The Anti-Tweet!

Twitter has developed into a worldwide social media phenomenon. I’m sure you have a good idea what twitter has to offer. I won’t waste time.

Twitter’s benefits definitely surpass its disadvantages. However, I would like to point out some negative aspects of Twitter. Please go to my partner, Julie Ibrahim’s blog to learn the advantages.

My biggest concern with Twitter is the “Noise” factor. Far too many people tell us what they ate, where they went last night, and quite frankly, the last time they visited the bathroom. Sometimes it is difficult to get through the junk.

I find it difficult to search and find the right people. I can never find friends unless I have the exact Twitter name. Also, when searching for celebrities, it is very difficult to differentiate between the legitimate pages vs. the fan pages. I wish there was an easier way to identify people.

Check out this video from a CNN debate between journalists.

If it weren’t for my social media course, I would have no idea half the features Twitter has to offer. For example, the hash symbol (#) in the search field. The “@RT” symbol that simply means a “re-tweet,” These symbols now help me search within Twitter. However, how does one find out about these features on his/her own?

On a more serious note, my friends and I are concerned with children on Twitter. I understand the min age is 13. How and who is controlling this? How are parents monitoring what their children are following? Here is an interesting article on the affects of Twitter on children.

Looking at Twitter from a PR perspective, one must be careful of how they project themselves. A celebrity could destroy their image with a few unnecessary tweets. Organizations could casually promote CSR initiatives, forgetting they could have to back it up. On a personal note, how do I differentiate my “fun” tweets against my professional tweets?

Let me know what you think. What other problems have you come across? Do you disagree with the above?

"How To" Use Google Docs!

Working on a group project? If you are studying or working in Public Relations, you most likely are. I present to you Google docs!

Google docs allows you to post documents, spreadsheets and presentations online. Group members can then view the posted documents, where they can collaborate/edit the documents. Users can create the document on google docs, or import the file from their computers. The application is easy to use and efficient.

Check out this video on how to use Google docs. The presenter may be a bit monotone, however, you will learn a lot!

For those of you who are a little more technologically advanced, you may just want to check out the Google docs tour.

Check out my group member's blogs on Google docs, Mike Thomson and Jacqueline Goldstine.

I appreciate the value of the “How To” assignment. I have been introduced to many new social media outlets. I find the best way to learn about these social media applications is by utilizing them. I enjoy learning networks. I hope throughout this program we continue to share our knowledge about social media.

If you are interested on learning “How To” use other social media applications visit this reference list.

Would You Jump Off The World’s Tallest Building?

Once again Dubai has set a world record! The Burj Khalifa is by far the world’s tallest building. Standing at over 800 meters tall (2625 ft), the building contains over 160 stories. The construction started January 2004. It took Dubai six years to set the world record for tallest building in the world; this includes the tallest freestanding structure, sorry CN Tower! Go to this link to check out the difference between Burj Khalifa and other towers/buildings.

Most of you might be thinking, “ What/who is Khalifa?!” Well, just days before the opening of Burj Dubai, Sheik Khalifa gave $10-billion to Dubai to help cover the bailout funds. Sheik Khalifa is the head of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the ruler of Abu Dhabi. In honour of this donation Dubai renamed the building Burj Khalifa. Here is an article from the Globe and Mail that can explain further.

Here is a video of the inauguration of Burj Khalifa on January 4th, 2010!


When I searched twitter for #BurjKhalifa, I found it interesting to find real estate postings. I never thought that Twitter could be used to sell/rent out properties! I also found a posting from BrandDubai saying “#BurjKhalifa is a source of pride for Dubai and the UAE.” I found this very interesting. I searched further on the Burj Khalifa website to find that the building symbolizes international cooperation, a prosperous Middle East, and success in human talent, not on oil reserves.

Now, back to my first question “Would you jump off the world’s tallest Building?” Apparently, a few people were crazy enough to do it! Watch the video below as proof.

The Burj Khalifa uses social media to promote the extravagance of both the building and its inauguration. Social media is an excellent way for the world to connect itself. Spectators from around the world were given the opportunity to feel as if they were there as the base jumpers were risking their lives.

The inauguration and the base jumpers are a great inititative by Burj Khalifa's PR team. It is a great way for the world to appreciate and respect the building. It also brings in a lot of customers from around the world. Becuase really, who wouldn't want to stay on one of the top floors of the tallest buidling in the world?

In interest of starting a debate, do you think this building is a waste of money, considering our struggling economy? When I researched articles online, a lot of comments would suggest that yes, perhaps this money could have spent more wisely. Here is an article if you wish to read further.