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Commentary: Don’t mistake tweeting for activism

(Editor's note: This commentary I wrote appeared in the Times-Union daily newspaper of Albany, N.Y. on April 11, 2023) Sub-head: After a tragedy like a mass shooting, we post, share and break out the sad emoji. That's fine — but if we want things to change we can't stop there. Mark Marchand April 11, 2023 Has social media “venting” replaced meaningful action? The posts, reactions and tweets start within seconds after the latest tragedy. Within hours, the posts pick up speed, galloping through the Wild West that is social media. The latest…

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Read more about the article Climate change in social media: One man’s pursuit of truth
Melting in the waters around Antarctica

Climate change in social media: One man’s pursuit of truth

Each crisis of our 21st century world gives birth to new “warriors” who use truth and science to help us safely navigate calamities. Our ongoing pandemic is a prime example. Out of the chaos of a muddled anti-science leadership effort in 2020 emerged dedicated scientists, researchers, and companies who swiftly developed vaccines that are saving millions of lives and slowing COVID-19’s spread. And of course, there are our doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers who fought valiantly against the rising tide of infections. Where would we be without them? As the pandemic…

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Read more about the article Social media and web ramblings; part deux

Social media and web ramblings; part deux

Several months ago I posted some personal observations of "worst practices" when it comes to using social media and the World Wide Web. I try to keep up with trends in this space as part of my overall writing/consulting work, and teaching as an adjunct professor in the Journalism Department at the University at Albany (SUNY). Social media and use of the Web has moved front and center when it comes to communication in a 21st century world filled with myriad ways to instantly send and obtain information. My first post tried…

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Helpful (hopefully) social media ramblings

Did you ever wonder why so few people read your posts and/or tweets? The use of social media can be an inexact science, and more of an art. But there are a few basic tips that will help. Below is one man's opinion (not the results of some academic or empirical study) I thought I'd share with followers and friends. My role as an adjunct professor in the Journalism Program at the University at Albany, where I teach courses in public relations writing and crisis communications, forces me to keep abreast of…

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