The Blogger Interviews: Robert McIntosh
I have the pleasure of introducing another blogger for our regular interview series at Londonbloggers.net. This week I’ve been talking to Rob McIntosh who writes the Wineconversation blog.
Now before you immediately jump over to Rob’s blog to get tips on which wine you should choose to accompany your roast beef this weekend, Rob’s blog is not actually about wine tasting and tips – although he obviously knows his onions (or I should say grapes). In fact Rob writes about marketing and conversation in the wine industry, looking at how wineries can use social media and other innovations to better serve their consumers. Something a little different I think you’ll agree and generally an interesting read.
Rob’s been coming to the London Bloggers Meetups for as long as I can remember and even ran a wine tasting event for our community a year or so back. I can only say it has been a pleasure getting to know Rob and I hope he continues to frequent our meetups. Well, without further introduction, here’s my interview with Rob McIntosh…
1. What’s your blog called and what’s the URL?
The blog is called Wine Conversation at wineconversation.com although it was born as wineculture.blogspot.com
2. What’s your blog all about ( in 20 words or less)?
I write my thoughts on marketing, communication and innovation in the world of wine
3. When and why did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2006 when I started a local London blog, mainly to get experience in writing, managing a blog and some photography … and to get me out the house as I had just started working from home. I made such great contacts from it I decided to try the same in wine (my business and passion).
The wine blog was intended as an outlet for my personal thoughts on wine in general, not a tasting note site or wine recommendation site. It was also a means to build a presence in the wine trade that really did not understand social media at the time. If you are going to try and change attitudes, you’ve got to show how it could be done. It worked. Eventually. It took several years for people in the business to take me seriously, but now I get regular invitations to speak at conferences, consult with brands and PR companies and to help promote new wines. I get very few samples though!
4. Which blog platform do you use?
I started on Blogger but switched to WordPress for most of my blogs, but have dabbled with many others and have also set up some fun stuff on Posterous recently
5. Can you give an example of how blogging has enriched your life?
I can honestly say that I’ve met more interesting, influential and amazing people as a DIRECT result of being a blogger and social media addict, than I could ever have imagined. For all those folks who think blogging is an online activity, the reality is that it makes you more social in all ways – and your social calendar will change dramatically.
6. Are there any blogs you recommend reading and why?
It depends on your interest in wine, but here are some unusual ones. Check out the wine videos of Finkus Bripp , or the visual tasting notes at http://chateaupetrogasm.com/ or for more serious education, the wines of Iberia, or the views of Jamie Goode.
I am also co-organiser of a conference for European wine bloggers and they’re worth checking out too.
7. What three tips would you give to someone just starting out in blogging?
A. Decide on what you really have a passion for that you can face getting involved in for a long time. You don’t need skills, experience or technical know-how to start a blog, but if you have no passion, don’t bother – it’ll get dull and tiresome rather quickly
B. Take a while to get used to blogging – whether in writing, video, photography, audio or whatever suits you. Don’t expect overnight success and wait a short while before trying to make a splash so when your friends and family start to visit your blog, you’ve got content for them to visit. It is often called “finding your voice”, but it really just means “getting settled in”
C. Share! One of the best things about the new media is that we are all working together to make a web of related content. Imagine you are creating stuff that brings people from other related places (that link to you) to read your stuff – and that this is an introduction to other cool sites (that you link to). Don’t try and hold on to readers in some misguided attempt to ‘build an audience’ – it’ll do the reverse and put folks off, as traditional media players have discovered.
8. If you could change one thing about your blog what would it be?
Write more often on a slightly broader range of subjects. I have lots of ideas, but often not enough time to put them all down. I need to explore alternative media for getting content out there QUICK, but I spend too much time telling others how to do it that I’m failing on my own site
9. What is the key to getting readers to your blog?
- Remembering that unless you are already famous, no-one is looking for you! They are looking for answers to THEIR questions. Write stuff that answers questions people might have, in an open, entertaining way and they’ll come across you.
- Make them want to share it with their friends – be nice! Or be very, very, different!
10. And finally, why do you come to the London Bloggers Meetups?
I’ve been coming for ages, and I always meet new and interesting bloggers. I’ve made a few business contacts, but mainly friends, and lots of folks with influence in areas other than mine, helping me spread the love of wine, plus the sponsors are always very generous!
