Tweeting Works

We're not necessarily fans of the next big thing in new media. And, when it comes to Twitter, the jury is still out. Nevertheless, we like to try out every new trend if only so we can weigh the merits ourselves.

Local station CBS4 deserves credit for most energetically embracing Twitter. Leading the way is Assignment Editor Misty Montano, who has earned more than 2,500 followers (and tipsters) with her real-time updates of the newsgathering process, from police scanner chatter to her relentless pursuit of public safety spokespeople.

Anchor Tom Mustin recently used Twitter to put out a call for ideas for the station's "Beat the Recession" series and we offered up our client CollegeInvest, a not-for-profit division of the Colorado Department of Higher Education dedicated to removing financial barriers to college. The resulting story helped highlight the useful services CollegeInvest provides (services that are especially valuable in these tough times).

That's what they call these days a "win-win-win" situation (replacing the term "win-win," which apparently had lost some of its power). Thanks to Tom for his conscientious and comprehensive reporting on a topic that's on the minds of many people. So chalk one up to Twitter.

Our client Tim Jackson of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association also uses Twitter regularly with great success in both contacting media and communicating directly with the public.

The Onion's Latest Gag Looks Good in Red

Here at The Megaphone, we often post observations and insights about the demise of the newspaper business. The Onion, in its latest antic, makes a play on the industry's failure with hilarious hyperbole, by pretending that the paper has been sold to the Chinese. While one may read an article from The Onion's supposed former publisher entitled "Well, I've Sold the Paper to the Chinese," and think this is just one of the fake news syndicate's ironically comic articles, the ruse doesn't end there: it turns out that The Onion's entire home page has been made over to appear as if production has actually been handed over to the communist regime.

Featuring headlines such as "Nothing At All Happens to 28 Tibetan Protestors, Their Families," and "Weakling President Asks Imaginary Man in Sky to Bless Nation," the site also shows fake advertisements from such products as "Yu Wan Mei," a "miscellaneous flavor paste."

In a world where fake news is becoming increasingly more attractive than the real stuff, we hope the outsourcing of much-needed satirical humor never actually becomes a reality.

Some Friday Afternoon "Humor"

At SE2 we "love" our clients and are always “happy” to serve them and point them in the “right” direction. That’s why we’d like to share this blog that will show you some examples of “clever” messaging, and some new punctuation “rules” you may not have known about.

Clearing the Air (Literally and Figuratively)

I wanted to belatedly describe a recent SE2 project for the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association. For a few years now, we've worked with the auto dealers to help highlight the the fact that the new vehicles they sell are much better for the air than most of the older vehicles they replace.

My daughter has asthma, so I know how bad Denver's high-ozone days can be for those who have breathing difficulties.

The auto dealers have created the Clear the Air Foundation, which highlights how the community can reduce air pollution by taking older cars off the road. Recently, SE2 designed an exhibit at the entrance to the Denver Auto Show with banners, a crushed old car, a video loop, and products made from recycled automobile parts - all highlighting the mission of the Clear the Air Foundation. The message: “A new car is a clean car.”

This is a tough time for the auto industry but it's a great time to get a great deal on a new car. And getting rid of your clunker will help us all breathe easier.

Using Facebook and Twitter to Create Dialogue on Health Care

This humorous article in the Washington Post demonstrates how web-based social networking sites are being used to foster dialogue about the national health reform debate. It also shows the disadvantages of a medium with no etiquette or filter...