Social Media Networking Reaches Over 200 Million Users On LinkedIn
January 9th, 2013 by Christen
If you’re a business – savvy, social media user like we are, then you’re undoubtedly apart of the 200 Million + members announced by LinkedIn today.
The business-oriented social network had reported in its last earnings call on Nov. 1 that it topped 187 million members and had been growing at a rate of 10 million to 15 million users per quarter last year. Launched in 2003, LinkedIn passed 100 million members in 2011. The rapid growth has been linked to a rate of two people joining LinkedIn about every second – that’s 172,800 people joining each day! No wonder it’s accomplished such rapid growth.
LinkedIn’s network compares with 1 billion-plus for Facebook, more than 500 million for Twitter and more than 500 million for Google Plus.
Did you know that 74 million users are based in the U.S., 11 million are in the U.K., 7 million are in Canada, 18 million are in India and 11 million are based in Brazil? LinkedIn’s fastest-growing country is Turkey, followed by Colombia and Indonesia. Mobile growth is strongest in China, Brazil, Portugal, India and Italy, in that order.
Have you been putting off joining the rest of the world on LinkedIn? Check out these four reason, why you need to join the social networking site today!
1. To Provide the Google-verse with Positive Information About You - Your prospects, whether potential clients, employers, or partners, are already looking you up online to help them decide whether or not to do business with you.
2. To Improve Your Search Engine Optimization and Web Presence - An optimized LinkedIn profile can help connect you with prospects who didn’t know about you previously.
3. To Attract Prospects by Showing Them How You Can Benefit Them - Keep in mind that your LinkedIn profile should be less about you and more about what you can do for your prospects.
4. To Show That You Are a Professional - Your potential prospects will not only be judging your profile by its content but also by the way that content is presented.
Want to keep up with us on LinkedIn? Connect with Divas And Dorks on LinkedIn today!
Instagram’s New Changes Are Causing Some Users To Say Buh-Bye!
December 18th, 2012 by ChristenAre you on Instagram? You may want to re-think your decision after reading this…
Instagram has just released a few new updates that’ll be taking affect next year in January. (Via Instagram) ”We’re making some improvements and updating our Privacy Policy & Terms of Service. Read more about our changes.” < — Chances are, you’ve seen this message, but didn’t investigate what those changes mean to you and your Instagram account. Discover why these “improvements” are causing some Instagram users to say bye-bye for good.
1. Your data will be used for ads. Ads are coming to Instagram. This isn’t a surprise. However, the new terms outline the fact the ads will use your data, photos and even the metadata (read: geo-location data), for targeting purposes. As The Social Times says, “Get ready for some ads starring your friends and you.” In fact, your data may be used as a way to endorse sponsored content or promotions. This part is described in the Rights section of the new terms. IT GETS WORSE. Ads may not be marked clearly. You may not even know that ads are ads. (new Instagram Rights section says: ”You acknowledge that we may not always identify paid services, sponsored content, or commercial communications as such.”)
“Wait a minute… Instagram ads will suck up my data…AND I MAY NOT EVEN KNOW WHICH UNIDENTIFIABLE ADS ARE RESPONSIBLE?”
2. Instagram can use your photos. You own the content you post, but Instagram can use any of it without any issues. The Rights section says specifically: ”you hereby grant to Instagram a non-exclusive, fully paid and royalty-free, transferable, sub-licensable, worldwide license to use the Content that you post.”
“How did my picture get used in this ad? I’ve never used viagra in my life! – What if my friends see this!?”
3. Be aware of your responsibility when you post new photos. You are responsible for any issues involving content you post, not Instagram. Instagram does not have any obligation to prescreen, monitor, edit, or remove any Content. If your Content violates these Terms of Use, you may bear legal responsibility for that Content.
“Wait, what happened to my photo!? I just uploaded it yesterday and now it’s gone!”
4. Backup your photos. You might want to back up your photos periodically. There’s no guarantee they’ll always be there. As the new Rights section writes: Instagram is not a backup service and you agree that you will not rely on the Service for the purposes of Content backup or storage. Instagram will not be liable to you for any modification, suspension, or discontinuation of the Services, or the loss of any Content.
Have you begun weighing the pros and cons of Instagram’s new terms of service? Is Instagram right for using your photos, data plans and more in exchange for you using it’s service? Are you thinking about quitting Instagram and using other photo sharing apps like Flickr instead? Share below…
Holiday Household Gifts For Your Instagram-Loving Foodies
December 14th, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffEveryone has at least one friend that’s a self-proclaimed Foodie. You know the one, always cooking and posting their ‘Top Chef’ inspired dishes on Instagram. Chances are you might slightly be a foodie yourself if you don’t have that friend on Instagram. Foodies can seem like a hard bunch to shop for – but not anymore. Here is a roundup up of some creative holiday gifts for the variety of taste testers in your circle.
The Chocolate Lover
Now your chocolate lover can have any fondue combination they crave at their fingertips with the Nesquik chocolate fountain. From sweets like fruit, marshmallows, sugar wafers, cakes and candies to salty treats like mixed-nut clusters, cheddar cheese cubes and potato chips. Everyone knows the sweet and salty combinations provide an explosion of flavor. This three tiered chocolate fountain, which includes recipes from Nesquik, is the perfect fountain for those of us destined to eat too much chocolate. It’s about 9″ tall and costs $30.
The International Jet Setter
Those with a worldly palette might appreciate a gift box of traditional spices. Savory Spice Shop has over 160 spice blends, ranging from common to exotic flavors that will add the right savory flavor to any dish. You can grab it on eBay for $28.
The Matching Mixologist
Help your in-house bartender take things to the next level with the Molecular Mixology Kit – Mojito Set. Turn this classic cocktail into a daily staple with innovative recipes that promise to “to take your taste buds on an adventure”. Those that like to “match” their cocktails with their meals will appreciate this kit. &58.95 from Molecular Gastronomy Kits.
The Hostess
They’ll never worry about placement of the salad fork versus the dinner fork with Cake Kitchen’s Paper Place Mats at West Elm. Customize these for your special occasion, or enjoy the festivities decorating while the food is finishing. Disposable, with a modern design, these place mats will definitely get people ready for whatever is being served. They come with 50 for only $24.95.
The Renaissance Cook
Always using the finest in locally grown ingredient, this foodie is just as interested in presentation and using good cooking tools. After all, foodies know getting spaghetti out of the pot using just any utensil wont suffice. The OXO Good Grips 15-Piece stainless steel set is great for any level foodie from the novice to the advanced cook that likes to look like a pro while cooking. Available on Amazon for $99.
The Eco Eater
This foodie might recycle, or be vegan, and is probably a part of the “Save The ________ campaign.” If this sounds like a foodie friend of yours they will probably love the Fresh Air Compost Collector. Composting has evolved people, no more gathering worms or unwelcome fruit flies. This compost collector allows air to circulate freely around the scraps which eliminates odor and the disposable bags make cleanup easy.
Who’s the biggest Instagram Foodie? Mention them below, and Instagram Foodies tell us what’s on your gift list this year!
@Twitter -VS- @Instagram… And How To Succeed With Photo Social Sharing No Matter What
December 12th, 2012 by Christen
Now that the latest move in the social media gauntlet has been revealed – Instagram has disabled Twitter’s ability to properly display your images in Twitter’s feed, WHAT’S NEXT NOW? It’s very clear that the battle between social media giants, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook isn’t going anywhere soon and you can more than likely expect more “integration errors” in the coming months. This could easily become a social media nightmare for those who rely on using these outlets on a daily (sometimes even hourly) basis. But, you don’t have to let the social media squabbling affect your ability to be great! Discover these tips, that’ll keep your Twitter-gram game tight no matter what!
Q: With all these new sharing changes, how in the world do I keep up with easy social sharing?
A: Master the use of each social media platform (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram) SEPARATELY!
The New Twitter: Twitter has unveiled their very own photo filters that users can access after updating the app on their mobiles. Thanks to their photo filter partner Aviary, there are 8 available filters along with cropping tools and auto-enhancing features for Twitter users. Learn how quickly you can enhance your photos without leaving your Twitter app below…
The Face of Facebook: Use Facebook to share your fantastically-filtered photos. To do this, you can manually upload Instagrams to your Timeline or automatically sync up your Instagram account to your Facebook so all your Instagram activity will show up on your Timeline and News Feed.
Become A Facebook Fan! Facebook.com/DivasandDorks
Instagram is IN: As one of the newest and fastest growing photo-sharing platforms to date, the buzz and excitement is still growing strong with Instagram. Use it to your advantage by promoting your online Instagram page and growing your photo followers manually. If pictures are worth a thousand words, there’s no way that Facebook and Twitter can compete with what you have to photogenically say!
Check us out on Instagram.com/DivasandDorks
It’s clear that these social media giants, won’t be playing nice in the sandbox anytime soon. For now, it’s best that you learn to utilize their best features separately and that way, no matter what improvements or changes happen next – YOU STILL WIN!
Have you tried out the new photo filters on Twitter? Are you still a die-hard Facebook fan? What would make you leave any of these social platforms for good. Share below…
To Delete or Not to Delete: The Plight Of Social Network Deserters
November 29th, 2012 by Lifestyle StaffEveryone has THAT friend who lives on the Internet. They post every detail of their life on Facebook and on Twitter. They post tons of pictures daily on Instagram of outfits and meals consumed. (if you don’t have that friend, you need to take a look in the mirror, because that friend could be you…) The digital world is their oyster until one day… it’s not. One person disagrees with one of their statuses, someone makes a joke about a picture they’ve posted, or their mentions on Twitter are bombarded with combative comments replying to something they tweeted. Then their love for social media has turned to hatred and they’re faced with the dilemma to delete or not delete – possibly deserting the social media network altogether.
The Internet is no longer a friendly place. Users find themselves in the middle of a war they can’t contain because of that pesky share button and retweet option that makes one post viral in seconds. As a result they begin the process of packing their digital baggage filled with over used hashtags and untagged photos and wave farewell to their online profiles.
People delete their accounts everyday for various reasons. The ones who leave because of drama they most likely created, I like to call them “social network deserters”. There are two types of social network deserters, the one who takes immediate action after an embarrassing or angering exchange or the one who drags it out hoping someone acknowledges their decision to leave it all behind.
The ones who drag it out spend the next few hours and sometimes days, posting that they are “done” with social networks, some even urge all of their “real friends” to request their number to stay in touch. Celebrities tend to fall into the swift action category. Most likely their PR person pulled the plug. Case in point, the most recent celebrity deserter who had a less than stellar night of communicating on a public forum: Chris Brown.
Regardless of which type of deserter they are, one thing they both have in common is that they always come back. When they do it’s not without fan fare. The average Joe posts an “I’m back” statement and waits for the likes or retweets to roll in. The media outlets unofficially handle the announcements for the celebrities.
History, however, never fails to repeat itself and you know what they say about idle hands, especially hands that have access to smart phones. When they do return it’s only a matter of time before another incident reminds them of why they hate allowing friends and strangers into their personal lives.
Until then there are enough social network super users who are willing to fight the good fight and provide just as much drama for those who like to watch to stay entertained.
Are you one of these social network deserters or super users? Do you think celebrities should fend for themselves via social media or just quit the game entirely? Sound off below…
Chris Brown: When Twitter Beefs Go Wrong (AGAIN!)
November 26th, 2012 by ChristenJust when you thought it was safe to support #TeamBREEZY – the 23-year old singer, flubs up on social media (once again). According to several reports online, Chris Brown has (once again) deleted his Twitter page after a battle of insults with a comedienne online.
The exchange started when Chris tweeted a photo of himself with the caption, “I look old as f—! I’m only 23“. Jenny Johnson responded, “I know! Being a worthless piece of sh-t can really age a person” and a very vulgar war of words ensued from there…
Will someone from Chris Brown’s camp PLEASE take his smartphone away from him. I understand freedom of speech but GEEZ – there comes a time where if you don’t learn from your mistakes you should be forced to accept the consequences. I wonder if Twitter should implement a 3 STRIKES rule? Delete your profile THREE TIMES and you’re OUT … FOR GOOD! That’ll teach folks about social media decision making REAL QUICK!
What do you think?
Instagram Inspiration: Five #Hashtags To Check Out Daily To Enhance Your Instagram Experience
November 12th, 2012 by Christen
Instagram has undoubtedly become a staple amongst the photo-sharing and social networking communities. Users follow their friends as well as their favorite celebrities and brands. With millions of users posting at times minute by minute accounts of their day or their random thoughts via photos or with apps like Textgram, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of all the photos of pets, food, and funny ecards posts.
Hashtags allow users to filter through the filtered/ enhanced pictures of their friends, and the brands and celebrities they follow. Here are five hashtags that not only make your browsing more fun but may give you some inspiration.
#MotivationalQuotes (see also #MorningMotivation)
Users post quotes that help them to stay motivated throughout the day and achieve their personal goals. Searching this hashtag will yield thousands of results that can instantly boost your mood.
#TeamFitness
For those who are trying to maintain their summer bodies or begin the journey to get in shape the #TeamFitness movement makes fitness tips, recipes, before and after photos, and challenges more accessible. Some are posting their progress while using well known fitness programs. Others are posting pictures of the ingredients they use to make healthy shakes and smoothies. Trainers are posting demonstrations of exercises for weight loss or toning of target areas.
#PhotoOfTheDay
Each month individuals, brands, and bloggers create lists that challenge Instagram users to take a photos everyday. Lists vary from compilations of random things to themes to promote wellness, self awareness, and just fun while experimenting with photography. The most popular #PhotoOfTheDay list this month challenges users to share what they are grateful for.
#StreetArt
Graffiti, murals, public art installations, sidewalk chalk drawings and more all can be found when searching this hashtag. Checking out how others define art all around them, definitely changes your own point of view the next time you go outside for a walk.
#FashionFriday (also see #FashionDaily)
For the fashionable Instagram user, there are millions of others who have posted the latest trendy looks. During fashion week, results from this hashtag gave users a front row view at the hottest shows. You can find pictures of what your favorite celebrity wore on the red carpet alongside where you can get a similar look or you could find fellow fashion lovers who have an amazing sense of style.
Social Media’s G.O.A.T? The Photo That Continues To Shatter Social Media Records…
November 8th, 2012 by Christen
According to Forbes and Mashable.com:
In late September, Media Bistro’s All Twitter blog tabulated the most popular tweets of all time – as gauged by retweets. The winner was Justin Bieber, who as of this writing had 223,376 retweets for this tweet. President Obama shattered that record with this tweet upon the media calling Ohio for him. After winning his second term as U.S. President, Barack Obama shared the same photo on his Facebook page that quickly became the most Liked photo ever on the social network. The picture shows the president embracing his wife Michelle with the caption: Four more years.
The image had become the most Liked photo in Facebook history: With more than 4 million likes, this Barack Obama photo is the most-liked Facebook photo of all time.
That’s yet another victory for Obama’s social-media savvy campaign team, who dominated Romney in most social media metrics. This tweet has only skyrocketed in popularity since this victory. As of today, Obama’s tweet now has 789,780 retweets.
The 2012 ELECTIONS According To Foursquare, Instagram and More!
November 6th, 2012 by ChristenWhile many traditional online news sources will host live interactive maps constantly being updated with the latest election results, some are opting for more social ways of tallying up today’s votes. Check out how a few of your favorite social media platforms are sharing in the election day festivities.
Foursquare launched elections.foursquare.com, which has a live map of polling place check-ins across the United States. The data can be broken down by gender and time of the vote, telling the Election Day story in a unique way. Foursquare users can also connect their account to the I Voted app, which taps into the Google Civic Information API to locate the right polling place and deliver ballot information. Fun bonus: Foursquare users who check-in to a polling place get a digital version of the “I Voted” sticker.
Instagram makes it easy to see a snapshot of polling locations, political attire and even some votes! (WARNING: Photographing / publishing prepared voter ballots is a misdemeanor in most states and could cause your vote to become VOID). Watching Election Day results come in with numbers and maps is one thing, getting a look at what’s actually happening at polling places around the country is another. Electiongrams, created by the NBC News digital team, collects Instagram images tagged with #NBCPolitics. Other brands are taking advantage of Instagram including BET Networks with #BETvote and Essence Magazine with #EssenceVotes. The goal? Tap into Instagram to show snapshots of life around America on Election Day.
Could Beyonce’s vote become void?
UStream is taking a slightly different approach by utilizing citizen journalists around the country, providing a unique and independent lens on Election Day. Ustream has also partnered with Video the Vote to use mobile phones as a tool in the fight against voter fraud and disenfranchisement.
How are you planning on discovering today’s election results? Will you be posted in front of the tv, election watch party or our celebrating someplace else?
Discover The Side Effects Of Your Facebook Addiction…
November 3rd, 2012 by Tech Staff
If you find yourself more interested in answering a messaging alert, less engaging in real life activities and having a shorter attention span than usual – then you’re not alone. Like many others, your Facebook addiction is affecting your mind in adverse ways. Facebook and Internet addiction can have damaging effects, such as a decrease in our attention span — in fact, since 2000, our collective attention span has decreased by 40%. In fact, the social media addiction epidemic is SO REAL that in China, Taiwan and South Korea “Internet Addiction Disorder” is already accepted as a psychological diagnosis. Next year it will be included in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-V), the American “bible of psychology.”
Check out this interesting infographic and discover if you’re suffering from the side effects of your Facebook addiction below…
