I can’t remember when I had a more fun at lunch. Today I met with Andrea Weckerle at the Lebanese Taverna in McLean, Va., which is just outside of Washington, D.C.
Andrea blogs at New Millennium PR and is sporting a new blog template and a new attitude.
Our lunch at a Lebanese restaurant (with wifi) was timely with the current conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
The bartender and waiter told us about his wife and child, who are currently in Lebanon on vacation with family and are choosing to wait for a break in hostilities to leave. No matter which side you might take, it stinks when people are held hostage by the violent clashes between countries.
Andrea and I talked about conflict resolution, public relations and our goals in life.
Kami: We started our blogs about the same time, in November, but have very different voices, what are you trying to convey to your readership in New Millennium PR?
Andrea: Great, you're starting with an easy question (actually, I think you're buying time so you can eat your dessert). Ok, seriously now, what I hope to get across is a combination of best practices, new media techniques, and current events… along with some fun along the way.
Kami: Speaking of fun, what do you do for fun?
Andrea: You mean things I can mention here?
Kami: Yes, don't forget that I have a family-friendly blog here
Andrea: Ok, ok. How about what I'd like to do? Well, what I'd absolutely love to do is vlog around the country; make that around the world, interviewing ordinary people. I had a summer road trip planned where I was going to do something similar, but unfortunately that got cancelled. What else? Sleeping in would be great. Yeah, no kidding.
Kami: I can relate, I have a 2-year old as well. Speaking of motherhood and professional ambition – do you ever use what you learned in your conflict-resolution degree? Give an example.
Andrea: Absolutely — patience and good listening skills. And trying to keep a straight face when your child's sitting there with a finger up their nose.
Kami: Are there any pointers you would have for settling conflicts between bloggers? For instance, you once thought of me as a “PR Lite” blogger, and, as I recall, may have even accused me of being a brownnoser once?
Andrea: Ok Kami, save the best for last, huh? It's a good thing we're friends now. Well, I think we have to realize that there are different ways to blog, and different motivations behind that, and that there is no “right way.” The PR Light bloggers or posts serve a useful purpose, namely entertainment, and strike a good balance to the more serious and substantive material out there. I tend to be a bit more on the serious side, but I've posted some ultra-light stuff myself. And with regard to you, all I can say is, you've turned into one of my favorite blogs and you're now a friend, so that's a win-win to me.
Kami: So, I can't shed the “lite” title already?
Andrea: Oh great, a follow-up… Yes, you can. Are we done?
Kami: I don't think I am done with you yet (heh-heh). So, here is a softball. Many people have a personal credo or motto by which they live. Do you have one, and if so, what is it?
Andrea: “Attack life, wait for nothing.”
Kami: Seize the day, let's do it! Thanks for answering my “lite” questions
Andrea: Thanks Kami!
Andrea also interviewed me, read it at New Millennium PR.
