Almost two years ago when I joined the PR world I began hearing a lot of enthusiasm around the social media and specifically bloggers and blogs. Today a lot has been done around blogger relations and here are some of the methods that have worked in Singapore.

Product Reviews
This is the basic give/lend a product to a blogger who's savvy enough to try it out and bam! you've got coverage. Try to think out of the box for this one like with tech products, don't just hand it to a tech blogger who would review it as if he was part of the CNet crew, but hand it to a blogger who would use it in his/her lifestyle. Make a fashion/cultural statement with the review.

Example: I.Z Reloaded with the LG Shine

Parties & Events
This works great for the self-lovin' bloggers. Bring them to a place that's cool enough for them to share the experience and you've got instant coverage. The best part is coverage could flow a couple of screens with the multimedia also shared on Flickr and YouTube unlike traditional journalists who can only promise you a two-page spread at best because he "has to" cover the event.

Example: Nuffnang 1st Anniversary Party

UGC Competitions
This works best with a loyal fan base. If you've got a new product to launch and want customers to upgrade or influence their friends, then UGC competitions are a great way to go. There are some examples elsewhere in the world where things go wrong and the public abuse the UGC platform to harm the brand, but I guess we have to learn to accept a bit of this to get the rest of the good stuff.

Example: Sony Cyber-shot T2 Flickr Microsite

Product experiences
Close to product reviews, but not exactly. Sometimes its best to not even discuss the product in the content, but just let the blogger experience it and show it off for you.

Example: Estee & Nadia getting kinky with Samsung

I also found this blogger Relations eBook by Brian Solis, haven't read it, but might have some gems in there.