RSS feed
I’m still a PC. Just.

I’m still a PC. Just.

I’m inclined to use PCs. It’s how I began. It reflects what I need computers for. It speaks to how I see the computer market and audience and, perhaps most importantly, it is a vote of confidence from my experience. It’s also a bit of “yah boo!” at the ‘Mac Wankers’ who like to take ... Read more »
On eBay UK's Tenth Birthday

On eBay UK’s Tenth Birthday

On the promise of a live link from thelondonpaper.com to this here my blog and a possible plug for me old book (Make Serious Money on eBay UK), I obliged a journo from The London Paper with comment and copy the week before last on the occasion of eBay UK’s Tenth Birthday. I was present at the ... Read more »
Jade Goody's Funeral Pyre

Jade Goody’s Funeral Pyre

Momentarily, I misunderstood the BBC News page. I have edited this pic, to emphasise what I thought I saw. A funeral pyre in Bermondsey, for Jade Goody? Of course not! Obviously! ... Read more »
University Challenge: Rematch!

University Challenge: Rematch!

I love the BBC. It can't flagellate itself enough. See the Gaza DEC appeal fiasco or Ross/Brand. They take the hit, refer it to the BBC Trust and weeks later they take the hit all over again. And yet, when a gift horse arrives, they look it in the mouth. Surely, in the face of 'Google' Trimble's ... Read more »
Little Hopes for the Eleventh Doctor

Little Hopes for the Eleventh Doctor

The arrival of a new Doctor is always a bit harrowing. I can remember each regeneration since Tom Baker turned into Peter Davison (admittedly dimly) and as a result can remember occasions when the next Doctor wasn't equal or better to his predecessor. But Matt Smith seems like an excellent choice ... Read more »
The Stifling BBC

The Stifling BBC

The BBC is a treasured institution. But with a recession looming its sprawling tendrils and how they potentially damage legitimate commercial interests are becoming more obvious. It shouldn't be surprising that rival media organisations put the boot in hard over issues such as 'Brand-Ross.” ... Read more »
Arrington isn't wrong

Arrington isn’t wrong

Michael Arrington of Techcrunch is making waves again: this time about how he intends to break embargoed press releases from now on. When I first heard about the idea of an embargoed press release, back in my early days as a junior internet marketing drone many moons ago, I was totally ... Read more »
The X-Factor: Hallelujah.

The X-Factor: Hallelujah.

When it comes to showbiz, I like schmaltz. I've liked schmaltz even more since I learnt it was a jewish/yiddish term for goose, chicken or pork fat. That's what you need to add a bit of fun, luxury, shine and excitement to a dish. Showbiz is the same. I like schmaltz. So, I've been enjoying the ... Read more »
BBC iPlayer Annoyance #2

BBC iPlayer Annoyance #2

A man hears about a new BBC sitcom about a clone. He fires up the iPlayer. There are three episodes available. But which one is first? There are only clues not episode numbers. ... Read more »
BBC iPlayer Annoyance

BBC iPlayer Annoyance

A man goes out for the evening. He has a few drinks. This isn't unusual. He gets home at about midnight. He doesn't have a telly, but he does have a TV Licence. He fires up the iPlayer hoping to watch Question Time from Newry in Northern Ireland. It finished 40 minutes before. This Week is ... Read more »
Thisismoney.co.uk: Unemployment Reaches 8 Million

Thisismoney.co.uk: Unemployment Reaches 8 Million

Friends were talking about how the media is talking down Britain just the other day. So, how disheartening to see Thisismoney.co.uk (otherwise known as the Daily Mail) taking that to a totally fictional extreme. 8 million unemployed? How many people received this TOTALLY INACCURATE email? Real ... Read more »
Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand: Offensive can be funny.

Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand: Offensive can be funny.

It's created an almighty and completely unnecessary fuss, it certainly doesn't need to be raised in the House of Commons, it's no business of the Prime Minister, the Daily Mail et all have blown it out of all proportion and the BBC almost certainly shouldn't have broadcast it (even if suspending ... Read more »
BA must be chuffed with their Ad on the BBC

BA must be chuffed with their Ad on the BBC

Way back when, I was told off by a BBC radio presenter for using the word 'eBay' twice in an interview about, well, eBay. I was expected to talk about 'internet auctions' and 'online buying and selling'. So I was quite intriuged by this video on the BBC. The PR and Branding folks at BA will be ... Read more »
Allons-y! Let's try the BBC iPlayer!

Allons-y! Let’s try the BBC iPlayer!

Allons-y! I thought to myself. Boxing Day treat: I'll rewatch the Doctor Who Christmas special. And why not have a go with the BBC iPlayer? Millions of pounds and years in development, it's bound to be clever, robust, user-friendly. Hell, I'll even power up Internet Explorer. But no such luck. ... Read more »