Surprise! We Like TV More Than Social Media

In what is a surprise to no one, a recent study shows that 58% of people would rather give up social networks than their TVs. We love our screen time, and although we're addicted to sharing, we're even more addicted to sitting and staring. And, North Americans are even more attached to their televisions than the rest of the world, as 73% of them would ditch social media over the boob tube.

Check out the Infographic:

(Via AllTwitter)

Google Drive is Here

Ahhh, everyone, it's time to  lose your mind - Google Drive is finally here!
No, no, I kid. We can all stay calm and enjoy the newest product to come from Google. Although there have been rumors about Drive for a while now, it was officially announced on the company blog today.
Google states,

Today, we’re introducing Google Drive—a place where you can create, share, collaborate, and keep all of your stuff. Whether you’re working with a friend on a joint research project, planning a wedding with your fiancé or tracking a budget with roommates, you can do it in Drive. You can upload and access all of your files, including videos, photos, Google Docs, PDFs and beyond.

Tumblr to Feature Advertisements

"We're pretty opposed to advertising. It really turns our stomachs."

This is a quote from Tumblr CEO, David Karp, made back in 2010 to The Los Angeles Times. Looks like he's had a change of a heart, or invested in some Pepto-Bismol, because starting May 2 Tumblr will start featuring advertisements in place of their "Radar" posts.

The "Radar" posts appear in Tumblr's dashboard and usually offer up a current selection of notable posts from bloggers. And while I find Karp's 2010 statement amusing and admirable, I get it - Tumblr's got to keep up with the times and they have to start making real money for their investors (they recently received $125 million in funding).

One thing Tumblr does plan to do differently is infuse their featured advertising with creativity. If you know Tumblr, you know it's image rich. Karp has chastised other tech giants like Facebook and Google for being "devoid of creativity" in designing ads that are too text heavy, and well, just plain boring. And who could argue?

As Tumblr's popularity continues to soar, brands and high profile individuals (hello, Beyonce) are already embracing the platform to reach fans. (Karp's personal favorite: Warby Parker's Warby Barker.) So, really, isn't this the logical next step?

With Tumblr's unique platform and emphasis on the creative the ads will probably be easier to stomach for both Karp and Tumblr's users. And, the advertisers will benefit from the potential 120 million impressions a day - score!

Source Ad Age.

Brands Just Don't Get Facebook

An interesting study was released last week that analyzes what type of Facebook content draws the most engagement...and no surprise, it was video and photos. However, brands just don't seem to understand as the post popular posts were merely status updates. Take a look at the infographic for more insight:

Via AllFacebook.

Story Time on Twitter

One of my favorite Twitter users is R.L. Stine. Maybe it's my love for his classic Goosebumps books, which I consumed non-stop as a kid, but it's also because Stine uses the medium in innovative ways to suit who he is as a writer. Basically, he tells stories through Twitter. Here's his latest, a story about Friday the 13th.

Also - he has one of the best Twitter bios ever:

Google + Redesign Follow Up

Was just reading more on the Google + Redesign and came across this article from Fast Company. It touches on some good points, most notably that Google + is wayyyy more aestheticly pleasing than Facebook "but, you know, it’s just a little too late for design alone to save the day."

 What do you think of the new Google + Redesign?

Instagram Inspiration

Since this week has been filled with all things Instagram, check out this look at one of Instagram's must-follow users, Richard Koci Hernandez. He uses at the app as the medium for his art, and has quite a tendency to photograph people in motion. Enjoy.

Via Slate.