Pat Sine's List: Uapp689-socmedia

How videos get passed around the web - in other words, how they "go viral" like the latest strain of influenza - is more a science than an art. Certainly, creativity is a factor; but there are also tried-and-true formulas for online video success. And the most important factor of all is optimizing for shareability.

Here's a visually organized look at the past 30 years or so of social media history, from Usenet to AIM to Friendster and beyond.

Social fundraising is becoming a buzzword within the cause space. The growing trend allows citizens to create their own fundraising campaigns independent of, but still benefitting non-profits. These efforts use a middle platform or set of tools to create grassroots communications across traditional social networks like Facebook and Twitter.

"The fact that the Internet is one of the most powerful organizing tools in history is both thrilling and vexing to public engagement practitioners working to create the conditions for more effective public involvement in public life. We know that the Internet supercharges political campaigning and we know that like-minded individuals are more able than ever to connect with one another because of the Internet. But what is still unclear is how the Internet might help build capacity and momentum for inclusive, collaborative and boundary-crossing problem-solving at all levels of public life (from the national level to the local level)."

"Google Engage For Agencies is the company's latest effort to educate its customers about the online search advertising market and Google's offerings in particular. Upon completing four free, Web-based courses, users can unlock coupons redeemable for free AdWords buys. From there, business owners can decide to get officially certified as experts in Google AdWords. "

"Virtual Volunteering Resources

Virtual volunteering means volunteer tasks completed, in whole or in part, via the Internet and a home or work computer. It's also known as online volunteering, cyber service, online mentoring, teletutoring and various other names. Virtual volunteering allows agencies to expand the benefits of their volunteer programs, by allowing for more volunteers to participate, and by utilizing volunteers in new areas."

"The idea of a high-level commission to examine the information needs of 21st Century American citizens and communities originated at an Aspen Institute forum in the summer of 2007.

Participants in that discussion noted both the spread of digital technology and that, in a democracy, information is a core community need. There was also a sense that people with digital tools and skills have distinct political, social and economic advantage over those without them, as do the roughly 60 percent of Americans who have broadband access over those in rural areas or the poor who do not."