The debate over the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) bill, introduced in the US House of Representatives on October 26, 2011, by Representative Lamar Smith, has, so far, drawn some interesting reactions. Although the House Judiciary Committee, which held hearings on SOPA on November 16 and December 15, 2011, will only meet on 24th January 2012 after the winter recess, the war of words over SOPA is far from over. Research by the Brand Monitor™ Team at Position² shows how the issue over the controversial act has played out so far:

• One of the earliest reactions came from hacktivist group 'Anonymous'. The ... Read more...

The Year That Was

As we bid adieu to 2011 and look forward to the year ahead, we know that this is a crucial time of the year when marketing budgets are planned, strategies are rolled-out and frameworks for future campaigns are created. While this may be one of the busiest times for marketers, it is also a time when brands look back at the year that was and wonder what they can do to make the coming year less stressful and more productive. From highly creative viral campaigns to complete social media gaffes, 2011 had more than its fair share of memorable moments that can teach brands a thing or two about marketing online. And it was not ... Read more...

Social Media Changes the Way Movies are Promoted

Understanding the importance of promoting their movies online, production companies are taking to social media with great enthusiasm. Instead of leaving all the talking to the fans, the modern movie maker has taken to the digital space, right from pre-release phase. Looking back at some of the recent examples, including the Harry Potter Facebook page and the official Twitter handle for the Twilight Saga, it is evident that today's movie makers consider social media marketing as a vital aspect of their promotional strategies.

The Social Side of Sherlock Holmes

The first part of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes, released in 2009, changed the way the popular fictional ... Read more...

The Brand-Influencer Relationship

Unlike before, when social media marketing success meant the number of 'followers' or 'fans' amassed, today's marketers know that influencers are imperative to a brand's success online. According to a study by Meteor Solutions, 30% or more of a website's actions are determined by influencers. These influencers, who are thought leaders and industry experts, can have significant impact on a brand's reputation and even affect bottom line sales. A smart marketer, who knows the power of influencer marketing, is investing considerable time in finding these brand advocates, engaging with them and establishing a strong brand-influencer relationship. Why are online influencers so important to a brand?

• Consumers, who heavily rely on ... Read more...