Okay, things have been fairly manic over the last two months, but I'm determined to get more regular with my postings.
I've started working with a startup specialising in sport, and it's proving very interesting. More recently I've been spending a lot of time on Habbo, trying to understand how the kids talk.
Thursday 4 December 2008
Monday 29 September 2008
Sailing
Well, I'm now bruised and battered after a day's sailing on Friday, with recruitment company Major Players, in Southampton. Great day, but was thrown all over the boat. Needless to say I got no action shots, so these will have to do.
Wednesday 24 September 2008
romantic interest
It's been some time since I mentioned the romantic interest, so after lots of consultation with friends, I've decided to come clean on what happened. The Boy - J as he shall be known - is a bit confused. All was going well, we'd been spending lots of time together, going out, reading Sunday papers in the pub. All was well. Which is why I should have seen the truck looming over the horizon.
The problems started two weeks before my birthday in August. J had decided to take a week off 'to chill out'. Maybe I should've been more understanding but I guess I was a bit hurt that he'd decided he needed 'some time away from everything' and that included me. But still I tried not to panic. In retrospect, I maybe shouldn't have contacted him and let him chill, but I thought as we were a couple, talking would be okay. The weekend before his week off, which ran into my birthday weekend, we spent a glorious couple of days, and - to my surprise - he made a commitment declaration by giving me a set of keys to his flat. I was surprised, but touched. His week off came around and my assumption that talking was okay, was so wrong. He made it clear that he was planning to be a hermit for the week, and that included not seeing me. His reassurance that he was 'planning something' for my birthday made me think all was okay. Again, how wrong.
My birthday came around, I got a call from J to ask if I was in the office. I said yes, for the morning, then in the afternoon I was out with my team. It turned out he'd sent flowers to me, but to the registered address for the office, which is not where I was. So that was the start.
We - myself and my team - went to the Elbow Rooms to play pool and J called around five asking when I'd be done. I'd still heard nothing about his 'plans' so I'd arranged to go for a drink with a mate back in South London where I live. I told J this and he said, well can I come? Of course, he could, was my response. It had become clear there was no 'plan'. He turned up with a couple of books - a private joke - and a card. I've tried to find an image online, to no avail. I can't scan the card as I've binned it, but let's just say it's probably the most cruel and nasty card I've ever had from someone close to me. But I digress.
My team had got me some lovely presents and a delicious cake - a flan. J suggested we leave the Elbow Rooms and go back to mine, so we jumped in a cab. And that's when it started. I made the mistake of asking why he'd gone into hiding. He said he didn't want to talk about it, and I -stupidly - pushed the issue. We got to Victoria and it was apparent that the whole thing was over. The situation then descended into a Mike Leigh style comedy. We're standing in Victoria Station, he's telling me he can't cope with our relationship and that he needs space to get his head together. I, by now, am crying. I ask him if he's coming home with me and he says, quite honestly, no. So I say fine and turn around to walk off to my train. He's carrying the flan, so he calls after me about the cake and I tell him he can keep it. God knows what the other commuters thought.
I get on my train, sobbing, and go home. I cry on the sofa then ring my best friend who immediately takes me out and gets me drunk. So all was not lost.
Fast forward to Sat morning. Eight thirty am. I'm dying. I've got mascara all over my face and I feel like death. The buzzer goes. The flowers.
I open the door, unaware that I'm still in the Mike Leigh comedy. A middle aged man launches into a tirade. "You need to get proper labelling on your flats," he grumbles. "I've been all round the bloody grounds, and it took me ten minutes to park. I've got loads more deliveries to make and this is a bad start to the day."
I stand. Looking blankly at him. I open my mouth and I can't help myself. "You're having a bad day?", I say. "You? It was my birthday yesterday so the flowers are late. I was supposed to be going away with my lovely boyfriend, but instead he's dumped me and now I've got these shitty flowers to remind me."
He stood. Open mouthed. And then he said, "not much I can say to that love, Happy birthday!". He hands me the flowers and departs. I get showered and arrange to meet some friends for lunch. I call my mother on the way, and she's surprised to hear from me saying, "I thought J was taking you away". No, I say. What happened? she says. He dumped me yesterday. Oh god, she says. Are you all right? I can't talk about it, I say, choking back tears. Of course, she says. Anyway, how was your birthday? Clearly my mother also had a role in the comedy.
All was fine - or as fine as it could be. I fielded the questions about where J was from my friends, I exchanged an email with J where he explained he was in a difficult place and he needed space and time blah blah. Touchingly, after that space and time, he fully expects to be with me. So I'll just wait here, shall I?
It's amazing how when you think you're just almost getting over it when the digital space delivers a killer blow. I get a text from J. "I'm going to hurt you just a little bit more," he texts. "I'm going to delete our relationship from Facebook. I care about you but I just can't do this."
So a kick in the teeth virtually. I think I would have been happier if I'd been allowed that dignity of being the one to declare myself single.
It's now a month on, and frankly the world is easier. I've been quizzed by friends - who frankly would like to see him strung up by his balls for hurting me so badly - who want to know why I don't hate J.
What did he do? Yes, he said things that he clearly didn't mean but we all get carried away with the moment sometimes. He didn't love me and he didn't want to be with me. So he told me. What's bad about that? Yes, if I found out he'd cheated on me, my attitude would change, but he was just honest. And I'd rather that than a fake weekend away for my birthday. But yes, his timing was shit.
The problems started two weeks before my birthday in August. J had decided to take a week off 'to chill out'. Maybe I should've been more understanding but I guess I was a bit hurt that he'd decided he needed 'some time away from everything' and that included me. But still I tried not to panic. In retrospect, I maybe shouldn't have contacted him and let him chill, but I thought as we were a couple, talking would be okay. The weekend before his week off, which ran into my birthday weekend, we spent a glorious couple of days, and - to my surprise - he made a commitment declaration by giving me a set of keys to his flat. I was surprised, but touched. His week off came around and my assumption that talking was okay, was so wrong. He made it clear that he was planning to be a hermit for the week, and that included not seeing me. His reassurance that he was 'planning something' for my birthday made me think all was okay. Again, how wrong.
My birthday came around, I got a call from J to ask if I was in the office. I said yes, for the morning, then in the afternoon I was out with my team. It turned out he'd sent flowers to me, but to the registered address for the office, which is not where I was. So that was the start.
We - myself and my team - went to the Elbow Rooms to play pool and J called around five asking when I'd be done. I'd still heard nothing about his 'plans' so I'd arranged to go for a drink with a mate back in South London where I live. I told J this and he said, well can I come? Of course, he could, was my response. It had become clear there was no 'plan'. He turned up with a couple of books - a private joke - and a card. I've tried to find an image online, to no avail. I can't scan the card as I've binned it, but let's just say it's probably the most cruel and nasty card I've ever had from someone close to me. But I digress.
My team had got me some lovely presents and a delicious cake - a flan. J suggested we leave the Elbow Rooms and go back to mine, so we jumped in a cab. And that's when it started. I made the mistake of asking why he'd gone into hiding. He said he didn't want to talk about it, and I -stupidly - pushed the issue. We got to Victoria and it was apparent that the whole thing was over. The situation then descended into a Mike Leigh style comedy. We're standing in Victoria Station, he's telling me he can't cope with our relationship and that he needs space to get his head together. I, by now, am crying. I ask him if he's coming home with me and he says, quite honestly, no. So I say fine and turn around to walk off to my train. He's carrying the flan, so he calls after me about the cake and I tell him he can keep it. God knows what the other commuters thought.
I get on my train, sobbing, and go home. I cry on the sofa then ring my best friend who immediately takes me out and gets me drunk. So all was not lost.
Fast forward to Sat morning. Eight thirty am. I'm dying. I've got mascara all over my face and I feel like death. The buzzer goes. The flowers.
I open the door, unaware that I'm still in the Mike Leigh comedy. A middle aged man launches into a tirade. "You need to get proper labelling on your flats," he grumbles. "I've been all round the bloody grounds, and it took me ten minutes to park. I've got loads more deliveries to make and this is a bad start to the day."
I stand. Looking blankly at him. I open my mouth and I can't help myself. "You're having a bad day?", I say. "You? It was my birthday yesterday so the flowers are late. I was supposed to be going away with my lovely boyfriend, but instead he's dumped me and now I've got these shitty flowers to remind me."
He stood. Open mouthed. And then he said, "not much I can say to that love, Happy birthday!". He hands me the flowers and departs. I get showered and arrange to meet some friends for lunch. I call my mother on the way, and she's surprised to hear from me saying, "I thought J was taking you away". No, I say. What happened? she says. He dumped me yesterday. Oh god, she says. Are you all right? I can't talk about it, I say, choking back tears. Of course, she says. Anyway, how was your birthday? Clearly my mother also had a role in the comedy.
All was fine - or as fine as it could be. I fielded the questions about where J was from my friends, I exchanged an email with J where he explained he was in a difficult place and he needed space and time blah blah. Touchingly, after that space and time, he fully expects to be with me. So I'll just wait here, shall I?
It's amazing how when you think you're just almost getting over it when the digital space delivers a killer blow. I get a text from J. "I'm going to hurt you just a little bit more," he texts. "I'm going to delete our relationship from Facebook. I care about you but I just can't do this."
So a kick in the teeth virtually. I think I would have been happier if I'd been allowed that dignity of being the one to declare myself single.
It's now a month on, and frankly the world is easier. I've been quizzed by friends - who frankly would like to see him strung up by his balls for hurting me so badly - who want to know why I don't hate J.
What did he do? Yes, he said things that he clearly didn't mean but we all get carried away with the moment sometimes. He didn't love me and he didn't want to be with me. So he told me. What's bad about that? Yes, if I found out he'd cheated on me, my attitude would change, but he was just honest. And I'd rather that than a fake weekend away for my birthday. But yes, his timing was shit.
Tuesday 23 September 2008
Free computers
Originally I was in favour of the news that Brown was to give kids access to computers at home [not at £700, but that's another blog]. While the Daily Mail readers can rant that the wee chavs should be in the library, what is bypassing the commentators that when these wee chavs grow up, they'll more than likely to be working in a company where they will not only be expected to know about computers, they'll be expected to be competent in their use. That's not fantasy, it's fact.
But I'm particularly annoyed that the deal doesn't extend to Scotland. Yet again, this Government has shafted Scotland. There are children in Scotland who will work in computing [BigMouthMedia, one of the most respected SEO companies is based in Edinburgh and run by Scots!] so have they to buy their own? I hope to God that the lunatic will be let off the top chair soon.
But I'm particularly annoyed that the deal doesn't extend to Scotland. Yet again, this Government has shafted Scotland. There are children in Scotland who will work in computing [BigMouthMedia, one of the most respected SEO companies is based in Edinburgh and run by Scots!] so have they to buy their own? I hope to God that the lunatic will be let off the top chair soon.
Thursday 18 September 2008
New Facebook
I can't understand why everyone is against the new Facebook style. It seems very usable and much cleaner.
Wednesday 13 August 2008
China
Much as I have my reservations about China, I have to say the whole fuss over the 'fake' singer at the ceremony is a bit over the top. China has for years been horrific in its attempts to create perfect human beings. From binding feet, to mutilation of young women, it was never going to offer up a slightly gawky child to sing in its biggest exposure to the world. That said, I wonder how affected the rejected child will be. Imagine living your life being known as the 'child that was too ugly to sing at the Olympics'?
I'm wanting someone to explain the point of Yahoo's new Fire Eagle application. I am now Twittering, Facebooking, Powncing and blogging. When does it stop? And does anyone care?
I'm wanting someone to explain the point of Yahoo's new Fire Eagle application. I am now Twittering, Facebooking, Powncing and blogging. When does it stop? And does anyone care?
Monday 11 August 2008
social media mutterings
Well had a chilled weekend, mainly reading John Leslie's continued insistence that he's not a rapist, despite saying 'he didn't actually phsyically do anything wrong'. Hmmm.
Aside from that I played with this . How many do you remember?
I failed to do any of the chores I had planned to do, mainly due to getting domestic chores done, but I have an hour this evening to do it.
This week's going to be pretty busy, in the run up to my birthday on Friday. I'm wondering how many 'virtual' presents I'll be getting!
That said, as I'm out nearly every night with people I expect I'll have a good haul.
Interesting observations on social media here By looking at the data, it seems there are more women using social media than men, which could be true given we are more likely to chat. I'm not convinced by the age ranges. I am sceptical that there are so many 69 year olds on social media sites, more likely that when people sign up, they omit their age and it opts for the standard. That said, it shows the medium is growing up.
Aside from that I played with this . How many do you remember?
I failed to do any of the chores I had planned to do, mainly due to getting domestic chores done, but I have an hour this evening to do it.
This week's going to be pretty busy, in the run up to my birthday on Friday. I'm wondering how many 'virtual' presents I'll be getting!
That said, as I'm out nearly every night with people I expect I'll have a good haul.
Interesting observations on social media here By looking at the data, it seems there are more women using social media than men, which could be true given we are more likely to chat. I'm not convinced by the age ranges. I am sceptical that there are so many 69 year olds on social media sites, more likely that when people sign up, they omit their age and it opts for the standard. That said, it shows the medium is growing up.
Thursday 7 August 2008
busy busy
God I sometimes hate Blogger. I've been manically busy starting work at a new agency, and also dating a lovely boy. No information will be given to identify either, but the former is going well although I think the latter might think I'm mad.
I'm not entirely sure how much I love the new Facebook homepage. While it seems to look a lot more streamlined, I can't see where their commercial opportunities have gone. Although, look at this it seems they have other plans.
My usage of Facebook has dipped recently. Partly due to work, but also due to lack of inspiration. What do you say in your status if nothing's happened?
I'm not entirely sure how much I love the new Facebook homepage. While it seems to look a lot more streamlined, I can't see where their commercial opportunities have gone. Although, look at this it seems they have other plans.
My usage of Facebook has dipped recently. Partly due to work, but also due to lack of inspiration. What do you say in your status if nothing's happened?
Tuesday 8 July 2008
confusion
I'm trying to work out the actions of people. I've spent a good deal of time today working with people on search marketing, the passion some people have compared to reality of ignorance of the common person. I then popped out with some friends for a drink and now wonder if I made the wrong decision to move back to London. I feel alone, I feel a wee bit lost, if I'm honest. I live in a far inferior apartment to my one in Glasgow, and I am further out from town (Soho) than I'd prefer. What to do?
Monday 7 July 2008
Hmmmm
Boys are odd. I think I've managed to scare the romantic interest off already. I was only joking with a text (I'm sure mobiles are the route to all evil), but I think he is now viewing me as some sort of bunny boiler. I'm not. Seriously. I'm normal. I'm scared about relationships so I avoid them because I'm so much of a useless wreck at them. :(
Finally
Well after a week of no laptop, I'm now able to update my blog. I've finished working for Mobile Business, too much for too little money, so they've now found a new editor, which is great.
My business plans are coming along too, should be meeting people this week. Quite exciting and scary too.
Went to the NMA Awards on the 26th June. Interesting array of winners. Good to see that Argos is finally getting recognition for its digital work. Although, I do think they need to ensure that the dedication to digital filters down to the minions. Last time I spoke to a PR person at Argos, they told me digital wasn't a priority for them. Interesting when you think how the experience of ordering on the web, picking up in store and paying at a quick terminal is so much more palatable than standing with the chavs. If only they could understand how important they're going to be in the new trying 'credit crunch' days.
Have had a bit of a debauched weekend, not with the romantic interest mentioned last month, but with a new one. Considering I spent all weekend with him, and I didn't want to kill him, we could be in trouble. He does however keep demanding I visit him in the achingly trendy Shoreditch. Not entirely sure that'll be happening regularly. Even better though, he's a geek so at least when I start talking about SEO and social integration and web2.0, he won't doze off out of ignorance. Boredom, maybe, ignorance though, not.
Need to get my head together as I've two features to write on SEO. Better dust off my 'How to get to the top on Google' manual. Have also been reading Groundswell, about the importance of social media. Given that comments on Facebook are falling, should be quite interesting. Have been watching with interest the rise of things like Dopplr and Twitter. The exhaustingly digital Paul Walsh seems to spend 24 hours a day updating his feed, frankly my life's too dull for that. Pleased to be back online. Amazing how much you get done, though, when the constant chirping of incoming mail isn't there. I've reorganised my office, fed my fish and managed to make a jelly. I'm having a breakdown clearly.
I'm still surprised at the ruling against YouTube re; Viacom's case against them. Quite how YouTube is going to offer up all the users' details without someone mounting an action against them. I would have thought someone would pull the Human Rights card. Yet to be seen.
My business plans are coming along too, should be meeting people this week. Quite exciting and scary too.
Went to the NMA Awards on the 26th June. Interesting array of winners. Good to see that Argos is finally getting recognition for its digital work. Although, I do think they need to ensure that the dedication to digital filters down to the minions. Last time I spoke to a PR person at Argos, they told me digital wasn't a priority for them. Interesting when you think how the experience of ordering on the web, picking up in store and paying at a quick terminal is so much more palatable than standing with the chavs. If only they could understand how important they're going to be in the new trying 'credit crunch' days.
Have had a bit of a debauched weekend, not with the romantic interest mentioned last month, but with a new one. Considering I spent all weekend with him, and I didn't want to kill him, we could be in trouble. He does however keep demanding I visit him in the achingly trendy Shoreditch. Not entirely sure that'll be happening regularly. Even better though, he's a geek so at least when I start talking about SEO and social integration and web2.0, he won't doze off out of ignorance. Boredom, maybe, ignorance though, not.
Need to get my head together as I've two features to write on SEO. Better dust off my 'How to get to the top on Google' manual. Have also been reading Groundswell, about the importance of social media. Given that comments on Facebook are falling, should be quite interesting. Have been watching with interest the rise of things like Dopplr and Twitter. The exhaustingly digital Paul Walsh seems to spend 24 hours a day updating his feed, frankly my life's too dull for that. Pleased to be back online. Amazing how much you get done, though, when the constant chirping of incoming mail isn't there. I've reorganised my office, fed my fish and managed to make a jelly. I'm having a breakdown clearly.
I'm still surprised at the ruling against YouTube re; Viacom's case against them. Quite how YouTube is going to offer up all the users' details without someone mounting an action against them. I would have thought someone would pull the Human Rights card. Yet to be seen.
Thursday 26 June 2008
frustrated....
I've tried to update this several times, but it just crashes... aaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhh.
Anyway. Tonight's been eventful. I had a drink with a mate who was deciding whether or not to go on a date with a girl because he couldn't get her drunk til 10. If that wasn't depressing enough, I then met some other friends who proceeded to tell me the reason I was single was because I was too confrontational and argumentative. Needless to say we had a row.
Aside from that I had an interesting conversation about ironing. You would find it hard to believe how ironing unites people. I confided my secret (!) of putting kitchen foil under your board cover and then we had a long debate about a friend of ours who puts his fitted sheet on the bed and *then* irons it!
I'm working on a really dull feature at the moment, but have some exciting stuff coming up.
I also need advice. Is it okay to put butter on a peanut butter and banana sandwich? As well as the peanut butter, of course.
Anyway. Tonight's been eventful. I had a drink with a mate who was deciding whether or not to go on a date with a girl because he couldn't get her drunk til 10. If that wasn't depressing enough, I then met some other friends who proceeded to tell me the reason I was single was because I was too confrontational and argumentative. Needless to say we had a row.
Aside from that I had an interesting conversation about ironing. You would find it hard to believe how ironing unites people. I confided my secret (!) of putting kitchen foil under your board cover and then we had a long debate about a friend of ours who puts his fitted sheet on the bed and *then* irons it!
I'm working on a really dull feature at the moment, but have some exciting stuff coming up.
I also need advice. Is it okay to put butter on a peanut butter and banana sandwich? As well as the peanut butter, of course.
Monday 9 June 2008
Tired
Well, I had an interesting day yesterday. There was a power cut [all day] and I'd magnanimously offered to help a mate who's just taken over a (slightly) dodgy pub in South London and who had no staff. Needless to say, it was 26 degrees and the pub was full. It's unbelievable how rude some people can be when they want a drink! Must admit, I did take advantage of being able to wipe the smirk off many faces when I IDed them. Ah the power.
Friday 30 May 2008
Star spotting
I've been a bit slack updating this, mainly because I've been quite busy working! Damn work - gets in the way of everything. I've been working mainly on a few Eastern projects and also one in the glamorous world of Tunbridge Wells. Mobile Business, the magazine I've started consulting for, has been bought by Miles Publishing, a successful publishing house. Miles Bossum, its founder and owner, is a pretty ambitious guy and we share a couple of mutual friends, which is always a good sign.
I also found time to catch up with Andy Oakes, publisher of respected digital title NMA. We were gossiping like old women with the guys from Freestyle in Soho Hotel [where I seem to hold most of my 'meetings] when who should we spot? Keira Knightley. Looking a bit like a bag lady, IMHO, but gorgeous nevertheless. The boys were of course like meerkats trying to see who she was with but, bless 'em, they are celeb whores.
Mr Oakes was kind enough - and sexually confident enough - to allow me to go through his 'manbag'. I wasn't looking for it, but stumbled across a magazine. Apparently it's his guilty secret. I wouldn't DREAM of telling you the subject matter......
I also found time to catch up with Andy Oakes, publisher of respected digital title NMA. We were gossiping like old women with the guys from Freestyle in Soho Hotel [where I seem to hold most of my 'meetings] when who should we spot? Keira Knightley. Looking a bit like a bag lady, IMHO, but gorgeous nevertheless. The boys were of course like meerkats trying to see who she was with but, bless 'em, they are celeb whores.
Mr Oakes was kind enough - and sexually confident enough - to allow me to go through his 'manbag'. I wasn't looking for it, but stumbled across a magazine. Apparently it's his guilty secret. I wouldn't DREAM of telling you the subject matter......
Friday 16 May 2008
correction
Clearly I should have said - on my post on China - "I'm NOT so sure" in relation to the One Child Policy.
Damn gremlins. :)
Damn gremlins. :)
China
I'm finding it difficult to come to terms with what's going on in China, with the earthquake. I have thought for many years the One Child Policy was a good thing - apart from the obvious, if you're a girl you're not really wanted - but now I'm now so sure. As much as I disagree with all of what went on in the Cultural Revolution, I feel really sad for all these families who've lost their one chance of carrying their name on. Sorry. Feel a bit down about it.
What I don't feel down about is the fact that suddenly - according to The Independent - wedding days are no longer just for the bride. As a single woman - who has never felt the urge to get married or have kids - I fear the day (if it comes) where I become a monster in wedding shops. Surely the whole thing is about the person you love and your loved ones coming and witnessing you pledge your love to that person? Is it really about cakes, favours, photos and venue? Not to mention the dress. Having said that, I have a really personal fear that I'd want a sleek Armani/Ralph Lauren outfit, but will get swept away by the rest of the people. Maybe I should get married on a mountain, or something. I spent my 30th birthday at Edinburgh Zoo so there could be a trend there.....
What I don't feel down about is the fact that suddenly - according to The Independent - wedding days are no longer just for the bride. As a single woman - who has never felt the urge to get married or have kids - I fear the day (if it comes) where I become a monster in wedding shops. Surely the whole thing is about the person you love and your loved ones coming and witnessing you pledge your love to that person? Is it really about cakes, favours, photos and venue? Not to mention the dress. Having said that, I have a really personal fear that I'd want a sleek Armani/Ralph Lauren outfit, but will get swept away by the rest of the people. Maybe I should get married on a mountain, or something. I spent my 30th birthday at Edinburgh Zoo so there could be a trend there.....
Thursday 15 May 2008
Musings
Just off the phone to romantic entanglement. Not sure whether he wanted me to call or not - but either way, it's done. He's intriguing.
Bad result for the 'gers tonight. Thought they could've mad better use of the opportunities than they did. Getting Novo on at the last minute was a serious mistake.
Have to be up to interview someone at 10, so best be off.
Bad result for the 'gers tonight. Thought they could've mad better use of the opportunities than they did. Getting Novo on at the last minute was a serious mistake.
Have to be up to interview someone at 10, so best be off.
Wednesday 14 May 2008
Busy busy busy
Have had a busy few days, so no time to post. Monday night was spent at The Arts Club with the delightful Phil Jones and old time buddy Jane Austin, who runs http://www.austinobrien.co.uk/. There were a few others there too, but I'll spare their names to protect the innocent! Even had a romantic entanglement, which was v nice. Let's see how long he's nice for.
Yesterday was spent talking digital. Had a meeting with an agency in the morning, which hopefully will result in some work. Then had lunch with Amanda Harrison, another old friend who runs a very good PR company, http://www.amandaharrisonmedia.co.uk/. We spent a good couple of hours dissecting the media industry at the Med Kitchen, in Charing Cross road.
All this meant that I was late for my last meeting in Croydon.
I've finally got to the bottom of the Olympics saga. It seems NBC is not selling digital only space, instead it will sell a package, which is quite astute. Brands that want to get the huge online audience will have to buy the TV air too. Maybe this is the way broadcasters can actually make money out of internet advertising. With spots on the Olympics going for millions, it could mean a huge amount of revenue for NBC. And of course, MSN who will have negotiated themselves a nice big slice of the pie.
Yesterday was spent talking digital. Had a meeting with an agency in the morning, which hopefully will result in some work. Then had lunch with Amanda Harrison, another old friend who runs a very good PR company, http://www.amandaharrisonmedia.co.uk/. We spent a good couple of hours dissecting the media industry at the Med Kitchen, in Charing Cross road.
All this meant that I was late for my last meeting in Croydon.
I've finally got to the bottom of the Olympics saga. It seems NBC is not selling digital only space, instead it will sell a package, which is quite astute. Brands that want to get the huge online audience will have to buy the TV air too. Maybe this is the way broadcasters can actually make money out of internet advertising. With spots on the Olympics going for millions, it could mean a huge amount of revenue for NBC. And of course, MSN who will have negotiated themselves a nice big slice of the pie.
Friday 9 May 2008
Everything's gone mobile
Have just had a fantastic meeting with Mobile Business, who want me to do some work with them. Great title, but needs an injection of funkiness. Really looking forward to getting my teeth into it. Sun, good meetings; life can't get better - can it?
British Gas
Why is it big companies try to embrace digital but do it *so* badly?
I've been trying to organise my British Gas account online for six months and somehow, for whatever reason, despite them sending me bills with the a/c number on it, they can't recognise me. I call the online support team and they end up cutting me off! When I do get through, there's the obligatory 'we love you, we'll be with you' message. And then they advise me that it's busy, and I should go online. I f***ing know that. I can't. Hence my call to you.
I'm not bothered about companies that aren't online. If I choose to use their products, then I choose to abide by their way of working. But don't pretend you do digital, if you clearly are still struggling with customer service.
I've been trying to organise my British Gas account online for six months and somehow, for whatever reason, despite them sending me bills with the a/c number on it, they can't recognise me. I call the online support team and they end up cutting me off! When I do get through, there's the obligatory 'we love you, we'll be with you' message. And then they advise me that it's busy, and I should go online. I f***ing know that. I can't. Hence my call to you.
I'm not bothered about companies that aren't online. If I choose to use their products, then I choose to abide by their way of working. But don't pretend you do digital, if you clearly are still struggling with customer service.
Thursday 8 May 2008
Sunshine
Today was spent mostly sitting in the sun and working. Hard realisation that, actually, both don't go together. Now badly burnt.
Confused at the surprise around MySpace not hitting advertising revenue targets, would've thought that was obvious given the reluctance and sceptism by big brands to invest in social media. A new approach needs to be taken. Still working on this Olympics piece. Can't seem to get much joy from anyone on it. Ho hum.
Confused at the surprise around MySpace not hitting advertising revenue targets, would've thought that was obvious given the reluctance and sceptism by big brands to invest in social media. A new approach needs to be taken. Still working on this Olympics piece. Can't seem to get much joy from anyone on it. Ho hum.
Saturday 3 May 2008
Boris
I'm all for politicians using 'new media', but come on. Boris's Facebook page has not been updated with the news that he's now Mayor of London. I know the result was only announced last night but.....
Saturdays....
Well, it's a glorious day. I've been for a run and also called a few foreign friends. They were mostly drunk.
I'm wondering. Do I do some housework, or go to the park and feed the ducks? I always feel that feeding the ducks on a nice day is somewhat indulging to yourself, not the ducks. They get overfed on nice days. I should go on a rainy day. Hmmm.
I'm wondering. Do I do some housework, or go to the park and feed the ducks? I always feel that feeding the ducks on a nice day is somewhat indulging to yourself, not the ducks. They get overfed on nice days. I should go on a rainy day. Hmmm.
Friday 2 May 2008
poverty, socialism and celebrities
Well, today's been pretty eventful. I'm in the middle of researching a piece on the Olympics, and how brands can use the online element to maximise their marketing around it... any help would be good.
Had a great lunch with an old friend at Zilli Fish in Soho today, very 90s, but lovely.
Good to catch up and get out of the whole madness of being at home alone. Weird, though. Ziggy [ex-Big Brother 'star' so I'm told!] was in there with a blonde, and Meg Matthews [not drinking as she's in rehab] was dining with a rather muscly chap with tattoos. Odd to sit and have a conversation about the London Elections while two pseudo-celebrities are chomping on tuna carpaccio and poring over the tabloid gossip. Said friend - very Labour - was horrified that I said I'd vote for Boris Johnson.... However, I was joking....
Now need to knuckle down and get some work done...
Had a great lunch with an old friend at Zilli Fish in Soho today, very 90s, but lovely.
Good to catch up and get out of the whole madness of being at home alone. Weird, though. Ziggy [ex-Big Brother 'star' so I'm told!] was in there with a blonde, and Meg Matthews [not drinking as she's in rehab] was dining with a rather muscly chap with tattoos. Odd to sit and have a conversation about the London Elections while two pseudo-celebrities are chomping on tuna carpaccio and poring over the tabloid gossip. Said friend - very Labour - was horrified that I said I'd vote for Boris Johnson.... However, I was joking....
Now need to knuckle down and get some work done...
Thursday 1 May 2008
ramblings
I'm wondering if I maybe need to change my life. Have got into a depression about not being around and about people. Need to see more people. Off to bed. Happy Chelsea won, though.
Wednesday 30 April 2008
sunny day
Right, now it's stopped raining I'm off to buy a paper and then to sunny Croyden for a meeting about digital. Ah the joys of working for yourself.
Sadly, though, you have to finance your media consumption yourself! Happily, though, I'm loving the comments on Brand Republic about my replacement at Revolution. Poor guy. No staff and first day in the job and he's got grief.
Sadly, though, you have to finance your media consumption yourself! Happily, though, I'm loving the comments on Brand Republic about my replacement at Revolution. Poor guy. No staff and first day in the job and he's got grief.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
