Social gaming has quickly become one of the most viral things on the web. Starting on Facebook and now spreading to Twitter, there seems to be a new social game popping up every day. This phenomenon has quickly become old news as most of these viral games offer little to nothing in the way of innovation compared to the dozens before them. Whether you’re playing as a mob boss, a spy, or any number of other things, you still read what happens in your game off the screen. The immersive experience of actually watching the actions in a game unfold hasn’t quite made it to the social graph, until now.

Enter NinjaWarz.com, the debut social game from Broken Bulb Studios based in Scottsdale, Arizona. NinjaWarz is a flash based game that actually brings you into it’s world rather than asking you to read about it. You get to build your Ninja clan with dozens of weapons, upgradable characters, and full animation everywhere you turn in the game. You even get to watch your Ninja clan battle it out in real time with other players’ clans. As your clan wins battles, your gain levels and earn gold and Karma which allows you to continue to buy new weapons, relics, and train your ninjas as well as recruit more. So far, the game is only available on Twitter. But designers of the game say they are working fast to integrate with Facebook Connect.

NinjaWarz has also taken some serious steps to curb the relentless feed spamming that tends to come with the success of any social game, especially on Twitter. The game does not do any posting that’s not user-initiated. Instead it prompts the player to post to their feed only when select actions occur and offers a valuable reward on a per-post basis. If the user elects to post their action, the prompt doesn’t return for some time. “We think that people will be more likely to play our game if they see one good post every few hours rather than a dozen meaningless posts from the same user in 10 minutes,” notes Robert Nelson, CEO of Broken Bulb. So what is this ‘one good post’? When the player elects to do so, NinjaWarz posts a short message detailing the outcome of a battle as well as a link to a flash-based replay of the actual fight. That’s right, friends can actually watch the exact fight that the player saw in the game prior to ever having to sign up for NinjaWarz.

Broken Bulb emphasizes the fact that NinjaWarz is still in an early beta stage and has several more enhancements and game elements in development. There’s even talk of in-game gambling (with virtual currency of course) in a coming update. It’ll be exciting to see how that is implemented. You can sign up for NinjaWarz by going to http://NinjaWarz.com and logging in with your Twitter credentials.

Marketing campaigns that incorporate a brand focused social network are more effective due to the increasing popularity of social media according to Reality Digital, the leading provider of social networking application software for brands and businesses.

Reality Digital have indicated that marketing campaigns that integrate social media activity, such as a social network dedicated to a brand, are far more influential in reaching out to key audiences than those that only focused on media content advertising.

The advantages of using a social network as the hub of marketing activity in both online and offline promotion are numerous, particularly due to fact that the vast majority of consumers have an online presence. According to Reality Digital, the ability to direct consumers to a single point of engagement can make a marketing strategy even more effective.
The use of a central website or network as a focal point also makes it easier to reap benefits from a search engine optimisation perspective too, through the generation of URL’s and keywords that match and compliment each other.

A brand focused video social network such as Reality Digital’s Opus Platform allows fans of a company to interact with the brand in a much more direct way than other marketing strategies allow them to, on a mass level. A social network can also hold user generated content features that can be used as a marketing tool to create and manage competitions based around the brand and the network.

“The use of social networks in a marketing strategy is becoming more and more important in the engagement of consumers throughout a campaign” said Robert Proctor, Head of EMEA for Reality Digital.

“A social networking platform provides the perfect focal point for marketing activity as the brand can unite its audiences within a single community, providing an efficient delivery platform for campaign messaging. These networks can be moderated by the brand too, removing any risk of negative content being uploaded and shared.”

The Opus Platform incorporates a number of cutting edge social networking tools guaranteed to entice users, from basic social network functionality and user generated content capabilities, to a high definition video engine.

For more information on Reality Digital or the Opus Platform, please call 02031 785883 or visit realitydigital.com.

Web development and content management platform Platforminc has released its Mobile Blogging Tool, which enables users to add text, video, and photos to existing articles and blog entries. Platforminc sites can now be accessed via Blackberry, iPhone, or another mobile device. Once a user has established a blog in Platformic’s main platform, he or she can log in via mobile phone via the Platformic interface. From that device, the user can then enter text and post content immediately to the blog. Rich media can be sent using an assigned email address associated with the user. From there, the platform automatically takes the files and inserts them into the website media library. For text entry, the Mobile Blogging Tool offers a streamlined interface designed specifically for input on a mobile device.

www.platforminc.com

ArticlesVine.com is a free online article directory with social networking feature. Articlesvine.com allows you to submit article, which will be reviewed by the visitors and will be promoted, based on popularity, to the front page. When you submit articles, it will be placed in the “Upcoming Articles” area until your article gains sufficient votes to be promoted to the main page.

Apart from submitting articles, Articlesvine.com also has “Social Networking” features, which will allow you create your own social networks with other authors. You would also be able to know how much votes your articles received and who voted for your articles.

Join Articlesvine.com’s community of publishers and authors and make use of all of the great features including…

1. Submit your own Articles
2. Vote on Articles that interest you
3. Join and create interest groups
4. Share Articles with groups and friends
5. Save Articles to your personal profile.
6. View your voting and comment activity from your profile

If you are thinking of submitting and promoting your articles for free, then register for a free account with Articlesvine.com and start submitting articles now!

ArticlesVine.com is an article directory and article submission site that lets you publish your own articles and also to save and share your favorite articles.

“THE SOCIETY” is a fashion and entertainment coalition that will serve the african american community. We are here because african american are not getting the proper respect in the fashion industry that we deserve. We have produce some of the best models in the world ie. Naomi Sims, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Tyson Beckford. We have also made great contributions to the industry with designers like Stephen Burrows. We are also here to promote in entertainment. We are a group of young professional african americans that will make a diffrence in our community as well as entertain.

www.thesocietyonline.biz
www.twitter.com/itsthesociety
youtube.com/itsthesocietytv

www.BlahWood.Com has officially launched its All In One Social Hollywood website. We provide a strong social network where users can register for free, uploaded photos, friend other members, upload music and videos, we have a gossip blog section on the front page that will be update daily and members can comment on current gossip. BlahWood.Com has a creative message board system dedicated to television shows, male and female celebrities that user can post in. We also have groups that can be started and commented on. We provide all of these services for free, and all in one on BlahWood.com. No other Hollywood gossip site has all these features in one, and we are the first Social Hollywood site. Please sign up for free at www.blahwood.com

140Blood (http://www.140blood.com) is a new Twitter adaptation of the popular World of Blood games from Facebook and MySpace. Players advance through a role-playing game, using Twitter to find new friends, form parties, and communicate with other players. Players can adventure online with their followers, or choose to tweet game status updates.

The Blood games are well-known for their immersive stories and worlds. Upon logging in to 140blood.com, players can choose from among four adventures:

Elven Blood: A fantasy RPG in a medieval world of magic. Journey through heaven and hell as you battle through orcs, dragons, and demons.

Blood Lust: Enter a dark gothic-fantasy world. Hunt vampires and werewolves as you discover the secrets of your own vampiric past.

Skies of Blood: A post-apocalyptic world of cyborgs and high-tech weaponry. Pilot mechs and aircraft in a deadly arms race of the future.

City of Blood: Load up your guns for a fast-paced action game of crime heists, bullet dodging, and undercover tactical action leading you across the globe.

The World of Blood games were a massively popular series on Facebook and MySpace, achieving cult-popularity and reaching millions of players.

Play the new 140Blood games at: http://www.140blood.com/

Factory Media today launches the latest development of market leading MPORA.com – a bespoke Surf Forecasting platform http://mpora.com/surf-report. The facility will be promoted across its 2 million monthly unique user base and provides 7 day forecasts for over 2,000 locations across the globe.

The new Surf Forecasting system forecasts swell height, swell direction and period, wind, weather outlook and an easy to use star rating system. This development will prove invaluable to users when checking surf conditions across the globe.

The system has an alert function which will automatically email users when conditions are optimum at their chosen surf spots up to 72 hours in advance.

Each location forecast is also embeddable affording users and hosts scope to enrich their web content at no additional cost. MPORA weather can even be easily embedded in user’s sites or blogs, and continues the success of its embeddable Video player – currently streaming 1.75 Million videos each month.

Surf Forecasting is the latest of a number of new MPORA developments including a ‘Top 10’ video player which provides a fully loaded Video library for use in any approved third party affiliate site – updated hourly with the best of MPORA’s 25,000 and growing video library. MPORA.com is now firmly established as Europe’s largest Action Sports website.

Darryl Newton, Factory Media’s Managing Director states:
“The development of our Surf Forecasting platform gives MPORA.com more opportunities for growth, and an improved experience for our audience. We’re excited about the future of the site as we continue to roll out additional features through the year. We’re listening to our user base and advertisers, and will continue to innovate in 2009.”
About Factory Media:
Factory Media is Europe’s leading extreme sports media owner publishing sixteen websites and thirteen magazines brands and serving over two million monthly consumers. Factory Media is based in the London with offices in France and Germany. Magazine brands include The Surfers Path, Ride BMX, Sidewalk and the award winning Dirt Mountain bike Magazine. Digital brands include MPORA.com and adrenalintrip.net.

Known as Admissions Day, August 21, 2009 marks the 50th anniversary of Hawaii’s becoming the 50th state in America. And to celebrate the occasion, Hawaiian Springs LLC is paying tribute to its home state with a festive Facebook fan promotion designed to quench the thirst of Hawaii enthusiasts worldwide.

Beginning today, the authentic natural water brand encourages Hawaii enthusiasts everywhere to become fans of Hawaiian Springs. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free bottle of young, natural artesian water which is bottled at the source on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Fans also are encouraged to test their love of Hawaii by guessing the location of photos posted to the Hawaiian Springs wall. A new photo will be uploaded every week through September 30, 2009, and one lucky fan will be randomly selected from the correct answers to win a case of Hawaiian Springs water.

As a world-famous vacation destination, Hawaii is widely known for its exotic setting of lush rainforests, pristine beaches and unique eco-system — and Hawaiian Springs remains committed to maintaining this one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Providing a healthy beverage that embodies the spirit of Hawaii, Hawaiian Springs caters to individuals leading an active, well-balanced lifestyle in harmony with nature. The company’s Facebook fan page is a great way to keep track of Hawaiian Springs’ ongoing efforts to preserve the Hawaiian spirit through environmental and recreational sponsorships and events.

To play your part in honoring the Aloha State, become a fan of Hawaiian Springs on Facebook today. Hawaiian Springs can be found at numerous locations in Hawaii and on the mainland including Mother’s Market, Whole Foods, Jimbo’s Naturally and Henry’s Farmers Markets.

Note: Cases of water can only be sent to U.S. postal addresses

MesoRC.com, an online community and resource center developed to assist those affected by mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, provides an extra source of valuable information with the introduction of Twitter. The goal is to provide an additional support tool for patients and their families.

Mellissa Hayon, LICSW, MesoRC’s resident social worker and online host discusses a variety of issues with the community. Mellissa’s Twitter feed, which can be accessed via www.twitter.com/mellissahayon, tweets frequently on current issues involving mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases and recommends resources for those whose lives have been affected by asbestos.

“Twitter is a quick, effective and easy way for me to pass along relevant and important information. My followers benefit from hearing what I am doing, receiving resources and support, being directed to my blogs, and receiving real time information about mesothelioma and other related topics geared towards mesothelioma patients,” says Mellissa Hayon.

About MesoRC.com:
The Mesothelioma Resource Center is a resource for patients and their families with helpful information gathered from leading mesothelioma authorities. This mission has never been more pertinent than it is today, as thousands of newly diagnosed victims strive to cope with devastating diseases like mesothelioma and asbestos related cancers. The Mesothelioma Resource Center, has since served as a community of support – a place where victims can meet and talk with others who share their burden and where they can turn to for the most up-to-date information on everything related to mesothelioma. The Mesothelioma Resource Center is part of Sokolove Law, LLC who has been reinventing how people obtain legal services for over 30 years. Our continuing mission is equality of access, regardless of ethnicity or income, and superior quality of representation and service within our civil justice system. For more information, please visit www.MesoRC.com.

Launched today, Chit Chat released its new Chit Chat for Facebook Instant Messenger that combines the popularity of instant messenger services with the most popular social networking website Facebook. The innovative instant messaging application, which connects to Facebook Chat, provides the convenience and ease of an instant messenger whilst communicating over the Facebook Chat service.

Chit Chat for Facebook is a free instant messenger that allows you to chat with all your Facebook contacts in real time with its unique, swift and easy to use tabbed message window interface. Chit Chat allows you to hold multiple conversations without multiple windows.

Accessing the popular Facebook community, over two-hundred million strong and still growing, Chit Chat removes the need to use a web-browser to communicate over Facebook Chat. Most importantly, Chit Chat makes it much easier to catch up with, as well as, make new friends.

The Chit Chat developers have taken a fresh perspective on building a user base from traditional instant messengers, bringing its instant messenger to the web 2.0 environment of Facebook where friends are already connected.

“Users simply use their existing Facebook friends list and don’t have any need to create or maintain a new contacts list,” said Daniel Offer, Chit Chat co-founder. “Chit Chat is a great new way for friends to stay connected.”

Benefits of Chit Chat for Facebook

Fun and Free – Convenient and fun way to socialise with your Facebook contacts without the hassle of surfing Facebook
Easy to Use – Download, install and then login with your Facebook user name and password – easy!
Tomorrows Conversation Is The Start Of Today’s – With Chit Chat history, your conversations are saved until you say the conversation is over, you can pick up your last conversation where you left off. This is perfect for recollecting those funny conversations or solving those arguments over who-said what.
Popular? No Problem! – Tabbed messaging window, making it easy to talk to lots of friends at once
Instant Message Notification – Let’s you know when you receive a new instant messenger so you can get on with whatever your doing whilst your talking
Status Updates – Chit Chat let’s you know when your friends are available to talk to and when they have signed out. This is much easier than refreshing your contacts list in Facebook Chat.
Free Your Web-browser – No need to keep your web browser logged into Facebook
About Chit Chat for Facebook
Chit Chat’s mission is to make keeping in touch with friends, old and new, easier.

Kansas-based Evolv Solutions has announced the launch of MBEConnect, a business social networking Web site created to enhance communication among minority- and women-owned businesses. MBEConnect was conceived as the result of Evolv Solutions’ business relationships, networking events and involvement with various national and local business associations.

The site addresses specific concerns voiced by the MBE and WBE communities over the years. Evolv Solutions discovered a strong desire for a common platform from which minority- and women-owned businesses could better represent themselves with respect to awareness, contracting opportunities, business growth and improved networking. Equally important was input from corporate representatives who also expressed an interest in having a common platform for facilitating supplier search efforts, documentation, certification verification, collateral accessibility and other communication improvement capabilities.

MBEConnect is not intended to operate as an alternative social networking space. The site is specifically designed with the minority-owned business and women-owned business in mind. It aims to be the business social networking platform for MBEs and WBEs.

“Although the site is in its infancy, it contains a variety of capabilities and features found on other well established social networking sites,” said Eric Harland, vice-president of IT projects for Evolv Solutions.

“MBEConnect isn’t trying to re-invent the wheel, we simply set out to give the MBE better control of contracting opportunities and broader visibility,” said Ron Harland Jr., vice-president of Evolv Solutions.

“It’s an important mechanism for our profile members and the businesses we’re trying to connect with. MBEConnect is a much needed tool and this is an opportunity for MBEs and WBEs to be considered on a broader scale, nationally or maybe even globally.”

Evolv Solutions discovered that in order for MBEs to do business with more organizations they needed a way to showcase their services and products on a much broader scale. They also needed a way to connect with other MBEs and WBEs for collaborative efforts. MBEConnect also serves as a valuable tool for corporate, municipal and federal entities. The site provides these entities with a common platform allowing them to bridge gaps regarding time, distance, and overall awareness of who and where MBEs and WBEs are located, as well as what they bring to the table.

MBE owners report that they are accustomed to hearing, “I didn’t know you were out there” or “I didn’t know you had those capabilities.” Additionally, sourcing managers seeking to hire MBEs often have to gather, assess and maintain a substantial amount of data about MBEs, which is expensive and time consuming, especially for larger organizations.

“We have every reason to believe that MBEConnect is the tool MBEs, WBEs and sourcing entities need,”

said Eric Harland. “Currently it provides efficiency for supplier sourcing and business development and as the site gains momentum, additional features and functionality will be added.”

There are no fees associated with becoming a member of MBEConnect for an MBE, WBE or sourcing entity. The site allows individuals and organizations to create both personal and business profiles, each serving a distinct purpose. The business portion will allow users to create a data profile with 40-plus data points and document upload capability in a secure environment. Profiles support an array of document types such as certification forms, business collateral, white papers, presentations and video. In general, business profiles provide important information such as business size and scope, product or service descriptions, years in business, growth, special certifications, relevant associations, publications and awards. These attributes essentially provide the MBE and WBE with its own business data library that can be accessed from any location.

Sourcing entities will be able to establish contact, post opportunities, press releases or event notifications, query reports and review contracting statistics. MBEConnect will facilitate organizational search efforts for supplier matches across varying lines of business, including keyword searches. Other benefits include: Up-to-date information, national/regional/local search capability, access to collateral downloads, historical contract and performance data, billing and invoicing capabilities, and D&B reports. Sourcing entities will also have the option of making direct and secure requests for financial data from identified MBEs and WBEs.

“Our greatest challenge will be raising awareness about the MBEConnect site,” said Ron Harland Sr..

“Our continued involvement in the minority- and women-owned Business community will be critical as well as our ability to properly assess member feedback about the site’s functionality and value.

Evolv Solutions, LLC is a certified MBE that provides document management services, and print solutions and information technology services that improve document workflows and output infrastructures for small, medium and enterprise customers. For additional information visit www.mbeconnect.com and www.evolvsolutions.com