What Ohioans Are Saying About SOPA and PIPA

This post is from John Roscoe, Senior Director at Strategic Public Partners Group.

What Ohioans Are Saying About SOPA and PIPA

On Wednesday, dozens of websites including Wikipedia, Mozilla and Reddit “blacked out” in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), which are both under consideration in Congress. The PROTECT IP Act is scheduled for a vote in the Senate on January 24.

Here’s what Ohioans are saying about SOPA and PIPA:

“While I support and respect Intellectual Property rights, SOPA and PIPA are fundamentally flawed bills which I do not support. Both of these bills would restrict Americans’ ability to access sites on the Internet, impose burdensome and costly new regulations on web companies and expand the powers of the federal government to police the Internet.”

–Congressman Mike Turner, (OH-3)

http://www.facebook.com/RepMikeTurner?sk=wall

“Please know I have concerns about the legislation and I do not support SOPA in its current form; it could infringe on first amendment rights.”

–Congressman Steve Stivers, (OH-15)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rep-Steve-Stivers/116058275133542

“Therefore, I do not support SOPA in its current form and I am waiting to see what the final product will be when it comes before the full House for a vote. If I believe it infringes on the 1st Amendment I won’t support it.”

–Congressman Jim Renacci, (OH-16)

http://www.facebook.com/notes/congressman-jim-renacci/where-i-stand-on-online-piracy-updated/364778993536958

“While I agree that online piracy is a growing problem, like many of you, I have serious concerns that SOPA could have serious unintended consequences. Some provisions would allow companies to force internet providers to shut down site without any judicial approval as well as hold third party providers, like universities, responsible for what individuals upload onto sites.”

–Congressman Bob Gibbs, (OH-18)

http://www.facebook.com/RepBobGibbs

“SOPA and PIPA are well-intentioned proposals that attempt to address online piracy concerns; however, in their current form the legislation goes too far. The proposals can present damaging ramifications to free speech, global cybersecurity and Internet functionality. At this time, I do not support SOPA and Protect IP Act in their current form, and I hope further committee hearings will be held to resolve these concerns.”

–Congressman Bob Latta, (OH-5)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bob-Latta/115988005143254?sk=wall

“Basically what this bill does is put too much of a burden on companies like Wikipedia to start really policing the vast majority of info that are on their sites.”

–Congressman Tim Ryan, (OH-17)

http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Anti-Piracy-Legislation-Could-Affect-Local-Firms/RLsHAaFn3E2-N3-kKcWTLw.cspx

“I am against SOPA and PIPA because it would censor the Internet. This legislation would affect innovation of online marketers and how we do business. Overall, I think it’s unlawful to allow an IP owner to shut down a website without even a legal hearing or trial with the alleged copyright infringer.”

– Jonathan Levey, co-chair of SEMPO Cleveland & Online Marketing Specialist with Fathom, Valley View

“These bills will absolutely cost jobs, and search engines, social media sites and bloggers will be greatly affected.  Plus, the people who want to pirate content online will still find ways to do so.  Piracy is a problem, yes. SOPA and PIPA are simply not the solution.”

–Bill Balderaz, President, Webbed Marketing, Columbus

http://www.webbedmarketing.com/blog

“This is a bill which will do almost nothing to actually stop piracy (which is, of course, already illegal), but will further rig the system in favor of those already entrenched at the top. It would give authority to copyright holders to sue internet start-ups and any site found to be hosting links (or links to links) featuring copyrighted material.”

–Eric Chase, Edgewood

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/letters/2012/01/18/voicing-opposition-to-sopa-bill/

“My opinion is that this bill is entirely the wrong approach to solving copyright issues. It makes community sites liable for content posted by users, and the risk runs as high as having their domain eliminated from the internet. In essence, it is remarkably similar to the Chinese approach to controlling internet content: if it is disagreeable to those in power, block it.”

– Brian Guilfoos, Editor, Plunderblund

http://www.plunderbund.com/2012/01/18/sopapipa-what-you-need-to-know/

“The problem with the legislation is that it is written too broadly.  For instance, the bill states that to prevent liability sites and their hosts must take “technically feasible and reasonable measures” to prevent unlawful content from appearing on their site.  Unfortunately, the broadly interpreted definition of “technically feasible and reasonable measures” means that a judge could determine just how stringent a university’s network security measures should be.”
– Rick Cartwright, New Media Dayton

http://www.rickcartwright.com/blog/
“We are threatening our abilities to learn, grow, entertain and conduct business. There has been roughly 43 years of invested knowledge from amazing thinkers, business people, programmers, who had the ingenuity to change the landscape of how we live our lives. In just one signing and passing of a bill, we erase years of dedication. Not to mention, jeopardizing the very ability to blog freely. Take a stand!”

– Travis Childs, Social Media Strategist, Cincinnati

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/queencitywelcome/2012/01/18/take-a-stand-against-internet-censorship/

“President Barack Obama, though stopping short of a veto promise, doused the bills with cold water over the weekend, too. The protesters will make their point in a different way today, and they’ll make it with the public rather than the politicians. It could prove a real attention-getter.”

– Cleveland Plain Dealer, Editorial

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/in_protest_of_pipa_and_sopa_a.html

SOPA/PIPA will have “a chilling effect on web entrepreneurship in general.”

–David Howcroft, Ohio for Internet Freedom, Columbus

http://www.thelantern.com/campus/sites-black-out-in-protest-of-sopa-pipa-1.2744651#.Txhpv_kVf-I

“We would have to hire more people to monitor and police that, which would create a lot of overhead…their sole purpose would be to monitor.”

– Stephe Kamykowski, AST2, Youngstown

http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Anti-Piracy-Legislation-Could-Affect-Local-Firms/RLsHAaFn3E2-N3-kKcWTLw.cspx

Tags: internet, pipa, sopa

Will You Flow with Google Current?

One of Google’s latest additions is Google Current, which allows you to access leading publications and blogs you follow on your Android device, iPhone or iPad.  Plus, you can browse, read and share your content – all in a swipable magazine format.

All you have to do is download the free app to your smartphone, and sign in with Google or Gmail.

The service allows you to add your own RSS feeds, video and photo feeds, as well as Google+ feeds and Google Reader subscriptions.  Google Current also makes it really easy to share content with your friends via Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

The app has some helpful features for publishers of content.  Along with adding content (or RSS feeds), publishers can add photos, videos, social updates, and even personalize the layout of their Google Current profile.  This is a great feature for businesses and organizations that want to showcase their brand for readers on Google Current.

We’re interested to see how quickly Google Current takes off.  What’s your opinion; will you be downloading the app?

Tags: google, Google Current

Columbus-based Internet Marketing Firm Serves as “New Facebook” Expert for Sources

Webbed Marketing, a leading social media and search engine optimization firm, based in Columbus, Ohio, is positioned as an expert on the “new Facebook” for the media and other sources seeking professional advice on the changes and updates that just happened on Facebook.

“If you’re looking for an expert on the new Facebook changes, our social media specialists are the ideal source,” Bill Balderaz, Webbed Marketing’s president, said.  “Webbed Marketing is a pioneer in social media marketing, and the new Facebook changes, and our team is readily available for interviews, questions and even discussions about the ‘new’ Facebook.”

All the hype, positive and negative, around the changes coming from the F8 Facebook conference has left many businesses in confusion.  Not to mention, several media outlets are trying to cover stories on the hot topic, but struggling to understand all the changes and updates the social networking platform is offering.

Webbed Marketing’s extensive specialization in social media has positioned the company as a go-to source for your Facebook questions and tips.

For more information about Webbed Marketing’s social media experience, or to contact them about the Facebook changes today, visit www.webbedmarketing.com or contact Courtney Cooper at ccooper@webbedmarketing.com.

Tags: Facebook changes, Facebook updates

Fathom Online Marketing Announces Acquisition of Webbed Marketing

Cleveland-based Fathom Online Marketing, one of the 25 largest search engine optimization and online marketing firms in the country, today announced the acquisition of Webbed Marketing.

Webbed Marketing, based in Columbus, Ohio, has experienced double-digit annual growth since its founding in 2006, and today serves more than 60 clients regionally, nationally and internationally.

“Webbed Marketing is a highly visible company in the online marketing space, and has done a great job earning a reputation as experts in search and social media,” Scot Lowry, CEO of Fathom Online Marketing said. He explained that the acquisition allows Fathom to expand its social media offerings and cited Webbed Marketing’s expertise in healthcare, government and information technology as key reasons for the acquisition.

“In addition, this acquisition allows us to offer online social media research, planning and analysis to large organizations through Webbed Marketing’s VisiOne service” Lowry said.

Lowry said that Webbed Marketing’s office will remain in Columbus. “The Columbus region has been very supportive of Webbed Marketing and our plans are to not only continue to operate the Columbus office, but to continue to grow the Columbus presence.”

“Today’s announcement comes as a result of all the support we’ve received from our employees, clients, partners, and the Columbus community during the last five years,” Bill Balderaz, Webbed Marketing’s founder, said.

“We’re grateful to everyone who has played a role in our success,” Amy Marshall, COO of Webbed Marketing, said. “This move allows us to serve all those around us even better than before.” Marshall, who leads the company’s VisiOne group, added that she is looking forward to introducing in-depth audience research through social media analysis to Fathom’s clients.

“This is another great success story for Central Ohio,” Tim Haynes, Vice President of Member Services and Marketing for TechColumbus said. “It reflects the growth and the strength of our region’s interactive marketing, web development and digital community.”

Susan Merryman, Vice President of Marketing and Communication for the Columbus Chamber of Commerce agreed, “We have a long standing relationship with Webbed Marketing and welcome Fathom to Columbus. This is another great indicator of the economic growth of Columbus.”

Lowry agreed, “This is a case where everyone truly wins. Fathom’s clients now have access to Webbed Marketing’s research, analysis, social media and healthcare experience. While Webbed Marketing’s clients have access to Fathom’s performance based email marketing services and additional SEO and online advertising resources. Employees of both firms have even broader career paths. And the economies of Columbus, Cleveland and all of Ohio benefit by having one of the powerhouses of online marketing based locally.”

About Fathom Online Marketing
Fathom Online Marketing is an online marketing firm located in Valley View, Ohio, specializing in organic search-engine optimization, opt-in email marketing, online public relations, Internet video products, and pay-per-click advertising. Fathom can be found on Twitter: @fathomseo.

About Webbed Marketing
Webbed Marketing’s goal is to help organizations grow by using the power of online marketing, advertising and public relations. The firm specializes in search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, social media, mobile marketing and research and planning. Visit http://www.webbedmarketing.com for more information.

Tags: business, internet marketing, marketing, SEO, social media, webbed marketing

Webbed Marketing Announces New Hires and Spring Marketing Events

Webbed Marketing, a social media marketing and search engine optimization company in central Ohio, announces two new employees and upcoming social media events and webinars. Webbed Marketing continues to showcase its expertise in online marketing with client retention and growth, new employees and an impressive spring event schedule.

Webbed Marketing welcomed two new additions in March. Emily Hanson joined the team as an Internet marketing specialist, after graduating from Ohio University with a degree in public relations. Her previous job was at a global public relations agency in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she served as an assistant account executive. Hanson’s responsibilities at Webbed Marketing will focus on social media, PPC, SEO and account management.

“The Internet marketing industry is always growing and changing, and I thrive in this kind of environment,” Hanson said. “I know Webbed Marketing is a leader in the industry, and when I started interviewing, I really enjoyed the people here. I’m excited to be in Columbus, and I’m ready for the opportunities this position will bring.”

Jason Manion joined the Webbed Marketing team as a PPC expert. He is a 2010 honors graduate from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, with a degree in business administration. Manion’s previous experience is with CollegePlus!, where he managed their PPC marketing. In addition, he has valuable business experience from his work in the development department of a small business.

“The PPC position with Webbed Marketing allows me to further develop my online marketing skills by working with people who are very experienced in that area,” Manion said. “The ability to actually work with people who are more experienced than I am is a great learning opportunity for me. I really appreciate that Webbed Marketing is an established agency, with a history of providing great results to clients.”

With an active presence in the local and national Internet marketing community, Webbed Marketing will be sharing its expertise at several events this spring. Kicking off the spring schedule, Balderaz will be hosting a webinar on March 23 from 2-3 p.m., “Don’t Get Mad, Get Educated: Google Crackdowns and What They Mean for SEO.” The webinar will address Google’s new “Farmer” algorithm, which has shaken up the world of rankings and SEO. Reactions to these changes range from nonchalant to irate, with cries of appeal and approval. Webbed Marketing will ask attendees to take a step back, and take a look at how we got here, who was affected and what your business can do to make sure you’re in with Google.

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce will welcome Webbed Marketing to its Young Professionals’ Exchange, March 22 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Giant Eagle Market District (Kingsdale). The YP Exchange forums provide an opportunity for young professionals (YPs) to network and learn about some of today’s important topics and issues. The topic for this YP Exchange is employee-centric workplaces. Bill Balderaz, Webbed Marketing’s CEO and founder, will discuss how the agency uniquely values its employees, and has implemented employee-centric programs to enhance their work experience and environment.

The agency will also be presenting at the prestigious eMarketing Association Conference in San Francisco, CA, April 19-20. The Power of eMarketing Conference offers an unparalleled and exclusive experience in best practices, case histories and processes for social, e-mail, and emerging marketing technologies. Marketing sessions, tracks, panels and breakouts will provide attendees the ability to design the conference around their particular interests. Networking opportunities with attendees and speakers will strengthen network connections, and enable new opportunities.

The Healthcare Advisors Association will welcome Webbed Marketing May 4-6 in Phoenix, Arizona, for a conference on social media in healthcare. Webbed Marketing will present on how social media research can help shape strategy for healthcare organizations. The agency will also address how healthcare-related organizations, including hospitals and physicians’ practices, can use social media effectively while maintaining privacy and security standards.

The Netsmart Connections 2011 conference in Orlando, Florida, will welcome Webbed Marketing to discuss the role of social media in healthcare, May 16-19. At this event, attendees will learn how to use social media as a tool to communicate with patients, clients, the media and other professionals. The focus will be on understanding how to build a social media policy for a healthcare-related organization.

For more information about Webbed Marketing visit http://www.webbedmarketing.com.

Happy Holidays from Webbed Marketing!

A Holiday message from Webbed Marketing…

Tags: happy holidays, webbed marketing

Ohio Internet Marketing Agency, Webbed Marketing, Offers Media Intelligence and Planning

Webbed to present at Ohio Assisted Living Association conference

Join us as we’ll be presenting from 3-5pm on Strategic Marketing and Communications Get people talking about you! Hear about “word of mouth” marketing from an expert. Identify who is, or should be, talking about your community; and then take steps to influence the conversation in your favor. Learn how to effectively deal with the media to make the most of press releases, as well as how to manage communications during a crisis. Let the talk drive traffic and promote a positive image for your community.

Event information:
Monday December 6th 2010
Easton Hilton

For more information please click here

Ohio Internet Marketing Agency, Webbed Marketing, Announces New Hires and Growth in Columbus

Webbed Marketing, a social media marketing and search engine optimization company in central Ohio, hired Jackie Trexel, senior account manager, and Steve DiMatteo, web content specialist, to join the team.

Since its founding in 2006, Webbed Marketing has been expanding in clients and employees each year. Trexel joins the Webbed Marketing team as a senior account manager. Her areas of expertise include client relationship building and management, project management, customer service, and creative and analytical skills. She has more than 17 years of experience in the banking/financial services industry, starting her career with Bank One, and later working for Chase Manhattan. Trexel then moved on to consulting, providing business-side expertise on accounting system implementations and process improvement. She moved to Cardinal Health, working in project management in the pharmaceutical distribution and nuclear pharmacy divisions, before joining Fitch, Inc. (a global design and branding firm). Her clients at Fitch, Inc. included Starbucks, Cisco, Evenflo, Coca Cola, Colgate, GE and Dell. Recently, Trexel has been consulting clients like Bank of America, Owens Corning and GSW Worldwide.

“I am thrilled to work at Webbed Marketing with such great people in a very fast-moving industry,” Trexel said. “I look forward to making a positive impact on the firm by surpassing clients’ expectations of what Webbed Marketing services can do for their businesses.”

Trexel has lived in Powell for 13 years, and is excited for the challenge her role at Webbed Marketing will bring. Photography, especially black and white, golf, classic cars, wines, wineries and traveling to wine regions, landscaping, cooking, and reading are Trexel’s other passions.

Earlier this quarter, the firm hired DiMatteo as a web content specialist. DiMatteo is a 2010 creative writing graduate from Ohio University, and writes for Dawg Pound Daily, a Cleveland Browns blog, and a movie site called FlickSided. DiMatteo also has experience writing SEO content as a freelance writer, making him an ideal fit for Webbed Marketing’s fast-paced, always-changing culture.

“I love to write content and integrate that with social media practices, so it has been great utilizing these different outlets with Webbed Marketing,” DiMatteo said. “I'm excited to be a part of a team that thrives on new ideas and fresh perspectives. Plus, I hope to provide a quality work that helps propel the company to new heights. It’s a fun community of people I am working with, and it is great to see everyone so excited about what they are doing.”

DiMatteo’s fresh perspective will be a real asset to Webbed Marketing. Originally from Painesville, Ohio, which is about 30 minutes east of Cleveland, he recently moved to Worthington. Along with a new job and new residence, DiMatteo also just became the owner of a three-year-old beagle/basset hound mix named Jupiter. When he’s not playing with his new dog or blogging, DiMatteo likes to visit baseball stadiums, watch bad movies and buy cassette tapes for his “seemingly out-of-date car.”

“As we continue to grow at Webbed Marketing, we make it a priority to hire the best of the best in the field of online marketing,” Bill Balderaz, founder and CEO of Webbed Marketing, said. “We are excited to have Jackie and Steve on board, and look forward to the expertise they will bring to our agency and our clients.”

For more information about Webbed Marketing visit www.webbedmarketing.com.

About Webbed Marketing
Webbed Marketing is a team of experts in the Internet marketing field. Their goal is to grow businesses through the application of Internet resources. The firm specializes in search engine optimization and marketing, as well as viral marketing services, word of mouth and buzz measurement and social media strategies. Visit www.webbedmarketing.com for more information.

Tags: jackie trexel, steve dimatteo, webbed marketing

Webbed Marketing Seeking Account Coordinator

One of the Midwest’s fastest growing online marketing agencies, is seeking a dynamic and motivated Account Coordinator to join our team.  The Account Coordinator is responsible for coordinating multiple client engagements, including serving as the primary day-to-day client contact, retaining clients and organically growing accounts. This position will also be responsible for internal project management for a set of accounts and be charged with keeping projects on time and on budgets. Other duties include qualifying inbound leads (no cold calling is required) and general marketing communications tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for multiple clients
• Understand clients in detail, including their industry, competitive positioning, and messaging; understand the client’s tactical needs and key strategic aspects.
• Understand search engine optimization, pay per click marketing and social media
• Actively participate in account strategy development, help to craft the direction into client- and internal-facing deliverables and in-market tactics. Stay current with interactive trends, and apply them proactively to meet client needs.
• Translate client requirements into agency requirements; create clear documentation for the internal team
• Manage task priorities, ensure team members fully briefed on accounts
• Responsible for overseeing quality assurance of work delivered to clients, maintaining the highest quality standards.
• Lead client status meetings to prioritize current and upcoming projects. 
• Promptly address scope challenges and issues with clients.
• Retain clients
• Qualifying inbound leads
• Internal project management
• Identify client project opportunities to grow account revenue
• Lead tactical client discussions with day-to-day client contacts as well as strategic meetings with senior client personnel.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years marketing, communication, project management or account management experience
• Excellent relationship building skills. 
• Dynamic and flexible personality
• Excellent organizational skills
• A bachelor’s degree 

We offer a great salary, flexible schedule, paid vacation, a retirement plan, health insurance and the chance to work with some of the best clients and brightest minds in online marketing.

Tags: Account Coordinator, hiring, job, webbed marketing