Kingpin Newsletter // ISSUE 8 // DECEMBER 2007

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Kingpin IT Marketing news.

Another year has come and gone and it's time to reflect on our successes and achievements. We raise a glass to you all and wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Explore the new ComputerWeekly.com

ComputerWeekly.com has been redesigned. They're calling it more of an "evolution" rather than a "revolution", mainly because the changes aren't dramatic.

Before amending anything, they talked to at least 1,500 IT professionals to garnish opinion on how it should look and this is reflected in what they've delivered. We just think it looks cleaner. Visit ComputerWeekly.com to for more details.

Also, after having a play around the site, it's easier to get to more interactive content and the search function is much better.

KnowlegdeStorm announces CPM advertising

Fresh on the heels of TechTarget's purchase of KnowledgeStorm, the UK licencees have decided to extend the brand in the UK.

Incisive will be offering online display advertising across its Techfinder branded network of sites. These include IT Week, VNU Net, The Inquirer, Accountancy Age (Knowledgebank) and Financial Director.

Please contact Kingpin Communications for further information about working with KnowledgeStorm and CPM advertising.

Kingpin welcomes fresh
talent to the team

Well, Kingpin seems to be expanding at a phenomenal rate and as such we have taken on a couple of talented marketing mavericks to high five (in a totally manly way of course). Joining the team are our new Account Executive, Mark Mills, an enthusiastic young lad with fresh ideas and incredibly big hair, and Account Manager James Gill, a veteran in the industry and not too dissimilar in looks to the main man, Ali G. Both of whom are from Staines, incidentally.

Welcome to the force guys, I know you'll do us proud...we salute you.

The Media Summit 2008:
who controls the future?

Ask yourself whether in an era of increasing consumer control, tomorrow’s new media landscape lies in the hands of the industry. Consider how far advances in communication technologies will change the way that content is produced, marketed and seen. Visit The Media Summit for more details.

Events Details
Location: British Film Institute, London
Date: Wednesday 16 January 2008
Open: 8:45 AM to 6:00 PM

Word-of-mouth Marketing Forum 2008

Consumers talk to, and talk about, brands as never before. They are an increasingly powerful and credible influence on the brand attitudes and purchase preferences of others. At the same time, the Internet offers consumers an ever-growing range of media experiences, all with the potential to shape their brand preferences. Visit warc.com for more details.

Events Details
Location: Kempinski Courthouse Hotel, W1F 7HL
Date: Wednesday 16 January 2008
Open: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Online adverts are here to stay

Like it or loathe it, adverts are going to be helping to support the online world for a long time to come. If you live outside the UK then the BBC website at bbc.com has a surprise for you, in the form of some prominent adverts.

While most of the licence-fee supported sites provided to the UK population remain free of ads, the BBC has started treating the web in the same way as it does the TV channels it broadcasts around the world by trying to generate revenue from them. Visit the bbc.co.uk for more details.

Google to take on Wikipedia

Google is at work on a new encyclopedia-like series of web pages, which aims to gather knowledge on any subject from a collective of people.

Much like Wikipedia, the goal is to encourage people who know about a particular subject to write an authoritative article about it. However, differing from Wikipedia, the articles will have authors with bylines so that readers can know the source of the information. Visit dmnews.com for more infomation.

It’s been a busy year-end here at Kingpin Intelligence. November saw us exhibiting at the Insight Show serving the market research industry. Despite being flanked by some of the biggest global market research agencies, Kingpin Intelligence stood out as the only niche research agency targeting the technology sector. With a two-day footfall of 1,540 local and international visitors (16% in the IT industry), Kingpin Intelligence were able to raise the profile of our market research activities and we’re hailing our time there as well-spent!

MRS Research Excellence and Effectiveness Awards

Unfortunately Kingpin Intelligence was not judged ‘Best New Agency’ at the MRS Research Excellence and Effectiveness Awards on 10 December, but we graciously accept the honour of being shortlisted and are determined to earn ourselves a nice plaque next year! The team here wish all readers festive season delight and best wishes for 2008. Visit mrs.org.uk to view the photo gallery of the night. I look cool in my tux, I think you'll agree.

25 mph power boards, wahoo!

This is the must-have gift for all old-school skaters out there. Why tire yourself out plank pushing all day long (let's face it, you might pull something) when you can cruise around with the squeeze of a trigger on a handheld wireless controller. Electric powered boards have come a long way since they first arrived on the market. They now reach speeds of up to 25mph in four seconds, that's fast! I hope Santa thinks I've been a good boy this Christmas. Electric skateboarding: try it, you'll love it! Visit electric-skateboards.co.uk for more information on the power-board revolution.

Super-portable DVD and TV

This is the Xoro HSD 7500/7510 multi-region super-portable multimedia player. With high quality full color 16:9 widescreens the Xoros plays multi-region DVDs. Not only that, but they also come with Freeview TV! The 7500 has a DVB-T receiver module that attaches to the side of the player so you can watch TV anywhere. Great for keeping the kids amused in the car while you drive to the mother-in-law's for Christmas dinner. You'll thank me for this, believe Uncle Patrick. Visit iwantoneofthose.com for details.

Elfing time!

In true Blue Peter style here is one I made earlier. Visit elfyourself to view.

Santa's crib

Ever wondered where Santa really lives? Visit his new crib at YouTube and experience the bling.

If you have any comments or an opinion on what we should cover for next month's issue, or would like to advertise your company, please send your submissions to:
Patrick Murray - patrick@kingpin.co.uk

by 10 January 2007

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