I’ve owned a mobile phone since 1993 – the days of analogue mobiles, the size of a brick. My first phone was an NEC, then I had a Motorola then in 1994 I had a Nokia 211o on GSM (digital) – it was great and I was struck by the Nokia bug.

Every mobile phone handset I have owned since then has been a Nokia – from the 2110, 3110, 5110, 8110 to the smartphones of 6600, N80, N85 and the N95 (i’ve missed some out – too many to list!).

The N95 was probably one of the finest mobile phones Nokia made. The build quality was excellent – holding it in your hand, it just felt “quality”.

Two years ago, Nokia announced their new “flagship” phone – the N97. It was released in a blaze of publicity and in July 2009, I bought one. 

First reaction was that it seemed a little more “plastic” than the N95, but the functionality seems great with it’s massing storage space, touch screen and pop out keyboard. The software and OS seemed a little buggy, but we were promised updates by Nokia to fix it.

The problems started. The sat-nav antenna was poor – very poor. Then the camera lens cover started to scratch the lens (yes, the very thing it was there to protect). Nokia released a service bulletin. Nokia didnt tell all owners about this, we had to “fish” around for the information. The camrea lens and antenna were changed under warranty.

After only 12 months, the “chrome” paint started wearing off showing just plastic underneath and the key lock switch on the side snapped off meaning I had to buy an app to lock the phone when it was in my pocket.

Finally, in the last month, the batter decided when it will and wont keep charge – down to around 5 hours in some cases.

So, the N97 was a bad phone – a pup. What did Nokia do? Nothing – well, not exactly nothing, they stopped developing the firmware, removed it from the Nokia website – Yes, they hid their embarrasing ”flagship” device in the cupboard.

It’s no surprise that Nokia have found themselves in the problem they have – losing market share to Apple and Android. People just want a phone that works.

Sorry Nokia, you have lost another two customers. Mrs Fidget and I receive our new iPhones in the morning. Two more customers you failed to look after have left for the competition, and I doubt we will be back.

Ofcom has today launched the logo that TV channels must use to signal to viewers when a UK-produced programme contains product placement.

The logo must appear for three seconds at the start and end of programmes, and after any advertising breaks.

Broadcasters will be allowed to slightly adapt the logo, according to our guidelines, to enable use on either dark or light backgrounds.

Product placement will be allowed in UK television programmes for the first time from 28 February 2011. This follows the Government’s decision to allow product placement in UK TV programmes, as a result of changes to European broadcasting legislation.

The requirement to signal it in UK-produced programmes is set out in law, and will be reflected in Ofcom’s Broadcasting Code.

Information campaign

Around this time, TV channels will run on-screen information campaigns to let viewers know that some UK-made programmes will soon be able to include product placement, and to explain the meaning of the product placement logo.

This campaign will be screened across a number of major TV channels.

The campaign will also direct viewers to Ofcom’s specially-created product placement webpage: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/productplacement which gives more information about product placement and Ofcom’s new rules.

Other broadcasters who want to use product placement in their programmes when the rules first come into force are also obliged to give similar information to their viewers.

Product placement on TV

Product placement is the paid-for placement of products, services and trade marks in TV programmes.

Where products can be shown

Product placement will be allowed in films (including dramas and documentaries), TV series (including soaps), entertainment shows and sports programmes. But it will be prohibited in all children’s and news programmes and in current affairs, consumer advice and religious programmes made for UK audiences.

Restrictions on product placement

European legislation bans the product placement of tobacco (and related products) and prescription only medicines in all programmes.
In addition, UK legislation bans the product placement of alcohol, gambling, foods or drinks that are high in fat, salt or sugar, all other medicines and baby milk in programmes made for UK audiences. These prohibitions are reflected in Ofcom’s new rules. Ofcom has also prohibited the product placement of products and services that cannot be advertised on television, such as weapons and escort agencies.

In line with EU and UK legislation, the rules state that product placement must not impair broadcasters’ editorial independence and must always be editorially justified. This means that programmes cannot be created or distorted so that they become vehicles for the purposes of featuring product placement.

Placed products and services cannot be promoted or endorsed, or be featured in an unduly prominent way within programmes.

I found this doing the rounds on the Internet today comparing school like in the 70′s to today and thought I’d share it with you.

Scenario 1:
Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.

1970 - Crowd gathers. Johnny wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best mates for life.

2010 - Police called, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Mark started it. Both children go to anger management programs for 3 months. School board hold meeting to impliment bullying prevention programs

Scenario 2:
Robbie won’t keep still in class, disrupts other students.

1970 - Robbie sent to office and given 6 of the best by the Headmasterl. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.

2010 - Robbie given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADS. Robbie’s parents get fortnightly disability payments and School gets extra funding from state because Robbie has a disability.

Scenario 3 :
Billy breaks a window in his neighbour’s car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.

1970 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2010 - Billy’s dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Billy’s sister tells Goverment psychologist that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison.

Scenario 5 :
Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school.

1970 - Mark gets glass of water from Teacher to take aspirin with.

2010 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario 6:
Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from Guy Fawkes, puts them in a model airfix paint bottle, blows up an ant’s nest.

1970 - Ants die.

2010- Police, Armed Forces & Anti-terrorism Squad called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, MI5 investigate parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated. Johnny’s Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario 7:
Johnny falls while running during break and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary . Mary hugs him to comfort him.

1970 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2010 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.

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