Legal Tweets

The latest lawtechTalk episode

If you're in the market for new legal technology products for your law practice, you may want to check out the latest lawtechTalk screencast, available for viewing at not cost, which features, and is sponsored by, the following legal technology products:

• MyCaption--Provides a Blackberry application that converts speech to text within minutes and synchronizes seamlessly with Outlook.

• Legal Workspace--Provides an internet-hosted (aka cloud computing) legal IT environment using many of the desktop software products already used in many law offices, including Amicus, Quickbooks and Time Slips.

• Winscribe--Provides digital dictation and work management software that can be either server-based or cloud-based.

In this episode of lawtechTalk, I've tweaked the format a bit. During each screencast and demo, I'll be interviewing a representative from each company. Hopefully this interactivity will make the screencast even more interesting for you, the viewer.

You can access all four parts of this episode by scrolling through and clicking on each segment below.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing you and yours Happy Holidays! 

Intermedia--a better term for "social media"?

nikiblack: In my quest for a better term---Social media=online interactive communication?

RWSJR: @nikiblack Too long. How about "e-talk"? : )

adriandayton: .@nikiblack its tough because "social media" is already a pretty LONG term. It would be great to find a shorter one. How about "Shmedia"

nikiblack: @RWSJR I agree--it's too long of a term, but e-talk won't convince businesses...

joelrosenberg: @nikiblack Better terms are usually shorter than the ones they replace. Or at least snappier.

nikiblack: I've got it! A better, replacement term 4 "social media"--"inter-media" (short for interactive media)...

VBalasubramani: @nikiblack doesn't work for me

wfenza: @nikiblack how about "network media"? Business-types love the word "network."

gerkmana: @nikiblack Interesting. I struggle with the term... But I almost think the "social" part is more important than the "media" part.

cyberlaw: @nikiblack - Not sure I like that term. Sounds not too family friendly.

nikiblack: Inter=put to rest. So, "inter-media" means old media is over.

nikiblack: Inter can also short 4 "interactive", (my main reason for it), "interchange", "interconnect", "intercourse" (not *that* kind;)), "interface"

nikiblack: "inter-media" continued: "inter"= "intergenerational", "interfuse", "interplay", "interweave", "intersects", "intervene"

nikiblack: Wikipedia on "intermedia"--http://bit.ly/4eKd7T

nikiblack: Thesaurus.com--"inter-media"= http://bit.ly/8Q6A1n

nikiblack: Book published in 1986 encompassing this concept-old school: Inter/Media: Interpersonal Communication in a Media World http://bit.ly/7YGFDf

jkubicki: Also a next version of inter-net RT @nikiblack: Inter also short 4 "interactive" "interchange", "interconnect", "intercourse" "interface"

BlitheMDJD: @nikiblack maybe "real time" or "live" work better than "inter". "Social" demeans quality of data, tho it does describe interactivity.

nikiblack: @BlitheMDJD I agree "social" is the problem, but IMO "live" & "real-time" don't incorporate most imp. quality--user interaction

gerkmana: @nikiblack I like the plays on inter-, but maybe soon it doesn't need its own name. Depending on goals, it's just networking or marketing.

nikiblack: @uMCLE I think it encompasses more than just networking though. It's useing the web to interact & disseminate info.

montserratlj: @nikiblack "inter-media" is pretty close to "intermediate"...

nikiblack: @montserratlj Right-that's one reason I liked it as well-It's a nice play on words-& "inter-media" is the "in between" of where Web is going

socialtechno: @nikiblack I'd dump the word 'media' fast as you can. It means TV, radio, magazines Nobody ever called phonecalls media; or cocktailparties

nikiblack: @socialtechno Media= "communication by publication or broadcast"--it's the most concise term I can find for the concept

gerkmana: @nikiblack @uMCLE Calling it something new (incl "soc media") plays a role is scaring ppl off. Standard response: "I'm just not a techie."

gerkmana: @nikiblack I think the movement can be described with a word (really liking intermedia, actually), but better sold to biz w/ trad language.

DeutschLaw: @nikiblack how about some sort of reference to the fact that it is for regular people and accesible to everyone.

uMCLE: @nikiblack @gerkmana language facilitates, but can also isolate. "Media" common, but not as participatory. "online" should replace "media"

DeutschLaw: @nikiblack media just always sounded to me like I could not participate

nikiblack: @gerkmana @uMCLE I think it makes it easier to connect new concepts w/ old if u use some of the old terms...

gerkmana: @uMCLE @nikiblack I know it's "old school" but I liked "new media." Said media no longer just talking "at you." Captured journ shift, too.

DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack @umcle @gerkmana businesses always scared of revolutionary changes. Changing description won't change fear, only time will

negot8or: @nikiblack @gerkmana @uMCLE Why do you need to SELL a term at all? Language is important, but objections/rejection isn't b/c of the term.

jkubicki: Companies have used this 4 name or services - need to co-opt it for greatr purpose. RT @nikiblack: -"inter-media" is the new "social media"

nikiblack: @gerkmana @uMCLE @negot8or I don't think need to sell a term-I think the old term is too narrow & not descriptive enough

uMCLE: @negot8or @nikiblack @gerkmana @DisabilityGuy Beg to differ, Jeff. Language/label plays a huge role in adopting or intimidating

nikiblack: @gerkmana @negot8or @uMCLE Those intimidated are intimidated by the medium itself, not the name.

DeutschLaw: @nikiblack what about the use of engage. Everyone always refers to it and a definition is "to bring together/interlock.".

nikiblack: @negot8or @uMCLE @gerkmana But soc med "gods" like @garyvee @chrisbrogan agree in their books, etc.-"soc med" is inadequate/antiquated term

GHSTinthMCHNE: @nikiblack What about Dynamic Media or dyna media...Sounds like a dinosaur i know but it could work

nikiblack: "Intermedia = interactive media, the next stage of the Internet, where the world interacts,..." http://tumblr.com/xz84h3evn

Is social media use worthwhile if you don't have a blog?

nikiblack: ->@GrantGriffiths -in wave convo u said soc med is tool 2 promote blog & blogs are not SM tool. Not sure I agree-that's 1 way to use SM & blogs

nikiblack: ->@GrantGriffiths Thought that was interesting issue & wanted 2 throw it out there 4 discussion. That's not how I discuss blogs in SM book.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack A blog should be at the center of your web presence. Social networking tools are just that, tools to grow your blog

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths Blogs don't work for everyone. Some don't like to write. SOcial media can still work for them & be their online presence.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack Blogging doesn't mean you have to write a law review article every time you touch the keyboard. Blogging is as simple...

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack You can not totally engage nor build trust with your target audience on social networking tools alone like twitter or facebook

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths I'm all 4blogging, but don't think it works for everyone. Preferably, it's anchor of web presence, but not necessary

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths Not necessary? In a world of self-identified prospects seeking relevant, timely and reliable unique information?

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths An online presence without a content generation mentality is doomed to failure. Period.

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack You can not get the amount of information needed with social networking tools alone. They guide and direct them to blog

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Social Networking was gateway drug 2 a blog 4 me. Found I needed additional ways to expand conversation

DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths I'm on Social Media 2 learn & interact, blog 2 educate. Social Media helps blog, but not only reason 2 use SM

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @nikiblack Facebook has more eyes than most blogs will ever C. Filled w/ calls 2 action (causes fan pages etc

uMCLE: Agree w/ @GrantGriffiths that blog as base for social networking optimal but like @DisabilityGuy can be effect & not cause of SN @nikiblack

nikiblack: @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @DisabilityGuy I agree blogs shld be base, but don't have to be. Can get a lot out of SM w/out a blog as well.

DisabilityGuy: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @nikiblack @uMCLE Every Facebook LinkedIn & Twitter friend doesn't read blog, but I can still influence on SM

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Only if they see you, Steven. Blog gets them in, SM keeps them in your sphere.

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman Not everyone enjoys writing-it's a chore for some. Can be detrimental if not good at it.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman SM serves many purposes--one of those goals is to get clients.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths I disagree that blog has to be center. Don't think center of my SM presence is my blogs

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths Only tangentially. Goal of SM is to establish relationships IMO.

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Actually opposite 4 me, SM has driven 2 my blog. Still more eyes from SM than blog 4 me

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack Most I interact w/ daily on SM, not interested in my specialty blog

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack And how did they get to you on FB?

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths The find u on FB via ur email contacts, not ur blog.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman Also, IMO, blogs= form of SM--interaction platform, user generated content via comments

GrantGriffiths: @nikiblack I have to say you are most likely in the minority with that position.

nikiblack: @GrantGriffiths Not so Grant--Wikipedia agrees with me--blogs are a form of social media: http://bit.ly/1xAtG4

uMCLE: @nikiblack Absolutely. Blogs def SM. More relevant as base for professionals, not personal @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman

uMCLE: Some of my most meaningful relationships on Facebook don't blog and don't have to @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman

JayFleischman: @uMCLE @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths But aren't we speaking about professional development, not personal?

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @nikiblack @GrantGriffiths Hard 4 me 2 separate prof. development from personal. As attorney, personal leads to prof

uMCLE: If prof vs pers established earlier, apologize for missing when rudely jumped in :) @JayFleischman @nikiblack @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths Totally agree w/ @DisabilityGuy- prof-al & personal overlap greatly

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths (E)very single SM expert I've ever seen says blog is the hub, SM is a spoke.

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy SM is about connections, old & new--and maintaining them. Not just abt new ones

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @nikiblack @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths Facebook Personal relationships have brought new people 2 my sphere by sharing about prof

nikiblack: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @DisabilityGuy IMO, hub/spoke formula is most effective one, but not the only one, by any means

JayFleischman: @DisabilityGuy @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack OK, so how do you bring in new people who have zero prior exposure to you? Blog or SM?

nikiblack: @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @DisabilityGuy Either blog, Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, online forums, listserv or all of the above;)

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @GrantGriffiths @uMCLE Ideally agree w/ @nikiblack should use SM & Blog, but not sure 1 more important than other. Both work

JayFleischman: @nikiblack @uMCLE @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths True, but why engage in activities that are less effective? Tangentially, maybe.

nikiblack: @DisabilityGuy @GrantGriffiths @JayFleischman @uMCLE Bec different personalities are more suited 2 diff. SM mediums-No reason to force it

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths @nikiblack All 4 of U R interacting w/ me solely from SM. U may've read blog, but discovered from SM

DisabilityGuy: @JayFleischman w/ ur reasoning, blog is least effective 4 me presently, so I should just use SM @nikiblack @uMCLE @GrantGriffiths

Tidbits from the Law Firm Leadership Conference #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: As lawyers we tend to romanticize our profession--idealize it. We can continue to uphold dignity of it, but accept reality

Rotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: traditional lawyers will always be needed for deep expertise and complex communication

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: If you an see ways you can work differently, you should do it bec if you don't, your competitors will

jordan_law21: Susskind: Five-stage progression of legal work: bespoke (customized), standardized, systematized, packaged, and commoditized (free): #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: The drive towards commoditization pre-dates the economic downturn

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: If non-lawyers controlled the delivery of legal services, things would (will) look much different

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Disruptive technology--new technologies may not help us as lawyers-they disrupt the way we work-but can't ignore them

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: need to look at multi sourcing, client facing technology, collaboration, and e-learning

jordan_law21: Susskind: Decomposing legal tasks into divisible blocks, ask: what's best way to execute each block? #lflc

jordan_law21: Susskind: Litigation is: doc review, research, project mgmt, lit. support, e-discovery, strategy, tactics, negotiation, advocacy... #lflc

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: project management lies at the heart of the legal industry of the future

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: Axion providing 'lease a lawyer' system. Experienced, cheaper lawyers providing expertise on a contract basis for less cost

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: future of legal services lies in giving access to the firm's internal knowledge systems

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Most important business impact 4 lawyers-new ways of delivering legal services-virtual law office, turn knowledge into value

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Knowledge management used to be internal issue--now external--sharing knowledge with clients

ARotenberg: #LFLC: Susskind: Firms should take a cue from British Airways- investment in technology is on the client side, not internally

jordan_law21: Lamb: "This will be too hard" is lawyerly response. Ask instead: "How can I be 1st to change and profit therefrom?" #lflc

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: It's not about pricing differently--it's about working differently. (!!!)

ARotenberg: #LFLC Maclean: innovative law firm fee calculator: http://bit.ly/2h3RJ9

nikiblack: #lflc MacLean: Clients don't care about ur profit, cost--they only care about the cost/value to them

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Any lawyer who takes time to research tech agrees that it changes legal practice-those who disagree are reacting emotionally

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Lawyers should be responding to new challenges by embracing emerging technologies, not ignoring them

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: new jobs for lawyers will emerge- eg. legal risk managers, legal process analysts, legal knowledge engineers

ARotenberg: #LFLC Susskind: Newbies don't need to do routine tasks hundreds of times in the name of education. Don't confuse exploitation with training

ARotenberg: #LFLC Lamb: Younger third of the firm is less attached to status quo. Give them the opportunity to lead the charge to change

nikiblack #lflc Susskind: e-learning. ... Why don't we use online learning as we should (I say--#SPU anyone?)

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: Talking about Twitter and its value to lawyers because their clients are on it, if for no other reason.

nikiblack: #lflc Susskind: The enemy who kills you doesn't look like you.

Tidbits from NYC Avvo Seminar

This legal tweets series brought to you via Andrea Cannavina aka @legaltypist, who did a great job covering this event and provided a ton of useful information:

legaltypist: Word of mouth referrals is going on line. #AVVO

legaltypist: Blogging is a micro site where you put your opinions and thoughts. More dynamic it is the more Search Engines will find you. #AVVO

legaltypist: Some sites now help attorneys share documents. JDSupra. #AVVO

legaltypist: Money and morning test. Where do you spend your money and what do you think about each morning? Should be your core web presence. #AVVO

legaltypist: In order to have an effective web presence, it doesn't need to be expensive. Once you have core, go out and network pointing back. #AVVO

legaltypist: Think strategically. Don't just hang out with lawyers. LinkedIn create site, but do consumers/target market congregate there? #AVVO

legaltypist: Reputation management. Everyone has an on line profile - whether you like it or not. #AVVO

legaltypist: Google Alerts helps you learn/monitor any one's name. #AVVO You should be monitoring your own. (My two cents: SocialMention's alerts are even better--allow you to track sentiment in the mentions as well)

legaltypist: AVVO republishes information from State Bar. All NY attorneys have a profile. #AVVO

legaltypist: To be an effective blogger you need personality. #AVVO

legaltypist: Effective blogs are written by real attrorneys with real voices. #AVVO

legaltypist: From groups and forums - point back to your blog, website or profile - your core web presence. Tells Google and search engines too. #AVVO

JeenaBelil: @MarkBritton doing a phenom job breaking down SM for lawyers in room #AVVO

legaltypist: If they are not talking about you - you don't exist. per @ThatLaywerDude #AVVO

legaltypist: You can't contribute to the conversation if you're not listening per @AriKaplan #AVVO

legaltypist: Per @JeenaBelil - its two jobs. One practicing law; the other marketing a practice. It's hard, but doable. per @JeenaBelil #AVVO

legaltypist: You should be spending at least 10% of your time marketing your practice. #AVVO

legaltypist: The things that you do on a daily basis, will come back to you on the yearly basis. per @ThatLawyerDude #AVVO

Law Schools Failing Their Clientele?

ronfox: Prized lawyers would not have left profession if LS fac. & staff made them aware of many options to practice consistent w/personal values.

btannebaum: @ronfox remember there are law students who don't view law as a profession, rather a money making vehicle

ronfox: @btannebaum I can't argue w/you but my concern is w/the 1000's who do view it as a profession who LS misplace in unprofessional settings

btannebaum: @ronfox I blame the law students and the law schools. Don't exempt the law student looking for the big salary

nikiblack: @ronfox Law students also have exorbitant student loans to pay back, so tough to blame them for wanting big $ when first out of school....

ronfox: @nikiblack I didn't blame any law students, just RTing @btannebaum but DO blame law schools for higher debt b/c unjustified tuition raises

btannebaum: @ronfox our problem is that we have law students taking jobs solely to pay off loans, having no passion for what they are doing

ronfox: @nikiblack I just finished reading GAO report to Congress on law school costs (poorly done but has tuition increases) http://bit.ly/mZXQd

ronfox: @nikiblack In my years advising law students I witnessed many w/o debt who were still diverted by LS OCI funnel to jobs in conflict w/values

nikiblack: @ronfox I hear you. Law schools are far too BigLaw focused & pressures on law students to conform (& thus be "successful") are so strong.

dougcornelius: @ronfox @nikiblack Its easier to get a job through LS OCI. Future employers come to YOU when you are 1/3 through law school.

ronfox: @dougcornelius Do you support OCI? While it's easier, it is the primary cause of student misplacement & should be ended & eliminated

dougcornelius: @ronfox OCI? It seems misplaced to be hiring for future partners after 1 year of law school.

dougcornelius: @ronfox I think small firms could participate in OCI. But they are smart enough to avoid it. They know a 2L can't help them.

ronfox: @dougcornelius Dsagree. OCI ONLY for those who commit 2 yrs ahead (old days) Basically 0% of businesses & non-profits in real world can

ronfox: @dougcornelius Also, small firms DID often hire 1Ls & 2Ls part-time&summer & did help. Often offered them, now trained, full-time on grad

ronfox: @btannebaum @nikiblack Dreaming of day LS closes doors if: cost not reasonable; not training to practice; & not teaching to follow passion

btannebaum: @ronfox law schools = profit centers for universities. Tuition is based on market demand. After LA Law, everyone wanted to be a Biglaw Atty

ronfox: @btannebaum Isn't the nickname for a university's law school "Cash Cow"? I read one reason for UMass public LS "bring $ to state coffers"

pwoldow: Need 2 rethink law school - from training 2 tuition RT @jkubicki Indeed! @ronfox Lame Solution 2 exorbitant LS tuition. http://bit.ly/iOsCh 

ronfox: knowing only how to think like lawyer upon grad today makes you dinosaur before you even being work http://bit.ly/1uSOp2

btannebaum: @ronfox when I went to law school, we had 5 in florida. Now we have 11

Nuggets of wisdom from Social Media for Lawyers 1 conference

The Social Media for Lawyers Conference occurred in September 2009 in NYC.  I (@nikiblack) was one of the panelists:

fredabramson: @nikiblack is on the fence about facebook fan pages. I think it has potential in attracting heavy fb users. #sm4law

• graubart: For lawyers - if you only do 2 things with social media, list yourself on Avvo/Justia and start consuming RSS - @nikiblack #sm4law

• graubart: U may not get social media if... RT @christinemartin: #sm4law - lady in audience said my tweeting distracting her from lecture on Soc Media

• CatherinVentura: Lisa Solomon suggesting location based searches on FB and Twitter for legal networking #SM4law

• nikiblack: Twitter is all about sharing--not "what are you doing?"-but "what do you want to share"? #sm4law

• CatherinVentura: #SM4law @graubart: Twitter is about establishing you as thought leader

• uMCLE: Graubert: Twitter is not a reciprocal relationship. #sm4Law (though few acknowledge, I strongly agree)

• nikiblack: Burgess: Twitter is not broadcast medium--interact--"mingle" and start a dialogue #sm4law

• CatherinVentura: #SM4law @DeenaEsq: Twitter can help potential clients feel comfortable with you, bridging a potential barrier

• nikiblack: Burgess (@deenaesq): Every company should have, at least, google alerts et up for their name, company's name, etc. #sm4law

• CatherinVentura: #SM4law @upwardaction: Twitter let's you use keyword searches to do market research about what is currently relevant to your business.

• legaltypist: 10 valuable Twitter utilities for business users #SM4law http://tinyurl.com/qhykap

• graubart: Listening to professional standards about legal solicitation reminds me why I'm glad I'm not in law #sm4law

• nikiblack: #sm4law social mention http://bit.ly/eKfIq is great way to monitor what is being said across all of social media re: any issue of ur choice

• nikiblack: Coleman: Don't tweet about: facts that could hurt your case--disparage clients, colleagues, etc. #sm4law

• fredabramson: Facebook business status updates are indexed by google and have seo value #sm4law

• CatherinVentura: #SM4law @upwardaction: Lawyers should be careful abt bookmarking: could give opposing counsel tips about strategy!!

• 
  

I'll be in New York City on 10/8

On Thursday, October 8th, 2009 I'm going to be speaking at the "Social Media for Lawyers I" conference which is being held at New York Law School from 8-11 a.m.

This conference offers a unique and highly targeted look at social media. A panel of legal experts who have become leaders in the social media arena will offer hands on sessions as well as leading sessions on the inherent risks, limitations and potential vulnerabilities and liabilities of these social media tools.

I'll be speaking on this panel with Lisa Solomon: "6 Things Lawyers Need to Know About Social Media.

As a speaker, I've been authorized to offer my readers a 25% discount using this code: 20OAGEIA .

You can register for the conference here. Remember to use the discount code!

I'm also organizing a NYC legal professionals meetup on Oct 8, 2009, location to be determined by a native New Yorker, but it will be somewhere near the law school. 

If you're on Twitter, you can RSVP for the meetup here or simply leave me a note in the comments and I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

The utility of social media for lawyers

nikiblack: Thinking about today's Daily Record article re: lawyers engaging in social media. Social media is different for lawyers...

• nikiblack: Gen'ly, successful SM campaigns create a fan base--ppl passionate about ur product. Ppl are not passionate about law firms. So then what?

• nikiblack: Bec. ppl are not "passionate" about their law firm, Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms

• VBalasubramani: @nikiblack everyone's passionate about criticizing lawyers :-) ..I would take this route..(seriously, poke fun at self/profession)

• nikiblack: SM for lawyers is a different focus than most businesses. It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack SM is about people, so not passionate about law firms...but can be very engaged with their lawyer. 1 lawyer is a 'firm', too.

• JohnFMoore: RT @nikiblack: It's about creating effective online presence, networking & establishing expertise | All biz should use this way, right?

• nikiblack: -->@JohnFMoore I agree. But other biz can create viral campaigns, create a tribe of followers that evangelize their product. Not law...

• nikiblack: Sm goals are different for lawyers. With specific goals in mind, you then choose appropriate SM platforms & levels of participation.

• amyderby: Me neither, unless it's just for other lawyers. RT @nikiblack: Facebook fan pages make no sense to me as a SM tool for law firms.

• jeffrey_brandt: @nikiblack Different then what? A widget/product company? yes.. but other service industries use social media, how r lawyers dif there?

• nikiblack: Closed legal platforms are useful for networking, getting info., but do very little to contribute to effective online presence

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Law isn't a service industry ppl rush to interact with, or feel passionate about, it's more like a utility co.

• nikiblack: -->@mikemac29 Exactly--I totally agree. Ppl reluctantly use/pay for lawyers. Hard to create a passionate following when starting w/ that!

• nikiblack: -->@jeffrey_brandt Lawyers' services aren't "sexy"--there's no hook. Can't create sweepstakes/contest 4 reduced services 2 increase interest

• nikiblack: Twitter=effective SM platform 2 increase business 4 some lawyers. Depends on potential clients are--individuals, companies, local, nat'l?

• nikiblack: Effective SM use for lawyers is a tough balance--is time participating ultimately worthwhile or wld local networking make more sense?

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack It's what you do with the platforms to push out compelling info about lawyer to create evangelists and interest. It's called PR

• nikiblack: SM *is* useful to lawyers. No doubt. Lawyers need to understand it & participate. It can help launch practices. It can showcase expertise.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack don't want 2 limit creativity w/ SM ie:what 'can't' be done. It's 2new, untried. There R definite don'ts but undiscovered 'dos'.

• SCartierLiebel: @nikiblack They may just evangelize you differently based upon non-legal interests. This may be the key. I have numerous examples...

• jeffrey_brandt: @mikemac29 Tru a service whr many turn 2 in times of trouble, but is that fault of law or failure 2 properly partner w/clients?
  

• mypractice: @nikiblack To me, the intensity of effort to convince lawyers SM is useful is reflective that it really isn't that useful

• jeffrey_brandt: RT I know sex sells, but thats the cheap way out - not the only way 2 sell @nikiblack:Lawyers services arent 'sexy'--there's no hook.

• mikemac29: @jeffrey_brandt @nikiblack Partnering w/ clients would help, esp if firm keeps them out of litigation, but will client tell story on SM?

• FlemingMF: Hype of SM for lawyer is overblown; but to suggest it's all just smoke is also overstating @nikiblack @mypractice

• jeffrey_brandt: RT w/GenY I wouldnt B so sure @mikemac29 @nikiblack if firm got me out of trouble, gr8, but I wnt B going 2 firm FB page 2 share details

• lancegodard: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt If FB fan pages could be personalized, say with specific Firm RSS feeds, then they might be useful to clients

• Lemonlawyerinfo: @nikiblack one lawyer firm tweeting nationwide and having a statewide practice? hmm...Seem to be meeting people but that might be it

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangelizing attys. Vast maj. of online comments negative; few so happy they have to shout it (1)

• LeighMonette: @nikiblack @jeffrey_brandt @mikemac29 Re: evangalizing attys. I'm thinking of typical products/svces. Attys are a little different (2)

• JulianRCrump: @nikiblack No doubt online soc netwrkng has it's place; but where to find the time for it? I'm amazed how many tweets some post per day.

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack 1potential advantage of FaceBook fan pages R that clients R already there. I C them as means 4 communicating to current clien

• DisabilityGuy: @nikiblack I think of FaceBook Fan pages 4 attorneys as Newsletter of 2009. Less invasive than email & can B provided 2 others interested

• thetrialwarrior: @JulianRCrump @nikiblack Time management + scheduled tweets x creativity = 30+ tweets per day.