Nicola Sinclair's Posts - 38minutes 2015-01-30T02:36:09Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore http://api.ning.com/files/luKgKoSZ-FpInl17T197fNsbwDDMyyEOsBGcAOsxWQ9dnm9ew8J8JqNw2faVhFXiaPY-jdEmWeuK33WZTOpBy8A6z-zFbR0z/P1000821.JPG?width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1 http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blog/feed?user=05jy7tk802k01&xn_auth=no Canongate launches virtual book club tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2012-07-12:2304815:BlogPost:121422 2012-07-12T12:53:14.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ggQ*WpfCuf2xH0lPEzf6bdmLDmICUazdvYJXr9n7MvPd6-0tzuQQCkr9gDSNKL6nChMohx8Z6jVV5-NoiN*cD2PSbNqb6Zek/cbcgrab.png" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ggQ*WpfCuf2xH0lPEzf6bdmLDmICUazdvYJXr9n7MvPd6-0tzuQQCkr9gDSNKL6nChMohx8Z6jVV5-NoiN*cD2PSbNqb6Zek/cbcgrab.png?width=500" style="padding: 10px;" width="500"></img></a> Love books? Canongate's virtual <a href="http://www.canongatebookclub.com" target="_blank">book club</a> is a hub where people can get together and discuss all things literary. And it's using the full power of the Ning platform to allow members to also post their own blogs, photos, videos and events, as well as create…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ggQ*WpfCuf2xH0lPEzf6bdmLDmICUazdvYJXr9n7MvPd6-0tzuQQCkr9gDSNKL6nChMohx8Z6jVV5-NoiN*cD2PSbNqb6Zek/cbcgrab.png"><img class="align-center" style="padding: 10px;" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ggQ*WpfCuf2xH0lPEzf6bdmLDmICUazdvYJXr9n7MvPd6-0tzuQQCkr9gDSNKL6nChMohx8Z6jVV5-NoiN*cD2PSbNqb6Zek/cbcgrab.png?width=500" width="500"/></a>Love books? Canongate's virtual <a href="http://www.canongatebookclub.com" target="_blank">book club</a> is a hub where people can get together and discuss all things literary. And it's using the full power of the Ning platform to allow members to also post their own blogs, photos, videos and events, as well as create groups to arrange real-world meet-ups.</p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.canongate.tv" target="_blank">Canongate</a> wants people to use the site freely and openly, so discussions don't need to be about our own titles. However we will be posting one discussion a month around a current title, and Jane Rogers' <em>The Testament of Jessie Lamb</em> is kicking things off in great style.</p> <p></p> <p>Sign up for the network at <a href="http://www.canongatebookclub.com">www.canongatebookclub.com</a> or find out more about Canongate Books via <a href="http://www.canongate.tv">www.canongate.tv</a></p> Opportunity: have your artwork showcased on Central Station v2 tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-12-19:2304815:BlogPost:112545 2011-12-19T11:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HQ4UqYkp3R0ffQvQRyk5HxfkWAdh1-kLFxfUADrCcggVNR5svP0y4779VDsJZIippNIjaj6g6sHXNg3Kl29QFGzknFTRi6G6/50x50Small.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HQ4UqYkp3R0ffQvQRyk5HxfkWAdh1-kLFxfUADrCcggVNR5svP0y4779VDsJZIippNIjaj6g6sHXNg3Kl29QFGzknFTRi6G6/50x50Small.jpg?width=500" width="500"></img></a></p> <p><a href="http://thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the creative social network based in Glasgow but with a global membership base, has relaunched. Central Station v2 is a bold new experiment in social networking: instead of members uploading their work to the site, the site…</p> <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HQ4UqYkp3R0ffQvQRyk5HxfkWAdh1-kLFxfUADrCcggVNR5svP0y4779VDsJZIippNIjaj6g6sHXNg3Kl29QFGzknFTRi6G6/50x50Small.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HQ4UqYkp3R0ffQvQRyk5HxfkWAdh1-kLFxfUADrCcggVNR5svP0y4779VDsJZIippNIjaj6g6sHXNg3Kl29QFGzknFTRi6G6/50x50Small.jpg?width=500" width="500" class="align-full"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the creative social network based in Glasgow but with a global membership base, has relaunched. Central Station v2 is a bold new experiment in social networking: instead of members uploading their work to the site, the site connects with members' work on other platforms, such as Vimeo, Flickr, SoundCloud, Behance and Cargo. "Instead of you joining us, we're joining you" according to creators ISO. The result is a more streamlined, decluttered site that really allows its featured artwork and articles to sing.</p> <p>To celebrate v2, Central Station has launched '50 Artists in 50 Days'. It's pretty self-explanatory: for the first 50 days of the new site, a community member a day will be featured on the homepage and mentioned on their social networks. To enter, you just need to upload your work to one of the supported networks and start following Central Station from there.</p> <p>50 Artists in 50 Days has already started, but there's still time to get involved – and there are some great prizes up for grabs. Visit Central Station for full details on <a href="http://thisiscentralstation.com/featured-opportunity/50x50/" target="_blank">how to enter</a>.</p> 360 Narratives: opportunity for writers tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-10-24:2304815:BlogPost:108760 2011-10-24T09:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ACc-WkNskovHQsrGM4B8TpYxDh3Yq9Nao5EbgKwhMsy4a1nhb1zv6ZIyJpZkHZMQfch8vxjLuTvuZzlVnDXZA-T17Q5oqjBH/image001.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ACc-WkNskovHQsrGM4B8TpYxDh3Yq9Nao5EbgKwhMsy4a1nhb1zv6ZIyJpZkHZMQfch8vxjLuTvuZzlVnDXZA-T17Q5oqjBH/image001.jpg" width="597"></img></a></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">360 Narratives is a safe haven for professional writers and narrative creators to explore other forms of writing. Be challenged, collaborate and create new ideas and projects with your peers.…</span></p> <br></br> <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ACc-WkNskovHQsrGM4B8TpYxDh3Yq9Nao5EbgKwhMsy4a1nhb1zv6ZIyJpZkHZMQfch8vxjLuTvuZzlVnDXZA-T17Q5oqjBH/image001.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ACc-WkNskovHQsrGM4B8TpYxDh3Yq9Nao5EbgKwhMsy4a1nhb1zv6ZIyJpZkHZMQfch8vxjLuTvuZzlVnDXZA-T17Q5oqjBH/image001.jpg" width="597" class="align-full"/></a></p> <p><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">360 Narratives is a safe haven for professional writers and narrative creators to explore other forms of writing. Be challenged, collaborate and create new ideas and projects with your peers.</span></p> <br/> <table class="t1" cellspacing="0" width="621.0"> <tbody><tr><td class="td2" valign="middle"><p class="p3"><br/><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">Open to established children’s book writers, novelists, playwrights, screen writers, graphic novelists and games developers, the programme aims to broaden networks and find common ground to create characters and worlds.</span></p> <p class="p3"><br/><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">You will share practice and experiences, build new ideas and projects across a variety of media together and develop ideas and projects reproducible in two or more forms e.g. a book and a film, a game and a graphic novel, a children’s picture book and a play, etc. Following an intensive week long residency, you’ll have support to present those projects to industry.</span></p> <p class="p3"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2"><b> </b></span></p> <p class="p4"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2"><b>It all starts with an exciting Open Weekend in the beautiful Barcelo Stirling Highland Hotel on 19th and 20th November 2011.<br/>  </b></span></p> <p class="p5"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/360narratives.htm"><b>Register now!<br/>  </b></a></span></p> <p class="p3"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">You will enjoy inspirational conversations with peers and writers who have had experience and successes across genres; advice on intellectual property and how to exploit it; and exercises and workshops to get you mingling across artforms. Advisors from across forms - Jenny Brown, David Griffith, Mark Grindle and Fiona Sturgeon Shea - will be on hand to encourage, matchmake and answer questions on the process. Speakers and case studies include Tom Knights (Games developer), Rona Munro (Playwright), Phil Parker (NyAC) and Ken Marr (Targeting Innovation).</span></p> <p class="p3"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">More details on speakers will be released soon - watch the <a href="http://www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/360narratives.htm">website</a></span></p> <p class="p3"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2">Writers must register in advance to attend the Open Weekend.</span></p> <p class="p3"> </p> <p class="p6"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk/360narratives.htm"><b>To find out more click here</b></a></span></p> <p class="p3"> </p> <p class="p7"><span style="font-family: helvetica;" class="font-size-2"><b>Questions?</b> Please contact Claire Dow, Projects Manager, on 0141 332 4403 <a href="mailto:claire@playwrightsstudio.co.uk">claire@playwrightsstudio.co.uk</a></span></p> <p class="p7"> </p> <p class="p7"><span class="s1"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/6kod1T32tU6zVuJrLs6p6K*tR2Y*ApN2jRnzaJcSqAUuunc*vNPLOLodlmVvN11-g3bMfX5MtSOTUfV3szVaor5Ud4kD9kp1/image002.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/6kod1T32tU6zVuJrLs6p6K*tR2Y*ApN2jRnzaJcSqAUuunc*vNPLOLodlmVvN11-g3bMfX5MtSOTUfV3szVaor5Ud4kD9kp1/image002.jpg" width="122" class="align-left"/></a><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/6kod1T32tU6wJKmDeWMyrefpJXM8gmkHKJzy5tt1YYHKRyf2jDi-LKp7M6vR7ZCr1DB9ATJgluPPDiA1DmPLnDca1zskREFi/image003.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/6kod1T32tU6wJKmDeWMyrefpJXM8gmkHKJzy5tt1YYHKRyf2jDi-LKp7M6vR7ZCr1DB9ATJgluPPDiA1DmPLnDca1zskREFi/image003.jpg" width="171" class="align-left"/></a><br/></span></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p> </p> 38minutes inspires Hungarian spin-off tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-09-13:2304815:BlogPost:103977 2011-09-13T15:34:03.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/x-gYUi6FFQJ0KAYUcN-Tt*WzM4IQfVKpC75oHez8lHrqtFaofg3jXxpFE91DPCyU5f6PZfS-aJSnXRN2opygqGjUz326OCvp/P1050522.JPG" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/x-gYUi6FFQJ0KAYUcN-Tt*WzM4IQfVKpC75oHez8lHrqtFaofg3jXxpFE91DPCyU5f6PZfS-aJSnXRN2opygqGjUz326OCvp/P1050522.JPG" width="300"></img></a> EU-funded business magazine Creative Growth has run a special feature on the importance of collaboration and networks, with 38minutes featuring as a key success story.</p> <p> </p> <p>The article reports that 38minutes inspired Jozsef Gonda, MD of marketing business Forensys Communication, to create a network for…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/x-gYUi6FFQJ0KAYUcN-Tt*WzM4IQfVKpC75oHez8lHrqtFaofg3jXxpFE91DPCyU5f6PZfS-aJSnXRN2opygqGjUz326OCvp/P1050522.JPG"><img class="align-full" width="300" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/x-gYUi6FFQJ0KAYUcN-Tt*WzM4IQfVKpC75oHez8lHrqtFaofg3jXxpFE91DPCyU5f6PZfS-aJSnXRN2opygqGjUz326OCvp/P1050522.JPG"/></a>EU-funded business magazine Creative Growth has run a special feature on the importance of collaboration and networks, with 38minutes featuring as a key success story.</p> <p> </p> <p>The article reports that 38minutes inspired Jozsef Gonda, MD of marketing business Forensys Communication, to create a network for entrepreneurs. After hearing about the success of 38 in Scotland, Jozsef decided to develop a website with useful information regarding tenders, EU funds, development opportunities, creative sector trends and opportunities for collaboration. "We wanted to emphasize to other entrepreneurs that cooperation brings opportunities," he says.</p> <p> </p> <p>38minutes also inspired the EU cinema network <a target="_blank" href="http://supportyourlocalcinema.com">Support Your Local Cinema</a>. Rachael Castell modelled the site on 38minutes after a recommendation from GFT's Jen Davies that 38 was not to be missed. Jen has used the site for everything from marketing and recruitment to inspiration and blogging.</p> <p> </p> <p>It's great to hear that our small but ambitious network is attracting international attention!</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>How do you use 38minutes?</strong></p> Shock report: digital media not at heart of broken Britain tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-08-25:2304815:BlogPost:101860 2011-08-25T14:49:28.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u768BjmbslKknefCfSF9R-b8E1ZBjvjNmF-5Mx*IRRr1GXy9RkTsGMwEFY-W7OEKAO1bYDVq-mbbVw2qUNEzV5cSaEzjuT*s/149435110810riotclaphamcleanup.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u768BjmbslKknefCfSF9R-b8E1ZBjvjNmF-5Mx*IRRr1GXy9RkTsGMwEFY-W7OEKAO1bYDVq-mbbVw2qUNEzV5cSaEzjuT*s/149435110810riotclaphamcleanup.jpg" width="650"></img></a></p> <p>I can hardly believe what I'm reading. The Guardian, having completed a study, reveals that Twitter and other social media sites were not the real villains in the recent riots.</p> <p> </p> <p>In London, they report, most of the tweets followed after the violence had already broken out,…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u768BjmbslKknefCfSF9R-b8E1ZBjvjNmF-5Mx*IRRr1GXy9RkTsGMwEFY-W7OEKAO1bYDVq-mbbVw2qUNEzV5cSaEzjuT*s/149435110810riotclaphamcleanup.jpg"><img class="align-full" width="650" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/u768BjmbslKknefCfSF9R-b8E1ZBjvjNmF-5Mx*IRRr1GXy9RkTsGMwEFY-W7OEKAO1bYDVq-mbbVw2qUNEzV5cSaEzjuT*s/149435110810riotclaphamcleanup.jpg"/></a></p> <p>I can hardly believe what I'm reading. The Guardian, having completed a study, reveals that Twitter and other social media sites were not the real villains in the recent riots.</p> <p> </p> <p>In London, they report, most of the tweets followed after the violence had already broken out, whilst in Manchester the greatest proportion of tweets - 200,000 - were people organising themselves for the clean-up campaign. See <a target="_blank" href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/interactive/2011/aug/24/riots-twitter-traffic-interactive?intcmp=239">here</a> for the report in full.</p> <p> </p> <p>Boris, Dave and Nick will no doubt be astounded to learn that social unrest most commonly has at its roots such trifling issues as poverty, inequality, racism and disenfranchisement. Which is a shame, because it's that much easier to replace hoodies with a nice cable knit and mobile devices with a copy of the Telegraph, thus replacing the urge for protest with the urge to take a nice fulfilling gap ya feeding tofu to ponies in Guatemala (or something).</p> <p> </p> <p>Okay, enough sarcasm for the moment. The serious point I'm badly making is that it's outrageous to point the finger of blame for recent rioting at digital tools. They are just tools, after all. But since they're associated with youth and modernity, they get the blame. If rioters were writing FIIIIGHT!! on rolled-up bits of paper and sending it by carrier pigeon, would we have mass hysteria about the pigeon, a guerilla warrior for the urban poor? (Oops, there's that sarcasm again.)</p> <p> </p> <p>Please, let's stop being afraid of 'youths', 'yobs', 'neds', 'chavs', 'neets', 'the asbo generation'. Let's stop giving them labels and start listening to them. Only a very small number of news channels bothered to speak to any ordinary kids in London, preferring instead to ask the opinion of academics and other boffins.</p> <p> </p> <p>Please don't misunderstand me - I am not for one second condoning the despicable and mindless violence and crime that swept England earlier this month. Most of those people had no idea why they were doing it, but just wanted a big shiny new telly. Their actions are despicable. But this did start with a real issue: the blanket stop and search policy of the police, and their killing of a young man who did not, as it turned out, fire first.</p> <p> </p> <p>The saddest thing about the looting that followed is that it served to obscure that genuine issue at the heart of the protests. It cheapened the cause, and in doing so it gave the Government the opportunity to perform a very easy sleight of hand, diverting our attention from poverty and racial tension to the evils of modern media and spoilt youth. "Now you see it, now you don't."</p> <p> </p> <p>Image borrowed from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/uklondoners-begin-riot-clean-up/story-e6frf7lf-1226112344737">here</a>. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> Where the heck have all the groups gone? tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-07-12:2304815:BlogPost:95845 2011-07-12T15:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/*fJcN9m72H*-s0vDGa7TZhgO-YYEPX5EVC9RBP0yeyrJRRjlFsJHcyQiMkb7Jt3JrvD-SaA8OHVH*ScPyUjDp3TQM8xpUS-o/danielpaulino.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/*fJcN9m72H*-s0vDGa7TZhgO-YYEPX5EVC9RBP0yeyrJRRjlFsJHcyQiMkb7Jt3JrvD-SaA8OHVH*ScPyUjDp3TQM8xpUS-o/danielpaulino.jpg?width=400" width="400"></img></a> Yup, the vast majority of groups have been deleted, as site volunteer Gavin explains in <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/new-38minutes-groups-needing" target="_blank">this post</a>.</span><br></br><br></br><span class="font-size-2">It's a bit scary to go from hundreds of…</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/*fJcN9m72H*-s0vDGa7TZhgO-YYEPX5EVC9RBP0yeyrJRRjlFsJHcyQiMkb7Jt3JrvD-SaA8OHVH*ScPyUjDp3TQM8xpUS-o/danielpaulino.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/*fJcN9m72H*-s0vDGa7TZhgO-YYEPX5EVC9RBP0yeyrJRRjlFsJHcyQiMkb7Jt3JrvD-SaA8OHVH*ScPyUjDp3TQM8xpUS-o/danielpaulino.jpg?width=400" width="400"/></a>Yup, the vast majority of groups have been deleted, as site volunteer Gavin explains in <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/new-38minutes-groups-needing" target="_blank">this post</a>.</span><br/><br/><span class="font-size-2">It's a bit scary to go from hundreds of groups to just a handful, but we think it will make the site more valuable and useful for everyone. The new groups created so far are:</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/creativeindustryscotland" target="_blank">TV &amp; Film</a></span><br/><span class="font-size-2">Promote your work, discuss industry trends, share ideas, arrange social events - it's up to you!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/web" target="_blank">Web</a></span><br/><span class="font-size-2">A group for the discussion of all things online. Yes, we know that's rather a lot.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/creativeagencies" target="_blank">Creative Agencies</a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2">For digital, design, copywriting, PR, animation. All in one group, because few of us are one trick ponies.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/games" target="_blank">Gaming</a></span><br/><span class="font-size-2">Whether it's multi-million pound RPGs or fast-fire mobile games, this is your industry forum.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/digitalinnovation" target="_blank">Digital Innovation</a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Trends, challenges and brilliant ideas from public, private and voluntary sectors.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/startupsfunding" target="_blank">Startups &amp; Funding</a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Because let's be frank, funding is like golddust these days. Get some ideas here.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/edinburghcoffeemorning" target="_blank">Edinburgh Happenings</a> and <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/glasgowcoffeemorning" target="_blank">Glasgow Happenings</a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Formerly Edinburgh Coffee Morning and Glasgow Coffee Morning, now a place to post any social events in the cities. We're not discriminating - let us know if you want to run a group for your city too.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">As you can see, these Groups are very new, and very sad and empty right now. They will busy up in time but they rely on your contributions, so get talking!</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">We have plans for many more groups, but they need people to look after them. Would you like to volunteer? If so, we'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment below or email me direct.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">You can also let us know what you think of the site and suggest new ideas at <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/your38minutes" target="_blank">Your 38minutes</a>.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Finally, big thanks to <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/EspenBrunborg" target="_blank">Espen Brunborg</a> for providing our lovely new Group icons.<br/></span></p> They think it's all over... it is NotW tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-07-12:2304815:BlogPost:95130 2011-07-12T12:26:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FzPZmaaCJHuH6j36412E-X69mMUmESw55jBHOjeWgP*6MJLI5M6JXwo*wkEms*f44Q8j09oM7EQmPUMGmxI-2*Zu1JGrT7kj/220pxNotw_last2.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FzPZmaaCJHuH6j36412E-X69mMUmESw55jBHOjeWgP*6MJLI5M6JXwo*wkEms*f44Q8j09oM7EQmPUMGmxI-2*Zu1JGrT7kj/220pxNotw_last2.jpg" width="220"></img></a> Well since the rest of the UK is gleefully heaping scorn upon the News of the World I feel it would be remiss of me not to do that very British thing of hopping onto the proverbial bandwagon. And I'm even cheeky enough to simultaneously criticise their journalism and steal their…</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FzPZmaaCJHuH6j36412E-X69mMUmESw55jBHOjeWgP*6MJLI5M6JXwo*wkEms*f44Q8j09oM7EQmPUMGmxI-2*Zu1JGrT7kj/220pxNotw_last2.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/FzPZmaaCJHuH6j36412E-X69mMUmESw55jBHOjeWgP*6MJLI5M6JXwo*wkEms*f44Q8j09oM7EQmPUMGmxI-2*Zu1JGrT7kj/220pxNotw_last2.jpg" width="220"/></a>Well since the rest of the UK is gleefully heaping scorn upon the News of the World I feel it would be remiss of me not to do that very British thing of hopping onto the proverbial bandwagon. And I'm even cheeky enough to simultaneously criticise their journalism and steal their (admittedly smart) headline.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">I must however warn any readers foaming at the mouth with NotW-induced rage that this blog post is not going to be a diatribe against the paper. I won't be raking its ashes and calling it a disgrace - or at least not ad nauseum. In fact let's get it out of the way early on: NotW was a crap paper, and its actions were 100% immoral. Indeed, it is a disgrace.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">That said, I am heartily sick of reading editorial after editorial ranting aimlessly about it. The Guardian has been positively ejaculating with joy all month, writing article after article to stir things up, few of which tell us anything particularly new about the story. And in common with most of the rest of Britain I was very nearly reunited with my lunch when Cameron said - with astonishing hypocrisy - that this would 'end on my watch'. You're kidding, right?</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">NotW walked a nauseating line between trashy gossip rag and political battleground. Scandal was its fuel, and moral indignance its fire. Its justification however, was market demand. Because lest we forget, it was the nation's biggest selling Sunday paper. Like it or not, we are a nation of curtain-twitching, cellulite-spotting, rubber-necking misanthropes. Whilst I accept that a sizeable percentage of the UK has no interest in who some overpaid footballer is shagging, the overwhelming majority is salivating at this titillating promise of moral slobbery. We, the Outraged Public, love having the chance to tut loudly and feel - for just a few moments - entirely superior to those people who earn more than we do but do nothing to deserve it.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Do you remember when you were a kid, and someone acted out in class? The second your teacher spotted it, all the little faces turned to stare at the offender and raised a chorus of "Ohhhhhh..... ohhhh.... ohhhhh" that continued like a motor. It was kid language for "you're fucked now" and it was actually subtler than most of the Guardian's NotW coverage.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">So let us tut, by all means, but let us also remember that the NotW is in many ways the poster boy for British media today. You can bet your boots that more revelations will come to light in the next few weeks revealing that - <em>quelle surprise</em> - other newspapers have been guilty of highly suspect and underhand journalistic practices such as phone hacking.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2"><strong>I sincerely hope that those slinging the most mud have made 100% sure that their own house is spotlessly clean.</strong></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Perhaps the saddest thing to come from all this is the damage to the careers of the journalists involved. Many of the staff at NotW will be entirely innocent of any wrongdoing but now pay the price for executive mismanagement. I don't believe for one second that Rebekah Brooks knew nothing of the hacking ("I was on holiday at the time" is a laughably transparent defence) and she must shoulder the weight of responsibility.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">That said however, I can’t help bit squirm with discomfort as the papers characterise her like Eve in the Garden of Eden – “<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/jul/08/rebekah-brooks-profile-phone-hacking">a ruthless, charming super-schmoozer</a>” according to the Guardian, while The Independent claim NotW was “sacrificed to save one woman.” The flame-haired temptress that brought down a publishing empire. Yeah right.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Let us point the finger of blame at Mulcare, at Coulson, at Brooks, at bent coppers and at sycophantic politicians. But let us also take this as an opportunity to look long and hard at the media industry in general, through a thorough and unbiased review. Let's scrutinise an industry so cut-throat that it goes to enormous and unthinkable lengths to stay ahead of the game. Then let us ask ourselves why they do this, and take an extra second before we hand over 10p to read about Kate Moss's powdered nose. Because the rotten truth is: we are all to blame.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">ps. I'm sorry Guardian. You're actually my favourite paper and due credit should be given for the scoop of the year. But enough now, mkay?</span></p> Urban Outfitters vs indie art tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-06-05:2304815:BlogPost:91834 2011-06-05T13:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/UuFaMpGclDQNXz3LhIoy-bmH8uPzOk8qT2VRHxur9cmajo2aGk1K3zEjEva2SHTmECusIh*SIfHQ7CTMUPN8k-fd48Y8AQ43/aboutpage.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/UuFaMpGclDQNXz3LhIoy-bmH8uPzOk8qT2VRHxur9cmajo2aGk1K3zEjEva2SHTmECusIh*SIfHQ7CTMUPN8k-fd48Y8AQ43/aboutpage.jpg" width="500"></img></a> <span class="font-size-2">On May 26th, jewellery maker <a href="http://www.imakeshinythings.com/" target="_blank">Stevie Koerner</a> tweeted that fashion giant Urban Outfitters had ripped off one of her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/truche?section_id=6584327" target="_blank">designs</a>. Within a matter of days,…</span></p> <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/UuFaMpGclDQNXz3LhIoy-bmH8uPzOk8qT2VRHxur9cmajo2aGk1K3zEjEva2SHTmECusIh*SIfHQ7CTMUPN8k-fd48Y8AQ43/aboutpage.jpg" target="_self"><img src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/UuFaMpGclDQNXz3LhIoy-bmH8uPzOk8qT2VRHxur9cmajo2aGk1K3zEjEva2SHTmECusIh*SIfHQ7CTMUPN8k-fd48Y8AQ43/aboutpage.jpg" width="500" class="align-full"/></a><span class="font-size-2">On May 26th, jewellery maker <a href="http://www.imakeshinythings.com/" target="_blank">Stevie Koerner</a> tweeted that fashion giant Urban Outfitters had ripped off one of her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/truche?section_id=6584327" target="_blank">designs</a>. Within a matter of days, the row had erupted via social media, with Urban Outfitters seeing a sharp drop in its share price and Koerner welcoming $36k in sales.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">I'm usually cautious about Twitter's claims of changing the world, but this particular story really does illustrate the power of social media.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-2">Below is a fascinating account of the story by Scott Douglas:</span></p> <p> </p> <div class="prezi-player"><div class="prezi-player-links"><p><span class="font-size-2"><a href="http://prezi.com/wsgb0hqn2lna/its-just-one-little-tweet/" title="The anatomy of a Twitter-induced PR disaster - how the Urban Outfitters jewellery row went from a single Tweet to a worldwide trending topic between May 25 to May 31, 2011">It's Just One Little Tweet...</a> on <a href="http://prezi.com">Prezi</a></span></p> </div> </div> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-1">Image: From Stevie Koerner's online <a href="http://www.imakeshinythings.com/about.html" target="_blank">shop</a> - no copyright intended. And good luck to you!</span></p> Goodbye Guardian Edinburgh tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-05-27:2304815:BlogPost:91025 2011-05-27T12:51:19.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><em><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kQxtyjfz8Zwd9DaKdkWttXJmve4gUOGZJHrJUM6KD9u0Vi1J4cAqtBs2tQvt*9YK-B1DlqKPZOF8XJ82jgIL073uusa-FQtF/michaelmacleod.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" height="454" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kQxtyjfz8Zwd9DaKdkWttXJmve4gUOGZJHrJUM6KD9u0Vi1J4cAqtBs2tQvt*9YK-B1DlqKPZOF8XJ82jgIL073uusa-FQtF/michaelmacleod.jpg" width="606"></img></a> Today marks the end of the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/edinburgh" target="_blank">Guardian Edinburgh</a> blog, an experiment in hyper-local journalism that achieved what seemed to be nigh-on impossible: a professional and useful daily local news site with a dedicated and varied following. So why…</em></p> <p><em><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kQxtyjfz8Zwd9DaKdkWttXJmve4gUOGZJHrJUM6KD9u0Vi1J4cAqtBs2tQvt*9YK-B1DlqKPZOF8XJ82jgIL073uusa-FQtF/michaelmacleod.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/kQxtyjfz8Zwd9DaKdkWttXJmve4gUOGZJHrJUM6KD9u0Vi1J4cAqtBs2tQvt*9YK-B1DlqKPZOF8XJ82jgIL073uusa-FQtF/michaelmacleod.jpg" height="454" width="606"/></a>Today marks the end of the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/edinburgh" target="_blank">Guardian Edinburgh</a> blog, an experiment in hyper-local journalism that achieved what seemed to be nigh-on impossible: a professional and useful daily local news site with a dedicated and varied following. So why close it down, and what does this say about the future of local news? 38minutes asked the face of Guardian Edinburgh, its 'beatblogger' Michael Macleod.</em></p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Where did the idea for local blogs come from and what did Guardian hope they would achieve?</strong> <br/> <br/> The mission statement is <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/local">online here</a>. There were quite a few aims, but in summary it was an experiment to collaborate with communities in providing journalism about their areas. I wasn't really part of the concept/design/launch stage as I joined in September, about 5 months after it started in Edinburgh. But one of the project's aims that jumped out for me was to increase scrutiny of, and participation in, local democracy - something I felt, and still feel, needs to be given more prominence in society. Otherwise who knows what they'll get away with? <br/> <br/><strong>Have the blogs received different levels of engagement in different areas?</strong> <br/> <br/> Yes, they've all evolved slightly differently. In <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/cardiff">Cardiff</a> Hannah has found a very strong blogging community with has flourished further since her involvement. John, who runs/ran the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/leeds">Leeds</a> blog, has a newspaper background and made great efforts to cover council affairs in far greater detail than his local papers could. The readers of his blog seem to really appreciate that level of detail and he encourages them to participate in consultations and events that may otherwise slip through the net. And in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/edinburgh">Edinburgh</a> I've tried to offer the blog as a podium to whoever wanted to use it. I've run polls on the blog to ask what people are interested in and used engagement stats to judge what I should be reporting on. That's resulted in some local campaigns being followed more thoroughly, with issues such as the Blindcraft factory closure, the Leith biomass plant plan and Forest Cafe campaign all getting their own sections on the site. <br/> <br/> <strong>What was the most challenging thing about blogging so frequently on local issues?</strong> <br/> <br/> I've always been slightly conscious of sounding repetitive by blogging about certain local issues. But to be fair to our readership I've never been challenged on that. While the issues mentioned above had limited interest, there were topics such as the trams that I've written about every week, yet still the posts go down well. There is so much public cash at stake in the tram project that people are determined to be very well read-up on it. <br/> <br/> The main challenge has been trying to cover as many things as possible. It's not possible for one person to stay on top of everything, so I try to point people to other sites' coverage every morning in a blog news round-up. Guest posts have also been a big help in covering multiple issues, so in a way the community I live in has helped to solve that problem. <br/> <br/> <strong>If you had to pick out one or two highlights from your time as Edinburgh’s beat blogger, what would they be?</strong> <br/> <br/> I've made some real friends during this project. From charity workers and volunteers to company directors and even politicians. I've also picked up tons of new tech and online skills. Before I started I was a news reporter who could do shorthand and sort of take photos. Now I'm a (self-taught) multimedia journalist and really appreciate the chance I've had to learn. Earlier this week I asked people on Twitter what their highlights from the blog were and the most popular story seems to have been the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/edinburgh/2011/mar/11/edinburgh-councillor-sudoku-eric-barry-gathering">video of a councillor doing crosswords and sudoku</a> during an important council meeting. It raised questions about how open our local government meetings really are. Will he campaign at the 2012 elections and tell people on the doorsteps that he'll be the councillor who will do crosswords and sudoku on our behalf during meetings? I hope not. I wish I'd filmed a lot more during these meetings. Many of the councillors talk among themselves during the 15 minutes of presentations from the public, which I find extremely rude, considering these are the people who voted them in. For the record, I ought to state that I've made a lot of pals in the council too and the majority are definitely in it for the right reasons! <br/> <br/> <strong>Your blogs and tweets received a lot of attention – what advice would you offer to other bloggers hoping to make their work more prominent?</strong> <br/> <br/> There's no point having a podium like The Guardian online and not sharing it. I've always aimed to be inclusive in everything I write. So I've tried to keep inviting opportunities for people to join in by commenting, submitting pictures or videos. Linking to other sites is another way to be inclusive. I've also found people appreciate concise writing. Most weeks I'll spend two or three hours going through 100s of planning applications, so that nobody else has to. It's worth the effort to find wee gems of stories too. If something in the round-up gets a good response, that's when to expand on it with a follow-up in greater detail. <br/> <br/> <strong>Why has the decision been taken to cut the local blogs?</strong> <br/> <br/> The main reason is that the Guardian is not currently in a position to continue funding them. Those who made the decision have told us all to be proud of the blogs editorially, so in a way it's been out of our hands. There's a post covering the decision <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/help/insideguardian/2011/apr/27/guardian-local-update" target="_blank">here</a>. <br/> <br/><strong>How important do you think hyper-local journalism is in modern media? Does it have a future or is it simply not sustainable?</strong><br/> <br/> There's a good debate about this in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/help/insideguardian/2011/apr/27/guardian-local-update">comments section of the post announcing the blogs' closure</a>. I've spoken about it with <a href="http://thenoseinvestigates.wordpress.com/">Tom Allan</a> (the first Edinburgh beatblogger) and <a href="http://allytibbitt.com/">Ally Tibbitt</a> (founder of Greener Leith and now one of the <a href="http://local.stv.tv/edinburgh/">STV Local</a> staff). They are the driving force behind the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/edinbuzz">Edinbuzz</a> social media surgeries. We all agree hyperlocal journalism is important, can be influential and can be sustainable but perhaps with more people doing less work, and probably not as a full time job. They're two folk it's been a real privilege to meet and work with, and now I've got a bit of free time I hope I can do more with them. I certainly don't think trying to get advertising to fund hyperlocal news is the best business model, and I'm very grateful that was never a motivation behind the Guardian Local project. Whether that was our downfall or not, it meant the journalism was being done for the right reasons, not just hits or sales. I feel really lucky to have been part of it. <br/> <br/> <strong>What have you learned along the way?</strong> <br/> <br/> I've learned that these kinds of things don't come around often in life so you have to work hard to make the most of them. I had spent the past 6 years in newsrooms being told what to write about, and suddenly I had a lot more freedom. I've always tried to keep it in my head that the project doesn't exist for me to have a job though. It exists so there's an open door to anyone who reads the blog and wants to use it or work with me on things. So while people are saying it's a shame to see me go, the truth is that who ran it didn't really matter much as long as they grasped the concept. <br/> <br/> <strong>What do you plan to do next?</strong><br/> <br/> I've applied for a news reporting job, which I'd love to get back into so I can broaden my horizons from a news point of view. But I'm 26 and think I'm still young enough to be open minded about all sorts of careers. I've got some freelance work lined up for the next month and will hopefully be covering the Edinburgh book festival too. I've <a href="http://mmacleod.tumblr.com/">made a wee site</a> so people can contact me if they want to stay in touch or work on something. <br/> <br/> <strong>Now that we are bereft of your updates, are there any sites you’d like to recommend we visit?</strong> <br/> <br/> If it's Edinburgh news you're after, my favourite local site is the <a href="http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/Breaking%20news">Broughton Spurtle</a>. I love its independence. I admire that it challenges the local paper if there's something it disagrees with. Having said that, the <a href="http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/">Evening News</a> is usually nowhere near as bad as people make out. In fact, doing this job has made me really appreciate the effort that goes into the Evening News. Every single day it's got tons of exclusives, which is how a local paper should be. I've met most of the reporters and they do a brilliant job considering there aren't that many of them. <a href="http://www.greenerleith.org/">Greener Leith</a>'s site often gets to a lot of important local stories first and in far more depth than the rest too. My favourite news site is the Guardian <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog">Datablog</a>, which presents public data in visually enlightening ways and encourages people to play with the data and share their own visulisations of it. I hope one day it will be the norm for every news site ot link to the raw sources of data, information and reports, so they're less politically skewed and more open for the reader to make their own mind up about what's really going on. But having said that, you can beat <a href="http://www.theonion.com/">The Onion</a> for a good lol.</p> <p> </p> <p><span class="font-size-1">Image: borrowed from <a href="http://www.theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2011/03/edinburgh-reporter-chats-michael-macleod-guardian-beatblogger/" target="_blank">Edinburgh Reporter</a> with thanks</span></p> Welcome, people of Whippet on the Wire! tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-05-03:2304815:BlogPost:89158 2011-05-03T14:21:32.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/K7MSI7YustzgO2lS3NDtQoWAAE1ikhILCome2uFz30Hq3*PRAMVQPaSNSJQ28TsMWcX5L6pmWKFgt7zOIZwQH*5EBQZxgek6/stenza.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/K7MSI7YustzgO2lS3NDtQoWAAE1ikhILCome2uFz30Hq3*PRAMVQPaSNSJQ28TsMWcX5L6pmWKFgt7zOIZwQH*5EBQZxgek6/stenza.jpg" width="500"></img></a></p> <p>Just wanted to say hello and welcome to 38minutes' new members in Yorkshire and beyond! <a href="http://whippetonthewire.ning.com/" target="_blank">Whippet on the Wire</a> was set up by Channel 4 as a network for creative digital companies in the north of England. It was 38minutes sister south of the border.…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/K7MSI7YustzgO2lS3NDtQoWAAE1ikhILCome2uFz30Hq3*PRAMVQPaSNSJQ28TsMWcX5L6pmWKFgt7zOIZwQH*5EBQZxgek6/stenza.jpg"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/K7MSI7YustzgO2lS3NDtQoWAAE1ikhILCome2uFz30Hq3*PRAMVQPaSNSJQ28TsMWcX5L6pmWKFgt7zOIZwQH*5EBQZxgek6/stenza.jpg" width="500"/></a></p> <p>Just wanted to say hello and welcome to 38minutes' new members in Yorkshire and beyond! <a href="http://whippetonthewire.ning.com/" target="_blank">Whippet on the Wire</a> was set up by Channel 4 as a network for creative digital companies in the north of England. It was 38minutes sister south of the border. Sadly the site is now to close, but happily for 38minutes some of its members have elected to come join us here.</p> <p> </p> <p>It's great to see another surge in membership, which is now pushing 3000, and I hope you find the site useful. 38minutes was originally populated almost entirely by digital professionals, but today we have members from every area of the creative industries (please see the <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/directory" target="_blank">Directory</a> and leave a comment if you would like to be added) from graduate level to key 'movers and shakers' (God I hate that expression!)</p> <p> </p> <p>Please take the time to have a nose about. The most popular areas are Directory, <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/wanted" target="_blank">Wanted</a> group for new jobs, Events and of course the blogs, and we're always happy to have a broad range of people waxing lyrical about their business, their industry or whatever makes them tick!</p> <p> </p> <p>Although Channel 4 still covers the hosting costs of the site, 38 is now a community run by busy volunteers. If you have a suggestion for the site, or would like to contribute as a blogger, administrator, designer or general helper-outer, please leave me a comment below and I'll be in touch.</p> <p> </p> <p>Thanks for your interest!</p> <p> </p> <p>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stenza/" target="_blank">Stenza</a>under Creative Commons license.</p> <p> </p> The superinjunction versus freedom of speech: ding ding tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-04-27:2304815:BlogPost:88285 2011-04-27T08:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/wpDCBwLVdn8Y3nD5pZENtJhFu8GKnZf23L54g8D5jtNK3DuIn5i68onrSk0SUCKWOShElcnSwstj*ocIWhOj*RFV7yltvLuj/JKnig.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://api.ning.com/files/wpDCBwLVdn8Y3nD5pZENtJhFu8GKnZf23L54g8D5jtNK3DuIn5i68onrSk0SUCKWOShElcnSwstj*ocIWhOj*RFV7yltvLuj/JKnig.jpg?width=500" width="500"></img></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Is it just me, or has the 21st century been a tough old time for…</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com/files/wpDCBwLVdn8Y3nD5pZENtJhFu8GKnZf23L54g8D5jtNK3DuIn5i68onrSk0SUCKWOShElcnSwstj*ocIWhOj*RFV7yltvLuj/JKnig.jpg"><img width="500" src="http://api.ning.com/files/wpDCBwLVdn8Y3nD5pZENtJhFu8GKnZf23L54g8D5jtNK3DuIn5i68onrSk0SUCKWOShElcnSwstj*ocIWhOj*RFV7yltvLuj/JKnig.jpg?width=500" class="align-full"/></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Is it just me, or has the 21st century been a tough old time for journalism?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">First, the rise of digital media has in many ways undermined its status as the Great Conveyor of Knowledge. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for digital democracy and I tweet with the best of 'em, but I take a very strong position on one of 38minutes' oldest and most hotly contested debates: is journalism dying? The answer, to me, is a firm no.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Journalism simply needs to move with the times. Digital media feeds us an exhuasting array of information, not all of it reliable, and any professional journalist will apply their critical eye to the source and act as a filter through which only the truth will out. Well, in theory at least.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">And how they report that truth has rightly moved on to new platforms and acquired an interactive edge. Again, a welcome development. But there has certainly been a 'settling in' period where the industry had a bit of a wobble: if every Tom, Dick and Harry can self-publish, where does professional journalism fit in?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Then, just as things were settling down - journalism was moving forward, Murdoch had seized on charging for online content and the Old Order was looking to be restored (for better or worse) along came the superinjunction.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">If it's frustrating for journalists, it's equally so for consumers. Listening to Have I Got News For You, which was this week <a target="_blank" href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/8469472/BBC-censors-Have-I-Got-News-For-You-over-footballer-gagging-order-blunder.html">censored</a> as a Tory MP attempted to break a series of superinjunctions, was fairly irritating. Why? Simply because in this day and age we feel decidedly uneasy knowing there's a secret out there that The Man is keeping from us. Today, The Man isn't meant to have any power - we're meant to be in charge, aren't we?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Apparently not. Instead, the rich and powerful can purchase silence and force censorship. Journalists are not only banned from reporting their affair (affairs generally being the number one item they wish to cover up) but also banned from reporting that they were banned. It's incredible.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">And yet I do have mixed feelings. When it comes to the issue of free speech I'd stand alongside any journalist and argue passionately that it must be protected. If the media can be played as a pawn for the wealthy we can have no hope of fair impartial news (if such a thing is even possible).</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">But at the same time, is a premier footballer's latest affair really news? Is it in the public interest? Is it even any of our business?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">I think there are two issues here: one lofty and one downright seedy. First, we are outraged at the principle of the superinjunction and the threat it poses to free speech. It's the thin end of the wedge. </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Second, though we won't admit it, we are a nation of curtain twitchers. Just as we will clamour to see Kate Middleton's dress on Friday and cruelly debate the couple's chances of divorce, so we feel we have a right to know who is shagging who. It's the 21st century god damn it - what's the point of all this clever communications technology if it doesn't enable us to delight in other people's misery?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Okay, so I have my tongue in my cheek here, but the issues are real.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">What does everyone else think?</span></p> Introducing some new faces tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-03-14:2304815:BlogPost:85903 2011-03-14T11:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-WWKNXePq2DcZQ5F6yyKnVUK7001ReMC26-o6WA*hJcJR*73JTZx*ShhgUxY49fX5xmbhxFlUE8Wjew25JIXnwV4a3MsfdTf/katymutton.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="309" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-WWKNXePq2DcZQ5F6yyKnVUK7001ReMC26-o6WA*hJcJR*73JTZx*ShhgUxY49fX5xmbhxFlUE8Wjew25JIXnwV4a3MsfdTf/katymutton.jpg" width="604"></img></a> As reported <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/a-new-year-and-a-new-challenge" target="_blank">here</a>, 38minutes has entered a new phase - from January onwards, we have been busy recruiting a group of volunteers to look after the site.…</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-WWKNXePq2DcZQ5F6yyKnVUK7001ReMC26-o6WA*hJcJR*73JTZx*ShhgUxY49fX5xmbhxFlUE8Wjew25JIXnwV4a3MsfdTf/katymutton.jpg"><img height="309" width="604" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-WWKNXePq2DcZQ5F6yyKnVUK7001ReMC26-o6WA*hJcJR*73JTZx*ShhgUxY49fX5xmbhxFlUE8Wjew25JIXnwV4a3MsfdTf/katymutton.jpg" class="align-center"/></a>As reported <a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/a-new-year-and-a-new-challenge">here</a>, 38minutes has entered a new phase - from January onwards, we have been busy recruiting a group of volunteers to look after the site. Although the hosting costs of the site will still be covered by Channel 4's Stuart Cosgrove, the content will be entirely decided by our members.</span></p> <p><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Back in January, I issued a call for volunteers, and around 30 people came forward offering to help - a healthy sign I think of the creativity and motivation of the media community, even at a time when budgets are stretched and opportunities sparse. Anyway, we won't wallow in that.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">For the moment, I'd like to introduce you to a few of the people who will be making their mark on 38minutes, and helping you with any ideas, questions or challenges.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/RhwHbHQJuDslNa6RpfBPtomSC3f6EYWiRN2OMgV2n6-GM7t85RuclAixHvpCAkp2AlDQlnvn75xu7oebMrS4-pFLrvjJFx90/nic.jpg"><img height="106" width="106" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/RhwHbHQJuDslNa6RpfBPtomSC3f6EYWiRN2OMgV2n6-GM7t85RuclAixHvpCAkp2AlDQlnvn75xu7oebMrS4-pFLrvjJFx90/nic.jpg" class="align-left"/></a></strong></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong>Nicola More - site editor</strong></span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">I will continue to oversee the site in general, organising regular meetings between the volunteers and working hard to continue the impressive success the site has enjoyed to date. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Drop me a line</a> if you would like to volunteer, or for general questions and ideas about the site.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ulAJcvC8R-NCWJ6TEJmhozoyL-T2EfAvE*r9BTXf3f7jBI1QaD15L3PG6Zzgc8wWTGSn0JKatXxZ*HhsKWJsMf6dHsNGupYb/helen.jpg"><img height="114" width="109" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/ulAJcvC8R-NCWJ6TEJmhozoyL-T2EfAvE*r9BTXf3f7jBI1QaD15L3PG6Zzgc8wWTGSn0JKatXxZ*HhsKWJsMf6dHsNGupYb/helen.jpg" class="align-left"/></a>Helen Jackson - writer/co-ordinator<br/></strong>Many of you told us you found the regular 38minutes newsletter a useful way of getting the most out of the site, so <a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/HelenJackson?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Helen Jackson</a> has kindly agreed to produce this fortnightly update. You will also see Helen blogging on the site. Contact Helen if you have a story for inclusion in the newsletter.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7RA5YTe0AuUyXZULNCmI9Wfzdz2WZZ3SNWQlV-pxaevQSsluybMmtGkpCEEW6LNtzoz5d8kUjX1jB0tIa7WbDSAq322XqPk8/gavin.jpg"><img height="121" width="114" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/7RA5YTe0AuUyXZULNCmI9Wfzdz2WZZ3SNWQlV-pxaevQSsluybMmtGkpCEEW6LNtzoz5d8kUjX1jB0tIa7WbDSAq322XqPk8/gavin.jpg" class="align-left"/></a><strong>Gavin Robertson - groups co-ordinator</strong></span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Over the next few weeks, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/GavinRobertson?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Gavin</a> will be looking at the Groups we have here on 38minutes. The feeling is that at the moment there are too many groups with too few members - a small number of broadly focused industry groups would be more effective. Gavin will assess what we currently have and invite members to run new groups too. Don't worry, we won't do anything with your group without first contacting you for feedback. Contact Gavin if you want to share your views/ideas on the Groups.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/olGK67s638r-RLzxo8AQWqelEQdj0L7CUfILDbuZA7KatG2HbmnRiI3kNxV-7KwNSOmv4llq6kXACqfgCYWKVFOG6lODnX5E/steven.jpg"><img height="144" width="112" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/olGK67s638r-RLzxo8AQWqelEQdj0L7CUfILDbuZA7KatG2HbmnRiI3kNxV-7KwNSOmv4llq6kXACqfgCYWKVFOG6lODnX5E/steven.jpg" class="align-left"/></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong>Steven Wexelstein - design &amp; images</strong></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/StevenWexelstein57?xg_source=profiles_memberList">Steven</a> has agreed to provide images for the website homepage and in the months ahead will also look at how we can continue to evolve the design of the site. We eventually hope to add some apps and other social integration tools, but this is time and budget permitting, so please bear with us for now. If you want to help in that area, why not drop Steven a line?</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">There are many more volunteers whose roles are still to be confirmed - together they will look after the Events page, the Directory and the PR and marketing of the site.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">I'll post regular updates of any changes. In the meantime, please feel free to leave a comment with any feedback and ideas.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><em><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Image: By <a target="_blank" href="http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=30769998&amp;as=126249">KatyMutton</a> on Central Station.</span></em></p> 38minutes shares some thoughts with EU cinema site tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-03-09:2304815:BlogPost:85859 2011-03-09T11:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://supportyourlocalcinema.com" target="_blank"><img class="align" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VTf6HPl*N4OyyXmZknctLZfy1UU-djXbhzlLSby0FWUbBDYTxGrIVGwT*EC0EqZVvR9ta10sOztyO9v-*P15tXrT0oGLho3f/spazzo.jpg" width="500"></img></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://supportyourlocalcinema.com" target="_blank">Support Your Local Cinema</a>, the new social network for independent cinemas in the EU (funded by Moviepilot) was inspired by the success of 38minutes! So as one of the voluntary editors…</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_blank" href="http://supportyourlocalcinema.com"><img width="500" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VTf6HPl*N4OyyXmZknctLZfy1UU-djXbhzlLSby0FWUbBDYTxGrIVGwT*EC0EqZVvR9ta10sOztyO9v-*P15tXrT0oGLho3f/spazzo.jpg" class="align"/></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_blank" href="http://supportyourlocalcinema.com">Support Your Local Cinema</a>, the new social network for independent cinemas in the EU (funded by Moviepilot) was inspired by the success of 38minutes! So as one of the voluntary editors of this site, I was asked to pen a guest blog on SYLC sharing the lessons 38 has taught me about using social networks for business.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Here it is, for anyone that's interested:</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/VTf6HPl*N4OyyXmZknctLZfy1UU-djXbhzlLSby0FWUbBDYTxGrIVGwT*EC0EqZVvR9ta10sOztyO9v-*P15tXrT0oGLho3f/spazzo.jpg"></a><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/v4xFv8gQ1TdKlEUoVOSXWJ6x1Jjf5P0B5F8qji6GRqlleAoXNQIhDeQQrpmELwGGLEUNkxgS5r30uS-Kfk8Kr8RvMTHzYRBC/spazzo.jpg"></a></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><strong><br/>Putting the social back into the network<br/><br/></strong><em>If SylC is a young adolescent, then 38minutes.com is the cool kid in the 6<sup>th</sup> form that we all look up to. Editor of that site Nicola More here explores the potential of social networks as a business marketing tool – and offers some top tips for SylC members to make the most of this very site – from access to advertising, coffee to far-reaching change.</em></span></p> <p><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Social networks get a bad rep. I can think of no other form of media that’s so revered and maligned in equal measure. To quote Spiderman (and why not?) ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. And therein lies the challenge – social networks walk a delicate balance between promoting free speech and protecting members. The trouble with free speech is that you can’t guarantee whether it will be useful, informative and interesting – or ‘what I had for lunch in 140 characters’.<br/></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">The most social of social networks, sites like Facebook and Twitter, need to be handled with care in the corporate world, as their casual demeanour makes them a marketing minefield. I for one enjoyed a little chuckle when Scottish Labour Party member Stuart MacLennan referred to OAPs as ‘coffin dodgers’ and passengers at a Stirling train station as ‘chavs’ on Twitter. It was labelled ‘twitter suicide’ and the unfortunate candidate got the heave-ho.<br/></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">The social network for business is however a whole new ball game.<br/></span></p> <span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">I’m not talking about LinkedIn here (I personally find it utterly useless), but specific, focused, purposeful social networks, like SylC. These have great potential to link up professionals at every level, from freelance creatives to global businesses and, in the case of SylC, independent organisations from across a wide geographical area. They provide a forum on which to share best practice, discuss industry trends, swap ideas, advertise opportunities and even just let off steam. And their niche, business focus brings with it an implied code of etiquette – this will not be a place where you let your guard down after three glasses of wine and call your boss a tool.</span> <br/><br/> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">To illustrate my point, I’d like to introduce readers to 38minutes, a social network for modern media originally launched for Channel 4 and now run by a small group of volunteers. From a small base and with little more than a few hours of admin, the network now has close to 3,000 members, along with hundreds of blogs, job opportunities and events. These members range from freelancers to executives, representing every area of media, from copywriting to iPhone apps. 38 even welcomed its first celebrity when Stephen Fry joined in 2009.<br/></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Trouble is, the site operates with zero budget, beyond the basic hosting costs. In the months ahead, I’ll be working with volunteers to develop the site and demonstrate that it deserves at least some modest financial support. Why?</span> <br/><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><em>Because it delivers results.</em> <br/><br/></b></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">So from one social network to another, here are my thoughts about what 38 has achieved, and the possibilities this illuminates for SylC.<br/></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Forge collaborations<br/></b>Social networks are a great way to find potential partners for projects. On 38minutes, PR man Richard Saville-Smith has blogged <a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blog/list?user=0ztu8y8jeuyhd">tirelessly</a> about his aspiration to set up an all-encompassing arts ticketing platform. His perseverance has led to lots of feedback (some encouraging, some critical) from influential members such as Ian Mackenzie of Channel 4, creative consultant Anne Bonnar, Jen Davies of Glasgow Film Theatre and various other creatives. He is now discussing the idea with Creative Scotland.</span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>If you have an idea for your sector, why not float it on SYLC for feedback? You may well find high levels of support, or at the very least receive helpful advice to refine your proposal.<br/><br/></i></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><br/>Access, access, access<br/></b>I won’t lie – much of the success of 38minutes in the early days was down to the presence of various powerful and influential people, such as Channel 4 executive Stuart Cosgrove. That, and the lure of a funding pot in the form of 4iP. But that’s not a bad thing. Social media is a great leveller. Crammed diaries mean you might not get a chance to meet someone who is powerful in your industry, but on a social network you can get yourself right under their nose. It also works in reverse – talented people can find you, providing a useful alternative recruitment forum.</span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>It’s worth identifying members of the site who could potentially support your business (or vice versa!) and making contact.<br/><br/></i></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Lobby for change<br/></b>People power at its best. If there is strong feeling about a particular industry issue, it’s very easy to spark a campaign using a social network. Various members of 38minutes were part of an industry advisory group working with Scottish Enterprise to launch a strategy for Scottish digital media. The strategy argued for tax breaks in the gaming sector, and received support from the 38minutes community and games body TIGA. It didn’t work – the axe loomed on public funding in every area as we now know – but it did generate publicity and create a welcome sense of community.</span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Consider forming into groups with fellow members to drive action in a certain area. Or you could even pool resources to fund a joint project.<br/><br/></i></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Effective, free advertising<br/></b>Let’s face it, one of the best things about social media is its affordability. It enables even the smallest organisation to advertise its wares, using little more than time and energy. And unlike traditional advertising, social networks reveal the people behind the brand – little personal insights and quirks create a feeling of integrity and are a much warmer way of communicating a message. I for one, have great faith in humanity but little interest in advertising copy.</span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>Spend some time building your brand through your social media profile – and let your passion shine through.<br/><br/></i></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>Take virtual to real<br/></b>Ironically, one of the biggest groups we have on 38minutes is called Edinburgh Coffee Morning. Every Friday, media types crawl out of bed early and head to local eatery Centotre for coffee and chat. After all, social media is just that – social.</span><br/><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>SylC has members from all over Europe, but that doesn’t mean you can’t organise a little real-world get together for members in your area.<br/><br/></i></span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>And finally, a few tips gathered from various experts...</b></span></p> <ol> <li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Showing up is not enough. This sounds obvious, but many organisations allow their profile page to languish, untouched and unloved. Only commit to social media if you have the time to make it work for you.</span></li> <li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Separate business and personal. Absolutely use warmth and personality in your business communications, but this is not the place to mix in personal anecdotes about your drunken night out last week. At the other end of the scale, avoid spamming with advertising copy or endless links.</span></li> <li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s not all one way. One of the best ways of forging connections and generating traffic is to also take an interest in what other people are doing. So get out there and comment!</span></li> <li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Get the tools. Aggregating platforms like Tweetdeck are an efficient way to manage many applications at once. Did you know you can even schedule tweets to appear at certain times of day, so you can write them in one go then let the technology tweet away?</span></li> <li><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Have fun! Social media is not a chore; it’s a chance to make new friends and find interesting content. So dive in and enjoy yourself.</span></li> </ol> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;">Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/spazzo_1493/">SPazzø</a> on Flickr under Creative Commons.</span></p> <p><span class="font-size-2" style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p> Central Station book launched: get your copy now tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2011-01-25:2304815:BlogPost:81205 2011-01-25T15:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p><a href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/92EDCJhrehYcQMfc9zi8agUTQIbfTuu9U5j0g0Zbdao2WCCgpSBVaGRNGrY3SiPKbR-cGfnDn5QbK-XCOTaA-T7pXtXGsalS/censtabook.jpg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="367" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/92EDCJhrehYcQMfc9zi8agUTQIbfTuu9U5j0g0Zbdao2WCCgpSBVaGRNGrY3SiPKbR-cGfnDn5QbK-XCOTaA-T7pXtXGsalS/censtabook.jpg" width="621"></img></a> Drum roll please – today, the creative social network <a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a> launches a <a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com/book.aspx" target="_blank">book</a> celebrating the success of the site to date and looking back at its beginnings.…</p> <p><a target="_self" href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/92EDCJhrehYcQMfc9zi8agUTQIbfTuu9U5j0g0Zbdao2WCCgpSBVaGRNGrY3SiPKbR-cGfnDn5QbK-XCOTaA-T7pXtXGsalS/censtabook.jpg"><img height="367" width="621" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/92EDCJhrehYcQMfc9zi8agUTQIbfTuu9U5j0g0Zbdao2WCCgpSBVaGRNGrY3SiPKbR-cGfnDn5QbK-XCOTaA-T7pXtXGsalS/censtabook.jpg" class="align-center"/></a>Drum roll please – today, the creative social network <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com">Central Station</a> launches a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com/book.aspx">book</a> celebrating the success of the site to date and looking back at its beginnings. Stylishly designed and crammed with great original art and thought-provoking essays, the book is a really interesting reflection on an experiment in combining art and social media.</p> <p><br/><br/>But what is Central Station, other than a transport hub in Glasgow? Like its namesake, Central Station is both a network and a platform, a place where people can make connections and reach new destinations. I won’t labour over the metaphor, but you get the idea.</p> <p> </p> <p>In little more than a year, Central Station has amassed more than 120,000 members in 6,000 cities. Some 35,000 original works of art are showcased on the site, in clean member portfolios or curated collections. Turner Prize winning artists such as Gillian Wearing rub shoulders with up-and-coming young talent such as illustrator Johanna Basford.</p> <p> </p> <p>The numbers are impressive, but they’re not really the point. The point, at least for me, is in the moment. Central Station was born in a moment when social media was teetering on the brink. On one side, oblivion – driven to irrelevance and tedium by its own navel-gazing habits. On the other side, an opportunity to develop into something exponentially more meaningful. It was a moment when the creative industries held its breath, and watched. If the bursting of the dot com bubble carried any lesson, it was to hold ‘the new’ up to the light and really examine it. Who is it for? What does it do? Importantly, how does the virtual connect to the real?</p> <p> </p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/channel4">Channel 4</a> decided to take a punt. Gathering together an impressive pot of £51m, it offered funding for digital projects that delivered Innovation for the Public. The title alone speaks volumes: innovation with a purpose, and public service that rises above the humdrum. Basically, public service media with a distinctly Channel 4 flavour. Around the same time, Scottish Screen (now part of Creative Scotland) set up its <a target="_blank" href="http://www.creativescotland.com/investment/investing-in-screen/digital-innovation-fund">Digital Media IP Fund</a> to explore digital projects.</p> <p> </p> <p>Central Station was among the first projects to benefit from 4iP/Scottish Screen funding. Right from the start, the creative team at <a target="_blank" href="http://www.isodesign.co.uk/">ISO</a> set out to deliver something real. Founding director Damien Smith recalls: “When you work in a dynamic cultural hub like Glasgow, communities of artists, designers, filmmakers and musicians naturally bump up against one another. They might not always speak the same language, but they’re the people who shape the city at grassroots level. Could the project explore social media as a location for these communities to gather? We understood there was an audience out there, hungry for new work, new ideas and to be introduced to people who they hadn’t had access to via traditional showcases or exhibitions.”</p> <p> </p> <p>Sure enough, the audience arrived in droves. They browsed collections from Gillian Wearing, Toby Paterson, Chad McCail and Lucy Skaer; uploaded virtual portfolios for community feedback; attended pop-up real life events; collaborated on new projects and found new work. They even won funding through Central Station’s innovative Member Fund – cold hard cash without the red tape.</p> <p> </p> <p>Media consultant Ewan McIntosh sums it up well when he describes Central Station as “the meeting place between two worlds... the real world of art, film and making stuff, and the slightly transient, virtual world of click here, type there... It’s exciting to know that the digital world will only help me get closer to the things I didn’t already know I wanted to experience first hand.”</p> <p> </p> <p>I also believe it could herald an exciting new age for arts funding. Yes, we are battling through a recession and our public sector is being squeezed ever tighter, but thankfully we now live in an age where we can take matters into our own hands. As digital media breaks down the power structure of creator/publisher/distributor, so it enables the artist to get their work out there to new audiences. Online, we can collaborate, showcase, critique and make new connections - real human connections that will help us forge our careers. To me, the real power of the digital world lies in its ability to help us reach out in the real world.</p> <p> </p> <p>So good luck to Central Station! If you would like to read more about the growth of the network, and browse some of its fantastic collection of artwork, you can buy a limited edition copy or download it for free, right <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com/book.aspx">here</a>. Happy reading.</p> Up for a creative challenge? First collaboration brief launched. tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-12-07:2304815:BlogPost:77336 2010-12-07T15:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Q2gWlMGbycWXhLXaPLm4eojBaHH*iO4cF7fNV9AWd-aQrpvf4xP1Bn-yKXuqoXtqETGJmZDgn9kjDLRQ62YKBQEjCkZWl6-1/solo.dolo.jpg"></img></p> <br /> A few weeks back, Stuart Torrance suggested that the up-and-coming talent we have here on 38minutes might be interested in building their portfolio and contacts through a series of creative challenges.<br /> <br /> Many of you agreed, so I'm pleased to say the first challenge is now up and running, and ready for entries!<br /> <br /> We're challenging members to work in pairs or small groups to reinterpret a classic movie scene. You can read the full details… <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/Q2gWlMGbycWXhLXaPLm4eojBaHH*iO4cF7fNV9AWd-aQrpvf4xP1Bn-yKXuqoXtqETGJmZDgn9kjDLRQ62YKBQEjCkZWl6-1/solo.dolo.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> A few weeks back, Stuart Torrance suggested that the up-and-coming talent we have here on 38minutes might be interested in building their portfolio and contacts through a series of creative challenges.<br /> <br /> Many of you agreed, so I'm pleased to say the first challenge is now up and running, and ready for entries!<br /> <br /> We're challenging members to work in pairs or small groups to reinterpret a classic movie scene. You can read the full details <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/thiswayfortalent/forum/topics/creative-challenge-number-1">here</a>.<br /> <br /> If you would like to enter, please join <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/thiswayfortalent">This Way For Talent</a> group and leave a comment so I can add your name to the list of interested members.<br /> <br /> Can't wait to see what you come up with!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Photo courtesy of Solo.Dolo on Flickr under Creative Commons.</i> CenSta Party tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-11-29:2304815:BlogPost:76921 2010-11-29T15:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/CXUD5x51VmF4eFxOjxtaUpK-KmorvYvL0AvZYf8GnBsEfPXd3roP7vFVq50hpy59uypDiV8JZ*zWXyK0XH0tpZSUjrCz*unw/photo.PNG"></img></p> <br /> <b><a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the creative social network based in Glasgow, is holding an arty party this Friday 3 December in Sub Club.</b><br /> <br /> The party celebrates Central Station's numerous successes to date. I say numerous, but here's some numbers anyway:<br /> <br /> 120,000 users<br /> 21,000 images<br /> 4,500 creatives<br /> 6,000 cities<br /> <br /> Guests at the event will be treated to a sneak preview of CenSta's fantastic new… <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/CXUD5x51VmF4eFxOjxtaUpK-KmorvYvL0AvZYf8GnBsEfPXd3roP7vFVq50hpy59uypDiV8JZ*zWXyK0XH0tpZSUjrCz*unw/photo.PNG" alt=""/></p> <br /> <b><a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the creative social network based in Glasgow, is holding an arty party this Friday 3 December in Sub Club.</b><br /> <br /> The party celebrates Central Station's numerous successes to date. I say numerous, but here's some numbers anyway:<br /> <br /> 120,000 users<br /> 21,000 images<br /> 4,500 creatives<br /> 6,000 cities<br /> <br /> Guests at the event will be treated to a sneak preview of CenSta's fantastic new book, due for official release in January. The event will also see the winners of the Shadow Screen contest announced, the launch of the Pampero Award, special guest entertainment and lots of rum!<br /> <br /> The party kicks off at 7pm at Sub Club and there's an after party at MacSorley's from 10.<br /> <br /> The event is free but it is ticketed, and places are going fast. If you want to come along, please register <a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com/events/censta-party.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>. New Comment section on 38minutes tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-11-16:2304815:BlogPost:76067 2010-11-16T16:05:57.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Tra5J1b4CLX-a3MADpZVTXhfBp0FMwDudKRX*qSVTPNkxK2xcL4CsBEIo5qVPHgZ8d7FWa5*IYJHSIlbolo231zgrUkC16aE/janetlindsaywilson.jpg"></img></p> <br /> <i>Image © <a href="http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12944292&amp;as=126249" target="_blank">Janet Lindsday Wilson</a> on Central Station</i><br /> <br /> Now with more than 2500 members, 38minutes is home to some serious talent. Happily, there's also a great mix of talent - from people taking the first tentative steps in their media career to those who have already leapt in and are carving out a formiddable… <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/Tra5J1b4CLX-a3MADpZVTXhfBp0FMwDudKRX*qSVTPNkxK2xcL4CsBEIo5qVPHgZ8d7FWa5*IYJHSIlbolo231zgrUkC16aE/janetlindsaywilson.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> <i>Image © <a href="http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/service/displayKickPlace.kickAction?u=12944292&amp;as=126249" target="_blank">Janet Lindsday Wilson</a> on Central Station</i><br /> <br /> Now with more than 2500 members, 38minutes is home to some serious talent. Happily, there's also a great mix of talent - from people taking the first tentative steps in their media career to those who have already leapt in and are carving out a formiddable reputation. We have writers, artists, animators, photographers, designers, filmmakers and more.<br /> <br /> The new <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/page/what-next-for-arts-funding-1">'Comment'</a> section channels that expertise by inviting guest contributors to wax lyrical on the issues that matter to them, and to this industry.<br /> <br /> To kick off, our guest writers discuss funding for the arts. It's often seen as a luxury, yet the creative economy contributes massively to GDP in this country, helps shape our sense of cultural identity and - damn it, casts a ray of light among the constant barrage of economic gloom. With Creative Scotland now up and running, it seems a good time to take stock of what we have achieved, and what needs to happen next.<br /> <br /> <b>Anne Bonnar</b> welcomes Creative Scotland and celebrates Scotland's canny attitude.<br /> <b>Fin Wycherley</b> wants her bread and circuses back - or she will revolt.<br /> <b>Tim Bryans</b> looks to Ireland for inspiration on funding models for games and animation.<br /> <b>Keith D</b> calls on readers to lend their support for Fringe theatre.<br /> <b>Belinda Love</b> thinks 'make do and mend' is more than just a trendy design slogan.<br /> <br /> There are also countless links to arts support bodies, and exclusive videos and podcasts.<br /> <br /> Thank you to the contributors for taking time out of their busy lives to write for 38minutes. If you would like to join in the discussion or suggest a topic for the next instalment, simply leave a comment at the bottom of the <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/page/what-next-for-arts-funding-1">Comment</a> page or under this post. If you'd like to contribute, please email me.<br /> <br /> Hope you enjoy the new feature. Opportunity: creative collaboration tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-11-08:2304815:BlogPost:75351 2010-11-08T10:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/g1Gv*OZkj6yl2-J2ePcSMIsOY7P2XPHxiaaxL635Lf4P2q9YhRQeN3gVkdu6-iyAGBCzhvV*deAGUQ*JD7WVPsbiubxa4E7Z/mrslogic.jpg"></img></p> Looking to build your portfolio? Up for a creative challenge?<br /> <br /> 38minutes member Stuart Torrance is interested in pulling together a group of members to collaborate on a series of creative challenges set by 38minutes. Read Stuart's post about it <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/thiswayfortalent/forum/topics/collaborative-challenge-idea">here</a>.<br /> <br /> The best work will be promoted and featured on the site. Aspiring creatives would benefit from… <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/g1Gv*OZkj6yl2-J2ePcSMIsOY7P2XPHxiaaxL635Lf4P2q9YhRQeN3gVkdu6-iyAGBCzhvV*deAGUQ*JD7WVPsbiubxa4E7Z/mrslogic.jpg" alt=""/></p> Looking to build your portfolio? Up for a creative challenge?<br /> <br /> 38minutes member Stuart Torrance is interested in pulling together a group of members to collaborate on a series of creative challenges set by 38minutes. Read Stuart's post about it <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/thiswayfortalent/forum/topics/collaborative-challenge-idea">here</a>.<br /> <br /> The best work will be promoted and featured on the site. Aspiring creatives would benefit from enhancing their portfolio and getting their work under the noses of some of the most influential people in the industry. Plus of course there's always the warm glow of personal satisfaction and achievement!<br /> <br /> If you would like to take part, please leave a comment below or on Stuart's original post. All the action will be happening in new group <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/thiswayfortalent">This Way For Talent</a>, which was especially set up for 38minutes members taking their first steps towards a media career.<br /> <br /> <i>Image courtesy of Mrs Logic on Creative Commons license.</i> London calling: and missing the point for UK games tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-11-05:2304815:BlogPost:75227 2010-11-05T11:59:29.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/aKVtiZnCbTekyp9WxlzRSpIYWINtM83qojoqY3JPNCKMbRJRWAKmGyvOFVeqNzpgQrH0z-ySF975VqCEA891gKWC0kt1xMRQ/gnackgnackgnack.jpg"></img></p> <br /> The MediaGuardian today <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/04/video-games-developers-david-cameron" target="_blank">reports</a> on the UK games industry's dismay at plans to create a gaming hub in - wait, you've guessed it - London.<br /> <br /> Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting the level of talent in London, but like many other commentators I do want to point out that it's not the centre of the earth. Dundee may have taken a knock… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/aKVtiZnCbTekyp9WxlzRSpIYWINtM83qojoqY3JPNCKMbRJRWAKmGyvOFVeqNzpgQrH0z-ySF975VqCEA891gKWC0kt1xMRQ/gnackgnackgnack.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> The MediaGuardian today <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2010/nov/04/video-games-developers-david-cameron" target="_blank">reports</a> on the UK games industry's dismay at plans to create a gaming hub in - wait, you've guessed it - London.<br /> <br /> Don't get me wrong, I'm not doubting the level of talent in London, but like many other commentators I do want to point out that it's not the centre of the earth. Dundee may have taken a knock lately (although there's a wider industry trend at play, with employment dropping 9%) but it still has a world-famous games and digital sector.<br /> <br /> Just as TV indies outside of London face a difficult challenge, so too do the many other regional centres of gaming expertise highlighted by Tiga (Dundee, Edinburgh, York, Birmingham, Leamington Spa, Brighton) and the kind of support that's required is support that reflects the nature of the industry, not desperately grasps at some media-friendly notion of creating a super-hub to rival Silicon Valley.<br /> <br /> Since half of gaming jobs lost to the UK go abroad to countries with tax breaks, TIGAs proposal for tax relief across the UK is not an unreasonable one, and it is at least based on some actual research. The Scottish Government's Digital Inspiration report - compiled by industry representatives in Scotland and led by Channel 4's Stuart Cosgrove - also proposed tax breaks, starting in Dundee with a view to rolling out across the UK.<br /> <br /> Stuart is now leading Channel 4's new Creative Diversity team, which extends the focus of the previous Nations &amp; Regions department to look not just at regional diversity of production, as is the issue here, but also ethnic, social, sexual and racial diversity. It's working with a number of Scottish digital companies - Blipfoto on a photography competition, Storm ID on the Film4 site, Keo on Landshare, Mint Scotland on Quotables, Dynamo and Tag on iPhone apps, and many more.<br /> <br /> Those are a few examples of Scottish digital talent but of course there are many many more. Is your company thriving against the odds? Resist the 'Scottish cringe' and post a comment about it below. It's Friday and 38minutes needs a bit of positivity for the weekend!<br /> <br /> Image credit: gnackgnackgnack on flickr under Creative Commons license BIMA success for Scottish creative talent tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-27:2304815:BlogPost:74682 2010-10-27T14:00:03.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/lbP4Q2vT2CxnGrALaaNz*qoPutKMulYkbfRsHRsLP0xv4KeycA-a8m1Phy0SZ-FsR5yQOG4*-fjjf-shRwxJvdyEVCC00Wt-/sweeney.jpg?width=721"></img></p> <br /> The shortlist for the annual BIMA Awards - the Oscars of the digital industry - is packed with Scottish projects.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the social network for the arts created by Glasgow-based agency ISO, is up for two awards - Community and Engagement, taking on the likes of Toy Story and Nike in the latter category.<br /> <br /> Funded by Creative Scotland and Channel 4, Central Station features… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/lbP4Q2vT2CxnGrALaaNz*qoPutKMulYkbfRsHRsLP0xv4KeycA-a8m1Phy0SZ-FsR5yQOG4*-fjjf-shRwxJvdyEVCC00Wt-/sweeney.jpg?width=721" alt=""/></p> <br /> The shortlist for the annual BIMA Awards - the Oscars of the digital industry - is packed with Scottish projects.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.thisiscentralstation.com" target="_blank">Central Station</a>, the social network for the arts created by Glasgow-based agency ISO, is up for two awards - Community and Engagement, taking on the likes of Toy Story and Nike in the latter category.<br /> <br /> Funded by Creative Scotland and Channel 4, Central Station features photography, illustration, art and animation from artists based in cities all over the world.<br /> <br /> Also up for a gong is <a href="http://www.landshare.net" target="_blank">Landshare</a> by Keo Digital, which has been nominated for best Mobile App. Another Channel 4/Creative Scotland project, Landshare was created by the team behind River Cottage, and is run from Keo Scotland's base in Film City, Glasgow. The site matches people who own land with people who want to grow fresh produce, and has already won a stash of awards.<br /> <br /> Congratulations also to the team at <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/screenmediacouk" target="_blank">Screemedia</a>, who were nominated for its fitness tracking app Sprint GPS.<br /> <br /> I'll be keeping my fingers crossed on 25 November, when the winners are announced. Meantime, a hearty well done to all involved. It's a great showing for Scottish media.<br /> <br /> View the full shortlist <a href="http://www.bimaawards.com/2010-finalists.php" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /> <br /> <i>Image by photographer Brian Sweeney, who showcases his work on <a href="http://community.thisiscentralstation.com/_another-attempt-at-getting-my-pictures-on-a-cig-packet/photo/10922383/126249.html" target="_blank">Central Station</a>. Brian's full portfolio can be viewed on his <a href="http://www.briansweeneyphotography.com/content/Audio-Chi/2337" target="_blank">website</a>.</i> Are we getting dumber? tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-25:2304815:BlogPost:74415 2010-10-25T14:30:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/z*8UyUlh6C9zmW1IKt6PSJVFAp15EqXxslZAIDE5DN97kc884V36TLM*tDQ2f1rSzBBql8*CrKn1ucjrB9VyBZ81daIDQ39M/thomas_hawk_print_med.jpg"></img></p> <br /> In the face of falling sales, The Independent has launched its "funkier" cousin <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/the-independent-launches-iii-2109899.html" target="_blank">'i'</a>.<br /> <br /> i is a 56-page mini paper that offers short versions of all the usual articles from the Independent. It will publish Monday to Friday, costs 20p and is supported by iPhone and iPad versions. And knock me down with a feather, you can follow i on… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/z*8UyUlh6C9zmW1IKt6PSJVFAp15EqXxslZAIDE5DN97kc884V36TLM*tDQ2f1rSzBBql8*CrKn1ucjrB9VyBZ81daIDQ39M/thomas_hawk_print_med.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> In the face of falling sales, The Independent has launched its "funkier" cousin <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/press/the-independent-launches-iii-2109899.html" target="_blank">'i'</a>.<br /> <br /> i is a 56-page mini paper that offers short versions of all the usual articles from the Independent. It will publish Monday to Friday, costs 20p and is supported by iPhone and iPad versions. And knock me down with a feather, you can follow i on twitter!<br /> <br /> The Independent claims that i will maintain the high editorial standards of The Independent but cater for people who don't have time to read a broadsheet. A kind of high-class Metro I guess. I'm sceptical however, since the lead story on the i website sports a massive photo of Cheryl Cold and a decidedly 'this'll-keep-the-kidz-happy' headline of 'What makes someone go from zero to hero?'<br /> <br /> I have been shame-facedly admitting for a number of years now that I don't buy newspapers. As someone who works in print publishing (I write for customer magazines among other things) it makes me cringe a little to recognise that I'm one of the causes of the ailing industry.<br /> <br /> Is it because I is thick? I hope not. My rationale is that I get all my news online, from mediaguardian and BBC News, or on TV from Channel 4 news. I don't have time to wade through a massive paper every week. The Sunday papers are my best hope, but I'm not that keen on revisiting old news even for the promise of intelligent analysis. Instead, I'm a magazine-o-phile. Give me a Sunday supplement or glossy and I'll give you a whole afternoon of my life, every week.<br /> <br /> The question is, are we getting dumber? Busier? Or have newspapers really just had their day? And is it totally bizarre to say "I hope not" to that last question, when I don't even buy them?<br /> <br /> <i>Image courtesy of Thomas Hawk under Creative Commons license.</i> Film4 budget up 50% tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-14:2304815:BlogPost:73577 2010-10-14T14:11:53.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/DC3Uxf2V4iGqpsMvzkuVZctLwGBbBUUATUEQjxCdRoHBon2ecWtdME0yDsXULDa6Y-Sjf81-KhyvOe15QZz7PbLBYdW087pw/neds.jpg"></img></p> It's been a week of good news for the film industry, with <a href="http://www.film4.com" target="_blank">Film4</a> enjoying a 50% budget increase and Peter Mullan's Neds picking up two prestigious awards.<br /> <br /> Film4 is the biggest commercial investor in British independent cinema, and has been responsible for some of the biggest hits in cinema history, from cult classic Trainspotting to surprise box office smash Slumdog Millionaire. Its latest release,… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/DC3Uxf2V4iGqpsMvzkuVZctLwGBbBUUATUEQjxCdRoHBon2ecWtdME0yDsXULDa6Y-Sjf81-KhyvOe15QZz7PbLBYdW087pw/neds.jpg" alt=""/></p> It's been a week of good news for the film industry, with <a href="http://www.film4.com" target="_blank">Film4</a> enjoying a 50% budget increase and Peter Mullan's Neds picking up two prestigious awards.<br /> <br /> Film4 is the biggest commercial investor in British independent cinema, and has been responsible for some of the biggest hits in cinema history, from cult classic Trainspotting to surprise box office smash Slumdog Millionaire. Its latest release, Never Let Me Go, premiered at London Film Festival last night.<br /> <br /> Thanks to a strong upturn in advertising revenues, Channel 4 announced this week that it will increase Film4's 2011 budget by 50%, to £15m. Despite its relatively modest budget, Film4 is a powerful catalyst for the industry, generally attracting up to five times its investment from other partners.<br /> <br /> Neds, a Film4 production supported by Creative Scotland, last week picked up two awards at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain. It won a Golden Shell award for best film, whilst newcomer Conor McCarron picked up a Silver Shell award for best actor.<br /> <br /> Set in 1970s Glasgow, Neds tells the story of a young man's journey from prize-winning schoolboy to knife-carrying teenager. It is written and directed by Peter Mullan. Congratulations to all involved. Blogs: spewings and ramblings of drunk people tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-11:2304815:BlogPost:73234 2010-10-11T16:06:48.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/L6ZrEeCVBI-L*Xbo3ZpFkyW-TN0E-*kE5HRsxVn9PlUO42oh18sRC5xs-Bz8am0gtpjGn0xtCWnjBhJzUTDGRhz-n1kH3RRT/tsand.jpg"></img></p> <br /> I had to laugh when I <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/oct/11/andrew-marr-bloggers" target="_blank">read</a> that Andrew Marr had called bloggers "socially inadequate, pimpled, single, slightly seedy, bald, cauliflower-nosed young men sitting in their mother's basements and ranting".<br /> <br /> Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, Marr dismissed blogs as "the spewings and ramblings of very drunk people late at night".<br /> <br /> (Now I must say… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/L6ZrEeCVBI-L*Xbo3ZpFkyW-TN0E-*kE5HRsxVn9PlUO42oh18sRC5xs-Bz8am0gtpjGn0xtCWnjBhJzUTDGRhz-n1kH3RRT/tsand.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> I had to laugh when I <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/oct/11/andrew-marr-bloggers" target="_blank">read</a> that Andrew Marr had called bloggers "socially inadequate, pimpled, single, slightly seedy, bald, cauliflower-nosed young men sitting in their mother's basements and ranting".<br /> <br /> Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, Marr dismissed blogs as "the spewings and ramblings of very drunk people late at night".<br /> <br /> (Now I must say that Marr's legendary long flailing <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5qnDE58MQc" target="_blank">arms</a> actually kind of remind me of a drunk radge, staggering down Sauchiehall Street of a Friday night and shouting random abuse at people. But that's by the by.)<br /> <br /> I think Marr is writing off some really great stuff by so casually dismissing blogging.<br /> <br /> <b>So let's have some blog love. What are your favourite, unmissable blogs?</b><br /> <br /> For me (in no particular order):<br /> <br /> <a href="http://homeshoppingspy.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Home Shopping Spy</a><br /> <a href="http://iamboey.com/" target="_blank">I Am Boey</a><br /> <a href="http://scaryduck.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Scary Duck</a> (not scary, not a duck)<br /> <a href="http://www.erucola.blogspot.com" target="_blank">E Rucola</a> (new Edinburgh-based food blog)<br /> <br /> And don't be humble - you can list your own if you like! Friday Fun tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-08:2304815:BlogPost:72805 2010-10-08T13:16:03.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore A little light relief of a Friday afternoon....<br /> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/ilvuJKkawGZcSTEMJktQDB4-iYqYKPtAny480*Jys-3m7T-on9ufJgNZLgRPWg50M4RiDS6ictGJVPfKNWqpHf-hX4AxUZpk/JnmYi.jpg?width=525" alt=""/></p> A little light relief of a Friday afternoon....<br /> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/ilvuJKkawGZcSTEMJktQDB4-iYqYKPtAny480*Jys-3m7T-on9ufJgNZLgRPWg50M4RiDS6ictGJVPfKNWqpHf-hX4AxUZpk/JnmYi.jpg?width=525" alt=""/></p> To vote Ed your next PM, text 'Ed' to 63188.... tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-10-01:2304815:BlogPost:72333 2010-10-01T09:43:48.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/sOYnXpoharKShCgOTD7KfMGV6IkOAwavuTzNzi51MlO6ULXnDa8z0T6NdhhUxWI4G9RRVTukrsf*ykju0hKCfA304ZBWFFlf/forblog.jpg"></img></p> <br /> A piece in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/sep/29/ed-miliband-new-media" target="_blank">Guardian</a> today hails Ed Milliband's win as "a strike against the old media and political establishment". A bit of a simplistic reading if you ask me.<br /> <br /> The political world seems to be teetering on the brink regarding the power of digital media. With ever-falling voter turnout and particular apathy amongst young voters,… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/sOYnXpoharKShCgOTD7KfMGV6IkOAwavuTzNzi51MlO6ULXnDa8z0T6NdhhUxWI4G9RRVTukrsf*ykju0hKCfA304ZBWFFlf/forblog.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> A piece in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/sep/29/ed-miliband-new-media" target="_blank">Guardian</a> today hails Ed Milliband's win as "a strike against the old media and political establishment". A bit of a simplistic reading if you ask me.<br /> <br /> The political world seems to be teetering on the brink regarding the power of digital media. With ever-falling voter turnout and particular apathy amongst young voters, politicians are desperately trying to find new ways of reaching the bebo generation.<br /> <br /> And of course Obama went off and won in the US. Thank god for his social media campaign, for without it he didn't stand a chance of winning. After all, it's not like he had any policies, personal charisma or intelligence.... ahem.<br /> <br /> Don't get me wrong, I'm all for politicians making an effort to engage young people, to engage all people, through mediums that are relevant to them. It's all very fun and easy to click 'like' on facebook when a campaign pops up saying something profound like 'human rights is good, mkay?'<br /> <br /> So I say go for it, so long as you realise that it's just another way of communicating your policies - not an end in itself. Just as Twitter will never end inequality, poverty and famine (sorry twitter), social media will never fill the vacuum of empty rhetoric and populist politics. New Labour will always be 'old labour without that pesky social conscience' and Tory will always be 'we never bothered with social conscience to start with but hey at least we're honest' - regardless of what they say on facebook. That is, until a real change comes.<br /> <br /> To me, social media will work brilliantly where it supports brilliant leaders with brilliant ideas and a willingness to stick to their ideals. Obama won for those merits, not because he once tweeted about his cat's breakfast, 'poked' his supporters on a daily basis, or raced to the dizzying heights of the top of the Digg listings.<br /> <br /> Or am I just indulging in a little end-of-week cynicism? Anyone care to make a case for new politics in new media? Is niche the new hope for publishing? tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-09-17:2304815:BlogPost:71166 2010-09-17T11:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Rn3Oia0KjBCySYxiAL0MbkcNY2uVeZk-6CYuTTMZDw01lgJNhW0qAGBWXqgu6LVzp*N6*PiBMyshiNP26U5zj-dAiPfgS9GH/beverley.jpg"></img></p> <br /> It's all about Beverley... apparently.<br /> <br /> The Guardian reports today that a popular hyperlocal <a href="http://www.hu17.net/" target="_blank">blog</a> based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, has expanded into a printed publication.<br /> <br /> When I read the headline I must admit that the jaded, sceptical side of me thought it would die on its arse. But on closer inspection it seems like a pretty smart business model. What's smart about it? It's not forgotten its… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/Rn3Oia0KjBCySYxiAL0MbkcNY2uVeZk-6CYuTTMZDw01lgJNhW0qAGBWXqgu6LVzp*N6*PiBMyshiNP26U5zj-dAiPfgS9GH/beverley.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> It's all about Beverley... apparently.<br /> <br /> The Guardian reports today that a popular hyperlocal <a href="http://www.hu17.net/" target="_blank">blog</a> based in Beverley, East Yorkshire, has expanded into a printed publication.<br /> <br /> When I read the headline I must admit that the jaded, sceptical side of me thought it would die on its arse. But on closer inspection it seems like a pretty smart business model. What's smart about it? It's not forgotten its hyperlocal roots.<br /> <br /> Far from launching a massive, full colour, high-end publication distributed by WHSmith in the thousands and stuffed with pricey ads, creator Paul Smith is sticking to small, local-interest community led stories and ads for the princely sum of £5 a week. A couple of hundred copies can be found at the local pub or barber.<br /> <br /> Hyper-local is an area that was much discussed in the early days of 38minutes - there's still a <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/hyperlocal">group</a> dedicated to it. The question is, with the internet making the community national and the national global, is this the new hope for print publishing? Small overheads, small ambitions, small profits, multiplied across the country?<br /> <br /> From a personal viewpoint I think there's a definite need for hyperlocal reporting in both print media, digital and TV. It's a criticism often levelled at the Beeb that 'local' news is anything within a 300 mile radius of where you live. As a Highland girl (proper, teuchter John O' Groat Highlands) I know all too well that Highland news equals Inverness, yet my family home is more than 100 miles north of that. Local site <a href="http://www.caithness.org" target="_blank">Caithness.org</a> might not be sophisticated, but its enduring popularity comes down to its relevance.<br /> <br /> New STV initiative <a href="http://local.stv.tv/" target="_blank">STV Local</a> is making some moves in this direction.<br /> <br /> Interested to know what other 38minuters think? Is there a future for hyperlocal journalism or do big audiences equal big bucks?<br /> <br /> (Full story in the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/organgrinder/2010/sep/16/hyperlocal-blog-hu17-beverley-paul-smith-print" target="_blank">Guardian</a>. The online HU17 blog is <a href="http://www.hu17.net" target="_blank">here</a>. Good luck to him! 38minutes groups: we're having a clear-out tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-09-03:2304815:BlogPost:70097 2010-09-03T14:55:41.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/fW2QiYuodgv0Yvvwe5wICN8UU2vJDCc6yl5-DENEjyPceHTd*09AtfZbBoU0mWjeiLeB3WqadGYblYlj*CXmF2kSeis6rbU9/banksy.jpg?width=721"></img></p> <br /> Ravi's interesting <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/stream-7-has-38-minutes-had">blog</a> from earlier this week attracted lots of useful feedback on 38minutes - what it's there for, what works and what doesn't.<br /> <br /> A few people pointed out that whilst there are lots of groups, not all of them are useful and not all of them are updated regularly. We've been aware of this for quite a while, and much as we hate to come in and mess with… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/fW2QiYuodgv0Yvvwe5wICN8UU2vJDCc6yl5-DENEjyPceHTd*09AtfZbBoU0mWjeiLeB3WqadGYblYlj*CXmF2kSeis6rbU9/banksy.jpg?width=721" alt=""/></p> <br /> Ravi's interesting <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profiles/blogs/stream-7-has-38-minutes-had">blog</a> from earlier this week attracted lots of useful feedback on 38minutes - what it's there for, what works and what doesn't.<br /> <br /> A few people pointed out that whilst there are lots of groups, not all of them are useful and not all of them are updated regularly. We've been aware of this for quite a while, and much as we hate to come in and mess with people's stuff, the time has come for a bit of a clear-out.<br /> <br /> So from next week you'll see me on here, deleting some groups that haven't been refreshed in months, merging others together and adding a few more that I think will be of interest.<br /> <br /> Rest assured, we wouldn't dream of deleting anything that's a) newly created or b) regularly used - just tidy up a few bits and pieces to make sure the clutter doesn't hide any real gems.<br /> <br /> If you're reading this and thinking "Nooo - I just haven't got round to it yet!" please drop me a line. If you're thinking "Pah, the Groups are crap anyway, what I'd really find useful is...." then get on here and create it! We'd be delighted to see new contributors making their mark.<br /> <br /> Any other comments or ideas regarding the network, post them here. Your feedback is always helpful. LinkLove: what's your favourite website? tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-08-26:2304815:BlogPost:69462 2010-08-26T10:38:51.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/S0VxBHZTvPni24Y-DI6ZF9dj-0Rb4bzxTmFvyCmDdmK-PMUZFoBoSEqNRGsT04i*t6vOUNAAsj5OqaxVFmNVDmCG59ozWiHF/Labuat006.jpg"></img></p> <br /> As an Unapologetic Geek, I do get a kick out of lists of any kind, so couldn't resist having a browse through Time Magazine's picks of the <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2012721,00.html" target="_blank">50 best websites</a> around today.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://soytuaire.labuat.com/" target="_blank">Labuat</a> is simply the most beautiful site I've ever seen. It uses clever tech to allow users to 'paint a song'… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/S0VxBHZTvPni24Y-DI6ZF9dj-0Rb4bzxTmFvyCmDdmK-PMUZFoBoSEqNRGsT04i*t6vOUNAAsj5OqaxVFmNVDmCG59ozWiHF/Labuat006.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> As an Unapologetic Geek, I do get a kick out of lists of any kind, so couldn't resist having a browse through Time Magazine's picks of the <a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,2012721,00.html" target="_blank">50 best websites</a> around today.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://soytuaire.labuat.com/" target="_blank">Labuat</a> is simply the most beautiful site I've ever seen. It uses clever tech to allow users to 'paint a song' and it's utterly captivating. Love it, love it.<br /> <br /> Do have a look at it and make sure you have the volume turned up nice and loud. But don't do it if you're busy: it's ridiculously hard to stop once you start!<br /> <br /> <b>What's your favourite website?</b> And I don't mean the usual run of Twitter et al, but the most beautiful, creative, smart and inspirational sites you have ever seen? Jack of all trades: master of many? tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-08-06:2304815:BlogPost:68230 2010-08-06T15:21:05.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/1Q7OcTb6q2vwlaaohpJnnyExbr6Qtiw3NAE8kDvVY8OUBFR4wx*TCxBw55U6jjiUxkcpV*ASQwrrpkJtpnSTMCBQ56EYVvvt/popcaroline.jpg"></img></p> <br /> The saying goes: "Jack of all trades, master of none."<br /> <br /> In this converged media age, does this statement still ring true? I'm starting to wonder if specialism is a relic of the 20th century. In this industry I have met so many designers who are also animators, artists who are also photographers, writers who are also web developers etc etc.<br /> <br /> As the line gets ever more blurred between TV and digital, it seems that industry professionals are following… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/1Q7OcTb6q2vwlaaohpJnnyExbr6Qtiw3NAE8kDvVY8OUBFR4wx*TCxBw55U6jjiUxkcpV*ASQwrrpkJtpnSTMCBQ56EYVvvt/popcaroline.jpg" alt=""/></p> <br /> The saying goes: "Jack of all trades, master of none."<br /> <br /> In this converged media age, does this statement still ring true? I'm starting to wonder if specialism is a relic of the 20th century. In this industry I have met so many designers who are also animators, artists who are also photographers, writers who are also web developers etc etc.<br /> <br /> As the line gets ever more blurred between TV and digital, it seems that industry professionals are following suit. This very network started out as a predominantly techie digital space, but as more digital creatives came on board we got to meet designers, animators, gamers and filmmakers, and today with all the writers and media consultants it feels like a vibrant space for the whole of modern media. It kind of defies labelling.<br /> <br /> For my own part, I love writing but am also utterly obsessed with interior design and textiles. Having previously worked in publishing where there is a rather marked line between 'wordy-types' and 'arty-types' it never occurred to me to pursue both interests, but then why not?<br /> <br /> I'd be interested to know what 38minutes members think: is having a broad portfolio of interests/skills an advantage, or do employers prefer someone who knows one 'trade' inside out and back to back?<br /> <br /> If you're a creative catch-all, tell us about it here! Stuart Cosgrove to lead new Creative Diversity team at Channel 4 tag:www.38minutes.co.uk,2010-07-27:2304815:BlogPost:67501 2010-07-27T13:00:00.000Z Nicola Sinclair http://www.38minutes.co.uk/profile/NicolaMore <p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://api.ning.com/files/WU86hFA7GNTtm-meONkuZd1Wl7Bo4TtQoJinT2nBm4zzMdH6ce108gY5SZKsVZtrhkQYNGjkeFt-urQI-pQ4MdrJuzbB-NCT/P1030769.JPG?width=721"></img></p> <br /> Many of you will have already read about the major changes going on within the commissioning team at Channel 4.<br /> <br /> Today I am pleased to announce that Stuart Cosgrove has been given a new, enlarged role as Director of Creative Diversity.<br /> <br /> In his new post Stuart will help drive the commissioning of multiplatform content from a diverse range of companies throughout the UK.<br /> <br /> Stuart will continue to manage his current department of Nations &amp; Regions,… <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://api.ning.com/files/WU86hFA7GNTtm-meONkuZd1Wl7Bo4TtQoJinT2nBm4zzMdH6ce108gY5SZKsVZtrhkQYNGjkeFt-urQI-pQ4MdrJuzbB-NCT/P1030769.JPG?width=721" alt=""/></p> <br /> Many of you will have already read about the major changes going on within the commissioning team at Channel 4.<br /> <br /> Today I am pleased to announce that Stuart Cosgrove has been given a new, enlarged role as Director of Creative Diversity.<br /> <br /> In his new post Stuart will help drive the commissioning of multiplatform content from a diverse range of companies throughout the UK.<br /> <br /> Stuart will continue to manage his current department of Nations &amp; Regions, but will now also lead on cultural diversity, indie relations, disability and the Paralympics strategy for Channel 4, all of which fall under the new banner 'Creative Diversity'.<br /> <br /> The Creative Diversity team, based in Glasgow and London, will integrate all support for creative diversity across the organisation.<br /> <br /> This is good news for companies in the Nations &amp; Regions - Channel 4's targets for out-of-London production remain in place, and the team in Glasgow will continue to work closely with creatives from across the UK.<br /> <br /> Channel 4 has also today announced a £50m boost to its commissioning budget.<br /> <br /> Stuart remains a committed member of the 38minutes community and you can still expect to see him on here regularly, eulogising the northern soul scene and posting acerbic blogs on the faddism of Twitter.<br /> <br /> You can read the full press release <a href="http://www.38minutes.co.uk/group/channel4/forum/topics/channel-4-unveils-creative">here.</a>
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