The tracking has been fascinating to check on throughout the day. For example, while we were at lunch, Zuck made $1 Billion. Whoa.  Judging by his new cash windfall, Mr. Zuckerberg has plenty of reason to smile and more than enough room to buy a hoodie or a billion.

→ Ryan Russell, Strategist, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital …@ryanwprussell

Twitter may be the world’s least-liked tech company, but I love it. Equal parts open mic night, news ticker, classified ads, and chat room, Twitter is my go-to social network. Sure, I use many other social networks, but I spend most of my social media time on Twitter, and here’s why:

Speed

While much of the traditional media world initially dragged their feet into the Twittersphere, those who have adopted the platform—as well as millions of “citizen reporters” across the globe armed with smartphones—have helped to turn it into the single best source for breaking news on the planet. Whether it’s information about the death of Bin Laden or storm coverage, my Twitter feed will have it first.

Also, on a more basic level, tweets are small. Limited to 140 characters, they are quick to read, quick to post, and quick to share. With all the platforms and gadgets competing for our time, Twitter seems to care more than any of them about letting us keep more of it. I appreciate that.

Depth

Individual tweets may be limited to 140 characters, but the variety of information available about a given topic—especially when that topic is trending heavily—can be tremendous. Not only will you get perspective from numerous people in your feed, but chances are they will link to other sites offering additional information and perspective. Different people and organizations tweet about different things, and following a robust and varied assortment of folks can provide you with a steady stream of current and useful information. Sure, some of the content on Twitter will be distracting or dumb or unreliable, but that’s simply the nature of the Internet. At least with Twitter, those useless tweets won’t waste much of your time.

Interaction

Another huge attraction about Twitter, for me, is its chat room feel. While people post to Twitter like they do most any other social network, they seem to respond quicker than they do on any other platform. You get the impression that no matter when you log in, there will be a bunch of people there, hanging out, and posting cool/funny/interesting information and that they’ll be willing to discuss it, whether out in the open or via direct message.

I’ve conducted numerous informal polls of my followers to hear their perspectives on different issues. I’ve joked around with people. I’ve started or joined creative hashtag contests. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked my followers for advice about a product or service and gotten multiple good answers within minutes. Again, I appreciate the ability to do all of it.

Impermanence

Twitter is built for the “now.” Researching old tweets is a little wonky, and, frankly, not the best use of the platform. Twitter should be not considered an archive or scrapbooking tool. Yes, I’ve gotten caught up in the occasional debate on Twitter and have been captivated by multiple posts on developing news stories, but I find myself able to disconnect from all of it rather quickly. I mean, how much time do we spend on Facebook reading every post and the comments about those posts, watching video clips that people post, and looking at tons of photos that we’re only looking at because they’re, well, there? Twitter doesn’t have that problem.

Twitter is a powerful, fun and useful tool with room to grow in terms of its business model, user base, and functionality.

Follow me at @billcolrus, follow who I follow, and post some content to cultivate some followers of your own. If you don’t like it, at least it won’t take too long to find out.

→ Bill Colrus, Managing Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital

• Meet the man who invented the Internet’s instructions.
• This is the best ad campaign for any juice, ever.
• Dress like an astronaut, if astronauts dressed like athletes.
• This camera is insane. Perhaps because it was designed by a wizard.
• Turn your pet into a meme. Here’s everything you need.
• Did Steve Jobs really want to make an iCar?
• This portable drumpad will make you the most hated guy on the bus!
• People lie less when texting.
• Here are 28 crazy facts about Facebook. They might also be zany.
• This crocodile is three stories tall and the most terrifying thing ever.
• Ever wonder where stunt performers learn their trade? Find out now.
• Want to look like a jerk? There’s an iPhone cover for that.
• How to turn eight steak knives into one steak saw.
• Draw a UI on paper, then turn it into a touch screen.
• Here are some great computer icons that no longer make sense.

→ David Pemberton, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow… @Dave_Your_Fave

Talk of Facebook‘s IPO is dominating the social media world this week. (See Dave’s post for more info.) Facebook is known as the number one social network in the world, so it’s not surprising that folks are clamoring to buy stock in it, or that it is our favorite social media platform. But why, exactly, do we prefer it over other platforms?

Cristina’s Take

Find Anyone

Facebook now has well over 800 million users, meaning it is easy to find almost anyone on the social network. From old high school friends to long-lost family members, you’re bound to connect with them on Facebook.

Easy Integration

If you’re a social media lover like me, you will appreciate the ability to easily integrate all other platforms with Facebook. Users can easily post Instagram photos on their wall, connect Foursquare check-ins, and share victories on Words With Friends.

Customized Privacy Controls

Facebook has faced a lot of controversy regarding privacy. However, unlike other social media platforms, Facebook offers customized privacy controls so users can manage the privacy of status updates, photos and information (and block any annoying users).

Discover New Connections

Not only can you connect with people you know on Facebook, but you can also discover new connections you may not have found otherwise. I love Facebook for this reason. I recently connected with a cousin whom I had never met before, and found that she lived in Kentucky! If it hadn’t been for Facebook, we may have never found each another.

Instant Translations

I’m bilingual and many times read other profiles and pages in Spanish. The new translate feature, sponsored by Bing, supports 37 languages and translates posts into the language indicated on the visitor’s profile. Although it isn’t a perfect translation, it helps me decipher some Spanish posts and other posts in foreign languages. What other platform does that?

Louise’s Take

Selective Interaction

With so many social networking platforms, it’s all about connecting with people you don’t know. Twitter is great for meeting people with similar interests, Pinterest is perfect for finding those with similar aesthetic sensibilities and Google+ is good for industry contacts. Facebook, however, is the perfect outlet for connecting with the people you really want to be interacting with. It’s all of your favorite people in one, big, digital space.

Virtual Scrapbooking

Scrolling back through your Facebook wall is like going for a walk down memory lane. Remember that awesome concert you went to? Your Foursquare check-ins are proudly displayed. Or, the picnic in the park with your friends? You have pictures of the sun and smiles. I see my Timeline as a type of virtual scrapbook, constantly collecting the events of my life.

“Stalking” from the Comfort of Your Own Home

Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. Everyone does it: that slightly unhealthy, comprehensive review of someone’s Facebook profile. I call this Facebook stalking and yes, I do it quite often. It’s the best way to get to know someone new or to catch up on the lives of old friends.

→ Cristina Cheatwood, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow… @x_tina111

→ Louise Elliott, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow…@geez_louise_

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reportedly been investigating Facebook’s recent purchase of Instagram. This process could last for up to a year, an interesting development considering that the Facebook IPO is currently set for May 18.

In similar instances, the FTC would only delay an IPO if any information concerning the acquisition were to affect stock prices. The investigation itself is routine. The FTC often requires extremely detailed filings for any acquisition over $68.2 million. For now, the IPO should remain on schedule.

In order to stay on schedule, Mark Zuckerberg has been hard at work, speaking with select investors in an attempt to convince them of the stock’s value. Currently, 901 million users spend a combined 8.5 billion minutes browsing Facebook every day. It doesn’t take an economist to realize the value of such a widely used platform.

Earlier this week, CNBC reported a planned increase in Facebook’s IPO size by a reported 85 million shares. Such an increase could value the IPO at as much as $18.5 billion. Facebook’s available shares would jump from 340 million to around 420 million if the 25 percent increase is successfully carried through. All things considered, this could set the total value of the IPO at nearly $20 billion. The final decision on share price, which should fall somewhere between $34 and $38 per share, will be set on the eve of the IPO.

To Buy or Not to Buy

I’m tempted to invest in Facebook stock, especially because I make a living working in the social media industry. However, I’ve never purchased stock in anything, especially anything as high level as the Facebook IPO.

However, I am very good at research. Apparently, getting IPO pricing on a stock like Facebook is very difficult (unless you manage a large amount of capital). The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) explains “the underwriters and the company that issues the shares control the IPO process.”

Facebook will likely target big-time investors, not different from the investors visited by Zuckerberg himself earlier this week.

Basically, Facebook’s IPO will initially be invite-only.

The Average Investor

Individual investors have a few options if interested in purchasing Facebook stock at it’s initial offering. Buying into a mutual fund that invests in IPOs is a good place to start. There are few of these funds in the market, and the returns on these funds tends to be baseline.

You could also buy on the aftermarket. From what I understand, this seems a little tricky. So tricky, in fact, that I’m not even sure how it works. This type of move is best done through a broker, and even then, it can be risky.

Lastly, investors always have the option to watch from the sidelines. Eventually, Facebook stock will be available to the average buyer. Sure, you may end up buying at a higher rate, but at least the rate will have evened out.

What I’m Going to Do

I’m no financial expert, and that’s exactly why I won’t be attempting to buy into Facebook’s IPO. That’s a game for investment professionals, and one I am wildly under-qualified to play.

Once Facebook stock becomes more readily available to the average investor, however, I will likely buy in (if nothing but for the novelty of it). Facebook is a powerhouse, likely to grow even more over the next few years. Buying a few shares could be worth the risk.

Facebook is set to begin trading tomorrow on the Nasdaq under the ticker “FB”.

→ David Pemberton, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow… @Dave_Your_Fave

My work computer was destroyed last week. I tried my best to work with paper, but I’ve been digital so long that it proved difficult.

→ David Pemberton, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow… @Dave_Your_Fave

A social network is only as important as it is to you. If you aren’t getting anything out of a specific platform or don’t understand the hype, then you may not need to waste your time with it. Because of the nature of my work, I spend the majority of my time online and for me, a social platform that offers rapid use and fun is essential. Foursquare is exactly that. I’m also a data nerd and Foursquare’s geotargeting, ability to store and use historical data (welcome back to SXSW Matt, you haven’t been in Austin since August 2011), friend locations via radar, and clean design and functionality make it interesting, as well as painless to use. Add to all of this the social gamification of Foursquare (badges, levels and the leader scoreboard) and it’s a platform that I can’t refuse.

If done well, it can also connect customers with the brands that they love.

A Success Story

I recently visited Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams of Nashville for the first time. I checked in on Foursquare and ordered two scoops. The atmosphere was inviting and the ice cream was perfect. What really impressed me, though—other than the overwhelming smell of fresh cooked waffle cone—was that by the time I had finished my delicious treat and ambled back to my car, I had received the following tweet:

Social Media at Its Finest

This tells me two things about Jeni’s:

1. They pay attention to their fans, both potential and existing.
2. Their marketing team/agency works smarter, not harder.

Someone on their end paid enough attention to folks checking in to their locations to reach out and start a conversation with me. This is the way to make a new customer feel valued. Then, after making the initial connection, they gave me location-specific information that I actually cared about. This is marketing for a new age: clean and simple.

This is what I love about social media, or more accurately, what I love about social media when it’s done well. Networks like Foursquare offer an experience that both brands and users alike can benefit from, requiring only as much involvement as you feel comfortable with. A single push of a button began a conversation with Jeni’s that led me to a better understanding of, and an affinity for, the brand as a whole.

→ Matt Honkonen, Sr. Social Media Strategist, AREA203 Digital; follow…@Socmatt

Why I Love Pinterest: How Visuals Are Trumping Text on Social Platforms

Pinterest is the new love child of social media, but you already knew that because you’ve been pinning like crazy since February. You’re rockin’ out your latest inspiration boards and sharing with your mom, your sis, and other crafty folks out there in the creative universe. But why? What started this love affair?

As an early adopter, Pinterest appealed to me instantly, and along with the masses, I fell in love with the 100 percent visual platform. First off, as a creative thinker, this resonated deeply. I think more in visuals than in words, so when I found a social media platform that speaks in images? Brilliant!

Photo via Heather Huston hustonian.

Second, it’s a curatorial platform. Pinterest allowed me to become a curator of taste − my taste. It tapped into a natural instinct in a way that Facebook and Twitter had not done. I started Pinterest boards for photoshoots, friends’ weddings, and aspirational things that I wanted. It felt somewhat therapeutic. It was like shopping without buying, and my budget couldn’t argue with that.

Finally, for me, it wasn’t an argument about whether I was female or whether everyone else was doing it (I’m proud to say I was an early adopter), but it just clicked organically. No one had to explain it to me; I just got it. I mean, come on, if ”social media ninja’s” like Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston are on board, come on, what other argument do you need? Seriously, though…

Reese Witherspoon Loves Pinterest & Jennifer Aniston – CONAN on TBS

What Exactly Does Pinterest Show Us?

Ultimately, Pinterest touches us on an emotional level and allows us to share our passions, obsessions, and maybe even our emotional desires. If Facebook shows us what we have, Pinterest shows us what we want. For marketers, what more could you ask for? Would you rather have consumer data about what they’ve already purchased or what they plan on buying? It might be an educated guess, but I’m thinking it’s more the latter than the former. Marketers love Pinterest. That’s clear.

As one of the fastest growing social networks in Internet history, Pinterest blazed past YouTube and LinkedIn to become the third ranked social media platform (behind Facebook and Twitter). AND, if you missed getting in while it was in beta, please note that Pinterest hit those numbers before it was fully open to the public. If you’re still holding out on Pinterest, wait no longer. You, too, can get your pin on, curate visually, and share content on a new platform.

Despite the numbers, there are still holdouts. And it’s not the ladies. Men are jumping on the Pinterest wagon. It took one conversation to convince my husband why I loved this platform, and he joined immediately. (900 pins later he’s an avid user.) Guess who ranks in the top 10? Meet Mike Dew a Philadelphia-based graphic designer.

The key question: “Will it last?” For me, as a fashion, design, and photography addict, it’s more than just “pinteresting.” BUT (and there always is one), I’ve noticed Pinterest spam, ugly posts, and shameless self-promotion. This doesn’t make me happy. But I remain optimistic. IF Pinterest can avoid being overrun by ugly visuals, shopping and spam links − AND surpass copycat platforms like Gentlemint and Manteresting − THEN it may truly survive.

P.S. If you cannot resist this cute baby, pin it!

Photo via Anna Oh Anna

→ Heather Huston, Strategist, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow…@hustonian

How to Dress for the Job You Want

I had a conversation with my granddad recently about how the professional world is changing. He finds it hard to believe that I don’t wear a suit to the office, even if doing so would single me out just as much as someone wearing jeans to the office in his day. The truth is, being a professional no longer means being well dressed.

Zuckerberg’s hoodie is a great example of this. Should investors be upset that Facebook’s CEO doesn’t dress like they do? I don’t think so.

I say this as a personal advocate for dressing well. It seems to be a lost art, especially among men my age. When done intently, the way you dress sends a very specific message about who you are, where you stand, and what you want. It’s a boast of confidence, a first impression, a way to set the tone to any conversation. Basically, it’s really important.

Granted, Zuckerberg has proven himself a capable business person. Maybe the clothes don’t make the man, but I do believe there is something to be said for respect. Facebook was started to automate the college social experience, but that doesn’t mean that Zuckerberg is still a college student. While I respect his work, accomplishments and general rebelliousness, I think it might be time for Facebook’s founder to start dressing like a grown-up.

→ David Pemberton, Editor, Social Media + PR, AREA203 Digital; follow… @Dave_Your_Fave

Some mornings, you wake up at 4:45 a.m. to this alarm. Then at 7 a.m., your real alarm doesn’t go off, your dog poops on the floor, you discover there is no more coffee, and your upstairs neighbors sound like they’re playing “Dance, Dance Revolution” in high heels. It’s pretty difficult to be motivated to do anything except go back to bed.

But you have to go to work. So what do you do? Here’s what I did this morning:

1. Breathe—Breathe deeply. Sit or stand very still, drop your shoulders, and take the deepest breaths you can. Doctors, therapists and yoga instructors all say that by concentrating on the basic function of taking deep breaths, you introduce more oxygen to your blood stream (which translates to more oxygen to your brain). All that oxygen quickens your thinking and wakes up the further away parts of your body. The repetition also calms you down.

2. Focus—Think of two or three things that you are incredibly grateful for in the middle of everything going wrong. Be grateful that you got to sleep next to your sweet husband all night. Be grateful that you have a roof over your head and food to eat and a car that works. Be grateful that you can bend over and touch your toes and stretch this way and that. Be grateful that your dog behaves most of the time.

3. Move on—This is the hardest part (and I clearly haven’t done it, or I wouldn’t be posting this blog). Complaining only keeps the trouble present. You have better things to spend time and energy on. Let the crap (har har) and disruption of your morning go away. Unless you can make a really funny joke out of it. Or a blog post.

Tell me about how you overcame your worst morning. What got you motivated?

→ Jess Hutton, Lead Copywriter, AREA203 Digital; follow… @JessLHutton