I hope everyone had a good weekend and is ready for the start of another work week. In this week of links you'll find numerous Twitter stories, sweet Milwaukee airline deals, new studies and much more.

Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/ladyhero.

This has been a question I’ve been thinking about ever since my blog post in February caused a bit of an uproar. (You can read more about it in the latest issue of PR Tactics.) This question has come to light again in wake of the New York Time’s article about a blogger being invited to a White House news conference.

I am of the opinion that the majority of blogs, including this one, should not be taken as a serious source for news. Most bloggers do not take the time to follow-up with sources, double check the facts and conduct interviews. Many times you’re lucky if they cite the source. I personally try my best not to spew false information, but I am in no way as credible as a professional news organization.

However, the distinction is a littler trickier with other blogs. What about The Huffington Post, Drudge Report or even Gawker? Many of the people at these blogs are paid for their contributions, and The Huffington Post certainly does their fair share of research before posting a story.

Isn’t it about time for everyone to sit down and come to a consensus?

Maybe some blogs do deserve the same rights and privileges as traditional news outlets. But if so, who chooses those blogs and how do we identify them? Perhaps this is a job for an industry organization like the Society of Professional Journalists .

For blogs that are chosen as news outlets, how about posting an icon on their home page to identify them? Or, maybe no blog deserves this title. I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Apologies for missing my weekly post again. A busy work week and the second wedding in two weeks kept me busy.

This week in links... A few quirky news stories, a letter of inspiration from Peter Shankman and the newest trends in marketing. Enjoy!

Follow me on Twitter @ladyhero.

Being the maid of honor in my best friend's wedding this weekend didn't leave me much time to Twitter. I'll be back this week in full force. Until I leave for my cousin's wedding on Friday...

Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ladyhero.

A few weeks ago I wrote thank-you cards to everyone who helped me throw a bridal shower. After the cards were sent, the bride-to-be told me her mother really appreciated the card and was more or less impressed with my efforts. That got me thinking…

Because I am a millennial, you may be surprised that I didn’t send an e-card or mass e-mail. Or sadly, that I sent a note at all. Well, call me old-fashioned, but this millennial still believes in the power of the written word.

Over the years we’ve developed many different communication tools. We’ve gone from fax to e-mail to instant messaging, and now hundreds of social networks. But in all this excitement, many of us have forgotten the value of ink. You remember, it’s the stuff that comes out of your pen.

With all the talk about growing our social networks and staying connected, how many of us take the time to show our inner circle how much they are valued? I’m not saying we should go back to writing long letters, and of course it’s important to be “green,” but sometimes a handwritten note says a lot more than an e-mail.

The Impact
Because we live in a world where online rules, sending a card has become quite meaningful. In business, receiving a handwritten note shows the person is serious about continuing the relationship, and will keep you a priority. In our personal lives, receiving a handwritten note shows how much that person cares. It means a lot to know they spent time picking out a card, and putting pen to paper. In both cases that person is showing they value the relationship.

I make it a point to write a thank-you card for every formal birthday or special occasion present I receive. (The exception that proves the rule being Christmas presents.) I also send holiday cards with a different message to each person. I send birthday cards, anniversary cards, valentine’s cards, it-was-nice-to-meet-you cards. I even send thanks-for-the-interview cards. And you would not believe all the thank-you's I get for doing so.

I realize this may seem like a daunting task, and I’m not suggesting you send holiday cards to everyone in your Rolodex (does anyone use those anymore?). But in an effort to be better communicators, it’s important to remember the joy and value you can bring to a relationship by taking the time to write a few sentences with ink. I promise one card is worth more than 10 expertly crafted e-mails.

There are some great studies and surveys out this week on social media users. Also, look below to find out about the new Harry Potter LEGO video game and more.

For real time updates follow me on Twitter. http://www.twitter.com/ladyhero

Rebranding GM

This week General Motors became the second-largest industrial bankruptcy in U.S. history. According to the Wall Street Journal, GM plans to close 17 factories and parts centers on top of cutting 20,000 more jobs before 2012. After hearing this news, it is no surprise that many Americans are worried about GM’s future. A huge rebranding effort will be required to help lift GM out of the red. Enter the video below.



While I personally have not been a fan of American cars, much less GM in recent years, I am a fan of GM’s new effort to rebrand themselves and communicate with the online community. The message in their video is authentic, and it’s clear that GM realizes doing business as usual will simply not work anymore.

Here’s hoping their message resonates with the rest of the American public. After all, we all have a stake in GM now. If that doesn’t convince Americans to buy American-made cars, I don’t know what will.

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