Welcome to the Conversation Age

If ideas are the currency of our times then this is, undoubtedly, the age of conversation, for without the art of dialogue, the cut and thrust of debate and discussion, then the economy of ideas would implode under its own heavy weight. Instead, the reverse is true. Far from seeing an implosion, we are living in a time of proliferation -- ideas build upon ideas, discussion grows from seeds of thought and single headlines give rise to a thousand medusa-like simulations echoing words whispered somewhere on the other side of the planet. All this -- in an instant.

Technology in the guise of social media is giving rise to not virtual connections, but real conversation. The human desire to reach out, meet, share and converse is tapping into digital networks in an effort to transcend and obliterate the tyrranies of time, geography and, in some instances, culture. And the resulting explosion in content, commentary, activism and community is causing academics, marketers, advertisers, politicians and social commentators (amongst others) to call into question many of the demographic standards that have been relied upon for years.

In response to these changing (and quite exciting) conditions, Drew McLellan and I are calling upon a wide range of bloggers to contribute to an e-Book entitled The Conversation Age. We are looking for a maximum of 100 bloggers to contribute one 8.5x11 page -- approximately 400 words OR a page of diagrams, pictures etc -- on the topic of The Conversation Age.

All proceeds from the sale of this e-Book will be donated to Variety.

If you would like to contribute to The Conversation Age, you can do so by clicking this image and letting Drew know the topic that you would like to cover (we need to make sure that we don't double up!). But be quick, you only have until 11 APRIL 2007.

This is a great opportunity to participate in this fascinating global debate!

REMEMBER, ALL CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DUE 30 APRIL 2007.

Thus far, those who have committed to contribute include:

• Christina Kerley (CK)
• Valeria Maltoni
• Emily Reed
• Katie Chatfield
• Greg Verdino
• Mack Collier
• Lewis Green
• Sacrum
• Ann Handley
• Mike Sansone
• Paul McEnany
• Roger von Oech
• Anna Farmery
• David Armano
• Bob Glaza
• Mark Goren
• Matt Dickman
• Scott Monty
• Richard Huntington

Oh, and of course, Drew and I are contributing! While there is a large focus at present in the marketing area, we welcome contributions from other subject areas. So, what are you waiting for? JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

UPDATE: I forgot to thank Mike Sansone for the great button! Thanks, Mike!

Comments

[Matt Dickman]

Gavin,

What a great idea you sparked here. Thanks for working with Drew to get this rolling. This new publishing model is already generating new ideas for me. I am looking forward to seeing what it sparks in others.

[Bob Glaza]

You are a wizard with words, Gavin! What a grand introduction to the Conversation project and thanks for rippling the dialogue waters -

[Valeria Maltoni]

What can I say, Gavin. This is a great intro. You should have written my welcome note at Conversation Agent...

[David Reich]

A terrific idea. Count me in.

[David Reich]

A terrific idea, Gavin. Count me in.

[Lewis Green]

Gavin,

As I said to Drew, thank you so much for putting this together. I am honored to be one of the contributors.

[mindblob]

Gavin,
Brilliant idea! I'd love to contribute. Plus this introduction adds style to the intention it describes.

[Tim Jackson]

Gavin,

Wow... what great words. You continue to impress and inspire me.

I have already emailed Drew and asked him to allow me to play along. This is awesome and I am truly looking forward to reading this.

[Joe Raasch]

I'm in! What an inspiring collaboration. I look forward to where this lands!

[Paul McEnany]

This will kick some serious arse...

[Becky Carroll]

Hi Gavin,

I am definitely in. Not sure yet on topic, but I asked Drew what you guys already have so I can go deeper or branch out! I am looking forward to being part of this.

[Stan Lee]

Excellent idea. Count me in....Stan

[Gavin Heaton]

Great to see so many of you wanting to be involved. It is going to be great!

[C.B. Whittemore]

Awesomely cool idea. Thanks for the brilliance; I've sent Drew a note.

[Toby]

Me too! Would love to be a part this exciting venture. Love the idea of dedicating to CK's mom and the proceeds going to the children's cause.

[Sean Howard]

Wow.

David Carson look out! ;)

[Lori Magno]

Gavin:

I'm psyched to be a part of this special project!

[Tim Kitchin]

Just followed a link here...any update on this project, gavin? Would be interested to see the assembled wisdoms...

[Tim Kitchin]

and I just answered my own question...dummy ;-)