more than 10,000 people land their dream jobs, all in less than 40 days.

  25. Lily Smith said:

    Thanks so much for sharing these. I have read a lot of articles with similar topics but none of them are as detailed. I will learn more and practice 5 letter words

  26. HazelJames said:

    website development Ireland and Dublin offers a complete digital solution for taking your business online. Our Award Winning Agency not only devises strategies for your brand, but we own it like our own.

  27. Steven said:

    Yeah, well you really shouldn’t. But who cares. I recently installed large vertical blinds in my room. Super happy about it.

  28. jhon bill set said:

    It is your job to develop an agenda that properly allocates time for each item and then manage the agenda. When creating the agenda, be diligent about only including high priority items that are likely to have a significant impact on your business. catapult vest

  29. shay12 said:

    Accessories for gym equipment by Bilal Brothers. Our objective is to empower Pakistanis in staying healthy and fit as they embrace and take on the challenges of the 21st century.

  30. jhon bill set said:

    The volume of viewers for your videos can suggest that they appreciate your thoughts and regard you as an authority figure in your field. https://www.buyyoutubesubscribers.in/buy-youtube-watch-hours/

  31. carlos12 said:

    Python Web Developer who want to explore the world of innovative software product development within a next generation enterprise platform. The project involves both transformation and building new services to be offered to customers. We are looking for team players who wants to be part of this challenging project working in a high-performance Agile Engineering team.

  32. ash12 said:

    Affordable Flights by FlightsnTravel gives you the most amazing and comfortable Flight to travel all across the globe with your family, friends and with your loved once where ever and when ever you wanted to go. Go and avail this chance to Fly with Us

  33. jhon bill set said:

    It provides the perfect cost/PoE budget ratio and therefore proves to be cost-effective and powerful. PoE Switch

  34. jhon bill set said:

    Netflix provides a great service, and Netflix also allows you to watch some movies instantly on your PC. ?????????

  35. jhon bill set said:

    Thousands of satisfied customers subscribing to our premium IPTV keep coming back because of the quality of our IPTV services iptv premium

  36. jhon bill set said:

    Helping customers open bank accounts, getting access to deposit lockers and understating ATM operations correctly. Loker jakarta

  37. kamsiah said:

    INFO TERBARU TEXAS77
    Minimal deposit ke Bank 10 rb
    Minimal withdraw 25.rb
    Minimal deposit ke pulsa 10 rb tanpa potongan
    (syarat withdraw TO x5 khusus pulsa)
    Ayo bosku buruan deposit..
    dan juga kami ingin menginfokan kepada bosku semua nya
    Bahwasanya dalam permainan server slot PG Soft dan pragmatic play sedang banyak jackpot besar nya bos
    di coba kembali bermain bersama kami bosku ^^
    hanya dengan minimal deposit sebesar 10rb bosku bisa mendapatkan hadiah hingga puluan juta rupiah ^^

  38. toni eka saputra said:

    ??i nh? c? h?i trúng l?n, nào, ??ng b? l? c? h?i ngàn vàng này, hãy th? ch?i slot ?ang ch?i nhi?u nhân l?n ngay hôm nay, link ??ng ký : https://www.asia99.org/

  39. Aspire said:

    Aspire Bedding, a well-known Pakistani bed sheets brand, offers its customers an extensive range of high-quality bed sheets in various designs, colors, and fabrics. The brand’s bed sheet sale offers unbeatable discounts on its products, making it an affordable choice for customers looking for comfortable and stylish bedding options. With an easy-to-use website and safe payment options, Aspire Bedding’s online platform makes it easy for customers to shop for bed sheets online. Aspire Bedding is a site you should visit when you’re looking for a bed sheets sale online in Pakistan!

  40. Mannat said:

    Mannat Clothing has launched its new arrival collection. This collection contains the new style dress design for women and girls. Whether you are looking for a new dress for a special occasion or want to update your wardrobe, Mannat Clothing has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the new arrivals today!

  41. Panache Apparel said:

    Panache Apparel is a popular online clothing brand in Pakistan specializing in luxury lawn collection. Every one of their exquisitely designed embroidered lawn suits is a must-have for any fashion-conscious person looking to stand out. With a keen eye for detail and quality, Panache Apparel has gained a loyal following in the country’s fashion industry, offering a unique and elegant take on traditional lawn suits.

  42. Qhaaf said:

    Qhaaf Bedding is a popular online store in Pakistan that offers a diverse selection of bedding products at affordable rates, such as their exclusive bridal bed sheet sets. Their highly competitive prices allow customers to find an ideal bridal bed sheets price in Pakistan that meets their financial constraints. These sets are offered in various sizes and designs, adding an elegant touch to any bedroom aesthetic.

  43. Spotter Security said:

    I’ve noticed how social media can often be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a platform for connection, self-expression, and even business opportunities.

  44. Unidoc said:

    UniDOC Company offers a simple, fast and secure way to Merge To PDF. Easily combine multiple documents into one PDF file with our convenient online tool. Try it now!

  45. Sirix Monitoring said:

    Sirix Monitoring Company offers state-of-the-art security solutions for Car Dealerships. Our products protect your dealership from theft, vandalism, and other security threats.

  46. houston cab said:

    this is such a great post for me and for others as well. I really love this post, as well as it’s very useful for me .thanks and keep it up

  47. houston shuttle s said:

    I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future also Website

  48. jhon bill set said:

    Discover international news channels, providing different perspectives on global events with KING365TV. THEKING365TV.site

  49. Galveston Express said:

    Interesting post. Keep posting more of this kind.
    Shuttles from Houston to Galveston

  50. SN Limo Service said:

    Logan Airport Limo Service Near me South Shore MA, Black Car Service in Boston for Corporate Transportation Call us 781 775 4744
    BOOK NOW

  51. MM Trans said:

    Book a reliable and luxurious Car Service Los Angeles for all your airport transportation needs. Professional service and guaranteed satisfaction. Reserve now! https://www.mmtrans.co/booking/

  52. Khawar Hayyat said:

    Boston Limo Service is an Airport car service with over 15 years of experience in the transportation industry that serves Boston, the New England area in general, as well as the entire state of Massachusetts.
    https://bostonlimoservice.us/

  53. CAvpshost said:

    VPS RDP, or Virtual Private Server Remote Desktop Protocol, is a powerful solution offered by CaVPS Host that provides you with a virtualized environment for seamless remote access to your server resources. Enjoy enhanced control and flexibility with our VPS RDP services, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and efficient management of your virtual server.

  54. We Sell Dead Lots.. said:

    Find the latest electronics items at Weselldeadlots. From smartphones and tablets to laptops and smart home devices, we have a wide range of cutting-edge electronics to cater to your tech needs. Experience innovation and convenience with our high-quality products. Shop now and stay ahead of the curve with Weselldeadlots.

  55. Media Readings said:

    Embark on a journey through the limitations of social commerce! ?? Uncover the challenges shaping the digital marketplace landscape. Join the conversation, adapt, and conquer the limitations for a thriving online presence! ???

  56. Baby Box said:

    A baby gift box is a thoughtfully curated package of items designed to celebrate and welcome a newborn baby into the world. These gift boxes typically contain a variety of baby essentials and adorable items that can be given as a present to new parents or caregivers.

  57. Baby Box said:

    To gift a baby present is a sweet gesture to commemorate the arrival of a little one. Discover a wide selection of baby presents designed to make both parents and babies smile. Find the beautiful gift to mark this special occasion.

  58. seoaltaf said:

    CarLift Dubai To Abu Dhabi -MB CarLift provides Carlift Abu Dhabi To Dubai Services almost anywhere in UAE, carpool,tourism,& carpool dubai,sharjah,abu dhabi
    CarLift Dubai To Abu Dhabi

  59. seo said:

    Carpool Dubai To Abu Dhabi

  60. Rendream Work said:

    Our mission is to support business development and growth through unique and innovative technology solutions and services.

  61. Ginkgo Retail said:

    Discover seamless Order management system in Pakistan with GinkgoRetail. Elevate your business operations with our tailored Order Management System (OMS), designed to streamline and optimize your entire order process. From efficient order placement to precise tracking and fulfillment, our cutting-edge system empowers businesses across Pakistan to manage orders effortlessly, ensuring precision, speed, and customer satisfaction. Experience the efficiency and reliability of GinkgoRetail’s Order Management System, tailored specifically for the dynamic landscape of Pakistan’s retail industry.

Leave a Reply