How would you summarize the leading trends for 2007?

[Dr. Taly Weiss]

We at TrendsSpotting have just published our Trends Review for the year 2007.
Spotting the trends of YOU!

We examined “You” - writing on blogs and forums. We checked Your searches and votes and presented evidence for the trends.
Trends 2007 tools in used: search engines trends, buzz on blogs, forums, surveys, websites contests, mainstream media and popular blogs.

How would you summarize the leading trends for 2007?

Have a great year!!

Taly.

[Fergus]

A top trend for 2008: User generated content...

Or is it over-hyped and without revenue potential? Discuss!

[Rob Mortimer]

It has been far far far overhyped, though that's not to say it doesn't have potential; especially in 'ad responses and parodies' that can be pushed by the brand as part of the overall campaign.
But looking at the stars of UGC so far, it needs serious good planning and quality control.

In terms of creative content 'big ads' were back in, and 'follow on/domino style ads'.

[Herb Sawyer]

Hi Taly,

Well in an attempt to summarize trends for 2007 I have been tagging posts in google reader with a tag, then plan to review all of the posts towards the middle of January and make up my own little report for my agency (and my blog). If you would like to have my RSS feed of my google tag to see what I'm tagging for 07/08 trends, let me know.

Now, I haven't read you report yet...but a couple of trends I'm already seeing is that 2007 was the year of RSS (it moved into the 3rd ranked search term on Google). Which may latter up to a content sharing/content consumption trend (yet to be named). The rise of microcontent/mircomedia, which is part of UGC but different at the same time, is another one I've seen bubble up in the social media blogosphere.

Do you guys have a Google shared feed? Would love to plug it on, or gchat friend me ([e-mail]) so it pops up in my 'friends shared feed items'.

Herb

[Dr. Taly Weiss]

Hi Herb,
thanks for the tip.
My favorite tool - Google alerts. simple & effective.

Taly

[Adam L Snyder]

If you're interested in social trends, then.... The old Christian idea of "be in the world but not of the world" is being replaced by the converse.

Evangelicals Christians traditionally take a socially conservative stance, and for years have felt that the best way to influence change in America was to put leaders in office who hold the same values as they do, are now shifting in a very liberal direction. Their leaders are now urging them to move away from politics and instead effect change on the community level. i.e. rather than protest abortion, and elect a congressmen who promises to introduce legislation to overturn roe versus wade, they are now opening abortion alternative centers that help facilitate adoptions and foster care...

There are 80 Million evangelicals in America, and 645 Million worldwide....so a shift in their group behavior is significant and worth paying attention to. Especially as a marketer.