Posted: 11 Nov 2011 03:18 PM PST

There's all kinds of research that shows that images up reader engagement on Facebook, so of course, Google+ wants a piece of that pie.

Introducing the +1 button for images.

Start out by searching a word in the images tab. I searched "Crazy Moon," don't ask why. As you hover over the photos, you get a detailed information pop-up and on that is the new +1 button. Click the button and the photo gets a new label. It says "You" on a black band under the pic.

If your Google+ friends +1 a pic, then their name shows up under the photo. Here's the test screenshot from Google's blog.

If you follow me on Google+, you can search "Crazy Moon" and easily find the picture I chose. Exciting, huh?

It would be, except for two things. First, there's no way to comment on the photo, you either choose it or don't. Second, the click doesn't post to your main stream on Google+. When I'm me, I can see the post under my +1 tab. When I view my profile as someone else, I don't see the post at all. Is it me? A glitch? I don't get it.

Marketing Pilgrim's Social Channel is proudly sponsored by Full Sail University, where you can earn your Masters of Science Degree in Internet Marketing in less than 2 years. Visit FullSail.edu for more information.

Right now, my feeling on this is that it has potential for marketers, but gosh darned if I can figure out what do to with it. Ideas?

Are Twitter Followers a Company Asset?

Posted: 11 Nov 2011 01:35 PM PST

When you leave a company, it's expected that you'll turn in your keys, the password to your computer and any proprietary information you might be carrying around.

But what about your Twitter account? In the case of an employee whose job it is to update the company Twitter, it's an easy call. It's not so easy when you're talking about journalists or other Tweeters who blur the line between business and personal.

Such a case is currently being tested in court, but it's not going so well for either side. The case in question is between PhoneDog and Noah Kravitz, who used to work for them as a reporter. The object of desire is a Twitter account with 17,000 followers formerly known as @PhoneDog_Noah.

When Noah left PhoneDog, he changed the name on the Twitter account and kept on posting for himself. PhoneDog sued, claiming that they own the rights to the account and the password is a "trade secret" which Kravitz was obligated to divulge when he left the company.

The court agrees, sort of. They had an option to dismiss the case outright, but they didn't. Chief Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James declared that both sides of the case had merit and she didn't have enough information to proceed. You can read the legalese here, if you're so inclined.

Before we go any further, let's relish in the fact that ten years ago the only way a judge would say the word Tweet was if it was a case about bird smuggling. Oh, the times they are a changin' and that means the law has some catching up to do. Until it does, business owners need to take steps to protect themselves.

What to do if. . .

If you have employees or contractors who update social media on your behalf, be sure you have not just the passwords to the accounts, but in the case of Facebook, that you're an admin on your pages.

If you have employees that combine personal and work Tweets (as I do on my own account), I'd say you're out of luck. Consider every Tweet they sent about your company a gift and let it go.

On the Tweeter side, it's a tough call. I've been there. I built up a Twitter account that was named for a blog I wrote but didn't own. When the company shut down the blog, I mourned the loss of all those followers and it wasn't until months later that I realized my mistake. I could have (should have?) changed the name on the Twitter and kept those followers for myself. After all, they came because I brought them in, right? Still, it did feel a little like stealing. The only saving grace here was that the company in question had no interest in the Twitter account. I know now that they made a big mistake.

PhoneDog has attempted to quantify their loss by saying that each of Kravitz's followers is worth $2.50 per month, making their claim worth $340,000. Even the court rolled its eyes at the idea that they've been financially injured by the loss. No court is going to award them that much money for a Twitter account.

On the other hand, a healthy Twitter account is a valuable asset. In the end, I'd bet the court is going to make Kravitz hand over the keys. I'd also bet that in another twenty years, social media accounts will be quantifiable assets truly worth fighting over.

A Veterans Day Thank You

Posted: 11 Nov 2011 10:49 AM PST

If you are reading this and have served in the US armed forces, thank you.

If you are reading this and are a family member of someone who has served in the US armed forces, thank you.

If you are reading this and lost a loved one in their service, thank you.

If you are reading this and have made the effort to shake a veteran's hand, thank you.

Today's a day to set politics and ideologies aside. The people who serve do so for bigger reasons. All we can do is say Thank You.

Internet Marketing Jobs for Friday 11-11-11

Posted: 11 Nov 2011 09:22 AM PST

You're winding down another work week. Maybe your job isn't what was promised or what you might have hoped it would be.

Maybe you're getting demoted which we can now refer to as Ba-ZYNGA-d. Maybe you just need a change. Well, don't delay. Check out the Marketing Pilgrim Internet Marketing Job Board. Who knows?

Don't fret employers. For just $27 per listing per month you can reach a strong gathering of Internet and social media marketing talent that is our readers.

Here are a few of the smart folks who are listing their jobs today.

Corporate Director of Loyalty Marketing – Las Vegas Sands Corporate – Las Vegas, NV

Senior Marketing Strategist – Summa Health System – Akron, OH

SEO / Social Media Manager – PC Connection, Inc. – Merrimack, NH

These are just a few of the many jobs available today. Find your new job now! Advertise for that new employee today!

Hey, it's Friday 11-11-11, after all. Live a little!