Earlier today, my colleague Morgan Little pointed out some of the dangers of going negative in dealing with your rivals, as many politicians do in their campaign ads.

But that doesn’t mean there isn’t any value in the strategies employed by political campaigns. More info in today’s Social Media Roundup:

Real People, Please

See the power of using real people in advocacy ads. http://t.co/fbrl9hgs48 #assnchat #nonprofits pic.twitter.com/TdluCesNHQ

— Connectivity (@CQConnectivity) November 3, 2014

See the power of using real people in advocacy ads. http://t.co/fbrl9hgs48 #assnchat #nonprofits pic.twitter.com/TdluCesNHQ

— Connectivity (@CQConnectivity) November 3, 2014

All the stock photos in the world can’t compete with a real person. That’s a lesson to pick up from political campaigns, which understand the power of showing a real face, a real person, someone who clearly has a stake in the game’s outcome. Take Maryland gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan, who has scored big with a series of ads centered on real people who plan to vote for him on Tuesday. Enter K Kandie Leach:

“An African-American woman who has never before voted Republican is not your typical spokesperson for a white, male, Republican candidate,” writes CQ Roll Call‘s Gerry Gunster. “But that’s exactly why the spot gets viewers’ attention. It prompts them to consider, if she is not voting the party line, maybe I shouldn’t either.”

Not that stock photos don’t have their place. Check out this ad from the Republican Governors Association, also in support of Hogan, which uses dozens of stock photos to dizzying effect. Seen any good campaign ads lately? (ht @CQConnectivity)

Get Your Head in the Game

New post up on @AssocMarketer >> The Case for Gamification: http://t.co/5BxrSqBIpM #assnchat #associations

— Crypto Bahay (@Cryptobahay) November 3, 2014

“Gamification” is one of those buzzwords that draw association professionals like a moth to a flame. And, in fact, it has major value for community pros and helps drive member interest, argues Higher Logic’s Caitlin McDonnell.

“The same way that badge ribbons are incredibly popular at in-person events, online badges, ribbons, and other indicators of prestige are appreciated and sought after by many online participants,” McDonnell writes on the Association Marketer blog. “Feedback from many Higher Logic clients supports this—members love profile ribbons.”

On the other hand, some worry that gamification drives the wrong kind of participation—the kind where competition brings down the quality of conversation. But McDonnell says those concerns are unfounded and that gamification can truly help drive a community. What’s your take on adding competitive elements to communities? (ht @johnfoleyjr)

K Kandie Leach, star of a political ad for Maryland gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan. (YouTube screenshot)