To block, or not to block...

There are two types of companies. Those that block facebook, and those that embrace it. Oh yeah, and those that allow you to use your 'quota time' minutes to login to it. Pah. (I'm currently working in the latter environment).

I think it's a big mistake for organisations to start blocking these kinds of websites. Sure, go ahead and block the porn, but don't take away my social networks!! Although it's generally the view that by blocking certain websites staff productivity will increase (oh I've seen the graphs), I disagree.

We'll find a way to waste time. We'll chat. We'll go for a little walk. We'll make 10 cups of tea in a day. We'll then go to the bathroom just as many times. We all need a break away from work every now and then, even if it's just 5 minutes to check your webmail (yeah that's been blocked too!!!)

Instead of blocking potential distracting websites, companies need to embrace them. Set up a blog, create a wiki for your team, start a facebook group for your staff, get linkedin. Give employees a way to communicate and engage with each other beyond board meetings and group emails.

Otherwise they'll just end up pointlessly ranting about it on their anonymous blog like me.

So that's my mission in my new job. To turn around a whole organisation's way of thinking and help them see that the web really isn't that scary after all.

Let the battle between IT and Marketing begin! (eek)

The lifecycle of Leona Lewis

Seriously, what is Simon Cowell doing with the Leona Lewis brand? I know, I know, why try and re-invent the wheel. Vocal acrobatics worked for Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and given that Leona Lewis pretty much sounds exactly like a hybrid of the two - it makes sense to go down that route.

She's had number one's internationally, so it's obviously working. But it's just such a shame that she's being slotted into a power ballad box with the occasional 80s sounding pop track thrown in for good measure.

It's just so boooring.

Sure, I know nothing about the music industry and how it all works, but I'm a consumer dammit, so here's my prediction of the Leona Lewis Lifecycle (ooh):

1. Starts of with the big voice singing the big songs in the big ol' predictable dresses.



2. Speands a year in the US working on her next album



3. Becomes an 'independent woman' and releases next album, spouting lines in interviews such as 'This album is definitely edgier and funkier and I feel it really reflects me as an artist'. Possibly fires manager.



4. Decides that she'd like to try her hand at acting. How hard can it be?



5. Stars in a Hollywood film in which she plays a girl from the 'hood' who wants to make it as a singer and says things in interviews like 'I really felt a connection with a character and really feel that this whole experience has helped me grow as an artist.'



6. Launches her own range of fragances and/or underwear and/or clothing line.



7. Makes the fatal decision to appear in Celebrity Big Brother. It's all over.

Oh we've seen it all before!!

(but I'm sure she'll be fab)

I'm bad luck for black cats

Over the weekend I did something that wasn't very good.

I know it's supposed to be bad luck when a black cat crosses your path...but what about when you step on one?

Yes that's right. I stepped on a black cat!!!

I was carrying a box out of the front door, and naturally being a Stick Girl, any box is a big box for me. So, thanks to the box, I couldn't see where I was going and totally missed the cat curled up on the front step. Until I stepped on it and in ran into the house and back out again in a panic.

Poor cat.

Although on the plus side, it's lucky it got stepped on by a Stick Girl and no one else.

I think the only sensible answer to this little episode is to get people to carry things for me from now on. For the cat's sake.

Alternative Transport

I saw a rickshaw on my way to work this morning:



In Surrey.

Hmm...

Times a-changing

A lot of things have been changing lately.

First off, I've moved into my flat. Yes, I've made the move to the suburbs! My drive to work consists of 20 minutes of winding country lanes and lots of trees. Lovely. And on my way home, the same pheasant crosses the same road at the same every day. We're becoming friends.

I think I'll name him Barney.

Anyway. Much more importantly - Pizza Hut is rebranding to Pasta Hut. What's that all about?! Is this really a good idea??? In an attempt to answer this truly global question, The Schizophrenic Hut is running a poll on their website to find out. Current votes stand at 29% loving Pasta Hut, and 71% clinging onto Pizza Hut.

I have a feeling this might all be some cunning marketing ploy to get our attention. They'll change back to Pizza Hut. You'll see. It's a classic case of Choco Krispies - and we all know we'd all rather have a bowl of Coco Pops (boom boom).