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The latest social media site to appear is Facebook - the site that could well be described as Friends-Reunited-meets-MySpace-meets-Google.

Facebook wants to "create the most... ...effective networking service in the world." I wish them well. But they are going to have to join the queue.

I'm already on Twitter, Pownce, StumbleUponm, Digg and any number of other unpronounceable services. Hyper-connectedness is a diverting pastime.

Online networking / dating / Friends-Reunited-nostalgia-hunting, whatever you want to call it, is clearly of huge fascination to people. Why? Because people are interested in people. It's in our DNA.

The Web has managed to revolutionise a number of areas since its invention, and to some at least, online networking looks set to be the next big thing. There are high hopes for its role in re-connecting communities, atomised by the modern destruction of the nuclear family and a mobile population.

But from a business perspective, social networking sometimes seems more like a solution in search of a problem.

LinkedIn.com, for instance, could eventually be a subscription service allowing users to input and manage their contacts and to search for connections - but it is already feeling the heat from Facebook. Will Facebook (and other forms of social media) become appropriate use for enterprise and business?

A few years ago it was bloggers who were going to change the nature of business, not only by blowing the whistle on marketing campaigns for bad products but also changing business processes internally as "digital natives" started to enter the enterprise.

Now it's all about social networking. Many business people hooked into LinkedIn in the past. But now I'm sure you'll find many of your contacts on Facebook too. What effect is this going to have on business internally and externally?

The Daily Telegraph recently reported that "More than two thirds of employers are banning or restricting the use of Facebook and similar sites over fears that staff are wasting time on them when they should be working, a survey found… A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said staff were not allowed to use social networking sites at work." You only have to check the number of Credit Suisse and Dresdner Kleinwort to see there are multiple active groups under those names.

Part of the reason Facebook has seen so much success is that it collects all of the best features of the Web, wraps a social network around it, and provides a turnkey solution. It's better in many ways, but when you make it easy, you realise just how much "stuff" there is out there.

But Facebook and the like are just the tip of the ice-burg. The Web 2.0 game is not over yet and is poised to flip into a new era. Some call this Web 3.0, but it would be better described as "Internet 3.0" where the Web, TV, mobile and virtual worlds like Second Life collide and mashup to produce wholly different entities.

That's why I'm an addict. And, to take a leaf out of Amy Winehouse's book, I won't be going into re-hab any time soon.

Now we understand that the future is all about social networking attend the Internet Marketing Masterclass to understand how this can be used effectively to help you better market your business.

Office printers are 'heaith risk'

The humble office laser printer can damage lungs in much the same way as smoke particles from cigarettes, a team of Australian scientists has found. An investigation of a range of printer models showed that almost a third emit potentially dangerous levels of toner into the air.

The Queensland University of Technology scientists have called on ministers to regulate these kinds of emissions.

They say some printers should come with a health warning.

The researchers carried out tests on more than 60 machines.

Almost one-third were found to emit ultra-tiny particles of toner-like material, so small that they can infiltrate the lungs and cause a range of health problems from respiratory irritation to more chronic illnesses.

Conducted in an open-plan office, the test revealed that particle levels increased five-fold during working hours, a rise blamed on printer use.

The problem was worse when new cartridges were used and when graphics and images required higher quantities of toner.

The researchers have called on governments to regulate air quality in offices.

They also want companies to ensure that printers are based in well-ventilated areas so that particles disperse.

Northern Rock Liquidity Squeeze

"The Northern Rock problem is actually a very old one: a liquidity squeeze on an otherwise sound bank." - so writes Hamish McRae in this weeks Independent on Sunday.

But what does it mean for those of us that are unlikely to get bailed out by the Bank of England?

Well first of all if you have money in Northern Rock and haven't queued up to withdraw it over the last few days - don't panic - unless, that is, you have more than £32,000.

Savings accounts, including those with Northern Rock, are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

The level of compensation offered by the FSCS is tiered. Savers are guaranteed to get 100 per cent of the first £2,000 of their money back. As for the next £33,000, the FSCS guarantees to refund 90 per cent of this money, making a guaranteed total of £31,700.

However for businesses looking to raise money, particularly those having to use their own properties as security are likely to see more stringent lending criteria and more expensive loans.

This is hugely frustrating for well run small businesses who might find that the tap is turned off by banks 'knee-jerking'. The Northern Rock fiasco has nothing to do with the state of the UK economy.

Again referring to McRae in the Independent "Maybe there will be slightly slower UK growth next year than there otherwise would have been - let's say 2 per cent instead of something nearer 3 per cent. But I would be astounded were there to be a recession in the UK and surprised if there were one in the US or the main European economies."

So if the credit crunch cascades down to the small and micro-business - which is looking likely - it is up to those same banks that in good times are chasing new business to have faith and continue to support all businesses that need help in difficult times.

Furthermore - if central government can support large businesses - via the Bank of England - then surely it's possible for the banks and government to work out how to offer similar support to SME's.

In the UK more than 99% of all businesses fall into the category of a small to medium sized business and they account for over half of the country's employment and turnover.

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To tie in with The Brighton Centre celebrating its 30th Year, businesses in an around Brighton are offering special deals to visitors of The Brighton Centre. From hotels to restaurants to other attrations who are participating in the 30th year celebrations, you can benefit from some great deals on offer.

Offers change weekly so be sure to keep checking.

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When? Saturday 29th September 2007

Abseil 80 Feet down the chalk cliffs at Peacehaven and raise money for children with cancer.

Teams of 4 wanted to take part raising a minimum sponsorship of £400 per team, individuals’ also welcome, minimum sponsorship £100. Full training given. Over 16 years only.

• Suite 2 - 212Sqft @ £650.00 + VAT

• Suite 402 - 240Sqft @ £830.00 + VAT
• Suite G02 - 328Sqft @ £1095.00 + VAT
• Suite 101B - 535Sqft @ £1800.00 + VAT