Made the news once again

Posted Friday, February 17, 2006 at 11:53pm in Blogging, PR General  | 

Congrats to all presenters in what looks to have been yet another great social media evangelising event. Back by popular demand and following on from the success of the University of Sunderland’s Making the news: Blogging, RSS and the New PR, the Resevoir Blogs took stage at non other than Old Trafford. No, not the home of second richest football club in the world, Manchester United, but playing ground of Lancashire Cricket Club.

Undoubtedly, the attendees were ‘bowled over’ and came out less ’stumped’ after each of the social media experts had their ‘innings’. Okay, enough of the terrible puns already, Stephen! But I’m sure each left with a LBW (Lookout to Blog Watching?) Sorry it just gets worse!

On a more serious note, it’s great that each conference is filled with inquisitive PR pros eager to learn more about the benefits and implications of the Internet and social media. But more importantly, it’s through experts taking time out to spread the word is what helps to push this new media (and the PR profession) forward. Let’s be honest, we can preach about it as much as we want online, but you can’t convert the already converted.

Kudos to Neville, Tom, Stuart, Elizabeth and last but certainly not least, my uni lecturer and the reason why I’m blogging today, Philip.

While I’m on the subject of blogs - funny that! Me talking about blogs! - I’m beginning to see a certain change in people when I mention them in conversation. No longer do I get the “Huh? Watcha talkin about?” or the “Oh please, spare me” but a rather more fascinated reply such as “Tell me more?” or “What are they about?” or “So how are they different from normal websites?”. It’s no secret that the UK isn’t taking to it as much as other countries but I believe the change is happening - slowly but surely - but it’s happening.

This edition of PR Week (UK version) has an opinion piece titled “Blogging revolution will force change in PR”. Back page there’s a column on ’shock! horror!’ PR and marketing pros editing Wikipedia to be seen in a more, shall we say, favourable light. Also a feature on North East PR pro and new CIPR president, Tony Bradley.

Two more UK PR students have been unleashed in to the blogosphere. Both coming from the PR Studies and Leaverwealth stable of Leeds Met. PR STUDENT! by first year, Chloe Chaplin and Wages of Spin by final year student, Alexandra Pullin. If you haven’t already, I suggest you subscribe. No doubt you’ll learn a thing or two. Also, event planner and Don’t Panic Event Management founder, Nicky Wake starts a new blog titled Eventualities.

To touch on what a LOT of other people have been talking about and to round up this post - Steve Rubel joins Edelman. Wow! Now there’s a shocker for you! But when you give it a little thought, it kind of makes sense no?

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