Drowning in a sea of gadgets? Don’t know which way to turn or what to buy? A brand spanking new gadgets website, latestgadgets.co.uk,  has launched to save you. Packed with reviews, previews, news and help, this website promises to be “streetwise Hercules” of the gadget world.

Ignite is coming to London. Since 2006, hundreds of 5 minute talks have been given around the world – now for the first time, Ignite is gracing London with its presence on Nov 18, 2009 at Ginglik in Shepherds Bush.

In a nutshell, Ignite “captures the best of tech and culture in a series of 5-minute speed presentations”, according Ignite Anchorage. Ignite is also explained as:

If you had five minutes on stage what would you say? What if you only got 20 slides and they rotated automatically after 15 seconds? Around the world geeks have been putting together Ignite nights to show their answers.

Ignite was started in Seattle in 2006 by Brady Forrest and Bre Pettis. Since then 100s of 5 minute talks have been given across the world. There are thriving Ignite communities in Seattle, Portland, Paris, and NYC.

One of the speakers, Matt Edgar, outlines the other guest speakers on his blog. His talk will be:  “1794 – so much to answer for”.

“I shall tell the stories of as many of my personal 18th Century heroes as possible,” Matt says, “Based on the strange coincidence that all of them encountered life-changing (some life-ending) events in that single world-changing year.”

All 50 free vouchers for Ignite London have already been dished out. But not to fret, admission is available on the door (until reaching capacity) – and even if you can’t make it, clutching my voucher, I promise to bring back a full report of the night’s entertainment.

If you can’t wait to hear all about London’s event, here’s an example of an Ignite talk:

If you’ve ever drooled over Louboutins, been dazzled by Jimmy Choos and then felt utterly disappointed by your overdraft limit, a new online designer shoe hire is here to save you from your twinkle-toe-woes.

Called Cinderella Me, this site offers you your very own shoe-fairy godmother: a catalogue of amazing shoes available to hire. And they are stringent about hygiene – always a plus. Perfect solution to the approaching Christmas party season. (Did I just mention Christmas already? Whoops).

The question, ‘Does my bum look big in this’, is no longer saved for your best mate or boyfriend in the shop fitting room. Shopping for the perfect derriere-enhancing outfit can now be a collaborative effort between millions of strangers with the rise of social shopping networks.

Online shopping isn’t a new venture; sites like Net-A-Porter and ASOS are institutions of the online shopping scene. What is relatively new, however, is shopping via social networks. Moving beyond individual retailer sites, social networking drives word-of-mouth sales, relying upon network peers rather than sales types to influence purchases and offering the opportunity to share best buys, wish lists and style choices.

You can’t blame marketing types for harnessing the social networking potential. As retail store hits have gone down, retail site referrals from Facebook and Twitter hits have gone up. Rumour even had it earlier this year that Twitter might start offering discounts and retail opportunities in the near future.  And recent research has shown that brands can increase popularity by doing so. According to Webtrends, 19% of social media users said they would regard brands more highly if they interacted with them on a social media site and, of those who have already interacted with a brand in this way, 74% said their approval of the brand increased.

Forgetting the positives for brands, whether online platforms can compete with the real experience of shopping that we know and love has been a question on a lot of lips since social shopping networks popped up.

“Some people can argue that nothing can compare to a Saturday afternoon shopping spree with your girlfriends and in some aspects I agree,” says social shopping network, OSOYOU.com, editor, Jess Markwood, “But what we’re saying here is that an actual shopping trip and shopping online can sit hand-in-hand.”

As Jess explains, social shopping networks are making the conventional shopping experience a little easier and even more fun. “At OSOYOU we offer not only an opportunity to shop most of the High Street online all in one place, but also a pre-shopping destination, where you can research your purchases before your you leave, creating a shopping list that you can print out and take with you,” Jess adds.

Described as “part social-networking club, part pop-culture lab”, Style Hive – another social shopping network – is a way of connecting stylish types who can swap fashion hints and tips and connect with retailers. Its format is similar to Twitter, allowing you to ‘follow’ members and the result is an encapsulation of the culture of shopping.

Shoppers no longer have to rely upon glossy magazines for the latest fashion trends, they’re using their internet peers to make style and price-savvy choices – and even dictate trends. Described as a Digg for shoppers, Iliketotallyloveit is a social network that allows members to add and vote on products, directly influencing trends and sales.

But more than creating profiles and sharing information, hints and tips, other sites, like MyItThings ensures members are part of their own shopping experience in the creation of a user-generated magazine. This is made up of reviews of favourite products, books, films or music, all by the members of the network.

Other online shopping sites have also realised the benefits of building online communities for both individual members and brands. ASOS has developed ASOS Life, an online community, which aims to capture some of the feeling of real-life in-store shopping. Very cleverly, they’ve found new ways to create hype around new products; last week they offered shoppers the chance to get a free limited edition Giles Deacon scarf by visiting the virtual Nibbles Boutique on ASOS. The experience even offers a virtual queue – unmistakably better than the real-life experience.

ASOS Life community manager, Ilana Fox, believes that social shopping networks offer more than bargains. “A lot of our customers are of the age where they don’t deal via email anymore, they’re a lot more open and transparent about the way they communicate, so we also have to be as a company,” she told nma.com this month.

“I think shopping online should be a social experience,” she continued, “Although you can see the clothes in catwalk videos, you can’t touch them. The next best thing is talking to other people and asking what they think. You can send someone an email with a link, but if you don’t get a reply for a couple of hours you might not buy it. So it’s good to have other people there to give you feedback.”

With ASOS Life enjoying an increase of active users by 40% a month, you can’t argue that shoppers aren’t finding the experience of social shopping networks at the very least useful.

A new website that launched last week has also gone a step further in trying to create a virtual shopping experience. Gemsta chief executive, Richard Laing, said the site aims to, “bring the power of the brand to internet,” in a space that is, “unlimited by real world constraints.” The site offers a ‘shopping portal’ and aims to simulate the shopping experience online using photo-realistic images of malls, plazas and shop brands that can be explored virtually (unusually diverting from photo-realism through the additional use of cartoon characters, G-Bees). Gemsta has given shopping a whole new dimension.

While it’s easy to be skeptical about the careful arrangement of social shopping networks and virtual shopping experiences (and imagine corporate middle men cashing in on increased sales from an online communities), it’s also easy to realise the appeal of social shopping networks in their ability to discover bargains, new trends and experience shopping in a whole new way. Building upon online shopping sites’ success, social shopping networks are making online shopping more sociable, fun and a lot more like the real experience. Hand-in-hand, the good old fashioned High Street and online social shopping networks offer the best of both shopping experiences.

Published on Running in Heels.co.uk, November 2009.

Twitter is becoming synonymous with controversy. Don’t worry I’m not going to launch into a rant about Twitter democracy, media oustings or even gossip about Stephen Fry threatening to quit Twitter. I want to return to the greatest thing about Twitter: 140 characters.

There is great skill in being able to communicate concisely. Twitterature: The World’s Greatest Books Retold Through Twitter has been written by two 19-year-old students in Chicago – Emmett Rensin, an English and philosophy student at the University of Chicago, and friend Alexander Aciman – and has caused a stir.

While it pains me to read the words, “burdensome duty of reading”, quoted in the Guardian, this book is quite interesting. Its simple and connects literary classics with contemporary linguistics and, ultimately, has got a lot of people riled and ready to defend the importance of reading great literature.

In some ways the book is a complete mockery of literature. As Blazenka Brysha comments on her blog:

“The work begins with a breathy introduction that functions as an apologia for the work’s existence. By wading through overwritten, florid sentences awash with the effluent of metaphors drawn from nature, you learn that the authors want to bring literature to the level of the modern moron, who has neither the time nor the language skills required to read.”

Christie Kiley makes a good point about our modern desire for “instant gratification” in a comment on blog, Issues about New Media Musings.

Quoted on News Hyderabad, co-author of the book, Emmett Rensin said: “It’s funny if you’ve read the books.” Partner in crime, Alexander Aciman added: “There were some lines in the book where we’re sitting on a couch and we’re writing it, and we’d both laugh and say ‘there’s no way they’re going to let us write that’.”

“Some people think it’s funny and some people think it’s disrespectful,” she continued, “I’m not going to say it’s high art. There is some value to it, I feel, aside from the fact we’re making available the idea behind great works of art.”

I’m going to ignore the fact that this could merely be a result of our growing disaffection for the written word amidst our time-stricken lives and lazy attitude. This exercise in condensing plot lines has accidentally made a point perhaps beyond the authors’ intentions.

While many will definitely claim it’s dumbing down our Literary Canon, and some adults will moan about its use of social-networking slang, one of the most important thing to remember about literature is the use of language. And this book explores just that.

William Shakespeare used the language of his day to communicate his ideas.

In the words of the Guardian’s Phil Hogan, “It’s not York Notes.” And neither should it be.The book explores how language can communicate big ideas in a few words through a combination of 140 characters and a culture embedded with literary references.

If you did the same exercise, like the Telegraph’s Jim White, you would most likely pick out other points and events as key – after all, this is just two students’ interpretations.

Finally, in its use of contemporary snippets, it proves that Twitter is not enough; to truly understand, learn and gain from the summaries you have to read the novel, play or poem. Whatever your opinion, while literature is being debated and interpreted, it is still alive.

On an aside, I wonder how many York Notes Emmett and Alexander cheekily consulted along the way?

According to the London Evening Standard, VAs are the new PAs. As the recession as taken hold, hundreds of people have shaken off their power suits and adopted their pjs – working at home as a virtual assistants.

As more people move out of work and online, robots could take over in the office? Image courtesy of the noodleator via Flickr.

ER Virtual Assistants claim the top eight reasons to hire a virtual assistant are:

• Your Virtual Assistant can relieve you from the burden of what would be time-consuming busywork.
• Since the Virtual Assistant is a self-employed business partner, you do not pay payroll taxes, benefits, insurance, or workmen’s comp. Therefore, saving you money on employee expenses.
• Your Virtual Assistant has their own office and office equipment.
• You pay for time on task. Which means you pay for only time that is spent doing YOUR work. Great reduction in overhead expenses. “No water fountain chit chatter.”
• Your Virtual Assistant works behind the scenes allowing you the freedom to concentrate on building your business while all of your office support needs are being taken care of.
• Your Virtual Assistant is 100% invested in your company. Your success leads to their success.
• Virtual Assistants network. When you hire a Virtual Assistant, you get indirect access to that network of qualified and experienced professionals.
• Virtual Assistants are highly-trained in their niche. Performing duties that range from bookkeeping, data entry, marketing, general secretarial task, presentations, publications, etc

The list above suggests greater control of time and money; indeed, “no water fountain chitter chatter” (because every virtual assistant is going to be conscientious and avoid daytime TV, pointless cups of tea and procrastination…). While OfficialWire points out the insurance risks for those moving from full-time employment to virtual assistant roles, these roles limit opportunities for career development in a real environment?- as well as there being risks for the employer too?

While one VA admits she’s never even met one of her clients, it shows how cyber-life has replaced face-to-face convo in so many situations. Is this a good thing? The ultimate reason for interviewing people for employment is to meet candidates in the flesh; a lot can be said for body language and how people react under pressure.

A quick search on Google and “virtual assistant” pulls up hundreds of virtual assistant agencies, “why hire a VA” and “how to become a VA”. As hundreds move to virtual employment, how will this affect our social and employment skills? I couldn’t find a a single comment doubting whether moving online is really the best answer to the recession, redundancy and unemployment. Maybe only time will tell if VAs are really the new PAs once the pros and cons have been fully weighed up.

According to The Times, women over 35 are taking social media by storm.

It’s fascinating how women and web are portrayed. Shock horror “Figures gathered for The Times by Nielsen, the market research firm, show that just over half of all social-networking users in the UK are women.”

Isn’t that because a large majority of the population are in fact women? – and **further shock horror and perhaps swooning** most women are actually allowed to use computers nowadays; indeed, it’s not just saucepans that us females are familiar with.

I wasn’t getting along with this article from the opening summary of the golden age of the internet: “Social-networking sites, like much of the internet, were once a playground for young men. They were drowning in obscure jargon, long rants and, of course, pornography. But nowadays, it is a growing brigade of thirty- and fortysomethings who are behind their extraordinary growth.”

I’m surprised that the web ever caught on, what with all the pornography, long rants and obscure jargon. How did we ever rescue social-networking from this fathomless pit of male transgression?

Founder of Ladygeek blog, Belinda Parmar, is quoted as saying, “Women have a ‘tend and befriend’ mentality.

“It’s due to the hormone oxytocin. Social media is all about connections,” Belinda continued, “For men its about being in a leadership position, competitive advantage.

“It’s a ‘fight or flight’ mentality down to their levels of testosterone.”

Wow. So the internet is no longer being controlled by pornography-obsessed, ranting men, it’s controlled by the hormonal patterns of women. Hmmm. Maybe long rants and obscure jargon will continue to thrive on the internet after all. Just at a certain time of the month…

Essential viewing for male web users world-web-wide:

Think of an eco-warrior and you may think of a mung bean-eating, hemp-wearing hippy. Or envisage Paul McCartney wearing socks with sandals. But we’ve come a long way since ‘green’ stereotypes were formed and ‘going green’ meant wearing sackcloth. Now, even popstar Leona Lewis is rumoured to be launching her own cruelty-free vegan clothing line. And, thanks to internet technology, we don’t even have to shift our derrières to shop for it.

With consumers demanding attire that (excuse the pun) doesn’t cost the earth, my guide to online eco shopping provides you with the one-stop shop for irresistible eco style from the corners of the wonderful-wide-web.

Being eco-friendly doesn’t have to cramp your style and with the chance to enhance your wardrobe and help change the world, shopping was never so good.

Eco Age

Eco Age has a hands-on approach to extending their eco friendliness. A new retail concept, Eco Age is an online green hub with an online shop, showroom and consultancy service. Providing inspiration and products for those looking for the ‘green’ light, Eco Ago promise to storm into your home, and even your wardrobe, and whip it into eco friendly shape.

Paris Hilton and Peaches Geldof have both been spotted clutching bottle top bags, now you can add to the fashionable cause. Proceeds go to charity, Bottletop’s programs, empowering young people through sexual health education.

Allthingsgreen.net

More like a marketplace than an online shop, Allthingsgreen.net provides small businesses – and shoppers alike – the opportunity to buy, well, all things green that aren’t available elsewhere. They sell beauty products, clothing and every energy saving device you ever may need.

Because every girl needs a little eco black dress, this high-waisted organic cotton poplin dress is a statement item with its ruffle feature neckline.

People Tree

Clothing brand, People Tree, believe that for every beautiful garment they make, there’s an equally beautiful change happening somewhere in the world thanks to their Fair Trade principles. Lucky for us, they haven’t foregone any ounce of style in their quest for eco purity. Update your wardrobe and care for the world: bargain.

Dogtooth is a must-have pattern for designers and the High Street this season and this shift dress is perfect for a day to night look. £90 well invested.

Green Knickers

There’s nothing better than eco-holy negligee and Green Knickers have it in abundance. The founders are dedicated to using sustainable fabrics, natural dyes and do-gooder suppliers. Lucky for us, they also produce pretty pants. We love their ribbon-adorned knickers in so many gem-like colours. The green ones are carrying our eco message through and through.

Fashion conscience

This online eco boutique is the net-a-porter of the green world. It boasts a fashion forward approach to providing green style and is a hive of luxurious ethical fashion. With the most stylish selection of vegan shoes yet discovered on the internet, eco will never equal frumpy ever again. We may not surf straight here but, like, net-a-porter, it makes good tea-break eye-candy. We love these bright blue heeled stilettos with wide front strap detail.

Ascension

Bragging to be the online city of Eco Chic, this online boutique oozes sophistication. Everything they sell is fairly made and ethically created. Buy something here and consider yourself officially permitted to eco-heaven. We love these heels; with their snake-print heel detail following catwalk trends. Okay so they are a little over £100 but with brand ‘Beyond Skin’ (a favourite of Natalie Portman’s) pledging to give 1% of turnover or 10% of pre-tax profits (whichever is greater) to grass-root environmental and social projects, that should put an extra spring in your step.

Pure Design Company

Pure Design are more than an online shop for eco fashion. From fashion to home & garden accessories – and even artwork and sculpture, Pure Design work directly with award-winning artists and designers, only seeking out the latest collections and products that meet their strict eco and ethical standards. This yellow corsage made from a hemp/silk blend promises to add a little ‘haute couture’ to any outfit.

Devidoll

You can’t have it all. But online boutique Devidoll come close to providing it. With bang on trend style combined with organic and ethical trading, buying from this online store actually helps contribute to the greater good, benefiting the earth and its people. They support designers who share their ethics and, with a host of clothing, accessories and home and beauty products, they make looking good and doing good very easy.

Tick off two of this season’s trends with this moody blue clutch bag.

If you’re serious about social networking and want to flaunt your successful cyber-lifestyle, you can. This Twitter necklacemade by Survival of the Hippest promises to have people ‘following’ you everywhere. Just imagine turning up at a tweet-up with this golden lovely round your neck…

Survival of the Hippest is an “Entrepreneur General Store”. Every six months or so, they exchange their current bit of wonderfulness for some other very fun thing. “(Could be a t-shirt, an i-phone app, a carbohydrate…you’ll just hafta wait and see…)”

 Made from 150,000 Flickr users’ photographs, this 3D image of Rome demonstrates the beauty of social media in sharing and sharing alike.

 As Popsci.com reports: “a team of computer scientists at the University of Washington’s Graphics and Imaging Laboratory assembled digital models of three cities - Rome, Venice, and the Croatian coastal city of Dubrovnik - in 3D. Their work builds on the algorithms used in Microsoft’s Photosynth, which were invented at the same lab.

Each video includes clusters of small diamond shapes, which represent each photographer and his or her vantage point.

The team built a new algorithm that proceeds in two steps — first, by matching the photos by what they had in common, puzzle-style, and then by determining the scene and each photographer’s pose. They also designed new software that can more quickly solve the type of large math problems that exist in 3D reconstruction.

It took 500 computer processors 13 hours to match 150,000 photos for Rome’s landmarks, and eight more hours to construct a 3D image of them. Venice involved 250,000 images, which took 27 hours to match and 38 hours to reconstruct. By contrast, using the algorithms on which Photosynth is based, it would have taken 500 processors at least a year to match 250,000 photos.”

So remember, when in Rome…do as the Americans do: take pictures and you may contribute to large scale 3D images.