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8th May 2008
No.252
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About FreePint
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FreePint is a global network of people who find, use, manage and share work-related information. Members receive this free twice-monthly newsletter, packed with tips, features and resources.
Joining FreePint is free at <http://www.freepint.com/> and connects information practitioners around the world with resources, events and answers to their tricky research and information questions at the FreePint Bar, our free online forum: <http://www.freepint.com/bar/>.
Please share FreePint with others by forwarding this message. The FreePint Newsletter is available online in several formats and can be read, saved and forwarded at <http://www.freepint.com/issues/>.
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Editorial
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By William Hann and Robin Neidorf
 The world is not as innocent as it once was... or maybe it's just that we're more aware of an ever-widening array of risks. Reading Julie Gershon's tips article about identity theft is by turns illuminating and disturbing. Her advice is practical and sensible, but reading it feels like the business equivalent of purchasing life insurance -- you know you need it, but you hate to think about why.
 Still, having the information, no matter how you feel about what it means, is an essential part of better decision-making. Without good information, you have zero chance of making informed decisions. That maxim is as relevant when minimising the risk of identity theft as it is when planning for successful outcomes in contract negotiations -- a topic Mark Jewell revisits for us in his latest FUMSI article.
For almost any situation, more information is available. Free and fee sources abound for just about every speciality. The past two issues of VIP have focused on looking in-depth at market research products -- MarketResearch.com, Research & Markets, Packaged Facts, Oxygen from Mintel and more -- and future reviews will look at legal products, credit ratings products and offerings aimed at other niches.
Too much information? Often. Robin recently attended the Infonortics Search Engine Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts, where most of the papers focused on better mechanisms for separating the wheat from the chaff, the relevant from the irrelevant. The holy grail in search, and indeed in every information management environment, is serving up to the user the information that answers their question, in a useful format.
Free Pint Limited, too, is constantly striving to produce the right amount of information in the right format. These efforts have prompted us to stop publication of the PDF version of the FreePint Newsletter, as well as to move the individual articles to the FUMSI database. We've posted information about our change to the FreePint Bar (where we welcome your comments and feedback, as always), as well as communicating it to subscribers since the start of 2008. Rest assured: FUMSI articles remain freely available. If you click a link to an article, from this newsletter or elsewhere, you will have free access, as well as the flexibility to print, email or save the article, to use as you need it.
Identity theft may not have been a high priority for risk management 50 years ago. But the process for marginalising that risk depends on age-old principles: gather information in an unbiased and unemotional manner, act on it, and monitor changes in the environment. A similar process has guided our shift in publishing formats. We will continue to monitor shifts -- new technologies, new opportunities, and user feedback -- to keep FreePint at the forefront of your professional resources.
William Hann, Publisher
Robin Neidorf, General Manager
Free Pint Limited
FreePint is a Registered Trademark of Free Pint Limited (R) 1997-2008
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Back By Popular Demand:
Handwriting Analysis
Visit Dow Jones Booth 401
SLA Annual Conference
15th - 18th June 2008, Seattle, USA
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My Favourite Tipples
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By Martin Belam
 I seem to spend most of my waking hours immersed in looking at 'stuff' on the Internet, but I thought I'd concentrate on five sites that have been really useful to me over the last month or so.
- I just got a MacBook, and my first port of call was Open Source Mac.
It is a list of free quality Open Source software covering just about everything you could need to do on a computer.
- My wife also just got a cute handbag-sized ASUS Eee PC and Eeeuser.com has has been a solid source of hints and tips on how to tweak and troubleshoot any problems with the machine.
- If you run any kind of website, and haven't registered with Google Webmaster Tools then stop reading this and go and do that instead. It gives invaluable information about how Google 'sees' your site - both the good and the bad.
- I'm always checking Sphinn.com . It is like Digg for search engine people. It features links to the best breaking search engine and search marketing news, as discussed by the top search engine experts.
- And finally, if you want all your diagrams to feature little Lego men (which I sure do), then Graffletopia.com is the place. This is a directory of beautiful-looking free stencil downloads for OmniGraffle - including making custom Lego figures.
Martin Belam is an Internet Consultant and Information Architect who has worked with brands like The Guardian, Sony, Vodafone, Moo and the BBC. Martin is currently based in Crete and blogs at www.currybet.net
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Develop Your Strengths with Quantum2
For a wide array of hands-on training and resource materials, turn to Quantum2, an innovative skills development programme provided *free* by Thomson Scientific. The programme helps information professionals:
- Expand your services through strategic and business competencies
- Improve flow of information in your organisation
- Gain visibility and build value for your work
Discover best practices, *plus* the know-how to implement them.
Free monthly newsletter and further information at:
<http://scientific.thomson.com/quantum2/>
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Market research products in the spotlight <http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/>
Searching for information on financial services indicators and forecasts? VIP's latest issue analyses and reviews what's on offer ...
VIP's latest issue looks VIP looks into two leading market research services, Packaged Facts and Mintel's 'Oxygen', and provides an overview of the field. The editor of Alacra's 'Research Recap' also gives us the benefit of his experience in highlighting interesting market research sources frequently overlooked by the traditional media.
Order your copy today (GBP 54), or start your subscription now:
<http://www.vivavip.com/order/>
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FreePint Bar
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By Monique Cuvelier
<http://www.freepint.com/bar>
The
FreePint Bar is generously sponsored by Dow Jones Factiva
 Finders, keepers is the name of the game on the FreePint Bar lately, with questions about how to retrieve lost information and where to store a growing wealth of information. These and more summaries are below. Find more answers to your research questions at the Bar
- To many, the phrase 'GTD' instills a sense of calm and efficiency. To others, it signals the quest for the best way for "Getting Things Done," as exhorted by David Allen in his organizational system. Lend your expertise if you've discovered a useful way to manage your Next Actions list
- Most of us have learned the hard way to hit the Save button continually while we're working. But USB keys don't have a Save function. How would you go about retrieving a large and important document that was lost from these portable devices?
- Dependable archives extend beyond thumb-sized drives. One library has a growing collection of archived electronic items and needs a way of storing them. Offer your advice, especially if you have experience with Archivalware.
- One Bar member has been volunteering in the local library and has an itch to make it a career. Join this lively discussion to help offer ideas on what course of study to follow. You can also find library jobs on Jinfo.
- How small does your village have to be that the insurance company can't find it? One Barista is finding it difficult to have her address found on the Internet for insurance quotes. Her difficulty has spurred some helpful advice and interesting information. Check it out
Sign up for the twice-weekly Bar Digest at <http://www.freepint.com/subs/>.
The FreePint Bar is where you can get free help with your tricky research questions <http://www.freepint.com/bar>
Help with study for information-related courses is available at the FreePint Student Bar <http://www.freepint.com/student>.
Subscribe to the twice-weekly email digests at <http://www.freepint.com/subs/>.
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FUMSI Features
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 FUMSI publishes articles, tools, and a monthly magazine, to give you practical help with information skills.
Visit http://www.fumsi.com/
However you Find, Use, Manage or Share Information, you'll find something in FUMSI to help.
We add new articles to the FUMSI database in each practice area every month, which are free to read, browse, email, print or save. Here are the most recent additions:
"Identity Theft: The Fastest Growing Crime Wave and Our Role"
FUMSI: Share
Identity theft is a growing problem as more personal data finds its way online, enabling thieves to pose as someone else in order to obtain credit, merchandise or services. Julie Gershon provides common sense tips on protecting your online identity to ensure that you steer clear of the epidemic.
WHAT'S INSIDE: Identity theft is a crime in which key pieces of data, including social security numbers, drivers licenses etc. are obtained and used in a fraudulent manner
The Federal Trade Commission estimates that the current 1 in 8 people who are victims can spend on average 600 hours and US$1400 in out-of-pocket expenses to start resolving the damage.
Read, print, save or forward this article now. »
"Managing Successful Vendor Contracts: Part 2"
FUMSI: Manage
Negotiating vendor contracts may not be the highlight of your job, but it doesnt have to be a chore. Mark Jewell provides useful rules for approaching new contracts and renewals from a position of professionalism and strength, to help you maximize value to your employer.
WHAT'S INSIDE: Dont give away information needlessly. I worked with a very bright equities analyst on one deal who knew everything about his industry and nothing about negotiation. His unbridled enthusiasm for the product costs us thousands and fatally undermined our attempts to get a better price.'
Read, print, save or forward this article now »
Also recently Added to the FUMSI Database:
Download now »
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Jinfo - Jobs in Information
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 The Jinfo service enables you to search and advertise information- related job vacancies.
Start a free subscription to receive the weekly Jinfo Jobs Update, with a complete list of the latest vacancies, or search the database at any time (free).
Jinfo Jobs in the FreePint Newsletter are supported through our partnership with Quantum2, an innovative skills development programme offered by Thomson Scientific. Learn more at <http://scientific.thomson.com/quantum2/>
Here is a selection of the latest featured entries in the Jinfo database:
- Researcher
A prestigious Career Transition / Organisational Consulting company in London requires a bright, outgoing and highly capable indiv...
Recruiter: Right Management Ltd
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8878>
- Knowledge Content Manager
This is a new role, created to raise the profile and importance of knowledge generation and dissemination across this organisation
Recruiter: Weekes Gray Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8944>
- Research Assistant
Research Assistant at international Financial PR Consultancy.
Recruiter: M: Communications
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8970>
- Head of Information Services
Join us and you will be relied upon to manage the various systems and disciplines involved in information services and operations.
Recruiter: Equality & Human Rights Commission
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j8995>
- Information Professional
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an Information Specialist to join a leading global investmen ...
Recruiter: TFPL
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j9024>
- Business Information Coordinator
Design and business consultancy has a role for someone with experience of accurate data entry and editing records along with enquiry work to become an integral member of their project records team.
Recruiter: Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j9036>
- Senior Researcher/ Trainer - Financial Services
To work for Investment Bank and be a specialist for the FINANCIAL SERVICES sector
Recruiter: Glen Recruitment
Country: United Kingdom
<http://www.jinfo.com/go/j9043>
[The above jobs are paid listings]
NB: These are just a selection of information-related jobs in the Jinfo database <http://www.jinfo.com/>. Receive the latest job listings weekly with the free Jinfo Update. Free to subscribe at <http://www.jinfo.com/>
Subscribe to the free Weekly update of the latest jobs,
plus the monthly newsletter with career tips:
<http://www.jinfo.com/subs/>
Jinfo -- the best place for information-related job vacancies.
- JOB SEARCHING?
-- Free search and sign up to the Jinfo Newsletter
- RECRUITING?
-- Complete the form and advertise a vacancy for just GBP195 <http://www.jinfo.com/recruit/>
-- 10% discount for agencies
-- 50% discount for registered charities
Find out more today at <http://www.jinfo.com/>
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*** Adding staff this year? Recruit on Jinfo! ***
<http://www.jinfo.com/>
A cost-effective listing on Jinfo reaches active and passive candidates with the skills you need.
Include a FUMSI category, and your vacancy will also be included on the FUMSI website and FUMSI Magazine for even broader reach!
Get started today: <http://www.jinfo.com/recruit/>
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Recently in VIP
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VIP publishes in-depth, unbiased reviews of business information products. If you purchase or use premium information resources, make VIP part of your professional reading every month.
 VIP issue no. 53 includes:
- Market Intelligence: VIP looks into two leading market research services, Packaged Facts and Mintel's 'Oxygen', and provides an overview of the field.
- Buried Treasure: The editor of Alacra's 'Research Recap' gives us the benefit of his experience in highlighting interesting market research sources frequently overlooked by the traditional media.
- Under Pressure: As the banking and finance crisis deepens, credit ratings agencies are facing high-level calls for reform on both sides of the Atlantic.
Purchase this issue from the VIP website, or start your subscription now: <http://web.vivavip.com/go/vip/>
NEW: Now publishing the VIP LiveWire
Commentary on the industry, by the VIP editorial team. Get their insight on trends, products, user needs and more.
Recent posts:
Request a sample issue of VIP, or start a trial subscription today for only GBP 70 for three months. Trial offer is not available through the Web site; email <support@vivaVIP.com>
for details.
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| Highlights from ResourceShelf and DocuTicker
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Events
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It is free to search and advertise information-related gatherings in FreePint Events <http://www.freepint.com/events/>.
Premium listings
These events are hosted by our partner organisations and/or advertisers:
- "Managing Up: Partnering with Stakeholders to Achieve Result"
15th May 2008
*Webinar*
This workshop focuses on techniques for building the credibility and relationships necessary to inspire productive change. It offers tips on communicating effectively with anyone who might affect the success of your work projects, by identifying and working with specific influencing or relationship building tactics and styles. In short, we look at how we "manage up" to achieve the results that we want for our service.
Organised by: Thomson Scientific
Location: Online
<http://www.freepint.com/go/e1017>
- "Web 2.0 Strategies"
12th June 2008
Web 2.0 Strategies is the UKs leading forum for exploring real-world implementations of web 2.0 and enterprise tools and techniques.
Taking inspiration from web 2.0 itself, the event breaks apart the traditional conference format to create an intensive and highly interactive agenda, which brings together practitioners, expert commentators, 2.0 pioneers and technology gurus.
Speakers & Topics include:
- Opening Keynote: The strategic value of enterprise 2.0 -Dion Hinchcliffe, Business Strategist and Enterprise Architect; Editor-in-Chief, Social Computing Magazine; President & CTO, Hinchcliffe & Company
- Lead Associate Collections and Core Content
- James Gardner, Head of Innovation & Research, Lloyds TSB
- Simon Wardley, Independent Consultant
- Johnnie Moore, Facilitator & Marketing Consultant
- Jeff Schick, Vice President, Social Computing Software, IBM
- Artur Bergman, Director of Engineering, Wikia
- Julie Meyer, Founder & CEO, Ariadne Capital
Participants will learn how web 2.0 and enterprise 2.0 are rewiring the way organizations work. Discover what works and what doesnt -- in the real world!
For full programme details and to book your place, visit http://www.web2strategies.co.uk, or contact Lorna Candy on +44 (0) 7316 9649 lorna.candy@incisivemedia.com. If you book by 17th April you will benefit from an early bird discount.
Organised by: Incisive Media
Location: Olympia, London
<http://www.freepint.com/go/e1282>
Free listings
 United Kingdom:
 Australia and Territories:
 United States:
 Czech Republic:
Online:
*** Submit your event for free promotion ***
New upgrade option for enhanced listing coverage
<http://www.freepint.com/events/>
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Share Your Expertise with a Global Audience
We're constantly seeking case studies, how-to articles, and hands-on
insight to help others find, use, manage and share information at work. Contact any of our editorial team with your suggestions and submissions:
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Gold
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A look back at what FreePint covered at this time in previous years:
- FreePint No. 229, 3rd May 2007. ""Plastic Cash: A History of Money and the Credit Card in America"" and "Special Report: Information Architecture Summit 2007" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/030507.htm>
- FreePint No. 205, 4th May 2006. "Gleaning consumer intelligence from blogs and podcasts" and "Gleaning consumer intelligence from blogs and podcasts" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/040506.htm>
- FreePint No. 182, 12th May 2005. "Ready, Steady, Go! Finding the right time for job hunting" and "Analysing corporate websites for competitive intelligence" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/120505.htm>
- FreePint No. 159, 6th May 2004. "Working in Older Age" and "Marketing for the Info-Entrepreneur" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/060504.htm>
- FreePint No. 136, 1st May 2003. "Risk Management: An Additional Axis For Information Professionals?" and "UK Freedom of Information Act 2000:The Road To Implementation" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/010503.htm>
- FreePint No. 111, 2nd May 2002. "International Law" and "Weblogs and Blogging - Part 1" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/020502.htm>
- FreePint No. 87, 10th May 2001. "2001 - The Internet Election?" and
"Information Provision for the Information Providers" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/100501.htm>
- FreePint No. 62, 11th May 2000. "Idiots' guide to UK employment law sites on the Internet" and "Gimme a G for Global, a G for Geography" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/110500.htm>
- FreePint No. 38, 13th May 1999. "Patent information on the Internet - can you afford to ignore it?" and "Lurking on Lists" <http://www.freepint.com/issues/130599.htm>
- FreePint No. 14, 14th May 1998. "Six Opinions on Internet World UK" and "Deafblind access to the Web"
<http://www.freepint.com/issues/140598.htm>
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Forthcoming
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FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
[Provisional]
- EU Documents
- Information needs of small and growing businesses... and how to meet them
- Information Architecture conference coverage
- Copyright Summit conference coverage
- Determining 'Excellence': how one judge made the cut
If you have a suggestion for an article topic, or would like to write, then please contact FreePint's Editor Sara Waddington at <sara.waddington@freepint.com> or read the notes for authors at <http://www.onopoly.com/author/>
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Contact Information
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Address:
Free Pint Limited 4-6 Station Approach Ashford, Middlesex TW15 2QN, United Kingdom
Telephone:
UK: 0870 141 7474 Int: +44 870 141 7474
Directions and maps: <http://www.freepint.com/contact.htm>
Contributors to this issue:
William Hann (Managing Editor, FreePint), Robin Neidorf (General Manager, FreePint), Martin Belam, Monique Cuvelier (Contributing Editor: Share), Douglas Brown (Proofreader).
Advertisers/Sponsors:
Dowjones Factiva, Thomson Scientific, Weekes Gray Recruitment, Sue Hill Recruitment and Services Limited, Glen Recruitment, TFPL, VIP, ResourceShelf, DocuTicker, Jinfo.
(c) Free Pint Limited 1997-2008 <http://www.freepint.com/>
Technology by Willco <http://www.Willco.com/>
To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your subscriptions or password, visit <http://www.freepint.com/subs/> or email <support@freepint.com>. For details about contributing, advertising or to see past issues, please visit the Web site at <http://www.freepint.com/>.
Please note: FreePint (ISSN 1460-7239) is a registered trademark of, and published by, Free Pint Limited. The publishers will NEVER make the subscriber list available to any other company or organisation.
The opinions, advice, products and services offered herein are the sole responsibility of the contributors. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the publication, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
This publication may be freely copied and/or distributed in its entirety. However, individual sections MAY NOT be copied and/or distributed without the prior written agreement of the publishers. Write to Robin Neidorf, Managing Editor, <robin.neidorf@freepint.com> for more details. Product names used in FreePint are for identification purposes only, and may be trademarks of their respective owners. FreePint disclaims any and all rights in those marks. All rights reserved.
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House, Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, Herts, AL4 8RQ
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