1. Insta Novels Launches
The New York Public Library (NYPL) is utilizing Instagram as a way to promote reading among young readers. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor, has found that in the 1970s, about 60% of high school seniors reported reading every single day, whereas in 2016, 16% of high school seniors reported doing so. So, how will NYPL pull more readers in? Using Insta Stories as an ebook, dubbed Insta Novels. All you have to do is go to their Instagram profile, choose a book from the Insta Highlights, and dive into a story. Most pages are static text, but a few are animated to keep visual interest. NYPL partnered with creative agency Mother in New York to develop the program. “We want people to understand that libraries aren’t just those brick-and-mortar places full of dusty books,” chief branch library officer, Christopher Platt explained.
(Source: VentureBeat, The Wall Street Journal)
2. Facebook’s Image Repair
Facebook hired a new CMO, Antonio Lucio, to repair their image since they haven’t had a break since the Russian government-linked trolls and the Cambridge Analytica scandal. They have attempted to turn this around with their ad campaigns declaring “fake news is not your friend.” Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, said, “Antonio has a lot of experience leading marketing for major brands like HP and Visa — and he’s been recognized for both his talents and commitment to diversity. Now he’ll help us share Facebook’s story with the world.” Hopefully, the story changes as Facebook, yet again, violated users’ privacy with the collection of data on their Onavo app.
(Source: Business Insider)
3. Papa John’s Has a New Website
Papa John’s founder, John Schnatter, is running for… sympathy? Schnatter has his own dedicated page, www.savepapajohns.com, to communicate with former employees and franchisees. He believes Papa John’s is trying to “silence” him. Once you click to the site, there’s a headshot of Schnatter with the message below, “I can only imagine how difficult this entire situation is on you, and I’m very sorry you all have to go through this,” he writes. “Know that in every minute of every day you are all in my thoughts and prayers.” He also took out a full-page ad in his hometown with the same message and admitted that the board will not let him talk to employees, he can’t be anywhere near the HQ, and he had to swallow a “poison pill” policy. Schnatter seems to be taking it well.
