Delta Airlines: Don't drink the Kool-Aid

Delta Airlines. Sure, they usually boast the cheapest flights with the friendliest service, but in a recent trip to San Francisco,  I learned that the only area they need to focus on is customer service. 

This past weekend, I flew out to the golden gate city for the National Communication Association Conference with four other Western girls (all of whom are communication majors).  Our flights left as scheduled early Sunday morning, but we were quicky re-routed to Cedar Rapids, Iowa due to a minor mechanical malfunction.  While at the Cedar Rapids airport, we discovered that we were not going to make our connection in Minneapolis.  After approaching the Delta desk, we learned that being a twenty- something female was not going to be an advantage.  Though they tried to brush us off several times, we persisted.  Both Delta employees informed us that all the flights to San Francisco were booked and that they did not have access to other airline information (which is absurd).

After deciding to check Expedia, Travelocity, and Priceline, our fears were confirmed.  There were, in fact, seats available online available for purchase, though we were not being given those spots.

So what did the five communication majors do? Yes, we took our anger to the world of social media.  We posted numerous times on their Facebook account, and nearly blew up their Twitter.  And that was just in Iowa.  Still, no repsonse.

Though were were lied to by the Delta official in Cedar rapids who told us we had seats to San Francisco out of Minneapolis, we managed to harness our frustration. With no help from customer service via the telephone, we approached the official in Minneapolis in charge of helping displaced flyers make arrangements.  His insults and patronizing tone were about all we could take. 

We finally made it on a flight, though were were technically stand-by passengers.  Needless to say, it was very touch and go.  Still, we tweeted, griped, and made suggestions to get Delta's attention. No response.

As an update, Delta_is_lame is now following one of the girls from the trip on Twitter, but we were never granted a simple apology by the airline.  In looking at their Twitter, it is obvious that they have deleted all of our comments regarding our flight troubles (from November 14th). My only hope is that our trip can somehow help influence what airlines people chose to fly.

The 'W' in Social Media

I realize that most U.S. citizens have some interaction with social media, but who new the leader (or past leader) of the free world was taking advantage of this platform?

In searching for some information on President Bush's recent book release, I ran across some interesting info--he's using social media! I'll admit it, I was intrigued to learn W. actually has a Facebook page and Twitter that are updated quite frequently.  Yes, his aides may me doing the leg work, but I am fascinated by the number of president's that use social media to relay causes, information about speaking engagements, and platforms such as the Clinton-Bush Haiti foundation.

Although we are aware that social media played a large role in the 2008 election, Obama has since ceased using the social media for an 'insider's perspective.'  Because so many supporters followed Obama for that reason, he has acually been considered to be on a social media backslide due to his updates only concerning what any citizen can read online or in the newspaper.  What do you think about Obama's change in social  media policy?  Do you think a current president should use social media platforms to communicate with citizens?

I understand that some would argue that President Bush is merely using Twitter and Facebook to promote his recent book release, but is that not what Obama did to 'boost' his connection with the online world during the '08 election?  It will be interesting to see of Bush's activity will decrease as we get further from the interviews and book reviews.

What president in history do you wish had social media and why? Abraham Lincoln? Thomas Jefferson?  Ronald Reagan?

What do you think they would Tweet or blog about?

What's the BEEF with Social Media?

As the granddaughter of a farmer and life-long dairyman, you could say that agriculture has played a huge part in my life.  I spent my summers on the front range in Northern Colorado, and this past summer I worked in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  Needless to say, I have learned that the west is a whole lot more than just cowboys and sunsets.  It is truly a way of life.

So, these are the people who live out on 20,000 acres and have never owned a computer, right? WRONG.  It might surprise you to learn that the Ag industry is actually targeting social media to enhance its reach.  In a recent article on AgWired, Kentucky cattleman Charles Miller discusses the importance of utilizing the platform or he believes the beef industry will be 'left behind.' 

I know what you're saying--do you tweet about your cows?  Not necessarily.  As a market, beef has and always will be a major factor in food production in the United States.  For the industry itself, it would be incredibly beneficial to keep citizens informed about new regulations, outbreaks, and even market values.  Afterall, in some parts of the U.S. there are actually entire television stations dedicated to the buying and selling of cattle! RFD TV anyone? 

Whether you are in the dairy or ranching business, you need a solid way to communicate with your consumers.  I would argue that even if a cattleman lives in a remote area, they are still able to advertise their 'brand' from the comfort of their own place.  On a national level, a beef producer blog might encourage a better understanding of the process by the American public.  In this case, I would recommend that they start slowly, but specifically target platforms that are applicable to their mission as an organization. 

I can't say that if my grandfather were alive today that he would be an avid social media user, but I think I would've had a good time showing him all the newest platforms!

Social Media and High School

For most of us, Facebook and Twitter weren't at our fingertips as freshman in high school.  In fact, I would argue that many of us only knew about Facebook because of older friends or siblings in college.  A new obstacle that high school teachers are facing revolves around policies implemented to prevent students from becoming 'Facebook friends' with their teachers.  In some cases, school districts have not restricted the online interaction between teachers and students.  Many high school teachers simply dread the idea of their students finding them on any type of personal social media.

In the college scene, to us, this probably seems ridiculous.  I have found that this kind of decision is usually based on whether the professor has had you in class in the past, or could possibly have you for a course in the future.  But for many, it is a casual interaction that is not uncommon between professor and student. 

Now think back to high school.  I attended one of the largest high school's in Indiana,  which meant that our teacher population always had a sector of newly-graduated young men and women. Often, those were the teachers who had trouble setting boundaries (especially if they taught a senior level course).  They wanted to be 'cool' with their students, but lacked the authority to draw a line in the sand.  Unfortunately, those that I think about that pushed the enevlope in high school are no longer in the teaching profession.

So, how would your high school or school system deal with this obstacle?  Has it implemented policies since you have graduated?

Another important aspect of this article is that the school system (located near Seattle) mentioned that it cannot actually restrict or place guidlines on teacher's social media.  Really, all they can do is make suggestions, such as not to comment on a student's postings or pictures. If their privacy settings are not monitored, a teacher's dirty laundry is more than just aired...it becomes gossip in the lunchroom.

What would you do as a middle school or high school teacher?