MyMai.tv Dev Blog / Social-Web News Feed

Last week, we asked readers to define and submit answers to the elusive question, “What is Social Media?” To make it fair for readers submitting answers via Twitter, we limited the responses to 140 characters. Despite this limitation, we received some fascinating answers that ranged from the simple (i.e. “Twitter.” from Connor Jack) to the complex (Conduit collecting, catalyzing & closed-circuit circulating collaborative citizen comments, contextual contributions & co-created content” from Tim Davis) and even the predictive (“Currently a term for user-generated web content, but will soon become obsolete when the whole web becomes social” from Dominick Soar).

Market research firm Harris Interactive has launched Research Lifestreaming, a research platform that looks to give clients a full view of panel members’ online and offline lives by connecting participants’ social media activities — collected and categorized from sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn — with survey responses and behavioral data. The idea is to link traditional panelist profiles to panelist social networking updates. Panelists opt-in to the Research Lifestreaming platform and participate in online group discussions, optionally blog or create photo diaries about experiences, and respond to questions about their status updates. They are rewarded for participation with points that can redeemed for gift certificates and merchandise (a standard industry practice).

What is social media? It is a question that is debated by media professionals and consumers alike. Some point to the revolutionary transformation of media, going from a top-down broadcast model to one that allows the former audience to communicate with one another and take part in the content creation. But with media evolving so quickly, what defines and constitutes social media becomes more difficult to ascertain. Next Tuesday we will be hosting the Mashable Media Summit with CNN in New York City that will explore some of these trends in digital and social media, and we’d like to hear your best answer in 140 characters or less to “What is social media?” We will feature the 10 best reader responses in a follow-up post. How to submit your answer: * The comments below * Twitter using #whatisSM * Our Facebook Page * In the comments of our Google Buzz account Quick guidelines: * Limit your answer to 140 characters or less (to be fair to those submitting via Twitter) * Use your real identity in case we feature your response in a follow-up post * Submit your answers by this Sunday, June 6

Networking is the bread and butter of a freelance career. Because competition is so fierce, landing consistent gigs isn’t just about talent. It relies heavily on who you know, and how connected you are. Social media can expand your freelance network exponentially and yield opportunities that you’d never find elsewhere. But just like pounding the physical pavement, it takes investment, hard work, and time.

Nielsen and Facebook recently joined forces to develop ad effectiveness solutions to determine consumer attitudes, brand perception and purchase intent from social media advertising. Perhaps unsurprisingly, immediately after the two companies announced their strategic love affair, Nielsen started publishing glowing reports about Facebook and how much time people are spending on social networks in general.

It’s a brand new week, which means it’s time for Mashable’s guide to upcoming social media and web events, parties and conferences. For more upcoming event listings, check out Mashable’s Events section.