Integration & Engagement

References:

Costa, C., 2014. Hangout#6 with Cristina Costa.

Costa, C. & Torres, R., 2011. To be or not to be , the importance of Digital Identity in the networked society. Available at: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/view/216/126.

Shakir, E., 2014. Ebrahim’s LinkedIn Profile. Available at: http://sg.linkedin.com/pub/ebrahim-shakir/42/958/4b1 [Accessed December 17, 2014].

Flawed concept?

The argument with regards to the “openness” of the Internet has sparked many different views based on the differing perspectives, be it in terms of a content producer or even the audience itself. I must admit the #crossover between the group in Singapore and UK really broaden the scope of the subject! (Credits to Ebrahim for the suggestion!)

As I took on the subject in a general approach, it was fascinating to gain insights from the group in UK. It was clear that most of us had a skewed argument of the subject. For instance, I was intrigued by Sophie’s Vlog, which covered different aspects of the “openness” of the Internet. However, what caught my attention was Andy’s view when he revealed the “flaws” in the concept of “open access”. As we are all grateful of the benefits that we are able to reap from the concept, it is crucial not to disregard the flaws. I supported his stand on this as he introduced “predatory publishers” in his argument. As I looked further into this, I chanced upon another upsetting discovery of “publication bias” in health research:

Initially it struck my mind that “open access” may very well be the solution to this prevalent problem. However, upon further research, a study by PMC (2012) revealed that majority of the “open access” publications were funded by the industry itself. This in turn, could lead to “preferential publication” which supports the industry products (medicine). Therefore, the aspects of “open access” which includes the high cost and low incentives that the authors may receive from negative publications may not be the solution to “publication bias”.

These real issues with “open access” really question the viability of the concept. However, I do believe that it is essential to embrace the positive aspects of this concept as it could still be brought further in the future.

References:

Collins, S., 2014. access to online materials. Available at: http://sophiecatherinecollins.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/access-to-online-materials/comment-page-1/#comment-30 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Nature, 2012. Predatory Publishers are corrupting open access. Available at: http://www.nature.com/news/predatory-publishers-are-corrupting-open-access-1.11385 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

PMC, 2012. Publication bias: What are the challenges and can they be overcome? Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3341407/ [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Sugden, A., 2014. Open Access Journals. Good, Evil, Or Not-As-Dramatic? Available at: https://andysugden.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/open-access-journals-good-evil-or-not-as-dramatic/comment-page-1/#comment-32 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

TED, 2012. Ben Goldacre: What doctors don’t know about the drugs they prescribe, TED. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_what_doctors_don_t_know_about_the_drugs_they_prescribe/transcript?language=en.

Comments made on:

Collins, S., 2014. access to online materials. Available at: http://sophiecatherinecollins.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/access-to-online-materials/comment-page-1/#comment-30 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Sugden, A., 2014. Open Access Journals. Good, Evil, Or Not-As-Dramatic? Available at: https://andysugden.wordpress.com/2014/12/07/open-access-journals-good-evil-or-not-as-dramatic/comment-page-1/#comment-32 [Accessed December 10, 2014].

Digitization, the underlying factor

Interactive Web Visualisation by amattox mattox

Interactive Web Visualisation by amattox mattox

“One of the most important properties is its openness” – Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web

These were the exact words of the Internet pioneer when he addressed the first Knowledge Conference held in Dubai on 7th December 2014 (The National 2014). As we immersed in the argument for and against “openness” of the Internet, these words by the inventor himself, held my thoughts as he addressed the audience, pleading to keep the Internet “open, free and accessible”.

The value of the argument is not intentionally degraded by introducing the address made by the Internet pioneer himself. However, it is imperative to understand that the whole concept behind the World Wide Web was to share the knowledge and embrace the cultural differences in the world (The National 2014).

From a content producer’s perspective, the argument is iterative. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of having to produce materials freely available online is challenging. For instance, the argument for “open access” in academia is prevalent as they are bounded by the cost, quality control and sustainability of their work (Edanz 2013). This argument is parallel in the context of creative works as well. I believe that there are underlying factors that lead to the possible emergence of more “paywalls” in the future.

The growth of “digitization” is believed to be one of the reasons for the possible occurrence (The Drum 2013). BBC (2013) revealed that Robert Cailliau, the unheralded other half who invented the World Wide Web, mentioned that “the idea of dealing with the value of information” has been around for 20 years. From the interview, they revealed that he supported the idea of “pay-as-you-go” model for online content. This is a huge contrast to the prevailing view of the “other half” of the inventor of the World Wide Web.

Again, the tendency of “evading” the real value of the argument was not done purportedly. I believe the idea of “openness” of the Internet is contextual upon the content that is built. For instance, the media industry are building “new models” to compensate for the growth of “digitization” (BBC 2013) and therefore, it only make sense to charge for content that used to be offered through “prints”. In the context of academia or creative works, it is still subjective upon the producers’ belief of what they are trying to achieve ultimately.

References:

BBC, 2013. Are the days of free content on the net numbered? Available at: http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-24759239 [Accessed December 9, 2014].

Edanz, 2013. Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Access. Available at: http://www.edanzediting.com/blog/advantages_and_disadvantages_open_access#.VIbBaIsVdlI [Accessed December 9, 2014].

The Drum, 2013. 90% of online content to be held behind paywalls in three years media company survey suggests. Available at: http://www.thedrum.com/news/2013/04/12/90-online-content-be-held-behind-paywalls-three-years-media-company-survey-suggests [Accessed December 9, 2014].

The National, 2014. World Wide Web inventor makes plea to keep internet free and open. Available at: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/technology/world-wide-web-inventor-makes-plea-to-keep-internet-free-and-open [Accessed December 9, 2014].

Divulgence of ethics

The ethical issues that were discussed by my peers covered a broad spectrum of the topic. As we diverged our thoughts in two different perspectives mainly education and business use of social media, it was clear this subject was a divulgence of the ethical aspect of the “medium” that we are exposed to every single day.

As I took on a business perspective of the subject, I was intrigued by some of the insightful thoughts of my peers. The question of “morality” was reiterated by Sherdale (2014) when she discussed about “unreported endorsements” by Walmart. Kelly (2014) reinforced the idea by revealing the concept of “paid reviews” on user-generated content (UGC) sites that may question the “genuinity” of the content. These ideas struck me on what exactly was the motivation of businesses to undertake such questionable strategies to gain publicity.

This brought me back to the module on “Strategic Marketing Decisions” delivered by Dr. Bev (2014). He explained that “brand advocacy” was what companies were ultimately trying to achieve.

Customer Purchase Funnel by Meltwater

Customer Purchase Funnel by Meltwater

This “organic” content that Marketers are hungry for (Meltwater 2014) is what motivates such undertakings. Even though this concept does not address the “insensitivity stunts” pulled off by some companies, it was another concept that was introduced indirectly in the module through PR, a free medium. “Awareness” that is achieved through such stunts generates the “buzz” that the company desires. This was explained very well by Sara (2014) in her reflective post on “controversy sells”.

Ultimately, businesses must be aware of the line drawn between “influencers” and “brand advocates” (Convince and Convert 2014). I believe that blurring this line is when ethical issues are raised as it dilutes the “organic” content of social media. From this infographic by Zuberance, it clearly defines what are the distinct differences!

References:

Convince and Convert, 2014. Social Media Influencers versus Brand Advocates Infographic. Available at: http://www.convinceandconvert.com/content-marketing/social-media-influencers-versus-brand-advocates-infographic/ [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Goh, S., 2014. Don’t “Flog” Around! Available at: https://eladrehs.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/dont-flog-around/comment-page-1/#comment-16 [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Hulbert, B., 2014. Strategic Marketing Decisions: Lecture 2 Value of Customers.

Lee, S.D., 2014. Reflection: Social media can make or break your business. Available at: http://saradanlee.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/reflection-social-media-can-make-or-break-your-business/ [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Meltwater, 2014. How PR Impacts and Benefits from Brand Advocacy. Available at: http://www.meltwater.com/public-relations-blog/pr-brand-advocacy/ [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Wee, K., 2014. Unethical issues when businesses uses social media the wrong way. Available at: http://kellysayswee.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/unethical-issues-when-businesses-uses-social-media-the-wrong-way/comment-page-1/#comment-33 [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Comments made on:

Goh, S., 2014. Don’t “Flog” Around! Available at: https://eladrehs.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/dont-flog-around/comment-page-1/#comment-16 [Accessed December 8, 2014].

Wee, K., 2014. Unethical issues when businesses uses social media the wrong way. Available at: http://kellysayswee.wordpress.com/2014/12/05/unethical-issues-when-businesses-uses-social-media-the-wrong-way/comment-page-1/#comment-33 [Accessed December 8, 2014].

The question of “Morality”

Social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to deliver a message to its’ consumers. “Amplification” is one of the elements that are being created through social media (Forbes 2014). However, some of the ethical issues that they face may bring detrimental effects on the brand (Insider 2012). I believe that one of the most significant issues would be the exploitation of others’ misfortune.

Urban Outfitters tweet

Urban Outfitter’s Tweet

Kenneth Cole's Tweet

Kenneth Cole’s Tweet

These are just some of the unethical tweets where companies use to exploit the misfortune of others for the benefit of gaining publicity. I believe that this strategy undertaken by such companies should be avoided. Companies must be aware that the full control of their brand is no longer in their hands (Forbes 2014). The development of the Web has shifted the power of the brand to its consumers. Even though the “buzz” created may be strong, the brand may be tarnished.

Personally, I feel that it has become a norm for companies to adopt such strategy and only to “apologize” for their “insensitivity” later on. I believe that such occurrences will recur, as there is no law that governs the use of such “insensitive” stunts by companies. Despite the “backlash” some of these companies received from the digital sphere, they are still maintaining the same strategy:

Kenneth Cole tweets, again

Kenneth Cole tweets, again

Huffington Post (2013) reveals that Kenneth Cole explained that this was purportedly done to engage consumers. The company even hires a crisis management firm to deal with the “backlash” that it receives. The controversy that is built upon such inappropriate tweets have created the “buzz” and even boosted their company’s performance. It is indeed an upsetting trend.

This issue has clearly taught us that as powerful as how social media can be, some companies may exploit the most out of it regardless of ethics. Once a controversy is sparked, the “amplification” of such tweets may be endless. “#hasjustinelandedyet” is a prime example of such amplification. As we have discussed the issue of “authenticity” in the previous post, it is vital for businesses to understand this concept as well. I do uphold the belief as quoted by Simon Sinek (2009) that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”. But when the question of ethics arises, companies will be questioned upon their morality.

References:

Bam, K.F., 2014. The true concept of “Authenticity.” Available at: https://bamsoton.wordpress.com/2014/12/04/the-true-concept-of-authenticity/ [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Forbes, 2014. The Explosive Growth Of Influencer Marketing And What It Means For You. Forbes. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/kylewong/2014/09/10/the-explosive-growth-of-influencer-marketing-and-what-it-means-for-you/ [Accessed December 5, 2014].

HuffingtonPost, 2013. Kenneth Cole: Offensive Tweets Are Simply Good Business Strategy. HuffingtonPost. Available at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/kenneth-cole-twitter_n_3881085.html [Accessed December 5, 2014].

Insider, B., 2012. The 9 Biggest Brand Fails Exploiting Hurricane Sandy. Business Insider. Available at: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-9-biggest-brand-fails-exploiting-hurricane-sandy-2012-11?IR=T&op=1 [Accessed December 5, 2014].

Sinek, S., 2009. TED: How great leaders inspire action. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en#t-188800 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

The Independent, 2013. PR executive Justine Sacco apologises after losing job over racist Aids “joke” provoked #HasJustineLandedYet Twitter storm. The Independent. Available at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/pr-executive-justine-sacco-apologises-after-losing-job-over-racist-aids-joke-provoked-hasjustinelandedyet-twitter-storm-9020809.html [Accessed December 5, 2014].

The true concept of “Authenticity”

The development of an “authentic” online professional profile is multi-dimensional. Most of the ideas that were shared among my peers were pretty insightful. Some details of the development of the “authenticity” aspect were discussed in specifics. While others, took a rather broad approach on the subject.

I was intrigued by some of the analogies introduced by my peers. Specifically, Sara (2014) built the concept upon a “product” on the shelves of a supermarket, while Zoe (2014) used the concept of “advertising”. These concepts triggered my curiosity upon what is truly an “authentic” profile, which makes it unique and successful. This led me to look deeper into it and I was inspired by a concept introduced by Simon Sinek (2009) on “the Golden Circle” in a talk he gave on “How great leaders inspire action”:

By adopting this concept, I was able to present the ideas in the following diagram:

"The Golden Circle" adapted from Simon Sinek (2009)

“The Golden Circle” adapted from Simon Sinek (2009)

Little did we realize the importance of “starting with why”. Simon (2009) mentioned that “people don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it”. Upon bringing this concept forward, I realized that “recruiters” buy the “authenticity” of your profile. This is further supported by some of the video CVs that were shared among my peers. The “authenticity” of these candidates was the main reason why they were successful.

I believe that this powerful concept puts things in a clearer perspective. Of the millions of profiles out there in the digital sphere, we realized that achieving “authenticity” is a challenge. This concept is not only evident in terms of employability, but in many different aspects as well. The whole idea of “marketing” may also be built upon this concept, as explained by Simon (2009) in the video!

References:

Lee, S.D., 2014. Personal Branding – your career insurance! Available at: http://saradanlee.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/personal-branding-your-career-insurance/comment-page-1/#comment-9 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Review, H.B., 2013. The Future of You. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2013/01/the-future-of-you/ [Accessed December 3, 2014].

Sinek, S., 2009. TED: How great leaders inspire action. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?language=en#t-188800 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Sinek, S., 2014. Start With Why. Available at: https://www.startwithwhy.com [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Yee, Z., 2014. Online meets Offline. Available at: http://zoeyeeze.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/online-meets-offline/comment-page-1/#comment-13 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Comments made on:

Lee, S.D., 2014. Personal Branding – your career insurance! Available at: http://saradanlee.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/personal-branding-your-career-insurance/comment-page-1/#comment-9 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Yee, Z., 2014. Online meets Offline. Available at: http://zoeyeeze.wordpress.com/2014/12/03/online-meets-offline/comment-page-1/#comment-13 [Accessed December 4, 2014].

Embracing the blurred lines

medium_6756753669

“Authenticity” is essential in the development of our online professional profile. As we have embarked on topics such as the “Digital visitor-resident continuum” and “Multiple online identities”, the true judgment of “authenticity” is questionable. The issue of drawing the line between personal and professional is inevitable. However, we must realize that this line is getting blurry and as much as we do not want them to be, it is prominent (Forbes 2014). Rather than being cynical about this, might as well embrace it to realize the full potential of it! To achieve this, the development of an “authentic” online professional profile is imperative.

1. Personal Audit
“Why you are a complete idiot if you don’t Google yourself”. In this article, Roger Dooley (2014) discusses the psychology behind our online reputation. As more employers are currently relying on the Web to seek out talent and perform employment background search (Forbes 2011), this would be a crucial step in creating an “authentic” online professional profile.

2. Personal Branding
Upon completing the first step, there may be some things that you may not be too fond of. As we have realized by now, the control that we have over our “online identities” may be limited. This is where personal branding comes into play. Harvard Business Review (2013) reveals that branding is all about being “distinctive, predictable and meaningful”. Integration of all the social media platforms that you utilize may be the key to this. Curation of content on your social media platforms should not be disregarded. “Cleaning up” would be a much simpler term!

The growth of recruitment through social media is staggering. A study by Jobvite (2014) reveals that 73% of recruiters have hired a candidate through social media. But the real question is, what makes these people stand out?

3. “Hyperconnectivity”
Harvard Business Review (2013) reveals this “skill” as one of the three things to master in order to distinct yourself from the rest. But what exactly is “hyperconnectivity”? As defined in the article, it is the “optimization of online experience for others”. This plays a huge role in developing an “authentic” online professional profile. When a reputation is built upon “authenticity”, the credibility of the profile is increased dramatically.

I believe that the development of an “authentic” online professional profile is an iterative process. The user must be able to integrate and curate the content of his information wisely. Only then will the “authenticity” be unquestionable!

References:

Dooley, R., 2014. Why You Are a Complete Idiot If You Don’t Google Yourself. Available at: http://www.neurosciencemarketing.com/blog/articles/google-yourself.htm [Accessed December 3, 2014].

Forbes, 2011. 5 Reasons Why Your Online Presence Will Replace Your Resume in 10 years. Forbes. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/danschawbel/2011/02/21/5-reasons-why-your-online-presence-will-replace-your-resume-in-10-years/ [Accessed December 3, 2014].

Forbes, 2014. Trying To Manage Millennials? Give Up And Lead Them Instead. Forbes. Available at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/georgebradt/2014/05/27/trying-to-manage-millennials-give-up-and-lead-them-instead/ [Accessed December 3, 2014].

Jobvite, 2014. Social Recruiting Survey 2014, United States. Available at: https://www.jobvite.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Jobvite_SocialRecruiting_Survey2014.pdf.

Review, H.B., 2013. The Future of You. Harvard Business Review. Available at: https://hbr.org/2013/01/the-future-of-you/ [Accessed December 3, 2014].

photo credit: Stuck in Customs via photopin cc

Online identities forming the “Semantic Web”

The argument for and against multiple online identities is inevitable. As I took on a very skeptical approach towards the topic, I was drawn into mostly the negative aspects that overshadow the real value of the argument. However, after gathering much insight from the various works of my peers, it was clear to me that I have been missing out on the constructive aspect of the argument.

I was very much drawn by Jeanne’s post on how our online identities may impact our employability. As she was discussing this from a view of having a distinct separation between personal and professional sphere, I realized that it was merely impossible to draw this line. After the Hangout#6 with Cristina Costa, I was intrigued by her view on “personal branding” of our online identity. I supported her stand on having a single identity, which we would be in much control of, rather than having multiple identities to draw the line.

Another work that I was pretty fascinated even though the point was briefly mentioned was Angie’s post. She mentioned about how it is a “marketers’ dream come true” when we “sign off” our personal data upon engaging in social media activities. This is prominent, as we have embarked on Web 2.0, where the primary focus is on “interactivity”. This is evident even on sites that require the use of cookies to collect data about our online engagement. As users, we have to be aware of the privacy issues that may be questionable. From a marketing perspective, this is simply astonishing.

The Web is slowly learning our identities, how we behave, who we are. I do strongly believe that with the existence of the “Semantic Web” in the not too distant future, our online identities will play a huge role both in the marketing perspective and our professional lives.

References:

Chu, J., 2014. Who are you, exactly? Available at: https://jeannechucy.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/who-are-you-online-identity/#respond [Accessed December 2, 2014].

Costa, C. & Torres, R., 2011. To be or not to be , the importance of Digital Identity in the networked society. Available at: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/view/216/126.

Ng, A., 2014. Is your digital footprint within your control? Available at: http://yjangie.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/is-your-digital-footprint-within-your-control/comment-page-1/#comment-9 [Accessed December 2, 2014].

TED, 2013. What will a future without secrets look like? TED. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/alessandro_acquisti_why_privacy_matters [Accessed December 1, 2014].

Wired, 2014. From E-Commerce to Web 3.0: Let the bots do the shopping. Wired. Available at: http://www.wired.com/2014/09/e-commerce-to-web-3-0/ [Accessed December 1, 2014].

Comments made on:

Chu, J., 2014. Who are you, exactly? Available at: https://jeannechucy.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/who-are-you-online-identity/#respond [Accessed December 2, 2014].

Ng, A., 2014. Is your digital footprint within your control? Available at: http://yjangie.wordpress.com/2014/12/01/is-your-digital-footprint-within-your-control/comment-page-1/#comment-9 [Accessed December 2, 2014].

An online identity, merely an illusion?

medium_13334048894Before embarking on the argument for and against having more than one online identity, a proper definition of “online identity” is imperative.

As defined by Internet Society (2014), an online identity is made up of partial identities that represent “you” upon visiting various websites. This may be both voluntary upon leaving your details to create an account or even involuntary where someone who knows you, leave any details about you.

As how this term is defined, it automatically triggers an argument, whether is it really within our control to have an online identity. What more to have more than one online identity? Costa & Torres (2011) argued that while the dilemma of having a separate identity between personal and work is inevitable, the credibility is questioned when the two is separated. I do believe that there is some validity in the argument. While I myself have separate accounts to deal with personal and work, I have to say that it is merely an illusion. I am pretty sure most of us have tried “searching” ourselves on Google. The results are quite staggering and some of us have no idea what we are really in control of.

This control of our online identity may be questioned as we embarked on the Web 2.0, where the primary focus was on interactivity. Where the web was once a “static and passive” tool for the users, “anonymity” was a luxury for the users of the Web 1.0. Convenience has led a move towards the “interactive” web where our online identities are created. While the question whether one should have multiple identities online is merely an illusion: that we have created a “private account” that can only be accessed by those granted permission. But to what extent is this control within our hands.

The argument for and against multiple identities was not evaded on purpose in this post. However, it is imperative to understand that as we are slowly moving into the Web 3.0 also known as the “Semantic Web”, we are sacrificing our online identities for convenience once again. The question is whether it is worth it. As more details about us are being captured, the more valuable it is to organizations. Commercialization has created the Web this way and makes our identities even so much vulnerable. So will the argument for and against multiple identities still exist when we lack control in the first place?

References:

Costa, C. & Torres, R., 2011. To be or not to be , the importance of Digital Identity in the networked society. Available at: http://eft.educom.pt/index.php/eft/article/view/216/126.

PCWorld, 2012. Data Snatchers! The booming market for your online identity. PCWorld. Available at: http://www.pcworld.com/article/258034/data_snatchers_the_booming_market_for_your_online_identity.html [Accessed December 1, 2014].

Society, I., 2014. Online Identity: An Overview. Internet Society. Available at: http://www.internetsociety.org/online-identity-overview [Accessed December 1, 2014].

TED, 2013a. Everyday cybercime – and what you can do about it. TED. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/james_lyne_everyday_cybercrime_and_what_you_can_do_about_it?awesm=on.ted.com_b07kc [Accessed December 1, 2014].

TED, 2013b. What will a future without secrets look like? TED. Available at: http://www.ted.com/talks/alessandro_acquisti_why_privacy_matters [Accessed December 1, 2014].

Wired, 2014. From E-Commerce to Web 3.0: Let the bots do the shopping. Wired. Available at: http://www.wired.com/2014/09/e-commerce-to-web-3-0/ [Accessed December 1, 2014].

photo credit: Yuri Yu. Samoilov via photopin cc

Dear marketers and future employers…

The concept introduced by David S. White and Alison Le Cornu (2011), has sparked different views on how exactly it is defined as. Many of us embarked on the research of the concept and found some interesting pieces of information that were pretty insightful. I was able to relate some of the information that was posted by my course mates to our past modules such as HRM and Strategic Marketing Decisions.

This concept may be valuable in the marketing context where information may be relayed easily to those that “reside” in the digital world. What would pose as a challenge for Marketers are targeting the “visitors” who are wary of their “footprint” online. Even though the target audience of the web may be vast, “segments of one” (Capon & Hulbert 2007) is crucial in the industry. This point was raised indirectly from Ebrahim’s (2014) post on the vulnerabilities of digital “residents”.

Another key factor that was taken from this topic is the “learning” that takes place around the online environment. Yvonne (2014) raised a point: stating that human interaction may not be well received by students. I do agree to a certain extent in her point. However, I do believe that there is a need for students to be exposed to the online environment as the expectation of future employers on Millennials may lie in our “online network” (Forum 2014).

With that being said, I do see a huge potential in how this concept may be brought forward. Is it just digital “visitors” and “residents” that Marketers or future employers should be concerned of? Many of us do not realize that sometimes, it is not even a choice for us whether to leave a “footprint”. A swipe of a card at any stores would simply mean, “signing off” our personal information to companies!

References:

Capon, N. & Hulbert, J.M., 2007. Managing Marketing in the 21st Century: Developing and Implementing the Market Strategy, Wessex Incorporated. Available at: http://books.google.com.sg/books/about/Managing_Marketing_in_the_21st_Century.html?id=RQFticcBQRwC&pgis=1 [Accessed November 28, 2014].

Forum, W.E., 2014. Five way Talent Management must change. World Econmic Forum. Available at: http://forumblog.org/2014/10/don-tapscott-talent-management-millennials/ [Accessed November 27, 2014].

Loh, Y., 2014. A new age of “Digital Residents”? Available at: http://yvonneblogs.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/digital-visitors-and-residents/#respond [Accessed November 28, 2014].

Shakir, E., 2014. The World Online. Available at: https://ebrahimshakir.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/the-world-online/.
[Accessed November 28, 2014].

White, D.S. & Cornu, A. Le, 2011. Visitors and Residents: A new typology for online engagement. First Monday, 16(9). Available at: http://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/view/3171/3049 [Accessed November 27, 2014].

Comments made on:

Loh, Y., 2014. A new age of “Digital Residents”? Available at: http://yvonneblogs.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/digital-visitors-and-residents/#respond [Accessed November 28, 2014].

Shakir, E., 2014. The World Online. Available at: https://ebrahimshakir.wordpress.com/2014/11/27/the-world-online/.
[Accessed November 28, 2014].