This issue of The USIM Gazette® contains a plethora of interesting articles for your reading pleasure. In “Learning from Social Media Usage – Motivations and Profit Potential,” a new report that analyzes the reasons why so many people have joined social networking sites like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Classmates, etc. is discussed. Some of the findings from the study, “How People Use Social Media,” identify the motivations and attitudes of social media users and, more importantly for businesses, suggests how they use social media from a financial perspective. For example, four percent of social media users regularly use social media for travel/travel services or bank/financial services; three percent regularly use social media for either clothes/shoe purchases or dining out or making personal care purchases; and two percent regularly use social media for mobile phones and services, cars/trucks or groceries/food.

These stats can be of use to marketers in determining what products and services to offer via adverts on social media pages. Importantly, according to the study, almost two thirds (63%) of social media users agree that ads are a “fair price to pay” for use of the sites and features. As the analysis of what makes social networking “tick” continues, marketers will become smarter about how to profit from advertising on social media sites.

The July 2009 Gazette also includes two tasty little “snacks” for your enjoyment – one on the top global and American web parent companies, the top online video brands and the top US search providers. And the other tidbit is in “Gazette FastFacts – DTV Transition Leaves Some Households Out,” another update on the continuing saga of the nation’s transition from analog to digital television, provided this time with a slightly different angle. As you will recall, in June 2009, the U.S. formalized the oft-deferred transition from analog broadcasts to digital broadcasts, effective June 12, 2009. Originally, as reported here in the February 2009 edition of The USIM Gazette®, congress and President Obama had delayed the original February 17, 2009 deadline for the mandatory transition after funding was exhausted for the $40 each TV converter box coupons. However, another and more troubling concern that President Obama voiced regarding the transition was that certain socioeconomically disadvantaged homes would be left out. The fact that some 1.2 million homes where total household income is less than $25,000 per year make of the “no digital signalers” lends credence to the concerns. According to the 2007 US Census, a family unit comprised of two related children under the age of 18 and their parent(s) is considered poor at the approximately $25,000 per year income threshold. The USIM Gazette® will continue to keep you informed about all the facets of the DTV transition.

The Gazette is very pleased to include an announcement about the activities of its sister company, Patriot Marketing Group, which just won the Platinum Partners award from Incentive magazine. Read the article in the Gazette and visit PMG’s website to learn more about how they may be of service to you now or in the future.

Darrell Woody

Editor-Digital Communications