
Now that RIM has an official blog, we can start to see some great content coming to the BlackBerry blogosphere. The company that is the subject of so much discussion will be able to communicate directly with their market.
Recently, I wrote a list of ways RIM can add to the blogosphere.
But what about content? Here is a list of articles that I would like to see from Inside BlackBerry.
More Jim Dog
Jim Balsillie, co-CEO of RIM is an excellent public speaker and an interesting man. Jim is also a noted athlete and passionate fitness advocate. On top of that, Jim Dog has funded a wide variety of scientific and political ventures.
Jim has provided $10 million of personal funds towards the founding of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He also also funded the Centre for International Governance Innovation and has donated to the University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and the Centre for International Governance Innovation.
I would love to hear more from Jim on the topic of not just BlackBerry, but the global business market and international affairs.
Open Mike with Mike Lazaridis
Mike Lazaridis has given some very interesting interviews recently and he’s a constant source of great content. The story of how Mike came to work at RIM is absolutely inspirational. In 1979, he enrolled at the University of Waterloo in electrical engineering with an option in computer science. In 1984, Lazaridis responded to a request for proposal from General Motors to develop a network computer control display system. GM awarded him a $500,000 contract. He dropped out of college that year, just two months before he was scheduled to graduate. The GM contract, a small government grant and a $15,000 loan from Lazaridis’ parents enabled Lazaridis, Mike Barnstijn and Douglas Fregin to launch RIM.
It would be great to hear not only Mike’s views on BlackBerry, but on entrepreneurship and his passion: physics.
How it’s Made - BlackBerry
Remember those great documentaries about how things are made? My personal favorite is crayons. But that’s only because they haven’t made one for BlackBerry. This process would include interviews and film from a variety sources:
- Interviews with engineers about the design
- A look at the machinery that manufactures the devices
- Interviews with suppliers
Initiatives and Topics RIM Loves
RIM likes U2; Jim Dog follows hockey; Mike Lazaridis has a love for physics; why don’t we get some news and posts about things not directly related to BlackBerry, but things that the company enjoys. If the head of PR wants everyone to know about a Breast Cancer marathon they’re sponsoring, let’s hear about it.
Acceptable Controversy
Although RIM has said it will not comment on financial matters or unreleased devices, there is still room for some heated discussion. Is another company talking smack about RIM? Let’s clear up any inaccuracies in their statements. Are customers complaining about a BlackBerry related issue? Tell them something to ease their concerns.
Don’t make too many judgments about RIM’s official blog just yet. It’s just starting out and these things take time. Instead, help build it into the site you want.
Like Mike Lazaridis said when faced with criticism over the BlackBerry Storm: “Nobody gets it perfect out the door.”
What would you like to read about on Inside BlackBerry?