As a result of smashLAB's recent white paper "A Primer on Social Media", we've been involved in a flurry of discussion around the topic. The white paper, which helps interested people gain a cursory understanding of the phenomenon, has spread rapidly throughout the webosphere, even being reprinted in part in the May 5, 2008 issue of Advertising Age Magazine.
 
Since then, the smashLAB crew has been invited to private engagements to help agencies better employ social media in their efforts. Additionally, some interest has brewed from groups including RGD Ontario. As a result, Eric Karjaluoto visited with the folks in Ontario for a couple of discussions on the topic.
 
An early morning presentation in London resulted in Eric scouring the streets of the city to find an espresso. Having little luck, he made his presentation fueled by some rather questionable Tim Horton's coffee. Although apologetic for his somewhat sleepy demeanour, attendees seemed to appreciate the content. (Click here to read Pat Dryburgh's review of the event.)
 
This morning was another bright and early one, with a breakfast seminar at Grip Advertising in Toronto. The discussion on the importance of social media in design was led by John Furneaux of Karacters and included Lionel Gadoury of Context Creative and Eric Karjaluoto. The group was active and a great discussion ensued around the role of the designer given the nature of these new methods of communicating. (See more about the talk at DesignEdge's website.)
 
... And now it's off to the HOW Conference in Boston.

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