I hope he won't mind. From a poster called Bob on an eco-forum I frequent, when sharing a link:
Speech made by John Hutton, Unite Conference, BAFTA, London, 26 March 2008
'Shows how the government is selling new nuclear power - not as a necessary addition to our energy supply, but as a b***dy great gravy train for the engineering industry and selected parts of academia. If they are not subsidising the industry, where is all the money for new Chairs, National Skills Academy coming from? '
It's also inspired a new label/acronym/category: JOBS4BOYS
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Bye bye bio?
Gosh, it's a stirring pot. And the question is, does the totality of the biofuel industry deserve to get tarred by what's looking like a very broad brush?
The responses to such pieces can often be insightful as the story itself...
Newsnight - Unsustainable world? -
Newsnight - Biofuel -
Newsnight - Unsustainable world? -
I noted one biofuel advocate in understandable Mandy Rice Davis mode as saying 'We can't do nothing about climate change' which, some have stated (including Mr. Paxman) without qualification as being 'man-made'. I have some problem with this definition purely as being an easy source of distraction to climate optimists. I prefer instead 'Probably man-worsened negative CC', and accepting that the prudent course in case it's true is to accept some evils as lesser, and cut back more and waste less.
But we need to be confident that what gets done is being done correctly and for the right reasons. Which brings us to competency and trust. From government to the agenda and abilities of some so-called objective media, both seem in short supply.
This was a thought-provoking piece, but unfortunately I, as a member of the consuming, but caring public, remain none the wiser.
It appears that our government, at the behest of the EU, has foisted something on us 'in the name of green' that, on current levels of information and 'expert' contribution, has at the very least a poor enviROI, and hence is serving our kids' futures very poorly.
Just a short time ago I admit to lusting after a SAAB biodiesel as a mitigating 'solution' to my family's needs/desires to travel, and the impact this has on the overall carbon impact we impose. Now it looks more likely to get keyed by an activist as a Hummer.
Currently the only winners still look like being a ratings hungry media. I note the piece that followed the biofuel one. I am no fan of Mr. Brown and his cabal of all the talents in representing this country's lead...er...followship, but it's an unenviable task to try and square economic growth and environmental impacts. Especially with a global population of 6B and growing.
Indy - Biofuel: the burning question - a critical extra point to note when it comes to consumer influence: the lack of clear provenance to help in making a purchase decision.
Gaurdian - Blow to introduction of greener fuel as oil firms face production delay - When they say 'greener' fuel...
BBBC - NEW - A worthy eyebrow-crank at the 'reporting' of the BBC, with a good link to the perils of allowing our lives to be guided by lobbyists and those under their spell (.. on ex's in a nice company condo in Marbella).
The responses to such pieces can often be insightful as the story itself...
Newsnight - Unsustainable world? -
Newsnight - Biofuel -
Newsnight - Unsustainable world? -
I noted one biofuel advocate in understandable Mandy Rice Davis mode as saying 'We can't do nothing about climate change' which, some have stated (including Mr. Paxman) without qualification as being 'man-made'. I have some problem with this definition purely as being an easy source of distraction to climate optimists. I prefer instead 'Probably man-worsened negative CC', and accepting that the prudent course in case it's true is to accept some evils as lesser, and cut back more and waste less.
But we need to be confident that what gets done is being done correctly and for the right reasons. Which brings us to competency and trust. From government to the agenda and abilities of some so-called objective media, both seem in short supply.
This was a thought-provoking piece, but unfortunately I, as a member of the consuming, but caring public, remain none the wiser.
It appears that our government, at the behest of the EU, has foisted something on us 'in the name of green' that, on current levels of information and 'expert' contribution, has at the very least a poor enviROI, and hence is serving our kids' futures very poorly.
Just a short time ago I admit to lusting after a SAAB biodiesel as a mitigating 'solution' to my family's needs/desires to travel, and the impact this has on the overall carbon impact we impose. Now it looks more likely to get keyed by an activist as a Hummer.
Currently the only winners still look like being a ratings hungry media. I note the piece that followed the biofuel one. I am no fan of Mr. Brown and his cabal of all the talents in representing this country's lead...er...followship, but it's an unenviable task to try and square economic growth and environmental impacts. Especially with a global population of 6B and growing.
Indy - Biofuel: the burning question - a critical extra point to note when it comes to consumer influence: the lack of clear provenance to help in making a purchase decision.
Gaurdian - Blow to introduction of greener fuel as oil firms face production delay - When they say 'greener' fuel...
BBBC - NEW - A worthy eyebrow-crank at the 'reporting' of the BBC, with a good link to the perils of allowing our lives to be guided by lobbyists and those under their spell (.. on ex's in a nice company condo in Marbella).
You say tomato
What's in a name?
I've always wondered what the distiction between 'Pollution' and 'Emissions' was.
The former has obvious connotations of nasty stuff that shouldn't be there, but thne so does the latter in one form, whilst in another is just the consequecne of 'stuff' taking place.
But in the great AGW/PMWNCC scehme of things you rarely hear of pollution, as the big issue is CO2... emissions. So it was interesting to see this headline mixing the two in a form if have rarley seen before:
China 'now top carbon polluter'
It also riases a few legintimate qustions about how such massive influnces on the possible negative impacts to the planet's ecosphere get encouraged to join in the mitigation drives.
I've always wondered what the distiction between 'Pollution' and 'Emissions' was.
The former has obvious connotations of nasty stuff that shouldn't be there, but thne so does the latter in one form, whilst in another is just the consequecne of 'stuff' taking place.
But in the great AGW/PMWNCC scehme of things you rarely hear of pollution, as the big issue is CO2... emissions. So it was interesting to see this headline mixing the two in a form if have rarley seen before:
China 'now top carbon polluter'
It also riases a few legintimate qustions about how such massive influnces on the possible negative impacts to the planet's ecosphere get encouraged to join in the mitigation drives.
Monday, April 14, 2008
CATEGORY - Social Enterprise
Another day, another category. This one seems ripe for my new evolving sub-sections archive plan:
ARTICLES
Times - Make a profit by doing good - Fair start, though I'd say the definitions of what SE is are still erring more on the charity/NGO end of the curve
GRANTS
INFORMATION
'SUPPLIERS'
From the Times piece. Many links don't work, so Google for now.
acf.org.uk
businesslink.gov.uk
cdfa.org.uk
j4bcommunity.co.uk
socialenterprise.org.uk
triodos.co.uk
unltd.org.uk
Check the labels below for other links
ARTICLES
Times - Make a profit by doing good - Fair start, though I'd say the definitions of what SE is are still erring more on the charity/NGO end of the curve
GRANTS
INFORMATION
'SUPPLIERS'
From the Times piece. Many links don't work, so Google for now.
acf.org.uk
businesslink.gov.uk
cdfa.org.uk
j4bcommunity.co.uk
socialenterprise.org.uk
triodos.co.uk
unltd.org.uk
Check the labels below for other links
Just fill out these forms, Mr. Edison...
Exhibition of Inventions: Where crackpot meets genius
It seems so long ago...
I wonder which I was (still am?) last year when I won a Gold Medal (with Jury Congrats)* at the same event.
Even when your 'ideas' are quite down to earth, practical and may even stand a chance of making money as well as 'things better', you do tend to face a steep slope.
But James Dyson is right, the system doesn't make it easy once you start on the journey up, as Jeremy Clarkson also agrees on another page of this edition. Even before you really start, at events such as this.
Because I also recall funding every aspect of my trip by virtue of being English. Meanwhile over the way the lovely, helpful (to me, too.. ta, boyos) chaps on the Welsh Development Agency stand were basking in all the benefits of well-coordinated (and funded) efforts to support and sell both innovation and the consequently valuable IP.
* Check the green RE:tie to see with what.
Times - Time to save the world again, lads
I got my Engineering degree a few years after Brunel, and on the strict understanding that I didn't use it to make anything. I figured this didn't apply to inventing some stuff, which was lucky, as it is how I came to win a Gold Medal at The Geneva Inventions Show mentioned in the complementary InGear Gizmo article to this. It was nice, but hasn't made life too much easier.
I wish I was young enough** to be eligible to catch James Dyson's eye, as the the system doesn't make it easy at any age once you start on the journey to market.
Because I also recall funding every aspect of my trip by virtue of being English. Meanwhile over the way the lovely, helpful (to me, too.. ta, boyos) chaps on the Welsh Development Agency stand were basking in all the benefits of well-coordinated (and funded) efforts to support and sell both innovation and the consequently valuable IP.
I wonder if the Yanks may fancy it? Don't know how they stack up in the originality stakes, but they sure know how to make an idea not only work, but also some money.
**Maybe I could lie about my age? Nah... that wouldn't be legal. And anyway as readers of this blog will gather from my adventures to date, it's only certain folk who can have ideas or need help with 'em, apparently.
It seems so long ago...
I wonder which I was (still am?) last year when I won a Gold Medal (with Jury Congrats)* at the same event.
Even when your 'ideas' are quite down to earth, practical and may even stand a chance of making money as well as 'things better', you do tend to face a steep slope.
But James Dyson is right, the system doesn't make it easy once you start on the journey up, as Jeremy Clarkson also agrees on another page of this edition. Even before you really start, at events such as this.
Because I also recall funding every aspect of my trip by virtue of being English. Meanwhile over the way the lovely, helpful (to me, too.. ta, boyos) chaps on the Welsh Development Agency stand were basking in all the benefits of well-coordinated (and funded) efforts to support and sell both innovation and the consequently valuable IP.
* Check the green RE:tie to see with what.
Times - Time to save the world again, lads
I got my Engineering degree a few years after Brunel, and on the strict understanding that I didn't use it to make anything. I figured this didn't apply to inventing some stuff, which was lucky, as it is how I came to win a Gold Medal at The Geneva Inventions Show mentioned in the complementary InGear Gizmo article to this. It was nice, but hasn't made life too much easier.
I wish I was young enough** to be eligible to catch James Dyson's eye, as the the system doesn't make it easy at any age once you start on the journey to market.
Because I also recall funding every aspect of my trip by virtue of being English. Meanwhile over the way the lovely, helpful (to me, too.. ta, boyos) chaps on the Welsh Development Agency stand were basking in all the benefits of well-coordinated (and funded) efforts to support and sell both innovation and the consequently valuable IP.
I wonder if the Yanks may fancy it? Don't know how they stack up in the originality stakes, but they sure know how to make an idea not only work, but also some money.
**Maybe I could lie about my age? Nah... that wouldn't be legal. And anyway as readers of this blog will gather from my adventures to date, it's only certain folk who can have ideas or need help with 'em, apparently.
NEWS/GO3 PR - Stats, darn stats, and those inconvenient humans
This just in from the Office for National Statistics - Attitudes to the environment still mixed Social Trends
PR as received, edited with a few comments (that might be answered by reading the report, but life's too short:
Domestic energy consumption has risen as a third of adults admit they find
it hard to change their habits and go green.
These facts and others appear in a new edition of Social Trends, the ‘state of the nation’ statistical digest from the Office for National Statistics which is launched this year with a theme of societal well-being.
The new edition brings together a wide range of statistics on the environment, including figures which show that energy consumed by lighting and appliances in the UK increased by 136 per cent between 1971 and 2005 (well... D'uh. I'm amazed it wasn't more. With luck, low energy bulbs and better efficiencies may show a result in the last 3 years).
The data also show that carbon dioxide emissions attributable to transport saw a 101 per cent increase between 1970 and 2005 while the number of motorists in Great Britain increased by more than 14 million (from ?) between 1975/76 and 2006.
Figures from 2007 also indicate that 33 per cent of adults in England strongly agreed or tended to agree that they found it hard to become (what does 'become' mean) more environmentally friendly (er... ditto) , while 28 per cent said the environment was a low priority for them.
The same study also showed that 29 per cent of adults didn’t believe their behaviour and lifestyle contributed to climate change (how was the question asked, bearing in mind the precise nature of PMWNCC is not yet known?).
Available free (hey, we do get stuff for our taxes!) on the National Statistics website.
PR as received, edited with a few comments (that might be answered by reading the report, but life's too short:
Domestic energy consumption has risen as a third of adults admit they find
it hard to change their habits and go green.
These facts and others appear in a new edition of Social Trends, the ‘state of the nation’ statistical digest from the Office for National Statistics which is launched this year with a theme of societal well-being.
The new edition brings together a wide range of statistics on the environment, including figures which show that energy consumed by lighting and appliances in the UK increased by 136 per cent between 1971 and 2005 (well... D'uh. I'm amazed it wasn't more. With luck, low energy bulbs and better efficiencies may show a result in the last 3 years).
The data also show that carbon dioxide emissions attributable to transport saw a 101 per cent increase between 1970 and 2005 while the number of motorists in Great Britain increased by more than 14 million (from ?) between 1975/76 and 2006.
Figures from 2007 also indicate that 33 per cent of adults in England strongly agreed or tended to agree that they found it hard to become (what does 'become' mean) more environmentally friendly (er... ditto) , while 28 per cent said the environment was a low priority for them.
The same study also showed that 29 per cent of adults didn’t believe their behaviour and lifestyle contributed to climate change (how was the question asked, bearing in mind the precise nature of PMWNCC is not yet known?).
Available free (hey, we do get stuff for our taxes!) on the National Statistics website.
What does the team think?
This is a headline with a double meaning.
It's about such a situation, but also I'd be keen to find out if any who read this have any views.
It is an interesting insight into the dilemmas posed all the time by, to and from those in the media game.
What surprised me was that I was in the minority in my advocacy. But I also had an unwelcome reminder of what in reporting shapes the story. If they can find a downside... they will. So if you have a commercial imperative, you risk no critique, no matter what the cost.
It was a sincere question to a press/PR Forum about a dilemma. Here's the question (and a follow up, out of sequence, having had some input):
'Just wanted to get general feedback on this from some journalists and
PRs.
I had a press pack printed last week, both on CD and a paper version, it is
for a product launch which is now subject to a delay of a week or 10 days
(still to be confirmed) BUT the press pack contents which were printed last
week have the original launch date on them.
My question - is it acceptable to send the pack out with a note highlighting
the launch date change or do I bin everything and start again.
My head tells me to bin, my heart tells me to send out with a revision note
(hate to see the waste) but I am worried it will make me and the client look
incompetent.....'
'....I guess the sticker route might be an option, will try out and see how it
looks. This leaves me with just the duplication of the CDs which is a
minimal effort to get redone.
The packs are being sent out with product, so having hard copy of the press
information makes sense rather than the launch being communicated online.
The client is in an industry which is vulnerable to launch setbacks so it
may not look too dodgy/unprofessional to go with the sticker revision.'
Tally so far...
PRO
'Just a thought, but can you get stickers printed to go over the old date?'
'The professionalism/image side of me sees how a reprint is the only
option.
It rather depends on context. These days things change in a
heartbeat... which is why doing stuff online is a breeze. I used to
hate looking at pallets of scrapped brochures in the printers' yard
just because the overseas CEO dropped in after all had been signed off
and wanted their way of spelling used. Which is what set me off doing
as much as possible via the web.
But in this day and age I think there is almost merit in sticking with
it so long as the change is done well via a slick (as suggested )
sticker, Addendum insert, etc.
It's just a date. You hadn't sent it out yet. Nothing else is wrong.
Heck, it may even be an opportunity to make it stand out more!
Go with your heart.'
'No pressure... but I am keen to get you to see the possible advantages
of going over to the green side:)
Fully appreciate the hard copy situation... sometimes the whole eco
thing can do your head in a bit weighing creativity and 'doing the
job' vs. a purist's approach to all things enviro.
If the industry is prone to moving targets on dates then I'd say
that's a vote in favour of the sticker.
If you want to email me off list on info [at] junkk.com maybe we can
swap numbers and have a wee chat on possible options if it's not
confidential that make a silk purse out of this sow's ear (well, if
we're talking a few thousand it might get sticky. But I did something
very similar with a brochure, a hole punch, letter stamp, a bottle cap
and a ring pull)? I have a whole website with fun notions on this very
topic at my disposal!'
CON
'I would do it properly, start again...
Sending out old information will just raise questions and create more work.'
'I would get everything re-printed – it looks bad otherwise and might make
people [wonder] why there was a delay...'
'Just write yourself the headline "[client] SUFFERS DELAY" a few times and
see how you feel about it. Change the date.'
'Tough call...I totally understand your reticence to reprint but think it's
the best option. Environmentally sounder to add an addendum or put a sticker
over it, but from a PR point of view I think it's better to do the reprint
and avoid raising questions and/or potentially looking unprofessional.
Can you use the paper for something else...exciting scrap pads??!'
At least that last was trying for a positive.
At the end of the day it's their client, and product, in an industry they must know, reported on by a trade press whose tendencies must be clear. At least they tried. And if the client changed the date after an agreed production schedule and cost estimate then it's their wallets. I guess the planet may lose a little, but it's understandable in the face of such 'pressures'. Pity.
It's about such a situation, but also I'd be keen to find out if any who read this have any views.
It is an interesting insight into the dilemmas posed all the time by, to and from those in the media game.
What surprised me was that I was in the minority in my advocacy. But I also had an unwelcome reminder of what in reporting shapes the story. If they can find a downside... they will. So if you have a commercial imperative, you risk no critique, no matter what the cost.
It was a sincere question to a press/PR Forum about a dilemma. Here's the question (and a follow up, out of sequence, having had some input):
'Just wanted to get general feedback on this from some journalists and
PRs.
I had a press pack printed last week, both on CD and a paper version, it is
for a product launch which is now subject to a delay of a week or 10 days
(still to be confirmed) BUT the press pack contents which were printed last
week have the original launch date on them.
My question - is it acceptable to send the pack out with a note highlighting
the launch date change or do I bin everything and start again.
My head tells me to bin, my heart tells me to send out with a revision note
(hate to see the waste) but I am worried it will make me and the client look
incompetent.....'
'....I guess the sticker route might be an option, will try out and see how it
looks. This leaves me with just the duplication of the CDs which is a
minimal effort to get redone.
The packs are being sent out with product, so having hard copy of the press
information makes sense rather than the launch being communicated online.
The client is in an industry which is vulnerable to launch setbacks so it
may not look too dodgy/unprofessional to go with the sticker revision.'
Tally so far...
PRO
'Just a thought, but can you get stickers printed to go over the old date?'
'The professionalism/image side of me sees how a reprint is the only
option.
It rather depends on context. These days things change in a
heartbeat... which is why doing stuff online is a breeze. I used to
hate looking at pallets of scrapped brochures in the printers' yard
just because the overseas CEO dropped in after all had been signed off
and wanted their way of spelling used. Which is what set me off doing
as much as possible via the web.
But in this day and age I think there is almost merit in sticking with
it so long as the change is done well via a slick (as suggested )
sticker, Addendum insert, etc.
It's just a date. You hadn't sent it out yet. Nothing else is wrong.
Heck, it may even be an opportunity to make it stand out more!
Go with your heart.'
'No pressure... but I am keen to get you to see the possible advantages
of going over to the green side:)
Fully appreciate the hard copy situation... sometimes the whole eco
thing can do your head in a bit weighing creativity and 'doing the
job' vs. a purist's approach to all things enviro.
If the industry is prone to moving targets on dates then I'd say
that's a vote in favour of the sticker.
If you want to email me off list on info [at] junkk.com maybe we can
swap numbers and have a wee chat on possible options if it's not
confidential that make a silk purse out of this sow's ear (well, if
we're talking a few thousand it might get sticky. But I did something
very similar with a brochure, a hole punch, letter stamp, a bottle cap
and a ring pull)? I have a whole website with fun notions on this very
topic at my disposal!'
CON
'I would do it properly, start again...
Sending out old information will just raise questions and create more work.'
'I would get everything re-printed – it looks bad otherwise and might make
people [wonder] why there was a delay...'
'Just write yourself the headline "[client] SUFFERS DELAY" a few times and
see how you feel about it. Change the date.'
'Tough call...I totally understand your reticence to reprint but think it's
the best option. Environmentally sounder to add an addendum or put a sticker
over it, but from a PR point of view I think it's better to do the reprint
and avoid raising questions and/or potentially looking unprofessional.
Can you use the paper for something else...exciting scrap pads??!'
At least that last was trying for a positive.
At the end of the day it's their client, and product, in an industry they must know, reported on by a trade press whose tendencies must be clear. At least they tried. And if the client changed the date after an agreed production schedule and cost estimate then it's their wallets. I guess the planet may lose a little, but it's understandable in the face of such 'pressures'. Pity.
CHEAPIE ALERT- Franking, Scarlett, can't be licked
This... is a necessary version of FREEBIE ALERT, because I still think it might be worth sharing if something is not, as such, free... but still may save (money, kids' futures, etc):
WHEN: Now.. 'til the 30th of April
WHAT: Pitney Bowes are currently offering a 30 day no obligation free trial of their entry level franking machines - with. £20 free postage credit to get you started. Plus built-in logo.
WHAT... MORE?: Via the URL. Franked Mail is cheaper than Stamped Mail - Royal Mail are delivering a strong message to businesses by providing discounted postal rates for franked mail. Whether First or Second Class, all mail is cheaper if you frank it rather than stamp it!
HOW MUCH: Well, you do need to sign up and stay with, so your volumes need to make sense
URL: http://www.pitneyworks.co.uk/w304/
COMMENTS: Shop around! This is not the only one I have ever heard about. I have been tempted just to spare myself the hassle of stamps (and some possible eco-aspects... hard to weigh vs. a machine, delivery, ink, 'lekky... might be worth a Prof's Poser), especially with all the new rules, but our volumes just don't warrant it.
WHEN: Now.. 'til the 30th of April
WHAT: Pitney Bowes are currently offering a 30 day no obligation free trial of their entry level franking machines - with. £20 free postage credit to get you started. Plus built-in logo.
WHAT... MORE?: Via the URL. Franked Mail is cheaper than Stamped Mail - Royal Mail are delivering a strong message to businesses by providing discounted postal rates for franked mail. Whether First or Second Class, all mail is cheaper if you frank it rather than stamp it!
HOW MUCH: Well, you do need to sign up and stay with, so your volumes need to make sense
URL: http://www.pitneyworks.co.uk/w304/
COMMENTS: Shop around! This is not the only one I have ever heard about. I have been tempted just to spare myself the hassle of stamps (and some possible eco-aspects... hard to weigh vs. a machine, delivery, ink, 'lekky... might be worth a Prof's Poser), especially with all the new rules, but our volumes just don't warrant it.
Quote of the day - worthy of doublespeak, too
Actually a quote of a quote of a quote (so it may or may not be verifibale, but rings true).
From the Reader's Digest quoting a lady from Campaign for Better Transport about The Treasury on the apparent inability of such as the Highways Agency to actually get a job done on time and within estimate/budget: 'A tactic to gain ministerial approval for projects via low estimates that is so common, it is given the term 'optimism bias'.
See also lying, defrauding...
From the Reader's Digest quoting a lady from Campaign for Better Transport about The Treasury on the apparent inability of such as the Highways Agency to actually get a job done on time and within estimate/budget: 'A tactic to gain ministerial approval for projects via low estimates that is so common, it is given the term 'optimism bias'.
See also lying, defrauding...
Don't get mad...get even
It's going to be a must watch: Don't get mad...get even: Dom Joly gets his own back
And before I get accused of drifting from the topic of matters green, read down to the end and see there is an episode where he/they investigate the rubbish of of those who would fine others for not being precise with how they deal with theirs.
Small victories are all we can look forward to these days.
And before I get accused of drifting from the topic of matters green, read down to the end and see there is an episode where he/they investigate the rubbish of of those who would fine others for not being precise with how they deal with theirs.
Small victories are all we can look forward to these days.
The pain with trains is starting to show the strains
I usually quote articles. But often the letters in response to them are more revealing. And sensible.
Take these to an Indy piece on trains: Train blame
I was mainly attracted by the one about the 'Gee whizz' reporting on growth on usage.
As with waaaay too much these days, and it doesn't matter if it's making a case for good or bad, up or down, it seems oddly facile to me that too many journos and editors seem to have a slight blind spot to the fact that there are a lot more of us doing stuff year on year, and that will often explain a lot much more simply than some of the notions that they attempt to gush over or spin into a headline.
Take these to an Indy piece on trains: Train blame
I was mainly attracted by the one about the 'Gee whizz' reporting on growth on usage.
As with waaaay too much these days, and it doesn't matter if it's making a case for good or bad, up or down, it seems oddly facile to me that too many journos and editors seem to have a slight blind spot to the fact that there are a lot more of us doing stuff year on year, and that will often explain a lot much more simply than some of the notions that they attempt to gush over or spin into a headline.
All the news that's fit to be... branded
BBC Mark II: Mr Byford gives the corporation's journalism a makeover
A long piece. I am sure that in there, somewhere, amongst the MBA-speak and brand-babble, there might be something about using funds in addressing the quality of the actual journalism.
Your licence fee at work.
Coincidentally on the matter of our public-service news reporting, I listen to a BBC News reader ask the CEO of the travel company (whose coach was rammed by a rogue truck driver) 'Should we be asking if our children can be safe when they travel overseas?'.
From the ridiculous, I move to this:
PR: The dark history of spin and its threat to genuine news
So if they are not being stupid or acting as agenda-driven mouthpieces, they are being bought (Fancy buying a toy that makes the sound of bubble-wrap? The solution, according to the BBC, is to buy bubble wrap. Or... and here's thought, keep all that you get sent and reuse it when required... with a few stress relief pops at the edges (so it still functions) as you re-wrap).
But sorry, that's all we have time for. Now, back to the skateboarding turtle...
Addendum:
The Register - Earth to Ofcom: They're our airwaves. Give them back - Priceless, if depressing.
Times - BBC rings changes with news revamp - universal appeal. Not.
A long piece. I am sure that in there, somewhere, amongst the MBA-speak and brand-babble, there might be something about using funds in addressing the quality of the actual journalism.
Your licence fee at work.
Coincidentally on the matter of our public-service news reporting, I listen to a BBC News reader ask the CEO of the travel company (whose coach was rammed by a rogue truck driver) 'Should we be asking if our children can be safe when they travel overseas?'.
From the ridiculous, I move to this:
PR: The dark history of spin and its threat to genuine news
So if they are not being stupid or acting as agenda-driven mouthpieces, they are being bought (Fancy buying a toy that makes the sound of bubble-wrap? The solution, according to the BBC, is to buy bubble wrap. Or... and here's thought, keep all that you get sent and reuse it when required... with a few stress relief pops at the edges (so it still functions) as you re-wrap).
But sorry, that's all we have time for. Now, back to the skateboarding turtle...
Addendum:
The Register - Earth to Ofcom: They're our airwaves. Give them back - Priceless, if depressing.
Times - BBC rings changes with news revamp - universal appeal. Not.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
CATEGORY - HOME
I'm evolving a new format for stuff I come across or get sent. Let's see how it goes. I quite like how it's shaping up.
Articles
Grants
Information
US Department of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy - Don't ask. It is what kicked me off on this new category. I found it useful. Now I must get some from the UK!
Suppliers
See labels below for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
Articles
Grants
Information
US Department of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy - Don't ask. It is what kicked me off on this new category. I found it useful. Now I must get some from the UK!
Suppliers
See labels below for previous notes. If you have anything to add to the headings above... share 'em! Direct to info[at]junkk.com or via the comments on the blog.
What's better than waste? Duplicated waste!
Government ignores energy-efficiency policy
It would be interesting, if likely depressing, to get a handle on the sheer number of well staffed gov. departmental and quango empires there are, plus massive associated comms budgets, deployed in 'environmental' pursuits, and what the actual enviROI the public and planet derives from them. Especially, as suggested here, many are either overlapping or even competing.
It would be interesting, if likely depressing, to get a handle on the sheer number of well staffed gov. departmental and quango empires there are, plus massive associated comms budgets, deployed in 'environmental' pursuits, and what the actual enviROI the public and planet derives from them. Especially, as suggested here, many are either overlapping or even competing.
Lest 'we' forget
I mean those of 'us' of a green bent, who do get some compo for our efforts:
EcoLogical
At least the little things you, and I, do can lead to a bit of text that can (as writers) go towards our paying for stuff. I'm guessing you get paid for these pieces, and I have high hopes for Google Adsense on my site and blog.
So let's spare a thought to all those being exhorted to join 'us' in our eco efforts, but whose reward stays very much in their hearts, and often at some cost, as you point out.
EcoLogical
At least the little things you, and I, do can lead to a bit of text that can (as writers) go towards our paying for stuff. I'm guessing you get paid for these pieces, and I have high hopes for Google Adsense on my site and blog.
So let's spare a thought to all those being exhorted to join 'us' in our eco efforts, but whose reward stays very much in their hearts, and often at some cost, as you point out.
Charitable Aims
A slightly 'easier' day newswise, as the BBC seems to have ditched all in favour of the London Marathon.
I think I might give it a miss. Barely started, and the 24/7 news-gathering machine is already struggling to find things to talk about.
But I just watched one piece of some interest, which was a noble group of Masai warriors here to run and raise money for their village. I recall these fine chaps from news several days ago.
However one thing did strike me. They are hoping to raise £600, a more than modest aim, and amazing what it will achieve back home. I am also pretty sure that, with such coverage, they will get a wee bit more than that... if they can find a use.
Thing is, bearing in mind there were a good few of them, I couldn't help but wonder how that amount equates to the flying and accommodation costs.
This does crop up quite a lot. I have been invited to sponsor charity runs/rides, etc in all sorts of exotic places, and the funding seems to kick in only after the participant's costs are covered. Many times that seems like me paying for someone to have a fairly nice holiday with a bit of exercise on top.
I am sure these guys were/are sponsored, but one does have to wonder what the chaROI is in many cases. It is not so satisfying and community bonding 'n all, not to mention no coverage means no PR means no support in the first place, but in terms of getting the maximum amount to where it will do most good you have to wonder whether the aims are being best met for those one presumes it's all intended for.
I'd like to see what the numbers are. Maybe it's all better than nothing as without an event there would be no contributions at all, but it would be interesting to see who the beneficiaries are for each pound generous souls contribute.
Times - The ego marathon - only to show I am not alone on the chugger deal when a sunny clime is involved.
Times - e-mail chuggers, take a hike
I think I might give it a miss. Barely started, and the 24/7 news-gathering machine is already struggling to find things to talk about.
But I just watched one piece of some interest, which was a noble group of Masai warriors here to run and raise money for their village. I recall these fine chaps from news several days ago.
However one thing did strike me. They are hoping to raise £600, a more than modest aim, and amazing what it will achieve back home. I am also pretty sure that, with such coverage, they will get a wee bit more than that... if they can find a use.
Thing is, bearing in mind there were a good few of them, I couldn't help but wonder how that amount equates to the flying and accommodation costs.
This does crop up quite a lot. I have been invited to sponsor charity runs/rides, etc in all sorts of exotic places, and the funding seems to kick in only after the participant's costs are covered. Many times that seems like me paying for someone to have a fairly nice holiday with a bit of exercise on top.
I am sure these guys were/are sponsored, but one does have to wonder what the chaROI is in many cases. It is not so satisfying and community bonding 'n all, not to mention no coverage means no PR means no support in the first place, but in terms of getting the maximum amount to where it will do most good you have to wonder whether the aims are being best met for those one presumes it's all intended for.
I'd like to see what the numbers are. Maybe it's all better than nothing as without an event there would be no contributions at all, but it would be interesting to see who the beneficiaries are for each pound generous souls contribute.
Times - The ego marathon - only to show I am not alone on the chugger deal when a sunny clime is involved.
Times - e-mail chuggers, take a hike
CATEGORY - Doublespeak
Indy - Brown: I am staying away from Olympics opening ceremony – but it's not a boycott -
ie: 'ceasing or refusing to deal with something as a protest, and to force it to become more acceptable'.
Reuters - U.N. chief will miss Beijing Olympic ceremony - seems GB is not the only world, er, 'leader' who didn't know about the Olympics this year and didn't RSVP properly to the party ('scuse pun) invite properly with first checking his diary.
BBC - Curiouser and curiouser
Ah well, he's not alone I guess. Looks like other World Leade...er, um, ers, such as the Head of the UN didn't check their MySpace calendar well enough either to avoid a schedule clash to give a proper RSVP to the party ('scuse pun) invite.
So it seems were all confused, still. I certainly am. The British government seems to be. And our media. Even the BBC...
To infinity... and beyond!
But many posters are right, this pales into insignificance compared to such vital high-profile prime ministerial outings on pressing issues such as football manager selection, plastic bags, George Clooney and US charity phone ins.
Guardian - The accidental hero - It's getting rather fun, in a tragic comedic way, swapping between various partisan media (Nick Robinson and Mihir Bose of the BBC and their blog threads are currently tying themselves into Gordian Knots!) to see just what was and wasn't said by whom, and when... as none seem to able to agree! But this is the leaders of countries and national reporting organs, remember!
Guardian - Opening comments - Gordon Brown and the Beijing Olympics
Indy - When is a boycott not a boycott?
The Times - Junior culture minister Gerry Sutcliffe and his adroit U-turn over alcohol taxes - which are either far too high or about right, depending on when you catch him - and his deft explanation for the apparent difference: “My comments do not accurately reflect my views.”
Indy - NEW - Defence Secretary Des Browne, pressed by Jon Humphrys on troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan because of inadequate equipment: "Well all of those cases have been examined and in each case which has been examined where the lessons have been learned we have learned those lessons."
I can see this category becoming a bit of a feature.
ie: 'ceasing or refusing to deal with something as a protest, and to force it to become more acceptable'.
Reuters - U.N. chief will miss Beijing Olympic ceremony - seems GB is not the only world, er, 'leader' who didn't know about the Olympics this year and didn't RSVP properly to the party ('scuse pun) invite properly with first checking his diary.
BBC - Curiouser and curiouser
Ah well, he's not alone I guess. Looks like other World Leade...er, um, ers, such as the Head of the UN didn't check their MySpace calendar well enough either to avoid a schedule clash to give a proper RSVP to the party ('scuse pun) invite.
So it seems were all confused, still. I certainly am. The British government seems to be. And our media. Even the BBC...
To infinity... and beyond!
But many posters are right, this pales into insignificance compared to such vital high-profile prime ministerial outings on pressing issues such as football manager selection, plastic bags, George Clooney and US charity phone ins.
Guardian - The accidental hero - It's getting rather fun, in a tragic comedic way, swapping between various partisan media (Nick Robinson and Mihir Bose of the BBC and their blog threads are currently tying themselves into Gordian Knots!) to see just what was and wasn't said by whom, and when... as none seem to able to agree! But this is the leaders of countries and national reporting organs, remember!
Guardian - Opening comments - Gordon Brown and the Beijing Olympics
Indy - When is a boycott not a boycott?
The Times - Junior culture minister Gerry Sutcliffe and his adroit U-turn over alcohol taxes - which are either far too high or about right, depending on when you catch him - and his deft explanation for the apparent difference: “My comments do not accurately reflect my views.”
Indy - NEW - Defence Secretary Des Browne, pressed by Jon Humphrys on troops who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan because of inadequate equipment: "Well all of those cases have been examined and in each case which has been examined where the lessons have been learned we have learned those lessons."
I can see this category becoming a bit of a feature.
Will the next target please step up...
Because you're worth it...
Can't disagree. A ton of marketing to flog a very small amount of goo that is of questionable use. Thing is, it all rather smacks of another tokenistic 'Planet Ban-it'. In the example I allude to below, the total of my aftershave commitment (no other regime for this old-age male, bar soap, shampoo and toothpaste... all packaging under constant Junkk-potential probing) is about ten small glass bottles. Plus a few cardboard boxes that got recycled. In the great totality of all waste, I am not too sure this is up there priority-wise...again.
Mind you, this one might be fun, as I rather suspect it will see quite a few luvvies on board with these rather puritan advocacies finding things hitting home... or at least the mud-pack-coated weekend retreats this bunch seem to be able to afford.
A wee check in the bathroom cabinets of those (male and female) often very vocal in other 'green' related ban-advocacy might indeed be interesting. Maybe they are just lucky to be able to afford very good skin.
As to my Fahrenheit aftershave, after several years' loyalty I almost have enough empty bottles to make my bathroom mirror light shade surrounds.
Indy - Cosmetics and Excess Packaging
I'm sorry, but I think in this case the best way is to allow the consumer to decide, but provide such as Lush and Body Shop every opportunity to promote their less impactful options. As I will.
Mind you, I still need a few more of those Fahrenheit bottles to finish my mirror! Oh, the dilemma.
Can't disagree. A ton of marketing to flog a very small amount of goo that is of questionable use. Thing is, it all rather smacks of another tokenistic 'Planet Ban-it'. In the example I allude to below, the total of my aftershave commitment (no other regime for this old-age male, bar soap, shampoo and toothpaste... all packaging under constant Junkk-potential probing) is about ten small glass bottles. Plus a few cardboard boxes that got recycled. In the great totality of all waste, I am not too sure this is up there priority-wise...again.
Mind you, this one might be fun, as I rather suspect it will see quite a few luvvies on board with these rather puritan advocacies finding things hitting home... or at least the mud-pack-coated weekend retreats this bunch seem to be able to afford.
A wee check in the bathroom cabinets of those (male and female) often very vocal in other 'green' related ban-advocacy might indeed be interesting. Maybe they are just lucky to be able to afford very good skin.
As to my Fahrenheit aftershave, after several years' loyalty I almost have enough empty bottles to make my bathroom mirror light shade surrounds.
Indy - Cosmetics and Excess Packaging
I'm sorry, but I think in this case the best way is to allow the consumer to decide, but provide such as Lush and Body Shop every opportunity to promote their less impactful options. As I will.
Mind you, I still need a few more of those Fahrenheit bottles to finish my mirror! Oh, the dilemma.
Getting Fry'd
A Google ad link popped up on site (hence, I guess, paid for):
Stephen Fry on Climate Change
I know he's just another celeb. But he's bright lad and I rate his intellect. His piece is too short and very simplistic, but the main plea he makes resonates well, if not addressing how one deals with some of the other consequences of such advocacy (which sort of proves the problem, and his point, by providing an angle for those who would do nothing to highlight. Hence I think one has to at least tip to the 'Economics vs. Environment' balances). Sadly these are the down sides of what some say must be done (or not), and are in the hands of our hapless pols.
Interesting comments in reply, pro and con, though following my recent thoughts on where moderation becomes censorship, and the need for some rules, I do note the system on Friction.tv does seem to allow some comments to stay up that I would not.
The % agree/neutral/disagree bar is a surprise. Without letting my own bias intrude, I would have thought it would reflect more sympathy to this view, and makes one wonder about the value of such things (if used to explain or justify anything, but certainly 'CO' vs. 'CP' views, as all too often can happen in news hungry 24/7 media environments) as valid, viable information tools. One is, after all, talking a base of... 31 (at time of writing). As one thread contributor posed, in light of his popularity, and as this has been up 4 months, it is surprising how few have engaged, especially in support. I had heard of Friction tv, and am signed up I think, but it has not passed my radar for a long while.
Stephen Fry on Climate Change
I know he's just another celeb. But he's bright lad and I rate his intellect. His piece is too short and very simplistic, but the main plea he makes resonates well, if not addressing how one deals with some of the other consequences of such advocacy (which sort of proves the problem, and his point, by providing an angle for those who would do nothing to highlight. Hence I think one has to at least tip to the 'Economics vs. Environment' balances). Sadly these are the down sides of what some say must be done (or not), and are in the hands of our hapless pols.
Interesting comments in reply, pro and con, though following my recent thoughts on where moderation becomes censorship, and the need for some rules, I do note the system on Friction.tv does seem to allow some comments to stay up that I would not.
The % agree/neutral/disagree bar is a surprise. Without letting my own bias intrude, I would have thought it would reflect more sympathy to this view, and makes one wonder about the value of such things (if used to explain or justify anything, but certainly 'CO' vs. 'CP' views, as all too often can happen in news hungry 24/7 media environments) as valid, viable information tools. One is, after all, talking a base of... 31 (at time of writing). As one thread contributor posed, in light of his popularity, and as this has been up 4 months, it is surprising how few have engaged, especially in support. I had heard of Friction tv, and am signed up I think, but it has not passed my radar for a long while.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
To blog, or not to blog, that is the question?
Many of my blogs here are as a result of my writing on other blogs. A kind of e-BOGOF, for me anyway.
I can pop a promo for Junkk in another place, and end up with content for here.
Moderation considerations aside, I have had almost no issues at all with the technicalities of posting. They can happen, and indeed have on the Junkk Forum, for instance when I managed to kill something with my Mac O/S!
But on the whole, they work pretty well. Why not? They need not be too complex.
Except, it seesm, those deployed, at vast expense, with hordes of staff, by the BBC. It was getting almost impossible to post, or know if your post got through.
But what really got to me was how cavalier they have been over the last several months, especially when I know others beside me must have been keeping them well apprised of what is going wrong.
Yes, I have had the odd 'Thank you for your feedback; we're sorry (but really couldn't care less... what can you do about it? Withdraw your patronage or payment?) and we're working on a fix'. But at no time have I seen anything remotely like an advice to explain what might happen and where they are doing something.
Well, now we have. Worth reading the replies, too:
Blog problems - a solution is nigh
I can pop a promo for Junkk in another place, and end up with content for here.
Moderation considerations aside, I have had almost no issues at all with the technicalities of posting. They can happen, and indeed have on the Junkk Forum, for instance when I managed to kill something with my Mac O/S!
But on the whole, they work pretty well. Why not? They need not be too complex.
Except, it seesm, those deployed, at vast expense, with hordes of staff, by the BBC. It was getting almost impossible to post, or know if your post got through.
But what really got to me was how cavalier they have been over the last several months, especially when I know others beside me must have been keeping them well apprised of what is going wrong.
Yes, I have had the odd 'Thank you for your feedback; we're sorry (but really couldn't care less... what can you do about it? Withdraw your patronage or payment?) and we're working on a fix'. But at no time have I seen anything remotely like an advice to explain what might happen and where they are doing something.
Well, now we have. Worth reading the replies, too:
Blog problems - a solution is nigh
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