BLABnet is here!

Yet again we're embraccing all web2.0 has to offer and hence we're launching the official BLAB! social network, BLABnet. BLABnet aims to be a network of people working in the media, both freelance and on a full-time basis. Whether you work in an established media agency or have just started your own creative initiative, simply join the crowd and blab about it.

BLABnet will officially launch next month but you may join immediately. In the meantime spread the word.

Too much to digest on the local web

This week a number of local websites have been redesigned completely.

#1: www.xfmmalta.com

BLAB! had predicted this would be the first local website to get a 'face lift'. The new full screen XFM website is all nice and flashy. Layout was designed by the girls at Lab1977 who also designed the Virtual Model micro site. New features include movie trailers and podcasts.

#2: www.maltarightnow.com

maltarightnow.com was also given a new look today. New features include an appropriate Maltese font and an English version of all the pages. Media.link has also redesigned both Radio101 and NetTv websites. A highlight is the launch of another website dedicated to 'In-Nazzjon' and 'Il-Mument' newspapers. The interesting thing about the latter is that it is not another news portal but a soft copy of the actual newspaper layout viewed using macromedia flash player.

I can BLAB extensively about all these new spaces in the online web yet I'd really like to get to know what my loyal readers and friends think about all this. Only then I will add BLAB's initial thoughts.

BLAB! for good

This month we have added the hunger site banners to this space. Simply click and sponsors donate free food to those in need. Feel free to suggest ways and means of how we can all BLAB! for good.

30 is 3,000

Lately, it's all about numbers. There was the Fiat 500 (of which I'll be posting my first snap shot very soon), the 'win 50,000' Coca-Cola campaign, Farson's 'win 2008' campaign and now Bay's '30 is 3000'.

'30 is 3000' is the first Bay Radio competition for 2008. The competition is sponsored by IdeaCasa which is also involved in the Coca-Cola campaign. In both competitions IdeaCasa is promoting its 3,000 sqr. metres showroom.

Radio goes online again!

The XFM Virtual Model Competition is back this year together with Nestle Fitness. I've just spotted this on the radio's website which some say will also be the first to get a facelift this year. XFM has also invested in another online space, solely dedicated to the Virtual Model competition: www.xfmvirtualmodel.com. Sponsors include Pink Magazine and Hot Couture which also sponsored the competition last year. New sponsors include RyanAir and San Gorg Corinthia Hotel. Ironically, Apple Ipod is not sponsoring the event. A minor suggestion which BLAB would put forward is the use of the very well designed Kiwilicious.com which was launched to promote the competition last year.

Farsons Promotion 2008

It seems there's more to drink in 2008. Just 3 days from the beginning of this brand new year and the two major players in the soft drinks market have already launched their campaigns.

Farsons' campaign is straightforward: Customers simply have to send any 4 labels of Kinnie, 7Up, Pepsi or Miranda 1.5ltr / 2.0ltr bottles. Farsons will be giving away 2008 Euros every week until the end of February (8 draws in all)

2008 & Search

I am currently testing a new 'Search' facility on BLAB!(right). Check it out and send your feedback. In the meantime, we wish you a great new year, full of BLABs and more.

Also, I am drawing up a (wish)list of topics about which to BLAB in 2008. Please do send any suggestions or ideas!