This book is a great find for anyone looking to get up-to-speed quickly on web 2.0. and how it's being used for marketing and communications. It's an easy and entertaining read with lots of great examples - though you need to look no further than how they marketed this book for the best example of all. There are also some valuable checklists and reminders for those of us already working on social media campaigns.

A strong recommendation for those looking for an introductory, yet comprehensive, resource.

Facebook is good politics

Full credit to Prime Minister Stephen Harper who has embraced web 2.0 - well, almost - with his Facebook profile.

The best part of the profile is his inclusion of three fabulous videos that show a less formal and personable individual. I also like the top of his profile that lists him as Stephen Harper, Member of Parliament rather than Prime Minister - this too goes a long way to bringing him to a level that voters can relate to.

He's so close to connecting with me and you when ....his communications department seem to have bust open the door. The language falls back into:

Mr. Harper has spent his political career standing up and speaking out for Canadians who work hard, pay their taxes and play by the rules....

.

Could one of his 7,623 supporters at the time of this writing help him with the social part of this social media tool? And, after you fix the language, how about suggesting he take a question a week from his Facebook supporters, or start a discussion topic 'Insights From 24 Sussex'?

At least there is room for a comment after each video...this one is my favourite:

What Kind Of World Do You Want.com: Congratulations Five for Fighting

I’ve recently been introducing the use of videos to many of our PR campaigns. The ability to create and post videos effortlessly on the web has made this an affordable option for most budgets and easy to execute. The ability to dust off the skills from my TV days is a personal bonus.

Whether to enhance websites, grab attention at trade shows, educate government or create an online presence, I find it is often easier to get people to watch than read. As communicators, hey, what ever method gets your target audience to listen…

Every once in a while I come across a campaign that takes my breath away. My friend Steve Greenwood, a wonderful marketing and fundraising specialist who worked for the Heart and Stoke Foundation for many years before joining the world-renowned Zareinu Educational Centre, recently introduced me to one of these awe-inspiring initiatives.

The band Five for Fighting has created a video community that raises money for a variety of charities. The concept is great, the execution is even better. This link is to one of my favourite videos on the site benefiting Autism Speaks but so many are well worth watching. Click on the banner below. In addition to it being an outstanding example of a top marketing and fundraising program, just by checking it out you'll be helping great cause.