Internet Geek Girl

(Jason Calacanis and Stephanie Agresta at the Bellagio Hotel, Olives Restaurant)

Go ahead, try to deny it. It would be tough. Jason Calacanis has been doing this his entire career - beginning with Silicon Alley Reporter, then Weblogs, Inc. and now with his latest venture, Mahalo. The Affiliate Marketing industry was lucky enough to harness Jason’s “outsider energy” last week in Vegas at Affiliate Summit West 2008, where he gave the keynote speech. Never before has a keynote speaker created such a flurry at this show. I suspect Shawn and Missy knew of Jason’s history at another marketing show, and were eager to start an important dialogue in the community. That’s how they roll.

I like it when the feathers fly. I suspect, so does Jason. He challenges assumptions, keeps an open mind and is great at calling a spade a spade. I like that about him. Oh yeah - he also has superior taste in television shows and cars.

In the last week there has been a terrific swirl of conversation in the blogosphere about Jason’s take on the industry and the future direction of affiliate marketing in general. For background, I suggest you read Sam Harrelson’s live blogging entry at ReveNews. You can also catch some of Jim Kukral’s video coverage here. Or listen to the keynote on Webmaster Radio. Jason did an great job documenting his experience as well, and capturing the follow up comments.

Basically the world fell into a few camps. The “offended” ones; the defiant ones; and the grateful ones. I’ll save my feedback for them for their blog comments (everyone could use some more blog comment activity).

I find it interesting that this conversation mostly stems from the publisher perspective. It’s true that advertisers are less likely to pipe up, but let me try to speak on their behalf. Advertisers are interested in working with REAL PARTNERS. Not people who hide their identity and their methods. Much like a PR firm that connects with media outlets, our agency “pitches” new merchants to established communities of publishers (affiliates) that are adding real value to their consumers, such as Upromise, Ebates, iGive, and Kaboodle. Check out the list of “good guys” that have been collected on Jason’s site. I agree with Shawn Collins that it’s time for the NETWORKS to step up to the challenge of being better gatekeepers.

Well - we all have lots of action items to attend to. I’d like to personally thank Shawn, Missy and Jason for making the keynote so meaningful.

And now onto the networking, InternetGeekGirls’ favorite part:

As Jason Falls knows, offline events are the best way to make connections with people. Affiliate Summit is THE SHOW for the performance marketing industry; always has been. Check out my flickr stream and Tris Hussey’s flickr set for some amazing shots from the event. The ShareASale party was also a highlight (big congrats to Brian Littleton for winning the “Legend” Award and to his staff for a fine display of community and energy). The party was full of great conversations with the smartest people in the space. I had the chance to talk to Lisa Picarille of Revenue Magazine, Kristin Fox from Gaiam, Steve Rosenbaum from Magnify.net, JP Werlin from Downtown Ecommerce and Wil Reynolds of SEER Interactive.

As a social columnist focused on style and substance — the big loud clubs aren’t exactly my scene. I prefer the smaller, more intimate affairs. The blog lounge, sponsored by B5Media, was full of cool people - in particular Karen Jackie and Dana Rockel of ContentRobot. However, I have to toot my own horn for a minute and say that the Social Media Panel, moderated by Sam Harrelson, was probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time, or at least in the prior 2 weeks.

I’d like to give a shout out to Affiliate Summit first-timers: iJustine, Tris Hussey, Rick Calvert, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Deb Schultz! Thank you all for your energy and support.

Hat tip to Affiliate Summit for giving us all the opportunity to come together to build our businesses, exchange ideas, have some fun, and most importantly - spend time with the people we work with day in and day out to enhance affiliate channel sales.

My fellow New Yorkers are in for a treat this summer. The next Affiliate Summit is in Boston [sign up now and save - this is not an affiliate link]. A bit closer than Vegas (or Florida). With Cory Booker keynoting, right before the Democratic national convention, I hope more feathers will fly.

Jersey girl wanted a Hugh Card.

Jersey girl got a Hugh Card.

Big thanks to @shelisrael and of course @gapingvoid.

Social media has the power to heal. From the Frozen Pea Fund to the stories of support and friendship that pop up on Twitter - I see daily examples of how important this medium has become to our social fabric.

Lance Armstrong and The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) team have long used the Internet to drive grassroots support for their charitable efforts. Many of you know that I’m all about LIVESTRONG. Well - Lance is on the road again, and he and his team of awesome volunteers will be in New Orleans on January 29th and 30th, helping to build new homes for cancer survivors and their families. Working with Habitat for Humanity (HFH), the LAF team will relocate New Orleans-area families who have faced the twin challenges of fighting cancer and displacement by Hurricane Katrina.

Can you believe it’s been almost two and a half years since Hurricane Katrina and there are still so many people lacking basic shelter? To use a favorite geek phrase: WTF?!? This is truly one of the great tragedies of our collective journey these last few years. I hope that our country elects a President that can start showing true leadership and unite us in efforts to improve ourselves and the world. Let’s not wait until November. Let’s start using our energy, skills, resources and talent TODAY to help those around us and send out positive vibes every where we go. Please make a donation to help Lance, LAF and HFH build homes for cancer survivors in New Orleans. Even $10 makes a difference.

There is no question that social media has the power to transform markets, communities, culture, and news. And let’s not forget the impact it has had on plain old socializing. Like all powerful tools, it can be used to harm and to heal. I choose HEAL. I hope you join me in the effort to make things just a little bit better. I realize we all don’t have time and resources to give of ourselves every day, but every little bit counts so please give something, no matter how small. Your support can come in many ways. The LiveStrong Facebook App (which Scott and Jeff Rozic developed) has over 80,000 users! That’s 80,000 small acts that have added value and support to hundreds of thousands of REAL PEOPLE. Please do whatever you can: yes, give some $, but also consider adding a social cause app on your facebook profile, telling a friend about your favorite charity, putting frozen peas in your avatar, VOTING, smiling at a stranger, bringing food to a food bank, hugging your family! Spread the LOVE.

Lance, Susan, Chris B (my house buildin’ pal), and all the cancer survivors out there that are using the Internet to help others HEAL - we are with you!!

Happy New Year friends. May 2008 be filled with good karma and many blessings. And may we all be new and improved every year.

I realize it’s a bit late into the year here for New Year greetings (or is it)? I was chilling in Florida for a bit, and I’m just getting back into the groove. But I couldn’t be more excited for 2008. Stayed tuned for many exciting announcements in the coming weeks.

But let’s start here, with Karma - Twitter Karma to be exact.

Let me explain because this is truly great social media story.

Dossy is my Twitter friend, he’s also a rad developer who lives here in New Jersey (go Jersey!). Back in December I was musing on Twitter about how I wish I had a tool that easily allowed me to figure out who is a reciprocal twitter friend and add followers to my list. As many of you know, I really love Twitter and more and more, I find it to be the most satisfying of all social networks. [Facebook is getting spammy - let's fix that people]. And surprise, surprise, Dossy made it happen. He built the thing!! I’m honored to have helped select the name btw. How very cool. Here’s the full announcement on Dossy’s blog.

I am amazed by the inspiration I find on Twitter, and the swirl of ideas that live in the petri dish of our online social networks. One person’s 140 character phrase is another’s software feature. Give to receive my friends, and please go give Twitter Karma a WHACK!

Peace Out!

A lot of people don’t know this about me, but in addition to be a leading expert in online marketing, I am one of the most informed sports fans out there. I’m talking every sport - football, basketball, baseball and surfing. I know it all. Stats, the names of the players, the colors of the outfits, the cities they play in, everything! I’m a sports fanatic. Now - I made a big mistake by making a bet with Chris Brogan regarding who would win last night’s record-making game between the NY Giants and the NewEngland Patriotz. I should have known better b/c that Chris Brogan seems to have insider information on EVERYTHING.

The game was an exciting one. Twitter was a flitter! @geniune @jasoncalacanis @mackcollier @dogballs @trishussey @chelpixie and many more were all callin’ the game. Bryant Gumbel could barely keep up with the Twitter crowd.

Always a good time on the social media merry-go-round. The game was close. As a true blue Jerseygirl, I had to stop and wonder - why did my team LOSE? It’s just not fair. So I took all my deep knowledge and expertise about online marketing and football and put together a list of why the Giants lost to the Patriots:

#10 - The Patriots obviously spend more time practicing and less time working on their website. Check out the Giants homepage today - all updated and ready to roll with real-time data and shiznit! The Patriots homepage has an out-of-date record front and center and they haven’t even put up the score or recap from last nights game!! Those web slackers really know how to throw the ball.

#9- The Giants have a twitter account (or someone started one), and the Patriots don’t. come one now. Everyone knows that if you waste your time twittering all day, you won’t be very good at making touchdowns!!

#8 - Although the Patriots have some issues with their online presentation skills, I have to say - their fans seem to be more passionate and therefore they are sending more online good karma and winning wishes to the team!! The Facebook applications by Watercooler reveal quite a differential. The NY Giants app has 1283 daily active users, while the NE Patriots App has 5014 daily active users. Since everyone knows that NYC Metro (that includes Jersey btw) is much more fun and exciting than New England (wherever that is?), you can see why more fans sit around watching football and playing with silly online applications to support their team. Guess that’s why they are 16- 0!

#7, 6,5,4, 3,2 - I thought it would be better to make this a top 10 list, but since I’m swamped trying to get ready for my trip to Florida - this will have to do.

And the #1 reason why the Patriots won last night - Tom Brady is cuter than Eli Manning.

That’s right. Comes down to which Quarterback is cuter. Simple as that.

Ok, ok, if you haven’t guessed by now, I’m not really a sports expert. Actually, I have no clue, but I like watching exciting, fun “hyped” games. If you’re looking for women bloggers who really do know the deal, be sure to check out the Female Fan on iVillage. Kinda Kool!

Mr. Brogan - care to make a wager for the Super Bowl?

And what a year it has been. I am grateful for all my awesome friends and colleagues. Hope you enjoy these shots from the many industry conferences and networking events I attended this year. Thank you all for your support. Have an awesome holiday and successful 2008.

I look forward to seeing you next year!

Last week Hugh Macleod used his cartoon defibrillator and his witty word smithing to revive blogging! Last December at this time, the analysts at Gartner made their predictions for 2007 and they said that blogging will peak next year and all the hype will fizzle out. They weren’t the only ones writing about the death of blogging. Hugh on the other hand has provided us with quite a different view on this (still emerging) media:

If you have something to say, then a blog offers a cheap, easy global medium in which to express yourself. This is as true now as it was three years ago, regardless of what the groovy cats in Silicon Valley may be up to.

Whether you have the time and the talent for it, “i.e. the skill and the will”, is another matter altogether. Also, whether other people will want to read it, is something one has little control over. But in both cases, the same is true for all other media.

This got me thinking - and truthfully - feeling quite guilty for not blogging lately. Blogging is not dead for me (as the title suggest, I’ve just been insanely busy). I suppose Twitter and Facebook serve as creative outlets for the time-deprived. [NOTE: I posted my 1000th Tweet on Nov. 5th, which means I did about 230 Tweets in a month.] Yum… metrics! Bottom line here is - in 2008, I commit to making more time for me and for blogging! (Are they one in the same?!?)

I think my Twitter, Flickr and Facebook are important tools that go hand and hand with this blog (not separate from it). In fact, I think all marketers would benefit from maximizing the cross-promotional synergies of blogs, Facebook, Flickr, Twitter, Magnify, Utterz, Seesmic, , and all the many social networks out there. Hey and let’s not forget off line expression. Be creative and build your micro brand (or macro one!)

If Marshal McLuhan is right and “the medium is the message,” the focus should be on the various ways human beings extend themselves, and how these extensions affect our relationships with others (and as a marketer I would add, with companies).

You may *prefer* one form of extension to another, but IMHO if you’re not making use of the depth and breadth of what’s out there, you’re not doing a good enough job. Fear not - there are lots of people out there to help you.

In addition to my (now relieved) guilt - the real message here is that Hugh’s work really cracks me up. I love his clever cartoons and bon mot. I know, so do lots of people (1840 Followers as of 10 pm EST on 12/7) . I’m just a fangirl! Oh yeah - I’m also just the cutey-pie you met in a bar.

Larry Bailin, my good friend, colleague and fellow Jersey-ite, is launching his new book tomorrow - “Mommy, Where Do Customers Come From?” I was lucky enough to secure a (signed) advance copy at BlogWorld Expo and I wanted to share a few thoughts on this compelling read. First off, one of Larry’s greatest differentiators in business comes from his view that marketing and sales are one in the same. So often marketers forget the basics of the sales process and focus on specific techniques and “campaigns.” Larry sees the bigger picture in a big way (and this comes through in the book). Don’t get me wrong - the book is chock full of strategies and straight-forward advice (which is helpful, even for an old Internet pro like me). I just so appreciate Larry’s ability to skip the “trendy lingo” and cut right to the chase of the challenge for the marketer and for the consumer. As many of us know, it is a new world and “connected customers” provide marketers with new opportunities to interact. If you looking to understand this paradigm shift and responses to it - check in with “Billy” (pictured above) and Larry of course.

BTW - The launch also includes a great charity fund raiser, “Billy Gives Back!”

Buy the book at Amazon.com on November 15th (tomorrow) and all proceeds go to The American Heart Association.

Big congratulations to Larry and his colleagues at SingleThrow! Catch up with ya back in Jersey - exit 109 (since I know you were gonna ask anyway!)

By Jay Levan (www.JayLevan.com). Left to Right: Jim Kukral, George Nemeth (holding the sign Jim made) and Thomas Mulready. Not pictured: Eric Olsen of BlogCritics.org

I am at the convention center here in Vegas, listening to the insightful Shel Israel and Mike Prosceno. It is fascinating to think about how SAP has incorporated social media into “the conversation.” Their company has seen the power of blogging and social media. It may be early in the game, but I can tell you this - it will make all the difference in the marketing mix!

Lots more to come this week. Just wanted to let you know that I too will blog for attention!!

Twitter me @stephagresta if you are here.

(photo credit: Howard Greenstein)

Those of you that know me know how much I believe in the power of Social Media, Conversational Marketing, and the Relationship Economy. This past Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007, I saw that power in action at my Birthday 2.0 event.

People make a party (and a social network for that matter). We had a great crowd. It would be too hard to mention everyone, but big thanks to the following colleagues for joining in: Ted Shelton (my partner at The Conversation Group), Brian Shaler, Howard Greenstein, Steve Rosenbaum, Courtney Darling, Karen Jackie and Dana Rockel, Adam Broitman, David Berkowitz, David Blumstein, Allison Keisman, Bonnie Halper, Jay Bryant, Vidar Brekke, Marty Secada, and those that I can’t find URLs for: Sondra Stewart, Gerry Beyer, Cathy Campbell, Polly Lieberman, Swetal Petal, Yana Lyubovitsky, Keith Knight, Roma Sachar, Carrie Kaufman, Tim Keelan, and EVERYONE ELSE!

The early bird “unconference” discussion focused on usage patters on Facebook. Brian Shaler did a great job summarizing some key points. Read his blog here. I’ll be expounding on this topic in another post soon!

In addition to my party, I felt the web2.0 birthday love with almost 50 wall posts on my Facebook, many skypes, text messages and of course, the Twitter messages wishing me birthday greetings in under 140 characters. I also have to give a big shout out to all those that donated to my fund raising efforts for the Lance Armstrong Foundation and to Chris Brewer at LiveStrong for all his support. I am grateful for all my amazing friends, family and colleagues. Social media birthdays show us the power of this medium and ultimately the true power that comes from people connecting!

Featured Flickr pics are here: InternetGeekGirl and HowardGr!

One last post script. Julia Allison unfortunately did not make the party. She went wasted two hours at the Google event in NYC instead. I don’t know Julia personally. If I had known she was going to have such a bad time, I would have made sure she knew about Birthday 2.0! Julia - you have an open invitation to all future events with Stephanie Agresta and The Conversation Group!