E-biz video diaries not waste of money

O'Really?

UK online for business - a Government-backed scheme to promote ebusiness among firms - has denied that an online video diary soap is a waste of taxpayers' money.

The video diaries were unveiled yesterday and will track the day-to-day experiences of two small UK companies as they grapple with various e-business strategies.

Gripping stuff, eh?

According to the bumph, these videos will give people the chance to see real life examples of companies using technology. Ultimately, it's hoped that seeing these companies in action will give others the "confidence to take the next steps to develop their e-business activity".

Is that so? El Reg tried to see the video diaries for itself to see if they were any good. Through our bog standard dial-up connection, we could only get sound. There were no images - just a blur. So much for seeing ebusiness in action.

A spokeswoman for UK online for business denied the initiative was a waste of public money. She also declined to say how much the year-long scheme would cost tax payers.

Elsewhere, the BBC is reporting that critics are savaging a government-funded course in Birmingham where grown-ups are being taught how to text and download ringtones. ®