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THE AGE OF CONVERSATION

"A book that offers advice on ways businesses can engage consumers through conversation -- in short: "shaddup already... and listen more." - The Huffington Post

In March 2007, G. Kofi Annan joined a group of the most influential professionals in the marketing industry to write a monumental book called the Age of Conversation. The idea for such an expressive book came when Drew McLellan, head of McLellan Marketing Group, and editor of the blog Drew’s Marketing Minute wrote about Wharton’s effort to create a collaborative book. Reading the blog entry, Gavin Heaton, Interactive Director at marketing and promotions agency, Creata, himself a marketing blogger at Servant of Chaos, commented, “And it sounds like it could be fun … but you know what, Drew? I reckon between a few of us we could knock out a short book and publish it. All we need is a theme and a charity … “

In the true nature of the power of blogs and online communities, the idea for The Age of Conversation book drew contributions from many marketing bloggers, many of whom are ranked on the AdAge Top 150 marketing blogs.

The Age of Conversation is a book about community and the conversations that drive them. The book spotlights the relationship between technology and how it affects today's communities both online and offline.

G. Kofi Annan’s chapter, titled From Aid to Opportunity: Afri-Activism transitions into a new consumer market, explores how communication technologies and social networks are transforming the celebrity Africa activism trend, facilitating cross-cultural conversations, and growing business opportunities.

100% of the proceeds to from the book sales will go to Variety the Children’s Charity — which serves children across the entire globe. The book is available in three formats: e-book, paperback book, hardback book.

"What the authors do illuminate is the existence of a separate, albeit inexclusive, conversation happening online and with speedy access to relevant data and networking ties." - AdAge

"...a new book called The Age of Conversation may be important to comprehending what's going on in our society, economy and even polity today" - BussinessWeek

"The Age of Conversation offers marketers advice on ways to engage consumers through conversation..." - Media Post’s Marketing Daily

BUY THE BOOK: www.Lulu.com/ageofconversation

Further info: www.AgeOfConversation.com

ANNANSI CLOTHING CO.

"Conveying a message of cultural exchange and social consciousness, these shirts give a fresh, present-day approach to African fashion" - The Source Magazine

In 2003 G. Kofi Annan started Annansi Clothing Co. as his way of helping redefine the world’s view of African people and culture. Kofi had become frustrated by the constant misrepresentation of modern day Africans in the media and the effect it had on how people viewed them.

Born in Ghana and raised in Liberia, Kofi was exposed to fashion early on by his mother, a Ghanaian seamstress who created and sold both traditional and western-styled fashions out of their home in Monrovia. Emulating his mother's drawings, he developed a knack for creating complex designs using the few art supplies he got from his father’s travels to Europe and the United States. In 1989 Kofi moved with his family to New Jersey and was shocked by the dated view of Africa expressed by his neighbors and friends. It was then that Kofi decided to try to reshape that false perception and the idea behind Annansi Clothing Co. was born.

After graduating from Science High School in Newark, Kofi struggled against constant pressure from family and friends to pursue a traditional profession in the sciences. Following his passion for art and fashion, Kofi created an outlet for himself by producing fashion shows for local fashion designers, doing freelance graphic design, and working behind the scenes during New York's Fashion Week. He went on to attend the Art Institute of Atlanta where he developed a unique method of combining images and colors to easily communicate complex philosophies. Drawing inspiration from the bold colors and symbolic images of traditional African fashions, Kofi’s designs are a fusing of conventional ideas with a more modern, global sensibility. With themes like Icons and Origins his collection is a constantly growing reflection of his history and the many peoples and cultures that influence him daily. Kofi's eye for quality and attention to detail have won him supporters from all over the world. His creative style continues to set a new standard in African style by Making Africa POP(ular)!

Visit the Annansi Clothing Co. website