VikkiChowney

I know that I’ve been a bit quiet of late, but it’s been a conscious move while I get stuck into my new project. Now, we’re ready to start talking about it, and I’m just a little bit excited.

I’ve mentioned to a few people of late that now more than ever, the online aspect of managing your reputation is vital. Blogs and social media are becoming part of the mainstream, which has resulted in many brands and individuals engaging with this space because they feel like they have to, rather than because it's appropriate.

Many 'social media consultants', agencies and companies have sprung up to try and provide an answer to this problem, but are often as misguided or uninformed as those in need of help. This could be due to a lack of insight, or it could be because they are advising based upon a single viewpoint. They may be experts in some cases, but having tunnel-vision in this environment just doesn't work.

Why is this relevant? Well, I’ve joined Centaur Media to head up a new website called Reputation Online, which is part of the New Media Age family. This new project been created at a time where comparing editorial with user generated opinion is tough, when the experts in this field are only just starting to emerge and from a variety of areas. We're here to bring lots of different resources together in one place, so as well as writing, filming and recording for the site myself, readers will be able to do the same.

We’re due to launch at the end of September, so be patient with us. It’s quite unusual to see a large publisher invest in something fluid like this, which will be free to read, based on WordPress and willing to try out new mediums of content.

If you'd like to know more, please get in touch via vikki.chowney@centaur.co.uk or follow us on Twitter for regular updates (@rep_online).

I've been lucky enough over the past few years to work with some great people and great clients. My journey through fashion illustration to technology, digital media and blogging has been challenging as well as stimulating in equal measure.

Both Six Degrees and my previous employers have remained fully supportive of my personal ambitions throughout, which is not only extremely encouraging, but a rare thing in this climate.

With that in mind, I'm going to be changing my working arrangements from July 1st. Starting today, I'll be working as a freelance writer and consultant, focusing predominately on blogging and journalism.

Over the past 12 months, it's become clear to all those that know me (and probably some that don't!) that this is where my heart lies, rather than PR.

However, I'm keen to maintain some connection with Six Degrees throughout the transition and the team remains my first recommendation to anyone looking for technology PR support. I'll still be in the office regularly and will maintain my work email address, as well as input into my accounts.

I will be actively pursuing writing projects and am currently looking around for new challenges to sink my teeth into. My inner mobile geek will be placated via the work I do for The Really Mobile Project, and VikkiChowney.com will become the place that I write about Social Change from a tech perspective.

If there's something you think I can help you with, or just want to talk more about an idea, please get in touch via vikki@vikkichowney.com or give me call on +44 (0) 7868 115235