DFM chat on how to deal with a social media fail

Example of a brand using a trending topic without understanding the context #Advertising #SocialMedia #WhyIStayed pic.twitter.com/iTSmfaT6Xv
— Scott Paul (@scottatslee) September 9, 2014

Journalists, members of Digital First Media and pretty much everyone else who wants to - are going to be taking part on the weekly Twitter chat Wednesday at noon, Eastern Time.

Today we are talking about how to deal with a social media FAIL. It happens! How do you react when you mess up on Twitter, either as an individual journalist or with your news account? How do you respond when people are piling up on you on Facebook, be it for typos, miscommunication or perceived insensitivity? What do you do if you post something that ends up being a hoax? How do you deal with provocations? Bring your lessons and your #realtalk.

The feed is posted below. You can also check out past chats over here.

If you want to chime in, post a comment in the container or a tweet with the hashtag "#dfmchat" so it can automatically appear below.

Lessons from a social media fail

Earlier today, the Freeman posted a question on its Facebook page that was in poor taste.

I know.

So the post was criticized. The editor who posted it (who is very sorry about this, by the way) apologized in the post. But we took the whole thing down to prevent it from offending more people, as it was being shared as well. And we apologized in a new post.
Normally, we're not inclined to erase posts because doing so can give the impression that one is trying to hide from a mistake. But this is a case in which the gains from being transparent by leaving it were outweighed by the offense.
It is in the interests of transparency and to share some lessons that I'm posting this.

So, if you mess up:
* Take the post down to prevent it from spreading further and doing more damage.
* Quickly acknowledge your mistake and apologize in a new post.
* Don't rationalize. Don't bury the lede. When you mess up, say so.
* Check your other networks and trace those shares (and screengrab tweets) and apologize directly.
* Don't engage on negative back and forth. It's your mistake. Own it.
* And move on.

Post by Daily Freeman.

Obama Osama Media FAIL

Creepy Kingston, daytime

Ben Stiller not coming Friday for Elliot Auerbach's fundraiser starring Ben Stiller

So I'm on Facebook, (working, seriously!) and I run into this:

BEN STILLER AND ELLIOTT AUERBACH AT THE ROSENDALE THEATER ON FRIDAY (emphasis mine)

So immediately I go into berzerker mode trying to figure out how this happened and how Stiller was booked and all that.

So I clicked on "see more" ...and what I see is that the event is a screening of the movie "Greenberg" starring Ben Stiller.

For this event's headline, I declare an EPIC FAIL!

Those who attend the event thinking Stiller will be there will have to console themselves with cheese and wine and Auerbach.

I really hope his jokes are good.

Anyway, here are the details from the post:

BEN STILLER AND ELLIOTT AUERBACH AT THE ROSENDALE THEATER ON FRIDAY Friends of Elliott Auerbach, The Rosendale Theater in conjunction with the Rosendale Democratic Committee is having a fundraiser for Elliott Auerbach, candidate for re-election to the post of Ulster County Comptroller. Time is 7pm ...with a complimentary wine and cheese party,immediately following the movie. The reception will be held right next to the theater at Canaltown Alley. Suggested donation is $20.00. The movie is GREENBERG, starring Ben Stiller. Come on out, see a movie, and meet and talk to Elliott at thereception. For questions, please call Judy Hakam at 255-4166 or e-mailJudy at judith.hakam@gte.net.

iPhone app FAIL!