author needs examples of discussion group results

"B.L. Ochman" <nyctapdancer@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:bgndlr01b53@enews4.newsguy.com...
>
> Hi: I'm writing a book on Internet marketing and am looking for
> examples of buzz that started in discussion groups, forums or chats
> that had a big impact on a business.

Mrs. Field's cookie rumor about the OJ jury I think is one example that had
an impact.

> I know that Microsoft made changes to XP based on developer's
> criticism in chat rooms.
>
> Do you have examples of similar incidents. I need specifics.

Are you only looking for positive results? There's a term for companies that
try to start rumors to benefit them. "Astroturf organizations" for fake
grassroots.

There are companies like Cyveillance, (spit), that monitor for their clients
looking for mention of their name. In some of the Usenet groups I've heard
of discussions starting about a business and out of the blue there are
suddenly posts from people that a search of groups.google.com finds no other
posts in any group for. What are referred to as "sock puppets" sent into the
group to pretend to be supporters of a certain position or company.

--
McWebber
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