So long ITB :-(

Unfortunately, I will not be making it to my bloggers panel, since my flight is delayed due to the strike in Berlin.

The title of my panel is "Bloggers vs. Journalists"

Here is my input though:

• We have to differentiate between B2C and B2B publications.
• In Austria there are many B2B travel publications that solely feature press releases and advertorials. These might come under pressure by tourism marketing bloggers.
• As to B2C publications, they will always reach a larger readership, their strength is the "serendipity". Featuring a destination may trigger interest of readers who had not considered or even heard of it before. But the depths of print features is usually limited due to place issues. This is were blogs and forums can provide more value.
• There is of course always a "credibilty" issue in travel journalism. If a journalist enjoys paid trips he or she better not be too critical. However, this is not always the case. Some journalist are very critical indeed.
  
• Should hotels and suppliers treat bloggers just like journalists. This is quite an issue. Lets differentiate again: most blogs do not enjoy an audience as large as newspapers, magazines or TV. Treating bloggers to free trips is a financial matter. I would suggest a creative approach.
• I do believe trade bloggers should be treated as well as journalists when it comes to questions, interviews or others enquiries.
• And I strongly suggest asking every guest if they want to produce online content. Give them the opportunity to provide the links to that content, be it pictures, videos, reviews or blog entries. Gather links to that content and feature it on your website. Give them the power of potential attention by linking to it.

Just my two cents. Sorry for any typos

Comments

[Kommentiert von: Claude]

sorry you miss the PhoCusWright Bloggers Summit

regards

Claude

[Kommentiert von: Karin]

Yes, it is a pity that we did not meet. I had so hoped to meet fellow bloggers. I am glad I did see Jens (both of them). Other than that, Berlin is always fun, even when they are on strike. Had curry at my favourite Thai restaurant and watched the movie Love in the Time of Cholera with Javier Bardem. Great!

[Kommentiert von: Wilhelmus]

Hi Karin,

Sorry you didn't make it, I was looking forward meeting you. We had a lot of fun but your input would have been great for the conversation. Hopefully we can meet soon.

Cheers,

William

[Kommentiert von: Joe Buhler]

Hi Karin,

really sorry to have missed you at the Summit. Back home and working on the catching up despite being connected it's always a chore. Hope for the next opportunity to come around.

These are very valid comments - worth much more than the proverbial two cents....! The panel dealt with some of the issues and I'm sure the debate on the subject will continue.

Best

Joe