Ethics of....

As a social event blog I do get “invited” when a new menu gets introduced or when a venture opens up. Why? Simply because new and upcoming endeavor have the perception and know-how as to how effective bloggesr are as a marketing strategy. What we provide as bloggers is not influenced by anything other than our choice of writing about a specific event, restaurant or experience. As blogger, social media page and personalities we are here to serve those who follow what we have to say, and keep the “word of mouth” going to enhance local endeavors.

I completely agree with a recent post written by Badermania, in regard to getting "FREE" food for a blogging/social media promotion service. The opinion of other food bloggers resonated true based on the fact that we don’t look for a free meal, and it does not persuade us to write a “good” review based on the invite we received.

I have recently read the comment placed on Oman Restaurant Review, and must be honest that initially I was upset for the admin running the page. Why shouldn’t they be rewarded/invited to review a specific place? The effort placed to maintain the page is tremendous and I felt that no justification should’ve been given since it is.... 1. Their idea 2. Own effort to maintain the page and 3. A validation for the work they have been doing on the social page in keeping it active and interesting.

 

There are a lot of people who approach me stating how they follow my blog and many others so as to get an honest opinion or to know of a specific business enterprise, or to simply learn about a certain experience. It’s only justifiable that bloggers get a “perk” for the time and effort placed in maintaining this method of sharing information and advertising tool. From time to time and maybe more frequently on other social media pages you as the reader get to share in that experience or get an opportunity to get rewarded too.

It’s all for the love of sharing, recommendation, suggestions and social marketing promotion.

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Aishelaqtta Ramble

I usually don't cover personal prospective or circumstances on this blog, since its a event social blog allowing the reader to focus on getting to know of something new in the country or of a new venture coming up.  (Grab a cuppa govner....this is going to be a long ramble)

Let us just say that I have enjoyed the journey thus far.

I don't know how my fello bloggers feel, but to me truthfully the social media prospective is growing at a snail- like pace in the country. Those who venture into it are overly cautious and apprehensive as to the potential of how such a platform can provide additional benefit to any marketing agenda. I am hoping that an upcoming "project" will allow those reading this page to realise that social media platforms are actually an added advantage to any marketing enhancement. For those who do understand its potential and added benefit; they seem to determine that a certain category of social media personalities are those who will enhance their image yet not realising that the varied demographic of online users are not exposed due to focused social marketing niche.  

Social media marketing is not something that will not go away anytime soon, and is considered an effective tool in searching, spreading and retaining information to the general public. Yet in return enthusiasts of social media need to feel that there is an open and accepting environment, and that the services they provide is considered as such. There is a growing number of bloggers, and social media personalities out there, yet as a consumer you would need to determine which of them is an actual best-fit for your promotional strategy.

What am I rambling about? I am just saying that to utilise social media marketing a strategists would need to consider all that is available and the correct exposure that best enhances their marketing strategy or outreach. Anyone can open a blog, or have a social presence but its the quality of what's being provided that makes the difference.

I remember initially getting into the blog world during my years as a university student and then closing down the blog, or at least not making it viewable to the general public since it was getting too personal thus decided to let it go. *breaks into song* Anyhow, I ventured again into the blogging scene wanting to bring something different into the local online community and thus created Aishelaqtta, and I must say that it has been a journey. It has been a year where I met new people, realised the prospects of social media in Oman and experienced new promotional campaigns where it be in restaurants, shops, promotional activities or new incentives.

Note: I am in no way making Aishelaqtta seem that its a complete concept or the best that's out there. I still have allot to learn, and as I've said to many of those who know that I have this platform "its just there to keep me busy, and add something different to my life" -simply an outlet.

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End of Salalah Festival

I have always said that I would go and visit Salalah again during the Khareef festival but then didn’t get the chance to make it back thus far and seeing from Dhofari Gucci's blog postI don’t think I have missed much expect for the throngs of people visiting this season, and the public stunt pulled off at the Mughsayl (dammit!)

The Khareef festival is coming to an end with this being the last week of all the merriment, and then you expect the smart people to head over there. By that I am referring to those who go to visit after the festival crowd. The best time to catch the good weather, and not get bombarded by visitors is to head over when the season is over.

How many visitors on the last count?


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Back to the blogging grind

 Morning Readers!

It’s been a hectic two weeks, which was filled with packing, moving and unpacking boxes and even more boxes. This is why I kept saying that I wasn’t really on holiday and actually didn’t get to take a break thus summer season at all *sob story over*

During the two weeks we were able to set up our new home, get much needed items from Dubai (2 sleepless nights) and a mini weekend break at the Shangri-La just before work and the school start-ups.

For those who have been following me for some time now, you might know that Aishelaqtta has a little column going within FACES Magazine, where I right on various blog updates and upcoming activities to expect. I have placed a little snippet below for you to get an ideal as to what I write about.

 

"Must say that it was a busy time; not only with social activities, but the general atmosphere that comes with having more than one holiday and occasion. I hope that you’re all prepared for the ‘Back to School’ period and have set your kids sleeping habits back to early bedtime.

Around town there were Ramadan incentives which enhanced the sense of community and charity during the holy month. There were exclusive Eid promotions and offers with the various hotels in town.  

On the social media scene for Aishelaqtta, this month we introduced a competition within the Aishelaqtta blog and Instagram account where page visitors are to show off their artistic skills using any medium of choice. The concept was to represent Aishelaqtta or the logo colors based on individual expression.

What was the reward? Exposure!

That’s really what Aishelaqtta is all about and to showcase new and upcoming talent to the local community, can you image the outreach potential?! It’s still ongoing so why not try your hand and get creative? Just email me the design work, or post it to  Instagram account with hash tag #aishelaqtta_logo to have your work reviewed by a panel of well know local artist, who are also social media activists within their fields.

If you’re still interested for a last burst of summer activities then stay posted on the Aishelaqtta blog and Instagram account, where I have recently posted of various events that would be running for August. You can also subscribe to Aishelaqtta blog thus keeping you directly updated via email. 

There is no excuse not to be up-to-date with all local events and more happenings.

No reason you should be bored in Muscat.

Get out and have some fun. There will surely be a lot of others doing the same thing!"

Keep a look out for updates and upcoming happenings that will be mentioned during the week. There is a lot going on in the local scene. You just need to know where to look and having Aishelaqtta as one of your resources for all that’s happening.

Catch you later and don’t forget to stay posted via the Instagram account that’s regularly updated with more events, and activities.

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The Continued Saga of the Metered Taxi in Oman

Muscat Municipality intended to launch taxi meters in Muscat Governorate before rolling them out to other governorates, the story was covered on Aishelaqtta here but it seems that there is no progress on this regard.

A friend of mine was charged 10RO from Al Hail to Qurum, with the taxi driver justifying the cost by stating that its within the regulated charges. He was quick to add that a drive/service from the Muscat Airport to Al Hail actually cost 8RO....sounds fishy to me.

Some speculations are going around that it might not happen like many other things that haven't seen the light of Omani summers.

Anyone has updates or thoughts about this?

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Vox Cinemas Oman - Online

VOX Cinema has opened in Muscat City Center TODAY

"While City Centre Muscat will open a 10-screen VOX Cinemas in early June, City Centre Qurum will launch a seven-screen VOX Cinemas by late June. The total of 17 screens will include Standard, VOX MAX and VOX 3D options, MAF revealed in a statement" Source

Pricing on tickets vary based on type of tickets you want to purchase:

2D

Standard 3.5RO

VIP 4RO

3D

Standard 4.7RO

VIP 5.2RO

Max5.7RO

Operational hours VOX City Centre, Muscat is:

On Friday

First Session starts at 2:30 PM

Last session is at Midnight

Other Days:

First Session starts at 10:30 AM

Last session is at Midnight

Click on to see cinema schedule

Magic Planet in City Centre Qurum in mid-July.

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Car Explosion Hype

There seems to be a message in Arabic circulating on various social media platforms with recommendation from the ROP stating that "... all citizens and residents are instructed not to fill gasoline to full. Due to high climate temperatures expected in the coming days please everyone not to use full gasoline fuel for thier cars, in this heat because it would cause an explosion (fuel tank). The heat could cause an increase in pressure with a full fuel tank which would cause a fire to ignite. This week, five fire incidents occurred due to this reason"

Someone it trying to save the full consumption before the weekend!

There is no truth to a spate of emails circulating throughout the country claiming that full filling of petrol tank in your automobile can lead to an explosion in high heat.

Just another social media hype...

Enjoy your weekend
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Negativity in Social Media

 

There are times where as a social media enthusiast that I feel exposed to the general public, and come under pressure as to validate my thoughts, opinion and posts.  Generally I am a social person but I don’t like being pin pointed for saying or doing anything wrong. The irony is that I write a blog and maintain other social media platforms which allow confrontation or direct criticism to reach me. I took it upon myself not to remove or delete comments that may cause me to recluse from what I said or creating with this blog but there small defense mechanisms that I started using to not invest so much in what is being said.

Strange as it may be this is going to be a post on “How to avoid negative reactions on your blog”. Let’s start it off from a general prospective i.e. Companies.

Companies still seem to run a gauge of false pleasantness when interacting with visitor/ comments on their social media platforms. They are overly worried when receiving negative comment on their networks. I keep wondering why?!

Somehow it leads you to believe that they have a lot of “dirty laundry” and that they fear that it might be aired for the public to see, thus refuse to hear anything negative and maintain positive feedback about their company, product and their social media platform. If you’re not doing something right, wouldn’t you rather know about it?

Thus I share with you some ways to avoid negative comment through your social media channels, taken from a personal prospective and as a company looking to maintain a good image.

Options are:

 Be mediocre – To avoid persuading visitors to generate negative sentiments, which might then be expressed on your social media platform, avoid conquests like the plague and concentrate on remaining steadfast in what you are doing.

Make your posts as bland as possible – by reporting little of relevance or interest in your blog, you will successfully be reducing the number of people reading it, which isn’t a good thing but then you know that those reading your blog are actually looking for the information and not the engagement.

Supply immaculate commodities – Make sure that your product lives up to the hype and that it actual fail safe.  This will actually keep you at par with those around you and maintain a positive image to your viewer or customers.

Avoid expressing an opinion – this could be a double ended sword since most people like to be opinionated and have a say in what they thing about what you’re doing, thus giving you great exposure if any disagreement is generated. If you’re looking to shy away from this negative aspect then by all means don’t state your opinion since more than likely there is someone, somewhere who would probably disagree with them. Stays focused on sharing information and avoid the risk of opening the channels for dialogue and discussions.

Now what I need to add to all this that I have come a long way from being shy and wavering, and thus still in the process of learning to be all that is not what I have mentioned in the points above. If you want your social media platform to work then do the exact opposite and that would do exactly what social media platforms are supposed to do for your from a marketing prospective….

Give you exposure and a direct voice to visits/costumers.

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Oman Airport Expansion

Most of you would've witnessed the construction work going on to create the new airport, the project in itself is supposed to be completed by this year (yet to be seen).

 

What are the expecation of this new structure supposed to bring to the national carrier?

 "...capacity of 12 million passengers annually, the new terminal building will have 29 boarding air bridges, 10 bus-boarding lounges, 30 remote aircraft stands, 86 check-in counters and 20 self-service kiosks counters, a second runway with a length of 4,000 metres (the original runway will also be extended to 4,000 metres) and a cargo terminal to handle 260,000 tonnes annually" source

Sounds impressive!

I just hope that they provide ample parking to go along with all the new animity. (MM there is hope yet) I was informed through the grapevines that they are actually considering to construct multi-story level car park (parking garage) area. Wonder what the charges of such a parking facility will amount to, since as I understand it, its currently not cheap to park your caar for long durtaion of time.

Thought? Impressions?
What do you think the parking situation is going to be like?

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PDO Day Staff Photo

 

The largest staff photo in PDO history today features as a two-page colour centrespread in the following newspapers: Al Watan, Oman Arabic, Oman Observer, Al Roya, Al Shabiba, Muscat Daily and the Times of Oman.
 

Youtube Aishelaqtta

 

Post of the actual event coming soon

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