| Part of the £73,000 “One City, Many Discoveries” marketing campaign, the site is open to anyone and enables users to talk about what represents “their” Dundee through words, pictures and videos.
A host of high-profile local names including Lorraine Kelly have backed the project, but a question mark hangs over the level of the public response.
A spokesperson for the campaign told the Tele they had received 6000 hits and 91 submissions in the last two months from individuals and groups, but currently the website only shows 49 profiles.
And, on closer inspection, of those 49 profiles only a handful actually appear to include real-life stories.
The spokesperson defended the “ongoing campaign” saying it was “never expected” that the job would be done in just two months and urged people to give it a shot.
The spokesperson added, “The word is spreading around the One City, Many Discoveries campaign. It’s captured the imagination of people from all over the city with authors, artists, digital networks and businesses creating their own profiles on dundee.com, and sharing their inspirational stories about Dundee.
“But we want to hear from more people to get a really good idea of what makes the city tick for those who live, study or work here so that we can share those stories with potential visitors, students and investors.
“Over coming weeks, we’ll be out and about at events to explain more about the campaign and give people the chance to have their say on what Dundee means to them.”
In a bid to attract more users, a group of new ambassadors for the re-branding have been announced this week —who list the city’s wonderful waterfront location, world-class science sector and unique football scene as a few reasons why they wouldn’t bide anywhere else.
Music PR Murray Chalmers, who’s worked with Lily Allen, Coldplay, Kylie and Robbie Williams, says, “Dundee has an incredible aspect. Its location is one of its biggest selling points — I love it.”
Chair of Ninewells Cancer Campaign, Dr Jacqui Wood, talks of the top talent flocking to Dundee’s life sciences sector.
She says, “The knowledge in Dundee is attracting world-class talent here. More and more people who work in the life sciences are moving to the city.”
John O’Rourke, publisher and managing director of Clash magazine, calls it a city of opportunity, saying, “If you do something different here, it can resonate more because there’s potential and there’s always room for new ideas in Dundee.”
Dundee-born Peter Hadden, partner of private investment company Ballie Gifford, talks about the city’s “unique football scene”.
He explains, “It’s not like other cities where there are very clear divisions. Fans of both sides socialise together before and after games. I don’t think that happens in many other cities.”
And finally, owner of Dundee fashion boutique Missy La Las, Kirsten Dunnett, reflects on the fantastic opportunities and the buzz in the city.
She adds, “There are so many students and there’s a whole youth culture here around the music, nightlife, fashion and art. It’s great to have all these young people in the city — the energy they bring is really important.”
If you would like to tell the world what it is that Dundee means to you, have your say on www.dundee.com |
