Is Brand Exposure in Social Media really "Advertisement"

Social Media Insider Writer, Cathy Taylor, wrote a interesting blog entry around whether or not "Advertisement" is a good definition for Marketing / Brand exposure in Social Media.

I think it depends on the tactic. I believe direct messaging would definitely be considered advertisement (banner ads), but when it starts getting into more indirect messaging (this widget/game/fun site/educational site brought to you buy.. or subtle brand logos / product placement in a social media environment.. informational blog posts/articles).. I tend to agree that Advertisement is a bad definition.. In some cases these indirect tactics could be considered Branded Entertainment.. but I agree there is a lack of a good industry term.

As interesting for me.. Cathy questions - "Should putting these deals together always be the role of an ad agency?" and then answers "Not necessarily".

I definitely agree with these thoughts and it is here that we are trying to communicate my company sits (Net-Recon).. snugly between (and hopefully live in harmony with) traditional creative agencies, advertising agencies and direct marketing firms. Of course it is difficult because when talking to people they want to assume that we are some type of ad agency or creative firm.. Hopefully more discussions like this will start to provoke thought about this missing role..

We are aiming right for Internet Marketing / Brand Exposure via Interactive Websites / Games / Social Media. It's here that the additional potential sits for solid ROI on online marketing now and even more so in the future.

-David
Net-Recon (http://www.net-recon.com)
Austin, TX

Source: http://blogs.mediapost.com/social_media_insider/?p=7
Cathy's Blog: http://Adverganza.com