Wine of the Week:
Dog Ridge 'The Pup' Cabernet Merlot 2009 - At the same time that I visited the bottle shop to purchase last week's wine, I also asked the shop assistant for a recommendation on something else to try; something that would go with a bit of an home made antipasto plate with some cheese, breads and cured meats (I didn't tell him that it was cabanossi).
The wine was a 50% Cab, 50% Merlot and it definitely had more body and flavour than our froggy friend from last week; not a great surprise as it comes from McLaren Vale. The depth of the Cab coming on strong first up then the smoothness and roundness of the Merlot giving it a nice feel and after taste. At around $20 a bottle, it is definitely worth giving a go.
It was during a conference last December that I started to jump in and explore the world of social media and rather than just dipping my toe. This morning as I was contemplating the weekend's victory that was on everyone's lips (Kate's win on Masterchef of course), I realised that I have become somewhat addicted to Twitter.
This has come as a complete surprise to me because when the whole Twitter thing started, I had wondered what the value would be to people other than to celebrities who wanted to keep their fans abreast of every and I mean every thing that they do. Now, it has started to provide tangible benefits to all; consumers, businesses and celebrities alike.
What businesses have started to realise is that Twitter has provided a means to make a connection to their customers and facilitate two way conversations that in the past, may have taken weeks to develop. Many companies have created official Twitter accounts; purely to assist their customer service activities by both monitoring conversations or streams as well as answering direct questions or complaints from customers.
What has also changed is that Twitter is now prevalent on a number of devices. No longer do you need your PC or laptop but there is a version of Twitter for any device - meaning that one can comment wherever and whenever they may be.
You may have also noticed that a number of TV shows have started to incorporate Twitter as a integral part to extend the audience participation to outside the studio and in a strange sort of way create mini communities that attach and detach on a regular basis. I have to admit that this is where I have become quite addicted. Not with one of the more highbrow shows such as the ABC show 'Q&A' but for me, it was the #masterchef hashtag that started my regular twittering. It also added to the viewing experience as I laughed at the commentary from fellow viewers including the Fairfax journalists that wrote the episode summaries after key eliminations and challenges (and hence coming across the legendary nickname for Dani that was "Legohead").
I did mention earlier that previously, Twitter was very much the realm of celebrities starting to promote themselves in another way. What it has also done is provide a way for us normal folk to engage with said celebrities and maybe, just maybe getting some recognition. In the past, we have been happy for a autograph and maybe a photo. Now, we are after a direct reply, a retweet or better yet have them follow you!
So far, my Twitter highlight has been the fact that I was re-tweeted by Melissa Doyle from Sunrise last week...to all of her 27,000+ followers. Being followed by Max Walker has come a very close second.
While my use has been purely personal and at times frivolous, it has provided an great insight into how people are wanting to get information, communicate with companies and at times with each other. And as long as we don't get to a stage where people are twittering to each other sitting side by side on the train - I will be happy.
PS: For those who are a part of the Twitter-arti, you can follow me @BrettMoorgas
Please note: This blog reflects my personal opinions only and are not reflective of those of my employer.
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