Social Media Analysis Forum Launched

NetBase - which creates tools to measure consumer opinion and behavior in social media - has joined forces with netnographer Professor Robert Kozinets to develop an online community through which market researchers can discuss and share best practices around measuring online buzz.

The new netnography.com site is intended as a global community to drive understanding of social media analysis. Professor Kozinets says that observing people's social interactions on the web has 'opened the door' for market researchers to go beyond just social listening and monitoring buzz.

'Traditional research methods like focus groups and surveys ask people questions in artificial surroundings and in an artificial way,' explains Professor Kozinets. 'With the social media revolution underway, many companies are just beginning to take notice of netnography, and I am very proud and excited that we now have an online community to discuss this evolving method and its many applications.'

Netnography.com is open to researchers, academics, industry practitioners, and providers of relevant products and services. Newcomers will also be able to learn how to best use the methodology to better understand their own consumers.

Web site: www.netnography.com .