Microsoft has terminated its relationship with one of the members of its partner network after allegations that the party in question was using Microsoft’s name to scare users to hand over credit card details and gain access to their computers.

Graham Cluley wrote on Sophos’ Naked Security blog that India-based Comantra cold-called users in the UK, Australia and Canada under the guise of being a Microsoft representative, claiming that a customer’s computer was infected by viruses. The company did have Gold status as a member of the Microsoft Partner Network, but the status does not convey any ability to act on Microsoft’s behalf — via redwolf.newsvine.com

I recently read an account of John McElborough’s talk at Brighton SEO 2011, wherein he advocated some ethically questionable SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) tactics involving creating a private network of fake blogs.

I don’t know John or his work, but this entire side of internet marketing and promotion makes me sad — and a bit angry. I fully acknowledge the value of, and need for, actual SEO; I just think that in many cases, the tactics employed under that title would better be described as Search Engine Manipulation or even Abuse.

I periodically check my blog’s referrers, and there are a huge number of sites out there containing duplicate content and links, some of them extremely convincing when viewed in isolation. It’s sleazy, it’s pathetic, and it damages the internet for everyone.

I’m asked sometimes for advice on building an internet presence, and I usually have to fumble for an answer — because I haven’t pursued any particular strategy beyond the glaringly obvious: create original, relevant content repeatedly — via redwolf.newsvine.com

When Kirsten Deane started to teach her daughter Sophie to read, it was harder than it needed to be.

It wasn’t so much that Sophie, 10, has Down syndrome and a hearing impairment that makes speech quite difficult for her. Ms Dean found there was a lack of technology to assist.

When I started a reading program with her five years ago, I was making up books for her using photos of our family and then matching them with symbols — a whole way of reinforcing literacy, Kirsten Deane said.

I spent a lot of time printing out photos, laminating them and having them bound.

But technology, like tablets and smart phones, now offer an easier alternative to making these books.

Having a tablet would have made it extraordinarily easier, Ms Deane said.

If I’d been teaching her now, I would’ve done it on the iPad for her and it could have included me reading to her as well — via redwolf.newsvine.com