Petra:

great blog, and love the discussion.

I'd like to share my blog with you that sums up a discussion around this topic at the recent Social Shake Up event in Atlanta.

The name of the session was "Can Social Media Help you Build a better Advocate?"

http://www.marketingxlerator.com/2013/09/23/can-social-media-help-you-build-a-better-advocate/

What stuck with me most was @EYellin's comment that an advocate is somebody who is honest with a brand.

Initially, I objected to this view, as advocacy is by defininion a positive term.

ad·vo·ca·cy
[ad-vuh-kuh-see] Show IPA
noun, plural ad·vo·ca·cies.
the act of pleading for, supporting, or recommending;

But, as you know, the people who are honest and don't only blow smoke up a brand's you know what are also the most credible. And, Ms. Yellin's point was that an advocate helps a company by being honest vs. just a cheer leader.

So, I like her approach, even though the semantics might not be 100% in sync. In the end, the definition is not as important as the outcome. Bottom line: brands are lucky to have people who help them create awareness (or more), no matter what we call them.

What do you think?

Best,

Natascha