So it seems that Twitter is showing signs of this type of marketing as well. It seems that marketing teams are finally finding Twitter and Pownce. The problem is they are still thinking that by adding everyone blindly that the regular practice of this behavior will create the hybrid brand fan they could get if they used it right.

Traditional marketers just don't get it. People hate being marketed at. Conversation is two-way and that is what microblogging platforms like Twitter and Pownce are all about. Can either be used effectively if they are solely a marketing channel - nope. People talk about stuff they truly believe in and will recommend based on their experience.

The term has been over-used, but Twitter & Pownce are truly the new "trust economy". A lot of my buying decisions have been greatly influenced by what my Twitter & Pownce have to say.

One of my twitter friends who is new to the area where I live uses Twitter friends to find new places to eat. I am sure the local chains would love to be in those suggested places passed around but to do that they must contribute to the conversation and have a face to that conversation rather than just a logo squeezed into a profile pic.

People are tired of being a number and/or a notch on the bed post and mass adding of friends just doesn't show that respect for a potential customer. We are talking about a change from just a customer but a friend of the company who did not become that because they are part of 20,000 people the marketing guy/girl found on MySpace who fit within the demographic.

I wear a Pownce pin on my bag because I met Kevin at a party and see the pictures of him, Leah Culver, and Daniel Burka going to meet-ups with users all around the country and world. People work for these brands and those are who I want to attach myself to and purchase products and services from the people not just a logo with well scripted press releases announcing they are launching a Facebook page. It requires a rethinking of the way marketing is set up in the current business climate as a social interaction with its customers.

Very well said William. I disdain if I am labeled as a marketer, because I don't think it correctly communicates what I do not what I believe in. Traditional marketing and advertising is safe because it's a one-way communication. Conversation is 2-way. I think Chris Brogan said it well "I hate being marketed at, but I love conversation. There is no doubt that the marketing/advertising industry needs to rethink it's thinking and approach.

Thanks for taking the time to articulate your thoughts.