Media Magic Weblog

This week I’ve been thinking about all the new types of emerging media. There’s texting, podcasting, web sites, e-mails, video ads, widgets, films, blogs, chats, social networking sites like MySpace/Facebook and in-game ads. While each of these tools is very effective in their own special way, I’d like to discuss texting and social networking sites.

This week Barack Obama’s campaign made history by utilizing a texting/e-mail campaign. They encouraged supporters to sign-up on Barack’s website. Supporters that gave their phone number or e-mail address were the first to know who Obama chose as his running mate.  Sure enough, the choice was kept a secret until I received my text msg Saturday morning around 8 a.m with the news Joe Biden had been chosen as his running mate. Below is the text of the e-mail:

Kasey –

http://my.barackobama.com/welcomejoe

Thanks for your support,

P.S. — Make sure to turn on your TV at 2:00 p.m. Central Time to join us or watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.

I believe this campaign marks an important moment in the emergence of new media. Never before has a presidential candidate utilized new media in this way. It really created a sense of one-on-one attention and helped Obama strengthen his relationship with every individual supporter, even the undecided.

It will be interesting to see if McCain responds with the same type of campaign. Do you think he’ll join the texting/e-mail bandwagon?

Another new media technique Obama has used successfully is MySpace. I’m a huge MySpace fan. Although I have to say I was originally “friends” with Hillary Clinton before Obama. By being “friends” with both of them, I can tell you Obama was much more active with his profile. His campaign staff is constantly updating blogs and posting new information. Clinton never posted bulletins or updated her profile which makes the 18-35 year old demographic feel under-appreciated and disrespected. It’s not enough to say “Hey kids look at me! I do care about you…I have a MySpace page!”

Hi everyone!

My name is Kasey, and I’ll be your host as we explore the magical world of emerging media. I hope you’ll join me as I discuss the world of emerging media and the effect it has on traditional marketing.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of working in the entertainment, banking, insurance and legal industries through profit and no-profit platforms. I’ll be referring to them as examples throughout this blog to show how these industries once only utilized traditional marketing efforts such as radio and direct mail to how they have joined the new media bandwagon and utilize tools such as texting, podcasting and chat.

I welcome you to agree, disagree, debate and offer examples to support what you have to say. Your comments will only make the discussion stronger.

My Background: I have a B.A. in public relations from the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism & Mass Communications from Marshall University located in Huntington, WV. (Yes, the same school who’s football team was killed in a plane crash in the 70s and the real-life inspiration behind the movie We Are Marshall starring Matthew McConaughey) I’m currently pursuing my M.S. in Integrated Marketing & Communications through West Virginia University. It’s a great program! Check it out!

I currently live in Chicago, IL with my husband where I work for Defense Research Institute, an association for defense attorneys.

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