And topping off a very interesting 2014 the last of the monthly 2014 blog rankings are out.

As noted in an earlier post this morning yesterday was the third anniversary of Talking Auckland. As I look back over 2014 I also look forward to 2015.

I am also looking at freshening up the blog layout and investigating whether to take some content like any urban renewal stuff (e.g the Manukau Redevelopment projects) behind a paywall. I will let you know what my thoughts and decisions are around that later on.

And as always a thanks to readers, fellow commentators, and followers on the Facebook and Twitter pages. Without you Talking Auckland would be just talking to a blank wall 😉

While IAP2’s post would be aimed at Public Authorities and maybe businesses on the forefront of social engagement, the five points are also relevant to blogs covering such issues like Talking Auckland does.

As we head into 2015 and a very busy year for Auckland (and myself) Point #2 is something most relevant for the blog:

“Topic-specific interests trump demographics. PR and marketing pros know there is no such thing as a “general public.” When you use a spray-and-pray campaign approach, not only will you not effectively evaluate your efforts, but you might end up wasting a lot of money delivering your message to people who couldn’t care less about what you’re saying. Many brand managers have sent out targeted messages on social media, only to see interest from audiences never even considered in the planning process. This doesn’t mean there’s a “general public.” Social media is just highlighting the importance of finding those who care about your message. Identifying demographics is a start, but once you find those people who are really interested in your product, service, or cause, your message will go much further.”

This is really applicable as the blog has reached a critical mass in sharing information with that sharing happening multiple times over above normal organic reach (meaning using Twitter the number of Retweets on top of Retweets that expands the reach). So in short making sure the information is relevant to those interested and might share it to their circles and beyond. Especially if I want to “assist” in getting greater participation in our civic institution.

So while on holiday and the blog in Summer Series mode, reviews and plans to continue to enhance Talking Auckland are under way

Well this is timely given the Sky City blow out dogging the Government. My message is still the same, flip the bird to Sky City and walk away Steven Joyce (and Auckland Council as well in regards to operation subsidies).

Never before has Left, Centre, Right, Liberal, Conservative and Libertarian been so united against Sky City in this instance. Well done Sky City for that dubious and rare feat.

Now I see the average cost of blow outs backed up by some good evidence is mentioned. So I link this old but goodie: https://voakl.net/2012/05/18/the-crl-and-the-rail-fallacy/

Those Fallacy posts for the CRL served as a warning so we can avoid such blow outs like the disaster of the motorway tunnel construction in Seattle.

I note the average rail cost blow out was 44.7% with ranges between 0-100%. This would put it close to my 1.5x or 50% blow out potential.

However, before someone complains about rail I point out that the Sydney Toll Roads have gone bust twice, the Brisbane Airport Toll Road once, and a few in America going bust….