Communicator’s CouncilFeb. 28, 2011

Blogs and Social Media

Blogs & Social Networking

• Blog: a website on which an individual or group of users produces an ongoing narrative.

• Social Network: an online service, platform, or site focusing on building social relationships among people with similar interests. Most social networking services are web based and allow users to interact over the Internet.

Blogs

Examples of Blogs

Why Blog?

• It’s free• For businesses, blogging

creates a public personae and makes companies more accessible.

• For individuals, blogging can be an outlet for self expression, can be used to support a specific cause, or can help in networking.

Blogging Tips• Define your audience• Choose a unique topic• Make sure the topic is something you

can write about regularly• If you’re not going to keep up with

your blog, don’t start one• Be authentic• Be transparent• Get inside your readers’ minds• Solicit feedback• Don’t be offensive or take big public

risks• Have fun

Source: www.Mashable.com

Popular Blog Platforms

WordPress

Texas Tech Today

The Daily Dose

• TTUHSC’s version of Texas Tech Today• Developed in WordPress• Content:

• Student/faculty blogs• TTUHSC news and events• Photo galleries• Links to TTUHSC’s social media pages

• Launch date: TBD

The Daily Dose

Social Media

Social Networking Sites

Trouble with Social Media

• A Palestinian TV reporter faces charges of insulting a public figure after being tagged in a Facebook photo that ridicules the Palestinian Authority president.

• In a HootSuite mishap, American Red Cross employee Gloria accidentally tweeted: "Ryan found two more 4 bottle packs of Dogfish Head's Midas Touch beer...when we drink we do it right #gettngslizzerd.” It was meant to be tweeted from her personal account, but instead went out to all 270,000 followers of @RedCross.

To post, or not to post?• Follow TTUHSC communications,

privacy, conflict-of-interest and security policies.

• Use good judgment. • If your personal blog or social

networking profiles are inconsistent with TTUHSC’s reputation, don’t identify a connection with TTUHSC.

• Be respectful and professional to fellow employees, business partners, competitors and patients.

• If comments, videos or photos are inappropriate, don’t post them.

Online Privacy

Facebook• Customize your privacy settings

• Opt out of instant personalization• Make your photos and contact information private

• Always log out of your account• Don’t give anyone your password• More: 10 Privacy Settings Every Facebook User Should Know

Twitter• Protect your tweets• Beware of shortened URLs• Think before you tweet

Questions?