Archive for June, 2009

What all local news websites need: A Welcome mat

Published: June 18, 2009

All I was trying to do was dig out email addresses for a few local media contacts in Wales. Simple, ay? That’s what I thought. Before I tried.

We all know how social media has changed the goalposts. We all know that good journalism harnesses the power of conversation.

So, what’s the first thing you’d expect to see when you arrive on the doorstep of a local website? A Welcome mat. Right? Come on in. Pleased to meet you. Join the conversation. We’re human.

Through the Media Trust, I’ve enjoyed helping an inspirational person called Jo Hendry. Having already run the London Marathon this year, she’s now preparing to bike from the top to bottom of Wales to raise money for Crossroads, the charity that supports carers and those they care for (and particularly those suffering with dementia). Great cause. Great challenge. Great lady. Meet Jo at Wheels across Wales 2009.

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So the printed word is dead? Not while Jo’s around

Published: June 5, 2009

Imagine you’re a progressive English council nearing completion of a multi-million, state-of-the-art swimming pool complex. You’re looking for someone to lead a really innovative communication project that brings the community together in a celebration of achievement.

Now imagine you’re the person who just got the job. You’d be thinking future-facing technology; the might of social media. Right?

Wrong.

Try posters made with thumping great blocks of wooden type, a printing press from the dawn of mankind and ink that takes a decade to get out of your fingernails.

What? It’s crazy. You couldn’t make it up. But then you don’t have to when you receive an email from someone signing themselves “itinerant creative person”, with a single line reading: ‘I am delighted to announce the launch of my latest project, The Corby Press.’

Jo Roberts, aforementioned itinerant creative person, isn’t crazy. She’s amazing.

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