Caption Competition
The Revolver PR team love nothing better than a bit of people watching and on our travels we often spot things that make us chuckle.
We like a bit of banter too so decided, just for fun, to start a game with the witty, intelligent people who follow our blog and Twitter account.
To take part all you need to do is tweet your “caption” followed by the hashtag #RevolverPR or add your comment to the blog. The winner will be announced tomorrow – good luck!
*image courtesy of M. James at Wrestling Magazine
Take Five ….. with Trey Pennington
Trey Pennington is a marketing professional, speaker, author and fondly regarded as a true Southern gent.
What inspires you?
As a story prospector and professional speaker, it’s my joy to help people discover, develop, and deliver their own story. Story is a fabulous way to connect people to people, foster community, and encourage openly embracing others, especially those who are “different.” I use “prospector” because I believe every person has a story the world needs to hear—it just may be buried as hidden treasure. It’s a thrill to search for and help others find their own hidden treasure.
In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
When I saw my United States Congressman, shortly after the 2008 US general election, using digital exclusively for self-promotion and wantonly ignoring his fans and constituents, I asked him, through his public Twitter stream, to help us understand his purpose for being online. A twitterstorm broke out and he soon called for a public roundtable to discuss social media. He invited me to speak. So, taking my opportunity to make my biggest point possible, I said, “Dr. King would be unimpressed. Electing a black man to be President of the United States does not fulfill his vision.
However, we have a unique opportunity, right now, to truly fulfill his dream. Social media blasts through the artificial barriers separating neighbors from each other—unnecessary distinctions between race, creed, origin, personal preferences. We stand on the cusp of a once-in-a-generation or longer opportunity to examine our presuppositions—our assumptions about the way things are and how they can be—and redefine what it means to be a member of a community.”
People laughed. I was ridiculed for bringing Dr. King’s lofty goal into a discussion about social media. Given the chance, I’d do it all over again. I truly believe social media affords us a window of opportunity we should seize. Now we can tear down walls of separation between people and create a new sense of community—where we intentionally embrace our neighbors and purposefully contribute to their success, regardless of what they look like or where they’re from.
Who/ What is the next big thing?
Two big topics seem to dominate the discussion of emerging technology: ROI and SEO. I’ll leave ROI for another day (it’s really not the next big thing anyway). Right now, SEO focuses on what you have to say about yourself. SEO experts teach folks who to create content that’s search engine friendly so they can appear on the first page of Google search results. Very soon,where you place on Google (or the other search others) will NOT be what you say about yourself,
but will, instead, be based upon what OTHERS say about you. As soon as that next big thing happens, maybe companies will stop it with the non-stop self-promotion and turn their attention away from themselves and to the people they claim to serve.
The best advice I was ever given ….
Struggling politicians routinely tell me, “We just gotta get our message out there.” Apparently, they think that if the world thought their thoughts, the world would be a better place. In one coffee shop meeting with a failing candidate, I let his protest, “We just gotta get our message out there,” go by three times. When he said it the fourth time, he ignited the solid rocket boosters on my passion: “No. You do NOT need to get your message out. You ARE getting it out, and that’s your problem. You don’t need to get a message OUT; you need to get a message IN. Stop talking and start listening.” He didn’t. He should have. He lost, finished in 6th place out of 8 candidates.
In 5 years time
In five years, I seriously doubt anyone will be talking about social media. It’s just as likely Facebook and Twitter will have come and gone as it is they’re still around. In five years, it won’t really matter. By then, all the social media experts will have been absorbed into the workforce in other capacities or will be drawing unemployment or receiving other government aid. Hopefully, we’ll be talking about solving real problems through technology and using technology to create a better future for more people than we can even imagine today. Hopefully.
http://treypennington.com
http://twitter.com/treypennington
*Image is All rights reserved by drtreypennington
What to do when things go wrong
It was brought to my attention last weekend, following a little jaunt down South, that even the big boys can get it wrong.
Let me explain myself a little more. A very well-known high-end high street store, to which I am rather fond of, had recently captured the attention and more important the purse string of a close friend.
However, not to be too frivolous with her hard earned cash she took her time to make the right decision with her purchase, afterall a half a day’s worth of soul destroying work was at stake.
But when it’s right it’s right, right? To say she was content with her purchase was an understatement. Polishing for 10 mintues after every day’s wear of the patent gems.
It wasn’t until our reunion, and her bragging, that we discovered not all well-respected brands get it right every time. Yet it does depend on how you deal with the problem when it arises.
I can safely report that the matter was swiftly taken onboard and my friend got a brand new pair of ones & twos.
Not forgetting, she continues to have only good things to say about the shoe masters in question. So when it goes a bit pete tong, the answer is.. sort it.
Caption Competition
The Revolver PR team love nothing better than a bit of people watching and on our travels we often spot things that make us chuckle.
We like a bit of banter too so decided, just for fun, to start a game with the witty, intelligent people who follow our blog and Twitter account.
To take part all you need to do is tweet your “caption” followed by the hashtag #RevolverPR or add your comment to the blog.
Congratulations to this weeks winner Andy Gregor with the caption:
“Ker-Plunk for scientists, it look like these boys D’Na know what there messing with!”
Revolver PR host Indie Gaming Workshop
It’s been a rough few weeks for the videogames industry in Scotland. One of the country’s largest developers – Realtime Worlds, shed jobs, then appeared to be in far more trouble, before abruptly going into administration. Then one of Dundee’s other developers announced redundancies and it all looked rather bleak.
Some of the world’s biggest game publishers and developers swooped in looking for talent – of which there was a fair amount – holding mass interviews and open afternoons to cherrypick the people they wanted. However, that’s a lot of talent leaving the country. Talent that could perhaps be persuaded to stay and even start the next generation of games studios…
Starting a company is a daunting process so Revolver PR decided to host a workshop to support and offer practical advice to the games community. The event was held yesterday at the Scottish Enterprise office in Dundee, the workshop covered a huge range of topics, from how to start a limited company, through to digitally distributing your game to creating and implementing a PR campaign off and on-line.
Speakers from across the UK including Revolver ‘s own Iain S Bruce, Business Gateway, Interactive Scotland, Games Consultancy, Ludometrics, Abertay University, Game Ops, Blitz Game Studios (who kindly drove all the way up from Leamington Spa to participate), MBA Law and Dundee College.
The structure was ‘informal’, with a quick 10 minute introduction from everyone – questions from the audience and then breakout groups, so people could ask questions and focus in more detail about the topics they were interested in.
The feedback so far has been very positive. The speakers were great. The audience was engaged. We had space for 50 people, but in the end 60 showed up. Elspeth Badger and the team at GMTV Scotland showed up to feature the workshop and Revolver filmed the event which will be available to view shortly.
Only time will tell if it leads to a whole new generation of smaller, more agile developers, who understand digital pr, digital distribution, IP protection,outsourcing and the value of a well ironed tie.
Thank you to all of the speakers, participants, attendees and Interactive Tayside. Apparently the sandwiches were lovely…
If you’d like to find out more or would like to take part in any of our future events please send your details to:
wanted@revolver-pr.co.uk or contact me directly at brian@revolver-pr.co.uk
Take Five….. with Clare Brennan
I am a portrait painter and assistant Cultural Projects Officer at Abertay University, Dundee (creating and implementing cultural events to engage the students, staff and general public- exhibitions programme, cinema programme etc). As a painter I work in oils on a fairly large scale (life sized figures) I enjoy the challenge of capturing my subjects character in a single image, and creating narrative through expression, pose and composition. The painting shown above is entitled “Three birds”.
What inspires you?
My new body of work is inspired by the sociological theory of Dramaturgy- where human actions are said to be completely dependent upon time, place, and audience; manipulating the ‘audience’ into believing and accepting the character they present. In other words; Life as a series of little performances, short stories,dramatic plays. Within my large scale oil paintings I seek to create performance within portraiture, using realism to portray the unreal.
Inspired by artists such as Richards Phillips and duo Asgar and Gabriel, I find the notion of creating fantastical narratives and portraying unattainable beauty within a single image an exhilarating challenge.
The process begins with a conversation between the artist and subject; a collaboration. Scenarios are discussed, their character(s) developed, environments built (physical or imaginary). The performance begins. It’s about story telling, holding the viewers attention, compelling them to unravel the tale.
In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
That’s a big question! Personally I feel that advancments in digital technology has been invaluable to the contemporary arts; providing incredible platforms and opportunities for budding artists to share their work, promote their practice and research their contemporaries.
Who/ What is the next big thing?
Me! Seriously though I think trends/fashions within the arts is coming full circle and I’m pretty sure within the next few years we’ll see painting making a come back! From what I’ve witnessed at recent Scottish Degree shows, there has been a distinct lack of painting. I think it’s time for the fine arts to be reinvigorated; using traditional mediums in an innovative way to address contemporary issues. The portayal of complex concepts within a single static image is, for me, an exhilirating challenge. It’s an accesible medium for audiences and the conversations provoked by such works can be hugely stimulating.
The best advice I was ever given ….
It Takes Three Things To Be An Artist:
1. Develop a self worth expressing.
(If you have nothing worthwhile to say, it doesn’t matter how well you communicate that shallow self in your art)
2. Know that self.
3. Develop the techniques to communicate that unique self.
As important as technique is it is, by far, the easiest of the three things to acquire, and the least important as an artist.
In 5 years time …….
I hope to exhibit more internationally. I hope that my practice continues to evolve and improve. By far the best artists are those who are not afraid of experimantation and change. Look at Hockney!
Caption Competition
The Revolver PR team love nothing better than a bit of people watching and on our travels we often spot things that make us chuckle.
We like a bit of banter too so decided, just for fun, to start a game with the witty, intelligent people who follow our blog and Twitter account.
To take part all you need to do is tweet your “caption” followed by the hashtag #RevolverPR
Congratulations to our winner Malcolm Cannon with the caption :
“Rayban were delighted with their PR company’s coup in getting David Cameron’s new cabinet to model their latest range.”
Go on. Just Jump!
In a world where brands are battling for space in the market how far will you go to stand out from the crowd? Digital PR, traditional PR and social media all have a role to play in raising brand awareness and our team are always happy to go the extra mile for our clients. We’re sad to report that there is a limit to the number of letters you can spell whilst jumping out a plane so on this occasion the Revolver team will be keeping all feet firmly on the ground. This clip takes a while to get going but it’s worth the wait.
Take Five ….. with Ross Burns
I’m a Campaigns Officer for Zero Waste Scotland engaging and encouraging the Scottish public to reduce their food waste. In Scotland we throw away a whopping 566,000 tonnes of food waste every year, most of which could have been eaten if it had been planned, stored and managed better. This is an expensive habit and costs each household an average of £430 a year!
What inspires you?
We waste massive quantities of food unnecessarily and I believe that with just small behavioural change we could make a vast difference economically and environmentally. This inspires me to deliver an engaging campaign that stimulates change.
In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
Digital has furnished us with an unprecedented means of listening to, and understanding consumers. Digital is capable of addressing the very biggest issues by engaging in two-way dialogue with individuals, raising awareness and presenting solutions at each step of the decision-making process.
Who/ What is the next big thing?
I think there are big things to come from location-based social media platforms like ‘Foursquare’, ‘Flook’ and ‘iCoolhunt’ and augmented reality applications like ‘Layar Reality Browser’. These platforms have incredible potential for marketers and I’m excited to see how creatively they will be used.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
As I left school I could hardly sit still I was so enthusiatic. My first manager took me aside and explained the importance of attention to detail. Ever since, I’ve taken a deep breath and thoroughly considered all that I do.
In 5 years time …….
In five years time I hope the Scottish population will be aware of the issues our campaign raises and will take small steps to reduce the amount of food they waste.
If you’d like to find out more follow the links below:
www.wasteawarelovefood.org.uk
www.youtube.com/WasteAwareScotland
Caption Competition
Caption Competition
The Revolver PR team love nothing better than a bit of people watching and on our travels we often spot things that make us chuckle.
We like a bit of banter too so decided, just for fun, to start a game with the witty, intelligent people who follow our blog and Twitter account.
To take part all you need to do is tweet your “caption” followed by the hashtag #RevolverPR
Photo from @juliebee www.juliebee.co.uk and is copyright (c) Juliebee Writing & Photography.
This weeks winner is @PieterRosenthal
“Are you sure this is what they meant when they asked for more exposure?”
Take Five …… with Colin Kelly
I’m a radio presenter with Clyde 1 where I host the weekday 10am-2pm slot and Sundays 8am-12noon. There’s a lot of music on my show but I like to get the listeners involved as much as I can via their phone calls, text messages and increasingly, Facebook and Twitter. Since last April I’ve been working in television too, as the gadget expert on STV’s “The Hour”.
What inspires you?
Broadcasting to the people of Scotland gives me a huge buzz and is a privilege. I started off in journalism and that curiosity about the people and the world around me is the reason I go to work each day. There’s nothing makes me happier than finding a listener with a story to tell and putting them on the radio. Almost everyone listens to the radio while they’re doing something else so reaching out to them and making a connection is the biggest challenge of my job but when it pays off it puts me on a massive high.
In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
At the risk of sounding like a self help manual or an old BT advert, I do believe human beings work best when we work with others. 2 people who’ve never met and are thousands of miles apart could have the solution to each other’s problems. The digital world we live in now makes it easier for these people to find each other and collaborate.
Recently, I saw a powerful example of Twitter being used to fight crime. A woman in Glasgow suffered a horrific sex attack and one radio station bombarded its followers with the victim’s descriptions of those responsible. The speed with which those details made their way all over the world was incredible and as more people see its potential Twitter will eventually help catch criminals.
Who/ What is the next big thing?
If I knew that I’d be working with them! My wife’s a school teacher and through her work I’ve seen a new generation coming through who don’t recognize any division between old and new media. They see no barriers to creating and distributing their content and have no respect for so called heritage brands. They have an idea they want to pursue, or something they want to say and they find a way and go and do it. There’s a wealth of talent in music, animation, film making, business, marketing etc and it is just about to explode and it will be a massive challenge for the rest of us to stay relevant. To a 12 year old girl in my wife’s English class it is absolutely alien that she should ever spend time listening to a radio station playing a song she doesn’t like, or sitting through adverts in the middle of X Factor. And as she gets older if she wants to read about what’s going on in her local area it makes no difference to her whether she finds that content in the pages of her local newspaper or on the blog of some citizen journalist. So the next big thing, right now, is in the mind of a teenager probably messing around with a mobile phone or laptop in their bedroom and we should all prepare for an exciting roller coaster ride of more change and possibilities.
The best advice I was ever given ….
“Just be yourself” is a mantra for many of us in the media. It really does work but it has to start with “find out who you really are” and that’s quite a difficult process to go through. Worth doing though.
In 5 years time …….
I know what all the questions are but have none of the answers so I’m not even going to attempt.
I will make 2 points with reasonable certainty…
I) In 5 years time Scotland will be regarded as a world leader in the creative industries
II) A young man or woman, who’s at school as a write this will have the wealth and power Simon Cowell currently enjoys.
A call for “Crisis PR”
Someone in desperate need of Crisis PR popped by the Revolver PR headquarters this week. Unfortunately they left their MP3 behind – the playlist was rather telling – can you guess who it was?
Lady Gaga Beautiful, Dirty, Rich
Bob Dylon I don’t believe you (she acts like we never have met)
David Bowie Diamond Dogs
Johnny Cash The Man Comes Around
Kanye West Gold Digga
Ben Harper Diamonds On The Inside
Incubus Diamonds and Coal
Paul Simon Diamond on the soles of her feet
John Mayer My Stupid Mouth
Carly Simon You’re So Vain
Billy Joel Honesty
Marianne Faithfull Truth Bitter Truth
Deep Purple Truth Hurts
Eagles Desperado
Duffy Save it for your prayers
Caption Competition
Caption Competition
The Revolver PR team love nothing better than a bit of people watching and on our travels we often spot things that make us chuckle.
We like a bit of banter too so decided, just for fun, to start a game with the witty, intelligent people who follow our blog and Twitter account.
To take part all you need to do is tweet your “caption” followed by the hashtag #RevolverPR
Photo @juliebee www.juliebee.co.uk and is copyright (c) Juliebee Writing & Photography.
The winner is Iain Livingstone (@iamageek) with this caption: “Laundry day was always uncomfortable for Peter Parker”Elvis …
Our society is so dependant on the web that it’s hard to imagine today’s musicians being promoted purely on poster campaigns, newspaper interviews or concerts. YouTube, MySpace, social media all play a huge part in the digital pr that exposes unknown artists to a worldwide audience. How many become successful is another story. Many an X Factor finalist has discovered all the traditional press and digital pr in the world won’t make you successful if you can’t sing for toffee. Elvis made it because he was a heady mix of raw talent, good looks, charm, and ambition, earning him the title of the King of rock n roll.
If Elvis was still alive today, chatting to fans on Twitter, what would you ask him?
Take Five …with Hollie Miller (@Folio14)
I am a freelance copywriter by trade. I work in-house, agency side and although I wear many hats I am most passionate in my role as Digital Editor for Folio14; an online directory for digital creative talent in Scotland.
What inspires you?
Creative people are the driving force behind Folio14. When it comes to digital media I know that many designers, illustrators, writers and photographers are often overlooked in favour of large agencies. I wanted to create a platform and resource for individuals to showcase their work.
Folio14’s web designer Stevie Marshall is my constant source of inspiration- without his skills and patience this project would be nothing more than a dream in my head.
In your opinion what are the biggest issues that digital could be used to address?
The digital environment is undoubtedly under threat what with the DE Bill and subsequent repercussions- notable among others, the twitter fiasco starring Paul Chambers. In answer, I think the question might indeed be how long can digital be used to address issues? Censorship is a very real concern of mine. I guess while we still maintain a level of control we should take this time to voice our opinions freely.
Who/ what is the next big thing?
Psssst lean in I have a secret…I’m a pen and paper girl at heart- so when it comes to embracing the latest gadgets please look away as I slip my old scratched up phone out of sight. Technology both enthrals and terrifies me. Hey I’m young, I’m sprightly and yet I still get palpitations when introduced to an ‘app’ that can pinpoint my exact location.
That’s not to say I haven’t embraced other technological areas. Twitter is my addiction- without it Folio14 would not have gained the exposure it needed to get started. In terms of the next big thing, I remain unsure, but one thing is for certain I will marvel at it, mouth open, from the back of the class.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
I enjoy the simple philosophy that if you are not happy then it’s time to change something. Why waste energy on a negative outcome? We are the makers of our own destiny so take charge and make a difference. It is great advice that I’ve found can be applied to all areas of life including your business.
In 5 years time
Although Folio14 has achieved what we initially set out to do, there is so much scope for development. We hope to introduce more functionality as we grow. In five years time I’d like the website to be a first choice when sourcing digital talent in Scotland.
If you’d like to find out more about Folio 14 follow the links below:
Digital puzzle
Digital puzzle.
Hark back to those fond younger days, puzzle inhand. Lasting words of wisdom for puzzle making, start from the corners building the frame and work your way in to create the desired image.
A valuable lesson as a child and one which comes around again in adult life which can be successfully adapted to work in the digital world.
I sense some raised eyebrows. Well, let’s take for instance social media. It shouldn’t be seen from just one angle but part of an integrated campaign, or puzzle if you will.
Once successfully created, the pretty picture or social media campaign can now be explained and walked through for the decision-maker’s sake, answering all those lurking questions as to why you’ve spent such time and if there is even a return on investment. Afterall, time is money.
Here’s the thing, at Revolver we can tell you this. We are well aware of a company’s need to justify and show direct ROI for such endeavours. We also recognise the need to complete the digital puzzle, combining the benefits of Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube to create the overall perfect brand image through digital pr. Each contributing in their individual way to complete the pieces of the digital puzzle.
With this in mind, all you need to remember is that in Revolver HQ the kettle is always on so please pop in, say hello and if you feel inclined, consider how to build your digital puzzle piece by piece.
Jessica Ennis: a PR’s dream
If the organisers of the London 2012 Olympics were looking for a personality to galvanise enthusiasm for the much-lampooned event, one just dropped into their laps in the form of Jessica Ennis.
The 24-year-old athlete may have produced the performance of her life to win European heptathlon gold at the weekend, but it was her showing in the post event interviews that could well define her career. In the elated, heady moments just after beating the Olympic Champion she would have been forgiven a tinge of hubris, but her victory speech was a model of well balanced modesty.
Hard working, dedicated and determined to overcome and set-backs, yet in her moment of success is still delightful, humble and kind hearted. From the family cheering her on to the moment she went round shaking her competitors’ hands after the race she demonstrated all the attributes of a born public figure.
If the folk behind London 2012 have any sense they’ll already be devising a schedule that allows her to promote the event without the activity getting in the way of her continued training. They’ll be putting some effort behind a fan page on Facebook, generating interest around the #JessicaEnnis hashtag on Twitter and stepping up a Digital PR campaign designed to capitalise on her virtues without undermining her ability to compete.
But what then? With her attributes, what will a post-athletic career hold for Jessica? Modelling and sponsorship deals? Punditry? Will the fates spare her the ordeal of Strictly Come Dancing? We think there’s a big career ahead of this young woman. What about you?
A viral victory?
A viral victory?
That’s the idea anyway. Coca-Cola is set to launch the UK version of its successful Happiness Machine viral, hoping to replicate their success in the US.
The gist of it is a vending machine giving out an assortment of items to surprised students in a university campus. Along the same lines, the UK version will see the addition of UK-specific items such as strawberries and cream or the board game Monopoly.
Quite a big deal really as the US version is now Coca-Cola’s most successful viral campaign and achieved over 2.5m views on YouTube.
From this, the drinks giant is obviously hopeful of repeating the same level of attention in the UK but it still remains to be seen of the actual added value of using virals in the first place. Can you really link it back to sales or should it be viewed as more an investment in building positive feelings towards the brand and spreading the message? In Coca-Cola’s case “happiness to all.” Cough.
For them, they can toss up the value of this investment in comparison to say, TV ads, and consider how many people viewed it to give them a cost per minute of engagement, which can then compare to other activities.
In this way, virals can be of use to companies and can be further supported by blogger outreach and traditional PR, not just digital PR, whilst viewers can be encouraged to add comments on the video and share through social media channels.
Online assets to discover
Businesses must look within in order to promote out.
All talk-nae trousers. Substance Matters.
All talk-nae trousers. Substance Matters.
It sure does. In fact, a recent survey found that 60% of global journalists believe that their content has actually improved with the rise of digital media. This can be attributed to a number of factors but 48% surveyed explained that their publication offered journalist authored blogs on their site, along with 40% using Twitter channels to disseminate content.
So the journo’s have got it right. You’ve got to put things out there for the taking. By “there” I mean the online environment, from social media sites to platforms and forums. And by “things” I mean well constructed, beneficial information that will engage and entice readers and followers to interact with your brand offering.
There is apsolutely no point in congratulating yourself over regular digital content updates if they don’t actually attract and speak to the people that matter. Understand where and what they would be interested in reading and that will send you down the right path.
