Don’t be a daft Tweet!

Twitter is undoubtedly a modern phenomenon, equally embraced by high powered politicians such as Barak Obama, publicity hungry celebrities and sportspeople, business leaders and anyone wanting to air their views. It democratizes publicity (even the press will quote the Twitter posts of the influential and famous) and tweeters are as successful as the audience they attract, whatever their status in the offline world (although already being well know undoubtedly makes all the difference!) but it’s rapidly becoming clear that this (like most instances of fame) is a two way street. If the tweeters aren’t saying something controversial (or potentially libellous!), innocent people can the victim of so-called Internet Trolls (a good example being the Twitter abuse of Tom Daley by a malicious Troll during the Olympic Games) – the fallout can be uncomfortable and potentially damaging to your public image and reputation. Perhaps it is a history of private online conversations (email and even the likes of Facebook generally have a limited audience) that catches some people out, but it’s important to remember that Twitter is very much a public forum and should be treated as such. At MCC we encourage our clients to think about what they post and equally to be vigilant about the followers they have and the potential they have for making comment which can reflect on your reputation and public image.

One of the biggest IT stories this week has been Apple’s formal announcement of the new iPhone 5 - as covered by Tech Radar. There are probably no great surprises (it must be getting more and more difficult for Apple to outmanoeuvre the anticipation of new products from its fans and the press alike!). Its slimmer and has a bigger screen than before, fairly obvious requirements for anyone who treats their smartphone almost as another appendage. As well as a new operating system which promises to offer new delights, it’s the first iPhone to offer 4G.

There has been fairly comprehensive coverage in the press this week about the soon to be launched UK 4G mobile networks and what this could promise those of us that use and rely upon mobile data - as reported by the BBC News website. There are big promises from 4G, the ability to run your online life through a mobile device at the same speed, if not quicker, than a fixed landline service. But there are a lot of hurdles in the way, some technical some legal and business related, and the mobile network providers still have to roll out coverage across a big enough percentage of the potential geographic market to recoup their investments. Considering that 3G coverage is often weak outside urban areas, there is also the battle to convince consumers that 4G will truly offer the service we would all like to have.