I swear I’m not paying Lee Hopkins

If you regularly read Lee Hopkins’s Better Communications Results blog (and you really should; this Aussie chap is quite knowledgeable about communications, marketing, psychology and social media), you may be wondering why:
1. He constantly says kind things about me.
2. He often refers to me as Donna Pepsi-Cola.
3. He sometimes posts supposed photos of me in slinky get-ups.

Explanations:

The Pepsi moniker came about when I groused about telemarketers mangling my name. In turn, Lee, in his cheeky fashion, blogged about it and has been referring to me as Donna Pepsi-Cola ever since. Lee, my dear, are you aware you are diluting my brand? I’ve managed to keep the Papacosta patronym since birth, through marriage, kids and divorce, but my relationship with you, a man I’ve never actually met, in Australia no less, has caused me to lose my own, albeit frequently misspelled, Greek family name. ;-))

The sexy clothes? I suspect this is Lee’s idealized version of me. Unfortunately, those who meet me in person are terribly disappointed that I don’t look like a 1940s torch singer. Pity. Perhaps I should hide behind my keyboard and never again leave the premises. Let them wonder.

As for why Lee says so many kind things about me…No, I am not paying him. I think he’s just a generous and supportive person. I’m a member of his unofficial fan club (maybe we should start an official one?) and he and I have been email buddies since we met via the For Immediate Release podcast, to which he is a regular – and popular – contributor.

In his latest Pepsi post, Lee compliments my podcasting style. I confess I blushed when I read his well-turned words. Really, Lee. If I do have a pleasing voice, it’s probably because of genetics (thanks, Mom and Dad), and, more importantly, the voice-over training I received from Bob Cook of City-TV and Bob Salo, an independent video producer for whom I’ve done voice-overs for videos. (Bob Salo is truly gifted; just listen to the voice-over demo he produced for me a few years ago.)

To get back to the issue in Lee’s recent post about podcasting quality… he reiterates an important point first mentioned by Bryan Person (whom I first met online when he commented on my podcast; he has since started smoking the podcasting dope). I think we podcasters already do a pretty good job of critiquing each other. I consider myself a lifelong student, so I welcome feedback, positive and negative. When asked by colleagues, I happily offer my own two cents about their efforts.

The world of podcasting seems to be made up of generous souls who willingly support each other. I am so pleased to walk in their company.

Technorati tag:Lee Hopkins

Comments

[Bryan Person, Bryper.com]

Lee says many kind things about me as well, Donna!

It's gotta be that Aussie charm.

I'm just waiting for him to bestow a clever nickname on me now as well.

[Donna Papacosta]

Yes, he is a charming fellow.

As for your future nickname, Bryan, be careful what you wish for!! LOL!

[VOX Daily Blog]

Donna,

Great blog post!

You should join Voices.com. From what I've read and listened to in this post alone, you qualify for membership :)

Looking forward to meeting you.

Cheers,

Stephanie Ciccarelli
http://www.voices.com

* We're in London, Canada!

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks all.
Stephanie, I will check out Voices.com.
THANKS for the tip!