Checking-In Made Easier

If you're Facebook active checking in for your flight has just gotten a lot more convenient! Delta Airlines has added a Check-In  feature on their Facebook page. I for one was happy when I heard this news but also a little bummed because I tend to fly cheaper alternatives such as Southwest Airlines.

Talking from my own experience, with Southwest at least, check in is always an added stress to the already stressful act of flying. On many occasions I have stayed up until midnight just waiting for the check in service to open on the airline website so that I wouldn't have to board last. Although this sounds trivial I know I can't be the only one that puts a lot of weight on the check in process. I figure it is only a matter of time until all the other major airlines start hopping on the Facebook bandwagon when it comes to checking-in.

Delta had the right idea by making the check-in process that much more convenient and soon enough other airlines aren't going to be able to afford not doing the same thing. I for one went on to Delta's website after I read the article to see if I could handle the prices for the mere satisfaction of checking in on Facebook (unfortunately I think I'm going to stick with my original plans for my next trip, but that's not until December so who knows Southwest might have these capabilities too).

I think that it is great that major companies are adapting and realizing how effective their services can  be in regards to social networking. It is definitely a big transition but I think one in the right direction since patterns seem to be leaning towards the advancement of social networking and media

Pope on Facebook?

The rumors have been confirmed that the deceased Pope John Paul II is joining Facebook. A little odd that a deceased Pope is joining a social networking site? Indeed, but the Vatican is making the Facebook because they have realized that Facebook and social networking isn't necessarily just about sharing information but that it also focuses on building a community. The Vatican hopes to build a community with this Facebook and will also be coming out with a Vatican news portal that will be unveiled around Easter.

I thought that this is a prime example of how networking has changed so dramatically. The Vatican, to me at least, is a very formal and old-fashioned institution and yet they are still aware of how important building their community Online is. Social networking sites have made it possible for institutions, companies, and just people in general to establish and build communities in a whole new way. These sites extend the possibilities and potential for communities because they make communication so easy and readily available.

The Pope joining Facebook may seem strange but you have to admit that the Vatican has the right idea in mind!

Make It Your Own

With all the buzz about social networking sites, it's easy to see how quickly it could go wrong. I found myself Google-ing the other day and I came across an interesting site, Build A Social Network. The site aides you in creating a social networking site catered to your own interests whether that be politics, education, religion, or gaming, ect.

I don't know about you, but this seems a little but absurd to me. I think social networking has developed into a very important part of our society, but I also think there is a line that shouldn't be crossed. In reference to the "Build A Social Network" site they have flown over the line. As to be expected with success, there are bound to be copycats and so I wasn't surprised to stumble upon such a site. The thing to keep in mind here is that although this site would allow more amateur social networking experimenters to develop something that more directly caters to their own interests, it seems a little excessive in my opinion. In contrast though the site shows how accessible the Internet and social networking has become to the basic individual. Everyone can find something just for them.

The realm of social networking is developing faster than we can even keep track of and it is branching in all different directions from sites like Facebook, Twitter, Skype, or Build a Social Network and create your own.

Referencing a series of videos used in my COMM class here's a quick video explaining social networks.

New Opportunities

The reading this week out of Groundswell: winning in a world transformed by social technologies discussed the importance of companies being actively involved on the internet and with the Groundswell. Particularly with what companies should hone in on when creating and maintaining social media in regards to the Groundswell. I found this interesting because my parents own a small advertising company in San Antonio named Allied Advertising and the only thing I could think of while reading this chapter is how not involved they are in the Groundswell or even really online for that matter. They could definitely benefit for POST- people, objectives, strategy, and technology. POST is used in building one's groundswell. For the first time I found myself interested in possibly working for my parents which prior to this reading was always a bit of a joke among my family. Every time my parents asked me to work for them I would flat out answer "NO," but it's looking a little more appealing now that I know of something specific that I could do other than screen print (for which I am completely unqualified...for now at least). The Groundswell is opening up opportunities for people to infiltrate the workforce in a completely new and interactive way.

Being active in the Groundswell is crucial for any company that wants to be successful because the social networking sites and blogs can provide ample insight into the strengths and weaknesses of a company as seen by the customers.