Dont’ compare slashdot/NYTimes..further level deep and you will see SEM/SEO/WoM all coverging to a basic point – do I know my user? do I know his usage habits?

And nobody knows the answer better than your network of friends! All this reminds me of ‘tipping point’ – and the entities needed for the tipping point, i..e. finding ‘connectors’ and using the ‘power of context’!
Let me know what do you think!

but if you campaign aims to generate continuous user engagement than its more useful to resort to word of mouth publicity . much of the value in slashdot is via user comment and engagement but in NYTimes.com and new yorker its the underlying content .

reason why these two are often confused / overlapped is becauase SEM/SEO is more structured than word of mouth [WOM] .In most of the cases WOM happen by accident . Tricks like signature footer text in Hotmail can work but its a one trick pony . there are some structured methods of starting a viral wom but you need to alter /fine tune it for your venture thats where most venture fails .

both have their own sphere of relevance and their own pros and cons .

Indian People Trust one another whom they know.
Indian People are conservative so is price sensitive mkt.

Only 18% of TV Ads GENERATE POSITIVE ROI. Why?
Because REMOTE CONTROL in every persons hand who CHANGES Frequently,when Serial/Program/News leaves us for short commercial break [2min], to ANOTHER Channel.

91% Likely to BUY on RECOMMENDATION
BUZZ = INFECTIOUS CHATTER WHAT’S HOT WHAT’S ATTRACTIVE.

Word of Mouth, primarily becuz it provides a timely & credible exchangeable experience, SPEEDS up the decision to purchase.