Voting Machines Hacked & Brand Feedback

Election Machines Hacked By Research Group

A group of computer science experts recently exposed vulnerability in the election system. The group was able to hack an e-voting machine similar to ones that will be used on Election Day in 2012.

The hack is performed by inserting a cheap electronic device into the e-voting machine. The device allows the machine to be controlled via a remote control unit at a distance of up to half a mile. Even more alarming, it is believed that the hack, which could alter voting results, can be carried out without any trace of tampering having occurred.

Cyber security is a growing concern, as technology becomes a staple to our society. Hacking Amazon.com or Facebook is entirely different from hacking into a countries election system and potentially disrupting results. As with all cyber security issues, we take privacy very seriously and hope that the Department of Homeland Security and the Electoral Commission will take the preventative steps necessary to thwart any hacks on Election Day 2012.

Negative Feedback Is A Positive For Brands

In marketing, it is our number one job to represent our clients in a positive light. We plan campaigns centered around positive feedback earned on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, etc. By opening up two-way dialogue on social media sites, comments of all sentiments, positive and negative, are a possibility.

However, recent case studies suggest that negative feedback is actually a good thing for a company. Negative feedback allows for two things: companies can reach out to disgruntled customers to turn them into satisfied one. Second, companies can improve products based on authentic and real feedback.

L.L. Bean has a company policy that a manager must respond to customers if a product receives more than six negative.

The power of marketing today is feedback and the ability for conversation. When looking at the most successful brands, you will find they act on both positive and negative customer feedback, which increases credibility, transparency and ultimately, brand loyalty.