Technology on Trial is about questioning our digital age and making sure we have all the facts in context while we do it. Death is not a cheery topic but as inevitable as... well you know the phrase, death and taxes.
This is the first visit to this trial. It is to make us think and initiate conversation. It is the fundemantals of social media. What will you leave behind? What does it mean for your business?
We are the first people in history to create vast online records of our lives. How much of it will endure when we are gone?
Future historians will want to study the birth of the web using our digital trails – but how will they make sense of it all?
How can we keep digital bequests safe without poking our noses where they're not wanted?
January's Digital Legacy 'local legal bod' - Jayne Smith
Jayne Smith is a property conveyancing, wills, probate and trusts specialist at Nottingham-based law firm Rothera Dowson Solicitors. Even before the digital angle asserted itself on to our inevitable demises probate, wills and trusts has been Jayne's career specialism. She has selected the 4 articles featured below to introduce us to the world of digital legacy.
Fraudsters are increasingly targeting the estates of the deceased for valuable internet-hosted assets such as online bank accounts, private client lawyers have warned...
Jacques Mechelany, formerly a high-flying French banker, has thought a lot about death and the human legacy. One reason is that he has travelled so manically in planes that he felt impelled to update his will regularly. But also, a few years ago he inherited some stunning photo albums. They contained photos of his ancestors dating back to 1870 – but Mechelany was frustrated by how hard it was to find any personal details about them.
We are creating digital legacies for ourselves every day - even, increasingly, every minute. More than a quarter of a million Facebook users will die this year alone. The information about ourselves that we record online is the sum of our relationships, interests and beliefs. It's who we are. Hans-Peter Brondmo, head of social software and services at Nokia in San Francisco, calls this collection of data our "digital soul".
Sharing our lives on social networks is now commonplace, but what happens when we are gone? Channel 4 News finds people are thinking more carefully about their digital legacy.
Your photos, status updates and tweets will fascinate future historians. Will these online remains last forever? In this special report, newscientist.com editor Sumit Paul-Choudhury – for whom these are not idle questions – reports on life, loss, memory and forgetting in the internet age.
There are currently few procedures or public awareness about what happens to online digital identities after death. This paper discusses what happens with personal electronic information after death and looks to what is argued to be the rapidly approaching digital Afterlife. This afterlife of new emergent behaviour offers a challenge of almost unimaginable scope to the creative vision of Artists, Philosophers, Technologists and Cultural thinkers.
This month Rother Dowson's John Buchanan has submitted a dossier of documents for us to objectively put Social Media in the Work Place... on Trial. Who has got in to trouble, lost their jobs and the circumstances leading to thier demise will come under scrutiny.
Those unfamiliar with the Tech on Trial concept, a 'local legal bod' (until march 2012 that is someone from RotheraDowson) provides insight and balances debate surrounding the technology topic on trial. October's topic is Social Media in the Work Place.
A 'digital dossier' ( a collection of web links) defines the scope of the discussions giving specific cases and reports from the media and from the legal industry chosen by the month's 'local legal bod'. As I said in the opening, October is John Buchanan.
We meet in the cafe of Nottingham's Galleries of Justice at 9.30am having had the opportunity to read the documents cited for illustration. 9.45am The 'local legal bod', this month, John will take 10 minutes to explain why he chose the articles and offer some perspective on the topic which is the months on trial subject. From 9.55am we all then Drink our beverages or choice, eat cakes and scran while being outraged at technology, wowed by it, daunted and best of all with a 'legal bod' to hand enlightened and refrained from hysteria and conspiracy! All finishes at 11.30am.
The Date: Friday 28th Octorber
Time: 9.30 - 11.30 am
The Venue: The Galleries of Justice, High Pavement, Nottingham
I was so please to hear stories that people attending technology on trial had come along to help them understand there own position on there recent encounters.
A lot of attention is given to social media its websites and platforms which have opened up a world of 'social' connectivity. Connecting business with their customers, artists, musicians and performers with their audiences not forgetting our friends and family with a sustained window in to each others lives. For better or worse the Internet is a good thing. All good things inevitably have a dark side but kept in check its conduct and practice enrich the good.
September's Technology on Trial is focusing on defamation. For me the social web isn't all about personality and celebrity, platforms and services, friends and follows it is about how we embrace the technology and apply existing ethis and behaviours to this new environment. Digital environments need no physical health and safety policies but risk assessments are not obsolete the dangers are more behavioural and ethical. Technology on Trial invites discussion about technology, its implications on our modern world, our day to day business as professionals and highlighting its legal ramification.
On 26th August just days after Septembers topic was published the BBC reports that online defamation cases have doubled saying "The number of court cases brought by people who say they have been defamed online more than doubles in a year, experts say." Rother Dowson will be putting defamation in the spot light.
The total number of defamation cases brought to court rose from 83 to 86. The increase has been linked to a rise in the use of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. Meanwhile, the Libel Reform Campaign group said smaller website operators needed more legal backing to protect themselves against actions brought by what it described as "corporate bullies".
What you say and what you do have consequences. Is writing content posted to the digital domain any diferent?
Technology on Trial is back. Starting in September, always the last Friday of the month so the first 'on trial' session is September 30th when the trialed format of Technology, Coffee and Cake will be the agenda. Tech on Trial is a morning informal business discussion workshop focused around the pitfalls, warnings and impending doom facing modern business with its computerised utilities, social networking and even it's associated technologies.
Can you say what you want online? Should you be able to? is the topic of September's Technology on Trial. Our new legal partner for the next 6 events is RotherDowson.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Tech on Trial format it is as follows.
A topic is selected (on this occasion libel and slander in the digital realm)
A legal professional from the partner company (for the next 6 sessions this is RotheraDowson) provides links to 3 web articles, posts or pages illustrating cases in law with outcomes, articles demonstrating best practice, newstories and case studies who's outcome set precedent.
Those links, often accompanied by a selection of resources are posted on this blog
Anyone interested in attending then reads the articles, shares the post about the event with friends and books a ticket (ticket registration below)
Everyone turns up having read the articles and forming an opinion
The 'legal bod' (a Tech on Trial techical word!) briefly presents/introduces each article placing it in context of the topic
We all moan and rage about technology (in contect of the topic!), drink beverages of choice and consume biscuits and cake!
All go home!
Well there it is in a nutshell.
September's Technology on Trial dossier
Here are the links for the Digital Defamation on Trial for Friday 30th September 2011 at Nottingham's Galleries of Justice.
NOTE from Daniel Harley, Technology on Trial's September 'legal bod' "This final choice of article as it is more a "case comment" by Barristers Chambers so is a bit heavy going but it is quite good in that it details the relevant law and also raises the question as to whether some statements made online are "pub talk" and not to be taken seriously or actionable defamation."
The Technology on Trial jury has been out now for a fair few months. Now it is calling you back in to action. Eligibility to attend...reading this blog :)
Does technology make sense to you? No? well if you answered No or Not always or yeah but its darm confusing then Tech on Trial is for you.
What is it then?
One 'local legal bod' (TonT's technical term for our guest legal professional), One topic on trial (previous topics put on trial have been Facebook, Digital Economy Act and Music Copyright), 3 articles to illustrate the topic, drinking beverages, cake type products and a panchant for a good moan about technology are the main ingredients that constitute a blinding Technology on Trial sitting.
Next TonT?
DATE: Friday 27th May 2011
TIME: 9.30am - 11.30am
VENUE: Galleries of Justice Cafe, High Pavement, Nottingham.
Topic on Trial... TBA
Possibles
Linkedin on Trial
Banning social media
Who does your Twitter name belong to?
Creative Commons
Who owns the software in your technology? Ghosts in the machine.
Tuttle Club Nottingham's Technology on Trial was not in session during August but on the last Friday of September, the 24th we will be putting "Fair Use" on Trial. John Buckby from Berryman will be presiding, providing perspective on this foggy domain. Is whistling in the shower a breach of copyright? If it all sounds a bit serious let me reasure you. Technology on Trial is a meetup of internet users... not tech geeks, technology business owners, coders or web developers although they are of course welcome to add rich user experience to the conversation. Its is for any one who accesses the web for business or pleasure at work or at play, for social network lurkers, for social media plungers and floaters. To be honest it's an excuse to meet, drink beverages of choice, eat buscuits, cakes and muffins while straighting out misunderstanings and moan liberally about the technology of this modern age. Raising awareness of Nottingham's Galleries of Justice Museum is a factor too.
This is how it works. A 'local legal bod' (thats a Tuttle Nottingham technical term!) selects 3 articles from their favorites or bookmarks putting them forward to focus conversation during the meetup.The 'legal bod' will spend 5 mins giving an insight in to the articles selected and why they were chosen. One copy of each article is available to read and make reference to during the meetup. For 2hrs, 9.30am - 11.30am we drink, eat and talk about the topic on trial. There is no wifi access but mobile media creation is welcomed. No one is compelled to tweet. Its about the topic on trial (I think I said that already!)
This month we are putting 'Fair Use' on trial. This months articles question the bounderies and definition of the fair use concept relating to dirivative and the parody of well known imagery recognised by thier style. Fair Use in regard to format shifting. CD to MP3 for iPods and music players for example. One article reports on would you pay more for personal use transferable format media and less for single format use? Who can claim fair use? Is it a breech of copyright to whistle in the shower?
Join TuttleNottingham regulars for a private screening of "A Fair(y) Use Tale"
Where?Galleries of Justice Cafe, High Pavement, Lace Market, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
At Nottingham's Galleries of Justice Musuem on the last Friday of July Tuttle Nottingham's second technology on trial session took place. "Local legal bod' Peter Aldred from Berryman solicitors joined the merry band of 10 to drink coffee and quiz, question and ponder the application and implications of the Digital Economy Act.
It is only a passing visit I request from the legal bod to provide context and background to the articles selected. Having Peter around for the duration taking part in the conversation was of emense value. Berryman have a specialist digital legal department so having them contribute to Tuttle Nottingham and the Technology on Trial sessions was a delight. I'd hoped that Tuttle Nottingham would be a little bit different from the run-of-the-mill meet ups and networking experiences and this session proved to me that we had clearly begun something special.
The next Tuttle Nottingham session will be on Friday 24 September 2010
I'm anticipating Berryman becoming a regular contributor which is an exciting prospect. As well as disucssing the Digital Economy Act (DEA) as a whole the group were asked to suggest further Technology on Trial topics. The DEA heavily insights discussion of copyright infringement and enforcement implication of media distribution especially music, films and games. From the discussions the question of content in general and particularly photos, audio and video podcasts shared and the retention of ownership was put forward. In this world of social content where sharing is encouraged how can you collect the credit due when someone uses your excellent content, after all we want it to be read and distributed and generate business leads. The application of creative commons and it's working practice would be an superb topic.
Suggestions:
Creative Commons on trial Apple on trial Journalism vs Citizen Journalism Mobile Phones on trial
I have created a Twitter account @tuttlenotts not to speak through, the hashtag #tuttlenottingham will continue to be used for that. The twitter account has been set up to listen and discover new 'local legal bods' and pick up the buzz for selecting technology to put on trial. Post your suggestions to @tuttlenotts or comment on one of our blog posts. To catch up on the tagged twitter chatter check out out archives on Twapper Keeper and What the Hashtag.
June's Nottingham Tuttle Club, the very first kicked off with Facebook on Trial and the leisurely consumption of hot and cold beverages with delicious muffins. Essentially a trial run of Technology on Trial; 3 documents, a gathering of friends, colleages, collaborators and the curious, 8 in total, drinks a plenty, conversation to match... All of those attending fell in to several of those previously listed categories!
How does the Nottingham Tuttle Club work?
For anyone not aware of the Technology on Trial concept being adopted by Nottingham's Tuttle Club a 'local legal bod' will each month be invited to put on trial a technology, platform, tool, service or related digital concept. They will submit a minimum of 3 articles published on the Internet for reference and as talking points. The 'local legal bod' presents the articles to the month's assembled Nottingham Tuttlers to fuel a focused conversation and trigger opportunity to make media (blog, audio or video podcast). A printed copy of each of the chosen articles will be availible. There is no wifi. This is a talking to the room and amplifying later event.
July - Tuttle Nottingham
July's Nottingham Tuttle Club is the first full blown, by the book "On Trial" meet up. Berryman 'local legal bods' (that a Tuttle Nottingham technical term!) have stepped up to the plate or should I say, being as we have a legal theme, will be serving this months papers. The 'local legal bod' is Peter Aldred.
This month's NottTuesday guest speaker Glyn Wintle from the Open Rights Group talked about the Digital Economy Act raising many questions and hi-lightd the hysteria surrounding the enforcement and implications of the act. On the 22nd Berryman's hosted a breakfast seminar presenting an excellent overview of the act. It seem like a perfect topic for this months Technology on Trial so here it is the Digital Economy Act on trial. Four articles have been selected by Peter who will be joining us this Friday to provide context. It is an opportunity to look at examples of the act in the 'wild', in practice or being discussed in the media. Have your say.
Join us on Friday 30th July between 9.30 - 11.30am at The Galleries of Justice Museum's cafe. Last month we were 8. Lets make it a few more this time. Everyone is welcome digital and non digital folk alike. This act effected anyone who accesses the Internet at work or home. Join the jury putting the Digital Economy Act on trial.
About Berryman:
Berryman are a Nottingham-based firm of solicitors that aims to be the first choice legal adviser for dynamic businesses and successful individuals. They provide legal services across four key areas - Business Services, Property and Construction, Insurance Services and Private Client Services. They want their clients to experience a professional and friendly service that is uniquely and consistently identifiable as Berryman.
Berryman provide refreshing, straight-talking advice from a law firm that's firmly on your side.
Yes digital Ladies and Gents we put the digital worlds to rights for the very first time over Tea and Cake, well Coffee and Muffins! Technology on Trial was welcomed in to Nottingham's Galleries of Justice Museum Cafe with open arms. Before I go on I'd just like to thanks the events and market team at the Galleries of Justice for being so very supportive. And I'm delighted to say is letting us return at the end of each month for at least the next 6 months so get the dates in your diary.
So what went on? 3 web articles were printed, yes printed! It's a talking shop not a nose in your notebook event when you come to Tuttle Nottingham. The gist is this. A topic will be selected each time, either a platform, tool, service, gadget or technology. If availible a "local legal bod" (that's a Tuttle Nottingham technical term!) will be given the opportunity to select the articles for dicussion and give a brief 5 minute introduction to the reason for the articles being selected. June 2010's very loose theme was Facebook on Trial. I picked 3 web articles.
The documents were wafted around and I explained the Tech on Trial concept to the delightful inaugral Nottingham Tuttlers. Thank you to you...you know who you are. All friends and I do indeed call them friends as well as business contacts, potential future collaborators and all Twitterers too. Business works best when it crosses the digital and fleshy bounderies.
So thats it realy. An excuse to meet up and pick and the fabric of the web world. So whats in store? I did ask for trial topics this came out of the mini wrap up session at the close of business. Ha "close of business!" well we have to keep up some semblance of work being as its from 9.30 - 11.30 in the day!
Future Nottingham Tuttle - Technology on Trial suggestions:
Networking on trial
Buzz Words on trial
Social Communities on trial
Social Media on trial
Privacy and Security on trial
Child Internet Safety on trial
All suberb and if I may say so inspired and totally in the spirit of what Nottingham Tuttle Club is all about. Oh yes, and media making oportunities are also on the agenda.
The next Nottingham Tuttle Club will be held, same time, same place Friday 30 July 2010. Trial to be announced 10 days before the event along with the "local legal bod". The document will be posted for review here on posterous. 1 copy of each will be printed out for reference on the day.
How about a Tuttle Club in Nottingham? @pcmcreative was asked one day via Twitter by @jobshareguru. @lloyddavis, founder of Tuttle Club suggested @pcmcreative as a contact point to get something going. They met, They thought, They drank coffee... there are already many networking events on the city why create another? Well.. Tuttle is a morning event, its a meet up with media making and social web analysis at it's heart. From this precept Technology on Trial at Nottingham's Galleries of Justice was born.
How about a Tuttle Club in Nottingham? @pcmcreative was asked one day via Twitter by @jobshareguru. @lloyddavis, founder of Tuttle Club suggested @pcmcreative as a contact point to get something going. They met, They thought, They drank coffee... there are already many networking events on the city why create another? Well.. Tuttle is a morning event, its a meet up with media making and social web analysis at it's heart. From this precept Technology on Trial at Nottingham's Galleries of Justice was born.