For the 2nd time, as might be expected, the gamescom was hyped by the usual PR-routines in the run-up and in the summary it is sure to be praised in glowing terms as a success, just like it was last year.

Looking back, how was it in 2009? Were the 245,000 visitors, the mentioned gamers and those interested in peripherals really convinced by the exhibitors’ – at least from our point of view – rather average performance? Could they really take home a sense of genuine enthusiasm from the GC 2009?

It may be that the gamers’ hearts – just like ours at first – had beaten higher when they first entered the GC, but then? Our pulse went back down to normal rather quickly already during the visit – unfortunately. But why?

Ultimately, all games studios had wrapped up a lot of energy for the GC and took on financial burdens in order to create an emotional climax during the GC. However, was this “energy level” intelligently held high and “played” even further in both medial and temporal dimensions? Do loveless incentives like cheap key rings and mouse pads suffice? Is this the right way to keep one’s self alive in the heart of a Gamer even after the “emotional peak” of a GC?

We believe that the majority of the gaming community – both casual gamers and dedicated multipliers – would honor a game title or its developer/publisher with more “loyalty” by means of tangible additional value that goes far beyond the short exhibition period of a GC, thus identify themselves much more as a “fan community”.

But let’s see – we’re on site in Cologne again this year, and then we’ll see how far they look out of the box this time.

Lindenbaum is a consulting and coaching enterprise specialized in gender workshops.

The communications objective was to develop a warm and honest ambience.

PRAGANDA® achieved this goal through reserved, sensitive design on one hand and by the choice of media materials on the other. The media look and feel appears natural, thus emphasizing the positive overall impression.

The relationship of “people to advertising” behaves just like that of the relationship “human to human”. In both cases, the first few seconds decide between sympathy and aversion.

For Naturally 7, the turning point came in the fall of 2007:
From quiet success in Europe they have been propelled onto the world stage, performing before more than a million people.

As the opening act for internationally acclaimed singer Michael Bublé, Naturally 7 were met with standing ovations nightly in Europe, the U.K., Canada, Australia and the U.S!

With their rich harmonies, an unbelievable ability to replicate instruments and a stage presence that can be felt in every seat of the house, Naturally 7, the first vocal play group ever, are amazing, charming fans where ever they perform.

Today Naturally 7 are Roger Thomas (musical director, arranger, 1st Baritone, Rap), Warren Thomas (percussion, guitar, clarinet, 3rd tenor) Rod Eldridge (1st tenor, scratching, trumpet), Jamal Reed (4th Tenor, electric guitar), Dwight Stewart (2nd baritone), Garfield Buckley (2nd Tenor, Harmonica) and “Hops” Hutton (Bass).

The band has now recorded four albums – “Non Fiction” (2000) the aptly titled “What Is It” (2003) and the christmas album “Christmas …It’s A Love Story” (2004) and “Ready II Fly” (2006).

March 2010 has them returning as Special Guests on Bublé’s ‘Crazy Love’-Tour around the World!

In March of 2010, Naturally 7 released a new CD, entitled ‘VocalPlay’. The package contains 14 new songs. The CD features duets with Grammy-Winner Michael Buble (‘Relax Max’) and German Superstar Xavier Naidoo (‘Wild vor Wut’) .

Song-Snippet:
• Naturally 7 – Feel it

From left to right: Misha Collins, Stephanie Bimmermann, Jim Beaver, Mark Pelligrino (also present were: Traci Dinwiddie, Samantha Ferris & Chad Lindberg)

The PRAGANDA^® team had the honor to be introduced to all the VIPs personally. Thank you all for the entertaining evening!

Just like last year, Jason Manns provided for the musical entertainment. He presented some of his songs from his first album “Jason’s” and his latest album “SOUL”.

The convention materials designed by PRAGANDA^® are visually fully in the world of Supernatural and they appealed very much to the convention’s visitors.

A whole series of events like Stage-Talks, autograph and photo sessions, for example, as well as theme parties will provide for an exciting weekend.

Rogue Events again chooses the creative power of PRAGANDA^® this year, after the great success of the previous year. We look forward to sponsoring both conventions in 2010.

Social networks are becoming more popular with each passing day. But why do networks like Facebook, StudiVZ or Twitter gain so much attention?
It’s simple: social networks and micro blogging services are entertaining and useful. Information on interesting topics can be obtained in real time, which can be shared with friends. Companies are in direct contact with customers and try to generate purchase decisions with this type of digital interaction. The list of benefits for both private users and business people is long.

However, the downside is often underestimated:

Websites such as pleaserobme.com can show the effects of excessive transparency on the Internet. Here the entire Twitteruniverse is searched for “left home” tweets, and these are summarized in a timeline. Hence, a simple game for gangs of thieves: Thanks to interconnected social media accounts, it quickly becomes clear what the ‘in spe’ victim’s name is, where it lives and how long they will not be at home.

Conclusion: Everyone that moves about in the social media world should know to be completely transparent to the outside world. Friends, family, the boss or even a customer can be an intentional or unintentional accomplice and fellow reader. A tweet can be enough to make new friends – but can just as quickly ruin a long-standing friendship or business relationship.

Carefully consider what you pass on to the social media elephant, for he shares the following trait with his relatives at the zoo: He forgets nothing.