Social Media Is Bullshit
By B.J. Mendelson
(St. Martin's Press, Hardcover, 9781250002952, 240pp.)
Publication Date: September 4, 2012
Categories: Marketing - General
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A provocative look at social media that dispels the hype and tells you all you need to know about using the Web to expand your business
If you listen to the pundits, Internet gurus, marketing consultants, and even the mainstream media, you could think social media was the second coming. When it comes to business, they declare that it’s revolutionizing advertising, PR, customer relations—everything. And they all agree: it is here to stay.
In this lively, insightful guide, journalist and social critic B.J. Mendelson skillfully debunks the myths of social media. He illustrates how the notion of “social media” first came to prominence, why it has become such a powerful presence in the marketing field, and who stands to benefit each time it’s touted in the press. He shows you why all the Facebook friends and Twitter followers in the world mean nothing to you and your business without old-fashioned, real-world connections. He examines popular tales of social media “success,” and reveals some unsettling truths behind the surface. And he tells you how to best harness the potential of the Internet—without spending a fortune in the process.
Social media is bullshit. This book gives the knowledge and tools you really need to connect with customers and grow your brand.
BRANDON MENDELSON (aka B.J. Mendelson) has contributed to The Huffington Post, Forbes, MTV's O Music Awards, and CNN. He has also appeared on CNN, CNBC, Yahoo! News, and the CBC. Brandon currently contributes to The Wall Street Journal and teaches marketing at Columbia College in Chicago.
"B.J. isn't saying that all social media is worthless—he's saying far too much of the chatter and hype about it is. Read this book to hear from someone who actually knows what they're talking about." —Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of Trust Me I'm Lying and former Director of Marketing at American Apparel
"I've been telling everyone for years that social media is just the same bullshit we've always done sped up 1000 times. Finally someone's laid it all out in book form." —Drew Curtis, founder of Fark.com and author of It's Not News, It's FARK: How Mass Media Tries to Pass off Crap as News
“Passionate... This work should provide useful ammunition for readers skeptical about the new networks linking the people of the 21st century” —Publishers Weekly
“This small book packs a welcome, refreshing punch.” —Kirkus Review
"Thoughtful and provocative... If you're a social media junkie, read it and weep." —New York Journal of Books
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