PR Studies

...and statistics

Ofcom says that social media usage is surging (with 38% of UK internet users having a profile on a social networking site like Facebook).

Online and telephone bank First Direct goes further, claiming that over half of the UK population are actively creating content online. In response to this new 'age of openness' the bank has created a microsite to welcome twitter-length feedback.

I'm curious - but not convinced. People may be online, but most are lurkers not active participants. There are many places for expressing our opinions so why create a new one? I've heard today that First Direct does monitor the social web and is very quick to respond to feedback. My comment on the microsite is that I'm a contented long-time customer of First Direct, but that I've had a bruising experience with Equity Red Star car insurance bought through the bank that risks damaging the bank's reputation.

Comments

...and statistics

Ofcom says that social media usage is surging (with 38% of UK internet users having a profile on a social networking site like Facebook).

Online and telephone bank First Direct goes further, claiming that over half of the UK population are actively creating content online. In response to this new 'age of openness' the bank has created a microsite to welcome twitter-length feedback.

I'm curious - but not convinced. People may be online, but most are lurkers not active participants. There are many places for expressing our opinions so why create a new one? I've heard today that First Direct does monitor the social web and is very quick to respond to feedback. My comment on the microsite is that I'm a contented long-time customer of First Direct, but that I've had a bruising experience with Equity Red Star car insurance bought through the bank that risks damaging the bank's reputation.