Other Stories Archive

5 Hours 43 Minutes 36 Seconds – London Marathon 2008

What a day! My knees hurt, I’ve lost a toenail but I’m alive and I beat the rhinos!!!

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Me and my buddy Tim Starkie – You can just see Mr (Un)Happy in the background!

I’ll jot down a bit more later in the week when I can walk, and I’ll post some more photos!

Thanks for all the support, calls, texts, writings on my wall (!) and of course, all the sponsorship………….laters!

www.justgiving.com/melcarson

Marathon Thank You – “………and I may be some time!”

The phone and Facebook’s been buzzing today with friends wishing me luck for tomorrow.

It was a bit touch and go yesterday. Feeling crappy all week with a cold, and the added stress of thinking I may pull out came to a hiatus in the afternoon. I’d like to thank Jamie for gently telling me I should get out and get some fresh air…….so I did.

The quick 2.5 miles was quite emotional as I looked back at Richmond Park while running through Sheen Gate, thanking it for looking after me for the last 5 months through the sunshine, wind, rain and snow.

I’ve never thanked a park before but it felt good!

I then went to register at the Excel Centre out in the Docklands. Anyone that’s in the search world knows it’s in the middle of nowhere! I actually got on the wrong train and ended up at City Airport.

As I was registering, which was very quick and easy, I met a bloke who’d just done his 11th marathon in 11 days, that coupled with having the only Brit to have run a marathon in every US state pointed out to me made me feel a little unworthy.

I got over it in about 5 mins and went of to catch up with Tim Starkey from The Sweatshop Running Store.  Tim’s an old school mate and is going to run with me. He had a cold last week too and wants to “take it easy.” Well I’ve told him he will “take it easy” because I just want to get around. I think he may have something planned for me though so we’ll see! This’ll be his 8th marathon!

Anyhow after a good night’s sleep I’m feeling pretty good. If a 101 year old man can do it……I can.

I’d like to say thanks for all the support and the amazing generosity of my friends, colleagues and family – we’ve raise a whopping £3,293 which with Bill gates doubling it makes:

£6,586 or $13,000

Tomorrow morning at around 7am I’ll be going outside…………….and I may be some time! 🙂

http://www.justgiving.com/melcarson

Yahoo! Have Bought IndexTools Web Analytics Co!

I’ve just had an email from Dennis Mortensen at IndexTools with the news!

Check out his post HERE!

I’ve only been doing this Analytics lark for 6 months, working on the blog for adCenter Analytics.

I thought it’s be some respite from fast-paced comings and goings in Search, but I was obviously wrong!

I’m not going to comment on the whole Y! & MS thing but you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to work out it’ll be a fascinating ride if it does happen!

I…..LOVE……..THIS……….INDUSTRY!

London Marathon 2008 – Update

richmond-park-marathon

Had a bit of a scare on Monday! Woke up with the beginnings of a cold so have spent the last couple of days at home getting better. I reckon I’m over the worst so should be in a good state on Sunday 🙂

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Looks like it’ll be a bit wet on the day which’ll be better than the snow I had to trudge around Richmond Park in on Sunday!

A big thank you to everyone who has sponsored me – £3167 so far and with Microsoft matching that’s £6300 odd!

http://www.justgiving.com/melcarson

Taxi Ride From Hell

Next time you fall out of a pub or club at closing time and you need a ride home, when some bloke whispers “minicab” as you stumble past, just hope he’s no relation to this guy!

Hilton Hotel New York Customer Service

Ask for my feedback and you’re going to get it!

The Hilton asked me to fill out a survey after my stay during SES New York and I told them what I thought:

  • “Executive” room was tiny 
  • Internet didn’t work – 30 minute call to support
  • Ridiculous packaging on laundry when it was returned
  • Bath took 20 minutes to drain
  • Room smelt musty
  • Decor was tired
  • Daft portion sizes – who eats large 4 sausages and 4 huge pancakes?
  • Do not disturb sign ignored
  • Receptionists sullen and humourless
  • Ad finitum

Now I complain but am not very good at doing at the time. Maybe it’s because I’m reserved (ahem!) but mainly because I’ve already unpacked and can’t be bothered.

Anyway I’ve just had an email from their assistant director of housekeeping:

“Thank you for taking the time and consideration to let us know the circumstances surrounding your recent visit to the Hilton New York. Please accept my sincerest apologies for the inconsistencies in service you experienced during your stay.

We at the Hilton New York consistently strive to achieve high standards of service and regret we failed to meet your expectations on this particular occasion. Our primary concern is the quality of your experience in our hotel, and the problems you have encountered are not at all indicative of the fine service we strive to provide to our guests. We can offer no excuse, but do want to assure you that your concerns have been addressed with the appropriate members of our staff and steps have been taken to prevent recurrences of this nature in the future.

We look forward to a future opportunity to deliver a level of performance you have every right to expect from the Hilton New York.”

I think it’s a really nice touch. They could have just taken the feedback but to get a personal email like this is quite cool.

But where are the extra loyalty points to ensure I come back…..? 🙂

Don’t Be Foolish Recruitment People

Had an email yesterday from a director of a large digital media agency here in the UK.

Apparently a recruitment firm had got past their telephone receptionist saying they were calling from New Media Age (top industry magazine) and wanted to interview a particular person.

In fact they wanted to interview that person for a job with us apparently.

Now we don’t use that recruitment firm, so why are they arsing about malpracticing and causing potential friction between us and an agency?

Are they so stupid to think that someone won’t cotton on and it might not get blogged about?

Don’t do it! Or next time you’ll be outed!!!!

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