411 on Books, Authors & Publishing

Hi, folks! My name’s Dane Cobain, and I’m here today to take a quick break from my busy schedule to tell you about my new release – Social Paranoia: How Consumers and Brands Can Stay Safe in a Connected World.

The book is released today (Monday, 22nd August) and is available in paperback and e-book formats from most online retailers, including Amazon. Debra was kind enough to let me stop by to talk about it, and so read on to find out a little bit more about the book and to check out the cover!

Social Paranoia draws on five years of experience in social media marketing, and uses real-life case studies to illustrate how sometimes people really are out to get you. Take the case of Star Wars Kid, a guy called Ghyslain Raza, who became a meme after filming himself twirling a mop around like a lightsabre.

Raza became one of the earliest examples of an internet meme, but he also received a lot of negative attention for the video. The sad thing is, he didn’t even release it – a friend found it and posted it without his consent, and once the video went viral, it was impossible for him to take it down. He’s since gone on to talk at length about cyberbullying and the dangers of the internet.

Social networking can be dangerous for brands, too – take, for example, Celeb Boutique’s misguided attempt to join in with a trending hashtag, or Amy’s Bakery Boutique & Bistro’s epic meltdown. From hacks and leaks to virality and a lack of knowledge and research, it’s a minefield out there.

But that doesn’t mean you should stop using social networking sites – after all, used with care, they can be a great way to keep up with your friends and family, or to sell products and drive traffic to your website. You just need to know what the risks are and keep an eye out for them, so you don’t hit the news when you make a mistake.

That’s where Social Paranoia comes in. The book covers all aspects of social networking and offers practical advice on how you can protect yourself. I hope you’ll consider giving it a read.

BLURB:

Social networking sites can be scary places. When the whole world is connected, anything can happen and it can happen at lightning speed.

Social paranoia is the feeling you get when you hesitate before posting an update. It’s the feeling you get on a Saturday morning after drunkenly texting your ex the night before. The feeling you get when your friends won’t stop posting about their perfect lives, making your own life look boring in comparison.

Social Paranoia: How Consumers and Brands Can Stay Safe in a Connected World is the true story of how sometimes the updates you post come back to haunt you. Filled with real case studies and practical advice, it’s a guidebook for everyone who has an online presence from consumers to massive corporations. 

Sometimes, people really are out to get you. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

BIO:

Dane Cobain (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK) is an independent poet, musician and storyteller with a passion for language and learning. When he’s not in front of a screen writing stories and poetry, he can be found working on his book review blog or developing his website, www.danecobain.com. His debut novella, No Rest for the Wicked, was released in the summer of 2015.

LINKS:

Social Paranoia (UK): www.danecobain.com/socialparanoia
Social Paranoia (US): www.danecobain.com/socialparanoiausa
Website: www.danecobain.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/danecobainmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/danecobain