Case for the defence: People like to leave their mark. We all like to think that we’ll be remembered after death, that our friends and family will want to leave messages – memories, photos, and so forth, on our Facebook profile, blog or website after we’ve gone. So far, so normal right? But where does it end?

Case for the prosecution: Death is big business, always has been. And it’s also ripe for manipulation. But are we thinking far enough into the future? Are we future proofing our work today? There are sites that offer online memorials, there are (American) graveyards with solar panelled stones that use the energy to activate a film of the deceased when you stand near it. The tendency today is to think that once something’s online, it’s permanent. Hence initiatives to get historical documents online, to discard the physical products that we once used – books, CDs, records, paper archives – for a cleaner, cloud-based experience. But the technology moves so fast that in even 5 or 10 years time, everything uploaded could be inaccessible. If you add in the energy needed to run the increasing amount of data uploaded these days, you’re suddenly left wondering – will we be the lost generation?

Deliberations: I’d gone along to this Technology on Trial because the subject matter intrigued me for two reasons. The first is not death, but birth – I’m expecting a baby and had spent some time wondering how to annoucne this in a way I felt was suitable. I reserve my Facebook profile for people I actually know so an announcement on there seemed unnecessary for most as I preferred to tell them face to face. But there are people on Twitter who I only know on Twitter and wanted to tell them too. Did I think it was appropriate for something so momentous to me to be announced like this on a social network? I’d got as far as thinking that I wil control the pictures of her I put online – to the extent where I’m not happy putting any up – but what about anything else? I wanted something more tangible for a birth announcement.

The second reason is that I’m a keen historian, researching a novel I’m writing that uses a part of my family history as its basic plot. As much as I’ve found the internet to be useful to my research, the things I treasure are the physical items – records, theatre playbills, letters, diaries, photos and so forth. If all my things are online what will my daughter or her children find about me and how I lived? You might think your online presence is a collection of easily discarded articles, chats about tea and music and other ephemera but a social historian in 100 years time might find it a treasure trove of information about how we live today. Or they would, if they’re able to access it.

Verdict: We really only scratched the surface on this, the discussion could have gone on for hours. I have seen nothing to suggest that organisations are thinking about this at all. Issues of online ownership and privacy are dominating headlines while our energy crisis continues. Perhaps technology will manage to accommodate us – we have to have faith in human ingenuity. But I’ll be printing pictures of my daughter off for us to keep safe somewhere, just in case…

To make up your own mind, you can hear and read supporting documents and arguments on audioboo! Here’s the intro to the event and here’s a legal perspective from Jayne Smith at Rothera Dowson. We’d love to hear what you think too – let us know.

Inforgraphics form a big part of our graphic design portfolio here at Zabisco. They are a prime example of a medium that transforms mundane statistical information into interactive, insightful design work in a creative and compact manner. Campaigns such as William Hill’s 2011/12 season appear to combine the best of both inforgraphic design elements and narrative motion graphics into a TV advert. In a recent motion project at Zabisco, I attempted to draw from the two mediums to create a single design entity; essentially, bringing an already successful ‘inforgraphic of infographic’ to life.

William Hill’s 2011/12 season mobile betting campaign

Whenever the latest William Hill advert flashes on my TV, I instantly stop and gape at the use of typography synchronising perfectly with audio to convey an insightful and witty message that ultimately tells us the William Hill is the home of betting. William Hill (or the agency that create their motion adverts) are clever in the way they portray their betting features and offers. If a man appeared on screen and began to walk towards to the camera at a perfect 45 degree angle like in an injury claim advert, and told us why we should bet with William Hill, our natural reaction would be to defy and take an instant disliking to him. Why should we obey and do as this strange man says? I don’t even care for his tone of voice or hair style or the way his hands move when he walks, so I’m certainly not going to take his betting advice on board. William Hill’s 2011/12 season campaign caught my eye by using vivid colour palettes, well known feel-good music, powerful typography and visual metaphors that enticed me to watch on.

The music and the typography alone is enough to deliver the narrative message with great effect, without the need for a voice over to reiterate the information. Thus is the power of motion graphics. If the same information was written in a personal letter direct to every William Hill customer, the same messages in a different format would have nowhere near the impact of an interactive medium.

The message here? It’s not always just the message, it’s the messenger.

Written By Jon Ward at Zabisco. Edited by Fran McVeigh

Whether we like it or not, social media is here to stay. And the power that comes a lot with it. You only have to look back to the August London Riots to get a sense of how powerful sites like Twitter and Facebook can be. Youngsters took to their laptops organising riots and meet ups giving the campaign an awful platform to be launched from. Social media is a revolution, and revolutions need to be harnessed and transferred into something positive.

However social media isn’t all doom and gloom. The Twitter “riot clean up” initiative highlighted that there is a lot more good than bad to come out of social media. It has the power to inspire people and capture the imaginations of thousands of people who would otherwise never walk into your life.

If used correctly, businesses can manipulate certain aspects of sites like Twitter and Facebook to enhance consumer awareness and attract a whole new generation of clients.

It’s all about networking.

Local businesses in particular can benefit using Facebook and twitter for business. However it’s vital that this is done correctly as a poor online reputation can discourage potential clients and harm future transactions. Here at Zabisco we come into contact with numerous clients who are keen to boost their online reputation, and social media marketing is often the best way in which to go about it. It’s easy, beneficial if done right, and sites like Twitter and Facebook are free.

Before considering using social media for business, be sure that your target audience is in fact active via such sites as Facebook, otherwise your message will go unheard. You have to tailor your marketing campaign for your target; do some research before jumping in. Facebook is a priceless tool which gives you an insight as to what your consumers want, so listen to them and act upon it indirectly.

Find our step by step guide to using Facebook for Business here.

Happy Networking!

With Barcamp Blackpool under her belt she now organises ; Barcamp Nottingham, GeekUp Nottingham and Nottingham Girl Geek Dinners (co organiser) and has baffled the whole of the Arboretum by walking Ruby and Perl her pet ferrets around the streets. She is also a big part of the Roller Derby craze and plays for Nottingham Roller Girls as “Ruby on Rails – 404″.

I asked Gemma 10 questions about herself to get to know her a little bit better -

Who are you?
Gemma Cameron, Software Developer at Esendex, Based in The Atrium on Wollaton Street.

What brought you to Nottingham?
I found an awesome job at Esendex. I’d never even visited Nottingham until my interview back in December 2010. I loved the company and the place so much I decided to emigrate down from the hallowed soil of Lancashire.

What keeps you in Nottingham?
My job (I get paid to do something I love), Nottingham Roller Girls Roller Derby Team, the Nottingham creative and Digital scene, the fantastic nightlife and shopping.

What makes you different to other creative people in Nottingham?
I’m a girl geek who loves organising and promoting digital events whilst balancing looking after my two ferrets and being a part of the Nottingham Roller Girls both as a skater and a trainer.
I’m a software engineer with an emphasis on testing and behaviour, constantly striving to improve and hungry to learn new things. I organise GeekUp Nottingham (a monthly meetup for software devs and tester types with fantastic speakers), Barcamp Nottingham (unorganised conference) and co-organise Nottingham Girl Geek Dinners with Kate Blatherwick @kblathers.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I’m struggling to answer this question. I like to go with the flow and see where life takes me. It’s worked well so far and got me where I am today. I don’t look too far into the future.

What do you wish you had more time for?
Writing code in my spare time, outdoor skating and being at home on my sofa!

What keeps you awake at night?
This is a hard one. Not much as I’m usually so busy I’m glad to get to bed.

What do you think is Nottingham’s best kept secret?
Antenna and the Nottingham Hackspace. Two fantastic and unique venues with a whole lot more to offer.

What would you like to see more of in Nottingham?
More people getting involved in the digital community!

What Big thing are you currently working on?
Barcamp Nottingham (23rd-24th July) and Nottingham Roller Girls’ first bout (17th September). I’ll be blogging LOTS about these. ( :

You can see more about Gemma at
rubygem.me
twitter.com/ruby_gem (@ruby_gem)

by Quinn Dombrowski www.flickr.com/photos/quinnanya/3830116122/

Last weekend was Media Camp Nottingham 4, as we publicised earlier.  And last week saw the debut podcast Nott Cast, from Aaron Cottrell and Ollie Carefull, two of the attenders.  As their conversation makes clear, they already had the idea, but benefitted from conversations at MCN4, particularly from multi-social media guru Phil Campbell. And they just went ahead and made their concept real a few days later.  You can get a flavour of the day from the Twitter tag #mcn4 or the Scoop.it (thanks Francine Pickering for creating this). 

Long time readers of this blog will recognise Aaron as one of our guest bloggers from June last year.  He wrote about his business and his ideas here, here, and here. 

Some of us are old enough to remember when “neat” was an all purpose adjective, and not the name of an amazing festival in Nottingham, although it’s original slang sense is a good one word description.   As publicised in this blog last week, their website covers everything – if you are overwhelmed by what’s on offer, and paralysed by indecision, you might find Hatch’s take on “performance-y” useful.   And for the creative programmers amongst us there is the interview Giles Croft, artistic director, gave to LeftLion. This also contains a sobering reminder that artists outside Britain can have their work, and their lives, cut off. 

The festival continues until 12 June.

Photo: Phil Campbell for Media Camp http://mcnotts.weebly.com/index.html

So, it’s Monday morning and you’re trying to clear that groggy feeling following the Mansfield Road beer festival. There’s something you should be doing – work? Probably. But something else. Ah yes, it’s getting yourself a ticket for Media Camp  or, better still, booking yourself a slot to present at Media Camp 4.

For the unitiated, Media Camp is a one-day event for anyone wanting to share experiences of using digital and social media and to explore new technology, challenge understanding and look to the future. The Creative Nottingham iphone is champing at the bit to find out more about LoveFre.sh and I did hear a rumour that there’ll be a repeat performance of the last Notts Girl Geek Dinner talk about Facebook and privacy – well worth a watch if you can get there.

So, the details. Well, it takes place at Lace Market House, 10-5.30 and it’s free! But if you can’t make it all day then there are a range of tickets for just the morning or afternoon sessions. For full details pop over to the website or, if you can’t make it, then follow it on Twitter. What are you waiting for? An Alka Seltzer and a ticket for Media Camp. Job done.

• Three new jobs on the Creative Nottingham site yesterday [Sunday]. Check them out:  http://www.creativenottingham.com/jobs-2/
• TODAY [Wednesday]: Market of Ideas at Nottm Contemporary, 11-4. Spontaneous exchange of ideas, secrets, music and art. Details: http://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/event/market-ideas
• Free poetry reading, Thursday 7.30, Nottm Contemporary http://www.nottinghampoetryseries.com
• If you want to exhibit at Hackspace Party at end May, need to email them by 1 May: http://nottinghack.org.uk/?page_id=602
• Be part of contemporary performance art during NEAT, all ages, genders, abilities. Deadline apply is 9 May, details: http://www.hatchnottingham.org.uk/?p=1271
• There is a good listing of exhibitions currently on at Art Not: http://www.nottinghamvisualarts.net/artnot/exhibition/apr22/1444/evolution-stitch
• The Nottingham Festival of Reading kicks off 4 May with various events at Central Library, details: http://nottinghamfestivalofreading.wordpress.com/programm/
• Recycle our wedding outfit with Latin American flare and join the festival, 28 May, in Market Square: http://www.nightoffestivals.com/programme/2011-event/

As well as these tweets, we regularly re-tweet items of interest from the wide range of creatives and organisations we follow.  Why not join our nearly 2,500 followers?

• directly: creativenotts
• if you have an Iphone, you can get our Appwhich also makes it easy to read the blogposts as well
• and the website has the twitter feed in a box on the side.

Watch the birdie!

Nottingham Design In Iceland Part 1

Firstly can I point out that they tricked me? When I arrived on my shorter visit in January to prepare for the longer visit I’m on now, the weather was hotter and sunnier than Nottingham. I smugly packed English weather clothes (and possibly the odd bikini in an optimistic moment) only to find when I arrived it was minus 10 and…well…erm… rather icy. I suppose the name gave it away…

I’m not complaining – its pretty awe-inspiring to be right here in the place nature uses to stretch her muscles. Earthquakes are normal, I am practically sat on a volcano as I write, literally have my head in the clouds, a tectonic plate is not far off and all around me geysers explode, waterfalls crescendo, the northern lights dance and the weather shifts its focus at the speed of Imelda Marcos on a shoe-changing-record-breaking mission. It’s magical, powerful and I find it interesting to realise that I normally go about my daily life in Nottingham completely oblivious to such beauty occurring only a couple of hours flight away.

What I found most unexpected about Iceland is that the city is by far the most unique I’ve visited. The crash chased off the big players we are accustomed to seeing on every street corner a while ago – and though some remain they are hidden away in the deep dark depths of a mall somewhere. In their place Reykjavik thrives with unique independent boutiques – original design, niche creative spaces, exhibition spots and studios all with something individual and fresh to shout about. There’s an energetic mood in the air and the main street, Laugavegar is like one gigantic Broad Street of bustling coffee houses and design bars. Amidst economic disaster, creativity has found a way to pioneer new solutions and it’s brilliant to see.

Right now I’m sitting at my little desk in the Reykjavik University. The building is designed around the solar system and I work in Mars! (Feel the force??!) I have been officially seconded here for the past few months on a research project with Nottingham University, Reykjavik University, an online gaming company from Denmark and a multimedia company from Birmingham, so we’re a real mixed bag and I’m enjoying working with people who are so passionate and focused in such different areas. When I’m not working or socialising, I’ve revelled in the opportunity to enjoy some luxury quiet time in my design apartment (Apartment K) which is located in the centre of the hippest area of Reykjavik. It has all mod cons (including English Satellite TV!), a healthy input of Dutch Design, free films, a power shower, a dishwasher and a gloss bright green floor – what more could a girl alone in a strange city wish for! I have heard mention of a Jacuzzi somewhere aroundabout which I’ll go hunting for once the novelty of the room has worn off.

Of course, we absolutely couldn’t resist but to create a challenging Nottingham Design project as a result of me being here. As I write, Queen of Corsetry Susi Henson of Eternal Spirits is vigorously creating a new signature collection inspired by Iceland and our resident photographer Marcus Holdsworth is booked on a flight over here to shoot it. The vision for the piece is ‘Eternal Spirits rising out of the ashes of a wasteland into a brave new World’ so it should be pretty spectacular. My colleague Fjola Bjork Hauksdottir and I have collaborated on co-ordination and yesterday we booked ubercool stylist Steinunn and a stunning icelandic model Maria .

It is near impossible to anticipate exact location as the weather is so unpredictable, but we have a few places in mind – black sand beaches, volcanic wasteland and mineral caves included. We are aware that however much preparation we do, on the day we will be consistently working to the mercy of nature, and the secret (so I’m told) is to remain flexible and embrace whatever kind of material we find we have to work with. I’ll be posting the results on my final blog so watch this space.

Meanwhile in Nottingham… whilst the cat is away the other cats are playing – there are no mice in the Davenport Shop of Originality. In-house Lionesses Miggi and Alichichi appear to have found an extra-special burst of energy and I keep hearing strange stories from the shop; creatives running amok, new designs in, an ever changing window… and more. I’m not sure I’ll even recognise it on my return! There is a tiny chance they might miss me a little bit so if you are passing the Flying Horse Walk please pop in to say hello… and if you tell them you’ve come from the blog they might even give you a chocolate biscuit

Some bits you might be interested to get involved with whilst I’m away…

1: In the midst of all of this, our hearts go out to those in Japan suffering the effects of the Tsunami. We will of course be organising a fundraiser when I get back. If you’d like to get involved or have any ideas please email alicia@davenportinteriors.co.uk

2. Icelandic colleague Fjola is moving to work with us in Nottingham for 18 months! She’ll be arriving in May and needs to find a two bedroom house/apartment near town (poss Carrington/The Park?) fully furnished, with garden and allowing two very lovely well-behaved doggies. Any ideas???

3: Whilst I’m here I really would like to have a cup of coffee with Bjork. Does anybody have her number?

My next report will describe what its like to swim in the Icelandic sea… if I survive it. Thank goodness I packed that bikini!!!

Signing out – all the beast!

Sarah Davenport xxx

Follow Sarahs adventures on facebook… facebook.com/TheDavenportShopofOriginality
Twitter… twitter.com/Sarah_Davenport

The App is now available to download from the iTunes store and it’s completely FREE!

I had a chat with Lucy Herreras-Griffiths and Paul Muston, the people behind Kuku Apps who together combine 30 years of programming know-how with creative design and marketing expertise.
So who are Kuku Apps?

Lucy HG: From a young age I was clear that my future had to involve the world of visual communication. I left my native country of Spain in 1997, and chose to take on a degree in Graphic Design at Nottingham Trent University. After nearly a decade of gaining experience by working for others, in March 2008 I took the plunge and set up on my own. My branding and design experience is in a range of industry sectors, from animal healthcare to consumer brands, from financial services to not for profit organisations. My down-to-earth, no nonsense approach means that I’ll listen to clients, but will also diplomatically challenge any pre-conceived ideas they may have. This is a recipe for a strong relationship and brilliantly branded and functional apps. I’m also the project and time manager at Kuku! When I’m not working I’ll take the opportunity to be active – I’m a bit of an adrenaline junky, my latest hit was a bungy swing in NZ. I’m also a lover of good food and wine…

Paul Muston: I have been closely involved in computer graphics and user interfaces for all the 25+ years I have been a professional developer. As a research and development specialist I have worked on diverse projects from flight simulators to futurist operator consoles for controlling high tech pharmaceutical plants. I developed applications for the earliest smart phones when they were called PDAs. Now is the time to bring all this backroom knowledge forward and offer it to the customers of KuKuApps to build the most wonderful iPad and iPhone applications.

What makes Kuku and yourselves unique as creatives?
Kuku: We’re different for a variety of reasons; one being that we aim to make apps accessible to SMEs. Also, we’re big on early stage prototyping, this is so that we can manage expectations way before launch… The unique mix of our contrasting skills set.

Lucy HG: my mixed Mediterranean / British background and upbringing has always helped me to see and think of things in a different way to others, which gives me a fresh take on things…

Paul Muston: while having experience drawn from a diverse array of subject domains over the years, I am still very excited while experimenting with new tools to solve the classical problems. I feel blessed to have been born in this golden age of technology.

So what are the main features of the App and how have you come to work with Creative Nottingham?
The CN App provides a single place to keep up to date with all things CN.
• don’t miss a single blog post, all the latest posts straight to your iPhone
• find out what’s going on in the CN community
• easily see the CN Twitter stream

We came about working with CN through a networking event. We got talking to Susi O’Neill and it went from there…

What do you think CN offers to it’s readers and how to you think the iPhone App will enhance this?
CN actively promotes Nottingham’s creative activity, connecting and celebrating the creative, arts and digital business communities. If you want to know what’s on or what to do in Nottingham then CN will have the answer. The iPhone App makes it possible to have this information in your pocket and available when you’re on the go. This is how to not miss out on anything!

What do you think is Nottingham’s most underrated aspect, and what keeps you hooked to this city?
The fact that a group of people voluntarily run CreativeNottingham speaks volumes for Nottingham. The business community – specially the digital and creative ones are a force to be reckoned with. So it’s the people and community that keeps us in Nottingham…

I must say the gang at CreativeNottingham are absolutely thrilled with how the App looks and functions, we hope you’ll all enjoy using it! We must extend a huge thank you to Lucy and Paul for all their hard work. Please do check it out on iTunes and send us your feedback and comments!

Months of eager build up had taken a bit of a toll; the raging cold Santa brought had settled nicely in my throat, completely drying it out and threatening a hoarse growl where a nice warble should be, so was generally quite nervous to look like a rotund baboon’s arse in front of Nott’s music royalty.

A ‘quick’ 2-hour practice got us on the right track after we introduced Miah to a blank verse that he nailed with eerie precision. This allowed plenty of time for intoxication, and since Monsieur Waring carted in enough booze to sink Maid Marion and her Very Merry Men, it was only polite to knock back a cider or five. Getting ready with Lou Gala is pretty fantastical: she’s got a trunk brimming with feathers, glitter, cat suits, velvet, Edwardian coats, lavish jewellery (mostly picked up in bazaars), and is still stumped for an outfit. The perfect time arrived to give her the all-sequin gold bra I’d got for her birthday, and since she wore it onstage (and looked incredible), I’m adding ‘stylist’ to my C.V. Pfft. In fact, her birthday card was a burlesque illustration from Creative Nottingham’s very own Charlotte Thomson.

The atmosphere was electric in The Maze all night. People without tickets had no end of offers for the door staff, the best probably being ‘£200 for two of us?’. They didn’t get in either, so you’ll see the world’s greatest independent music venue isn’t money orientated and is possibly a bit of an idiot for not being so. Anyway, we were first on and the room was steadily filling up throughout the set, which is always encouraging. I knew we were doing well with the new tune when our sculpter friend Laura screamed ‘bladdy hell I haven’t heard this before!’ but still didn’t expect the huge reaction after we finished. People I’d never met before were really congratulating us and saying how much they enjoyed it. A friend said I gave her goosebumbs, the brilliant Halouminati’s lead singer declared we’re definitely gigging together in the future, and, wait for it, Harleighblu’s mum said she loved my voice. I think my exact reaction was ‘but you’re Harleigh’s mum!’
A clear sign it was a banging gig is when people ask to do tracks with you. Benjamin James, who works with truly talented women like Kat Kyrris, Natalie Duncan and Hblu, has put his foot down that we shall make music, and the wonderful Kym Delta Sun also wants to start side-projects.

I’ve had some tracks waiting for vocals for a while, one from Jody Gala, AKA Tray Electric, and another called ‘Hinder’ from Beatmaster Bill (you can listen to it here).
2011 is definitely the year music hits the fan. 2Tone and the highly acclaimed Kirk Spencer have expressed interest to work with me too, so fingers crossed it all goes to plan.

Mad props are due to Ruth Breaks From The Norm for a stonking DJ set, leaving the room in sweaty tatters and a bit pissed off when it ended. The partying stopped, thankfully, Monday afternoon. Lou’s birthday night out started in the Orange Tree and carried us to the ever-glamorous Turf Tavern. This week I have two band practices, one for Forte, and another for The Beautiful Mouth, as both bands have gigs. The Beautiful Mouth started out as a joke for Stars In Their Eyes, a twice-yearly mega amazing gig where artists cover famous people, but in their own style. Adam and Regan watched the videos and have booked us for Soundhism this Saturday!

The line-up for January 20th Acoustickle at The Alley Cafe is nearly confirmed. The Money’s Jake Buckley and a side project from Captain Cor Blimey’s lads are both definite, as is The Other Left who have really made a name for themselves recently. The last Alley Acoustickle, Ben improvised a smooth vanilla-y-mango-y cocktail that deserved a prize it was that delicious, so that’ll be my first order if he remembers how to do it! My poor mum, bless her, was an excellent chauffeur as I rang round frenetically in search of a PA for the night. Every single person I rang suggested ‘Will Robinson’ as the go-to man. My answer was consistently ‘I TRIED HIM FIRST!’ If you’d like to watch the man in action, I urge you to look no further than the priceless video linked to his name (hover above it). Remembering of course, this man is partly responsible for my stint as promoter, and for my band’s existence.

Reality has bitten, and here it is: we can slurp booze all our lives and sleep through ‘til it’s night again. But we can’t avoid hangovers, come-downs, and jobs. We can only let our hair down if we put it up in the first place. So let 2011 teach us all that we enjoy responsibilities, 3 meals a day and speaking to our parents, at a time that’s convenient for them too. Let us go forth and not shot that 5th Jaeger, but remain contended with just 4. And above all let us learn: Nottingham’s vibrancy is due to the people, and it’s going nex’ level, get me?

Video credits to Leo Welch, Roo Inns and I’m Not From London.