Pinterest, the virtual pin board at the crossroads of social and style, covered here in December when the buzz was reaching fever pitch, has burgeoned into a marketplace for consumer brands, offering a visual and demonstrable platform for engagement.

A wide range of major brands are using Pinterest to engage fans through social curation and as an online focus group to see what clicks with consumers, including:Continue reading...

For the first time in 48 years, a public figure will grace the cover of the iconic magazine Better Homes & Gardens. On the cover of the August issue? First Lady Michelle Obama.

The profile will include a "Veggie Love" cookbook app in addition to a free online cookbook and a suggested plan for a vegetable garden.

While it's a huge "get" for the magazine, it may result in a few cancelled subscriptions as conservatives on social media are savaging the magazine for the move.

Newsbusters railed agaist the profile, caling it "an ultimate exposure puff piece." In the foam of the Sean Hannity website, a topic thread appeared: "Moochelle Gloats on the Cover of Better Homes and Gardens."

Right wing Wisconsin radio talk show host Vicki McKenna posted the article on her Facebook page with the comment "watch circulation decline." She later added, quote, "i have a subscription. i will be canceling it."

Commenters were not as polite.Continue reading...