Sonia Waszkowiak does social media, SEO and PR magic, commonly known as digital outreach, at Arena Media. She runs haveyoumetsonia.co.uk where she talks “internets” and theatre and whatshouldwecallthisblog.
1. Tell us about yourself in 140 characters:
I’m a happy-go-lucky meme-hunter. I equally love dance and advertising and have a big crush on Thailand. I spend my time on YouTube, twitter and tumblr.
2. If you could have a topic trend on Twitter what would it be and why?
It would be something like #dangleboris. After Boris’s unfortunate wanna-be-James Bond zip line stunt in Victoria Park it was just a matter of time before a meme emerged. For example dangleboris.wordpress.com spread quickly with #dangleboris and lots of people joined the fun. I submitted some photoshopped images too (below). So in other words, I hope to have another quick reaction meme blog trending one day.
3. Who is your ultimate influential tweeter?
Jimmy Fallon! In the US he is the host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. He is the funniest man alive, I know him from Saturday Night Live. I love his music impressions, jokes, interviews, monologues. I click on whatever he posts because well, I’m his biggest fan. I don’t have time to check the NBC website for the latest videos, they usually publish them a week later so twitter is the best place to keep up to date with the Late Night Show.
4. When has social media helped you achieve something great?
In November 2011. I have a quirky memory for unimportant dates. I scored an internship at Time Out on twitter. They didn’t advertise it on their website, I saw a tweet with an email address to apply and I got it. Every job interview after that got a raised eyebrow when I mentioned Time Out.
5. What is it about GIFs that you find to be so effective in your blog posts?
They are funny and accurate. They are often bits of TV, movies or music videos so you recognise where they are from. They capture only a little movement or gesture, repeated every 2 seconds which looks funny, strange, awkward, or stupid. Other GIFs are social fails – think banana slips of all sorts, or cute dogs and cats.
The GIF response Sonia made when we asked her to do this interview
GIFs are effective on my tumblr because they portray the emotions of everyday situations. So, instead of saying “I’m happy that my colleague called me crazy after pitching a creative idea”, I put a GIF of Justin Timberlake in a ketchup bottle costume saying “Thank you”. I post about routine office life so most people can relate to it.
6. Some links you recommend highly are…
I read Meme Machine regularly which is run by Viral Video Chart and Unruly. When I feel sad, bored or unmotivated, I turn to Jimmy Fallon! I watch his videos online. Unfortunately full episodes are not available in Europe but there are always short clips!
7. If you were an animal, what would you be?
A unicorn! I could be Charlie The Banana King’s girlfriend.
Be sure to check out Sonia’s blog and tumblr for amusing GIFs!