Today I read an interesting blog by Andrew Keen called "Blogging is dead, but long live the blog".  The synopsis of this blog is that those blogs that offer a portal for social interaction will "live long" while those that simply provide static (not interactive) information will die out.  I gave it some thought and I disagree...in a way...  Blogs are not dying and social networks are not only popular until the next one comes along unless they choose to be defeated.  I know a lot of people that were using one particular social network a lot for a long time, but now they have switched to another, stating that it is more attractive and user friendly.  Then, this social networking platform changed its layout and all of a sudden people started debating whether or not to leave this social network, but there isn't a better substitute for it yet.  The result?  They stay and await something better.

Zack and I have discussed the problem of "dying social networks and blogs".  My opinion is that social networks and blogs that appear to have few followers/members or  appear to be losing popularity are not dying.  Well, not if they choose to keep up with current internet trends, needs of their followers/members and embrace change.  Nothing can stay the same and remain interesting forever.  I sure am glad!  I would be quite bored, otherwise!  We all like to be comfortable with the way things are, however; once Brands, bloggers, social networks and non-profits/NGO's and MORE begin working together instead of independently of one another, I believe that we will see real, global change that will completely shift the way we way we view social media as it exists today.  Brand awareness will become brand empowerment meaning that consumers will actually be aware of their loyalty to brands/bloggers/social networks and this realization will have them seeking more from those entities.  Societies that currently struggle around the globe will be able to become self-sustaining much more quickly.  

Sound too good to be true?  No way. Zack and I have been working very hard and now we know exactly how to help everyone achieve the goals they want regarding these internet shifts while making a positive global impact.  Economical, societal and ecological balance in the world by utilizing what already exists on the internet and bringing it to the internet users,  by working smarter, not harder!   No matter what the size of your business, blog  or social network, you may find that Zack Brandit's incredible platform is just what you have been looking for.  As a consumer that enjoys simple, savvy shopping on the internet, ZackBrandit will very likely save you a lot of time and introduce you to some amazing products you have never heard of!  If you have more questions, I love meeting people and talking!  I would be happy to tell you more about it.

In the meantime, aren't you intrigued?  Want to be one of the first to try out the platform and see what it is all about and how YOU can benefit?  Beta testing coming VERY soon and you will be able to see exactly how ZackBrandit stands out from the rest and how you can benefit, no matter who you are!  If you would like to beta test, please comment on this blog with your email, LinkedIn or Facebook profile address and we will see if you are one of the fortunate ones to be chosen! 

Brands, bloggers, social networks, microbloggers, consumers - let me know by commenting below!

Volunteer to Beta Test and Be a Part of Cutting Edge Technology!

You know, I made this journey to Belgium because I feel such a passion for expanding my world view and really learning how I can further make a difference in the world.  I love people, animals (wait...is a lemur an animal?  I dance too well to be an animal, don't I?!), the environment and enjoy watching everything grow, develop and become the best it can possibly be.

Today I was reading an article in TIME magazine by Bryan Walsh and it is really frightening.  Back home in Madagascar, so much work is and has been done to protect the wildlife and so much is going on to undermine the hard work of those still trying to protect the habitat.

It is quite complex, life in Madagascar.  The native people there are suffering, need basic things to live and do not have the resources to import the things they need.  This means they utilize the resources of the island on which they live and this destroys our natural habitat and the natural habitat of many other endangered species in addition to us lemurs.  What do we lemurs, the moon moths, Red-Knob Sea Stars, Leaf-Tailed Geckos and so many others do in a situation like this?

photo from TIME Magazine

Look how cute we are!!  And there are countless other species that are in danger!  Madagascar needs support from the outside and we need for others to be aware of our plight, as lemurs, and for the sake of other endangered species.  The people of Madagascar and the wildlife need our help. Soon Zack will have this platform up and running so that NGO's can make themselves more visible, available and accessible to others that may not have heard about them.  There are so many NGO's working to save Madagascar (be sure to do research on any organization you choose to work with) in so many ways and it is good to know that we can be a part of saving such an incredible place!

What are your thoughts on such an issue?  How do you feel about knowing that unique opportunities that you provide as a Brand or Brandit (brand advocate/information provider) or benefit from as a Netizen (consumer) also can benefit environments such as this? 

Thank you for taking the time to read and comment!

So, I have to tell you all that I really thought that I was one of these lemurs that didn’t care much about brands.  I thought that I used things that I liked and if I found something similar for less; that was ok with me!  Well, not the case.  I may wait for a sale or a coupon (that is typical me!), but I found that I ordinarily use the same brands over and over again, even without finding a good deal.  Yes, I was in shock because I really thought I was a thrifty shopper that cared nothing about brands!

The interesting thing is that I am from Berenty and they don’t have many of the brands here in Belgium that I was using there.  But do you know what I did notice?  If I couldn’t find it here, I would wait until my trip back to Berenty and bring it back with me.  I mean, most lemurs don’t wear clothes, but I am a stylish lemur and insist on having my own brand of clothes detergent! Ok, so maybe it works better, maybe not.  I haven’t done the research.  But it SMELLS so good and just like home!

Anyway, I found this very amusing AND informative…and you should try it, too!

Do you see that?  Each day, I work a bit differently.  However, from the alarm clock, walking the dog, showering, getting to work and such – it is brand after brand after brand!  And, having lived all over, my brand loyalty has remained to some brands back home and some I have already developed here that are only located in Belgium.  And do you know what the more interesting thing is?  This is not even HALF of the brands I interact with DAILY!

So, I have brand loyalty and did not realize it!  What if we all DID realize it?? 

To Brands (any kind of product, art, service) I ask: 

• What if your consumers could talk directly with you about what they like about your products?
• What if you could have a way to brainstorm with them to find out how to improve your products or to develop new ones?
• What if brand empowerment increased your sales because consumers actually knew they love your products?

To Brandits (social networks, bloggers, micro-bloggers, video bloggers) I ask:

• What if you had even more information to share with your readers?
• What if you could offer them better deals that they have been able to find so far?
• What if your readers could find you much more easily than they do now?

To Netizens (seekers of great deals, information, consumers in general) I ask:

• What if you were really aware of what you were purchasing and which brands you were really loyal to?
• What if this meant you could save more money because of this awareness?
• What if you could find more products from Brands you already love and unique opportunities for how to try them?

Thank you to Dear Jane for this idea!

Zack?  Oh, Zaaaaack!!!  Let’s get on with it so we can show everyone exactly how to answer these questions!! 

Remember, your feedback helps us bring you what you want, so please tell us what YOU want, need and enjoy reading about!! 

Please link back if you do your own brand timeline.  It’s fun!