Facebook, www.facebook.com

Features:
•    Profile, Friends, Networks and Inbox – pages core to the user experience on Facebook – have a prominent place at the top of the user’s profile page
•    Facebook applications – Photos, Notes, Groups, Events and Posted items – are displayed on the left side bar, along with any third-party applications a user has added to their account
– More than 25 million active user groups exist on the site
– More than 4 million users become Fans of Pages each day
– More than 2.5 million events created each month
– More than 52,000 applications currently available in the Facebook Application Directory

Who: 200 million active users
•    More than 100 million users log on to Facebook at least once each day
•    More than two-thirds of Facebook users are outside of college
•    The fastest growing demographic is those 35 years old and older

What: Invitation-based, online community
•    Two-way, active communication within sphere of engaged, mutual, reciprocal relationships, using messaging functionality
•    One-way, passive presentation of information within larger sphere of relationships
•    One-way, passive observation within even larger sphere of relationships and news sources
•    Average user has 120 friends on the site
•    Women are more active in maintaining communication with their friend networks than men

When: 24/7
•    More than 3.5 billion minutes are spent on Facebook each day (worldwide)
•    More than 20 million users update their statuses at least once each day
•    More than 850 million photos uploaded to the site each month
•    More than 8 million videos uploaded each month
•    More than 1 billion pieces of content (Web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc.) shared each week
•    More than 5,000 applications have 10,000 or more monthly active users

Where: Everywhere
•    More than 40 translations available on the site, with more than 50 in development
•    About 70% of Facebook users are outside the U.S.
•    There are more than 30 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their mobile devices
•    More than 8,000 Web sites have implemented Facebook Connect since its general availability in December 2008

How much: Free to join

Observations:
•    As more professional communication (such as job searching) takes place on Facebook, individuals have begun creating separate Facebook profiles – one that’s personal and one that’s professional. As the individual controls who can be their Friend and view the full profile, this lets the person decide with whom they want to share which information.
•    Organizations, publications and companies also are starting to set up their own Facebook Pages. While these are public profiles, they differ from individual’s (people’s) pages in that one can become a Fan rather than a Friend.
•    Because being a Fan is very similar to being a Friend, promoting becoming a Fan of a Page seems to be best for communicating timely (event) communications with a larger, external network.
•    Organizations, publications, companies and individuals also set up Groups. These seem to be best for internal communications, employee/member/subscriber outreach and recruitment, and maintaining communications with lapsed connections and affiliations.
•    In addition to Events, Info, Photos and Video, Facebook applications also allow those with Pages to add RSS/Blog feeds, Boxes highlighting special sections, Sharing functionality, as well as integration with other media channels like Twitter.
•    For example, searching the term “architect” within Facebook, yielded: 500+ People,  160 Pages, 500+ Groups, 465 Events

Information for the above was gathered from the following sources:
http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=55257228858&ref=mf
http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics#/press/info.php?factsheet

Filed under: So-Called Social Media | Comments Off on So Called "Social" Media – Facebook

Twitter, www.twitter.com

Features:
•    This is a micro-blogging tool that limits updates to 140 characters per post
•    Profile includes what the individual would like to list for name (based on availability), location, Web site and a bio
•    Currently, others may also view names and links to whom the individual is Following and who are the Followers of this individual
•    Profiles and Updates may be publicly viewed in limited timeframes, including via Google searches

Who: 19 million unique, global viewers
•    In March 2009, worldwide visitors increased 95% from 9.8 million to 19.1 million
•    Viewers does not equal users; April 2009 estimates indicate approximately 10 million users
•    2008 reports noted 6 million Twitter users or 3.8% of all Internet users
•    Only 8% of 18-34-year-olds use Twitter
•    7% of those ages 35-44 use it
•    4% of those ages 45-54
•    Only 1% of those ages 55+ use it
•    Men and women use Twitter at the same levels (5% each)

What: online network of microblogs
•    Two-way, active communication within the sphere of shared Followers, using messaging functionality
•    One-way, passive presentation of information within the larger sphere of Followers
•    One-way, passive observation within the larger sphere of relationships and news non-reciprocal sources that one follows
•    Two-way and group communication within organized groups and structured chats, typically identified through hashtags (such as #aia2009) for easy searching and interaction with a larger network beyond an individual’s Followers

When: 24/7
•    Twitter is a stream of information in time, rather than a destination
•    Users spend an average of 2.75 hours per day on Twitter

Where: Everywhere
•    9.3 million visitors in the U.S.
•    More than 60% of users “tweet” from work, 35% from home
•    Individuals post in whatever language they choose

How much: Free to join

Observations:
•    Organizations, publications and companies also are starting to set up their own Twitter profiles. Other than one’s own description, there is no obvious distinction between an individual and an organization.
•    For example, searching the term “architect” within Twitter, yields: 65 people using this term in their bio, a constant stream of updates, and a hashtag designated for the topic.

Feel free to “follow” me on Twitter at @heatherwestpr

Information for the above was gathered from the following sources:
http://blog.twitter.com/search/label/stats
http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/twitters-tweet-smell-of-success/
http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/half-of-americans-dont-use-twitter-myspace-facebook-8775/
http://www.informationweek.com/news/internet/social_network/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=216500968&cid=RSSfeed_TechWeb
http://mashable.com/2009/04/22/twitter-attitudes/
http://www.adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/agency/e3i4fc650632bff09ac3d10ff31c435ca0d
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/04/24/twitter-eats-world-global-visitors-shoot-up-to-19-million/

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Two-thirds of the world’s Internet population visit social networking or blogging sites, accounting for almost 10% of all Internet time.

Across the globe in 2008, activity in ‘Member Communities’ accounted for one in every 15 online minutes – now it accounts for one in every 11. In Brazil the average is one of every four minutes and in UK it’s one in every six minutes.

Source: http://blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/global/social-networking-new-global-footprint/

An overwhelming majority (88%) of marketers in a recent survey say they are now using some form of social media to market their business, though 72% of those using it say they have only been at it a few months or less, according to a social media study by Michael Stelzner, sponsored by the Social Media Success Summit 2009.

The study, which set out to understand how and why marketers are using social media to grow and promote their businesses, found that Twitter, blogs, LinkedIn and Facebook – in that order – are the top four social media tools used by marketers.

In addition, business owners are more likely to use social media marketing (90+%) than employees working for a company that is not their own (81%), and respondents ages 30-39 are most likely to use social media marketing (92.8%), the study found.

Those surveyed reported the following benefits:
81% said social media marketing generated exposure for their business
61% said it increased their traffic/subscribers/opt-in list
56% said it resulted in new business partnerships
52% said it helped their company rise in search rankings
48% said it generated qualified leads
45% said it reduced their overall marketing expenses
35% said it helped close a business deal

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of marketers are using social media for five hours or more each week, with 39% using it 10 or more hours weekly and 9.6% spending more than 20 hours each week with social media.

Source: http://www.marketingcharts.com/interactive/marketers-top-social-media-twitter-blogs-linkedin-facebook-8692/social-media-industry-report-benefits-marketing-stelzner-march-2009jpg/

MarketingSherpa’s Social Media Marketing and PR Benchmark Survey 2008 reported that 48% of companies said they would be increasing marketing budgets for social media and e-mail marketing programs.

More than 90% of companies believe that social media channels are most effective in accomplishing brand building goals, followed closely by goals for attracting Web site visitors.

Source: http://www.sherpastore.com/socialmediabmg09.html

Forrester Research predicts social media spending will grow faster than spending in other interactive marketing channels. Spending in the U.S. is estimated to increase from $716 million this year to more than $3.1 billion in 2014, a 34% compound annual growth rate.

U.S. marketing spending in mobile marketing is expected to represent the second greatest increase with a 27% compound annual growth rate from $391 million this year to more than $1.2 billion by 2014.

Other categories interactive marketing categories for which Forrester Research reported a compound annual growth rate during 2008-2014 include:
display advertising (predicted increase of 17%),
search marketing (predicted increase of 15%), and
e-mail marketing (predicted increase of 11%).

Source: http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2009/04/forrester-social-media-growth.html

A survey noted in the Institute for Public Relations found that 73% of respondents believed the emergence of blogs and social media had changed the way their organizations (or their client organizations) communicate. Findings continue to suggest these changes are more prominent in external than internal communications, but numbers are up considerably there also.

Almost all – 93% — of this year’s respondents spent part of their average workdays working with some aspects of blogs and the social media.

Many (85% in 2009 compared with 72% in 2008) believe social media complement traditional news media, and an even higher number (92% in 2009 compared with 89% in 2008) think blogs and social media influence coverage in traditional news media.

Most (88% in 2009 compared with 84% in 2008) believe blogs and social media have made communications more instantaneous because they encourage organizations to respond more quickly to criticism.

Findings also show most (80% this year and 75% last year) expect traditional news media to be honest, tell the truth and be ethical. But fewer than half (41% in 2009 and 44% in 2008) hold these same expectations for blogs and other social media.

About one-third (31%) of the respondents are aware of situations in which an organization’s legal function has impacted how the company manages blog and social media communication.

Source: http://www.instituteforpr.com/digest_entry/hinson_wright_social_media_overtakes_porn/

More companies and organizations are adding social media participation policies to their employee handbooks. Just as confidentiality, intellectual property and code of conduct policies have been established to guide other communications, these are now being adapted and extended into social media.

Australian social media consultant, Laurel Papworth, recently posted several links to such policies and guidelines. Examples include:
•    Chartered Institute of Public Relations Social Media Guidelines
•    Cisco Systems
•    IBM
•    Intel
•    General Motors
•    Opera Software
•    Sun Microsystems
•    Walker Art Center

See more at http://laurelpapworth.com/enterprise-list-of-40-social-media-staff-guidelines/

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Wausau’s terrace doors help meet ADA accessibility criteria

Wausau Window and Wall Systems’ terrace doors now offer low-profile sills on both in-swing and out-swing models for improved accessibility, in response to the Americans With Disabilities Act. The doors are ideally suited for residential towers and high-rise hotels. Part of the Advantage by Wausau product line, these terrace doors are pre-engineered, competitively priced, and available on accelerated delivery schedules.

Read the full product news release by clicking here.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Wausau Window and Wall Systems | Comments Off on Client News: 4/29/09

Office skylight uses PV-powered SageGlass(R) products to improve comfort, view, energy-efficiency without heat, glare

Every summer for more than 10 years, a big, blue tarp would be draped over the top-floor skylight at Connecticut’s 100 W. Putnam office. This summer, the tarp and aging skylight have been replaced with a dynamically responsive, elegantly designed, photovoltaic (PV) powered system featuring SageGlass(R) products.

“Every May up until now, the building owner would cover one of the best features of the space, blocking the unwanted solar heat and glare so the tenants wouldn’t roast and could see their computer screens. This helped save a little on the air conditioning bills, but they lost all the natural light and views,” says Gilbert Ohls, president of Landis Hall, Inc., a construction management company based in Greenwich, Conn.

Download the full press release from SAGE’s online media room and visit AIA booth #4031 North Hall for a demonstration.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Happy Earth Day – Client News 4/22/09

Old world style, modern performance create award-winning home design to last for generations

The award-winning Belcaro Woods residence combines the architectural elegance of English Tudor manors with the comforts of modern American living. Weston Construction Corporation designed and built the home to last for generations, while incorporating the proportion, scale and detail of generations past.The National Association of Home Builders recognized this accomplishment with a 2009 Silver Medal, and the Denver Home Builders Association named the project its 2008 Custom Home of the Year.

Located at 3336 Belcaro Dr. in Denver, this three-story, eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom, single-family home features 151 windows and four, oversized French doors chosen from Kolbe’s Ultra Series line of premium, aluminum-clad wood windows. The LoE2-270 glass enables Kolbe’s windows to meet or exceed ENERGY STAR® guidelines in all climate zones. The home’s 20-inch-thick walls also play a significant role. According to Michelle Miller, “The energy efficiency is astounding.” Living and working from the property, she sees $200-250/month energy bills for a house in excess of 12,000-square-feet.

Read the entire project profile at Kolbe-Kolbe.com and please stop by AIA Expo booth #1417 South Hall to see the Ultra Series products.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. | Comments Off on Client News 4/21/09

Los Angeles Museum of Art’s new building designed by Renzo Piano, features “glass ceiling” finished by Linetec

Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the first phase of Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s transformation was unveiled in March 2008 with the opening of the new Broad Contemporary Art Museum  (BCAM, pronounced “bee-cam”) building.
Clad in Italian travertine with red accents, the three-story, 72,000-square-foot structure offers one of the nation’s largest column-free gallery spaces. The museum houses an art collection exclusively from 1945 to the present such as Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog (Blue). Displayed in natural, ambient light, the building features a “glass ceiling,” composed of two, vaulted skylights manufactured by Super Sky Products, Inc. and finished by Linetec (AIA Expo booth #4121 North Hall).

Read the full project profile at Linetec.com

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Linetec | Comments Off on Client News 4/20/09

AAMA Releases New, Voluntary Test Method for Thermal Transmittance and Condensation Resistance

“AAMA 1503 has been investigated, researched, restructured and thoroughly evaluated by more scientists and interested parties than any other thermal performance test method,” says Ken Brenden, AAMA technical standards manager. “There is every reason to believe that AAMA 1503 is, by far, the industry’s most comprehensive and accurate method for directly testing for the air-to-air thermal transmittance and condensation characteristics of architectural products.”

See full news release at aamanet.org and purchase documents at AAMA Online Publication Store.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Client News 4/17/09

Kolbe’s AIA/CES program, “Architectural Influences: Exploring Elements of Sustainable Design,” in Wisconsin includes:
* Tour of Taliesin(R) in Spring Green, Wis. – visit the famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, private studio, and the campus of The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture;
* Tour of Aldo Leopold Legacy Center in Baraboo, Wis. – explore one of the two highest ranking LEED® buildings in North America;
* Tour of Cardinal Float Glass Plant in Portage, Wis. – watch the process of sand, limestone and other materials as they become glass for windows and doors;
* Tour of Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork in Wausau, Wis. – follow the process of custom window and door manufacturing;
* Presentation of “Finishing Touches: Enhancements, Options & Trends for Windows and Doors;”
* Review of Kolbe’s product series and how they can meet the needs of nearly any project.

Architects attending this one-and-a-half day event can earn 8.5 LUs, 2 HSW credits, and 1 sustainable design (SD) credit. The tours and presentations offered as part of “Architectural Influences” also are offered as individual courses. Kolbe also offers many other, face-to-face AIA/CES programs and tours. For more information on in-person presentations, please contact Kolbe at 800-955-8177 or visit kolbe-kolbe.com.

Filed under: CLIENT NEWS, Kolbe & Kolbe Millwork Co. | Comments Off on Client News 4/16/09

AAMA responds to latest ENERGY STAR criteria

The Department of Energy (DOE) revisions to the ENERGY STAR(R) program for windows, doors and skylight performance criteria was finalized April 7, 2009, and will take effect Jan. 1, 2010. Prior to this announcement, the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and its members provided comments to the DOE regarding the proposed revisions and offered recommendations regarding performance criteria, categorization and timing that aligned with current economic conditions. See full press release at ammanet.org.

Filed under: AAMA, CLIENT NEWS | Comments Off on Client News 4/16/09