Wadds' tech pr blog
Friday, October 27, 2006
Bully for you
Canis Canem Edit (‘Dog eat dog’ in Latin) hit the stores this week. The cartoon-style game pits a picked-upon teenager up against the school bad boys as he plots vengeance on his tormenters and protects other bullied schoolchildren through the use of violence. Unsurprisingly, it has kicked off a small tornado of discussion between the games industry and lilly-livered liberals opposed to its release.
Critics of the game say it advocates violence as a solution to schoolyard bullying and that this is the wrong message to send. Conversely, for bullied kids that realise that they are in no position to fight back it might provide some release. Bullying has been around since schools were created. Kids are kids and no one – not teachers, parents, governors or schoolchildren themselves – have ever managed to curtail it. Don’t ban the game. Ban the bullying. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:28 PM
Critics of the game say it advocates violence as a solution to schoolyard bullying and that this is the wrong message to send. Conversely, for bullied kids that realise that they are in no position to fight back it might provide some release. Bullying has been around since schools were created. Kids are kids and no one – not teachers, parents, governors or schoolchildren themselves – have ever managed to curtail it. Don’t ban the game. Ban the bullying. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:28 PM
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Slice of a bigger pie
Rainier PR and its sister agencies Lighthouse and Custard PR have merged with Loewy. No change whatsoever to business. Very good news as this means an extended service offering and larger (and fast-growing) international presence.
Personally I'm away this week - not recovering from dealing with lawyers, but a well-earned and long-planned rest.
I see The World's Leading has already questioned whether the UK team who founded Rainier PR had equity in it. Course we did mate, we're not mugs. Plus the management team here did an MBO in 2002 to get its mitts on a bigger slice of pie. A question of negotiation. Mr Schuster did tell us afterwards about the other tech PR heads he screened, one bunch from a firm based in the west London area if my memory serves me right. Anyway, back to my pie and chips. Permalink | 1 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:04 PM
Personally I'm away this week - not recovering from dealing with lawyers, but a well-earned and long-planned rest.
I see The World's Leading has already questioned whether the UK team who founded Rainier PR had equity in it. Course we did mate, we're not mugs. Plus the management team here did an MBO in 2002 to get its mitts on a bigger slice of pie. A question of negotiation. Mr Schuster did tell us afterwards about the other tech PR heads he screened, one bunch from a firm based in the west London area if my memory serves me right. Anyway, back to my pie and chips. Permalink | 1 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:04 PM
Friday, October 20, 2006
Wireless audio in the home
I've just set up a Squeezebox on my Mac at home to stream itunes and other audio content over our wireless network. It's a gorgeous product that all audiophiles should rush out and buy or at least stick on their Christmas list.
The client, a sleek box about the size of a small box of chocolates sits onto of your hi-fi and either connects directly to the internet to stream content direct from the Squeezebox network, or streams audio directly from a mac or PC.
You can either push audio to the hi-fi client from the server PC or pull it across using a remote control. A gorgeous dot matrix florescent display provides track information or a description of the content. I love it – even if it costs nearly £200. Permalink | 2 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:31 PM
I've just set up a Squeezebox on my Mac at home to stream itunes and other audio content over our wireless network. It's a gorgeous product that all audiophiles should rush out and buy or at least stick on their Christmas list.
The client, a sleek box about the size of a small box of chocolates sits onto of your hi-fi and either connects directly to the internet to stream content direct from the Squeezebox network, or streams audio directly from a mac or PC.
You can either push audio to the hi-fi client from the server PC or pull it across using a remote control. A gorgeous dot matrix florescent display provides track information or a description of the content. I love it – even if it costs nearly £200. Permalink | 2 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:31 PM
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
When bad publicity is not necessarily good publicity
Fantastic news for anyone with a conscience, Ashley Cole’s ‘autobiography’ (in that it was written by someone else) has sold a pithy 3,128 copies thus far – the least amount of any of the high profile English autobiographies released this summer - with one Amazon reviewer saying it was even poorer than Rio Ferdinand’s "I love birds and roasting birds and birds love me even though I look like Jar-Jar Binks".
This is despite blanket coverage building up to its release in every facet of the media and the controversial nature of it.
With football fans generally regarded as the lowest denominator in society, this shows that even with fantastic coverage and the influence of the media, consumers will always make their own mind up about whether to purchase a product or not. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 1:34 PM
This is despite blanket coverage building up to its release in every facet of the media and the controversial nature of it.
With football fans generally regarded as the lowest denominator in society, this shows that even with fantastic coverage and the influence of the media, consumers will always make their own mind up about whether to purchase a product or not. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 1:34 PM
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Link love
BBC regional blogger Tim Hoang has just filed his latest post. Born and bred in Bradford, Tim moved to London earlier in the year to join Rainier PR.
In his latest post he talks about being mugged, over priced clubs, living in London, vegetarians and men that moisturise.
It’s well worth a read. Permalink | 4 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:18 PM
BBC regional blogger Tim Hoang has just filed his latest post. Born and bred in Bradford, Tim moved to London earlier in the year to join Rainier PR.In his latest post he talks about being mugged, over priced clubs, living in London, vegetarians and men that moisturise.
It’s well worth a read. Permalink | 4 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:18 PM
Media operators
First Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice, uses the media to raise awareness of an issue. And then within the week General Sir Richard Dannatt, the head of the British army does exactly the same.
Is it just that individuals whatever their walk of life are becoming increasingly media savvy, or is it that channels of communication between the army and the cabinet, and the judiciary and the cabinet, have broken down to such an extent that their management feel they have little option but to take the Jamie Oliver approach and play Blair at his own game? Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 9:33 AM
Is it just that individuals whatever their walk of life are becoming increasingly media savvy, or is it that channels of communication between the army and the cabinet, and the judiciary and the cabinet, have broken down to such an extent that their management feel they have little option but to take the Jamie Oliver approach and play Blair at his own game? Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 9:33 AM
Monday, October 16, 2006
Second Life for reporters
The news agency Reuters have enlisted media correspondent, Adam Pasick to report within the online virtual world of Second Life. Adam, whose avatar is named Adam Reuters, will report on the lives and business of the inhabitants.
This follows hot on the heels of news that BBC will be renting a virtual island and Text 100 has opened an office there. I know other PR bloggers such as Drew B are fans, but I am still unconvinced about how it can entertain me, or make me money. Permalink | 1 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:40 PM
The news agency Reuters have enlisted media correspondent, Adam Pasick to report within the online virtual world of Second Life. Adam, whose avatar is named Adam Reuters, will report on the lives and business of the inhabitants.
This follows hot on the heels of news that BBC will be renting a virtual island and Text 100 has opened an office there. I know other PR bloggers such as Drew B are fans, but I am still unconvinced about how it can entertain me, or make me money. Permalink | 1 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:40 PM
History in the blogging
In the beginning, humans used cave paintings to log a normal day’s mammoth chasing, then we switched to hieroglyphs to record the procession of pharaohs and gods. We’ve moved on since then when it comes to recording history and 2006’s own answer to the Bayeux Tapestry is the blog, according to a group of charities headed by the National Trust. The group wants us all to dedicate next Tuesday, 17 October, to blog our day – whether exciting or mundane – so that a time capsule can be created for future generations to see how we lived. Log onto History Matters on Tuesday to take part.
Heaven only knows what the future generations will make of us here in 2006. “In the year 2525…” Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:06 PM
In the beginning, humans used cave paintings to log a normal day’s mammoth chasing, then we switched to hieroglyphs to record the procession of pharaohs and gods. We’ve moved on since then when it comes to recording history and 2006’s own answer to the Bayeux Tapestry is the blog, according to a group of charities headed by the National Trust. The group wants us all to dedicate next Tuesday, 17 October, to blog our day – whether exciting or mundane – so that a time capsule can be created for future generations to see how we lived. Log onto History Matters on Tuesday to take part.Heaven only knows what the future generations will make of us here in 2006. “In the year 2525…” Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:06 PM
Friday, October 13, 2006
RSS feeds Rainier PR news
I’ve been pushing for this for some time now but we’ve finally got our RSS feeds up and running for all our clients.
There’s been a lot of talk recently on issues such as the death of the press release, traditional public relations, etc and RSS feeds appear to be the ideal solution for both journalists and PROs – journalists have a constant stream of news which they can access at their own time and PROs simply paste the story into client news feeds and let the journalist do their work without having to pester them.
Whether it is a success or not, it will be interesting to see how many journalists use the feature. Permalink | 2 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 12:55 PM
There’s been a lot of talk recently on issues such as the death of the press release, traditional public relations, etc and RSS feeds appear to be the ideal solution for both journalists and PROs – journalists have a constant stream of news which they can access at their own time and PROs simply paste the story into client news feeds and let the journalist do their work without having to pester them.
Whether it is a success or not, it will be interesting to see how many journalists use the feature. Permalink | 2 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 12:55 PM
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Don’t judge me
Following the “inflammatory” statements of Jack Straw made, discrimination and equality are front of mind in the media. We here at Rainier PR like to think of ourselves as very accepting of other peoples beliefs, but I challenge anyone not to be the teensy weensiest bit unnerved by Bruce Potts, a teacher of Public Speaking at the University of New Mexico. I find it hard to imagine people not jumping to conclusions if this bloke were to stroll out for a pint of milk, let alone turn up to present a lecture. However, I accept that it is my shortcomings as a person and that it is me that has to change.
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Following the “inflammatory” statements of Jack Straw made, discrimination and equality are front of mind in the media. We here at Rainier PR like to think of ourselves as very accepting of other peoples beliefs, but I challenge anyone not to be the teensy weensiest bit unnerved by Bruce Potts, a teacher of Public Speaking at the University of New Mexico. I find it hard to imagine people not jumping to conclusions if this bloke were to stroll out for a pint of milk, let alone turn up to present a lecture. However, I accept that it is my shortcomings as a person and that it is me that has to change.
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0 comments
| Stephen Waddington @ 9:30 AM
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Mobile Clubbing
Here’s a date for your diary: 11th October 2006, 19:24, Liverpool St Station.
Bring your MP3 player and join in as crowds of people listen to their headphones and dance away. For tips on what to do when you get there, have a look here: http://www.sumo.tv/watch.php?video=54995
This is what the internet was invented for. Permalink | 3 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:40 PM
Here’s a date for your diary: 11th October 2006, 19:24, Liverpool St Station.Bring your MP3 player and join in as crowds of people listen to their headphones and dance away. For tips on what to do when you get there, have a look here: http://www.sumo.tv/watch.php?video=54995
This is what the internet was invented for. Permalink | 3 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:40 PM
Google buys YouTube
After days of speculation, Google has purchased YouTube for $1.65billion in stock.
The deal allows Google Video and YouTube users to watch free videos, with advertising revenue split between Google and the creators of the video.
This also allows YouTube to monetise its free content to the same degree of success as Google has done, less than 18months since its inception. Permalink | 3 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:16 PM
After days of speculation, Google has purchased YouTube for $1.65billion in stock.The deal allows Google Video and YouTube users to watch free videos, with advertising revenue split between Google and the creators of the video.
This also allows YouTube to monetise its free content to the same degree of success as Google has done, less than 18months since its inception. Permalink | 3 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:16 PM
YouTube used to help solve murder
Greater Manchester Police are using YouTube to gather evidence of the murder of 15 year old Jessie James who was shot in the Moss Side area of Manchester on the 9 September.
This initiative by the police shows that YouTube is gaining recognition for the way it can reach audiences. If this proves successful, the mass audience of YouTube could prove to be vital in solving crimes, especially considering how young people are generally reluctant to speak to authorities. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:54 PM
This initiative by the police shows that YouTube is gaining recognition for the way it can reach audiences. If this proves successful, the mass audience of YouTube could prove to be vital in solving crimes, especially considering how young people are generally reluctant to speak to authorities. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:54 PM
Friday, October 06, 2006
Online ad spend set to break the £2billion mark
The Internet Advertising Bureau has revealed that online advertising spend will surpass national press advertising this year with revenues past the £2billion mark.
This was always inevitable as audiences segment, and companies have to stand out and target their narrower markets more effectively. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:20 PM
The Internet Advertising Bureau has revealed that online advertising spend will surpass national press advertising this year with revenues past the £2billion mark.This was always inevitable as audiences segment, and companies have to stand out and target their narrower markets more effectively. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:20 PM
A way to tea-stress
Drinking black tea can alleviate stress says a new study by University College London. 75 volunteers had their stress levels tested through the day and those that drank black tea rather than a placebo had lower levels of stress measured by blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels.
Scientists are unsure what ingredients in the tea cause this effect but have underlined that it does not lower stress levels, only speeds up recovery from stressful situations. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:02 PM
Drinking black tea can alleviate stress says a new study by University College London. 75 volunteers had their stress levels tested through the day and those that drank black tea rather than a placebo had lower levels of stress measured by blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels.Scientists are unsure what ingredients in the tea cause this effect but have underlined that it does not lower stress levels, only speeds up recovery from stressful situations. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 3:02 PM
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Bradford Born and Blogged
One of Rainier PR’s newest recruits, Bradford born Tim Hoang has started writing a regular feature blog for the BBC West Yorkshire site about his experiences of working in London.
Tim began writing for the BBC after we set up a day of challenges for our staff as a training day. One of the tasks was to get Rainier PR mentioned on the BBC website. Finding a student blog on a regional site, Tim pitched the idea of writing about his experiences of being a student in London to the BBC West Yorkshire team.
The articles give insight into his view on being a public relations graduate and working for Rainier PR and how his life has changed since being uprooted from ‘oop north’. He’s yet to get a mention of Rainier PR past a BBC sub-editor, but he’s on the promise of a day off if he succeeds. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 11:39 AM
One of Rainier PR’s newest recruits, Bradford born Tim Hoang has started writing a regular feature blog for the BBC West Yorkshire site about his experiences of working in London.Tim began writing for the BBC after we set up a day of challenges for our staff as a training day. One of the tasks was to get Rainier PR mentioned on the BBC website. Finding a student blog on a regional site, Tim pitched the idea of writing about his experiences of being a student in London to the BBC West Yorkshire team.
The articles give insight into his view on being a public relations graduate and working for Rainier PR and how his life has changed since being uprooted from ‘oop north’. He’s yet to get a mention of Rainier PR past a BBC sub-editor, but he’s on the promise of a day off if he succeeds. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 11:39 AM
Wikimapia
Everyone loves Wikipedia – it’s a fantastic source for finding fast facts on the most irrelevant subjects, such as a profile on the worst player ever to grace the English Premiership, Ali Dia.
Google Earth is also an excellent tool for time wasters, and not since we got bored of the Ross and Rachel from ‘Friends’ thing, has a union been more worthy of our interest.
Click on an area of Google Earth and, with Wikimapia switched on, you can find out more information on the area from people who have actually visited or lived there. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 11:28 AM
Everyone loves Wikipedia – it’s a fantastic source for finding fast facts on the most irrelevant subjects, such as a profile on the worst player ever to grace the English Premiership, Ali Dia.
Google Earth is also an excellent tool for time wasters, and not since we got bored of the Ross and Rachel from ‘Friends’ thing, has a union been more worthy of our interest.
Click on an area of Google Earth and, with Wikimapia switched on, you can find out more information on the area from people who have actually visited or lived there. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 11:28 AM
Monday, October 02, 2006
Annoying ringtone with purpose
A new device that emits a ‘piercing electronic scream’ if stolen has recently launched in Britain.
The Remote XT, released on Monday, is designed for smart handsets and also wipes any data from the phone at the cost of £9.99 a month.
With mobile phones incorporating many of the functions of a PC, it could easily become the new laptop for important government agents to lose and, though the cost isn’t cheap, it could prove a useful function for many mobile users. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:18 PM
A new device that emits a ‘piercing electronic scream’ if stolen has recently launched in Britain.The Remote XT, released on Monday, is designed for smart handsets and also wipes any data from the phone at the cost of £9.99 a month.
With mobile phones incorporating many of the functions of a PC, it could easily become the new laptop for important government agents to lose and, though the cost isn’t cheap, it could prove a useful function for many mobile users. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 4:18 PM
Sunday, October 01, 2006
One way to answer your critics...
Videogames and films rarely go together – see for example the dreaded Streetfighter movie and Bob Hoskins’ career ruining stint as Super Mario. One director, the German Uwe Boll, however, continues to churn turgid videogame adaptations without a hint of irony.
After harsh (though fair) criticisms from film critics for his straight to video ‘Alone in the Dark’ and ‘BloodRayne’ videogame adaptations, Boll challenged his critics to a boxing match. Amazingly, volunteers felt so strongly about the films that four accepted the challenge and were duly knocked out by the 41 year old amateur boxer.
Still, getting punched around is marginally more enjoyable than his films. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:11 PM
Videogames and films rarely go together – see for example the dreaded Streetfighter movie and Bob Hoskins’ career ruining stint as Super Mario. One director, the German Uwe Boll, however, continues to churn turgid videogame adaptations without a hint of irony.
After harsh (though fair) criticisms from film critics for his straight to video ‘Alone in the Dark’ and ‘BloodRayne’ videogame adaptations, Boll challenged his critics to a boxing match. Amazingly, volunteers felt so strongly about the films that four accepted the challenge and were duly knocked out by the 41 year old amateur boxer.
Still, getting punched around is marginally more enjoyable than his films. Permalink | 0 comments | Stephen Waddington @ 2:11 PM
