UCG ::

Occasionally, and again it is today, a really good idea emerges. And this is another one.

The British Library is creating a UK Sound Map, over this year, to record the sounds across the nation and save them for posterity. The sound clip is then overlaid on Google Maps – and if recorded using a smart phone, geo-tagged.

The result of this project could result in a valuable national archive. Everyone should upload at least one clip.

Excellent ::

Inspiration ::

As an avid fan of bu||$hit bingo, finally an online dictionary that translates verbiage …

Excellent.

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Retail ::

Best Buy, the US retailer, is rolling out an in-store mobile couponing via startup Shopkick.

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Planning ::

Pete Blackshaw of Nielsen Online has writes in Advertising Age, and I quote:

“So with all this relentless talk about Twitter accounts, Facebook fan pages and cool new apps, I have a serious and timely question. Do brand websites still matter?

Yes, I know — even asking this question is a bit digitally sacrilegious. Websites are to digital strategy as models are to fashion, but do we really need them?

I mean, didn’t things seem a tad curious during the World Cup when brands like Adidas and Nike actively promoted their Facebook page — not their primary website — at the end of their TV spots? Just this weekend, I saw a similar cross-feed to Facebook for Kohls. Talk about kicking the ball into a different goal.

more »

Experiential ::

Kellogg’s have opened a Pop Tarts Pop-up store in Times Square (Video)

Will it be as good as the Rapha store?

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Update 06.08.10

Net neutrality talks stall in US

US regulators have halted closed-door meetings intended to find a way to make sure all web data is treated equally. The Federal Communications Commission began the meetings after a court limited its net regulation powers. The FCC faced criticism over the meetings by groups that supported the principle known as net neutrality.

Net Neutrality ::

29.11.09

The digital economy bill the current UK government is seeking make law will have fundamental implication on the way we, the consumer – business user – student – digital native – digital immigrant - cyborgee – interacts online.

The academic David Docherty writes today (The Guardian 28.11.09) on the role Universities can play.

Is it of course a timely reminder of what we all face also – the possibility of a two tier web, one stream for those who can afford to be there or are placed there because of a corporate diktat and the other stream for those who can’t afford to be there or choose to align themselves with the fundamental tenet  of the web.

The main elements of the bill are (1):

- Online infringement of copyright – tackling widespread copyright infringement via a two-stage process. First by making legal action more effective and educating consumers about copyright on-line. Second through reserve powers, if needed, to introduce technical measures, such as disconnection.

- Support the plurality of independent and high quality news in the Nations, locally and in the regions – giving Ofcom powers to appoint and fund Independently Funded News Consortia.

- Digital infrastructure and content – giving Ofcom new duties to promote investment in infrastructure and public service media content, and to carry out an assessment of the UK’s communications infrastructure every two years.

- Mobile and wireless broadband – enabling investment in next generation technologies through spectrum modernisation.

- Digital radio – updating the regulatory framework to make moves to digital switchover for radio possible by 2015.

- Channel 4 Corporation – updating its functions to encompass public service content on all media platforms – online as well as television.

- Video games – protecting children by making age ratings compulsory for all boxed games designed for those aged 12 or above.

So universities have their role to play and so does everyone else.

(1) Thanks to Alex Chapman, Sheridans Solicitors for this list.

” When the Digital Economy Act comes into force, will the last creative professional to leave the

country please turn off our Internet connection — we won’t be needing it. “ - Bill Thompson

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Twitter ::

A list of Twitter abbreviations …