Like many new bloggers, I've always looked on to this new world with a lack of understanding and a combination of fear and trepidation.  After a few years of sitting on the fence, I now wonder what all the fuss was about.  As the recently-appointed New Media PR Manager for BMW and MINI UK - the first New Media PR Manager in the UK automotive industry - it was something that I should have done years ago.  Yesterday was spent at the PR Week New Media forum and a fascinating presentation by Drew Benvie of Hotwire PR on the basics of blogging convinced me to start.

So where to start? I always find the beginning works well. Having spent over 20 years in the motor industry, from car sales to Formula One, from customer service to PR, the one thing I understand well is that the industry is not short of news. There is a constant deluge of information, internally from engineers and experts to external sources - motoring magazines, newspapers and a plethora of websites and other blogs. There's also not a shortage of people interested in cars and the wider motor industry.  And on the basis that you've found my blog, that probably makes you one of them.

This won't be PR fluff - the world is full of that and doesn't need anymore. It'll look into issues and subjects that affect the motoring world - some mainstream, some niche - and generate debate.  With a slant, but not totally biased, towards BMW and MINI (it's my job after all!!), I'll also have a look at what's being said about these brands and competitors in the mainstream media.

And occasionally, we'll stray off piste.  An interest in innovative New Media is also matched with an interest in 'donning my tweeds and going clay pigeon shooting.  This, combined with a passion for my 1973 Massey Ferguson tractor, makes for an eclectic mix.  Think Tomorrows World meets The Archers and you're not a million miles away.

There, started. Much, much more to follow, starting early next week.