Social Media Bootcamp

10 Replacement Icons to Re-Beautify iTunes 10

On Friday, we blogged about the launch of iTunes 10 and its new social network, Ping. If you’ve downloaded the new version of iTunes, you’ve probably noticed that the icon has changed, from the classic CD-and-eighth note:

To a music note on a blue background:

There was a general outcry against the new logo, so the popular social media blog Mashable put out the call for new designs. While iTunes is sticking with the new design, it’s fun to look at some designers’ ideas for a new iTunes logo. What do you think? Should Apple have stayed with the classic look, or are you a fan of the new icon?

What and How To Share in Social Media

It’s important to find a balance with social media. On one hand, it’s tempting to share lots of “automated” content: re-tweeting others’ posts or saving time by scheduling posts to update at a later time. On the other hand, it’s also tempting to post solely personal information, like posting about what you’re up to, where you’re hanging out or what you’re doing that day.

Too much automated content, and you’ll be viewed as a robot who can’t create anything original. Too much personal content, and you’ll leave followers searching for the substance. This post on Social Media Explorer gives some helpful hints for those who are wondering what to share on social media channels.

How to Write Effective Blog Posts

Blogging is all the rage for small businesses and nonprofits, but a blog will get you nowhere if you can’t write effective posts.

Here, new media marketer and popular blogger Chris Brogan guides you through the steps of writing effective posts. Some of his tips might be contrary to what you believe about writing, but if you’re looking to get a blog off the ground, be sure to check out his tips.

Nike Unveils New iPhone App Just for Runners

Runners, rejoice! Nike has unveiled a new app just for you, the Nike+ GPS App for iPhone and this article, also from Mashable, gives you the scoop. Along with GPS navigation to let you visually track your run, the app will show a breakdown of your pace at various points in the run and will track the number of calories burned, distance and time.

The app has several other features, like “Challenge Me,” which encourages runners to go faster or further than they have in previous runs, and the app’s ability to sync with social media outlets like Twitter and Facebook. The app is available for $1.99. Runners, does this interest you? Would you pay to run along with Nike when there are an abundance of free workout apps available? Let us know!