Analogue Festival - Mix Tape Amnesty

One of the first ideas I've been given for the Analogue Festival is a Mix Tape Amnesty.

Every one has a mix tape somewhere they've not listened too in years, so why not donate them to the festival and we'll get hold of old tape recorders and headphones and you can dip in and out of someones musical life. Tapes only - We're keeping it real! or should that be reel (Sorry)

If you have tapes you want to donate, or have any other ideas email richard.michie@gmail.com

'appen it'll be analogue

I've been knocking around the idea of doing an analogue event for about a year. I love all things digital but I miss the craft and randomness of analogue. My initial thoughts were along the lines of a photographic exhibition mainly because I take loads of pictures with my Lomo and Polaroids and love the fact that I've never any idea what the shots will look like.

How about Social Media without a phone or a laptop, I believe that's called talking how quaint! I'm not against technology, I'd love to see telex machines, old film reels, vinyl records, acoustic music, painting, live performance whatever can be come without the aid of digital equipment.

I guess by now you've seen the slight flaw in my plan... Yes I'll have to promote it digitally and get people involved that way too. But honestly, once it's up and running it'll be all analogue.

As with most of my plans I have NO CASH! Still it never stopped me before. So needless to say at present this is a volunteering idea (aren't all the best?)

So what can you do?

Well I understand I'll need a little help. So that's where you come in. Here a list of the stuff I recon the event needs. Have a look if you can help get in touch and if there's stuff missing ditto. I'd love to make this some kind of festival, even if it's only a day. What say you?

Tick list

• Venue(s) would somewhere with character
• Exhibitors/Artists/Performers/Interested parties
• Volunteers to help run/promote/organise/lend stuff

If you can help drop me an email richard.michie@gmail.com

Professional Northerners

At the last Bettakultcha I covered a topic close to my heart. Professional northerners who they are and what makes them. Have a look and feel free to disagree.

The Genesis of Bettakultcha

At the last Bettakultcha I did another 5 minutes on the genesis of Bettakultcha (not involving Phil Collins thankfully!)

Really inspiring Ted Talk - Start with WHY

I've just seen this great, really inspiring Ted Talk via Presentation Zen.
There's no way I can do it justice so the best idea is to watch the film. Think and then apply it to yourself and your business.

When's the best time to send an email?

After sending email campaigns for a long time I've tried loads of times and days. There are a few implied rules that seem to make sense but tend not to have any scientific backing.

For example a common thought is that sending an email campaign on a Monday is a bad idea. The thought is that after a weekend in boxes are full and most of its contents if not deemed immediately important are deleted.

Saturday is thought to be a good day if you have a high-powered list. The thought is that they will be checking their emails over the weekend without resorting to their secretary.

I'm about to send an email campaign to my newsletter list at Global Lingo. And I'm planning on Tuesday at around 11am. Seems like a good time to me.

Yesterday I had a thought though as I was walking in the park checking my Blackberry. And it dawned on me that there now is no perfect time. Virtually no one waits until they return to the office to check their emails. Almost every one has a way to check at any time of day or night.

So today I still plan to send my email at 11am, but next time I'll test the time of day and see what the results are. So to finish this off there is no perfect time for all emails just the perfect time for yours. And the only way you'll ever know is to test and test and test.

Good Luck

My Bettakultcha 5 minutes

As I was one of the founders of Bettakultcha I thought it only right that I put myself forward to present. So for better or worse here's my presentation.

Let me know what you think warts and all!

To book a place for Bettakultcha 2 click this link