2.  Online technologies are accelerating the impact of word-of-mouth communication.  Social networking is changing the way companies and consumers interact.  Certain people are particularly likely to influence others’ product choices.

3.  Opinion leaders: influence others’ attitudes and behaviors  They are good information sources because they: › May be experts › Provide unbiased evaluation › Are socially active › Are similar to the consumer › Are among the first to buy

4.  Oracle Fox— a blog created to share love for fashion and how the near environment influences style.

5.  Combines social networking with highly known brand  Provides fashion trend information to everyday consumers relative to consumers with similar styles preferences  More likely to relate to Billabong products and purchase due to unbiased opinions toward brand

6.  Intermediary between Billabong and the consumer  Blog represents a social networking and brand awareness through WOM  Allows for posting and following

7.  Are there any blogs/social networking sites that you follow that link to a specific brand?  Do you feel that blogs are a positive source of WOM advertising?  Has teaming up with a blog helped Billabong build a stronger brand image for their products?

8.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9X LWsD9npY  oraclefox.blogspot.com/  http://www.surfingmagazine.com/swim/ oracle-fox-billabong/  http://blog.swell.com/style/oracle-fox- billabong-interview/