Communications Major

A winner of an online contest was disqualified for using a Web site where people who enter digital sweepstakes ask members to vote for them, thus putting brands that use social media and crowdsourcing at odds with consumers who are savvy enough to use the same tools.

From the Tongue-Firmly-Planted-in-Cheek Department

SEATTLE—Sad, pathetic local web developer and blogger Phillip Cathin, 34, told reporters today that he sees himself as “a brand.” The pitiful man, who works in development and design at the Seattle-based software company Woot, told reporters he takes time out of every day to “promote and further [his] brand” and to extend his “social and online presence.” “I am my own product,” the little worm said.

Facebook began eliminating fake likes on brand pages Wednesday, after pledging to ramp up security last month.