Julia Roy, A Digital Girl

Intel Museum of Me via Facebook Connect

Great Facebook Connect play by Intel called Museum of Me. So much fun, try it!

Boo Lands a Book Deal

Have you heard of a little boy named Boo? He loves Oprah, the color pink, chicken, cheese and looks great in t-shirts. Don't be fooled, although Boo may be small in size he is a pretty big deal (probably cooler than you) and he is a dog. But not just any dog, a dog with 1.2 MILLION "Likes" on Facebook.

Chronicle Books, the San Francisco based publishing company, recently announced they will be coming out with Boo’s debut book this fall called Boo, The Life of the World's Cutest Dog. The mother of this pooch should of course get all the credit, and her success story started by simply sharing the love she has of this dog with the world. 

Now that's one lucky dawg!

American Express Twitter Case Study

I was one of the lucky attendees at the American Express sold-out Jon Bon Jovi unplugged exclusive cardmember show last night. American Express was nice enough to extend a ticket to me last minute and after hearing how they sold the rest of the tickets, I was inspired and impressed.

The first and only link to purchase tickets was posted exclusively on the @AmericanExpress Twitter account and they were able to sell out the show 1 day. The tickets were $50 with all proceeds benefiting City Harvest via the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

Everyone in the audience (roughly 500 people) were tweeting, snapping TwitPic photos and spreading the word about the event while they were there. Excellent use of Twitter to promote and sell out an exclusive event, as well as spread the word about the brand. I had a blast and think American Express has created a great case study of how to offer something special to your fans and followers, donate to a great cause and create enthusiastic and positive conversation around your brand using the power of social networks. 

Shark Week FTW

The Discovery Channel gets it. How they recently integrated Facebook Connect to execute a very cool and memorable virtual Shark Week experience has blown me away. I screen captured the interactive experience below.

My AdweekMedia Connect Chat Archive

I just finished up hosting an hour live chat on AdweekMedia Connect, a social network for account managers, brand managers, planners and creatives. I answered questions about that current state and future of social media, social platforms and about my job at Undercurrent. You can read the questions and my responses in the archived chat thread below.

DonkeyTs

Like other bloggers, I get pitched by websites/companies/brands all the time, however – most of the time – what they are pitching me is either not relevant to my interests, or just plain uninteresting. But then there are those times when someone outreaches you and they really stand out and grab your attention, because they've gone above and beyond to make what they do relevant to you. That happened to me today.

On Tuesday I got an unexpected package in the mail and when I opened it up there were two tshirts that made me say OMG! out loud. The shirts were perfect for me – but there wasn't a note, message, or anything indicating who they were sent from. For the next two days I wore the shirts, posted pictures on my Flickr (#1, #2) and of course Twittered demanding Tweets saying that whoever sent me the tshirts should fess up so I can thank them for my two new favorite shirts!

On day two of pleading on Twitter and Flickr that the person who sent me the shirts should reveal themselves, I saw this tweet from @donkeyts.

I never suspected it was the tshirt company, because I assume if a company sends me something they'd include some sort of pitch letter or something but DonkeyTs didn't, which turned out to be genius. When I got to chatting with Tiffani (@tiffa_fisha) at DonkeyTs, I found out something even more amazing... they had made the shirt specifically for me! In an email Tiffani told me:

I actually custom made the FTW shirt for you. We have a WTF design, so I cut the letters, rearranged them, and wallah! But don't worry, today we made a legit design that is on our website now!

OMFG! That my friends, is how you get a blogger, Twitterer, Flickerer, YouTuber's attention. Do something special for them and create a bit of mystery and/or excitement around it. Don't cut, copy and paste your marketing, but rather re-create, re-mixx and reinvent the way you market your brand to your intended audience. Impress them with how much you really know them and show them that you truely understand what their interests are. Get 'em excited to talk about you :)

Well played Tiffani at DonkeyTs, well played. 

(Click Images to See their Comments on Flickr)

YouTube + Universal Music = Vevo

Most of YouTube's all-time top viewed videos are music videos.  Which is why, when I heard YouTube and Universal Music Group are partnering to build a brand new music video site called Vevo, I said whhhaaat?!

YouTube is offering up its technology and sales force to Universal Music and they will share revenue from ads. And when you want to watch a Universal Music video on YouTube, you will be directed to Vevo's site to watch the actual video.

What do you think about this? Is Vevo going to hurt YouTube's traffic? I guess who cares, because YouTube will be making money either way. But one thing is for sure, watching music videos on YouTube will not be an as seamless experience for us users, since we will be directed to an entirely different site to watch 'em.

(oh, and 1,700 people have already followed Vevo on Twitter)

Geek Toy: Bucky Balls

I am a fan and friend of Jake Bronstein and his blog-o-fun Zoomdoggle. And I'm an even bigger fan of his latest venture - Bucky Balls.

This amazing magnetic toy can keep me occupied for hours and, without fail, when any other geek comes  into contact with them, they too fall under its magnetic spell. Watch the video, buy your own and be sure to enter "Julia" in the discount code box at checkout to save a few bucks. :)

Bus with WiFi? I'm In!

I'm heading to Boston for the weekend and there's only one mode of transportation that gets me excited  - the Bolt Bus.

Notice the first and third item listed in Boltbus' features: Internet and Power Outlets. This bus is cheap, reliable, clean and (most importantly) the most blog-able and charg-able mode of transportation available. **That is if your going to and from Boston, New York, Philadelphia and/or Washington.

see this photo on flickr

Side-note: From Boston to NYC there is the LimoLiner, but it is $89 for a one-way trip, compared to Bolt Bus which is only $20. These days, I say cheaper is better.

Bliss Spa Gets Social

Everyday, I come across companies with a social presence that really impresses me. There are companies online (and people who work for those companies) that are doing a great job at joining and engaging with web communities in a meaningful way. 

Yesterday the company I came across that I noticed was Bliss Spa. They maintain a regularly updated blog 'bliss' and tell, Twitter profile (@BlissSpa), Facebook profile and YouTube channel, but most importantly they have sociable people who represent them and add real personality to their online brand.

What makes Bliss Spa stand out in my mind is they are sharing good content AND offering incentives that encourage community engagement. Their Glam Loving Good Samaritan program, which kicked off in February, has been giving away free Best of Skintentions Moisturizer almost everyday to social networking do-gooders. I asked Bliss Spa's "social networking manager" Karen Glidden (@vanillabean45) about the contest: 

We wanted to celebrate the launch of our new moisturizer, Best of Skintentions, by recognizing that beauty comes from within. We wanted to celebrate all of the people who 'dew' good in their communities and reward them by helping them 'dew' good for their skin (what better way than with a daily moisturizer with SPF 15 that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays?)

At the end of the contest, a team at HQ will choose the top five do-gooders and then our blog readers will be voting on the grand prize winner who will win a $160 gift certificate to Bliss Spa for a R.E.S.T. intentions massage. This prize means a lot to us because 20% of the profits to go R.E.S.T. initiative, which calms patients with complimentary massages in their chemotherapy treatment rooms.

2009 is the year that Bliss Spa decided to 'get social' and it seems to me that it is already paying off.  By just being present and aware in these spaces, they have been able to be a part of some great conversations and have created stronger relationships with their most loyal consumers. 

Ada Lovelace Day

I pledged in early January that I would participate in Ada Lovelace Day, because I believe that women in technology make the internet-go-round. For those of you who are confused, Ada Lovelace Day is an international day of blogging to draw attention to women excelling in technology.  It is clear that no matter which area of "tech" you are looking at, women play an important role. And today is the day it is made clear that without women in technology, the industry as a whole would be stale, boring and unchallenged.

Women bring a whole new perspective to what technology can offer, both from an innovation and application standpoint. By nature, women wholeheartedly care about, nurture and grow everything we come in contact with. We demand progress and visualize the best way to make the future better for everyone.

There are many women I want to acknowledge, and I refuse to stick to one. So here is a short list of the "women in technology" (which is of course a very broad category) who have touched my life, either through digital or real-life contact.

Lucretia M Pruitt (@GeekMommy) is one of the smartest and most admirable woman I have ever met. Lucretia understands, educates and protects the other women she comes in contact with. She challenges every idea and every person around her to be more responsible and respectful. She knows good from bad and is not distracted by the pretty, sparkly things. She is a mother who has a daughter that will be the most confident and respected person amoung her peers. (Lucretia's website)

Wendy Piersall (@eMom) is an incredibly inspiring woman to come in contact with. Her enthusiasm for and understanding of how digital naturally intersects with social is remarkable. Wendy can motivate, charm and out-think anyone, because she is first and foremost focused on community, but all business. She is an inspiration to all women, because she has mastered the absolute perfect combination of using sexy flair and respected actions to gain the trust and support of men and women alike. (Wendy's website)

Veronica Belmont (@veronica) makes me proud to be a young woman in this male-dominated industry. She is a real geek *bows* and a true lady through and through. Her opinions and thoughts are widely respected in an internet world of boyish geeks, and not just because she is hawt, but because she is the real deal. Veronica is ultra feminine, but has no problem playing hardball with the boys and never feels bad about kicking their ass at their own game. (Veronica's website)

Amy Hoy (@amyhoy) is the most brilliant woman in the web-development space I have EVER come across. Amy innately understands how both women and men interact with technology, in a way that blows my mind. She turns raw data into compelling social experiences, through designing sites that are so unique and addictive that everyone wants to experience them. She is both mathematical and creative and can inspire the most of feminine women and the most manly of men.  (Amy's website)

These women make no compromises and never pander to the the men in tech to be accepted. They are valued because they OWN what they do, and have been an inspiration to me in more ways than I can express here. Thanks ladies, you deserve recognition.

SXSW 2009 FTW!

I had the most incredible time at the 2009 SXSW conference in Austin, Texas.  For the week I was there, it felt like the internet came alive! I got to meet people I follow on Twitter, the authors behind the blogs I read and the web personalities I watch everyday. I didn't know what to expect when I would meet someone in real life that I *knew* from Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Facebook, etc. But, everyone superseded my expecations and every single person I met was so friendly, cool and just incredibly down to earth.

I was there on behalf of PepsiCo (@pepsicosxsw) and felt so lucky that I was able to attend this immersive real life digital experience for the first time.

My SXSW Highlights

PepsiCo SXSW Podcast Playground (my homebase at the conference)

Photo Credit: jdlasica (photo permalink)

Sony Powered Bloggers (like me!) with their WebbyHD Camera!

Sony worked with Technorati to make this happen

Zappos invited me to be part of their SXSW Breakbox experience!
Watch the video of me opening my box!

Zappos worked with Magnify to make it happen.
Photo Credit: magnifynet (photo permalink)

Wayne Sutton interview's me about Pepsi, SXSW and Social Media
    


And of course, just chillin' with my internet friends!!!!

@Social_Citizen and TedMurphy
  
Photo Credit: Ted Murphy

@cmajor and @tessa

Photo Credit: (CC) Brian Solis. www.briansolis.com

@cc_chapman
   
Photo Credit: Derek Wilmont

@briansolis and @jowyang

Photo Credit: (CC) Brian Solis. www.briansolis.com

@giannii

Photo Credit: Adrants

@architek1

 Photo Credit: The Architek    

Twestival ebay Auction for charity: water

When it was proposed that I should donate a date- dinner and drinks with julia roy -to the global Twestival ebay auction, I immediately said yes. I thought it would be fun, to offer up a real social experience on ebay benefiting charity: water, a cause I truely believe in, admire and support.

I had the pleasure of working and brainstorming with charity: water (along with many other amazing nyc volunteers) to organize the Twestival in New York event. Twestival was initiated by @amanda, and as her message spread through Twitter 100+ cities began to organize,  independently planning twitter-powered events for February 12th to benefit charity: water. On the night of the event Twitterfolk partied, tweeted and donated more than $250,000 to the cause. When a powerful social network comes together to make a difference, it does.

I'm proud, because my ebay auction raised $1,549. Putting myself up for bidding was quite the experiment for me, but I had a blast and even made the homepage of ebay.com. If your interested- check out the lucky winner ;)

SeaWorld Manta Mania Contest!!!

If you were following my tweets last weekend- you know I was in SeaWorld, Orlando with @pop17, @geekmommy, @emom and @aschek. We were invited by IZEA on behalf of SeaWorld to take an exclusive hard hat tour of their new ride- Manta -and cruise through SeaWorld attractions on a VIP tour. I could not have had a better time, SeaWorld is a magical place (my tweets & pics slideshow below).

I can't wait to get back in May to ride the Manta! It is being constructed so that- while you are waiting in line for the ride- you are in a vast underwater cave with marine life of all sorts around you. The flying roller coaster itself is supposed to mimic the way a real Manta ray moves underwater. Watch the Manta simulation video below, it's wild.

Here Comes the Contest...

Win a Trip for 4 to SeaWorld and Ride Manta!

One person will win a TRIP FOR 4 to Seaworld including airfare, hotel and two full days at the park. (Note: Winner will be chosen from all the entries submitted across participating blogs). As an extra incentive to play, I've been told I have a SeaWorld Swag Bag to give away to a reader who participates in the contest via this post.

To enter- share why you want to take your family or friends to SeaWorld to ride Manta. The contest allows you to enter in three different ways:

Blog Comment
Leave a comment on this post, sharing why you want to take your family or friends to SeaWorld to ride Manta.

Twitter Tweet
Tweet why you want to go to Seaworld and ride Manta.
Important: For your tweet to be eligible it MUST end or begin with the exact text below:

#mantamania and @juliaroy http://urlbrief.com/6a91de

Blog Post
Write a post about why you want to take your family or friends to SeaWorld and ride
Manta. Be sure to leave a comment on this post with a link to the permalink of your post to register.

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Fine Print: Each tweet, comment or post counts as one registration. A person can register up to three times.  The winner will be chosen at random by IZEA based on all valid entries. Contest ends at 11:59pm EST on March 10, 2009. Please read full contest rules here.

The Manta Mania Contest (the "Contest") is open to anyone who (i) is a legal U.S. resident and legal residents of Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, or Dominican Republic and (ii) is at least eighteen (18) years of age.  

Twestivals for charity: water

Right now 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water. That is 1 in 6 of us. So, what can we do? How about use Twitter to mobilize support and raise money to build water wells in areas that need it most. Bingo!

A little history: The first Twestival was on Thursday 25 September in London and was attended by over 200 very early adopters. Twestival was the most blogged and twittered word in the world that day. 200 twitter folk can make a lot of noise.

Twestival is: a series of events organized using Twitter running in 100+ cities on the same day to raise money for charity: water

charity: water is: a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. They give 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need.

Why water?: Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.

CALL TO ACTION: Find the nearest Twestival to you and sign up! And, if you're in New York City, you better come out and party with me at the NYC Twestival on February 12th @ M2 Ultra Lounge in Chelsea. Be there or be square. Oh and be kind and follow @nyctwestival on Twitter.

Also make sure to take a look at out our 20/20/20 call-to-action for the NYC Twestival attendees.