August 16, 2007
Welcome, American..!
The eagle-eyed out there might have noticed a comment pop up just now on our golden oldie Facebook post from a young lady called Melanie Seasons.
Can I introduce you?
Melanie is an American! But a nice one. She writes a blog called Fake Plastic Noodles. I’ve been reading it for a few days, ever since she mentioned TWL. It’s a well-written blog and I’m looking forward to more posts…Melanie writes sensible stuff like this:
“There’s really no way for an American to understand UK PR until they get over there and experience it for him or herself. In the beginning, the most important part of my experience will be to do just that: to experience, but also to observe. There is no way anyone can hop right into a different culture and expect things to work the same way.”
How refreshing is that?
I mention Melanie specifically because she’s coming to London and might need some new friends. Melanie works for MS&L, in its digital practice. I presume that she’s coming over here to do the same thing - it sounds like she knows what she’s talking about, so I reckon she’ll do well.
In fact, I think she’s that good that you other agencies should try and nick her.
Comments
Stephen Davies:
I’ve spoke with Melanie via email and she is indeed very nice. In fact, I think most Americans in general are nice. But I love everyone.
theworldsleading:
Jesus, Davies…I hope you weren’t offering her career advice.
Melanie Seasons:
Wow, thanks. I’m not used to hearing such nice things about Americans on UK blogs. It’s true though, we’re not all bad.
(Hi Stephen)
countryboy:
Hi Melanie (may I call you Mel?)
Do you have three brothers or sisters, in other words, are you the Four Seasons?
I’m married unfortunately, otherwise I’d ask you out for a pint.
Melanie Seasons:
I’m an only child, but if it’s any consolation, my parents were going to get a personalised license plate with “Three Seasons” on it.
I don’t know what it is about everyone in England calling me Mel. I have a few friends in London and as far as their concerned my name *is* Mel. Anyone know why?
theworldsleading:
Yes. There’s an old by-law in Britain - it dates from the 15th Century, I believe (possibly 16th) - which states that you can’t address any person by their full given name (I think it’s something to do with ‘Christian’ names…Oliver Cromwell and all that).
To get over it, the convention is to either use the shortened version of someone’s full first name (e.g. Mel, Ant, Will), or give them a nickname. Nickname’s are generally based on the full or a shortened version of someone’s second - or family - name, with a ‘y’ added. E.g. Smithy, Webby, Browny. Alternatively they are based on someone’s physical characteristics, e.g. jugears, lanky, pint-size.
You’ll also find that I’m allowed to graze my cattle on your front lawn.
Artichoke:
A PR that gets digital?! Miss Seasons I would very much like to marry you and make Artichoke Nanos.
JT:
TVC, what a nice blog. Do I detect a little crush?
theworldsleading:
TVC?
JT:
Apologies TWL, has been a long morning already
james power:
Melanie, it’s to do with the whole British “Who do you think you are?” attitude - which applies to everyone we meet, not just Americans. As far as names go, this translates into “What makes you so special you deserve three syllables?” Once you’ve proven just how special you are, you get the full Melanie. Until then, it’s Mel, Melly, or if you meet someone especially dismissive, Melly-Baby. That’s four syllables, but not the ones you want.
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