Reputation Changer Warns Against the Dangers of Keek

PHILADELPHIA, PA, June 19, 2013

Any time a new social network is unveiled, it brings with it a fresh set of opportunities for individuals as well as for brands--but it also ushers in a whole new set of dangers and potential challenges. According to Reputation Changer, the new video-based social platform Keek is no exception. The social network has already been greeted with proclamations that it is "the next big thing," but in a new statement to the press, Reputation Changer reveals that Keek offers both hazards as well as opportunities.

"Social media technology is always a two-edged sword, as it allows for both brand enhancement and for online defamation," comments Michael Zammuto, the president of Reputation Changer. "This is true of Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and any other social platform you care to name. If you use them properly and strategically, these social platforms are invaluable tools for promoting your achievements and cultivating a positive online image. If you use them haphazardly, though, it is possible to cause major PR nightmares for yourself or for your brand. The same is very true of Keek."

Though Keek is only now gaining momentum among social media users, the social platform is off to an impressive start. The site is essentially a combination of YouTube and Instagram, allowing users to take 36-second videos from their mobile devices or their desktop computers, and to share those video notes with their friends. Keek has already won 45 million active members, spread across the United States, Canada, the UK, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. To date, there have been 18 million "keeks," totaling more than two billion views.

"So far, there have not arisen any reputational issues involving Keek--at least, not that we know of," comments Zammuto. "With that said, it is not hard to understand how one ill-conceived video could cause reputational damage--and once these videos are out there on the Web, there is no reeling them back in."

Zammuto muses that damaging keeks could one day become just as commonplace as damaging tweets. "Just think about the celebrities and political figures--like Anthony Weiner--who 'accidently' shoot themselves in the foot via Twitpics," he offers. "It would be just as easy to do this by accidently broadcasting the wrong Keek video."

Keek poses hazards for many users, even beyond political figures. "Consider the ways in which so many celebrities have damaged their reputations, going off on rants or picking fights via their tweets--and think how much harder it would be to undo that reputational damage were the rant to be in the form of a memorable video, as opposed to just text," Zammuto offers. He cites such recent examples as Amanda Bynes, picking a Twitter feud with Rihanna.

"Our advice for celebrities and public figures would be to simply remember that Keek, like all other social platforms, has the power to shape public perception--and once you put something out there on the Internet, it's there forever," the Reputation Changer president states. "At Reputation Changer, LinkedIn and Facebook and all the other social networks are considered to be both blessings and curses, simply depending on how you use them, and we have no doubt that Keek falls into this same nebulous category."

ABOUT:

Championed as the most influential and forward-thinking online reputation company in the world, Reputation Changer was founded in 2009 by a team of online marketing professionals. Their goal was to deliver tools and strategies for those wishing to seize control of their online reputation. The company remains true to its initial vision to this day, offering reputation monitoring and repair services to people and companies alike. ReputationChanger.com is known both for its standard-setting technologies as well as for its proprietary strategies; the company's client list includes government bodies, noteworthy politicians, Fortune 100 companies, small businesses, doctors, dentists, lawyers, and private citizens.