Too much water has flown down the river since we last published our issue on social media. During this time Indian government has got rich thanks to 3G and Broadband Wireless Auctions; a crisis ensued between the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority and SEBI, which was resolved finally; of course the world cup started; and our day jobs kept us busier, as is customary.

However, the information overload ensued as always. The internet does not stop. I was quite confident that after coming up with an exhaustive issue on social media, I could formally establish myself as social media expert. However, that still remains a farfetched dream. Social media knowledge is an onerous task – one that is best left to those who practice it out of volition and sheer interest. And, this is why we got on board Vivek Singh who runs a promising new start-up WebVedics. Vivek, based on his experience, would be sharing his practical insights on the social media domain. I very much believe those would be useful to you. This time around he is sharing his understandings on Social Media Marketing and how it is important for brands.

Besides, we have also come up with some interesting insights on two very significant topics. The first post tries to analyze the bailout of multinational corporations in USA based on a study done by Mckinsey. This is a fresh perspective – that we are trying to put forth – on why the bailout of multinational corporations in USA was a necessity. Not that we are supporting bailout completely, the idea is to show why it was necessary. I hope you find this an interesting read too. And of course if you think our understanding is flawed, do let us know in comments. I am sure any discussions on the topic would be as much enlightening for us as it was when we researched on the same. I look forward to your views, and even disagreements.

The other interesting post that we are showcasing this time around deals with Sex and Teenagers in India. Undoubtedly, as a nation our cultural norms are changing. However, India as a society still remains rudimentary; sex is still a taboo and not a topic for discussion. And, if we remain the same as we are a society now, we are in for a quite precarious scenario, at least when it comes to female sexual health. Moreover, it is time that we start recognizing these significant changes and plan accordingly. I should point out that this post has been a fallout of an online survey conducted by the makers of Udaan, an upcoming movie. However, while writing this post, we have consulted several other sources to present a rather holistic view. We hope our accumulation of facts in this regards bear out useful to you.

Lastly, for the sake of some simplicity in administering this forum, we are including two of our previously published posts in this issue. These posts deal with some tips on using twitter and a perspective on investment in the Art Market of India. If you have not seen them so far, I can honestly recommend you to spend some time reading them.

That’s it, Happy Reading !

15 Essential Twitter tips and Twitter Etiquette for 2010

Twitter is the one among the social networking sites that is the least personal in nature. Having a public profile means one is baring it all for the general consumption. And that is why it requires an altogether different mindset. These are some tips that I religiously follow in this medium.

Indian Art Market – Another Bubble?

Since 2006, India witnessed the launch of a number of art funds. These art funds were launched on the basic premise that investments in art would fetch returns in range of 20 to 25 percent. However, the performance of art funds have not been as proclaimed, and returns have been much less than the expectations.

How Important Social Media Marketing is for a Brand?

The Context Everyone today is using some social networking site or the other. If they are a professional they use Linkedin. If they have a flair for writing they are either a regular blogger or use microbloging sites like Twitter. If they are interested in connecting with their old friends or finding new ones they [...]

US MNCs, Their Role in the Overall US Economy, and the Bailout

US bailout scenario is criticized largely as a stopgap measure & not addressing the underlying crisis of capitalism. In hindsight, bailout was necessary. US multinationals corporations, though, are less than 1% of total US-firms; their contribution to the US economy has been immense, so much that their failure needs to be averted at any cost.

Teenagers in India and Sex

Sex among teenagers in India is on a rise. Independent surveys are pointing to significant shifts in teen mindset. The conservative nature of Indian society, on the other hand, ensures that sex talk remains restricted, leading to poor knowledge among teenagers. A precarious scenario, that this is, might pose severe risks to female sexual health.