Interesting Conversations from Blogger Social’08-2 April 24, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Conversations, Digital, Social Media.Tags: Blogger Social'08, New York
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CB, Arun, and Toby, originally uploaded by mvellandi.Mark Goren shared his experiences about being a copywriter back in the days and then making the switch to doing his own thing. I felt so touched when he is took his iPod Touch out and showed me his family pics.
It was so impressive to watch Jason Falls do the rounds with his drink at the Perfect Pint. He connects with people at the snap of his fingers. On the boat, he gave me and Susan Bird a very interesting sneak-peek into his work at Doe-Anderson. I was especially interested in the kind of community involvement they had with their partners at work.
I was so very excited to meet Connie Reece. We couldn’t talk much, but I remember chasing her down the stairs of the Perfect Pint to wish her G’nite.
The lovely diva Toby Bloomberg shared her pink boa with for a group snap with the ever-awesome Christine B. Whittemore. We did the ‘shanti’ pose for Mario. They are so much fun to be with. They have much energy, and so much grace. Both divas rule! And I adore both of them. (The brownies were yummy, TB).
Being with Gavin Heaton can make you feel so special, welcome and wanted. He has an ear for everyone and is a very friendly person. OK, everyone at Blogger Social was friendly, and went out of their way to make everyone else feel special, but there was something very charismatic and genuine about Gavin, that it’s so hard to put down in words about how special he is. I felt like I knew him from ages from the minute I met him. To radiate that feeling, is such a gift, a blessing, in my opinion.
David Reich. I absolutely dig his hair-do and Luc’s as well. (Btw, Cam Beck turned up in this military, macho haircut and 2 weeks later, I’m sporting the same look here in Muscat which has got people asking me what’s behind this inspiration!). David is New York’s resident angel and like Nathan Snell says, he has an insane knowledge of New York.
Drew, CK, Katie, Cam, Nathan, Gavin, David, Luc and I went hunting all over New York city for a diner that would be open at 3am. We had so much fun in the process and more memorable social time.
Marshall Sponder was by my side for dinner. We spoke a lot about art and web analytics, two of his greatest passions. He had one of the catchiest business cards in the crowd.
I had such a great time hanging out with Ryan Barrett and Slava Menn. We covered so many topics under the sun… that I’m having difficulty recollecting what we didn’t talk about. They make such an awesome pair. Oh yes Ryan, we are soon going to talk about Austin.
Marilyn Pratt and I hung about a corner in the Perfect Pint and looked at the magic that was happening in that room. We were too shocked and spell-bound to take in everything. I particularly had a nice time sharing what I knew about a few bloggy friends who had gathered out there. Marilyn told me about her work at SAP where she plays an important role in driving social media relationships within people her organization. We of course spoke about India, a country which she is passionate about. Marilyn, it was so much fun being in your company!
More conversations are on its way…
Arun, Nathan & CK, originally uploaded by dougmeacham.
Interesting Conversations from Blogger Social’08-1 April 24, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Conversations, Digital, Social Media.Tags: Blogger Social'08, New York
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DSC_2857, originally uploaded by ck.epiphany.
It’s been nearly three weeks since Blogger Social’08. And now is when I get a chance to sit down and pen down my thoughts on one of most exciting experiences of my life.
I’m thinking of writing a couple of posts on the event and my trip to New York, but for starters I think I should tell you about the people I met at the event. After all, Blogger Social is all about the peeps!
These are my impressions, thoughts and fond memories of the Blogger Stars I met. If I missed out on anyone or if I ‘misquote’ anything, may I ask for your apologies in advance and solely blame everything on ‘ extended jet lag’.
Best quote heard at Blogger Social’08 – “What do we have to do to get all the women to hug us as well?” – Anonymous.
Another gem: “The world isn’t getting flatter, it’s getting smaller. And this room proves it.” – CK.
Probably the most poignant moment at BS was when CK called out all the places from around the globe that had come together for the event, and reps from 20 states in the US and 8 countries stood up. It was like mini-United Nations minus all the global issues in session. Like Director Tom said, there was pure magic happenin’ in that room. I felt so happy, proud and humbled to be in that gathering.
Lewis Green shared with us ‘the goodness of the heart’. This is one person who ‘leads with his heart’ when it comes to expressing his views and opinions. Lewis led me onto the cultural insight that Americans gave appreciation were it was due and were not too fond of self-effacingness.
Mario Vellandi spoke to me about about bridging the knowledge and cultural gaps between various societies. He was very passionate about being selflessly contributing to this cause. The kind of evangelist we could use.
Blogger Social 2008, originally uploaded by Matt Dickman.
Director Tom told us about his work on corporate videos, especially how his work had taught him a lot about other things, for example epilepsy. And how back in the days he had to go to New York from Connecticut for all his video work. And now, he gets things done at a stone’s throw from home.
A lot of people were commenting about how there was a total lack of egos wherever blogger socialites gathered. People were so warm, friendly and so totally at ease with each other.
Susan Bird had me in splits when she told me how she walked up to a conked out Air India check-in counter in New Delhi and suggested it would be better if Air India outsourced their systems to India. We spoke a lot about Tigers, and her trip to Kanha Tiger Park in India and I was more than happy to share my tiger cub feeding exploits in Thailand.
Sean Howard had an adventurous tale to share about his train from Canada coming in late. Eventually, it took him more time to get to New York than Gavin Heaton from Australia. He even showed us his ‘get nekkid’ act.
More conversations are on its way…
The Age of Conversation launches Amazon blitzkrieg March 29, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Conversations, Digital, Social Media.Tags: Amazon, Bum Rush, Marketing, Publishing, Social Media, The Age of Conversation
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Today “The Age of Conversation” is on a bum rush blitzkrieg to get on top of the Amazon Best Sellers list.
“The Age of Conversation” is a ground-breaking and unusual marketing book that brings together over 100 of the world’s leading marketers, writers, thinkers and creative innovators.
Spearheaded by Chris Peel, Drew McLellan and Gavin Heaton, the Bum Rush offers a unique way to introduce this must-read tome to many new readers and raise proceeds for Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Click here to read more about the book & learn more about the 103 co-authors.
And most importantly, head here to buy the book on Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/2drj2x
Meanwhile, a sequel to “The Age of Conversation” is in the works. 275 amazing thought leaders from around the world have signed up for this exciting venture! As a contributor from the first edition, I’m all excited to be a part of this happening community.
Adam Crowe, Adrian Ho, Aki Spicer, Alex Henault, Amy Jussel, Andrew Odom, Andy Nulman, Andy Sernovitz, Andy Whitlock, Angela Maiers, Ann Handley, Anna Farmery, Armando Alves, Arun Rajagopal, Asi Sharabi, Becky Carroll, Becky McCray, Bernie Scheffler, Bill Gammell, Bob Carlton, Bob LeDrew, Brad Shorr, Bradley Spitzer, Brandon Murphy, Branislav Peric, Brent Dixon, Brett Macfarlane, Brian Reich, C.C. Chapman, Cam Beck, Casper Willer, Cathleen Rittereiser, Cathryn Hrudicka, Cedric Giorgi, Charles Sipe, Chris Kieff, Chris Cree, Chris Wilson, Christina Kerley (CK), C.B. Whittemore, Clay Parker Jones, Chris Brown, Colin McKay, Connie Bensen, Connie Reece, Cord Silverstein, Corentin Monot, Craig Wilson, Daniel Honigman, Dan Goldstein, Dan Schawbel, Dana VanDen Heuvel, Dan Sitter, Daria Radota Rasmussen, Darren Herman, Darryl Patterson, Dave Davison, Dave Origano, David Armano, David Bausola, David Berkowitz, David Brazeal, David Koopmans, David Meerman Scott, David Petherick, David Reich, David Weinfeld, David Zinger, Deanna Gernert, Deborah Brown, Dennis Price, Derrick Kwa, Dino Demopoulos, Doug Haslam, Doug Meacham, Doug Mitchell, Douglas Hanna, Douglas Karr, Drew McLellan, Duane Brown, Dustin Jacobsen, Dylan Viner, Ed Brenegar, Ed Cotton, Efrain Mendicuti, Ellen Weber, Emily Reed, Eric Peterson, Eric Nehrlich, Ernie Mosteller, Faris Yakob, Fernanda Romano, Francis Anderson, G. Kofi Annan, Gareth Kay, Gary Cohen, Gaurav Mishra, Gavin Heaton, Geert Desager, George Jenkins, G.L. Hoffman, Gianandrea Facchini, Gordon Whitehead, Graham Hill, Greg Verdino, Gretel Going & Kathryn Fleming, Hillel Cooperman, Hugh Weber, J. Erik Potter, J.C. Hutchins, James Gordon-Macintosh, Jamey Shiels, Jasmin Tragas, Jason Oke, Jay Ehret, Jeanne Dininni, Jeff De Cagna, Jeff Gwynne, Jeff Noble, Jeff Wallace, Jennifer Warwick, Jenny Meade, Jeremy Fuksa, Jeremy Heilpern, Jeremy Middleton, Jeroen Verkroost, Jessica Hagy, Joanna Young, Joe Pulizzi, Joe Talbott, John Herrington, John Jantsch, John Moore, John Rosen, John Todor, Jon Burg, Jon Swanson, Jonathan Trenn, Jordan Behan, Julie Fleischer, Justin Flowers, Justin Foster, Karl Turley, Kate Trgovac, Katie Chatfield, Katie Konrath, Kenny Lauer, Keri Willenborg, Kevin Jessop, Kris Hoet, Krishna De, Kristin Gorski, Laura Fitton, Laurence Helene Borei, Lewis Green, Lois Kelly, Lori Magno, Louise Barnes-Johnston, Louise Mangan, Louise Manning, Luc Debaisieux, Marcus Brown, Mario Vellandi, Mark Blair, Mark Earls, Mark Goren, Mark Hancock, Mark Lewis, Mark McGuinness, Mark McSpadden, Matt Dickman, Matt J. McDonald, Matt Moore, Michael Hawkins, Michael Karnjanaprakorn, Michelle Lamar, Mike Arauz, Mike McAllen, Mike Sansone, Mitch Joel, Monica Wright, Nathan Gilliatt, Nathan Snell, Neil Perkin, Nettie Hartsock, Nick Rice, Oleksandr Skorokhod, Ozgur Alaz, Paul Chaney, Paul Hebert, Paul Isakson, Paul Marobella, Paul McEnany, Paul Tedesco, Paul Williams, Pet Campbell, Pete Deutschman, Peter Corbett, Phil Gerbyshak, Phil Lewis, Phil Soden, Piet Wulleman, Rachel Steiner, Sreeraj Menon, Reginald Adkins, Richard Huntington, Rishi Desai, Beeker Northam, Rob Mortimer, Robert Hruzek, Roberta Rosenberg, Robyn McMaster, Roger von Oech, Rohit Bhargava, Ron Shevlin, Ryan Barrett, Ryan Karpeles, Ryan Rasmussen, Sam Huleatt, Sandy Renshaw, Scott Goodson, Scott Monty, Scott Townsend, Scott White, Sean Howard, Sean Scott, Seni Thomas, Seth Gaffney, Shama Hyder, Sheila Scarborough, Sheryl Steadman, Simon Payn, Sonia Simone, Spike Jones, Stanley Johnson, Stephen Collins, Stephen Cribbett, Stephen Landau, Stephen Smith, Steve Bannister, Steve Hardy, Steve Portigal, Steve Roesler, Steven Verbruggen, Steve Woodruff, Sue Edworthy, Susan Bird, Susan Gunelius, Susan Heywood, Tammy Lenski, Terrell Meek, Thomas Clifford, Thomas Knoll, Tiffany Kenyon, Tim Brunelle, Tim Buesing, Tim Connor, Tim Jackson, Tim Longhurst, Tim Mannveille, Tim Tyler, Timothy Johnson, Tinu Abayomi-Paul, Toby Bloomberg, Todd Andrlik, Troy Rutter, Troy Worman, Uwe Hook, Valeria Maltoni, Vandana Ahuja, Vanessa DiMauro, Veronique Rabuteau, Wayne Buckhanan, William Azaroff, Yves Van Landeghem
Watch out for more news on “The Age of Conversation 2.0”.
The Who’s Who of Blogger Social’08 March 25, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Digital, Social Media.Tags: Blogger Social'08, Marketing Bloggers, New York, Quiz
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10 more days to go. Imagine 83 accomplished marketing bloggers from around the world descending into New York for a unique, power-packed, fun-filled kick-ass meet-up. It can’t get more exciting than this, can it?
You have all kinds of people in there. Social Media Wizards. Techie Gurus. Passionate Cause-based Activists. Farmers. Entrepreneurs. Admen. Writers. Chefs. New Media Strategists. Professional Speakers. Film Directors. Comedy Artists. Musicians. And many more.
To know more about this motley crew, flick through this comprehensive pdf that compiles profiles of all the Blogger Social 2008 attendees. For more event info, head to http://www.blogger-social.com/
Attendees include:
Susan Bird Tim Brunelle Katie Chatfield Matt Dickman Luc Debaisieux Gianandrea Facchini Mark Goren Gavin Heaton Sean Howard CK Valeria Maltoni Drew McLellan Doug Meacham Marilyn Pratt Steve Roesler Greg Verdino CB Whittemore Steve Woodruff Paul McEnany Ann Handley David Reich Tangerine Toad Kristin Gorski Mack Collier David Armano Ryan Barrett Lori Magno Tim McHale Gene DeWitt Mario Vellandi Arun Rajagopal Joseph Jaffe Rohit Bhargava Anna Farmery Marianne Richmond Thomas Clifford Lewis Green Geoff Livingston Kris Hoet Connie Reece CeCe Lee Toby Bloomberg Seni Thomas Darryl Ohrt Joe Kutchera Paul Dunay Marshall Sponder Chris Kieff Tara Anderson Jason Falls Paul Soldera Roberta Rosenberg Saul Colt Todd Andrlik Nathan Snell Ryan Karpeles Mike Sansone Jennifer Laycock Neil Vineberg Cam Beck Mike Arauz Matthew Bailey Heather Gorringe John Rosen Cathleen Rittereiser Tamar Weinberg Rita Perea Linda Sherman Matthew McDonald Kaitlyn Wilkins Terry Starbucker
Jennifer Berk Jane Quigley John Wall Scott Monty Kevin Horne Virginia Miracle Amanda Gravel Susan Reynolds David Polinchock Shashi Bellamkonda David Berkowitz Vahe Habeshian
I thank CK, Drew McLellan, Tim Brunelle, Marianne Richmond, Gavin Heaton, Luc Debaisieux, Toby Bloomberg and Shankar T. for their awesome help in creating this pdf.
And to celebrate all the ‘Blogger Social All-Stars’, here’s a fun quiz I created that tests how well you know our attendees. Happy Quizzing!
Take the Blogger Social’08 – Who’s who? Quiz
Oman Air: The New Wings of Oman February 24, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Advertising, Oman, Travel.Tags: Corporate Branding, Oman Air, The New Wings of Oman, Wunderman Oman
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My latest campaign at Wunderman Oman is one of the most exciting projects I have ever worked on. It has been exciting, hectic (explains the blogging hiatus) and a great learning curve.
After all, it’s not every day that you get to work on the rebranding of a country’s national airline.
Particularly gratifying for me is that I have worked on this brand for the last 3 years, across 2 agencies. It gives you a great high to watch an airline take off in new colors, especially when you have played a role in its ‘vibrant, new journey’.
Welcome to the new wings of Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman.
The rebranding exercise became essential as Oman Air has changed its focus from being a leading regional airline to a competitive global player.
The airline is currently expanding its wings with an ambitious fleet expansion programme and launch of new destinations (9 cities in 2007).
Our campaign delved into the psyche of Oman as a traditionally friendly and hospitable nation to create the message that as ambassadors of the nation, Oman Air brings élan, friendliness and warmth to flying.
The revitalized brand identity features the Oman Air logo as a contemporary rendition of Frankincense smoke. Frankincense is one of the most evocative expressions of Oman’s vibrant heritage and culture.
Those familiar with Arabian history will know the significant role frankincense has played in Oman’s history. Today, burning incense is an inseparable part of Omani life and is indicative of the country’s enduring traditions of hospitality.
A high-profile corporate branding and aircraft livery unveiling event (with laser show and the works) was held yesterday at the Shangri-La’s Barr-Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Muscat. The ‘New Wings of Oman’ press campaign was launched across Oman today.
TV spots unveiling the new look of Oman Air will roll out across the Middle East this week. Communications across diverse media – print, outdoor and digital will follow.
Here’s the print campaign & logo rationale of ‘The New Wings of Oman’…
Teasers 1, 2,3:
Launch Ad – Double Spread:
Logo Rationale Book (Giveaway in a wooden box of frankincense):
Watch this space for more news on ‘The New Wings of Oman’ campaign.
Update: TBWA/Zeenah, a leading agency in Muscat designed the new logo and livery of Oman Air, while Wunderman Oman developed brand communications for other media through ‘The New Wings of Oman’ campaign. Hat tip to Ivan Sidzhakov at TBWA/Zeenah, who worked on the new logo.
The Best of Indian Railways January 20, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in India, Indian Railways, Travel.Tags: Indian Railways, Konkan Railways, Railfanning, Train Videos, WAP4, WCAM, WDM2
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Here are 2 mash-ups of my rail-fanning adventures across India in 2006 & 2007.
Highlights:
- Mangalore bound Parasuram Express bleating its horn at Valapattanam
- Speeding through a Mumbai local station
- Trainspotting at Varanasi
- Konkan Jan Shatabdi at Divankhavati
- Overtaking a MG train at Kollam outer
- WCAM/WAG banker freight action on the ghats at Igatpuri
- Mumbai bound Ratnagiri Superfast Express entering Jalgaon
- Cucumber seller at Jalgaon
- High-speed rail action / crossings in the Kollam-Kayankulam stretch and Kannur
- Footplating on the WAP4
- RORO train on Konkan Railways
- Double-headed WDM2 freight action after Madgaon
- Friendly railway staff on Konkan Railway
- Kerala Express spotted at Aluva and Kollam outer
The background score in this video is from Androsphynx & TechnoDaftpunk, but I have also preserved the original sound from the clipss so that you can hear the train beats and the loco horns.
The background score of this video is a song from the Tamil movie Aran. No train beats, just rail action!
Hope you enjoy them!
Is Internet good for children? January 16, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Conversations, Digital, Healthy Living, Oman, Social Media.Tags: Children, Internet, Social Media
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I recently wrote an opinion piece for Urbane, a leading lifestyle magazine in Oman. (Jan 2008, Annual Issue).
It was a column called ‘Over the table: View from this side‘ where two people discussed about the pros and cons of a particular issue. I’d to say ‘aye’ to the issue: Is the Internet good for children? & ‘nay’ to: Is there more harm than good for them?
Rekha Baala, the opposing advocate, had a very useful perspective where she said: The lessons of life are best learnt in the offline world.
In this blog post, I’m inviting 6 bloggers who can comment better on this issue.
Amy Jussel, Tim Jackson, Drew McLellan, Greg Verdino, Robyn McMaster & Luc Debaisieux. Looking forward to hear your perspectives, as well.
Here’s a more expanded version of my article for my blog readers.
How good is the Net for kids?
Depends pretty much on how they use it. They are on Chat, Instant Messaging, Email, MySpace, Facebook, P2P networks, YouTube, and more.
The conversational nature of interactive online media has Y-Geners in raptures. The benefits of going online are aplenty: Information. Knowledge. Entertainment. Conversations. Creativity. Validation. Self-Expression. How does it feel to have the world at your fingertips?
The use of social media – from blogging to online social networking to creation of all kinds of digital material – is central to many teenagers’ lives.
A recent PEW Internet & American Life Project Report on Internet usage among teens in the USA tell us that: 93% of teens use the Internet, many to share something they have created (39%), publish their own online journal or blog (28%), and interact with other people on social network sites (55%).
How cool is that? Today, young ones have taken to the Net like ducks to water. You just can’t keep them away from the pond. What you can do is help them navigate the waters better.
Parents and educators have a very important role to play in making Internet usage a responsible, productive and enjoyable experience for children. It starts from checking up on and regulating their Internet usage, and setting standards for content accessed as well time spent online.
Here are a few useful tips:
- Be an online mentor to your kids, especially if they are under the age of 10. Browse websites and online resources of interest together. Have a fixed time out on the Net. Stay involved with your children’s online lives.
- Have standard security, content and privacy filters and controls on your computer.
- There are many online support resources on issues such as Parent and Teen Internet Use; Objectionable Content, Online Stranger Contact; Cyber bullying; and Online Privacy.
Visit:
www.safekids.com
www.protectkids.org
www.getnetwise.org
www.safesurf.com
What is Advertising? January 15, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Advertising, Conversations, India.Tags: Advertising, Bharat Dhabolkar, India
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The Brand Alphabet, originally uploaded by InThePictureDesign.co.uk.
Advertising is a creative tool to sell a product.
Can’t agree better with this definition by maverick Indian adman Bharat Dhabolkar.
Vodafone India: VAS Commercials January 7, 2008
Posted by Arun Rajagopal in Advertising, Conversations, India.Tags: Indian Advertising, Vodafone
7 comments
I love these recent commercials from Vodafone India promoting their value added services. The best thing about them is that you don’t know what they lead to till the last frame, which makes you hooked on to the commercial. This kind of storytelling looks very refreshing and entertaining on TV.
Arun Rajagopal 