Taco Bell

Taco Bell conversation among sports fans grew (+15%) and became significantly more positive (+12%) as fans reacted to the brand’s new television ad campaign. Taco Bell released commercials featuring the “decidedly colorful” and “blissfully aloof” closer for the San Francisco Giants, Brian Wilson. Fans viewed it as a curious decision given Wilson’s lack of star power and broad appeal, but the choice has resonated very well within this audience segment.

Boxing

Conversations about boxing spiked 77% fueled by the highly anticipated bout between Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez for the WBO Welterweight belt. The majority decision in favor of Pacquiao is considered by many as controversial, but fans believe the result sets up a long awaited bout against Floyd Mayweather. Many aggressively dismiss Pacquiao as being “pound for pound” the best fighter in the world, preferring MMA as the “proving ground” for such a distinction.

Pizza Hut

Pizza Hut has experienced some backlash over their decision to have Reggie Bush as a paid spokesperson in their recent ad campaign. Negative sentiment around the brand has increased 8x compared to the previous 30 day period. Many consumers dislike Bush due to his history of substandard behavior; citing his past involvement in USC recruiting violations, dating Kim Kardashian, his playboy lifestyle and his “all about the money” mentality.

Fantasy Football

The playoffs are on the horizon in coming weeks for hordes of fantasy football fanatics. Many aficionados look for an edge, seeking advice on last minute roster adjustments, “sleeper” pick-ups, verdicts on whether to “sit or start” players. While many play for money, several seek the sole prize of bragging rights. Look for volume of engagement around this topic to reach a fever pitch over the next few weeks.

This data was collected using our SocialSense Audiences product. SocialSense Audiences is an analytical platform designed to deliver fast, high-quality insights around specific vertical markets and audiences.

Sports fans are early adopters and love the latest and greatest in the technology realm. Apple, a brand that is consistently engaged in high volumes by this audience, had a 54% increase in conversation over the past 30 days. This spike can be largely attributed to the unveiling of the newest iPhone on October 4th; the iPhone4s.

Hockey season is finally here and fans are talking online more than ever. Conversation volume is up 18%, the number of commenters is up 15%, and positive sentiment increased 5%; all over the past 30 days. What is even more interesting is the ripple effect of the NBA lockout. Fans were once clamoring for their favorite basketball stars to get back on the hardwood, but now have become content seeking out alternatives, most notably, NHL hockey. Can this new found popularity be sustained? We shall see.

Budweiser is the beer of choice in this audience and it’s not even close; with a share of conversation above 34%, the brand more than doubles the next most conversed brand and nearly triples the volume of one its largest competitors, Miller.

Home Depot’s sponsorship and advertising dollars are paying dividends in sports fans’ social engagement. People discuss the brand when sharing experiences at live soccer events taking place in the stadium with its namesake – The Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, home to the MLS’s LA Galaxy. Fans are growing increasingly more vocal, as the postseason has begun.

This data was collected using our SocialSense Audiences product. SocialSense Audiences is an analytical platform designed to deliver fast, high-quality insights around specific vertical markets and audiences.

Sprite

Sprite has tailored much of their media spend to marketing tied to the sports and entertainment industries. This has allowed the brand to become one of the top beverages in online conversations among sports fans, second only to Coca-Cola, while surpassing such popular sodas as; Pepsi, 7Up, and Mountain Dew.

Major League Baseball 

As Major League Baseball enters its postseason, conversations have increased 31% over the past 30 days. While many continue to support their favorite teams, some share their predictions for the eventual champion. However, much of the engagement online is not about the teams that did make it, but those who didn’t. Specifically, the Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves, who both suffered through historic collapses over the final month of the season.

Rugby

Rugby has become increasingly popular in North America and around the world. As conversation jumped 81% over the past month, many are highly engaged with World Cup 2011. But, many in the US are comparing the “barbaric game” to more widely accepted sports – football, hockey, and basketball. Many feel it is much too dangerous, not well regulated, and an “exercise in organized confusion.” Interestingly enough, much of this conversation is originating on sites focused on the least physical of the aforementioned sports – basketball.

Apple

Apple continues to be among the most popular brands among sports fans, second only to Nike. Fans want to watch highlights and live sporting events on their mobile devices and frequently recommend the iPad and iPhone as best options to do so. Many are also intrigued about rumors surrounding the upcoming release around the iPhone 5 and how it may revolutionize the mobile technology game.

This data was collected using our SocialSense Audiences product. SocialSense Audiences is an analytical platform designed to deliver fast, high-quality insights around specific vertical markets and audiences.

America’s favorite past time has past. As the upcoming college and pro football seasons approach, fan have moved on from the “boys of summer” to the “school of hard knocks.” Football conversations account for more than 2x times that of baseball, as many fans teams have drop out of MLB playoff contention and they look to the gridiron for a sense of renewed optimism. ESPN, despite being the most popular sports network, has failed to get the audience engaged on their site, as most of these discussions have been occurring on CBSSports.com

Toyota accounts for nearly 20% of the share of conversation for top automotive brands among sports enthusiasts. This conversation, while largely positive (28%) with people sharing their ownership experiences, also has people also considering their options. Concerns about the safety of newer Toyota models are still resonating from recalls earlier this year. Individuals are looking to other international models, such as Nissan, Honda, and Hyundai as potential alternatives.

While sports fans demand excellence from their favorite teams and athletes, the same can’t be said for their favorite restaurants. While a healthy lifestyle and optimal efficiency is a necessary component for peak performance in all sports, it seems much less important for fans. McDonald’s controls over 30% of fast food conversations. However, fans are engaging the restaurant in a less than positive fashion. While many admit frequenting the establishment, many patrons are very dissatisfied with the food quality and customer service, only patronizing the restaurant to “access the wifi while on the road,” “get an annoying Happy Meal toy for the kids,” or because “[They’re] addicted to the grease, and [they] can’t help it.”

Coca-Cola is one of the most successful brands in the world, and this position is no different among sports fans. The brand dominates share of conversation among top sodas at 76% and has 25% positive sentiment. Fans discuss mixing the beverage with top liquors such as Jack Daniels, Captain Morgan, and Bacardi. Individuals also discuss the effect that regular Coke, Diet Coke, and Coke Zero have on the taste of these cocktails and which types of foods pair well with them.

This data was collected using our SocialSense Audiences product. SocialSense Audiences is an analytical platform designed to deliver fast, high-quality insights around specific vertical markets and audiences.

• Money for nothing, and the tweets for a fee.  A salary of $100K to schmooze with artists and engage, educate, and entertain using Twitter? Where do I sign up? MTV hires its first TJ (Twitter Jockey).
• I’m as mad as hell, and I not going to take it anymore. A fed up  flight attendant grabs a couple beers and takes a stroll down an airport runway. Jet Blue’s response to Slater’s rant? Silence.
• I need help … now! When facing an emergency situation call 9-1-1 (Duh!). But what if that option is unavailable? People are using social media when they’ve fallen and can’t get up.
• Women begin  planning their wedding the day from the moment they say yes. I’m certain most don’t envision a social media proposal of epic geekdom.
• Going for the gold. Increased focus on the acquisition of companies that will form Google’s social initiatives continues to… umm increase (I guess). Google buys Jambool.
• Travel the world. Delta Air Lines opens a social commerce channel. You can go anywhere, but the journey starts on Facebook.

• Is the “Torch” being passed, or passed by? RIM releases the Blackberry Torch 9800 and it’s full of new features. Will it rival the iPhone?
• Could someone please turn on a light? Whether you are looking for bright ideas or are just afraid of being left in the dark, social media can be challenging and &%!@ing scary.
• What costs the British $22 billion a year? No, not extensive dental work. I’m talking about loss of productivity due to social media.
• What goes up, must continue to go up? Time spent social networking is up 7% from a year ago and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing. The same can’t be said for e-mail.
• I’ll take one of those. Two of those. And a couple of those. Zuckerberg goes shopping for social media dominance. Facebook purchases the rights to 18 patents from Friendster.
• Good bye, I never want to see you most of you again. Google Wave is no longer, but its memory lives on. Google Me to incorporate best features from lessons learned?

• The Explorer’s new clothes. Ford Motor Company uses Facebook to reveal the newest edition of one of its most iconic models. The Ford Explorer is reinvented.
• Time to grow up and play some big-boy games. Google and Disney are entering the social gaming market. Big business antes up.
• A picture is worth 140 characters. No longer willing to maintain self restraint, Twitter begins testing inline photos and videos.
• In case you didn’t hear me the first time, I’d recommend checking your Facebook privacy settings. Grabbing private information from 170 million people is not as hard to get as you might think.
• “Fascinating is a word I use for the unexpected. In this case, I should think ‘interesting’ would suffice.” — Spock. James T. Kirk leaves Star Fleet and joins… Twitter? William Shatner set to star in social media inspired “$#*! My Dad Says.”
• Why do feet smell and noses run? What was the best thing prior to sliced bread? Why does rain drop and snow fall? If you got a question, Facebook has the answer (potentially).
• Help take a bite out of crime. The FBI outlines the most serious “cyber” crimes and tries to take down social networking’s scam syndicate.
• 140 at 104. After composing more than 1,000 tweets and amassing some 56,000 followers, Twitter’s oldest Tweeter passes away. R.I.P. Ivey Bean.

• The handshake. The high-five. The chest bump. The bro hug. The “social checkin?” SCVNGR introduces a “challenging” way to say hello.
• Social services (or lack thereof). Social networking sites are being likened to airlines and cable television when it comes to customer (dis)satisfaction. Is the commercialization of social media impacting the experience?
• Divisions are so divisive. Are separate business units for social media necessary?  A heated debate in the comments of an Adage blog post erupts.
• “Michael Knight, a lone crusader in a dangerous world. The world… of the Knight Rider.” Ford Motor Company unveils “AJ” (I prefer K.I.T.T.), the social networking car. We are a “David Hasselhoff” away from reliving the 80s?
• You don’t get to 500 million friends, without making a few enemies. Mr. Zuckerberg doesn’t think much of the new Facebook movie. What?!? Yep, it’s called The Social Network and there’s a trailer.
• I pledge allegiance to the “emotional states” of America. Is the west coast truly happier than the east? Twitter study reveals the pulse of a nation.

• Hello ladies. How are you? Fantastic. Does your man look like me? No. Can he smell like me? Yes. Old Spice sets the social standard.
• It’s social… if you can pay. And it certainly won’t be anonymous.  The Sun Chronicle is now charging to comment.
• The @earlybird gets the worm. Or does it? Twitter tries to monetizing their growing traffic numbers by tweeting out deals. Will it work?
• Mobile users of Facebook are taking it to the street. Facebook has 150 million mobile users, up 50% from 3 months ago.
• I always feel like somebody’s watching me (but it’s my fault). Friends (and criminals, I suppose) can know your every move, but only if you let them. Geolocation is causing growing  concern about security in a mobile world.
• This land is your land. This land my land. However, it’s only your land if you have the proper documentation to prove you are a citizen. Despite the public’s willingness to blame immigrants for the nonexistent Arizona crime wave, most Americans are embarrassed by the nation’s “political class.”
• Looking for a job? Get ready to compete with recent college grads, over-qualified applicants, and an aging population on the verge of retirement (or so they thought). Get you and your resume through the virtual front door to the person doing the hiring.

• Is there somebody following you? Social media has affected relationships and radically changed dating. Facebook is perfect for hooking up or breaking up in case you didn’t know.
• If your employer thinks your tweet compromises your credibility, you could lose your job, especially when there’s a political agenda.  An experienced CNN journalist loses her job.
• The “King of Akron” must also be the “King of Procrastination and Reluctance.” Everybody bow before the king as he enters the 21st century. Lebron James joins Twitter.
• To sweeten its bottom line, a Cold Stone turns its focus away from traditional advertising methods to create the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.
• There may be world peace in the future, but you may not have any friends or meaningful relationships. Social media is making the room smaller, but building a lot of cubicles as well. What will the social world be like in 2020?
• As thousands of barrels of oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico, social media fills up with widespread disgust for  BP’s chief executive.

• Most of us get it, but apparently there are some people who don’t understand the difference between social networks and social media.  There’s more to it than Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. No duh.
• 800 million reasons to believe. In a year filled with bad press, Facebook has some good news. Does a higher-than-expected 2009 revenue have Facebook heading toward an IPO?
• Temporarily unavailable. The World Cup is wreaking havoc on Twitter’s servers and forcing them to adjust quickly.
• I need a vacation, please tell me where I should go. Friends can share their travel experiences, wisdom, and  advice using TripAdvisor’s Facebook integration.
• Being connected comes with a hefty price.  Technology has brought the world closer together, but has it pushed the closest ones away? Parents struggle with today’s social lifestyles.
• Shot through the heart, and you’re to blame. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff tweets the go-ahead to execute Ronnie Lee Gardner.

• Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, BP’s social-media oil spill spews out onto the web.
• Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day. Fritter and waste the hours in an off-hand way. Are small business owners are wasting time on social media?
• Mongolian Empire. Ottoman Empire. Roman Empire. UFC Empire? The fastest growing sport in the world was built by connecting directly with fans without mainstream-media support.
• Coupon clippers rejoice.  Companies use Facebook to reward frugal fans for their loyalty.
• Divorce is contagious and  spreads through social media.
• The room is getting smaller. Especially when you put 32 people in it. Budweiser’s “Bud United” campaign is putting the world in a box.
• The tie that binds. Big players continue to converge.  Yahoo integrates with Facebook’s news feed.

I don’t trust you. I want a divorce.

• Consumers have a severe lack of faith in financial institutions (and for good reason). Banks look to improve their “loyalty rates” through social media.
• Careful what you write on your girlfriend’s wall, your wife might read it. Divorce attorneys build their case on Facebook.

Small businesses, big opportunities. Big problem, little conversation.

• Never underestimate the power of word of mouth. Five companies that are capitalizing right now.
• Mainstream media is focused on the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, while social-media conversations are aimed elsewhere. Technology news grabs online headlines away from natural disaster.

The best defense is a good offense. He shoots. He scores.

• The NBA gets the social-media ball rolling as the Celtics and Lakers take center stage. The starting lineup is filled with social-media superstars.
• The World Cup is only days away, and citizens across the globe will be tuning in. The biggest sporting event in the world and big brands are along for the ride.

Smart. Very smart… Stupid.

• In three-month span, 73 million people used mobile browsers, and 30 million accessed a social network. Smartphone users are getting more social.
• After a  security fiasco, a PR nightmare, and privacy settings that would make even the most confident man blush, Facebook is at is again.

I consider myself more of a dog person. Teaching an old dog new tricks.

• Sometimes words can’t adequately describe the mind of a cat lover, but Sony has taken the obsession to a whole new level. A little bird told me about Tweeting cat collars.
• Ever the trend-setter (?!?), George W. Bush has joined Twitter and Facebook. Get anex-president to join 21st century – Mission Accomplished!

• 2010 has been the year of unwanted attention for many technology companies.  The 10 most controversial technology stories of 2010 — so far.
• Dr. Suess said, ”The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”  The social media data set is expanding beyond the bounds of comprehension. Just imagine what YOU can learn…
• Houston we have NO problems with beta launch. Big brands embrace the tech-industry mentality and use social media as the fuel. Ford, P&G and Pepsi build the buzz.
• Pew, that stinks. Trends in traditional and social-media news rarely intersect. Short attention spans and the ever-expanding web pose difficult challenges for mainstream media according to a new Pew study.
• Facebook opened an all-you-can-eat buffet full of user data and now needs a healthier approach to privacy. Facebook’s “instant personalization” gets “simplified”.
• Stalking your virtual self. 18–29 year olds value their privacy online and are actively doing something about it. Reputation management is a big deal to young internet users.
• You may be a little nervous about investing in the real stock market, but maybe the virtual one is more to your liking.  Revenues for virtual goods continue to grow.

• You don’t know the power of the Dark (chocolate) Side. Nestle used products grown on illegally deforested lands to create its chocolaty confections, but no longer. Greenpeace gets social to save the planet.
• Wow! That’s a low price! The benefits of being a contradiction: stinginess and impulsive buying. Airline travel deals target the Twitter generation.
• Peaks and valleys. The heights of social-media popularity aren’t being matched by advertising budgets. Razorfish report reveals social ad spend is low.
• On the other hand, maybe “it’s a pretty big deal.”  Ford’s focus on social media seems to have started a movement. The launch of the new Fiesta represents a paradigm shift.
• Let the games begin. ESPN signs a lucrative two-year deal with social gaming company Playdom.
• Changing disposable diapers. Despite the lingering odor from the their Dry Max diaper launch, Pampers steps up its social-media efforts.
• Use it, or lose it. To find the next big thing or for research, promotion, and analysis, venture capitalists get results with social media.

• I think someone is following me. A couple 100 someones. And I made them do it.  Twitter’s “auto-follow” bug is real.
• How quickly we forget. Social media’s contribution to the Obama campaign was undeniable. Now, the President has labeled the very devices that facilitated his social election as a “distraction, a diversion, a form of entertainment.” Is Barack being hypocritical?
• Evidence of the latest musical savant spreads like a social-media infection and lands him a spot on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Greyson Michael Chance, dude you rock!
• A geek, a dweeb, a nerd, and a dork walk into a computer lab… (insert punchline here). Facebook took away your privacy. “Four talented young nerds” aim to give it back (for free). Diaspora claims it will give users control.
• Preaching by the converted. TV networks, hotels, airlines and restaurants are all using social media to improve CRM and reward their loyal followers. Social media is turning fans into brand evangelists.
• An 88-year-old Golden Girl hosts a 35-year-old TV show, helping it grab its highest ratings in 18 months. 500,000+ Facebook users love Betty White.

• Ever the trendsetter, Mr. Obama’s successful social-media strategies have crossed the pond. The first British election in the social media age is upon us.
• The wind beneath my wings. A child designs an airplane and instead of crushing an 8 year old’s dreams, a big corporation becomes a little more human. After a false start, Boeing approaches intellectual-property law with a more age-appropriate response.
• Did you remember Mother’s Day this year? Next year, use social media to get your mom something nice. E-Trade, Teleflora and iVillage are in the Mother’s Day marketing mix.
• For the good of all mankind. Social networks have become a valuable fund-raising method for many causes, some more successful than others. Help #EndMalaria with Twitter’s Hope140.
• The anti-social side of social. Facebook is the darling of social media, but many users don’t really consider it a social network. Is Facebook really more of a public phone book or search engine?
• Everybody’s a critic. Social media has established a new generation of film review. It use to be Ebert and Roeper — now it’s entire online movie communities. Are audiences really the movie experts?
• Part of a healthy lifestyle is being social. The health-care community has merged with social media and the effects are revolutionary. The Health 2.0 movement has arrived.
• What do you think? Should I buy these?  Bing Shopping integrates with Facebook and Twitter.

• Lock your doors, close your windows, and adjust your privacy settings. Facebook takes on the government.
• An F in school administration? A middle-school principal all but accuses parents child abuse if they don’t put a stop to their childrens’ social networking.
• Social socialist. Known for his historically long-winded speeches, can the Venezuelan President limit himself to 140 characters? Hugo Chavez joins Twitter.
• Papers please. The draconian Arizona immigration law has sparked a social-media boycott but the Office of Tourism remains silent.
• Tweevolution. Twitter was once simply a means to update your status, but no longer. Twitter becomes a news-media outlet.
• Nice pants. Facebook’s Social Plugins tool allows you to make sure you dont get caught with your pants down. Let’s go shopping for Levi’s on Facebook.
• What is social media worth? Short answer: alot. No longer solely part of “young and fashionable” brands, social media has gone global.