I didn’t consciously know it at the time but Novi High School, just like pretty much every other school in America, ran on social currency.

It’s a simple system.

Everyone has an account with a starting balance dependent on your rung of the social status ladder. You make deposits, like being able to buy liquor at age 15 because you can already grow a beard, and withdrawals, like wearing glasses that went out of style three years earlier. Your balance determines who will talk to you and who won’t. 

Then there’s social media; sites like Facebook and Twitter that help you communicate with friends, family and colleagues. I would explain further but since you are reading a blog I’m guessing you are on point with this concept already.

What’s important to realize is that neither of these have anything to do with accumulating rewards points by making purchases with your American Express. Not even buying beer at age 15 because anyone who is underage and stupid enough to charge a keg is a moron and shouldn’t get any reward points.

This spot is nothing more than a cheap attempt to associate the Am Ex rewards system with the idea of social media because it’s a trendy buzzword.

Shopping online is not social media. Amazon doesn’t deliver raincoats at night in doorways and Ticketmaster has nothing to do with posting pictures to Flickr. 

Now maybe there’s something I’m not aware of and playing Cityville somehow helps accumulate points on your Am Ex. If so, than I apologize, but I’m pretty sure the two have absolutely nothing to do with each other.

Yes it’s great you can use your rewards points online but the idea this has something to do with social media is just another attempt at bandwagon jumping by a lame marketer.

Oh well. I like Angry Birds better anyway.