OneTel Talk Talk but doesn't listen

In 10 years in the UK, I had my share of bad service but never had to resort to the Office of Fair Trading for a resolution, until I canceled my contract with OneTel. Despite written letters a month in advance that were acknowledged and three follow-up phone calls, they still send me bills for a phone line in a flat I left 2 months and a half ago. Obviously they are taking the piss. I am sending my recorded letter tomorrow for their breach of contract under the supply of goods and services act 1982. They have 10 days to sent me a written confirmation that my contract is canceled and refund me. I will update on this blog. Needless to say that I am not recommending them to anyone.

Wolfram

Touted as the new Google, Wolfram is actually not a search engine but a "computational knowledge engine". It is a bit like an expert system plugged-in an encyclopedia. Look at the online demo This is a very impressive start.

The end of free online news?

Rupert Murdoch is looking to start charging readers to access his online papers. While many will dismiss it as rearguard fighting, I will not be surprised if other publishers jump in at the chance. As their readership moves online, newspaper publishers just can't make enough money on the Internet through advertising alone to run their business. The billion dollars question is whether there would be sufficient willing payers to compensate the drop in online readership (i.e. online advertising revenues) when they start charging. It looks like we will soon find out.

CNN article (still free).

Is a Recession the Perfect Time to Start a Business?

In theory, resources would cost less but Jeff Nolan shows that it is not to be taken for granted. In a comment Edwk makes valid points: People joining you know that it will be tough so are more motivated and you have less competitors throwing money at the problem you are trying to solve.

The Best job in the World, Queensland Tourism campaign explained

"... for US$1m, it generated US$70m of global publicity." and was probably one of the best campaigns of its kind I have seen for a long time. BBC.