Blogger Reps Update

Mixergy Interview with Blogger Reps

Marjorie Kase — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:04:29 +0000

Andrew Warner, founder of LA’s Mixergy, is all about education in the PR community. He interviewed me via phone on reaching out to Bloggers in a manner that is strategic, respectful and cost effective. Have a listen and let me know what you think.

http://blog.mixergy.com/how-to-get-bloggers-to-write-about-your-company/

Andrew Warner, Blogger Reps, Mixergy, PR

Schwaggin’ Wagon Press Coverage

Marjorie Kase — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:06:58 +0000

The Schwaggin’ Wagon made a huge splash at Web 2.0 Expo, thanks in large part to the team’s kick-ass guerrilla PR skills. All this in seven days!

Financial Times, Whatcha gonna do with all that junk?, by Kevin Allison, April 25, 2008.
Mashable, I Took a Ride in the Schwaggin’ Wagon, at Web 2.0 Expo, by Kristen Nicole, April 25, 2008.
Valleywag, Schwaggin’ Wagon donating tech tees, by Jackson West, April 24, 2008
Blogtropol.us Live, Live from Web 2.0, by Chris Heuer, April 24, 2008.
Webware, CNET, Schwaggin’ Wagon cruises for conference party favors, by Elsa Wenzel, April 24, 2008
Future Tense, American Public Media, April 23, 2008
BC Radio live, April 23, 2008
Ad Rants, Because Do You REALLY Wanna Take the Casale Bag Home?, April 23, 2008
News Blaze (Press Release), Schwaggin’ Wagon Rockin’ at Web 2.0 Expo Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Your Swag!

PR, Schwaggin Wagon, Web 2.0 Expo

Schwaggin’ Wagon takes Web 2.0 Expo by Storm!

Marjorie Kase — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 19:43:14 +0000

Pictured here: Marjorie Kase, Daniel Hartman, Kyra Reed, Michael Preciado, Michael Liskin, Andy Sternberg

Blogger Reps and Social Rocket teamed up with Collective Bits to form a “Schwaggin’ Wagon” at Web 2.0 Expo in SF this week. The goal of the Schwaggin’ is to reuse, and recycle unwanted conference swag and put it in the hands of people who need it - kids and soldiers oversees.

The story: Mike Liskin was having dinner with David Preciado at a Thai restaurant a little over a week ago when he pitched the idea. David loved the idea. Mike put in a call to me at Blogger Reps, which put me into action. I quickly lined up several sponsors. Two days later, we had a van, 7 sponsors, and a bevy of car magnets in production. Tuesday, the gang hit the road and we’ve been Schwaggin’ since.

In addition to collecting swag, the Schwaggin’ will be chauffeuring conference goers to various 2.0 after parties in style. The tricked-out 15-passenger van is fully equipped with faux fur interior, lights, and fresh beats.

Check back in with the Schwaggin’ Wagon for more updates.

AustinCast SXSWi Interview with Blogger Reps CEO Marjorie Kase

Marjorie Kase — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:43:03 +0000

At a break between panels at SXSW, Austincast’s Paul Terry Walrus interviewed Blogger Reps CEO, Marjorie Kase. Fun and informative!

SXSWi 2008 Highlights

Marjorie Kase — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 07:04:56 +0000

Thanks to a bout of SXSars/SXSykness/Nerd Bird Flu, my annual round up of SXSWi is admittedly a bit late this year, so please forgive me in advance.

I’m happy to say the number of winners far out-numbered the losers this year. Thanks to a swell in attendees, lame parties thrown by lame startups were filled to the brim with cool party overflow. Speakers with nary a following were treated to a real audience. And LacyGate bumped traffic for geek gossip rags and of course, Twitter. I would venture to say at this point that the only losers this year were our immune systems and perhaps a certain NY Governor.

So, without further ado…

Mark Zuckerberg’s Keynote
Although, not a winner, the train wreck that was Zuck’s keynote certainly takes the prize of conference highlight. From the higgledy-piggledy interview stylings of Sarah Lacy to Mark’s inability to go off script, the hour just confirmed what we knew all along. Mark Zuckerburg is not human, but in fact, a machine and/or a Bangalorean customer service agent.

Twitter
It goes without saying that Twitter was 2008’s biggest winner. Last year, I voted it number one for beating Dodgeball as the primary means of party tracking. However, this year it was like breathing air. From LacyGate to Pure Volume, the sheer number of tweets this year was unparalleled. I’m surprised Zuck’s lame attempt at banter didn’t bring down their servers entirely.

BlogHaus
AMD served up some valuable Blog Lovin’ with its second round of BlogHaus. Despite the heat, noise, and lack of adequate space and food/beer, the lounge served its purpose of fostering community amongst bloggers. (Note to AMD: Reserve at least three rooms next year – one for video, another for meetings and conversation, and the last for actual blogging. You had it right the first time around during BlogHaus CES at the Bellagio – open bar, HDTV, tricked out studio, and plenty of power strips.)

Ruby Red Labs/dipity
The unlikely bro-mance between the two startups offered substantial after-hours entertainment via their roving RVip. Random passengers absconded from the street were treated to open bar, karaoke, free hot nachos, and Austin Urban Legends - all from the comfort of a fully loaded RV. Honorable mention goes to GETV’s live streaming taxicab confessional chauffeured by the legendary Ms. Irina Slutsky.

Social Media Academic Rockstar Henry Jenkins
MIT’s formidable expert on children and social media’s keynote on reevaluating standardized teaching methods was inspirational. (Apparently, MySpace is not a waste of time, but job skills training!) I’m biased of course, given the man was my grad school idol, but general consensus suggested he was indeed a conference highlight.

The Onion /Barbarian Group
Best play on attendee Web 2.Ho’ness goes to The Onion and Boston’s own Barbarian Group who co-sponsored the official “launch party” of hot new Social Networking site frrvrr. In addition to rockin bands, the party provided brilliant commentary on how even the most web savvy folk are all too willing to sign over their personal data out of sheer laziness.

Rana Sobhany
WashingtonVC’s PR prodigy threw not one, but two destination parties this year – the iheartcaveman.com party and the Official Rock! Band party. Ballroom Blitz took what was left of my voice and most of my dignity, but thankfully no one was really watching (at least I hope).

The Rest
There are several more winners that deserve mention in this post, most notably digg’s Bigg Digg Shindig (featuring Marc Cuban, Moby, and the very sassy/savvy Aubrey Sabala). Unfortunately, my SXSyckness has taken hold again. A complete list will have to wait for 2009.

Until next year then…

Blogger Reps, BlogHaus, Conferences, Digg, SXSW Interactive, Twitter

BarCamp LA: Do Bloggers need a Code of Standards?

Marjorie Kase — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 17:00:35 +0000

Image courtesy of Andy Sternberg

It’s been a stellar day here at BarCamp LA complete with educational break out groups and Ninja Self-Defense.

Today’s sessions varied from OpenID to Weaponizing Noam Chomsky. I was lucky to secure a spot for us to discuss spinning Blogger Reps off into a non-profit. We received incredible feedback from participants in our group including ideas for funding, member participation, offering health insurance, local and national events, education, media literacy, and blogger mentorships.

One issue that dominated the conversation is whether the org should propose and enforce a code of journalistic standards for its members. My knee-jerk reaction was of course, but upon further introspection I questioned how a code of standards fits into a medium that prides itself on having no rules. Why adhere to an old school notion that in the past, has restricted access to information based on corporate political bias and lack of a diverse set of media outlets? Who will define these standards? Will it lead to restriction of freedom of speech? Intra-organizational politics are a part of human nature (high school anyone?) and non-profits are no different.

In our newsletter, LilyKat proposed the notion of “responsible blogging;” contribute to the conversation, don’t detract from it. Perhaps, instead of focusing on restriction, we should encourage contribution. After all, isn’t that what blogging is and should be all about?

BarCamp LA, blog, Blogger Reps Newsletter, blogging, code of standards, responsible blogging

Welcome to the Premiere Issue of the Blogger Reps Newsletter!

Marjorie Kase — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:25:59 +0000

Our goal is to provide you with a platform to express your thoughts and ideas on matters that concern you as a blogger in a respectful and encouraging environment.

In our first issue you will find an array of voices and personalities from bloggers across the spectrum. Each entry was handpicked by our team for its unique story and diverse point of view. We chose to focus on topics that we can all relate to – what inspires us, what keeps us going when things get tough, and what we hope to accomplish as bloggers both personally and professionally.

Also included in this issue, are some special offers from our sponsors and breaking news about Blogger Reps. Don’t forget to sign up for the Blogger Reps Network on our website to continue receiving the newsletter, products for review on your blog, and information that relates to our breaking news below.

We welcome your feedback on our premiere issue and look forward to reading your comments!

Best,
Marjorie Kase
President and CEO
Blogger Reps
Our sincere thanks to our premiere newsletter sponsors: coComment, JargonFish, and Blogger & Podcaster Guide. We recommend you check out their products and services, which have the power to enhance the functionality of your blog and drive traffic to your site. We’d also like to thank our incredible staff who made this newsletter possible.

Blogger Reps News Update

Marjorie Kase — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:24:44 +0000

We are proud to announce our plans to launch a non-profit organization for bloggers!
Our mission is to provide bloggers with the tools they need to succeed as writers and opinion leaders. At first, we will be focusing on education and community via conferences and panel discussions. We are also building a website and a wiki that contains valuable resources on topics ranging from reviews of content management systems to issues of freedom of speech. Our longterm goals are to offer you services that will also help improve your overall quality of life; for example, group health insurance, media credentials, and blog scholarships. (We like to think big.)

(more…)

Why I Blog

Marjorie Kase — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:24:12 +0000

By Ray Ellis

Considering that blogging as we know it was in its embryonic stages less than ten years ago, it’s a quantum factor in the evolution of communication.

Let me rephrase that—it’s not an evolution—it’s a revolution.

(more…)

Why We Write: The (Blog) Sequel

Marjorie Kase — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:22:27 +0000

By Lilly Kat

It’s been an awkward couple of months in my area of the blogging world.

We at Pass the Remote been dealing with a big white elephant: the ongoing strike of the Writer’s Guild of America, who, as of this writing, just settled with the AMPTP. This has made things challenging for us given that we’re a television blog. Although we’re not quite desperate enough to write about American Gladiators or Who Stole My Wallet (OK, so that one is not a real show, but anything goes with the networks these days), we are getting creative.

(more…)