Twittering with the Blogeratti

So, Mediawitch attended a Blogger's Meetup in a rather pointlessly expensive wine bar in the city (normally being much more accustomed to free booze). The atmosphere was how I imagine a techy singles night would be; everybody was looking a tad shifty, checking eachother out, catching eyes because they want to talk to you and see what they can get out of you!! ;)

At the meeting I wish I'd asked the speaker whether she thought the famous British reserve will hold blogging back. I for one am embarrassed that I've started a blog and I know others who also feel slightly uncomfortable about theirs, it feels rather self indulgent. One friend said he knew his friends would rinse him if they knew what he was up to!

Speaking of self indulgence, Twitter was mentioned in the speech and in various conversation. I have to admit, I didn't know what it was until yesterday but I have to agree with Social Whisper on this one; does anyone really want to know what I'm doing/thinking/feeling etc? I've joined Twitter to find out what this idle banter is all about, currently following a youtube star and Stephen Fry amongst others. I'll report back on whether I've converted shortly....

Whore it up while you can.....take note in particular the young and inexperienced

As belts are tightened across the industry, both the frequency and luxury of the media jolly will probably be severely reduced. Whilst the recession reigns in it's time to enjoy every jolly offered to every media whore in this god-damned city. Week-long all expenses trips to Ibiza, skiing in

Courcheval and gambling in Las Vegas may never happen in the same way ever again, especially for those below department head; what a terrifying prospect for all of us who aren't there yet....

This year's Christmas parties also seem to have been scrapped or saved for middle management and above; suppliers are celebrating Christmas with all those who have left the midst of excel spreadsheets, competitor analyses and reporting hell. Gone are the days of graduates' first 'Media Christmas' where you should learn (although I never did) that consuming every free drink you possibly can may not cost you any money but may well cost you your dignity. I think it was only last year a newbie cut some moves and his chin on the ice-rink at Somerset House, he went to hospital then returned to the rink, bandage and all, to carry on partying/making a t*t out of himself. The young chap did in fact manage to make the trade press, albeit for all the wrong reasons!

In that respect maybe it's a good thing the young ones aren't going to be showered with booze and canapes this year? Although maybe we shouldn't forget they are the bread and butter of media agencies, without rewarding them (especially as they certainly aren't rewarded financially) then perhaps the industry is not saying thanks to those who possibly deserve it the most?

Mediawitch says hello

She says hi and wants you to know she'll be commenting on various advertising and media across the capital plus any parties she may attend before we enter the bleakness of 2009. She only has a few years experience in the online advertising world, so you may not always agree with her but here's to the start of a beautiful if somewhat rocky relationship...