Sunday, September 28, 2008

Atlanta Area Gas Shortage and Social Media

We are starting to see the real power of social media. As the gas shortage in the Atlanta area continues, traditional news media are unable to keep up with where you can actually find gas. Sites that tracked prices are no match to the speed of fuel showing up at stations and then running out. Some gas station managers have been quoted saying their supplies are lasting no longer than 7 hours. So, where does social media step in? Check out Twitter where Atlanta drivers are informing each other of gas stations that have fuel. A special hash tag #ATLGAS has been created so that drivers can track the conversation, post questions based on location, and, most importantly, see where gas is available.

The power of social media and the crowd is amazing and was even more exciting during the Obama vs. McCain debate. Twitter has a live feed Election 2008 page that is both fun to participate in and fun to watch.

1 comment:

AFF said...

Bert,

I am a new reader to your blog, having just entered the social media industry after years of experience in mobile marketing.

I'm thinking about creating a blog covering the emerging intersection of social media and mobile. I think there are lots of interesting things happening here.

Would love to chat with you sometime and pick your brain.