Free and open internet? (WCIT 2012)

Today is the start of the world conference on international telecommunications (WCIT -12), hosted by the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies (the ITU), to re-negotiate a 24 year old telecoms treaty. A leaked copy of the draft compilation of proposals is available to view here.Free and open internet?The conference (attended by … Continue reading Free and open internet? (WCIT 2012)

SABC, Nkandla and Zuma: free speech under the spotlight

The state owned South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) pulled a local fast food chain’s advert at the 11thhour, with reports initially claiming the advert was “degrading to the president”. The advert, which is available to view on YouTube below, is for a special deal on fish and chips for R25,00:Before discussing this a little further, … Continue reading SABC, Nkandla and Zuma: free speech under the spotlight

Twitter defamation (libel)

The law of defamation (libel law) is being required to keep pace with the rapid strides in technology; Facebook and Twitter legal actions are realities in our aggressive ambition towards immediacy in communication. If you are wondering what the difference between libel, slander and defamation is, look here.In the United Kingdom, false allegations of child abuse by … Continue reading Twitter defamation (libel)

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 3

This is the final part of a three part series discussing SEO’s integration with social media to form a holistic digital strategy.  The evolution of the internet and the manner in which users engage with one another, and the brands they associate themselves with, gives us the classic case of shifting goal posts. While it … Continue reading Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 3

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 2

In part 1 of this series, I gave an overview of SEO, and some practical tips to consider when writing content and setting up your domain.  Now, let’s look at the conversion between social media and SEO.  Let me clarify: SEO can be defined as techniques and methods to make your website more visible to … Continue reading Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 2

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 1

With the emergence of social media as a serious tool for business and communication, search engine optimisation, or SEO, is pivotal to any social media strategy. Your brand, website, blog etc. is worth nothing online if it is invisible. Similarly, any online marketing strategy is far more effective with higher visibility. According to global consultancy … Continue reading Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) notes from Africa: Part 1

Facebook Defamation

Facebook DefamationAs discussed recently, defamation on social media platforms, and more particularly Facebook, is becoming less of a phenomenon and more of a norm.  Statistics 
released in the latter half of 2012 demonstrate that we are witnessing a seismic shift in our contact and connection methodologies. Even the American Bar Association has changed their Model … Continue reading Facebook Defamation

Who owns your Twitter followers?

At first blush, this seems a relatively straight forward question to answer in a legal context.  However, when you add into the mix a company-run twitter account, differing employment arrangements, lack of a commercial agreement between the parties, revenues generated off the back of a Twitter following, blog traffic and advertising revenues that rely on … Continue reading Who owns your Twitter followers?

Social Media Statistics that WILL affect your business or online strategy

From a business perspective, the recently released animated infographic video on social media statistics is vital. Now in its fourth edition, it is released by a widely acknowledged expert on “socialnomics”, Erik Qualman.  The video is available on YouTube here. The graphic, which essentially gives detailed statistics on all social media platforms, has been widely … Continue reading Social Media Statistics that WILL affect your business or online strategy

Social Media Statistics: who can you trust?

Recently, IT expert Shaun Dewberry released an article relating to online radio statistics, “The Truth behind Streaming Internet Radio in South Africa”.  Essentially, the article argues that online statistics relating to streaming radio in South Africa are grossly inflated.  This led to an independent investigation and a reputable online technology publication, MyBroadband, backing the claims … Continue reading Social Media Statistics: who can you trust?