Are we opinionated enough? Do co blogs fail because we're not used to expressing our opinions?

Are we opinionated enough?

There's a big debate running on a travel industry blog about whether trade publications express their opinions enough, rather than report news.

It's a good question. Do people bought up in a classic business environment express their opinions sufficiently - be that trade journalist or company blogger?

When our new website launched last year with a gleaming new empty space to post up our own news and views I was uncharactaristically nervous. I've been in the travel industry for more than twenty years but I'm used to writing for other people, not for myself. But I believe I'm a microcosm of the liberating impact of social media. Now, as I'm reading other peoples' opinions I can (and do) leap into debates about issues in our sector. I also adore the swift simplicity of Twitter and the opportunity it presents to follow and highlight opinionated ideas around the world - particularly to follow social media trends or to simply follow people in a region of the world we're promoting. It's a hugely useful research tool.

I also find social media an incredibly valuable tool for hunting out opinions during a crisis. When an issue like swine flu was breaking I set my google news alerts to return blogs because it's opinions, ideas and comment that I'm hungry for. I know I'll also absorb the facts from my traditional news sources.

So I've been inspired. My spring resolution is to be more outspoken, more opinionated. If you'd like to join me become a guest blogger here on travel or social media, or marketing trends. Email me dhindle@bgb.co.uk or direct message me on Twitter @bgbcomms. I'd like to share your opinions too.