Trying to post photos again after Joseph Scott pointed out I may have a broken PHP file on my server. I installed the plugin he built to resolve the issue. Now I'm going to try a post with multiple photos.
read more...
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
WordPress iPhone App Fail
I've tried, I've really tried, but using the WordPress client application on the iPhone just sucks. The last three posts I've created have all had problems. I fully understand it's a free product, and there are no guarantees, but I expect more from the WordPress folks. Here is the latest snafu.
I have hesitated to upload photos to my blog from third party clients because I feared what happened tonight, would happen. I took several photos of my Family attending a play, created a new post in my iPhone WordPress application, inserted media from my phone, and posted. Of course, the posting had issues, mainly, the HTML used to show the photos was hosed. Here is what was sent to WordPress:
And here is what it should have looked like:
So, the post that was sent out to my RSS feed now has 6 photos with incorrect formatting and links. Frustrating to say the least.
Before trying to post to my WordPress blog, I sent the same photo set to my Tumblr site, via email, with zero problems.
The final thing I thought would take place is the creation of a Gallery. If I had included say 20 or 30 images, it would have been nice to see a slide show or at least thumbnails for each image. Instead, the images were inserted, full size, and with a large amount of images, the post would have been several hundred feet off the screen. Just doesn't seem like the whole posting media from the iPhone app is working right.
read more...
I have hesitated to upload photos to my blog from third party clients because I feared what happened tonight, would happen. I took several photos of my Family attending a play, created a new post in my iPhone WordPress application, inserted media from my phone, and posted. Of course, the posting had issues, mainly, the HTML used to show the photos was hosed. Here is what was sent to WordPress:
And here is what it should have looked like:
So, the post that was sent out to my RSS feed now has 6 photos with incorrect formatting and links. Frustrating to say the least.
Before trying to post to my WordPress blog, I sent the same photo set to my Tumblr site, via email, with zero problems.
The final thing I thought would take place is the creation of a Gallery. If I had included say 20 or 30 images, it would have been nice to see a slide show or at least thumbnails for each image. Instead, the images were inserted, full size, and with a large amount of images, the post would have been several hundred feet off the screen. Just doesn't seem like the whole posting media from the iPhone app is working right.
Friday, December 10, 2010
I've Gotta Get Out More
Sometimes technology has a way of sucking up all your time. Facebook, Twitter, iPhone, laptop, AngryBirds; you get my meaning. There is so much information flying around out there it's simply overwhelming. I've come to realize I can't consume it all. I need to get out more.
People want to spend more time with their Families during the Holidays. Me too. I think unplugging on a consistent basis is a good thing. Nothing scientific, just makes sense. I live and work in a technology world, it's easy to fall into the trap of the next coolest thing. I really need to get out.
It's my time now, so I'll curl up with a good book on my Kindle, and fall asleep listening to Bach on Pandora. Isn't technology great? I need to get out more.
read more...
People want to spend more time with their Families during the Holidays. Me too. I think unplugging on a consistent basis is a good thing. Nothing scientific, just makes sense. I live and work in a technology world, it's easy to fall into the trap of the next coolest thing. I really need to get out.
It's my time now, so I'll curl up with a good book on my Kindle, and fall asleep listening to Bach on Pandora. Isn't technology great? I need to get out more.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Open Source Software Is A Complex Game
Open Source Software (OSS) defenders are angry. Consumers are confused. Lawsuits are increasing, but aren't the answer. The development, marketing and usage of Open Source Software has become more complex over the past several years. I'm an advocate of OSS, but even I have fallen victim to laziness and lack of education when it comes to following the rules of use. This is such an enormous issue, and I will be the first to admit I don't know all the legalities, but wanted to share my experiences using OSS.Why Open Source Software Is Appealing
I could start a list that would go on for several pages as to why OSS is appealing to me. Many advocates like the freedom OSS gives them. The ability to use, and modify software, to work how they want. There are die hards and casual users. And that really presents the problem. The appeal of free software overshadows the rules you are supposed to follow.
Why is Open Source Software Freely Available?
A question I get asked a lot is why anyone would develop free software. My first answer is, it really isn't free, it's just freely available. I'm giving you, the user, the right to use my software. But you don't own it, and there are some restrictions.
Perpetuating The Free Software Misconception
Some time back I was attending a small presentation with other entrepreneurs. One well respected person got up in front of the group and presented their view on how to get bootstrap businesses off the ground fast. The first thing they recommended was to outsource all the software development to a third world country, because it's basically a commodity. The other was to use open source software, because it's free.
Wrong on both accounts. Software development isn't a commodity, and that view, by someone building a technology company, shows me they have little respect for what they are selling. And I in turn could not respect a company who thought so little of the people building your product.
The other issue is that open source software is free. The fact of the matter is most OSS have a restriction on commercial use. Yes, that would be using OSS to run your business website could potentially violating the licensing of the software.
Why I Like Open Source Software
I'm all about reuse and not re-inventing the wheel. In software development, if I can use some existing code, follow it's usage rules, I can get things done faster. Open source software sometimes gives me the base for building something. I like the ability to add, enhance or remove features that I need to solve a problem. And that means cheaper for the customer. But I really have to try hard to follow the rules of use because I sometimes overlook the importance of following them.
Giving back to the community is another aspect of OSS that is commonly overlooked. If we always take and never give back, we have only ourselves to blame when projects fail, or contributors never get around to implementing new features. The greatest support you can give a piece of OSS is contributing to the project. That's a great form of payment. Money is good too in the form of donations, but most projects just need fingers on the keyboard.
There are a number of OSS licensing, distribution and ownership rules. Too many, and too complex to cover in this post, but I will follow up with some pointers, ideas, and best use for typical open source software.
To learn more about OSS and how you can keep from running into potential problems, visit this Wikipedia article.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Person Of The Year: The Web API
No sense in waiting a few more weeks to announce this, I don't think two more weeks is going to change the outcome. Votes are in, tallied and tabulated, and hands down the Person of the Year is? The Web API.
Web API's are the hottest thing on the Internet and in Web development. Application like Twitter and Facebook provide third party applications access to their data through API's. Companies like Kynetx use Web API's to enhance the web experience. Applications like Foursquare not only have their own API, but use API's to connect Facebook, Twitter and other services.
These web accessible data points are becoming more and more common, and key parts of application development. Web parts make getting products out the door faster with less development time. As platforms move their storage and web servers to the cloud, the easier it is to compete on global level with fewer resources.
However there are a few drawbacks. And for the me the biggest of these is the dependence on another companies ability to stay online. Take for example applications that rely solely on the Twitter API. If that API goes down, you application is dead in the water. This is a risk yo take when relying on these web parts. But in the end, the risks generally outweigh the risk, especially if your application is non-mission critical.
Bottom line is, Web API's are here to stay, and are all the rage. But more importantly, they are a useful integral part of the web landscape.
read more...
Web API's are the hottest thing on the Internet and in Web development. Application like Twitter and Facebook provide third party applications access to their data through API's. Companies like Kynetx use Web API's to enhance the web experience. Applications like Foursquare not only have their own API, but use API's to connect Facebook, Twitter and other services.
These web accessible data points are becoming more and more common, and key parts of application development. Web parts make getting products out the door faster with less development time. As platforms move their storage and web servers to the cloud, the easier it is to compete on global level with fewer resources.
However there are a few drawbacks. And for the me the biggest of these is the dependence on another companies ability to stay online. Take for example applications that rely solely on the Twitter API. If that API goes down, you application is dead in the water. This is a risk yo take when relying on these web parts. But in the end, the risks generally outweigh the risk, especially if your application is non-mission critical.
Bottom line is, Web API's are here to stay, and are all the rage. But more importantly, they are a useful integral part of the web landscape.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
No Development For Old Men
I started listening to a new podcast today, well new for me, called This Developers Life. And aparently I started listening at a great time. The podcast is hosted by Rob Conery and Scott Hanselman. The podcast is a discussion on things technical and not so technical. Great idea, been wanting to do something like this for a while.
Last weeks show Scott made a comment how developers who can't keep up with fast changing technologies, give up and go into management. At first I thought what big balls this guy has to make a statement like that. He was basically saying that if you can't keep up you're a loser, and the only thing left for you is management.
The rest of the day was spent reflecting on my career, the choices I've made, and the direction I am heading. I also wondered if I had made that choice; give up trying and default to management.
The movie title No Country for Old Men popped into my head at one point. I some times feel like that. What to do with old developers. I remembered back to my days during Y2K, and the number of Cobol programmers brought out of moth balls to help remediate code written 30 years ago. For a short while they felt useful again. It must have been exciting to be back in the game.
I digress. Back to Scotts comments, Rob's thoughts, and a follow up interview with a listener named Mark Freedman. I've read Marks blog off and on, and his story is about a technology Manager trying to get back into development, and the struggles he is facing. It's a great read, and I appreciate his openness.
Honestly, I've tried to spend more time in management, and less time coding. It wasn't that I couldn't, or wouldn't, keep up with the fast pace of changing development technologies. My choice, I thought, was for the need to share my experience, mentor other developers, and work on the big picture of projects. I have also used the "I can't keep up" excuse several times, as a way to express my displeasure of development. I think I was really just copping out.
So how do Old Developers get a Country? Well, just because I'm older, and not as fast, doesn't mean I need to shelve my development efforts. Scott and Mark both talk about going solo, forging ahead on your own, and filling multiple roles; developer, manager, entrepreneure. I've freelanced for some time, and I know the grass isn't greener on that side either. That path has it's own unique issues. But the trade off was I get to code, get to manage, and get to innovate. The best of all worlds. I think that could be a great Country for Old Developers, like me.
I'm amazed how much one podcast has affected me. Great job Rob and Scott (and Mark too). I love it when someone makes me think about my own situation, and causes true change. Working on my career plan, which I haven't updated or added to in a long time.
(Image from Firstshowing.net)
Monday, December 6, 2010
Google eBook Store - The Good And Bad
Today I received a notice that Google had opened their long awaited digital book store. I was excited to see what they had to offer, so I promptly loaded up the site. The interface Googlesque; clean and simple.
Android, iPad/iPhone/iTouch, the Web, the Nook and something from Sony. Having all the mobile devices is great. Sorry BlackBerry, 2 inch screens aren't really conducive to reading. But I'm sure at some point you'll get an app too.
I ran through all the new releases, categories, and searched for books. There's a pretty decent selection, and I'm sure most people will find what they want in the store.
My big problem is the books still cost almost retail price. I'm still amazed we are paying physical book prices. But that's a post for another day.
There is nothing over the top or game changing here. I'm surprised Google built a "Me Too" product. Or will this be a 3 year long beta product adding small additions as they go.
read more...
Android, iPad/iPhone/iTouch, the Web, the Nook and something from Sony. Having all the mobile devices is great. Sorry BlackBerry, 2 inch screens aren't really conducive to reading. But I'm sure at some point you'll get an app too.
I ran through all the new releases, categories, and searched for books. There's a pretty decent selection, and I'm sure most people will find what they want in the store.
My big problem is the books still cost almost retail price. I'm still amazed we are paying physical book prices. But that's a post for another day.
There is nothing over the top or game changing here. I'm surprised Google built a "Me Too" product. Or will this be a 3 year long beta product adding small additions as they go.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Temple Square Lights
I walked by the Salt Lake Temple this evening just as the Christmas lights came on, so I snapped a few pics on my iPhone 4. I can tell when looking at these full screen that I take crappy photos on the iPhone.
[gallery link="file" columns="2"]
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[gallery link="file" columns="2"]
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Twitter Client With A Brilliant UI Design
There is one reason I use the Twitter iPhone client over any other, it's a killer user interface design element. Here is the normal stream view
Now, simply slide your finger over any of the Tweets, and a menu of options are opened up. Now I can act on the tweet without having to open it up. Brilliant.
Try it out, very cool.
read more...
Now, simply slide your finger over any of the Tweets, and a menu of options are opened up. Now I can act on the tweet without having to open it up. Brilliant.
Try it out, very cool.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Cutting Out The Bloat Of Cable
I've been forced by circumstance to evaluate my usage of, and payment for, Cable/Satellite TV. What follows is an overview of my attempt to find free or low cost alternatives to the bloated cost of Cable/Satellite.
The first thing I wanted to do was evaluate how much TV we actually watched. Most of our live viewing happened in the morning, catching up on local news. Almost everything else was watched from the DVR (digital video recorder). My biggest hurdle was finding a way to watch free local TV.
Finding the local channels turned out to be easier than I originally thought. I had been so programmed to watch TV via Cable/Stallite, I completely forgot TV is broadcast through the air. I spent days trying to figure out how to get to streaming news from local channels. TO no avail (which is a fail in my view, TV stations need to get their content on line or stream it live).
Thanks to Noah Sparks, who reminded me you can get HD channels over the air, with an antenna. I made my way to the local tech store, got an antenna, hooked it up, and voila, free local channels, so now we can get the news when we want it.
The next difficult hurdle was figuring out how to watch shows that I couldn't record to a DVR. There are several open source and commercial products that let you record TV and store it on a local hard drive, but I would have to invest in more hardware, and setup is time consuming. I wanted something easy. Several services came to mind, Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon Video on Demand, and Apple TV.
Netflix is a no brainer. The setup was easy (built in to my Blu-ray player), and gives me the ability to stream movies and TV shows, or order a DVD. My only wish for Netflix was they make current seasons available the next day. But I can live without that for now.
The other big draw to Netflix for me is the absence of ads. I'm paying for the individual content, I don't want to see ads. Ever.
Next I went through our current DVR to see what was being recorded, and then tried to find the corresponding show on the channels web site. Typically these sites make shows available soon after they have aired live. In most cases I was able to find the show, both current episodes, and past episodes. All include advertising, before during and after. But for free, can't complain.
This is a complete failure. Not only does Hulu+ charge a monthly fee, they also run ads during a show. Seriously? They also struggled to deliver streaming content without buffering. I watched shows from several services all on the same night, and Hulu+ was the only one that had to buffer. In fact, it took me nearly 1 hour to watch the last 15 minutes of a show because of buffering every 30 seconds. I just wasn't impressed, but was glad I had a 7 day trial.
The last piece of the puzzle for me is Apple TV. Using this device gives me the ability to rent movies and TV shows, for a reasonable price, on demand. I can also connect my own content to one my Mac's, and stream content through the TV. Big win in my mind. This product will only get better, including giving me the ability to stream content to my iPad or iPhone. Very cool.
One service I tried was Amazon Video on Demand, but the cost was too high, and I didn't want to buy content, just rent it. Average price for an HD show as $3 or more. I think between Netflix, the Web, over the air Digital TV, and Apple TV, I should just about be able to cut the bloat of Cable/Satellite, and put my money into content I want to watch instead of paying for content I will never watch.
One final thought, and that is sports. I'm not a huge sports fan, except for NASCAR and College football. I can watch most of the college sports on local channels, and possibly ESPN3 (which I'll write about later as I take time to explore it more). NASCAR doesn't have a streaming system, yet. I really want them too get on board with that. I need to check and see what is available for mobile consumption, but I'm looking for whats on TV.
read more...
The first thing I wanted to do was evaluate how much TV we actually watched. Most of our live viewing happened in the morning, catching up on local news. Almost everything else was watched from the DVR (digital video recorder). My biggest hurdle was finding a way to watch free local TV.
Finding the local channels turned out to be easier than I originally thought. I had been so programmed to watch TV via Cable/Stallite, I completely forgot TV is broadcast through the air. I spent days trying to figure out how to get to streaming news from local channels. TO no avail (which is a fail in my view, TV stations need to get their content on line or stream it live).
Thanks to Noah Sparks, who reminded me you can get HD channels over the air, with an antenna. I made my way to the local tech store, got an antenna, hooked it up, and voila, free local channels, so now we can get the news when we want it.
The next difficult hurdle was figuring out how to watch shows that I couldn't record to a DVR. There are several open source and commercial products that let you record TV and store it on a local hard drive, but I would have to invest in more hardware, and setup is time consuming. I wanted something easy. Several services came to mind, Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon Video on Demand, and Apple TV.
Netflix
Netflix is a no brainer. The setup was easy (built in to my Blu-ray player), and gives me the ability to stream movies and TV shows, or order a DVD. My only wish for Netflix was they make current seasons available the next day. But I can live without that for now.
The other big draw to Netflix for me is the absence of ads. I'm paying for the individual content, I don't want to see ads. Ever.
Web Shows
Next I went through our current DVR to see what was being recorded, and then tried to find the corresponding show on the channels web site. Typically these sites make shows available soon after they have aired live. In most cases I was able to find the show, both current episodes, and past episodes. All include advertising, before during and after. But for free, can't complain.
Hulu+
This is a complete failure. Not only does Hulu+ charge a monthly fee, they also run ads during a show. Seriously? They also struggled to deliver streaming content without buffering. I watched shows from several services all on the same night, and Hulu+ was the only one that had to buffer. In fact, it took me nearly 1 hour to watch the last 15 minutes of a show because of buffering every 30 seconds. I just wasn't impressed, but was glad I had a 7 day trial.
Apple TV
The last piece of the puzzle for me is Apple TV. Using this device gives me the ability to rent movies and TV shows, for a reasonable price, on demand. I can also connect my own content to one my Mac's, and stream content through the TV. Big win in my mind. This product will only get better, including giving me the ability to stream content to my iPad or iPhone. Very cool.
One service I tried was Amazon Video on Demand, but the cost was too high, and I didn't want to buy content, just rent it. Average price for an HD show as $3 or more. I think between Netflix, the Web, over the air Digital TV, and Apple TV, I should just about be able to cut the bloat of Cable/Satellite, and put my money into content I want to watch instead of paying for content I will never watch.
One final thought, and that is sports. I'm not a huge sports fan, except for NASCAR and College football. I can watch most of the college sports on local channels, and possibly ESPN3 (which I'll write about later as I take time to explore it more). NASCAR doesn't have a streaming system, yet. I really want them too get on board with that. I need to check and see what is available for mobile consumption, but I'm looking for whats on TV.
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