SSN Minute and Information Governance Goofs
March 11, 2010
The March 10, 2010, SSN Minute looks at two cases of information governance gong wrong. Goofs. One could have cost lives and compromised operational security in a military action. The other is the surprising rate of problems with social media. To watch this two minute video navigate to http://ssnblog.com and click on the SSN Minute logo or click here.
Stephen E Arnold, March 11, 2010
I paid myself to write this item about my SSN Blog’s SSN Minute. Upfront marketing is my motto, not that faux “real” marketing.
A Fading Buzz
March 10, 2010
Google, like most math clubs, is indifferent to jibes and the comments from lesser mortals. I wonder how long that indifference can continue. consider “Google Buzz Could Have Dominated Location. (And Snuck Up On Facebook And Twitter.)” The write up makes the point that Buzz, which is about 30 days in the rough-and-tumble world of “real” products is, according to the article, “a mess.” I don’t have much of an opinion about Buzz. I leave that work to the young goslings who take to social media the way a young goose does to water. For me, the more telling comment in the write up is:
As a sharing service within Gmail, Buzz isn’t ready for primetime yet. As a location service, Buzz could have been a serious challenger to Foursquare, Gowalla, Brightkite, Loopt, and all the others preparing for big launches at SXSW later this week. Imagine Buzz as a location-based iPhone and Android app (or even just a web app). It still could have been linked to your Google Profile and perhaps would have even been a better gateway drug to making Google more social because it would have been a more gradual build-up. And to ensure some usage beyond Google Profiles, Google could have put Buzz in Gmail Labs, as an option for Gmail. As a broken social sharing service, Buzz in Gmail is annoying. But as a location-based stream of check-ins (that people could still comment on and like), it’s potentially interesting.
When I read this I think that Google’s tactical plans are not working particularly well. The issues range from a flawed view of the market to timing and sequencing. With the mounting legal troubles and the push into some tricky consumer sectors, Google’s management may have to step back and ask, “Now what?”
Stephen E Arnold, March 10, 2010
No one paid me to write this. Since I mentioned “buzz,” I think OSHA is in charge of noise-related regulations. Okay, I report receiving no money for this item.
Vivisimo Rivets Social Search Deal
March 10, 2010
Vivisimo and its Velocity Enterprise Search Platform is versatile. I read “Vivisimo Powers Social Search for the Industrial Research Institute” and learned more about the Velocity social search capabilities.
IRI is “a leading research organization representing industrial and service companies that have a common interest in technological innovation and invest billions on research and development annually.” IRI wants to maximize the value of social media for its lead generation activities.
According to the new story:
…Members are able to use the search interface as a single collaboration point, fostering knowledge sharing among users and optimizing information…RI members using Velocity are utilizing a rich set of discovery, personalization and collaboration functionality, empowering them with greater control over their search experience. Rather than just being able to search and find information, users can tag, rate and annotate documents and search terms to optimize future results all aimed at improving collaboration, innovation and productivity.
Approximately 1,000 IRI members will use the new search service.
My definition of social search is more narrow than that presented in the news story. The idea that search is a collaboration tool because a user can add a tag is more in the Microsoft SharePoint approach to information management. If you want more information, point your browser to Vivisimo’s Web site.
Stephen E Arnold, March 10, 2010
No one paid me to write this article. I will report non payment to the social secretary for the White House and if the position is not yet filled, I will report when the new person is on the job and screening invitation lists.
Social Networking, the Military, and Control
March 8, 2010
I don’t know if this item from Gizmodo is accurate. I will leave its veracity to you. Navigate to “Israeli Raid Cancelled After Very Stupid Facebook Post.” The alleged incident involves a soldier, Facebook, and a post. The upshot is that the soldier revealed information about an upcoming military action. In the context of the azure chip outfit Datamonitor urging banks to use social media and the US military relaxing its rules, the alleged Facebook post underscores how easily a single person’s actions can compromise a much larger group. I know the azure chip crowd and the poobahs are avid social media Kool Aid drinkers. Make sure that Jim Jones has not prepared the beverage. The posting was not stupid. The posting underscores how a command and control system does not work if one assumes social media is just super. One more example of a person who can make a browser work assuming he or she can navigate the information ecosystem. Clueless.
Stephen E Arnold, March 8, 2010
No one paid me to write this. I am not going to report non payment to anyone.
Godzilla Haiku
March 5, 2010
In 2004, I started describing Google as Googzilla. No one really picked up on this word. I keep using it. Now that Google has lots of legal woes, many enemies, and has to go to the United Nations to get help with China, this picture struck me as poignant.
The source is http://i.imgur.com/E7K36.jpg.
Stephen E Arnold, March 5, 2010
No one paid me to write this. I suppose Googzilla is related to UFOs. The outfit that once had an affinity for UFOs and missing hard drives is LANL. I will report unidentified no payment to this fine group.
Wild and Crazy Tweeting
March 1, 2010
In the flow of stories for our Strategic Social Networking blog we see a lot of wild and crazy articles. Some of the information is a reminder of the “Wild and Crazy Guys” skits on the fourth season of the American comedy show Saturday Night Live. The tag lines, “We are wild and crazy guys” still echoes when I read some of the outputs from the azure chip crowd with its mavens, poobahs, and self appointed experts.
One of the more interesting items was “DOD Authorizes Soldiers to Tweet, Access Facebook,” which appeared in PC Magazine on February 26, 2010. The main point was:
Provided they’re not giving away classified information, employees at the Department of Defense are now officially allowed to use social media sites like Facebook and Twitter…The policy covers everyone using the department’s non-classified Internet system, known as NIPRNET.
It is, therefore, not too surprising that some think tanks, azure chip consultants, and poobahs are on the social media bandwagon too. A reader sent me a link to “Banks Need to Wake Up to the Potential of Social Media.” The “article” appeared on the Datamonitor Web site (“the home of business information”) on February 18, 2010. The main point, in my opinion, is:
UK traditional banks need to recognise the value of social media if they are to keep their grip on customers in the thawing economic climate according to Datamonitor. The independent market analyst believes the rise of social media has facilitated a fundamental shift in power from banks to consumers. The research* reveals how UK consumers are leading the way, as 50% are using a variety of online tools to make their financial decision compared to 41% globally. According to the Datamonitor findings, ‘online media’ is most popular amongst the 25-34 year old segment in all regions except APAC (Australia, Singapore and Japan).
Lots of buzzwords and fancy verbal dancing. When I read this, I heard the voice of Steve Martin.
Steve Martin, “Yes, the military and banks should make the tweets.” Dan Aydroyd: “We must post pictures of our strategic policy meetings on Facebook too.” Source: http://www.la2day.com/images/page_image/SteveMartinWild.jpg
Audience laughs. Loudly. A lot.
What caused me to think about this quite remarkable paragraph was another news story, “Experts on Bank Crisis Will Name and Shame.”? The main thrust of this story is that the exploration of some “issues” in Ireland will identify some bankers who may be involved in an interesting way.
Now why did I connect the “Banks Need to Wake Up to the Potential of Social Media” and “Experts on Bank Crisis Will Name and Shame?”
Easy.
Can you imagine folks like German economist Klaus Regling or Max Watson, a bank expert, sending tweets about their activities? How about some Facebook posts with pictures of a couple of meetings or a toast at a restaurant? What about a link to some little-known public PDF documents on a public Web site?
What about the banks themselves? Should the Royal Bank of Scotland, an outfit that managed to match some of the fine lads and lasses in the US with a lost of $5.5 billion in 2009. See “Royal Bank of Scotland Loses $5.5 Billion in 2009”?
Yep, the financial community should jump on that social media bandwagon. Start a social media campaign? Forget information policies, governance, and legal concerns. Tweet now!
Sometimes I wonder why the azure chip crowd with its assorted poobahs, mavens, and glib souls cook up recommendations that: [a] will not make much sense to the senior executives, [b] may create additional legal hassles if the messages are not in step with what the legal eagles define as appropriate, and [c] are little more than a sales pitch less subtle that the columns I write for Information World Review.
Now back to the military. The alleged assassination in a far off country, reported in “Inquiry Grows in Dubai Assassination”, which appeared in the digital New York Times, is helping to keep this story fresh. I am not sure who is involved in what. The social info zooming around adds layers of messaging to a strange story.
I am on the fence about the military and the banks getting “social”.
So what about search?
Well, that’s the point. With services like Collecta.com or even the newcomer like Wowd.com, an investigator or attorney working in one of the legal matters related to “name and shame” are going to have an * easy time * of finding a comment, an observation, or other item that * may * be material to the legal proceedings. Great idea to urge more social media in the midst of a financial downturn. Keep in mind that Datamonitor’s poobahs see the economic climate “thawing”. Sorry. I don’t agree.
I sure hope that the folks pushing certain institutions toward social media have thought about some of the implications for security and personnel safety.
A more prudent approach would emphasize the use of social media in a particular context with certain information governance policies in place and working. Defense and financial institutions may find that more analysis preferable to a rush to tweeting.
For one, I am leaning toward a more conservative approach to social media unlike the cheerleaders, poobahs, and bandwagon riders.
Stephen E Arnold, March 1, 2010
No one paid me to write this. I think I have to report non payment of articles that are about wild and crazy consulting idea must be reported to the US Agency for International Development (USAID), a canny lot.
SSN Minute about Facebook Available
February 25, 2010
The SSN Minute, which runs two minutes and four seconds this week is available on the Strategy Social Networking Web log. Just click on the SSN Minute logo. The topic is “Will Facebook Be Able to Stand the Legal Heat?’” SSN believes that Facebook may be the next big, successful company to come under increased legal scrutiny. The headlines are going to Google’s current legal troubles, but Facebook may find itself next in line. Can Facebook deal with this new business challenge. Tune in to find out the SSN team’s view. SSN provides readers with bite-sized information nuggets about the use of social networks to father one’s business, brand, or career. The information service features original stories and summaries of important contributions from other organizations. ArnoldIT.com owns the SSN Blog.
Donald Anderson, February 25, 2010
Mr. Anderson is paid to work on the SSN Minute.
Buzz Search: Defaults Do Not Fly
February 22, 2010
Editor’s Note: Constance Ard, the Answer Maven, is one of the goslings. She wrote an overview of Google Buzz search functionality. Ms. Ard is active in the Special Libraries Association, heads up the legal interest group, and has an MLS with an emphasis on online search, taxonomies, and content processing.
With the release of Buzz flapping everyone’s wings over the last Internet half-life, it’s time to consider some practical application for Buzz. Danny Sullivan at Search Engine Land has laid the groundwork for searching Buzz.
For the record, the type it in the box and trust the search results, aren’t enough with this service from Google. You can see below, that Buzz, a social media tool that gets food from Twitter, Google Reader, Friend Feed, and SMS display results from a typical box search that are surprisingly old in the real-time scheme of things.
These results are for a search done at approximately 8 p.m. EST on February 17, 2010, through the Buzz search box with the term: Olympics. The first result is time-stamped 4:50 p.m. The last result was stamped 9:41 a.m. and the second was stamped 8:23 a.m. These are not exactly real-time results and not even reverse chronological in display.
![clip_image002[4]](http://arnoldit.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/clip_image0024.jpg "clip_image002[4]"){kind=small}
![clip_image002[6]](http://arnoldit.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/clip_image0026.jpg "clip_image002[6]"){kind=small}
![clip_image002[8]](http://arnoldit.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/clip_image0028.jpg "clip_image002[8]")
The same search on Buzzzy.com (selected results shown below) done at the same approximate time provides even more irritating displays. Has anyone heard of time, date stamps? I understand that in real-time search hours count but in search, pinpointing an accurate date and time is essential.
Twitter and Mining Tweets
February 21, 2010
I must admit. I get confused. There is Twitter, TWIT (a podcast network), TWIST (a podcast from another me-too outfit), and “tweets”. If I am confused, imagine the challenge for text processing and then analyzing short messages.
Without context, a brief text message can be opaque to someone my age; for example, “r u thr”. Other messages say one thing, “at the place, 5” and mean to an insider “Mary’s parents are out of town. The party is at Mary’s house at 5 pm.”
When I read “Twitter’s Plan to Analyze 100 Billion Tweets”, several thoughts struck me:
- What took so long?
- Twitter is venturing into some tricky computational thickets. Analyzing tweets (the word given to 140 character messages sent via Twitter and not to be confused with “twits”, members of the TWIT podcast network) is not easy.
- Non US law enforcement and intelligence professionals will be paying a bit more attention to the Twitter analyses because Twitter’s own outputs may be better, faster, and cheaper than setting up exotic tweet subsystems.
- Twitter makes clear that it has not analyzed its own data stream, which surprises me. I thought these young wizards were on top of data flows, not sitting back and just reacting to whatever happens.
According to the article, “Twitter is the nervous system of the Web.” This is a hypothetical, and I am not sure I buy that assertion. My view is that Google’s more diverse data flows are more useful. In fact, the metadata generated by observing flows within Buzz and Wave are potentially a leapfrog. Twitter is a bit like one of those Faith Popcorn-type of projects. Sniffing is different from getting the rare sirloin in a three star eatery in Lyon.
The write up points out that Twitter will use open source tools for the job. There are some juicy details of how Twitter will process the traffic.
A useful write up.
Stephen E Arnold, February 22, 2010
No one paid me to write this article. I will report non payment to the Department of Labor, where many are paid for every lick of work.
The Southwest, Smith, Social Media Storm Front
February 18, 2010
Beyond Search does not cover the social media space. Our companion Web log, Strategic Social Networking, does. You can view our new Social Media video by navigating to http://ssnblog.com and clicking on the video graphi or click the logo below:
The subject of this week’s two minute video is the storm front triggered by the interaction of Southwest Airlines, movie director Kevin Smith, and social media. Our take? Quite a mess, and most organizations are powerless because social media is moving more quickly than management. We had two emails about the carved bird featured in the video. That’s the inspiration for the SSNBlog’s logo… a social and technical term (you know, one of those social birds that flock near your restaurant table in Cassis).
Okay, I paid myself with money from my own pocket to write about my video. I am not sure how this disclosure of self compensation strikes you, but I think Ralph Waldo Emerson would probably have whipped up one of his exciting essays were he alive and fresh from penning “Compensation.” I think this type of payment to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That outfit understands zeros.
