Citizen journalist or super hero?

Every day I marvel at the power of the web. If you know the incredible might of this 2.0 world, you also know the amazing ability we all have to force change.

My last blog post was about Romano's Macaroni Grill and how its Twitter and Facebook accounts hadn't been updated in six weeks. I also went on to mention how someone had complained about their official website's feedback form. Well, imagine my surprise when--after 42 days of social media neglect on their part--Macaroni Grill updated everything I had pointed out within just four hours after my post was published! Coincidence? I think not, good citizens of Gotham.

Although the company seemed to leave their social media presence to languish, somebody over there must be keeping up with web search.  Google alert? Technorati search? Who know what mechanism Macaroni Grill uses to scour the web, but they use something. And, there is no doubt in my mind that somebody there saw my post and updated their sites. They even answered the complaining guy that I had mentioned in my post. Kapow! Bang! Blam!

If you're new to all this search and techie stuff, maybe you think I'm full of myself. Yeah, little ole' me scared a big corporation such as Macaroni Grill. Like that happens. Well, it does. And, that is the power of citizen journalism and social media. That is the incredible influence that everyone with a web connection possesses!

If you use the internet, chances are you're a citizen journalist to some degree. Your tweets, your blog, your online complaints are getting in front of savvy companies. Not only are you making your feelings known to your online networks, but there's a very good chance your opinions are landing front and center in a company's search results!

You've got the power, my friends! You can change the world with every stroke of that keyboard. Heck, I know I personally had a hand in making someone at Macaroni Grill set down their cheese ravioli to update their sites and answer that guy. I know how the web works. Whoosh! Thunk!

So, ordinary citizens, remember you all have super powers. Wonder Woman has her invisible jet and her Golden Lasso of truth. You have 26 letters and an internet connection. Holy wifi, Batman! That's powerful stuff!

Now, don that cape and come up with a super hero handle for yourself (I'm thinking of calling myself Keyboard Broad, Alphabet Girl, or Qwerty). There's a world out there that needs to be held accountable and we're just the folks to do it! To the Bat-pole! Shazam! Up, up, and away! 

Citizen journalist powers...activate!