The wonderful world of wikis and web 2.0

My fiance sometimes works in schools with children. The other day he came home and said he learnt a new word that day from the kids and challenged me to 'translate'. The word was 'Neek'. And I knew exactly what it meant: it's a conjunction of the words Nerd and Geek. So perhaps meaning a Super Nerd, or whatever. The point was that Andy thought it was an apt way of describing me, or my latest project.

I've recently been immersed in the book: Wikinomics by Dan Tapscott (left). It's a history, critique, and celebration of Web 2.0. It goes into heaps of detail about how the web is changing and consumers are becoming prosumers and an important part of the creative process.

At about the same time I discovered Square Space - a platform for creating one's very own Web 2.0. It's full of widgets and wonderdum which allow you to piece together your own website or should I say 'platform' as websites are for losers - according to Wikinomics. So anyway, I tried it out for myself and got busy with the tools and functions and quickly realised that it was the answer to what I've been looking for and satisfies all that is good and great about Web 2.0. So hooray, ecoescape members will soon have their very own networking site which will grow organically and in line with what they want. Let's hope they like it! And I'll continue in my Neekness.

UK Holidays - Sold Out this Summer?

This story on Travel Mole highlights the surge in demand of UK domestic tourism this year. Good news for the environment and our lower carbon economy. And, of course, good news for the economy overall as travellers opt to support UK businesses.

UK holiday accommodation in July and August will sell out completely over the next few weeks, a leading domestic operator forecasts.

Self-catering company Hoseasons says areas such as Dorset, Somerset, the Isle of Wight and parts of Wales are selling out fast in addition to summer favourites Devon and Cornwall.

The rise in UK holiday bookings is put down to the strength of the euro, wider economic uncertainties and a reluctance to fly after increased fares and problems at airports with delays and baggage handling.

Last summer was also a wash-out is many parts of the UK due to flooding.

Hoseasons chief executive Richard Carrick said: “We have found that more customers than ever before want to jump in a car with the family and avoid the hassle and increased costs of an overseas break. Our message is that if you still want to just pack up and go, book now to avoid disappointment.

“This isn't solely an economic issue however, a growing number of holidaymakers are also rediscovering the joys of a UK break.

“There is a real ‘feel good factor’ amongst holidaymakers with the success of truly British events like Wimbledon and Glastonbury, combined with the great weather, all helping to demonstrate what the UK has to offer.”

VisitBritain chief executive Tom Wright said: "The findings from Hoseasons that the UK is set to have a great year as many operators see strong late demand for British holidays is great news for the British tourism industry.

“In the current economic climate, we are finding that Brits are taking another look at holidaying at home and are surprised by the range of experiences on offer.

“There are still some fantastic breaks out there, but we would suggest that if people are considering a domestic break they don't leave it until the last minute.”