Scary things linger long after Halloween passes. Mary Story looks at the dark side of online reputation, and asks how an increasingly interconnected world will approach cultural differences that arise. (continue reading)

Wayne Kurtzman examines the evolution of 'trust' as it migrates from an in-person to online phenomena. Are 'digital natives' more adept at establishing online trust? How does this relate to businesses looking to adapt to new technologies and new cultures, and which presents the greater challenge? (continue reading)

Is 'sorry' the hardest word? Mark Story, relaying a recent online exchange he had, explains that it doesn't have to be. (continue reading)

Our world today is changing the way we work: Gas prices are driving an increasing number of professionals to telecommute and the economy is driving more and more employers to cut back on internal staff. The result is significant growth in the number of professionals working from home. And while it has its obvious benefits, telecommuting has its unique challenges. Sara Adams has advice for telecommuters interested in growing their careers. (continue reading)

Jen Zingsheim and I were pleased to welcome Geoff Livingston to the Media Bullseye Roundtable this week, where we cover issues ranging from a potential Congressional threat to Twitter (no, not really), to managing your personal brand while boosting your company's profile. (continue reading)

We talk a lot about reputation management here at Media Bullseye, and have even dedicated a several-part series to the best ways to manage your reputation online. We constantly urge companies and public figures to use services like CustomScoop to keep a close eye on potential PR flare-ups and how they are perceived. But does a brand ever reach a point where it is beyond repair? Will damage control even work when that happens? (continue reading)

After a few days Jots-free, today's edition is a slightly plumped up version of the Jots, with thoughts on everything from Andrew Cohen to the infamous "Sex and the City" movie, with some advice on blogging and reputation management in between. (continue reading)

The traditional newsroom has been getting a lot of bad press lately. Layoffs and other issues have been linked to the expansion of new media and the decrease in the power of print. Jason Falls has some ideas to save the newsroom before it dies off completely. He advises an "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em" approach. Also: PR for PR, social media for a good cause, and the best tools for your brand. (continue reading)

When it comes down to it, there have to be professions that are more maligned than public relations, but it does seem to be a field where its employees are constantly on the defensive, forced to explain how they are contributing to the world. Peter Himler details how public relations' impact on world events may help its own PR cause. Also: time management, brand management, and more on Dell and social media. (continue reading)

My guests on the Roundtable this week are Jennifer Zingsheim, VP here at CustomScoop, and Aaron Strout. Aaron is the VP of New Media Mzinga, a white label community provider out of the Boston area. He recently appeared at Social Media Breakfast 7 in Boston, discussing social media and the hiring process, and he shares those thoughts here. (continue reading)

There are two camps on Twitter: those who follow back everyone that follows them, and those who are a bit more choosy. Mitch Joel (and myself, for what it's worth) falls into the second camp. Which one are you? Also: personal branding issues on social networks, and getting blog placements (or not). (continue reading)

Today's Jots feature some good advice for young people coming out of college into the work force. Building a personal brand is not just about selling yourself and getting a job, it's about building personal relationships and then using your network to find the right place for you. Also: More Earth Day news, and the nuances of internal and external communications. (continue reading)

The challenge continues in this space to figure out just what social media is, how to use the new tools to make a profit, or whether social media is connecting or disconnecting us. Young professionals, a majority of whom are considered digital natives, are in a position to not only contribute to the conversation, but to use social media to its fullest degree. Most of us are just beginning our careers as social media is being defined. (continue reading)

Occasionally, the "big stories" that get everyone talking have nothing to do with the communications business, and everything to do with personalities; gossip, really. Instead of discussing an interesting case study or the latest hot new web application, we end up, as Eric Eggertson aptly pointed out this week, "navel gazing." Is this sort of activity helpful to the cause of social media evangelists? (continue reading)

While yesterday's Jots asked the question "what is social media?", today's just might have an answer. PR blogger Brian Solis extensively explains how to best engage in social media, and why no one (and everyone) is an expert. Also: using video, controlling (or not) your personal brand, and 6 tips for using del.icio.us. (continue reading)

Are you using the wisdom of the crowds theory in your March Madness bracket this month? Why not apply the same technique to your marketing? Outside or amateur ideas might be just the thing to spruce up your marketing plan. Also: New Twitter possibilities and the power of personal leadership. (continue reading)

As Media Bullseye's coverage of the aftermath of 2008's South By Southwest Interactive continues, Dell's Laura P. Thomas makes a case for attending. She sells the event as far more than just "Spring Break for Geeks." Who will be there next March? (continue reading)

It's a girls-only week on the Radio Roundtable this week, and luckily we were able to convince two of the Web's smartest ladies, Laura Fitton and Anna Farmery, to join me on the show to discuss SXSW, Spitzer and Bebo. Listen here! (continue reading)

It seems as though a disconnect has begun to form. Is the Internet "anonymous" or not? Conventional wisdom dictates that nothing we do online is truly anonymous, that everything leaves a trail. But the computer screen does offer some protection for online bullies and trolls. Should they be required to reveal themselves? (continue reading)

Bryan Person joined in on our weekly roundtable this week. Up for discussion: an online flap between two smart bloggers over the need for advanced conversations on social media, accusations of "cliquishness" among PR bloggers, and brand usage in viral videos. (continue reading)

Mitch Joel created a spot on parody of the latest MacBook air advertisements, if you haven't already seen it, come check it out! Also in today's Jots, a review of corporate blogging, and a recommendation for journalists regarding their personal brand management. (continue reading)

In business, there are three situations where people assemble together as part of work. Nerds call this networking in "The Meat Space," as opposed to purely online interaction. John Wall explains how to navigate the Meat Space to your full advantage. (continue reading)

Do your palms sweat at the thought of heading out to one of the many social media events out there? Where should a newcomer to social media begin? Sarah Wurrey breaks down the various types of events, from unconferences to Tweetups, and offers recommendations for the "newbies" out there. (continue reading)

Mattel and Hasbro have teamed up to put a stop to the extremely popular Scrabulous application on Facebook. It has users steamed, but I can't help but point out that the duo behind the app were making a boatload of money off of someone else's idea. Also: New version of the SMPR, and being okay with rejection. (continue reading)