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Consider for a moment the ever increasing presence of Facebook in your life. Your mom is on Facebook, your mom’s friends are friending you, your friend’s friends are making comments to you about your life that you never told them personally, politcal pundits are quoting Facebook statuses as sources.

Our jobs at dynamit, and consequently our lives on occasion, revolve around digital monsters like Facebook and Twitter. The research emails flying back and forth among the team this week have certainly had a Facebook theme. So as Facebook hits us with more announcements on their continued changes, upgrades, new features and privacy, I couldn’t help but wonder if you’re suffering from Facebook fatigue like so many others.

The point of course, is that it doesn’t matter. Facebook is here to stay.

Thus, as it grows it also becomes more relevant, and recent announcements only support this.

Yesterday, Facebook officially announced its entry into the LBS market with Places. Location-based services still largely live on the fringes of the general public – Foursquare is growing in popularity, with Gowalla finding it’s own niche – but with Facebook’s announcement (along with the apparent whole-hearted support of both Foursquare and Gowalla – a topic for another post), the LBS market is about to explode. With 500 million Facebook users, its not hard to understand why.

Michael Gartenberg of the Altimeter Group recently commented in a blog post, ”This is an important announcement as it establishes Facebook immediately as not only a credible player in this space but arguably the most important player. I’ve argued in the past the features such as “check in” are more of a feature than a standalone service and therefore the idea of integrating this directly into Facebook, already a key hub of social activity makes sense.”

Facebook is also making changes to it’s profile tabs and application boxes. While a seemingly insignificant change to the aesthetic of a Facebook profile, it has pretty large implications for the 3rd party developers who rely on the visuals afforded them in the application boxes. Now, all they have to work with is a (smaller) tab displaying their name, and hope the user likes them enough to click on it.

So what does all this mean? Why are you reading the ramblings of an Account Manager working for an industry leading digital firm?  Because we’re all trying to make sense of where Facebook is headed, and how we can stay on the bleeding edge of it’s influence and power. Nick highlighted a very tangible, hard to ignore example of this power last week in his post - read it, if you haven’t already.

We know where the biggest surf is, so if you want to ride the wave with us, grab your board and give us a call.

[8.25.2010 - we've filled this position]

We’re looking to add another project manager to our team:

A project manager on the dynamIt team will:

• Have experience managing technical and creative projects, preferably in the web space.
• Preferably have a technical background, though not necessary. (Coding experience is a plus)
• Be responsible for planning, organizing and managing resources for successful deployment.
• Participate in producing good project plans, schedules, sitemaps, wireframes and functional specifications that production teams can work from with ease.
• Manage individual projects, but more often multiple projects within the context of long term relationships with clients.
• Make sure all aspects of the project have balanced attention and are aligned with the scope, budget and timelines while maintaining a level of quality both dynamIt and client are happy with.
• Have chronic OCD but somehow avoid medical diagnosis.
• Have skill in negotiating win-win solutions between stakeholders and the project team.
• Have desire to hold the team accountable for deliverables.
• Coordinate and participate in Quality Assurance phases.
• Experience is important, but personality is key. Our culture is what drives us, and we’re looking to build our team with someone who both fits and contributes to it.

The position is full time at our office in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio.

If this description sounds like you and you are interested, please submit a resume along with portfolio to work@dynamit.us.

About dynamIt
dynamIt is a digital agency based in the Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. We work with clients and brands on digital initiatives that include strategy, design, user experience and development. We influence communication and commerce.  Client work includes Charley’s Grilled Subs, McGraw-Hill, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), E-Z-GO, American Electric Power (AEP), Columbus College of Art & Design and the Ohio State Medical Center (OSUMC).

*many thanks for some great PM responsibilities defined and sourced from Sam Barnes

A few years ago, one of the main reasons agencies (PR, web and otherwise) were recommending companies enter social media was to establish a community who would respond on your behalf during a crisis (i.e. Southwest Airlines and Kevin Smith) and to have a “place” to respond as well. Fast forward to today, companies are faced with scrutiny from investors, customers, vendors, and everyone else publicly. And everyday companies try their best to ruin their reputations through poor online brand management. So what do you do if you’re faced with a “crisis” of your on and offline brand?

1. (Pre-Crisis) Ensure that online response protocols, sample responses, spokespeople, etc. are included in the organizations overall crisis plan (the plan should be well documented and distributed to key staff). Just like the rest of the crisis plan, run through several test scenarios and practice responses.
2. (Pre-Crisis) Monitor online conversations (using a monitoring service, Google Alerts, etc.)
3. Collect all relevant information to the situation (start date/time, geographical location and concentration of conversations, channels affected – on and offline, velocity of the spreading of the message, accuracy of the statements being made, intent of the person who brought the situation to light, profile information about all people who have contributed to conversation online)
4. Communicate the situation to the internal and external crisis team members (typically includes decision makers, key persons from the business group that was affected, legal counsel, communications team members, those who manage online communications channels)
5. Monitor online mentions
6. Determine response, spokesperson and channel for communication (internal and external – note: employees can often be the most vocal responders and the most frequently forgotten audience so communicate to them quickly, honestly and arm them with the tools they need to do their jobs) and post ASAP. In an online situation frequent, transparent and timely updates that are phrased in a conversational tone are standard expectations of participation online — don’t default to corporate jargon or legalese.
7. Monitor online mentions and evaluate the need for follow-up
8. (Post-crisis) Recap the situation, review and lessons learned
9. Continue to provide value to your online audience and expect the situation to occasionally resurface

In most situations the true long-term damage comes from how organizations respond to the situation, rather than the situation itself.

Contrary to popular beliefs, creatives can’t just sit down first thing in the morning and produce “pretty” things. The creative process takes time, and more importantly…inspiration.

Sometimes it takes nothing more than an “ah-ha!” moment the night before, where you’re able to envision every little detail about this thing you want to create, and you know exactly how it will turn out. Other times creating a decent concept that you’re happy with is an uphill battle, in the rain, wearing heavy armor, carrying sandbags. It can be a constant struggle.

In my opinion, if you don’t know what great design is, you’ll never be able to create it. Consuming design, of all shapes and forms, is just as important and beneficial as practicing it. So that’s why I make it a point each day to be inspired, and stay on top of the game. Here is how I do it, and what inspires me:

Smashing Magazine

Smashing Magazine delivers useful and innovative information to Web designers and developers. Their aim is to inform readers about the latest trends and techniques in Web design and development.

Abduzeedo

The list could go on, and these are just some of my daily go-to resources on the web, but there are plenty of other places to get inspired off line as well. Take the time out, about 45 min to an hour, to just soak up how-to’s, newest trends, awesome branding, and just overall great design across all mediums. The best thing you can do as a designer is look outside of your box, because you never know what might give you that spark.

I know you’re eager to hear my thoughts on the latest web trends, but I’m going to hit you with some knowledge of another kind. As we approach the half-way point of 2010 (woah, already?!), it seems like a good time to share my top 5 albums of the year. If you don’t like music.. well, I’m not even sure what to say. As for the rest of you, I hope you like what you hear and decide to check out these artists – if you haven’t already.

(And please, leave a comment! I’d like to hear your thoughts on these albums – or share your own list.)

	Phantogram, Eyelid Movies [Barsuk Records] ‘Eyelid Movies’ is the debut full-length from self-proclaimed “street beat psych pop” duo out of Saratoga Springs, NY. According to Sarah Barthel, who provides keyboards and airy vocals, the group has amalgamated their influences: “Serge Gainsbourg, sampling, and Detroit hip-hop.” If this doesn’t intrigue you, check yourself for a pulse. Throughout most of this album, Phantogram piles on layers of electronic synths and beats, coupling these with Josh’s guitar – which is usually clean with plenty of reverb.  Aside from the depth of sound, there is quality song craftsmanship here, which helps to keep this album from fading into background music. Listen when you’re in need of a creative and/or energy boost. Favorite Tracks: “As Far As I Can See” “Mouthful of Diamonds” “Running From The Cops”
	The Black Keys, Brothers [Nonesuch Records] Possibly their most soulful album to date, ‘Brothers’ has lived in my car’s CD player for over two weeks, playing on repeat. This record lacks much of the (over)production found on ‘Attack & Release’ – although one track, “Tighten Up,” shares the same producer (Danger Mouse). The straightforward production has allowed us to hear their progression as a band more clearly; they feel more comfortable and loose than they have since the garage-fuzzed days of ‘Rubber Factory,’ but at the same time seem more focused and deliberate. For me, this just has the feeling of an album I will be spinning for quite a long time. Listen when you’re in to mood to go out on the weekend and tear it up. Favorite Tracks: “Sinister Kid” “Howlin’ For You”
	Beach House, Teen Dream [Sub Pop Records] And now we arrive at the third and final duo on this list, Beach House. ‘Teen Dream’ is an extremely appropriate title for this album, as it showcases what dream-pop can be when you apply a healthy dose of youthful authenticity to the band’s careful and genuine songwriting. The keyboards and guitars take turns driving melodies and weaving haunting-yet-beautiful, free-flowing textures over the course of the album’s ten tracks. Listen in dark alleys of Paris.. or when you wake up to a sunny morning. Favorite Tracks: “Zebra” “Walk In The Park” “Used To Be”
	Local Natives, Gorilla Manor [Frenchkiss Records] First of all, there is not a bad or even an average track on the entire album. That makes 12 very solid tracks on their debut album – not too shabby. There is an unwavering sense of enthusiasm and energy in this album that really glues the whole thing together. There are rich harmonies, at times adding color in the background and at others taking the lead. There are spirited, almost tribal drums, but they never overpower the flow of the song. Overall, it is their clever composition of these elements which create a cohesive and enjoyable 50 minutes. Listen when you’re driving around your old neighborhood at night. Favorite Tracks: “Cards and Quarters” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”
	Foals, Total Life Forever [Sub Pop Records] I’m new to Foals, ‘Total Life Forever’ being the first music of theirs I’ve heard. That said, I hear something familiar in this record. I don’t mean to say that this album is homogeneous, it certainly isn’t. You need only listen to the first track “Blue Blood” to discover the varying styles this band can create. From the its stark and echoing vocal beginnings, the track builds to a point where funky a bass line, doodling guitar riffs, and drums emerge to change the mood entirely. However, if you’re going to listen to just one track, make it “Spanish Sahara,” a track which puts on a clinic in how to weave and build on emotional tension. Listen when you’re up late & can’t sleep. I’m not saying it will put you to sleep, but rest assured you’ll be less miserable. Favorite Tracks: “Spanish Sahara” “Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)”

Finally, here are five albums to look forward to in the second half of 2010.

• Here We Go Magic, Pigeons
• Panda Bear, Tomboy
• Ratatat, LP4
• The Roots, How I Got Over
• Wolf Parade, Expo 86

I consider myself relatively well versed in most things digital. There is, however, one area of my digital life where I remain in the dark ages – my cell phone.

As our designer, @phil_franks likes to say, I’m still a member of the “Flip-Phone Club”. The main reason for my resistance until now has been the ‘leash’ stigma associated. “You’ll never pay attention to me if you get a smart phone”, says the girlfriend.  I’m not proud of this fact. Truthfully, it can be a source of embarrassment. Recently, my own mother sent me an email containing the auto-signature “Sent from my Verizon Mobile Phone”.  My heart sank. How could I have let this happen?

So why do I still have a flip phone? Why am I still using T-9Word texting, and taking fuzzy 1.3mp pictures?  The answer is patience – I refuse to enter the smart phone world with anything but the best, and yet there is always something better and shinier ‘coming soon’. So what gives? Primarily, a 2-year Verizon contract. Add to that the shaky 3G service some of my iPhone friends experience with AT&T, and I just never made the leap.  So now, 2 months free of my Verizon cage, I can go with any carrier, any phone. I have the mobile world in the palm of my hand – pun completely intended. So to make this decision, it only makes sense that I’ve done my homework.

The user experience is as important to me as anything else. Enter the Mobile Operating System. There are 6 major players in the Mobile OS market:

• WebOS (palm) – recently purchased by HP, and for good reason.
• Blackberry – long running and trusted for those leaning more business, less media
• Windows Mobile – exactly what it sounds like, enhanced with some multimedia offerings
• iPhone 3.0 – the most well known OS of the bunch
• Android – a relative newcomer, and from the minds at Google
• Symbian – not well known or widely used in the US, but these guys are the largest in the world

Rather than cheer for one or tout another, I’ll discuss the two that I find the most accessible and intriguing; iPhone and Android.

Clearly Apple knows exactly what they’re doing here. The Unix kernel on which the iPhone OS is built, is very well conceived. This results in great stability. It also means sophistication and very high standards for developers of iPhone apps. This less-open philosophy results in superior products, but might also hinder the OS’s success long-term.
Android is a young product, but enjoying a huge run at Apple’s mobile share. Thanks to some great hardware and software partners (Intel, HTC, ARM, eBay), they are well positioned. Android is also open-source. They have promised to give developers access to every aspect of the phone’s operation. This philosophy may very well pay dividends in the long run. Plus, it’s Google – c’mon. Most of my life is dependent on Google and their products – for better or worse – and if I can turn on my phone, enter one password and have my life seamlessly integrated, wouldn’t I?

Ultimately, I’ll be going with Sprint and the new HTC Evo. Sprint, because their 3G service isn’t bogged down with traffic like AT&T’s. Sprint, because they’re ahead of the other two in their 4G network expansion. Sprint, because I can pay $60/month instead of $100 for the same service. And HTC because their phones are incredibly well designed, and the hardware in the new EVO is equal to most netbooks on the market right now.

Yes, there will probably be a new iPhone released only a few weeks later. But I look at it this way – I’m getting a faster network, the fastest phone in the world (at least for a month or so) and providing the team here at dynamIt an Android phone to play with, and NOT root & brick (cough, @whitman @KPfefferle @mavrck).

Bottom line: no matter your preference, there is a serious battle going on, and we, the end user, are enjoying the benefits.
Maybe I’ll be singing a different tune in 2 months. If I am, I’ll be sure to let you all know.