Moderator's Note

Influencers: In case you missed it, I posted the current list of OI Member Companies (the companies that are represented by the OI membership. Even I was surprised: 270 companies and some of the largest brands around. To see who is on the OI list, go HERE.

Many of you know that I am passionate about entrepreneurship. Over the last 13 years I've launched 4 companies (The Rich Media SIG, Emerging Interest, eDataSource, and now Only Influencers) and it has been the greatest time of my life. I've spoken to many of you about my interest in creating a new version of OI for entrepreneurs and sole proprietors. Originally I was going to launch a new brand but I've decided that it makes more sense to build on the OI brand then launch a brand new brand name. Bottom line is that OI will expand into an additional focus: OI for Digital Marketers and OI for Entrepreneurs. As a result: I'll be starting on a complete redesign of the OI site. I am currently looking for someone to help me redesign the new site. If interested, drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Meetups

1. 1. Denver OI Meetup, sponsored by Return Path, Tuesday April 24th. To RSVP: Go to the OIMeetup.com site.
   2. Atlanta OI Meetup, sponsored by Brightwave Marketing, Weds May 16th. To RSVP: Go to the OIMeetup.com site.

Influencers On the Move

Sol Medvidofsky is now SVP of Digital Communications at Citi and will be in charge of email and SMS.

Jay Jhun has joined Brightwave Marketing as Director of Strategic Services.

Ryan Boyd has been promoted to CRM Operations Manager at Groupon.

Hire Me!

Philip Sandler is looking for his next challange: Not only was Phil one of the first beta customers of eDataSource when he was leading the digital practice at Wunderman/Y&R Brands, he is a seasoned multi-channel marketing and management executive with deep digital and direct response experience. He has the unique perspective of someone who has held executive positions in both blue-chip agencies and leading e-commerce environments. In his most recent role he led marketing efforts for FreeScore.com, where he elevated the brand from an unknown, unprofitable credit reporting and scoring service, to a proftiable, well-known and well-utilized consumer resource for taking control of one's credit. Phil is interested in extending his integrated marketing success within a B2C, client-side environment and happy to hear from you if his background fills a need in your organization. Click Here to Download Philip's Resume.

Rod Castello is availalble for hire. Rod is an expert level, hand-coded HTML and inline CSS email developer with high-level design skills for large e-commerce site. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ROD'S RESUME.

Articles by the Influencers

Stephen Guerra has a new blog post: Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation: The Revised Regulations Update.

Chris Marriott has a new article:Emails that make you go "hmmm"

Scott Hardigree has two new articles:Mother's Day Email Marketing Ideas
7 Reasons Why Email Newsletter Marketing Still Works

DJ Waldow has a new blog post:Email Marketing is Far From Dead

Justine Jordan has a couple of new posts to share:Yahoo! Adding 'Today' Ads to Emails
Hiding 'Today' Ads in Yahoo! Mail

Did you get a new job or promotion? Let me know so I can feature it in the OI Newsletter.

Announcements and Press Releases:

Liz Ryan sends this: "I'll be participating in the Retail Marketing Virtual Conference and Expo on Thursday". Click here to see the Agenda

Jim Davidson sends this: My Abandoned Shopping Cart Whitepaper (Requires Registration)

John Thies from Email on Acid is looking for beta testers for a new product they've developed contact John directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Simms Jenkins sends this:Brightwave Marketing Adds Top Talent to Leading Email Marketing Agency

New Influencers

1. • • Chelsea Vaughn, Random House
     • Phil Sandler, FYI Direct
     • Jay Wadley, MailMonitorApp.com
     • Renee Spurlin, Communications 21
     • Rod Castello, SMASHCUBE Design