Bye!

That's it from me, I think. I have a couple of urgent things to get done before what clients insist on calling COP, and I don't have any more Post Idea Post-its on the wall.

I've had a great time playing with Ben's blog, and I hope it's been of some use and pleasure to some of you. Thank you very much to everyone who commented - it's strangely thrilling, and rather addictive, checking the comments sections. I'll miss our little chats.

Thanks also to to everyone who emailed me with their views on The Great Writing And Design Debate. I don't think we've solved anything major, but I think I've done a little bit to encourage some dialogue. (Special thanks to David for his kind encouragement.)

I'd have liked a bit more input from the writers, if I'm honest. I think many of my own niggles about the lack of writer/designer collaboration are shared by others, and I thought they'd jump at the chance of a little ding-dong with the "design community". Thanks to those that did, but I wonder if maybe Tim's right.

As if this week hasn't been self-indulgent enough already, I hope you won't mind if if I end with a lttle bit of PR for a favourite cause. Having this temporary soapbox is too good an opportunity to miss.

Quite by fluke, I became the UK's first member of 1% For The Planet a few years ago. This is an association of businesses that each give at least 1% of their income (not profits) to environmental causes. It was set up by Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and the membership is growing all the time. The last I heard, the average was one new member every day.

It would be great if this blog resulted in a new member or two. So do have a look at the 1%FTP site, and see what you think. You know it makes sense.

Thanks for listening, and biggest thanks of all to Ben for trusting me with the reins. Cheers everybody.

Mike

Comments

[davidthedesigner]

It's been a cracking week, Mike - and I've made friends (I think) with Richard Madeley, to boot. Do keep in touch (now you know where we are).

[Nick Asbury]

Mike, you’re forgetting that us writers don’t post comments unless you give us a clear brief, a serious amount of professional respect, and pay us £1000 per paragraph – half in advance, amends not included.

Really enjoyed the week’s postings anyway. I know you’ve been thinking of turning your newsletter into a regular blog. This week must surely prove it’s a good idea, assuming you’re not too worn out – must be hard work doing these things.

[Steve O]

Thanks for an interesting week of blogging Mike! Better than that other bloke, what's his name? Ben something? ;)

[Mike Reed]

David: thank you again. And don't worry, I shall continue to make a nuisance of myself.

Nick: Surely "we writers"? My website is basically a collection of blogs - http://www.reedwords.co.uk (might as well get a plug in). The 'Miscellany' section is the closest to a 'real' blog, and I think I'm going to use it as the basis for exactly that. Don't expect the volume of posts I've done this week, though.

Steve: Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

[Michael - Ben's Brother]

Mike, thanks for the great posts. Very enjoyable week indeed.

Many people I know have been following in America (where I live) and have really enjoyed it also. We especially love the "We start with solutions, not problems" quote. That was great.

Thanks much.

[lauren]

i wish i had've had more time this week to follow the posts each day (rather than a huge 'digest' of them at the end of the week), but i've really enjoyed your guest appearance here!

[Richard]

That was great Mike. Lots to ponder. Thanks. And thanks to Ben for getting you in.

[Mike Reed]

I'm so pleased - thanks for all these very kind comments, everyone. Michael, how bizarre and wonderful to think people were reading me all the way over there. Thanks again, all.

My wife tells me I must be mad not have plugged my monthly email newsletter, and I suppose I should. It's a monthly email newsletter, everybody! You can sign up from any of the main pages on my website, although you'll probably have to scroll down a bit to find the box. (http://www.reedwords.co.uk). Sorry, Ben, I'll leave your blog alone now.