Author Archives: debmcalister

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About debmcalister

I'm a Dallas-based marketing consultant and writer, who specializes in helping start-up technology companies grow. I write (books, articles, and blogs) about marketing, technology, and social media. This blog is about all of those -- and the funny ways in which they interesect with everyday life. It's also the place where I publish general articles on topics that interest me -- including commentary about the acting and film communities, since I have both a son and grandson who are performers.

Twitter Turns 5: What Now?

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On March 21, 2006, @Jack (Jack Dorsey, one of the programmers at Odeon who created Twitter) sent the first tweet: “just setting up my twttr.”  Tweet #38 was prophetic:  Dom Sagolla (@Dom) typed: “Oh, this is going to be addictive.” Five years … Continue reading

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Trade Associations Issue Six-Strikes Tips for Members

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A number of industry trade associations have issued warnings to their members since major U.S. ISP’s entered into an agreement with copyright holders earlier this month on the so-called “six strikes” rule.  The National Federation of Independent Businesses became the latest, publishing … Continue reading

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Life is Merrier with a Tibetan Terrier

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Usually, this blog covers marketing, and technology, but today, I want to talk about life.  Specifically, life with my Tibetan Terriers.  I’ll start with a photo of the newest family member, Shane’s Lord Raglan, an AKC-registered pup who just passed … Continue reading

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Managing Your Online Reputation: The Basics

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For years, I never worried about my reputation.  After all, my mother told me that my reputation was safe as long as I didn’t do anything to be embarrassed about.  Mom was wrong.        Today, everyone has a personal brand to protect.   I’ve been … Continue reading

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70-year Old Grandma Fights Porn Download Charge

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A 70-year-old grandmother from San Francisco is fighting charges filed by a Chicago law firm representing the entertainment industry that she used BitTorrent to illegally download pornography.  Named as one of 43 Jane or John Doe defendants in the latest … Continue reading

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Half of U.S. Employees Admit to Ignoring Social Media Policies

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According to the nCircle 2011 Social Media Security Trends Survey, over half of U.S. employees (66%) admit to ignoring social media policies published by their employers while 44% (down from 48% in 2010) say that they always comply with the … Continue reading

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Google+ Hoopla Hiding a Real Danger?

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Last week, the world was buzzing about Google+.    I got an invitation, but I haven’t tried it yet.  I probably won’t until absolutely forced to do so.  But the hoopla surrounding its launch got me thinking about all the other social media … Continue reading

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The Six Strikes Plan That Could Shut Down Your Business

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A consortium of entertainment copyright holders called The Center for Copyright Information has launched something called the “six strikes plan” that has the potential to shutter unsuspecting businesses by cutting off their Internet access.  Here’s how it works: ISP’s will begin … Continue reading

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Managing The 9-Hula-Hoop To-Do List

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My husband and I are lucky enough to be raising a 10-year-old who fully intends to run a circus one of these days.  He’s already a performer who juggles, performs on the trapeze and aerial silks, takes pratfalls with a local … Continue reading

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Drawing the Line Online: Personal vs. Professional Speech

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I’m thrilled to be working with three of the industry’s top experts on social and digital media as we put together the content for a great webinar on Thursday, July 14.  It’s free, and if you work in a regulated … Continue reading

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