Crunchy Circle Stella is Evil etc

So we had the dubious task today of posting a 'Gone into administration' notice on the websites of one of our clients. And they were a big business too. I spent last night at the Digital Circle launch telling everyone that we've never been busier and that the credit crunch hadn't nipped us yet, and of course in my inbox this morning, through a Stella hangover haze there came the first sign of levity. We hope it's the last.

And speaking of Digital Circle it had one of those tenuous launches where the people involved pillar themselves to an invited audience of peers and it's all slightly uncomfortable and standoffish. That's not a criticism by the way as I've been to many many launches that were exactly the same.

However content wise my understanding from the launch is that Digital Circle will act as a sort of sector lead body (although no-one actually wants to call it this) for the digital media industry. This makes it, in remit if not resources, similar to the likes of NIScreen for film and NIMIC for music. In my view this can be a great thing as currently the digital media industry lacks any real, coherent representation especially on a governmental level.

It would be great to have some lobbying power at least and if a good committee can form and give Matt Johnston the support and direction he needs, then everything is rosy.

What shouldn't happen is for people to refuse to engage or influence the Digital Circle, become disconnected and embittered about it and ultimately create a haves and have nots scenario whereby some are dealing with it while others feel like its beyond them. If we unionise and speak with a clear voice you'll stop the building of any ivory tower and that should be the first task set for the industry in light of this development.

Let's make sure this opportunity is taken and used for the greater good. It will be the members fault if that doesn't happen and ultimately the development of the industry as a whole will suffer a setback, which helps no-one in the end.

Think carefully about those committee nominations folks and make sure you vote with both your feet and your tongue. We will be...