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Yesterday, the IABC Caf opened for business, with incoming IABC chairman Warren Bickford behind the bar and in the kitchen.

Links: IABC Caf
Warren Bickford

The new name for the relaunched blog - and the strapline "A gathering place for professional communicators" - offers a clear and encouraging glimpse into how this blog might develop.

In his first post, Warren says:

What you see today are four relatively bare walls. As we build the Caf together, I hope it grows and evolves into a dynamic, interesting and always welcoming meeting place. I envision a funky neighborhood spot where locals drop by for lively conversation and friendly argument, to catch up on their reading, or just to hang out and get away for a while. I look forward to the adventure and I invite you to stop by - often.

This is an encouraging beginning - and a new beginning it definitely is, with refreshing informality and reflecting a nice sense of the author's personality.

And what a contrast - two opposite views on blogging, by incoming chairman (Warren) and outgoing chairman (David Kistle), in answer to this multiple question posed in interviews this week with Warren and David by Jeremy Pepper:

Which blogs do you read? And do you see blogs as important to the profession?

* Bickford: I read all of the ones you mentioned, and it is absolutely important to the growth of the profession.

* Kistle: Unless I am directed to go look at one, I do not regularly read blogs. My take is blogs are personal soapboxes, as opposed to a business catalyst for thought in an academic sense. I see blogs more as hype right now, than substance. If that continues, they will not remain strong. If it grows beyond vicarious strength, they will probably take. As a business model, blogging is in the experimentation stage. Blogs address the innovative and early adopter/influencer at the front end of the bell curve. It will go either the way of the 8-track or the way of the iPod. If blogs become a meaningful, accessible means to an end - such as building constituencies, support, and communities - then it's a good thing.

The name, design and structure of the relaunched blog clearly reflects Warren's views. And, there's the beginning of blogrolls with connections to other blogs and websites. As with the Kistle version, the blog is run on WordPress, has commenting (moderated as before), trackbacks and RSS feed (to which I've now re-subscribed).

A great start, Warren. Good luck on your new adventure.

Neville Hobson is the author of the popular NevilleHobson.com blog which focuses on business communication and technology. Neville is currentlly the VP of New Marketing at Crayon. Visit Neville Hobson's blog: NevilleHobson.com.