Marketing Roadmaps: What’s so wrong about “audience?” - another social media press release flap. Susan Getgood argues that the term “audience” is a way to describe the people who actually care about a particular story being told or information provided. I think she’s on to something, as the term “audience” has evolved into meaning two-way communication that recognizes the importance, value and contribution of all parties.

Like It Matters: openid, portable social networks and the darowski problem. If you’ve heard of OpenID, but don’t yet understand exactly what it is or how having a central, verifiable identity could benefit you, read Brian Oberkirch’s detailed post.

Six Degrees. Actor Kevin Bacon created SixDegrees.org to “be a force for good by bringing a social conscience to social networking.” Participants can donate to a celebrity’s chosen cause or list a worthy cause of their own, create a charity badge, enter up to six e-mail addresses of friends whose financial support they’d like, and track donations. 

A Message from Barack - Video. Barack Obama releases a video statement about his decision to form a Presidential Exploratory Committee. John Edwards and Hillary Clinton have also used new media techniques to announce their intention to run for President, as will likely all others who throw their name in the ring. This’ll be the election where not using these techniques would really stand out.

Below the Fold: Goodbye, Virtual World. Gary Goldhammer writes, “I’ve got news for you: every online destination is virtual. That’s just the reality.” Right on.

Social Media Now is written by Andrea Weckerle, New Millennium PR.