Facebook's New Frictionless Sharing Rubs Many the Wrong Way

While many people questioned the visual overhaul of Facebook's Timeline design, the real Facebook uproar lately has been focused on its new Seamless Sharing system.

Seamless, or frictionless, sharing automatically posts updates about the apps you're using within Facebook. Listen to a song on Spotify or read an article on Yahoo through Facebook and it'll update automatically to all of your friends.

Naturally, the thought of posting on your own wall without control created quite a backlash, with many social media pundits declaring the feature a violation of privacy and just plain wrong.

However, there's also been a backlash to backlash, with others claiming that the Seamless Sharing system has simply redefined the concept of "sharing" rather than ruin it. They say that the frictionless sharing isn't perfect, but could be made better with stronger filtering instead of getting rid of it outright.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the automatic updates because of how much they dominate my news feed. But to those who are uncomfortable with having their media consumption habits strewn about Facebook, there's an easy solution: Don't use the services within Facebook. I use both Spotify and Yahoo News fairly regularly, but I use them outside of Facebook.

What do you think? Has Seamless Sharing ruined Facebook sharing, or simply added a new dimension to it?

Video Post: iPads Taking Surveys to New Heights in Marketing

In public relations, it is important to reach influencers that consumers will listen to. One tactic we have found particularly effective is the use of surveys, but it goes beyond simply handing out sheets of paper with boxes to check. 

New Product Promotions: Game On!

Remember the thrill of birthday party scavenger hunts? Surrounded by energetic friends all hyped up on vanilla frosting, there was nothing better than the thought of goodie-bag glory just ahead. Fast-forward to the 21st century where smartphones and social media sites have now made it possible for marketers to recreate that moment of "game on."

Mobile and social media gaming have become very popular promotion strategies for brands. The latest product to be added to the list is none other than Proctor and Gamble's new Downy fabric softener. Downy Unstopables is a new line of scent beads that can be added to the wash to make clothes smell nice. On Dec. 3, Downy will be hosting a smartphone based scavenger hunt in Las Vegas where players will hunt for a chance to win $20,000.

The brand will be using a mobile gaming app called Scvngr. It lets users complete challenges from their mobile phones at different locations to earn points that can be redeemed for real-world rewards.

Sherilena Strub, a spokeswoman for Proctor & Gamble tells us more about their strategy. “We worked with Scvngr to create an experience that demonstrates how Downy Unstopables can stand out even in the highly sensorial Las Vegas, because it seamlessly blends online and offline events and encourages sharing in order to amplify the user experience," said Ms. Strub.

Social games represent a growing opportunity for brands to offer a deeper level of engagement than traditional media outlets. By integrating a brand with a game, it can increase the chances of viral growth and new customers. Downy is hoping their Las Vegas scavenger hunt will do just that. However, the connection between fabric softener and Sin City seems a bit of a stretch to me, but I appreciate the creativity.

What do you think of the gaming approach to product promotion? Too much? Or the new face of brand marketing?

Real Estate Professionals and Social Media

According to a recent poll on Mashable.com, 84 percent of Real Estate Professionals are now using social media. I can certainly agree with that, since the Axiom team just returned from the Realtors Conference and Expo in Anaheim, CA this past weekend. Fifty-five percent say they are 'comfortable' with social media.

Literally every agent who stopped by our booth (we were there representing our longtime kitchen countertop client, Wilsonart) was clutching a smartphone. Of course, that's not too surprising.  The Realtor.com app gets over 20,000 visits an hour!

It was gratifying to see Realtors at this large trade show with an upbeat attitude. Yes, the housing market is still at historic lows, but there are obviously some smart agents out there still making money, and looking toward the future.

I'm happy to say they were complementary of Wilsonart's High Definition Laminate surfacing product. With a cost less than half the cost of granite or other natural materials, the Realtors see real potential in using laminate in the kitchens of investment and rental properties to give an instant update without spending a fortune. Ditto for laundry rooms and bathrooms.

Wordless Wednesday: 56% Of Young Professionals Won’t Work At A Company That Bans Twitter And Facebook