Monday 6 December 2010

Will Branson's Project sink or swim?

Virgin boss Richard Branson launched his latest venture Project, a digital magazine for the iPad, in New York on December 1st and announced to the world it would "sink or swim" in the current turbulent climate.

It is billed as "a revolutionary multimedia magazine built specially for your iPad". You can download the reader app for free at the App Store and then get a full month's worth of content for £1.79.

The iPad-only magazine at first glance is colourful with some great visual and audio effects. For the movie-lovers amongst us it features Jeff Bridges talking about his new film Tron: Legacy.

Debate currently surrounds the magazine's touch-based interface and concerns have been expressed over this as well and whether Apple might bring in subscription options for any other magazines or newspapers in the future on the iPad. So far, reviews in the press have been mixed with some people saying it has left them frustrated,  while others are keen to stress how interactive it is and to praise the effects.

What I like about Project is that it encourages readers and all the bloggers out there to get involved by welcoming their contributions. Key areas in the magazine include: technology, culture, design and science.

Is this the future for magazines and newspapers? The investment of industry heavyweights such as Branson and News Corp's Ruper Murdoch - who is squaring up with his Daily digital publication - suggests that it might be. I've never met Richard Branson but he changed my good friend Lisa's life forever when he introduced her on one of his publicity events to her future husband Mark. They have been happily married for years and now have four beautiful children. Will Branson's latest venture be as fruitful? Only time well tell.

Thursday 2 December 2010

Be inspired by this 'Big Society' app

If you're in the voluntary and community sector then you will know about the work of v, one of the UK's leading youth charities. If not it's worth finding out more.

The charity has just launched a free app which delivers micro-volunteering to your mobile, with more than 6,000 volunteering opportunities listed on the vinspired website.

It's very apt for this time of year. I haven't got time to volunteer I hear you say. Well there are plenty of flexible opportunities which don't need a regular commitment. Fancy taking part in a Santa run, joining a group of carol singers to raise money for a good cause or sharing your business acumen to help young people with their CVs?

I downloaded the app on my iPad and was impressed by how easy it is to use. My search came up with volunteering activities ranging from being a digital switchover good neighbour, costume designer for the RSPB, to being a project leader with READ International or an Ambulance Service First Responder.

If you want to make a difference and be part of 'Big Society' and are not already doing this
(as many of us are) then please take a few minutes to download this app, it might change your life!

The vinspired app can be downloaded from the iTunes store. It works with the iPhone, iPad or iPod touch and is free to download.

A catastrophe in Cromer

Let's write a blog I thought. I write for work all the time, my magazine is one rolling blog so how difficult can writing a personal blog be? I'm mad about social media and my chickens. What a combination - so The Musings of a Techno Chook was born.

Today has seen kittens causing disaster. Teddy the tabby loves to jump onto my laptop, remove keys and rotate my outlook and web pages, he really is a 'techno kitty'. Meanwhile, Elvis (brother to Teddy) has knocked a plant and ceramic across the room in his eagerness to see the snowy wonderland out of window.



Our 11 chickens are sheltering from the cold in the garden after the indignity of being covered with vaseline on their feet and wattles to help prevent frostbite. They have enjoyed porridge and grapes for lunch (one of their favourite winter treats).

My wonderful daughters are at school - while many schools across the country are shut - the North Norfolk schools stay open amazingly despite having to travel on treacherous roads to reach them. Hats off to the efforts of head teachers and staff today!

I have been busily editing the winter edition of the magazine run by a national volunteering charity, a job I enjoy immensely but which is likely to be no more next year due to spending cuts. I'm hoping there is an exciting new opportunity out there. I was once called the "paparazzi of the third sector" by the deputy editor of The Guardian when I was covering an event wearing my multi-media hat - any offers anyone?

Next post - a review of a new iPhone app...