Anybody lend Google a tenner?

So what is to be made of Viacom slapping Google with a writ for $1bn? There really is no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

It had previously seemed that Viacom were reasonably happy with the agreement they'd come to with Google over content ownership, but obviously not. Viacom's statement seems to indicate that they're prepared to go to the mattresses on this, so it would indicate a rather long and messy court proceeding.

Meanwhile, Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales has revealed that his company is to launch a search engine based on user input and collaboration, with the alleged financial backing of Amazon.

Never a dull moment at Google towers. Still, when you're on top you are of course there to be shot at.

Auntie Beeb goes 2.0

The Beeb finally seems to have got its posterior in gear in social media terms following the announcement of its deal with YouTube.

Auntie Beeb, owner of a content archive the size of an average solar system, has more reason than most to get on the bandwagon, given the worldwide syndication of its tv shows.

Plus of course the fact that this is another kick in the teeth for Mr Murdoch and his empire. While Rupe was slugging it out with Richard Branson in the courts, Google did its usual back door trick and got the Beeb on board.

Bored with Google?

Seems that Joanna Shields was, having left her role as managing director of strategic partnerships with the ubiquitous search-engine-and-everything-else-besides and headed for pastures new at social networking player Bebo.

Bebo reckons to have eight million active users in the UK, with each user spending an average of over two hours per day on the site.

European Networking Club launches in Second Life

The networking organisation, the European Young Professionals, launched last week with a very nice and well-attended event at 5 Cavendish Square, London. Interestingly and of course topically, the EYP launched simultaneously in the real world and in Second Life.

Details of the joint launch can be read here and further info about the EYP and its forthcoming events can be had at www.eyplondon.org.

Hi,

Welcome to the Chameleon PR blog, maintained, edited and updated by me, Steve Harris. The intent of this blog is to track, report and talk about any and all developments in the world of social media.

Social media has had an instant impact on the PR world, and has changed the landscape quite dramatically. It's not too many months ago that a great many business professionals

Where once one knew where one stood with the client - agency - journalist mechanism, the rise of blogging has made it more possible than ever for any member of the public to become a critic, commentator or opinion-former. It's probably fair to say that the media world is still adjusting to this paradigm shift, just as it is probably equally fair to posit the theory that as blogs increase in power and popularity, so the world of traditional media and the power of the conventional journalist become diluted.

This blog will report relevant developments in the social media world, comment on their likely impact on the industry, and also hopefully build to become a resource which discusses, promotes and advises on the various social media news of the day. Please feel free to join in.

Cheers,

Steve.