Newsletter No. 69
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"Helping 30,000 people use the Web for their work"
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ISSN 1460-7239 17th August 2000 No.69
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IN THIS ISSUE
EDITORIAL
MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
from Margaret Morrison
FREE PINT BAR
In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
Reviewed by Simon Collery
TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
"UK Tax Resources on the Web"
By Gary Mackley-Smith
BOOKSHELF
"The Cluetrain Manifesto: The end of business as usual"
Reviewed by P.C. McGrew
FEATURE ARTICLE
"Reflexology Sources on the Web"
By Anne Ku
PORTAL, EVENTS, GOLD AND FORTHCOMING ARTICLES
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EDITORIAL
Whilst August is supposed to be a quiet month business-wise, we're
not experiencing any of that here. The recent raft of articles and
features about our community mean we have welcomed many new members
recently and whilst the Web site developments continue apace.
The new Bar was well received after its launch in the last issue and
users particularly seem to like the "send to a friend" feature and
being able to see summaries in the message index. The move to
the new server went without a hitch last week too and so things are
very much faster now. We've also been busy adding resources to the
Portal and this is a super place to start exploring business
information on the Web. Make a note to check it out soon at
<http://www.freepint.co.uk/portal>.
In the last issue we covered two subjects you simply can't avoid -
genealogy and surveillance - and today we continue the theme by
looking at tax resources. Illness is generally involuntary too and so
we also take a look at reflexology sources on the Web as an
alternative to more traditional forms of medication.
We're breaking with tradition ourselves by not skipping an issue this
summer. Today's edition is therefore the first we've published in mid-
August in almost three years. I just hope that wherever you are in
the world the weather actually resembles the appropriate season, as in
the UK our "summer" is once again consisting of a mix of seasons
changing on a daily basis.
Do try to join us on the Web site where we can help with your search
questions at the Bar and you can explore our range of resources. Yes,
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and we'd value your feedback as always.
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MY FAVOURITE TIPPLES
from Margaret Morrison
* Timezoneconverter - figures out the time all over the world
including future dates to take account of those tricky Summertime
situations. <http://www.timezoneconverter.com/>
* Genie - send SMS for free and get to use a keyboard instead of a
fiddleyfone. <http://www.genie.co.uk/>
* Streetmap - where am I? Or where am I going? Paste a map reference
on your meeting invitations. <http://www.streetmap.com/>
* Need To Know - can't beat this weekly newsletter's sense of humour:
helps if you're a self-confessed geek. <http://www.ntk.net>
* Lowfield.co.uk - Oh no! I missed the Archers! Quick - catch up with
Ambridge and even get summaries sent to you if you're stuck out of
range of Radio 4. <http://www.lowfield.co.uk/>
Margaret Morrison is a Knowledge Specialist in the High Tech area (and
self confessed geek). She also runs a chocolate website at
<http://www.cybercandy.co.uk> selling all sorts of unusual and
sought-after sweets. Mmm!
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In Association with Factiva
a Dow Jones & Reuters Company
Reviewed by Simon Collery
http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/170800.htm#bar
People often compare the Web to a library, as if it is a collection of
reference books. And some sites on the Web are a bit like reference
works. We have had postings on reference resources covering world
languages (4386), some dictionaries of computing (4444) and UK photo
repositories (4485). Some Web sites are more like directories, UK
post code information (4404), environmental and energy information
(4423) and politics and government sites of the world (4433), for
example. Other sites are like brochures, this browser site, for
example (4413). The New Scientist site is like a periodical (4476),
though there are differences. And yet other sites are like all of the
above and several other things too, such as an arts gateway (4502) and
an accountancy portal (4508) that I reviewed recently.
Often, questions put to the Web are analogous to ones asked of a
librarian, and the librarian might direct readers to the most likely
place to find what they want. They might have a section on
librarianship which would cover library marketing (4392), a section on
employment law (4440), one on quizzes (4449), the freight industry
(4475) and the like. Librarians are trained to know how best to carry
out library research in numerous areas.
But there are questions that require more specialist knowledge of the
content of certain resources. Examples might be UK bank sort codes
(4416), treatment for hearing loss (4437), KM questionnaire data
(4450), company VAT numbers (4455), the Notebook industry (4463) and
vehicle license registration details (4489). I'm not saying
librarians wouldn't know the answer to such questions, of course, just
that they could be more challenging. They need to know what many
books contain, not just where they are shelved. In a lot of cases
they can tell you where it's best to look, without necessarily being
able to tell you whether your question can be answered.
Similar things can be said for the Web. Many subjects that people
expect information on are the equivalent of parts of books, and you
might need to look through lots of sites before you find what you
want. The information may not even be there at all, and establishing
this can take a long time. Talking of which, we would be interested
in hearing from people who know sites holding details of music CD
importers (4451), ASP statistics (4471) and printing technology
(4427). But there isn't an easy way of answering many questions on
the Web, no more than there would be in a library.
There are numerous search tools on the Web, a handful of which aim to
perform distinct search functions. Smartborg tries to match the sort
of query you type in with the most appropriate search tool (4460).
Exploratorius is one of a good number of meta search engines (4487)
and Altavista attempts to add in all sorts of filters to assist the
searcher (4408). The best parallel here is with library catalogues and
reference works, how they are indexed and the like, not with
librarians. And many people resort to posting their question on a
public message board, often one specialising in their subject area.
Then when it comes to technical matters, the Web is a lot different
from libraries. It can be more like a shop when it comes to buying
software, so you can compare prices and even get demonstrations and
advice. Often it's all free of charge too. If you are interested in
document management resources (4394), Web software (4406), usability
checkers (4454), library catalogue software (4443), software security
patches (4469), linking to pdf documents and share price feeds for a
Web site (4503), you may find the Web very useful.
Now, William was asked whether the British Library has a future in the
light of the Web's ability to replace some services provided by
libraries (4484). So while the Web might replace some services,
I don't think it has been shown that it can replace all of them.
Anyhow, we'd love to hear what you think.
Simon Collery, Content Developer <simon@freepint.co.uk>
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TIPS AND TECHNIQUES
http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/170800.htm#tips
"UK Tax Resources on the Web"
By Gary Mackley-Smith
The development of online UK tax information has been very slow
compared to that in the USA, where for many years good tax information
has been freely available.
There are hundreds of tax sites. Entering "tax" into any of the major
search engines will reveal a vast table of entries, far too many to
delve through without a serious assault on your phone bill. To save
you the trouble, the UK's best tax sites can be found in the ever-
expanding Tax Links section of my own site TaxZone, which is where
this article takes its lead for the ten recommended links mentioned
below.
Official sources
----------------
The Government has set the demanding goal of making the UK the best
environment in which to trade electronically by 2002. The claim
follows on from its target of making all government services available
electronically by 2005. A tall order if recent software disasters at
the Inland Revenue are anything to go by.
Although the Revenue has had more than its fair share of IT problems,
its website is a model of clarity. The site is easy to navigate, there
are minimal graphics, lots of downloads and a huge wealth of tax
information for both the professional adviser and taxpayer. Highlights
are press releases, Tax Bulletins and downloadable forms and booklets.
A major addition to the site is a new section containing the Revenue's
internal guidance manuals, long regarded as the ultimate source of
information by experienced practitioners needing to gauge the
department's likely view of planned transactions. Since the mid 1990s
the manuals have been in the public domain, but at a price; now they
are free - checking them before undertaking tax planning activities is
essential.
<http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk> - Inland Revenue
Within the website is a section devoted to National Insurance
Contributions, which is an important area for anyone involved in
payroll.
<http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/nic/index.htm> - NIC Office
H.M. Customs & Excise deal with all the indirect taxes and have most
of their notices online - a great resource for traders needing to
check on the VAT aspect of a deal. VAT is so complicated these days
that the site is indispensable. There are very useful areas on
exchange rates and reclaiming VAT in the European Community.
<http://www.hmce.gov.uk> - Customs & Excise
The Institutes
--------------
The tax institutes are now using the Internet as a way of
communicating with their members electronically. Tax advisers can now
pay their professional subscriptions online, check technical releases,
pick up internal news, and see branch programmes for local events.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation is the premier tax body in the UK,
and shares its website with its junior partner, the Association of
Taxation Technicians. The site underwent a transformation a while ago
now, not necessarily for the better. But the technical information it
contains makes its frequently used. It is neatly split into technical,
non-technical and student areas.
<http://www.tax.org.uk> - Chartered Institute of Taxation
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
has a Tax Faculty for members in practice providing tax services. The
Faculty's site went live earlier this year and appears to have learnt
from the mistakes of other sites. It is easy to move around and find
information. A members' area contains back copies of technical
newsletters and a discussion forum.
<http://www.taxfac.co.uk> - Tax Faculty
Sponsored by the Tax Faculty is TaxAid, the charity that deals with
the tax affairs of those who cannot afford the fees of a professional
adviser. TaxAid's site has only just gone live and has been well worth
the wait. Full of great information about what to do if you can't pay
your tax, taxpayers' rights, general news and a library of downloads
containing technical articles.
<http://www.taxaid.org.uk> - TaxAid
Case Law
--------
For the very technically minded there is now a growing body of tax
case law online. Full judgments and summaries are available. The
Government's Court Service is the main database for full judgments and
recently underwent a much needed revamp. Here you will find cases from
the High Court, the Court of Appeal and many tribunals. Cases are
searchable by various criteria.
<http://www.courtservice.gov.uk/judgments/judg_home.htm> - Court
Service
The Swarbrick Law Index is a fantastic site for case summaries going
back to 1992. Regularly updated by this law firm, the site is one of
the hidden jewels of the Internet.
<http://www.swarb.co.uk> - Swarbrick Law Index
Gray's Inn Tax Chambers is one of the most progressive barristers
chambers and their website is a model for others to follow. It
contains a tax and VAT case reporting service. It aims to provide an
online summary of each judicial decision in which a member of Gray's
Inn Tax Chambers has appeared, within 30 minutes of judgment.
<http://www.taxbar.com> - Gray's Inn Tax Chambers
Online guides and calculators
-----------------------------
Online guides are still very much in their infancy, though with the
Revenue's manuals now online they face stiff competition. Some banks
and professional firms have provided online guides to the tax system.
<http://www.taxguide.co.uk> - Lloyd's TSB Tax Guide
Performing tax calculations online is perhaps a novel invention, but
many sites now offer this facility. From checking how much to pay
the spouse, to seeing if you should keep the company car, all these
things can now be done online for free.
<http://www.e-gismos.com/ukpay.htm> - UK Payroll calculator
<http://www.cartax.co.uk/cartaxCalcs> - Car tax calculator
<http://www.byes.co.uk/Calculator.html> - Spouse's wages calculator
TaxZone
-------
TaxZone is a sister community to AccountingWEB, the Internet resource
and community for tax and accounting professionals from Sift, who have
a range of such online communities. TaxZone offers a free weekly
newswire, tax facts, a growing library of articles, interactive
questions and answers, industry-specific business notes, a special
section on the dreaded IR35, and the most comprehensive set of tax
links you will find anywhere.
<http://www.taxzone.co.uk> - TaxZone
<http://www.accountingweb.co.uk/item/13447/182> - Tax Links
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Gary Mackley-Smith is editor of TaxZone. A frequent writer and
lecturer on tax matters, he was for many years in practice as a tax
adviser and more recently the Publisher at Tolley Publishing where he
also wrote some of their tax handbooks.
To contact him email mailto:gary@taxzone.co.uk
<http://www.taxzone.co.uk>.
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During our move to the new server we installed a new Web stats
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The Bar is by far the busiest section with two sixths of the site's
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FREE PINT BOOKSHELF
http://www.freepint.co.uk/bookshelf
"The Cluetrain Manifesto: The end of business as usual"
Reviewed by P.C. McGrew
If you are looking for another staid business book with thousands of
dry words describing business school ideas for growing your business,
this is not it. This is a book where you must read the words and pay
attention to the side bars while casting aside preconceived notions of
what a business book looks like and feels like.
The tour guides for The Cluetrain Manifesto are Rick Leune (co-founder
of Mancala, Inc. and a former Web Architect for Sun), Christopher
Locke (web consultant also known as rageboy), Doc Searles (senior
editor at Linux Journal and publisher of Reality 2.0), and David
Weinberger (editor and publisher of the Journal of the Hyperlinked
Organization - JOHO). Each has a perspective on the business of doing
business on the internet borne from working in the trenches and noting
the strategic failures as well as the tactical victories.
They start with 95 theses. If your classical education is pinging in
your ear it might be the remembrance of Martin Luther echoing in the
background. This set of 95 theses also tackle a cultural attitude, but
this one examines the business of marketing goods, services, and
brands using the matrix of the internet, linked with the myriad of
intranets that form in large and small companies. To give you an idea,
here are a few of the theses:
* There are no secrets. The networked market knows more than companies
do about their own products. And whether the news is good or bad,
they tell everyone.
* Bombastic boasts -- "We are positioned to become the preeminent
provider of XYZ" -- do not constitute a position.
* Today, the org chart is hyperlinked, not hierarchical. Respect for
hands-on knowledge wins over respect for abstract authority.
From the theses they take off on a series of conversations, which is
how the authors see the new marketing paradigm. Conversations between
buyers and sellers replace prior notions of how marketing, public
relations, and ultimately, customer support are accomplished, thus
allowing companies to become more approachable and more human in their
dealings with both their vendors and customers. Oh, their employees,
too. They preach with the conviction of TV evangelists and the humor
of the local comedy club.
If you think you know what your company looks like from the web and
its surfers, pay particular attention to page 93. Here, laid bare, is
the story of what happens in chat rooms and how no one is immune.
What? You don't have someone trolling the chat rooms watching for
references to your company or products? This story will give you a few
reasons to seriously consider making it someone's assignment,
especially if you sit on top of a publicly traded company.
If you are an avid reader of business books, looking for the morsels
that will help give you the leg up over your competition, this is a
book that should not be missed.
If you hate business books with a passion because they never deal with
the things you need to know, this is a book that should not be missed.
If you never read books, read this one anyway.
Related sites:
<http://www.cluetrain.com>
<http://www.hyperorg.com>
<http://www.rageboy.com>
> - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
P.C. McGrew is a certified Electronic Documents Publishing
Professional. With her partner, Bill McDaniel, she speaks
professionally and writes on topics including information delivery,
emerging technology, and practical applications of emerging
technologies. Their consulting company, McGrew + McDaniel Group, works
as evangelists-for-hire in the emerging technologies sector.
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Related Free Pint links:
* Find out more about this book online at the Free Pint Bookshelf
<http://www.freepint.co.uk/bookshelf/cluetrain.htm>
* Read about other Internet strategy books on the Free Pint Bookshelf
<http://www.freepint.co.uk/bookshelf/strategy.htm>
* Read customer comments and buy this book at Amazon.co.uk
<http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0273650238/freepint0c>
or Amazon.com
<http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471349763/freepint00>
* Details: US ISBN 0738202444 published by Perseus Books; UK ISBN
0273650238 published by Financial Times Prentice Hall; written by
Rick Levine, Christopher Locke, Doc Searls, David Weinberger
* Search for and purchase any book from Amazon via the Bookshelf
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To propose a business-Web-related book for review, send details
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FEATURE ARTICLE
http://www.freepint.co.uk/issues/170800.htm#feature
"Reflexology Sources on the Web"
By Anne Ku
Introduction
------------
Newcomers to the vast field of complementary medicine (alternative
therapy, holistic healing, natural health), may easily be confused by
the plethora of terminology used to describe healing that is not
"Western medicine." The main difference, as I have come to understand
it, is that the former is holistic, treating the patient and the cause
rather than the symptom and the effect. However, for those of us
brought up in the ritual of seeing a doctor when we're ill - and being
prescribed medicine made by the leading pharmaceutical companies, it
seems strange that an alternative exists.
I decided to explore "the alternative" when I became increasingly
dissatisfied with the old ritual. Having studied system dynamics and
causal modelling in my academic research, I sincerely believe in
Newton's law of action and reaction. What effect does medicine have
on our bodies? Why do I develop another ailment after taking
antibiotics to relieve my cold? Why do the same problems, such as
hayfever, recur year after year?
Reflexology is only one of many alternative therapies available today.
Using meta-search engines I was able to quickly find sites that define
it, describe the benefits, detail the history, point to useful links
and organisations, and document real life case studies demonstrating
the effectiveness of reflexology.
One website at <http://www.ozemail.com.au/~sharonc/more.htm> states
"Reflexology is both a science and an art. As a science, it requires
the skill and knowledge of the practitioner. As an art, it requires
the dedication and love of the practitioner." While one may argue
about its scientific origins, there is overwhelming evidence that it
was practised as early as 2,330 BC by the Egyptians. Details of
pictures and carvings of this ancient practice can be found at
<http://www.foot-reflexologist.com/EGYPT_1.HTM>. The precursor to
modern reflexology began in the US in the 1920's as Zone Therapy,
according to <http://www.reflexology-usa.net/history.htm>. This was
brought to the UK in the 1960's by the late Doreen Bayly, as described
in <http://www.britreflex.co.uk/information/information.htm>. There
is some dispute over the exact origins of reflexology as we know it
today. <http://members.tripod.com/~medicinedreams/reflex.html>
attributes it to Sir Henry Head of London back in the 1890's.
Definition and Benefits
-----------------------
Reflexology is often confused with foot massage, chiropody,
chiropractice, acupressure, and acupuncture, as evident in my Internet
search results. Foot massage is the massage of the foot, without
reference to the rest of the body. A chiropodist treats the feet and
their ailments. A chiropractor uses spinal manipulation as a method
of curing disease. Acupressure is a kind of massage using fingertips
applied to the points of the body used in acupuncture. Acupuncture is
a system of medical treatment in which the body surface is punctured
by needles at specific points to relieve pain, cure disease, or
produce anaesthesia. (Ref: The Cassell Concise English Dictionary
edited by Betty Kirkpatrick, copyright 1989.)
Reflexology is a non-intrusive touch therapy applied to the feet and
hand. When any of the nerve pathways that exist throughout the body
become blocked, the body experiences levels of discomfort.
Reflexology may assist in reviving one's energy flow and bringing the
body back into a state of balance. It is based on the principle that
reflexes in the feet and hands mirror each and every gland, organ and
all parts of the body.
"Reflexology - a second look" gives a good overview with plenty of
body and foot diagrams at
<http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Reflexology/sahai13.htm>.
Additional foot charts can be found at
<http://www.ozemail.com.au/~sharonc/fchart.htm>,
<http://www.reflexology-research.com/Images/foot.jpeg>, and
<http://www.e-maginet.com/fiona/reflexology.htm>. A hand chart is
available at <http://www.reflexology-research.com/handchart.html>.
Stimulating these reflexes or zones by systematic pressure and massage
can identify, prevent, maintain, relieve, and even cure certain health
problems.
Many reflexology websites state that reflexology is not meant to take
the place of modern medicine, but rather to complement it. It can
restore harmony to hormonal imbalances and cure breathing disorders
and digestive problems. Reflexology can provide and has provided
relief from allergies, headaches, sinus problems, asthma, backaches,
diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome,
constipation, menstrual problems, prostate problems, laryngitis,
arthritis, eczema, glandular fever, and other stress-related ailments.
For case studies, see the collection of articles at
<http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Reflexology/anngill.htm>.
Organisations and Choice of Practitioner
----------------------------------------
Britain has several associations for reflexologists. The British
Reflexology Association at <http://www.britreflex.co.uk/> and the
International Institute of Reflexology UK at
<http://www.levickm.freeserve.co.uk/homenew.htm> surprisingly offer
very little information. The Association of Reflexologists lists
other organisations (contact numbers, mailing addresses) by country at
<http://www.reflexology.org/reforgs.htm> and equivalently in
alphabetical order at <http://www.reflexology.org/>. My Swiss
reflexologist informs me that the Association of Reflexologists in the
UK does not recognise reflexology diplomas from other countries. Thus
being a member of a reflexology association does not necessarily
guarantee good practice. Two web pages list practitioners by area in
the UK at
<http://www.levickm.freeserve.co.uk/pages/choose_your_nearest_practitioner.htm>
and <http://www.reflexology.org/aor/aormem/index.htm> making
it convenient for the web surfer to locate a practitioner. Since the
client-therapist inerface is very important, you may have to try a few
before becoming comfortable. As with choosing your doctor, you should
rely on your own common sense and intuition.
Anyone from any walk of life can get trained as a reflexologist -
usually twelve weekends over one year for most courses in the UK. If
so, how can you tell if your reflexologist is a good one? Personally,
if he/she can identify what is wrong with me without prior knowledge,
I would be impressed. If he/she can then relieve me of my pain, then
I'm even more impressed. Most people after the typical one-hour
treatment tend to feel tired and need to rest. The body is getting
rid of toxins while the homeostasis is getting "re-tuned." My Swiss
reflexologist firmly believes that one should start with the kidney,
ureter tubes, and bladder area. After apprenticing with her teacher of
30 years experience, she contrasts this against the UK, where
reflexologists tend to start with the brain. She warns that anyone in
the first trimester of pregnancy should not get reflexology treatment
as it can produce miscarriage. Having said that, it is a wonderful
method to prepare for childbirth later on. She advises against
treating intoxicated (by drug or alcohol) patients.
To answer the remaining questions I had about reflexology, I asked the
Regional Director of the International Institute of Reflexology at
<http://www.reflexology-usa.net/>. In the US, the American
Reflexology Certification Board (ARCB) is the overseeing body for
standards and practice there. However, none exist for the rest of the
world. The International Council of Reflexologists (ICR) does not set
standards. <http://www.reflexology-research.com/reflexions.html>
contains a link to an article on reflexology laws in Massachusetts.
Other law-related articles can be found be using the search engine on
the site at <http://www.reflexology-research.com/search.html>.
Some questions to ask in
choosing a practitioner are 1- are they certified? 2- what method do
they practise? 3- how long have they been practising? 4- what kind of
results have they seen?
Books and Further Study
-----------------------
While the web gives a good overview, I would be tempted to check out
the many books written about reflexology.
<http://homepage.tinet.ie/~footman/booklst.html> boasts the most
comprehensive list (books, charts, videos) although at time of writing
it says it was last updated in February 1999! Twenty five popular
books are listed at
<http://www.personalhealthzone.com/reflexologybooks.html>. The
magazine Reflexology World has a website that lists books and
references at <http://www.reflexologyworld.com/reflex.htm>. Two other
websites I have come across suggest books at
<http://reflexology.aromapost.com/books.htm> and
<http://www.members.home.net/virginiasevilla/Books.html>.
To give credit to the many links that I have not explored in depth, I
have organised them under different subject headings at
<http://www.analyticalQ.com/reflexology>.
Finally, as appreciation for my reflexologist's considerable guidance,
I quote her personal beliefs verbatim: "There are many people who do
not want to heal because they gain too many benefits from their
illness or whatever. So many people do not care enough about
themselves. I hope to help people who are serious about their health
(and to me, health means more than the absence of disease; it is a
balance of mental/emotional/physical/spiritual and you feel like
you're thriving!). Don't start me on that one - I could write a
book." Perhaps she ought to!
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Believing that the provider of information must first be a user of
information, Anne Ku has written numerous Internet articles on a
variety of topics. Her current interest in alternative therapies
began when she met her Swiss reflexologist, whose consultation
culminated in research for this article. Interested readers may reach
her London-based reflexologist by visiting Anne's platform for self-
expression at <http://www.analyticalQ.com> under "Heal Thyself or
Heel Thyself."
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- Publication Date: 16th August 2000
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- Link: https://www.jinfo.com/go/newsletter/69
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