"Can't we all just get along?" or perhaps just eat lobster.

Okay, for the record, I am currently working on "Social Media Standards" with at least five different organizations, and I know of at least two others that are attempting to define them. Never mind the numerous agencies, corporations and others that are working on their own definitions of amorphous terms such as "engagement" "influence" and god forbid "ROI."  So when I read this morning's post from Comscore I wasn't sure whether to be overjoyed or overwhelmed.  Obviously any movement towards standards is good, right?  I'm not entirely sure. I think Comscore has done a great job of addressing a problem, while at the same time acknowledging the existance of two completely definitions of "unique visitors." Essentially what they've done is give us a new term "unique browser" and yet another decision to make.

So here's my suggestion. Lets get representatives from IAB, WAA, SNCR, PRSA, IPRA, IPR, AMEC, CIPR, CPRF in a room.
Let in anyone else that wants to join in the fun. Lock the door. Provide adequate amounts of  lobsters, steam clams, beer and wine (statistically proven to be good for measurement discussion) and not let anyone leave until we've agreed on the one thing that the clients want -- a set of simple prinicples that we all adhere to. I'll provide the house, the lobsters and the wine. Who wants in?  

 

Comments

[Corn Flour Mill]

Great point Katie. Numbers can only tell us so much, which can be great for certain situations, but sometimes we need to go beyond numbers. True understanding will come from a mix of both the quantitative and the qualitative.

[Amy]

What a great article : ) I know you are very well known and esteemed in the corporate Marketplace, Katie (I lived on your metrics of my campaign at Deloitte under Gary Gerard in the 90s's) -- are you working in concert 'with' tech orgs -- or, working to represent corporate needs 'to' entities such as Facebook? (with obvious respect to privacy)

I had a hard time finding you on Facebook; would love to hear updates about your business and research findings in this manner -- Warm regards, Amy Ray

[Ajeffrey1]

Katie - what a great idea. All we need are set of standards from all those organizations ... each one unique. Lock everyone up, and the sooner, the better!

[Richard Bagnall]

Hi Katie, I think this is an excellent idea and I applaud you for suggesting it. Count me (and Metrica, Durrants and Gorkana) in - do you think you make it happen?

Best, Richard