A good discussion, Geoff. I've saved if for use in class this coming semester.

Perhaps I'm being picky, as I prepare for Fall semester. But, I would be wary of calling these propositions theories. The six degrees proposition was called dots and lines in early 20th century cultural anthropology. Chris Anderson's Long Tail was being discussed in social network writings as far back as 1930. That time period is, by the way, where (in academia) the discussion and study of social networks began. It may go back farther.

What's missing in all these attempts to define social networks and influence? Each of the concepts you've shared above have yet to be verified. They have not been tested, in an heuristic empirical sense. I'm referring to any (if it even has been done by any of the people listed above) experimental testing that can be replicated and then - only then - called a theory.

Frankly, all of the efforts in social media that I have seen aimed at defining influence and influencers are tools that seek to (a) drive sales of a company/interest, (b) try to elevate a company/interest into some form of 'thought leader' or (c) pseudo-research disguised as marketing promotion -- maybe even (d) sell a book.

Even today, almost a century after most research into social networks (by anthropologists and communicators), there seems to be little agreement as to a theory that works on a large scale. Small networks may be studied, but their characteristics do not necessarily apply to other networks. Ultimately, there are no absolutes - as is suggested by many (if not all) of those cited above. Further, they are mostly posturing their ideas with anecdotal evidence. You can't build a theory on anecdotal evidence.

Happily I will share that our Carrie Williams who is leading in the competition. Her "Auburn University Students Are Free Enterprise" story has 5,239 views, as of this writing. Carrie's good. As the director of our campus student TV station, her work - along with many other students - has taken the program to a HD broadcast. They are all digital. She's ready for the real world of broadcasting. I'm sure Carrie would welcome more people checking out her story ... visit http://bit.ly/ajk3o4 We're proud of her. War Eagle! (That's Auburn speak for "We love ya'!")

Ike., you have illustrated the state of our world so well. "The New Normal" may not be what we want, but that may be because of what we have been taught ... our taught ourselves. The walled garden view of PR and journalism had a big gaping hole punched in the wall. I like your phrase, Embedded Journalist. Be the solid reporter. Be the balanced viewpoint. (Oh, how that word 'balanced' has been so butchered and bastardized by some.) You just need to see the new opportunities to still achieve your goals while working in this new environment. It isn't easy, but it is doable.