Five things worth sharing from the last week or so, brought to you by a different member of the Browser Media team every Friday.
This week’s My Five is by Libby.
1. #saveourculture
Back in September, the dance music industry was reeling after news that Fabric, the famed London nightclub, lost its license following the death of two teenagers in the summer.
DJs, promoters, musicians and clubbers were up in arms, with many speaking out against Islington Council’s decision. The #saveourculture movement was born with support from The Night Time Industries Association to raise funds to protect London’s nightlife and to appeal Fabric’s case. Over 150,000 people signed a petition to keep the club going, and £300,000+ was raised to help cover legal costs for the club.
It’s true. You saved fabric ???https://t.co/FFaEApotyo pic.twitter.com/dPjxbXEmqt
— fabriclondon (@fabriclondon) November 21, 2016
A simple hashtag, a cute tee shirt and a few thousand pounds was all it took to save London’s nightlife. Power to the people.
2. Kick out the JAMs
Wednesday’s Autumn Statement was all over the internet (as one would expect) and while the papers provided live updates, and social media reacted to fuel duty, home building and savings accounts announcements, there was much talk of JAM.
This is the acronym used to describe families who are “Just About Managing” (way catchier than Osborne’s “hard-working families”, right?). For those worried that maybe they don’t fit into this category, for one reason or another, journalist and Twitter user, Jane Merrick provided further preserve-related acronyms:
First we have the JELLIES: Just Enjoying Life, Large Income, Everything Solvent. #AutumnStatement
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) November 23, 2016
Next we have MARMALADE: Middle Aged, Rather More Affluent, Living A Dream Existence #AutumnStatement
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) November 23, 2016
Then the PRESERVES: Pension-Rich, Everything Saved Early, Retirement Vacationers, Equity-Savvy. #AutumnStatement
— Jane Merrick (@janemerrick23) November 23, 2016
3. The Investigatory Powers Act 2016
AKA “The Snooper’s Charter”, will come into law by the end of the year. ISPs are obliged to keep records of any internet services you use – including websites or messaging apps – for up to a year, and allow the government access to said data whenever they want it.
Schedule 4 (page 247 of the Bill) lists the public authorities who will be able to access records, but yiu.co.uk points out that there are others who’ll be able to see it too…
… time to clean up your existance?
4. Whack Friday
Hope your website is surviving the Black Friday rush. Early reports show that Joe Public is avoiding the high street this year in favour of the online splurge. While many are enjoying the bargains to be had, shoppers of certain outlets have experienced problems:
@curryspcworld glad I waited up for this ?
— Lucille Lou (@Lucille2lou) November 25, 2016
Wump.
Still, all this activity on Black Friday isn’t likely to dampen Cyber Monday’s impact, with the total spend over the next four days expecting to reach over £4billion. Having said that, there are the rumblings of a revolt this year, with people and stores turning their backs on the US inspired shopping event. Next, for example, is not running a Black Friday sale, and Jigsaw’s on their soapbox too. Perhaps Giving Tuesday is having more of an impact this year too?
5. Cat Tax
@MovieCats – the instagram account you didn’t know you needed – is the work of David and Sarah, a couple who spend their Sundays recreating famous movie scenes… with the help of their cats Tara and Willow.
“We started doing it as a picture question in our pub quiz’s film/TV round, and it went down really well so we made it a regular thing.” – via the Dodo
Have a great weekend!
