Corporate Podcasting Expressway

It was brought to my attention that if you wish to delete your entry on Facebook simply choosing the delete your profile is not enough. A full deletion takes time and is only possible through completing an online form.

Many people have decided to leave such social networking sites as they feel that they are either bored or feel that they may be staked! I know the latter sounds a bit extreme but by opening up your personal details, even if done innocently, these sites can allow other (non-friends) to find out about you (subject to how much you reveal on your public site).

A recent Ofcom report, which surveyed 8,500 adults and children, reveals that half of all eight to 17-year-old Internet users - about 4million people - have a personal profile. This compares with 22 per cent of adults. Ofcom said two-thirds of children using social networking sites were on Bebo, while another third were on MySpace and Facebook (Facebook is most popular with adults). The survey showed 16 per cent of parents did not know who can see their children’s profiles. A worrying 41 per cent of children admitted they did not use privacy settings and only 53 per cent said their parents set them rules for use.

NB ‘Non-friends’ can also be defined as commercial companies that can profile advertisements towards you. In addition, one should also consider that it has been reported that snooping by potential employers also takes place.

Another area to consider is the use of such networks in the workplace. The UK Trades Union Council has established some guidelines (see: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/socialnetworking).

One a positive note, over the last 2 weeks I have managed to re-establish contact with a couple of really great business colleagues. It was great to catch-up with them, where they are now - NB Both after at least 10 years. One could argue and question why did it take so long to reconnect? The only answer I can give is that the world is a big place and we all get busy in our own lives.

In the future it is likely that Cyberspace will provide us with virtual worlds with advanced features that connect to existing networks – These worlds will allow people to interact in a chosen identity or identities, introducing the possibility of an even bigger potential for exploitation. I was recently told by an Internet security expert that

the problem with the Internet is that nobody knows if you are a dog and if you are a dog what kind of dog are you going to be!

With such power comes great responsibility – No, this is not just a throw away line or something that can be exploited by a Spiderman movies. It is true. Today we have more power at our fingertips than ever before and it appears that children are apt at adapting to the latest fads and openness offered.

A few years ago I was consulting at a government medical organisation.There an Instant Messenger service was established but on an Intranet only basis. A number of issues were raised in terms of its use:

1. Surely, some outlets need to be enabled to the outside world, especially for true dialogue with trusted partners.
2. The potential to send files instantly can open up security issues.

We again return to the issue of the need for greater guidelines. It is excellent that the TUC have taken a serious view on the risks of Social networking in the workplace but we need more information on the implications of information use being abused, protecting our children and the risk of exploitation from companies wishing to profile current and future customers.

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The following video outlines the core-concepts behind online photo-sharing sites. It suggests that they are great for contingency too! Sites like Flickr are a great way to share the joy of images and creativity. Some of my photos are online too.

I also wondered if such sites could also be used internally, say a department developing a set of learning slides, e.g: capturing business workflows or critical issues. If they could be loaded onto a learning management system, they could serve as great project or employee induction support mechanisms.

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One of the great things about the Internet is the way it has dramatically facilitated greater creativity and innovation. Once somebody said that the difference between the latter two words is that Creativity should be considered as creating something new, whereas Innovation is a variation of the idea yet still original!

The first is the original film edited and directed by Aaron Platt. (It is actually the music video for Apologize by One Republic, the same band who has written Bleeding Love, a seven week UK number one single by Leona Lewis, winner of last year’s UK X-Factor. The second is involving probably a lower budget production cost model but in my view creating a great impact.

I have always been a fan of using technology that is more accessible, i.e.: Creating a similar affect but at the fraction of the cost is in my view an innovation.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that YouTube with all its value in bringing people together has both a positive and negative aspect. From a positive perspective it is a platform for self-expression, hot news and reminiscing – Yes, I too have to admit to watching an old episode of Monkey Magic, organized into 4 different 20 minute segments! We have to also consider in light of recent tragedies YouTube’s negativity is the compulsion for fame.

A few years back my company completed a project for a Video-to-video mobile phone company. They were adamant that video calls would be the next big thing. At this stage of our mobile communications path, this is still not the case. Generally, people prefer text messages or voice calls. Maybe it is not possible from a practical perspective. Interestingly, the firms strategy changed during the project from content choice to what I describe as content presentation. For example, finding innovation in the way content is being ‘pushed’ - e.g: presenting top 10 clips of movie releases.

What is interesting is that people are still recording video albeit using increasingly better mobile phone technology but instead of sending recordings to each other, they are using video upload sites like YouTube to broadcast them.

Therefore, the future of television and what we watch will be changing for the better. Is this good news?

We now have an opportunity to enjoy entertainment that the public create. This maybe a long way off from quality formatted programmes. NB Traditional media outlets must know that they have this advantage, i.e: skills and heritage in editing, presentation, advert insertion, targeted marketing and relationships with massive Public Relations organisations!

I also wonder if the traditional media outlets/channels will still retain editorial control. The risk of losing control is the potential loss of advertising revenue and targeted marketing. There is a lot of money riding on the future of media!

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I came across and excellent video recently that communicated very precisely the power of social networking.

It is optimistic in nature but does provide the essentials for those that are unsure of its potential.

The innovative style of these video’s is refreshing in the extreme!

I especially love the following one about the value of social bookmarking.
If only school had been this fun!! Lol!

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This week we look at the benefits of documenting at using Corporate Podcasting as an aid to developing effective Information Technology solutions. We consider, for example:

- How social networks can be adapted and made useful in the business analysis stage
- How a corporate podcasting can be included for project updates, especially during a pilot stage
- How users can upload files, e.g: feedback on screen designs to a single invitation only private social network

Feedback is welcome, as always.

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It has been a few weeks since the last posting and show. The main reason has been the extent of project work we are trying to complete in my company. One of our clients has asked us to accelerate the development of online assessment systems.

Recently I had a opportunity to catch up with a great friend of mine, Walter Adams, Managing Director of http://www.metagination.com/.
His company are continuing to implement successful virtual business environments.

I got chatting to him about the following:

* Could virtual environments become an extension for todays social networks?
* How could todays companies take advantage of simulations?
* Is there a place for e-Learning and virtual simulations?
* How can companies get started?
* What is Second life and why do people go there?
* Are there any examples or case studies where virtual business world applications could work?

It was great to capture his thoughts on the latest audio podcast and I am grateful to him for all his time and advice for us to share.
I welcome your feedback.

Interestingly, I also found this video on the popular virtual world, Second Life:

PS All new shows will now be released every 2 weeks on a Sunday night.

Until next time…

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I’m a bit late on this episode as there has been lots going on!

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In this week’s episode we look at the potential for the concepts of on-line social networking sites, like Facebook and Myspace but applied to Corporations.

Ning is an interesting concept for developing free and private (if you desire) customised networks.
However, it is also important to consider the implication on relying on web application strategies.

Feedback to the show as always is welcome.

PS Click here to find out more about the ride charity I mention during the Podcast.

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