Tweeting and the Law

With over 500 million users, it is safe to say that there is a vast array of opinions and views expressed on Facebook every second, every day. This week we have seen two different cases of where tweeting inappropriate content, or extreme views can result in the users ending up in the court room. The first case is of the Twitter user @LaPwnage (account has since been removed), who posted racist and seriously offensive tweets aimed at two black English footballers. Both players missed crucial penalties in England’s quarter final penalty shoot-out with Italy, subsequently this user looked to take his frustration out on the Social Medium in a grotesque fashion. The West Midlands Police are said to have launched an investigation as the user can be punished under England’s Public Order Act. A contrasting case is that of Paul Chambers, who this week was appealing a conviction made against him last year for posting inappropriate content on Twitter. He was convicted in May 2011 for sending a “menacing electronic communication” contrary to the Communications Act 2003. On January 6^th 2010, Chambers sent a tweet saying that he would blow up the closed Robin Hood Airport if it did not re-open within a week. Chambers was fined nearly £400 and ordered to pay an additional £600 legal costs, he also lost his job. This particular case has become quite famous as the “Twitter Joke Trial” as many have actually been supportive of Mr Chambers as by defending his case they believe they are also defending freedom of speech. To them it was obvious that the tweet was a joke. TV great, Stephen Fry is campaigning for Mr Chambers and has reportedly offered to pay off all fines and legal costs. The appeal continues… Both these stories are examples of how users are becoming ever more accountable for what they post on Social Media sites. They highlight the debate that has encircled sites like Facebook and Twitter, i.e. the rights to freedom of speech vs. causing public offence. It is vital you know and understand the laws surrounding the use of Twitter, and how accountable your actions are.

How to build and engage your audience [INFOGRAPHIC]

This is definitely our favourite infographic of the week. It highlights key tips and important considerations a blogger must make when trying to build up and hold their audience. Here at Mediarun, we always try to ensure that our content stays interesting, fresh and easy to understand. It is important to vary your content, and keep it relevant to the reader and likely audience you would have reading your blog. Have a look and let us know what you think are the most important aspects of building a loyal readership.

Tweeting and the Law

With over 500 million users, it is safe to say that there is a vast array of opinions and views expressed on Facebook every second, every day. This week we have seen two different cases of where tweeting inappropriate content, or extreme views can result in the users ending up in the court room. The first case is of the Twitter user @LaPwnage (account has since been removed), who posted racist and seriously offensive tweets aimed at two black English footballers. Both players missed crucial penalties in England’s quarter final penalty shoot-out with Italy, subsequently this user looked to take his frustration out on the Social Medium in a grotesque fashion. The West Midlands Police are said to have launched an investigation as the user can be punished under England’s Public Order Act. A contrasting case is that of Paul Chambers, who this week was appealing a conviction made against him last year for posting inappropriate content on Twitter. He was convicted in May 2011 for sending a “menacing electronic communication” contrary to the Communications Act 2003. On January 6^th 2010, Chambers sent a tweet saying that he would blow up the closed Robin Hood Airport if it did not re-open within a week. Chambers was fined nearly £400 and ordered to pay an additional £600 legal costs, he also lost his job. This particular case has become quite famous as the “Twitter Joke Trial” as many have actually been supportive of Mr Chambers as by defending his case they believe they are also defending freedom of speech. To them it was obvious that the tweet was a joke. TV great, Stephen Fry is campaigning for Mr Chambers and has reportedly offered to pay off all fines and legal costs. The appeal continues… Both these stories are examples of how users are becoming ever more accountable for what they post on Social Media sites. They highlight the debate that has encircled sites like Facebook and Twitter, i.e. the rights to freedom of speech vs. causing public offence. It is vital you know and understand the laws surrounding the use of Twitter, and how accountable your actions are.

How to build and engage your audience [INFOGRAPHIC]

This is definitely our favourite infographic of the week. It highlights key tips and important considerations a blogger must make when trying to build up and hold their audience. Here at Mediarun, we always try to ensure that our content stays interesting, fresh and easy to understand. It is important to vary your content, and keep it relevant to the reader and likely audience you would have reading your blog. Have a look and let us know what you think are the most important aspects of building a loyal readership.