So the list goes on to measure the performance in various categories; Authority: in a nutshell – do the followers retweet or make comment, Audience: not only how many, but how much interaction and conversations then lastly Activity: the impression made on followers.

Apparently number 1 and not to everyone’s taste, is the founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson, despite the slightly corporate nature of some of his tweets – he holds forth of many important issues, from cervical cancer campaigns to Russian drug policy, like him or not he is officially number One. Top of the Science hit parade is no surprise to any of us at Media Eden Towers – the pin-up particle physicist guy that makes us all want to know more about the universe, Brian Cox. Top of the comedy pile, which is brimming with wonderful names that we all love and follow, is the glorious chatty man, Alan Carr.

We may disagree with the rankings, but the list is proof, if needed, that this is not a fad, going the same way as Myspace.

Wesley House Events match the hydrangea on the wedding cake to the colour theme

Although I had been to meetings and hatched social media and advertising plans with them, it was only last week while preparing some online advertising that I realised exactly how expert they are! I was using DropBox to select photos to populate the available space and found myself absorbed by the skill of the chefs presenting their dishes; the attention to detail by the events managers in matching flowers decorating a wedding cake to the general colour scheme and the wonderful interior decorations used for the restaurant at Christmas. Not only are our clients lovely, they are also exceptionally clever!
At Media Eden we’re lucky to have a wide range of clients, so there’s never a dull moment and plenty of scope for learning new things – and admiring those who do things I never could.

Our new best friend gathers information from Twitter and FB – oh the list is endless – it looks cute too – so in every way possible it fits in at the office, its cute, innovative and very hard working! www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2011-11/29/berg-little-printer-bergcloud

The whole idea stemmed from Jennie’s investigation into client promotions such as Groupon and the spa vouchers were the natural corollary of her research. We are great believers that you have to find out how these things work before recommending that clients spend their cash.

An autumn spa day should be a cosy experience, snuggling into fleecy robes while the northerly wind whisks dessicated leaves from the skeletal forms of the ancient trees at Puckrup Hall.  Wrong! The hottest October day on record: the very idea of a sauna seemed laughable.

However, I can report that hot stone massage is quite an experience in the hands of Katie who, despite her slender frame, gave me a thorough work-over. The stresses of the daily grind at Media Eden Towers simply melted away. As did our nail varnish some hours later – possibly not designed for tropical climes!

It goes without saying that we networked with our fellow spa residents, discovering from them their views on social media promotions and discount schemes in general, in the spirit of market research. Never off, the Media Eden team!

The same evening we took our highly-groomed and stress-free selves to the Ellenborough Park Hotel, where we caught up with Penny Banyard and the lovely team from First Choice Conferences and Events. How apt that their offering is a service which takes corporate groups out of the office … among other things! It was a pleasure and a day well spent.

This is obviously the strategy that Unthink has gone for.

They have stated that they’re launching a new social media platform – different from the rest – but little else is known. Using the language of rebellion and “power to the people” that would have made Wolfie Smith proud, they say they are making a stand against the wrongs perpetrated on us by other social media platforms. They have seen the light and by joining them we too can rebel! They promise Freedom and offer Attitude (though with carefully censored swearwords).

They could be admired for their timing, against a backdrop of the Arab Spring and a general sense of the impotence of the disenfranchised, finally rising up against the ruling classes .. But wait! We’re getting carried away here! In all likelihood this is pure coincidence. Nevertheless, one quick Youtube video, a website landing page and a tweet from @StephenFry later, they have established a following with promises of “more information to come on Monday”. Classic.

And yet, and yet …
The video portrays a rather well-laundered group of revolutionaries, whose catwalk stroll through city streets which gives some inkling of the level of revolt they have in mind.
Just as the first of Unthink’s seven veils tantalisingly slithered to the floor, Google + was also getting going and there must have been many who nodded when they read the plaintive tweet “I am too tired” from a fellow social media user. He just couldn’t summon up the enthusiasm to populate Circles, in addition to caring for his many Friends and Followers. Most of us who live and breathe social media were curious enough to register with Google+ and at least list a few of our contacts but I’ve yet to hear anyone declare undying love or wonder how they lived without it.
In simple terms, Unthink’s pitch is a hatred of the cartel of other social media platforms which demand so much in terms of “personally identifiable information”, as the EULAs say. Their Youtube video states in the language of revolt that we should take no more of this and that Unthink is the New Way. They want to appeal to those whose privacy is important to them. How ironic then, that the first thing they do is demand an email address from potential users on the vague promise of an invitation to join this happy band of rebels!

Call me a cynic …
Time will tell whether Unthink’s version of Salome’s dance is that of a cheap seductress, seizing on the pervasive attitude of discontent that she sees in her market (and meanwhile harvesting their email addresses) or whether this is a carefully structured and intriguing appetiser leading to a deeply satisfying and above all ethical main course.

Will you be tempted this time?

Hi, I’m Sue.

I’ve actually been at Media Eden for several months, so apologies for not introducing myself earlier. It is appropriate that I was recruited through an “Urgent – Help!” message on Twitter, since social media is now a major part of my role here. Finally, this week we’ve settled on my job title: PR and Marketing Assistant just about covers it!

Social Media Recruitment

At any given moment I could be writing advertising copy for a glossy magazine, updating a mailer address list or shouting out the good news for our clients on their Twitter or Facebook. I particularly enjoy getting to know our clients and have a great love of learning new skills. This week’s tasks included website tweaks using our content management system.

My background is very varied: mainly education and research. Recently I spent three years writing Panorama and Today-style interviews in order to train CEOs from all sorts of industries how to face the cameras and manage their company’s reputation. Little did I know that these skills would be put to good use interviewing Media Eden clients such as Cheltenham MotorSports for their own corporate websites with Cotswold TV!

Whisky and Song

I’m lucky that Media Eden has such a rich selection of clients: who could fail to be interested in history, whisky and music festivals?  The philosophy here is that we do our best for our clients at all times, which suits me fine.  And yes, the rumours that I’ve been bribed with a spa-day are true (though we will spare you the photos).

I look forward to working with current and new clients and suppliers: if there’s anything I can help you with, please send me a note!

Sue joined the team in March (OMG I can’t believe its over 4 months!) and has quickly settled in as PR and Marketing assistant, passionate tweeter and all round good person.  So much so that she’s being whisked off for a Spa Day treat later this month for working so hard for us and holding the fort whilst the rest of the team have been scattered to the four winds working on a variety of projects!

Marianne Sweet joins the Media Eden portfolio of experienced freelancers and is working on PR projects for some of our key clients.  She has already highlighted why we picked her by securing a major feature in a national that will be published early next year – more of that nearer the time.

We’ve had a very productive time on the PR front.  Clive Payne, a furniture restorer from Kingham, made an exciting discovery when restoring an early 18th century bureau for a private client.   The buearu had been purchased from the Devon estate of famed author Agatha Christie and on taking the back off the piece, Clive discovered a telegram sent from Noel Coward in 1957 to Agatha Christie, reluctantly congratulating her on The Mousetrap breaking his record (with Blythe Spirit) for becoming the longest running play in the West End.  We teamed up with the lovely chaps at Cotswold TV to record a very unique video press release which prompted BBC Points West to work with us to break the story to the international media.

Clive’s story hit the headlines and within 24 hours was to be found all the way up to page 50 on Google and on just about every news site across the UK and USA (we even made The Huffington Post!).  The media attention brought an invitation to take the bureau (and a recepit for Ms Christie’s underwear which was also found in the bureau) to The One Show and you may have seen yours truly lurking at the back of Matt Baker’s head on Monday, trying not to grin inanely!  Our client Clive was delighted with the coverage and the forthcoming local features will help to highlight Clive’s talents as a restorer and his position as the UK’s premier dealer in Mason’s Ironstone china.  You can find out more and see Clive’s fabulous collection at www.clivepayne.com.

We’re very excited by the idea of creating video press releases – its a sure fire way to get your message across!  I think there will be more to come….