David Spinks

I've only recently met David via Twitter. Let me just say he knows what social networking is all about. Not only does he engage readers on his blog where he talks about how businesses use social media, but he connects with his followers on Twitter and I think that's very important. He has also been very helpful at answering my questions about Scribnia and very interested in hearing my opinion of the service he offers. He's a young man making a name for himself.

People talk about "listening" via social media but most succeed only in combining eavesdropping with publishing their own thoughts. In contrast David is a real listener because he succeeds in eliciting and focusing others' thoughts in addition to expressing his own.

A real means of discussing social media networking. We all are doing it, but he's also discussing it. The Spinks Blog is: a reveal of this process and how it's affecting his immediate needs. His career.

The commentary is very engaging, and you do get fresh takes and opinions. David mentioned something that we all must agree with: We're not out to (necessarily) make great friends online. You? Me? Hopefully most of us are serious about networking for the purpose of furthering our careers. Well said, and a mighty candid dialogue indeed.

If you measure a blogger by nothing else, measure how well he engages his readers. David's posts are less about pushing his own views and more about the conversation. Some of the most interesting, though provoking conversations regarding social media and marketing have occurred in the comments on his site.

David hasn't been blogging long, but it's already one of my must-reads. He's not afraid to tell it like it is, and his post on transparency/social media is one of the best I've ever read. He's an up-and-comer, and I can't wait to see what he'll come up with next.

Whether he's talking about transparency or being 'good' at social media, David urges for a stronger focus on making connections. He gets it on a variety of levels - whether it's about engagement in social media to shaaring about taking his first steps in 'the real world' or even his choice on using Seesmic desktop, he shares. More than that, he shares with some heart. David is not just writing about various topics in his blog - he's telling stories that are altogether interesting, funny and useful.

David Spinks is the writer of the Spinks Blog – a place for social media.

While he’s very social media driven, what I really enjoy reading in David’s blog is, and I quote: “Strategy and systematic approaches are only half of the game. You have to be real. Can you communicate with a real customer like a ‘real human?’”

See, that’s how David is, he pushes for staying human.

Too often, especially in things technology driven, we see people who talk and talk about iPhones, SEO tools, gadgets, remotes etc. etc. etc. Very rarely, from similar blogs, do we see someone who says something to the effect of: hold on, we’re all human, let’s act like it.

That’s so important and that’s the beauty of David Spinks’ blog, he’s a great communicator. Talk to him, he’ll talk back; he engages you think about the world around you by using technology, not letting it use you.

So for a little bit of everything and lots of good stuff in between, definitely give The Spinks a read!

Forgiving the Dick Vitale metaphor, I've given David a 10 on a 10 point scale for one reason: his recent post on transparency/honesty in social media. Social media users have the tendency to keep their heads in the echo chamber for far too long and often miss what's happening around them. David's post on whether people are truly transparent helps us keep our heads out of the clouds. Keep that sort of stuff coming, please!!!

I have had the pleasure of working with David when he was a student- and never have I been more impressed with an upcoming PR graduate. David is smart and savvy, and many other words come to mind when I think of him. He is an amazing writer with a natural skill of presenting topics of interest in the PR field. He asks probing questions and has many guest blogs from seasoned PR pros. This blog is a great tool and resource for anyone that is considering entering the field or has been in it for a few years.

David's blog reveals a clear, thoughtful mind behind the keyboard, keen in business acumen and devoted to being on the cutting edge of technology. The posts are full of information, both new and old, for people who want it, about trends and new technology. He has a great knowledge base about Twitter, especially, and Twitter users should pay attention to his advice.