Earlier this year NY-based Buddy Media raised $6.5 million for their social application network. Today I spent some time at their office in Manhattan. Walking into the office I wasn't sure I was in the right place as Don King welcomed me and all of the other employees were dressed up for the holiday.

Below is my discussion with CEO Mike Lazerow. You will note that Mike apparently also plays the role of Captain America but he took off his super powers suit for the interview. Buddy Media creates social applications for their corporate clients to reach end consumers online differently than the traditional banner ad. We discuss social metrics and the education needed to get consumer brands to buy into "non-traditional" online spending. Mike also discusses the Buddy Media "brain". At the end of the interview Mike speaks briefly about the economy and the differences you will see with startups moving forward.