Skype – Free computer to computer calls

Skype is free software that makes computer-to-computer phone calls possible. It is not the only VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol – for delivery of vocal communication) system out there, but it is the most well known and widely available.
You can use Skype as a chat facility, like you might do with MSN Messenger, but its [...]

Scribd – over 2,400 viewings of documents

This is the first in a series of articles about the services that operate behind the scenes on the BCN (Blackpool Community News) websites.  This series will look at Box.Net, Odiogo, Amazon Associates and WordPress services and those of TypePad. But we start by revisiting Scribd:
This website (and the BCN main website) first used Scribd [...]

Social Media Exchange Event

The Social Media Exchange is a series of masterclasses, discussion and debates to inspire  online collaboration and networking opportunities for 2009.

Date: Monday 26 January 2009
Time: 9am Registration. Prompt start 9.45am – 5pm
Venue: The Resource Centre, Holloway Road, London N7 6PA

Part of the day will be dedicated to masterclasses on a range of topics related to [...]

News from the Corridors of Power – through the power of WordPress

The UK Parliament Labs are developing the services they offer through customising their use of WordPress blogging software. This will make their news services more accessible – and more friendly – to use!
“WordPress is open source software that is free to use and customise. This is the first time Parliament has used the open [...]

Twitter – Getting started

It seems strange doing a blog post about Twitter (it ‘being the new blogging’) when Blackpool does not seem to have really got its head around the idea of blogging yet!? However (with thanks to Darren Rowse and TwiTip) – here we go……
Twitter is the ‘new’ blogging – albeit micro-blogging in 140 characters or less! [...]

Government seeks views on digital inclusion

The Yorkshire and Humberside Regional ICT Champion has reminded us that the Government is still seeking views on its ‘digital inclusion strategy‘
We have covered this earlier on BCN, but since then the government has adopted a more interactive method for views to be conveyed through online forums. You have to sign-up first.
Incidently the North West [...]

Virtual HQ opens – but aiming at real benefits!?

Civil Society IT magazine has reported that Diabetes UK has opened a new state-of-the-art building on ‘Manchester Island’ in virtual 3D world Second Life.
The charity has done this to raise awareness about the risks and seriousness of diabetes and to promote a healthier lifestyle in its new virtual shop that allow users of the virtual [...]

New ICT Magazine for 3rd Sector

Civil Society IT is a new quarterly magazine and active website about the effective use of ICT in all kinds of not-for-profit organisations.
The magazine offers:

4 information-packed issues per year
A fully-interactive digital edition
A regular e-newsletter with news, jobs and events
Unlimited access to online-only content at civilsocietyIT.co.uk. What we can’t fit in the [...]

Disability no bar to using ICT

AbilityNet is a national charity that specialises in helping people adapt and adjust their ICT. They are unique in what they do, working across the UK and beyond.
Their special expertise is ensuring that whatever your age, health condition, disability, additional need or situation, you are able to find exactly the right way to adapt or [...]

New version of Blogging software

NOTICE: A new version of the software (WordPress) which powers most of the BCN websites is being released next Friday morning at 1am. There should be no disruption to services for readers/viewers. However, this is an early warning just in case….!!