PR, The IndiBlogger Way!

What?

Launch of IndiPR, by India's leading and most loved Blogging Community, IndiBlogger

When?

Friday, April 8

Where?

Over the World Wide Web, and Indian Blogging horizon! :)

The other day, I overheard a conversation in the Delhi Metro. As always, observations in any means of public transport make for interesting chronicles, over here or even otherwise.

Blog.
Sounds like a familiar word, doesn't it, nowadays?

Yeah! 

It's THE catchphrase now, Dude!

I have one, too. 

Do you? 

Yes.

I have a Weblog. 

Weblog? 

What's that, mate? 

We - blog: Do you have a co-authored blog? 

Me: *Too amazed to respond* 

        *Should've better been on my own* 

 ~~~ 

Contemplating on what I had just heard, it dawned upon me that I had been an audience to the observance of the adage 'Ignorance is Bliss', yet again. Here was Yours Truly, who is a genuine blogger, and here were these simpletons, discussing 'THE' catchphrase, in their opinion. 

There has been a perpetual debate over being or not being a Blogger in the true sense. By true sense, I aim to refer to individuals who 'blog' not just for the sake of it but those who pursue it as a driving force, which motivates them to express themselves and express themselves well. 

But then, we live in a country where the sense of expression and the sensibility of freedom - of expression, or otherwise - is so abused, that it is better to maintain a steady stand. 

While there's no denying the fact that slow and steady, we have come to acknowledge Blogging and the Art (no less than Science, though!) that it is, considering the mushrooming we have here, we cannot just turn a blind eye to the fact that there remain MANY such people who consider it as a hobby, pastime, or such. 

While Blogging is a life-science in itself, having helped me appreciate the abundance of creative expression within others and myself, and there can be a thesis of sorts on that too, but more on that some other time. 

 ~~~ 

Fridays are meant for relaxation, and the one that just went by was no different. As soon as I accessed my email that day, I heaved a sigh of relief. I was caught unaware by my blogging community, IndiBlogger, and their naive but re-introduced Kiddo, IndiPR. 

As is the norm with initiatives, this particular 'New Kid On The Block' was not so new to me, but I guess it had just returned from its summer vacation of sorts, with a makeover for itself. And, boy! Was I impressed, or was I Impressed? 

IndiPR (formerly IndiOne) had been unveiled by IndiBlogger! :D 

This mail in my inbox lent a reassurance - There is Hope... For Bloggers... 

~~~ 

If none else, my fellow bloggers would identify with the fact that Blogging and being a Blogger is no child's play. And, IndiBlogger as a bloggers' platform, takes their act seriously. 

Well, one may or may not choose to keep their blog abuzz with the latest happenings in their niche, by the means of attending events and blogging about the same. That comes along with a fair share of PRs by PRs. :D 

PRs, that are pressing on us, bloggers to release those PRs by the means of our digital selves, more often than not, for mere peanuts. PRs, that fail to realize that Blogging ain't monkeying around!  

In accordance with their core ideology and in order to toss those mundane and run-of-mill Press Releases into the bin, while resolving to make it known that this pursuit is not to be taken for granted, IndiBlogger has come up with IndiPR. 

That for me, is PR, the IndiBlogger way.

~~~ 

IndiBlogger says they are 2007-Forever. With each passing day, month and year, IndiBlogger has been growing - by the means of being populated by Indians who once wished to establish themselves as Bloggers, Indians who are at the top of their game, and Indians who are gradually learning the ropes as well. IndiBlogger is Mini India, I believe, mirroring the potpourri of creativity! :)

Their growth has not just been in terms of quantity - statistics - six digit figures or such, but in the terms of quality that each individual's perspective on various topics and genres of interest. 

IndiPR, thus comes across as yet another milestone, wherein a blogger has the creative freedom to blog about an organisation's newly launched product or initiative. While acting as an effective intermediary to diminish the communication gap between Businesses and quality Bloggers aka Influencers, I believe IndiPR redefines B2B! :) 

The swanky new A.I.T.E. has piqued my curiosity as it incorporates Artificial Intelligence into itself. The ‘Automated Influencer Targeting Engine’ as it likes to be addressed, proceeds to accept applications, and automatically shortlists bloggers, for Press Releases uploaded by businesses, based on various factors including internal rankings. Their system just needs the Press Release and the rest would be history, Karthik DR, Co-founder & Business Head at IndiBlogger says. :)

Upon being shortlisted and accepting the Project (Yes, one can Decline as well), apart from rejoicing as the first reaction, the influencers are to publish their articles, choosing to either mirror the release or add their own element to it. 

While I am enjoying being a 'beta tester' of sorts to A.I.T.E. at the receiving end, I am waiting for it to learn with time and tailor itself to the blogger's niche or their performance with respect to a particular article. (A.I.T.E. rates bloggers secretly, y'know!)

Renie Ravin, Founder and CEO of IndiBlogger, opines that in a way, one could be writing about the next Google without even realizing its immense potential. 

Gradually, I am being told that IndiPR would not be restricted only to SEO and content marketing but also expand to creative assignments, invitations to attend the trendiest launch events and being privy to the latest news on the planet. That's like a Blogger's Secret Society, albeit open to all Bloggers! :) 

~~~ 

I'm all set for my experience with IndiPR and A.I.T.E. as a Blogger, an IndiBlogger. 

Are You? :) 

~~~ 

For more information on IndiPR, visit https://www.indipr.com/ first. Feel free to bother Co-founder & Director of Marketing at IndiBlogger, Anoop Johnson, then. Write to IB at contact@indipr.com or pester them with calls at +91-9900-001655 or 0124-4891498! :) 

There's Something About You, #GetPublished!

Coffee and Books on a rainy evening in the heart of the city of Delhi.

The plan sounded good. Friday was a good choice too. The weekend having just arrived, I made sure I left home on time to reach the Costa Coffee outlet in South Extension II without any hassles.

It goes without saying that Delhi traffic and Delhi rains are always a nuisance to maneuver through. Anyhow, tackling the nuisance successfully always feels good.

So, I was there at 6 PM, inside the premises of the cafe, situated adjacent to the Bata showroom in the Main Market.

I was among the first bloggers to reach the venue, apart from Anoop, Karthik and other members of the ever-so-gracious IndiTeam.

So early had I reached that I actually witnessed the seating area being arranged properly. Punctuality makes you witness the efforts being put in for a show, sometimes. :)

This was the first picture of the evening.

This wall painting caught my fancy for being artistic and chic at the same time.

The love for Coffee and its overpowering aroma was evident as this trademark of Costa. 

The outlet had sections, partitioned for those casually visiting the outlet and those attending such meets. :)

This was what we were here for. An invite by IndiB and Harper Collins had brought the IndiBloggers of Delhi under one roof. 

#GetPublished was the agenda. An anthology of ten love stories which had found the light of the day, after much anticipation and a lot of to and fro efforts from the bloggers whose stories had been published, the IndiTeam and the team from HC India too. 

Also on cards was the launch of Yashodhara Lal, a.k.a Yash's There's Something About You. 

 ~~~

Karthika V.K., Publisher and Chief Editor at HarperCollins Publishers India, was there amongst us to welcome bloggers and introduce to us, the panelists - Yash herself, Anoop and the moderator for the session Saumya, who was there from HT. 

She also spoke to the audience about how Harper had bought over Harlequin, and both the books had been published by the same venture. 

~~~ 

That's the panel for you. Yashodhara and Saumya to the left and the man behind IndiBlogger, Anoop Johnson to the right. 

Yash spoke to us about her association with HC, her journey as a writer and as a blogger at first. She was also quick to share how people end up asking her more often than not if episodes in her books are inspired from real life (or not). ;) 

She also highlighted how it was imperative to persevere and not be bogged down by the inner critic who never ceases to demotivate. 

Another interesting aspect from her journey was how she decided to take up writing, besides blogging at Y On Earth Not, which is now a domain registered in her name. 

On a  lighter note, she also shared how the basic manuscript of Trish's story took her three months to complete and how the editing took another year, thanks to HC. :D 

~~~ 

Anoop, on the other hand, shared with us the idea of #GetPublished was first conceptualized and how a half-baked transcript searched far and wide, to find the right manifestation. He also told us how Yash had given them an idea to partner with the folks at Harper. 

There was a surprise element as always - One Minute Love Stories, which emulated the JAM sessions in co-curricular activities and books published by Harlequin and Harper were up for grabs. 

It upped the interactivity quotient at the session. 

One of the authors, Meena Bhatnagar a.k.a Nirvana was there with us to elucidate how it was an uphill task to contain the stories in 3000 words or less!

The event was wrapped up with the announcement of the names of the Winners, collecting our respective copies of the anthology, and book signing by Yashodhara. 

I had my moment with the lady herself too, but it was not new for me as we had met in the past at HC's Noida office at the launch of Sorting Out Sid. 

I went home with an experience to be cherished and I must remark that this has been the most concise, succinct meet with a bang on point Agenda. 

This was one 'Keep it short, keep it simple, silly!' IndiBlogger Meet. :)