2nd time around: The Social Media Club meets around Boston

The Boston chapter of the Social Media Club met last night at the offices of Network World. It's obvious that the Social Media Club fills a void: CGM and citizen media evangelists & enthusiasts get together with marketing/SEO and PR experts who are clearly intrigued about the changing face of media. It's exciting and invigorating.

Todd Defren, Principal of SHIFT Communications did a terrific job of explaining the benefits of the social media release (disclosure: Todd is an old business friend of mine and I also worked at SHIFT and therefore witnessed the creation of the SMR). He's cautious and careful not to place too much emphasis on it. It's just one small piece of the social media puzzle.

When I saw David Meerman Scott in the audience I first thought that there would be a lively discussion of his view "the press release is for buyers - not for the media" which he discussed many times on his fantastic blog. But I totally underestimated the crowd. Todd nodded and may nodded with him. Journalists and editors base their decision on what to write a story about on (almost) everything but a press release. Will the social media release change that? Maybe.

Ian Lamont, the online project editor for Computerworld.com who was also present, said he liked the new format but I don't think he's ever gotten a social media release. As pretty much the only media representative in the room, Ian was also questioned by John Cass, a Fellow of the Society for New Communications Research, on whether he or any of his colleagues leave comments on other blogs. Of course, Computer World Bloggers invite comments on their blogs but do they actively go to other blogs and engage in a conversation with bloggers and citizen journalists?  Ian didn't quite answer the question. I hope John will do a post about it. I'd love to read what other "old media" establishment have to say.

Thanks to Todd from Topaz Partners as well as Howard from the Social Media Club who made this happen!