Ok I admit it. I’m a Virgin.

It’s true, this is my first blog. And it’s with a great deal of thought that I launch adthinktank into the blogosphere. I’d like to first tell everyone a bit about myself and share some hopes for this new website. 

I’m fortunate to be an academic after a number of years on the client side of things. I teach advertising at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. I’m also coordinator of the Ad+PR programs. We have 5 faculty and a total of 300 majors. It’s really a kick to spent time with students and I actually have a “front row seat” to the digital generation. My research and consulting interests are focused on the use of social media for research and marketing. I’m convinced that organizations and brands can benefit  tremendously engaging consumers in online brand communities. Consumers are willing to engage brands and the technology is in place to make the connection. Seems wise.

I was awarded an Advertising Educational Foundation (AEF) summer fellowship in 2007 due in part to my work in social media.  I spent time in New York City with Young & Rubicam and in Kansas City with VML, an interactive advertising agency, also part of the WPP Group. Both organizations seemed excited about my work and provided some great feedback. I’ve also attended three of the annual Edelman’s New Media Academic Summits.

Adthinktank is an open exchange for anyone interested in the potential of social media to engage customers. I hope you will contribute articles and comments to improve the content. Feel free to e-mail me at cliff.shaluta@wku.edu with any suggestions or ideas for improvement.

cliff