There’s a bit of a lull over at The Acer Guy HQ.

Guess that’s the price for working flat out over the entire Christmas period.

The buzz here at the moment is all about the kickoff event in a week’s time. If you ask me I think they should re-invent the name and bring it up to date (AcerWorld… Acer-Insight… Acerinteraction…?), open it up to members of the public and stream it on the main website. It’s an event dammit, invite some friends, crack open a few glasses and let’s have a party!

Whatever. “Kickoff” does the job.

This year of course there will be a lot of new faces staring at each other for the first time and my own personal contribution this time around was to change the style of language and welcome everyone on board. Of course anyone following my Twitter page will know I lost a not inconsiderable battle over how far I was allowed to change the language but it’s early days and these messages grow throughout the year.

One great thing that a merger like this does is shake things up a little. You get to consolidate your position in some areas and explore new ground with new ideas, concepts and products and that’s where I’m looking right now. Thought the original Gemstone was good? Watch this space…

Another plus is the possibility to differentiate your messages to new markets and customers that the one-size-fits-all school of marketing never allowed you to do. That requires new insights, new ideas and - yes! - a new language medium. Could this be the year Acer gets its digital mojo going? If it does, you know where I’ll be sitting

Blogging still isn’t a major priority but at least I haven’t been reigned in so there’s still a conversation going for those of us who believe that dialogue is the best form of communication.

While I’m on the subject of communication, I’d like to congratulate Dell on it’s latest idea. I’m not sure how far I think they’ll be able to brand an entire generation but at least it’s a worthy cause. So much so I’ve joined up. Anyone who can read my dedication on “The Wall” can read a damned sight faster than me. I’m interested to see at what point the idea tips.