I agree with shubz that viral marketing is all about playing with the receiver’s mind with the marketer manipulating his emotions for his benefit. Though the term has attained popularity because of the Internet phenomenon, but in actuality, this form of spreading information has existed since centuries. Gossip, rumours and urban myths, all are a form of viral marketing.

It is basically information or news that spreads amongst people, either by word of mouth techniques, or emails. These days social networking sites like Orkut and Facebook are also being used as instruments of viral marketing. It got the name ‘viral marketing’, because it originates quietly, but slowly spreads through the society. The more interesting the information or relevant the product, the faster it spreads. It is, in fact considered one of the cheapest form of marketing.

But, the audience has to differentiate between good and useful information or product, and information that may have a negative effect on the society.

But then, even the best of things can have a negative side. Viral marketing is bad if the product spoken about is bad. Promote a product only if you believe in its goodness and would like fellow consumers to savour its goodness as well. Else, there’s no point to it. Bad things will be thrown out of the market anyway. How long can a bad product rely just on advertising campaigns and marketing propagandas?

Viral marketing can move outward at an amazingly fast pace if proper strategy is used. In this respect, it can be compared to tiny waves that spread ever farther from a single pebble dropped into water. A carefully designed viral marketing strategy can expand the horizon of a business and help it go on and on. 

Since it is the Netizens who drag the chariot of viral marketing, it has a bright future lying ahead. Consciously or unconsciously, we also play a part to help this “network marketing” thrive.  

We are often so engrossed with what is visible and tangible, that we conveniently ignore whatever lies beyond the obvious. The Internet is a platform wherein most transactions, financial or otherwise, happen behind the scenes and still influence the lives of millions of web users around the globe. Take the case of viral marketing.

An effective means of online marketing, it is essentially a mind-game involving the use of human emotions in the promotion of products/services. So much so for the literal definition of viral marketing. But, in reality, we do not even realise when we are subjected to this kind of promotional tactics. Relying heavily on word-of-mouth publicity, viral marketing finds its vent in online forums, blogs and social networking sites.

Marketers bank on the human nature of sharing. It is simple – you buy a product, like it, and talk about it to your friends and peers. Like a virus, you spread word about the product and end up promoting it unintentionally. We, as Netizens, usually rely on others’ advice when buying a product online. And, this is probably the reason why viral marketing is itself spreading like virus, engulfing online businesses worldwide.

A warm hello to all my dear Purple People. The current topic of discussion is really very interesting and intriguing; Social Networking. The current generation is clearly hooked on to it. In fact, it has now become fashionable to have your profile on one of the social networking sites, like Orkut, Facebook, MySpace, etc.

I feel that the best part about these sites is that one can hope to find long lost dear friends, apart from making new ones. It is much easier to find like minded people through these sites. It is not just about meeting old friends and making new ones. It has been recognised as a the perfect platform for information sharing.

But yes, it is extremely necessary to be careful while interacting on these social networking sites. Every coin has two sides. To keep yourself away from the ugly side of social networking, it is important that you disclose personal information with care. Like shubz said it is important to keep a constant vigil to enjoy its benefits.

Guys, this is a little different from orkut and hi-five. here you get to talk about books and authors, umm… something that I absolutely love doing. Basically what I am trying to get at is – social networking sites come in various avtars. You can make friends and strengthen your bond of love and friendship further, meet like minded people and people with similar background or different ones.

The one that I am talking about is a step higher. It is for a more niche audience. People who have similar tastes and hobbies. One good point about such niche social networking sites: you can meet like minded people more easily than ones with a wider audience base.

Btw, if anyone wants to be part of this site I talked about, can ask me to send an invitation.

Happy  Networking!

Shanz

You may have heard of such and so many other types of stories that are coming about all around us thanks to the social networking sites. Yes, social networking sites have got the potential to make such amazing things happen. Not only to reconnect with lost school, college or varsity friends but also to find out business or even life partner, these networking sites offer paramount help. 

Making new friends, meeting people with similar interest, sharing your knowledge, getting benefited by information provided by others, and above all, having lots of fun is possible in the world of social networking websites. But one of word of warning, remember what shubz and ammmet have suggested; be careful about the personal information you share.

Purple people, hope you’re enjoying this colour of the season. Blogging is in vogue, and so is social networking.

Yes, right says Shubz. Social networking is another among the thrilling gifts of Internet. New sites are being launched these days all the time. Orkut, perhaps the most famous among them, (at least, this site is what I know best and would give credit to have found my long-lost friends.) Networking is a great way to keep in touch and to know the whereabouts and activities of your friends and acquaintances. Social networking sites are much like virtual platforms where you can stand up with your thoughts and ideas and whatever unique you have to show about yourself.

Even the most shy squirrel can bark in here, owls can hoot their wit. But bad, fanatics also use it to spray their propaganda, and molesters use it to net some scapegoats. Anyway, it’s all part of the deal, where even the ugliest can flaunt their ‘stuff’. Democracy, indeed! And all that jazz about freedom of speech, and now freedom of scenes! (ask that thing, that ‘utube’ *#*/*?)

Social networking, among the many other things, is also a good way to learn from others and also to boast yourself out . In fact, with an Internet connection and all these sites around, even the loneliest person cannot be lonely. It can drive away boredom anytime. You’ll find someone or the other sitting at some corner of the world to interest your whims. No wonder guys and gals keep hooked to the computer screens when they got nothing better to do.

For me, for purple people like us, it is this Purple Lounge blog, where we can unpack our baggage of ideas and jive on the beat.

My dear Purple People, I completely agree with you when you say that Blogging is the most happening thing in the online world today. However, I would like to turn this discussion to another very interesting and upcoming aspect of the Internet – Social Networking.

The World Wide Web is today overflowing with social networking sites, inviting users from all over the world to come together for personal and professional bonding. With the emergence and boom of the likes of Facebook, MySpace and Orkut, such networks are in high demand. When one talks of their commercial potential, these sites are raking in the moolah big time, earning profits in millions.

Web users worldwide are busy creating their profiles and networking with friends on these websites. They surely regard it as the best way to stay in touch with people, and also to make new friends. And, the best part is, these networks also allow you to share your favourite music, videos, web pages, et al with others on your ‘friend’ list.

However, one should not underestimate the potency of these networks to cause trouble. Image morphing and data theft or leakage are just few of the ills associated with social networking. As a user, you should be on your guard with regard to who all access your account. Be careful before you make private information available on your account.

So, my dear networkers, just keep constant vigil and keep enjoying the benefits of this immensely popular networking source.

Both dunyal and shanzania are absolutely right. Blogging has become like a second nature for the entire Gen X. it has taken the entire net community by storm. You certainly are not in sync with the times if you are not blogging. And why not? Blogs are the advocates of freedom of expression. Whether it is about your own personal experience or any other political, social, economic, national and international issue that has caught your interest, just type it away on your blog. You can even display your literary talents by posting original prose and poetry written by you.

Blogging brings you in touch with like minded people with whom you can share your thoughts. A blog is on a global platform, and unlike a personal diary can be viewed by other netizens. But be ready to receive bouquets as well as brickbats for whatever you have written, because if there are supporters of what you have expressed, then there will be detractors as well.

]]> http://purplelounge.wordpress.com/2007/08/27/espousing-freedom-of-expression/feed/ 0 sandhyaz