Can you hide behind an “anonymous” blog?

Post date: August 20th, 2009

It seems that you can no longer remain as anonymous on the Worldwide Web as you think.  Google’s Blogger has now been directed by the Manhattan Supreme Court to reveal the identity of the blogger who made defamatory statements about a model Liskula Cohen. The blogger’s lawyer argued that these comments are his opinions and hyperbole – trash talk, if you will – but Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Madden decided that “the thrust of the blog is that [Cohen] is a sexually promiscuous woman,” and that Cohen is entitled to sue the blogger for defamation.

As we all know, the internet is full of offensive comments and broad negative statements of all kinds. Right or wrong, this landmark decision will set a precedent for the future.  On the positive side, this decision will make people think twice about posting offensive posts and comments about someone, as they’re no longer protected by the anonymity of the internet. On the downside, let’s hope it does not cause an over reaction and bring about legislation that will make life on the internet difficult.

How to improve office morale by providing …

Post date: July 9th, 2009

Special High Intensity Training

In order to assure the highest levels of quality work and productivity from employees, we recommend that you introduce a policy to keep all employees well trained through a program of Special High Intensity Training (S.H.I.T.)

You should try and give your employees more S.H.I.T. than any other company. If you feel that your employees do not receive their share of S.H.I.T. on their jobs, we recommend (more…)

Our body, our temple

Post date: July 8th, 2009

I’ve reached the age where it’s harder and harder to think of my body as a temple. (It’s more like a building project that got out of control)

- Barbara Johnson

More stuff to comply with for your property

Post date: July 7th, 2009

As part of the work we do in property project management in MJS Consultants, we keep an eye on legislation affecting the property market.

Did you know … That from 9 August 2009, sellers of Australian residential properties MUST have 2 residual currency devices (RCDs) installed in the property? These safety devices must be in place by the settlement date. The same law applies to owners of newly leased rental properties. And if you’re lucky enough to have an existing tenant, you have till 9 August 2011 to comply. The only exemption (more…)

Are you keeping up?

Post date: July 6th, 2009

According to the latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), small businesses are falling behind big businesses in getting online. Last year, 96% of big businesses have a web presence. This compares to just 27% for small businesses.  Is this affecting small businesses? (more…)

Only in Australia?

Post date: April 30th, 2009

Looks like our Corporate Watchdogs are getting a little carried away.  Poor Mr Barry McMahon worte on Facebook that anyone who needed a plumber should call “Bazza” (his internet pseudonym).  A Plumbers Licensing Board investigation found that the comment “Bazza” placed on Facebook was an advert and it broke the law because it failed to include “Bazza’s” licence number!!!

Which goes to show … (more…)

Are nice customers ruining your business?

Post date: April 29th, 2009

I’m a nice customer. You all know me. I’m the one who never complains, no matter what kind of service I get.

I’ll go into a restaurant and sit quietly while the waiters and waitresses gossip and never bother to ask if anyone has taken my order.  Sometimes (more…)

Suffering

Post date: April 28th, 2009

I know a little suffering is good for the soul, but somebody must be trying to make a saint out of me.

- Barbara Johnson

Grey Power – Inside Cover, The West Australian Newspaper

Post date: April 26th, 2009

We came across this little report by Inside Cover in the 24/4/09 West Australian newspaper.

It would appear that the City of Joondalup mayor, Troy Pickard, met his match in the form of irate pensioner advocate Mike O’Brien.  (more…)

Maverick by Ricardo Semlar

Post date: April 25th, 2009

Just who is Ricardo Semlar?

Ricardo Semlar is the President of Semco, Brazil’s largest marine and food processing machinery manufacturers. He studied at Harvard Business School, speaks fluent English and has been voted Brazil’s Business Leader of the year. America Economia (published by Wall Street Journal) named him Businessman of the Year. Just what did Semlar do to earn him these accolades? (more…)