Steve Rubel points to the next step in Topix' use of geocoded forum posts:
t's not enough that marketers/PR pros know what's being said about our clients/brands, what language this commentary originated in, how loud it is and if the speed is accelerating or decelerating. We also need to be able to pinpoint just where the conversation is strongest or weakest. Topix.net has taken the first step I have seen this direction. (Disclaimer: Topix is a CooperKatz client). They have created a real-time map that shows where the contributions from citizen journalists are coming from inside their walls. I think we'll see tons more innovation in this area this year. This is data that marketers die for.
It is a pretty cool map (see below). This is not the first effort to geolocate user generated media (not by a long shot). I agree with Steve, however, that this is certainly a must-have feature for analysts of this type of user generated data.
