New content, cool games, and news from TheSite staff - it's all here. Now where's the tea?
All | Community updates | Announcements | New content | Fun
Friday May 09, 2008
Poke that!
I love social networking websites because I get to find out about cool events that would otherwise fall outside of my radar. I hate them because I occasionally get weird messages from people I met randomly three years ago that quite frankly fall under the category of spam. Just this week I got a long rambling message from someone which included the sentence:
COULD YOU POSSIBLY TO TELL ME WHAT ARE YOU DONG THESE DAYS? WHICH FILM YOU HAVE SEEN AT LAST,WHICH BOOK INFLUENCED YOU RECENTLY?, ARE YOU HAPPY (IN THE PIC I CAN SEEE YOU GOT SLIGHLY WEIGH ,BUT YOU LOOK REALLY GREAT).
Got slightly weigh? Thanks for that, but what's with the SHOUTING?
For your chance to tell us what you love and hate about social networking sites, click poke that to complete our latest survey.
Imagine if people's behaviour on social networking websites was mirrored in the real world. Here's a video from the BBC's Wall which gives a scarily accurate picture of why some people's actions online are pretty ridiculous, not to mention downright offensive, at times.
Posted by Helen ( 2:38 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Wednesday May 07, 2008
Young people aren't interested in politics?
They say rap about what you know... well, these two American teenagers appear to have decided to rap about their love of the political magazine The Economist. Have a listen here.
It'll cheer up your Wednesday afternoon...
Olly
(Hat tip: The Guardian)
Posted by Olly ( 10:59 AM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Festival fun
I'm a festival virgin. It's not that I don't want to go to a random field, party and watch the biggest names in music, it's more to do with the fact that I'm about as useless camping as condoms in a convent. The last time I made an attempt to set up a tent I ended up sleeping under the stars with my camping buddies using my car as a makeshift home for the night. The thing with camping is you've either got it or you haven't. Some people enjoy the outdoor experience but I'd much rather be at home with my slippers on and a hot cup of cocoa in hand. Perhaps one day I'll pluck up the courage to go to one.
If you're a wannabe festival-goer like me, check out our new festival section on TheSite.org. There's load of tips on everything festivally from how to pull to advice on avoiding mud.
You can also watch or read our vox pops on your own festival experiences as we ask you what your most memorable moment is, your festival nightmares and who you'd like to see play at your dream festival.
Posted by Chris Denholm ( 10:54 AM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Wednesday Apr 23, 2008
What's in your ears?
I’ve found a video of what we get up to in TheSite.org office:
Lip Dub - Flagpole Sitta by Harvey Danger from amandalynferri on Vimeo.
(Ok, it’s not quite like that, but boy I’d love it to be. I totally love the fact these people made that video).
But we do have something sort of similar. On Friday afternoons, we tend to gather for a short presentation on a particular subject before having a little relaxation time where people can chat socially and reflect on what they achieved over the week. It’s a good opportunity to get to see your colleagues in different light to the usual name that appears in your inbox demanding something be done by yesterday.
One of the highlights of this downtime is that we get to play music in the office. Generally our office is quite quiet: although the techie people appear to like opera which occasionally they have playing in the background, so it does tend to make the place feel a bit like a hotel lobby. But on Friday afternoon we get to play music. And that means we need someone to choose the music.
This week, big Jim V asked if I’d like to do the honours. What then should I inflict my colleagues with? A quick look at my Last.fm account suggests that most of what I listen to is, erm, of the chilled variety: Jack Johnson, Tom McRae, Air etc (which is what I tended to listen to when I was working at my previous job). All very nice but not exactly the sort of music you want to kickstart your weekend.
(Oh and the Sugababes is my guilty pleasure and I’m not going to apologise for that).
At the moment I’m particularly loving the new Guillemots album (their gig @ Somerset House was my favourite of last year). I also really liked the new Portishead single when they played it on Jools Holland. And a couple of weeks back I saw this guy play and thought he was brilliant. All of them great, but again not the riveting anthems you want before we head to the pub or wherever.
So, anyone got any great ideas for music we should play in TheSite.org office this Friday? Current favourites, old classics or undiscovered treasures of MySpace?
Otherwise I’ll be inflicting my nineties indie favs: stand up Sleeper, Wannadies and classic Charlatans.
Olly
Posted by Olly ( 9:48 AM ) Link to this post | Comments[4]
Friday Apr 18, 2008
Being a newbie...
Starting in a new job is always a daunting experience. It's like the first day at a new school, except there generally the other people are all new at the same time and you aren't replacing someone who had their way of doing things that people understood and were used to.
So it's with some relief that I've got to the end of my first week at TheSite.org, covering for Hannah whilst she is away on maternity leave, surprisingly confident about what I'm supposed to be doing. That's in no small way the excellent (and extensive) hand-over notes that Hannah left---I do now feel a bit guilty about what I left for the person replacing me at my previous job---and the excellent team who I'm working with.
Life at TheSite.org never stands still, so on my third day I was inducting our newest member of staff, Chris Chapman, who is joining us to create lots more audio and video content. Multimedia is very much my background as well; so (literally) watch out for more of that coming your way soon – be it on your computer, your iPod or whatever other way you like to get video in front of your eyes and sound in your ears.
Being maternity cover is an interesting role. You aren't simply there to hold the fort - TheSite.org needs constant developing so a year of just twiddling thumbs and answering emails isn't good enough. But you're also aware you are sat in someone else's seat, and eventually they'll want it back. You can't totally go in a different direction to what they were doing, as they won't be very impressed when they return. So, other than chucking out some old magazines, updating the voicemail and introducing a constant supply of Haribo to the desk; I'm not planning on too much revolution in the office.
I can't wait to meet loads of TheSite.org users; be it on the boards, via email or in person if you get involved through our many volunteering opportunities. Without liking to sound like an old crusty, I do remember TheSite.org back in the late 90s when I was at uni and doing a digital media degree (this is when I had to explain to most relatives what the internet was). I am genuinely excited that after years of being aware of how great TheSite.org is; I'm now in a position where I get to influence what it does.
Feel free to send your feedback, comments, suggestions or even random crap that you think will make me laugh.
Olly
Posted by Olly ( 2:38 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[3]
Chat to the peelers
On Wednesday 23rd April, 7-8pm, Commander Rod Jarman will be chatting live about policing in London and Stop and Search.
Rod is a senior officer within the Metropolitan Police Service with specific responsibilities for the eight Boroughs in North West London, Stop and Search, Safer Neighbourhoods and more.
Rod became the Borough Commander in Southwark in 1999. During this time he led the community and long-term response to the murder of Damilola Taylor; a number of multi-agency initiatives tackling hate crime and supporting young people.
If you'd like to ask questions about policing in London, stop and search, or anything else related to Rod's work then join us next wednesday in our chat room.
Posted by Helen ( 10:03 AM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Wednesday Apr 16, 2008
The other end of depression 
Feeling down or depressed can be a very different and personal experience, whether you're going through a rough patch or simply feeling bad but not exactly knowing why. How do you know if you're just a bit low or if you need further help? Do you really need antidepressants and what are the alternatives? And how can you keep positive when things around you are going crazy?
We've boosted our mental health content with six new fact sheets, two case studies and two podcasts to explore the 'other end of depression'. So whether you're getting through the worst of it, you've been feeling down for some time, or you don't know how to control your anger or mood swings, take a look at our latest articles for some useful tips, advice, and real life experiences.
Coming off antidepressants - includes a podcast – we speak to a GP and Bonnie who's struggled to come off antidepressants.
Understanding mood swings - includes a podcast – we speak to two experts who offer advice and techniques on how to control your moods.
Alternatives to antidepressants
Dealing with anger
Being positive
The positive side of depression
Fighting back from depression (True story)
Recovering from abuse (True story)
Posted by Julia ( 2:07 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Wednesday Apr 09, 2008
Driving test
When I took my first driving test I had everything planned. My cassette ‘Drive with Jules’ was completed and would be played relentlessly in my first car, a rusty little Fiat Panda. Filled with songs mixed off the radio and cheesy tunes, I was ready to pose with my sunroof down and my windows open. I was mentally prepared to pass and get out there into the real world where I didn’t have to rely on lifts from parents or friends. The thought of failing didn’t enter my head (and I did that twice), but nevertheless I was terrified. Well Joe is in the same boat, optimistic, but scared sh*tless. Check out his next diary entry to hear about the run-up to booking his test. Good luck Joe!
Posted by Julia ( 1:43 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Friday Apr 04, 2008
Minging loos
Once I actually gave my bag (with everything in it including wallet and keys etc) to a complete stranger on a static train because I was worried it would get ruined if I took it into the nasty train toilet. Very stupid I know, but a sure sign that they really are gross. Luckily the person was kind and honest, so I got my bag back when I returned to my seat. The latest rant in our real life section is all about train toilets and captures the horrors vividly. 
Posted by Helen ( 2:24 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Thursday Apr 03, 2008
The Dominatrix
I'm sad to say that our Digital Interactive Services Director Dom Waghorn will be waving goodbye to TheSite.org at the end of this week. You may be wondering - what's the big deal? People come and go from jobs all the time. This change is a big deal though as Dom has pretty much become part of the furniture at TheSite towers having notched up a grand total of 9.5 years 'service'! So if you count backwards then you'll soon realise that Dom was involved in TheSite.org when the internet was a creaky and let's face it, pretty ugly, domain. This means that he's seen a lot of changes and helped shape the website to create the brilliant resource we've come to know and love.
Anyway, that's enough from me. I asked some TheSite.org users who have been kicking around for a fair while to share their thoughts on his departure. Here's what they had to say:
Aladdin
"Thank you very much for a splending job for all these years! It seems you were at the helm when the internet had barely been invented. Moderating a forum cannot be an easy job at the best of times, specially one catered to helping young people.
All the best for the future!"
Man of Kent
"What can I say about Dom?
Those of us who have been on the boards for years now have missed his witty inputs over the past couple of years as he's moved to other jobs in YouthNet. That doesn't mean that we won't be disappointed to hear that he's finally completed the tunnel and is on his way out of "thesite towers".
Seriously, for a Charlton (ha!) supporting colonial, he was alright I suppose." 
go_away
One of my favourite Dom moments came from that satirical article published by the register:
Quote:
|
The editor of the site, Dominic Waghorn - obviously a pseudonym for some drug-crazed Nazi - attempted to justify his site thus: "We try to provide information and advice. We don't tell people how to live their lives or what is right or wrong." Ridiculous. How would people know what to do if we didn't tell them? It'd be bloody anarchy. |
I'm trying not to write from a perspective as if I was writing an obituary, but Dom put so much into TheSite.org and I'm sure hundreds of people (including myself) benefitted in the many ways that TheSite has to offer. I was 17 when I joined, I'm still rattling about at 24, which says a lot about the community that was created, and the effort put in from the people above, much of which came from the Dominatrix!
Posted by Helen ( 10:14 AM ) Link to this post | Comments[3]
Friday Feb 29, 2008
What are you craving?
Is the question asked by new culinary website Cookthink. It landed in my inbox earlier this week and I can't stop telling people about it. One of the most common questions that turns up in TheSite.org's food forum is "Anyone got recipe ideas?" and this website is a great place to get help with finding some. Not only can you find recipes containing foods you're craving, but you can also find meals to use up those old ingredients you're not sure what to do with.
It might even help you identify your veg.
Posted by Helen ( 4:07 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[1]
Thursday Feb 07, 2008
Scary holidays
Scary holidays? We've all had at least one of them. If being between up by a bunch of 13 year-old Spanish boys (OK maybe that's a bit dramatic – being 'groped' and slapped on the ass), cracking my elbow and finding out my grannie had passed away while I was on a two-week package holiday with my ex staying in a hotel full of families and bawling kids when I was 21 wasn't scary enough, then I'd love to hear your stories! Still there's very different kinds of 'scary' and as our latest video vox pops reveal, from nearly being buried alive on a mountain to having to sleep in a cockroach-infested hotel room, that's far scarier than my holiday. Mine was probably more 'disaster' than scary!
Posted by Julia ( 3:09 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[1]
Tuesday Feb 05, 2008
Mobile history
A recent thread in the Volunteering and Activism forum on our discussion boards about recycling old mobile phones for charity reminded me of how many I’ve owned since my first Motorola model in the year 2000. It’s actually a scary number and unfortunately due to loss, theft and breakage I haven’t been able to rec
ycle every mobile I’ve had over eight years.
All this has got me thinking. If you’re a serial mobile owner like me, you’re bound to feel a sense of nostalgia when you think back to your old phones and what you were doing with your life when you owned them. This is 21st Century nostalgia for sure. A mobile phone history of just eight years already spans enormous technological changes, but each phone has a human story too. My first phone was a birthday present from my parents and I remember being embarrassed because it was already an outdated Motorola brick compared to my college friend’s new Vodafone models. My third phone was a Nokia 3210 brought as a Christmas present from my first serious boyfriend. I remember him telling me that phones weren’t going to get much better than that model!
Mobile phone history is already something that’s been picked up on in the Net & Tech forum on TheSite.org and it’s really interesting to see which brands and models have fared better than others. I bet you can see a few of your own in there.
Posted by Helen ( 1:48 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[0]
Thursday Jan 31, 2008
Leap year proposals
The shops are full of them, you can't find a birthday card for love nor money and your other half is dropping some serious hints. Yes, it's that time of year again with Valentine's Day just around the corner. As it's a leap year, if you're a woman and thinking of proposing then you've got quite a few decisions to make, and if you're a man, you better watch out!
Posted by Julia ( 4:32 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[1]
Wednesday Jan 30, 2008
Turf War
My last online game addiction engulfed me during the last months of university. When I was supposed to be focusing on my dissertation and future career I was more interested in how far I could hit a penguin through the artic. As the uni deadlines loomed so did the leader boards on the game. Eventually I had a reality check and decided that I had to give up my beloved 'punch pingu' to concentrate on my studies. I passed my degree but I never got my name onto those damn leader boards, something I regret to this day.
TheSite.org has just launched a new game to test your finance skills involving rodents, dog shit, rotten eggs and used condoms. You may very well ask: "What the hell do rotten eggs and dog shit have to do with my financial wellbeing you handsome devil?" The answer is everything.
Find out what I mean by playing our new game Turf War and learn more about keeping your finances under control.
. . . and try not to get too hooked!!
Posted by Chris Denholm ( 3:48 PM ) Link to this post | Comments[14]