Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Clinton to Sanders: I'm not starting over on healthcare

Speaking at the NBC News Democratic debate, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders disagree on Sanders' proposed healthcare plan.









Former Iranian prisoner: I'm elated for Jason Rezaian

Roxana Saberi, an American journalist previously held in an Iranian prison, talks to CNN about her release and what helped her overcome the experience.









ISIS a deadly new threat to Indonesia

ISIS is posing a threat to Indonesia as well as other southeast Asian countries. CNN's Ivan Watson reports.









Uber Not to Blame for Rise in Manhattan Traffic Congestion, Report Says

The report, based on a study conducted after Uber and Mayor Bill de Blasio clashed over his plan to cap the number of for-hire vehicles on New York City's streets, recommended against such a limit.









A Manitowoc-ian on "Making a Murderer"

Actor, comedian and writer Beth Hoyt grew up in Manitowoc, site of the Steven Avery trial.

5 Annoying Direct Messages on Twitter (And Why You Should Stop Using All of Them)

When was the last time you checked your Direct Message inbox on Twitter, and actually found an important, worthwhile, or interesting message? Sure, Twitter is doing its best to improve how DMs work, by enabling group messaging and allowing anyone to receive DMs from anyone else, regardless of whether the two are following each other... but the day-to-day DM experience remains frustrating for most Twitter users. And these are some of the main culprits:


Annoying DM #1: Welcome!


These DMs welcome you as a new follower of that account. As if you had forgotten that you followed that account in the 30 seconds between pushing "follow" and receiving the DM.


Example: "Wow, thanks for the follow! We really hope you like our Twitter community and can't wait to read your tweets!"


Annoying DM #2: Download now!


The "Download now" DMs appear, at first glance, to offer up useful content. However, since the DMs are sent to anyone and everyone who follows the account, that content definitely won't appeal to the majority of followers. Plus, they're usually trying to sell you something.


Example: Hey! If you're into [topic of account], why not check out our free [whitepaper/ebook/blog post/podcast/cupcakes-with-cute-flowers-on-them fan site]: [link]?"


Annoying DM #3: Follow us everywhere!


OK so you've followed them on Twitter... but now they want you to follow them everywhere they have even the smallest web presence. Ready to spend the next hour filling in forms and signing up for networks you've never heard of to support this Twitter account in need?


Example: "We're so glad you followed us on Twitter... so why not Like us on Facebook, Pin some of our blog posts, join our community on MyOtherSpace, give us a five-star rating on Yelp, and subscribe to our seven-times-daily email list?"


Annoying DM #4: We're adding value!


These DMs are similar to the Download Now messages, in that they are offering something "free" as a thank you for following. But, just like gated content, consultations and appraisals are rarely free in the long-term (and if they are, they probably won't be of much value to your business).


Example: "Thanks for the follow! Want a free consultation? Send us an email and we'll set one up!"


Annoying DM #5: We're blatantly selling to you!


At least these DMs are honest about what they're trying to do - take your money. With not even as much as a "thanks for following," these guys go right into the sales pitch.


Example: "We're the number one [type of business] in the country! Our product has a gold star rating. Buy our product today! [link]"


The reason these DMs don't work is simple: they come off as spam. Plus, most are trying (usually with little to no subtlety) to sell you something.


Any user that sees one of these DMs is going to know that they are built off a template, and not targeted to their Twitter profile. Regardless of how casual the language, the content simply cannot be effectively positioned so that it feels "personal" to each user. And so, ultimately, these types of DMs will, at best, be ignored, or used as a reason for a quick unfollow.


Keep your eyes peeled for next week's post about the right ways to use DMs to improve your brand awareness, marketing efforts and more.

Monday, February 15, 2016

Deadpool Goes 360-Degree on Facebook

20th Century Fox released an exclusive 360-degree video on Facebook backing its hot new theatrical release, Deadpool.


The "fully exposed, unadulterated look" at Deadpool is embedded below.


Readers: Have you seen Deadpool, or do you plan to see the film?



Cruise from Hell: Royal Caribbean Ship Sails Straight Into a Storm

This sounds like the worst vacation ever.

Gearing Up for the Cloud, AT&T Tells Its Workers: Adapt, or Else

Randall Stephenson, the chief, sees a need to retrain his 280,000 employees -- like his older brother, who fixes the lines -- to compete with the likes of Google.









Apple and Dr. Dre Are Said to Be Planning an Original TV Show

The show, "Vital Signs," will be offered through the Apple TV streaming video device, a person with knowledge of the matter said.









Snapchat Bets Big on Quick-Fire Approach to Campaign Coverage

The popular app aims to give its millions of users a chance to experience the daily tumult of the long primary season -- in lively 10-second snippets.