The Internet is always changing, and with that, the face of communication is changing as well. From e-mail to instant messaging to social networks, the Internet continues to evolve social communication and interaction.

As communications professionals and marketers, it’s our job to learn these tools and how they work in order to effectively counsel clients. How can we be of service and evangelize social media tools, if we don’t understand how it all works together as an integral part of marketing, PR and advertising?

Despite questions and criticism such as, “how do you even begin to determine the ROI?”, “only an elite few are involved with social media” and “what about the security of social networks?” Lee Hopkins had a post yesterday pointing out that business communicators simply cannot afford to be uninvolved in social media.

Lee realizes that burnout is a real problem, especially considering that there are countless tools released on a weekly (or daily) basis. But instead of lamenting how there are too many to keep up with, how about taking the time to learn about them?

Either be part of the problem or be part of the solution; either skill up or get out of the way.

The Buzz Meter

To make things a little easier for all of us, tomorrow will kick off the start of a new series on the Buzz Bin called “Buzz Meter”. Similar to a post in January on Flock, I’ll be reviewing products, social networks, bookmarking sites, and other tools that social media marketers can benefit from learning and using.

Beyond your normal Facebook and Twitter tips, I’ll cover tools that range from ITtoolbox and Squidoo to Utterz and Seesmic and more. (Note: If you are currently using a tool you LOVE, send a note my way via Twitter or email me.)

The Buzz Meter will operate on a “4-Buzz Bee” System, and be rated by how easy they are to use, how open and interactive they are, and how useful they are.

Hopefully this series will provide a quick reference guide to the newest (and favorite) tools of the trade.