JohnstonWells.com

by GG Johnston

In a LinkedIn, Facebooked, Twittered, iPhoned world, it's all too easy to envision ourselves as high-flying communicators who solve crises with a few taps to a BlackBerry keypad.

No doubt, the world is changing. We live in an era of citizen-sponsored journalism, blogs and social networks. With more than 1 trillion pages on the Web, anyone can get a wealth of information about any organization within seconds. Thinking of downloading a new software program? No need to check CNET or Consumer Reports -- just tweet on Twitter and get the straight dope. Wondering about the stability of a potential investment or the cause of a crisis? Millions of bloggers, none of whom talked with a corporate spokesperson, post their opinions every day.

By Darby C. Doll

“Another levee and sandbag wall breached in Wisc. Will it end?”

From a makeshift headquarters in Madison, American Red Cross public affairs team member Jeffery Biggs shared more bad news from the flood front.

No press conference or media release. Not even a camera. Just 51 characters on a Twitter feed, sent out to thousands of victims and their families.

Biggs and dozens of volunteers, both near and abroad, relied on a Twitter micro-blog and other social media to disseminate vital information during the Mississippi River floods of mid-June.