Blogs have emerged as a fast, effective and sometimes controversial means to voice opinions, reach key audiences and even drive sales. As of Q3 2004, they've grown to more than 3 million instances on the Web. From a corporate standpoint, they're proving to be wildly successful... if they're done right.

In this edition of our "Trend Watch" newsletter, we've highlighted a few articles that explore what makes a good blog, as well as tips and tools for added visibility. And since every rose has its thorn, we've included what you need to know about corporate liability as executives and employees fan the fires in their own blogs. We've also listed a few PR/media blogs and resources that are worth checking out.

We'd also like to thank everyone who attended our "Best Practice PR Campaigns in Europe" seminar on November 9th, co-hosted with Johnson King PR. The response has been incredibly positive and we appreciate everyone's time and thoughts on what it takes to develop and lead a successful global PR effort. In this edition of our newsletter, CHEN PR principal Chris Carleton recaps his thoughts on international branding and PR, and offers some helpful advice when structuring a global effort of your own.

Since there is not enough room in this newsletter to share all of our thoughts on these topics, we welcome the opportunity to compare notes with you. If you'd like to discuss how blogs, wikis and other channels can be leveraged to increase awareness and generate media coverage, please call Chris Carleton, 781-672-3115. Thank you.

PR, Marketing and Media Blogs:

Tom Murphy's NatterjackPR
Steve Rubel's Micro Persuasion
Dan Gillmor's eJournal
Rafe Needleman's Rafe's Radar
Om Malik's GigaOM
Seth Godin's Seth's Blog
Tony Gentile's Buzzhit!
Andy Lark's Blog
Jay Rosen's PressThink
Opinions at UserDriven
News for Nerds at Slashdot

Other Resources:

PR Wiki TheNewPR/Wiki
Bacon's MediaMap ExpertPR Weblog
Blog and Wiki Search Engines DayPop, IceRocket, BlogDigger, Technorati, Feedster, Yahoo
Trend Discovery at BlogPulse
TechWeb's Top Ten Finalists for Best Independent Tech Blog Award
Free-content encyclopedia Wikipedia

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CHEN PR and Johnson King PR Seminar Recap: "Best Practice PR Campaigns in Europe"

Thanks to those of you who joined us on November 9th for the Best Practice PR seminar. Co-hosted by CHEN PR and Johnson King PR, guest speakers included Dave Mancuso, Director of Public Relations at AT&T, and Paul Holmes, publisher of the Holmes Report.

Participants shared their thoughts on developing, managing and conducting successful European PR campaigns, and exchanged ideas with attendees currently managing global PR programs or considering expanding beyond the U.S. As we begin planning our next seminar, we welcome your input on topics that would be of most interest. Please feel free to email your suggestions to: seminar@chenpr.com.

CHEN PR founder and principal Chris Carleton offers some helpful advice when planning an international PR program. "Whether you're embarking on a new global PR effort or simply looking to improve upon the one you've implemented, here are some rules of the road that may help..." [READ more about CHEN PR and Johnson King Host International PR Seminar].

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Electronics Weekly: "Chip Suppliers Open Online Shops"
TechWorld: "ExaGrid Steals Storage Revolution from Under IBM's Nose"
MetroWest Daily News: "Art That'll Make You Smile"
Enterprise Storage Forum: "ExaGrid Does it all for Less"
Electronic News: "Fairchild, Beijing-Based University Open R&D Labs"
eWEEK: "Storage Systems Gaining Built-In Grid Options"
Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal: "Fluid Circuit Idea Puts Fluidigm Founders on Solid Business Footing"
VARBusiness: "2004 Technology Innovators Awards - VARBusiness Honors Vendors"
Computer Business Review: "Sun Thinking Outside the Developer?"
Computer Weekly: "Take Control of your Staff"
Network World: "10G Ethernet Vendors Look to Stoke Demand"
CNET News.com: "Sun Readies Tools Line for Solaris 10"
CRN: "Sun Shines Developer Resources for Solaris 10 Launch"
Computerworld: "Grid Storage Vision Appeals to IT Managers"
SearchStorage.com: "Backup and DR Costs Slashed with Grid Storage"
Associated Press: "Planning for Your Company's Holiday Party"
Network World: "Enterasys Upgrades its Security Suite"
Wi-Fi Planet: "Unwired Symphony"
eWEEK: "Sun Deals Target SOA Development"
TheStreet.com: "Fairchild Semi Beats by a Penny"
Maine Today: "Flu Vaccine Effort Gets Help"
VARBusiness: "Countdown to a Wireless Shake-Up"
Washington Times/UPI: "The Web: New Views on the 'Digital Divide'"
InfoWorld: "Sun Upgrades J2SE Platform"

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CHEN PR is one of the country's leading independent high technology PR agencies.
Led by four passionate, results-oriented partners, CHEN PR has the depth to create comprehensive programs for each and every client. We've created an enviable network in the industry - a powerful advantage for you and your company. Our committed team (and low turnover) means you won't deal with an endless parade of new faces. And that translates into high-quality PR programs that drive sales and move your business forward.

CHEN PR's co-founders deliver unparalleled expertise in creating results-driven communications programs that help clients achieve corporate objectives. Their accomplishments include:

• Support for historic IPOs, mergers and acquisitions totaling more than $26 billion
• Turning startups and established companies into leaders
• Helping to create market categories including Java programming, data security and privacy, wireless, intelligent storage, collaborative email, multiplayer online gaming, optical networking and client/server
• Leading wildly successful corporate media and analyst programs for multinationals
• Unparalleled employee tenure and client retention rates

If you'd like to talk with us about your communications program, please call Chris Carleton, 781-672-3115. Thank you.

CHEN PR - 781.466.8282 - www.chenpr.com