Thanks so much to Shel for taking the time to do this Twitterview before the site was even remotely off the ground. It was a truely nice thing to do and so without further time here is my Twitterview with @shelisrael.

Name: Shel Israel

Twitter Name: @shelisrael

Website: http://redcouch.typepad.com/

1) Wired has come out and said that non-pro blogging is dead – Do you agree? Is that a reason for micro-blogging’s growth?

• ISTM Wired is wistfully thinking. Blogging is about networks of conversations not broadcasting. Our SM stars have clout, but so do we all.
  • See what Brad Mays said in his Twitterview
    • See what Chuck Westbrook said in his Twitterview
      

2) Economy stinks, companies are tightening budgets – How can they track ROI to get hard metrics on social media?

• Measurement tools keep improving. The key issue here is that SM is a more efficient & effective way to talk w/customers in tough times.

3) What brand is using social media most effectively? Are they doing it by speaking to customers or listening or both?

• I can’t give you just one. Some of my favorites are Dell, HR Block, Comcast, IBM (internally). Personal brand stars include Chris Brogan…

4) Are we crossing a dangerous line with “iReporters” delivering news via social media before it is validated?

• I find the body of truth is often more accurate in SM than in most metro newspapers. Our filtering system has flaws but the truth emerges.

5) What tool/software/service should people know about now before it takes off?

• Most businesses would be wise to wait until the tools actually do take off, then pick the proven ones that work best for them.

Again a huge thank you to Shel for his time.