Posts from — June 2007

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or maybe here….

[youtube=http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=q_O1G2KoB5g]

I had the pleasure of interviewing author John Connolly yesterday, far and away one of the most enjoyable interviews I’ve had in a long time. Interviews can be quirky, and as a journalist, you’re always conscious that you’re imposing on someone to fill space on a page and make a living. You feel like you’re under pressure to seem genuinely interested in the subject, even if that is genuinely the case. It’s akin to the crawling guilt you feel in the presence of Gardaí.

Of course, that means that you risk coming across as a venal, malingering hack, disinterestedly waiting for the sound bite before running off in a hissing fit of pleasure like Gollum with a ring.

Not so yesterday, John was eloquent and easy to talk to. Not being a huge crime fiction fan didn’t seem to matter, either, as we talked about the discipline of writing, the nature of journalism (he worked freelance for the Irish Times) and why people write. It’s clearly a passion for him, and you can see why readers and writers alike warm to him.

His blog, neatly patched into his official site, is here.

Full write-up in the Echo soon.

Email me for the password to the post below.

Update: Not the fault of the person behind the byline. Everything is clarified here.

THIS still MAKES ME VERY ANGRY.

Blatant apparent cut-and-pasting from an Indo freelancer.

My article here.

Indo article here.

Similarities? I think so. Wonder if she invoiced them for her hard work?

She didn’t. See above

Seeking an Irish-based cartoonist with a firm grip on the balls of Irish politics for a project here, which could become an ongoing affair.

Interested parties should email newsdesk[at]irishecho[dot]com[dot]au.

EDIT: We’re no longer looking, but if you fancy dropping us a line we’ll keep your details on file for when we do. Thanks to everyone who got in touch.

With huge swells predicted today, this webcam could be one to watch. The Pasha Bulker, washed up on Nobby’s beach little over a fortnight ago, is due to take another pounding if the swells materialise.

Pic from the SMH

IF anyone was to be held up as a paragon of efficient, inclusive web communication, it’s Damien Mulley.

Three recent examples.

1) His advice on how to lobby effectively in Ireland. Many existing lobby groups would do well to print this out and stick it up in their office. During its brief but fruitful existence, Ireland Offline was omnipresent when broadband matters were in the media, and Mr Mulley was the go-to guy for all things digital for many journalists, myself included. Those targeted by lobby groups would also do well to read up on this, for defensive purposes.

2) His advice on how to approach journalists. Would that all PR agencies scrutinised and applied this, and the above.

3) The Paddy Valley initiative,  which is lining up a handshake-and-eyeball tour of Silicon Valley for interested Irish individuals.

When will MulleyComms Ltd, web communications consultancy open for business?