At the book fair

2nd July 2009 12:56pm

At the book fair

The first shots from the Zeiss Ikon I bought earlier in the year have been developed. I think I have a new favourite camera.

Police face prosecution for obstructing photographers

18th June 2009 12:59pm

From the Press Gazette.

Police were warned today about wrongful use of anti-terror laws to stop photographers taking pictures of officers.

Lord Carlile QC, who reviews anti-terror legislation, said officers who use force or threats against photographers to make them delete images could face prosecution themselves.

Section 58A of the Counter-Terrorism Act, which came into force in February, bans photographers from taking pictures of the police if the photographs could be useful to terrorists.

Lord Carlile said this was a "high bar" and should not be used to interfere with day-to-day photography of officers which is "as legitimate as before".

It is inexcusable for police officers ever to use this provision to interfere with the rights of individuals to take photographs.

(Hat tip: John Naughton.)

Keep libel laws out of science

9th June 2009 9:11am

Keep libel laws out of science

Simon Singh is currently being sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association. Sense About Science has launched a campaign asking for reform of the English libel system so that it does not stifle scientific debate and journalism in general. Please sign the statement of support and encourage others to join the campaign. This is an issue that affects anyone who cares about science, journalism and free speech.

This is how Social Media really works

9th April 2009 9:42am

Matt Haughey points out the obvious flaw in the logic of bandwagon marketeers and companies who just don't get it.

So maybe instead of getting your company on twitter, paying marketers to mention you are on twitter, and paying people to blog about your company, forget all that and just make awesome stuff that gets people excited about your products, hire people that represent the company well, and when your stuff is so awesome that friends share it with other friends, you may not even need "social media marketing" after all.

Concentrate on what you do well, give great service, and people will talk about you and evangelise you. Do it badly or try to game the system and people will still talk, but for all the wrong reasons.

(And while I'm on the subject, if one more account with the phrase "social media expert" in their description tries to follow me on Twitter heads are going to roll. Seriously, just piss off will you.)

I can't believe we still have to link to The Cluetrain Manifesto 10 years after it was first published.