I’m putting together a social media manual of sorts for my companion site, the Southwest Observer. Actually it’s more like a manifesto, and at 32 pages and counting, it’s becoming a bit overwhelming. Still, I think it’s worth it.

But what a transformation: One year ago my only foray into social media was my LinkedIn updates.

Poken #1: Where am I?

I should’ve known better. A lifetime journalist, I fell into the classic trap of PR pitches when we launched Poken Chicago last week. I carefully crafted a press release that I knew would turn some heads. Well, at least I thought so. It started off with a punchy lead: “Throw away your business cards. Seriously.” My fingers tingled as I pounded away at the keyboard.

Buy a Poken.

How's that for subtlety?

Look, this is a serious matter that deserves serious consideration - especially among users of social networks (and the last I heard was that more than half of the U.S. is on social networking sites, so there). Do you know how many millions of people are out there right now coughing into one armpit as they struggle with the other arm to write a legible URL on the damp napkin of a new acquaintance?