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January 27, 2006
Blogosphere Survival Skills
Who said blogs were a passing fad? There are only a few groups of people who would still seriously consider this question: 1) businesses (including software developers), 2) the media, 3) governments (including politicians), and 4) those who have yet to express themselves through blogging. Fortunately blogs, or some future variation of them, appear to be here to stay. In fact, despite negative stories and attempts to bully or frighten people away from blogging, the Internet seems to be flourishing with people freely expressing themselves.
I did say "freely expressing themselves," but even this may be a point of contention in blogs. When confronted with opposing points of view, residents of the blogosphere sometimes claim to be the victims of some organized effort to squash their freedom of speech, despite their obvious, unfettered ability to utilize this right. Many newbie bloggers, and even some confused veterans, also seem to think freedom of speech means freedom from contradiction or freedom from ridicule. When did freedom of speech become a right for only the chosen few, or only for those on "our" side of an argument? When did freedom of speech become something we would so readily deny those who posess the nerve to contradict us?
The blogosphere is still open and free to all people (here in the United States at least). This guarantees differing points of view and a forum that is open to debate. If you put your ideas (especially contentious ones) in a public forum, prepare your defenses. If you are not willing to accept this reality, or have such little faith in your own beliefs that opposition will be perceived as a threat to you, it makes no sense to blog on some of the more popular, public sites.
If you still choose to put your reputation on the line in such a forum, be warned: although the blogosphere is no longer uncharted territory, it does remain a wilderness. By their very nature, blogs can be a dangerous place- especially for those whose beliefs have never been challenged. You are in the public eye. Blogging about contentious issues, being open about your politics, and especially posting on a site where attack dog debate is the standard means of communication, your patience and fortitude will surely be tested. The trick is defining yourself and sticking to your principles without allowing commenters (or tormentors, depending on your perspective) to steer you off course, or author your beliefs for you. Staying above the fray may be your most difficult test.
The point of this post was not to preach or scare would be bloggers away. In a roundabout way, I was getting to some important lessons for bloggers to be. These teachings may very well be the difference between sinking or swimming in the wilderness of the public blogosphere.
Blogosphere Survival Skills
Lesson #1: What should you do if your blog post evokes an avalanche of outrage? Even the smallest avalance can be extremely dangerous. Mild outrage may appear innocent enough, but can quickly overwhelm you if you do not get out of its path. Attempt to make your way right or left of the avalanche's flow and do whatever you can to remain on the surface and avoid being buried.
Lesson #2: What should you do if charged by a grizzly commenter? Play dead and cover your rear. The commenter may bat you about with a few non-lethal blows, but you will survive. The best policy: avoid grizzly commenters or their habitats at all cost.
Lesson #3: How do you avoid a storm of controversy? Listen to the news reports, as they can usually warn of impending storms. Also, if you get the feeling that maybe you are pushing the envelope... you are. Don't post to your blog despite such warnings.
Lesson #4: What should you do if you are bitten by a commenter? Stay calm, and get away from the commenter as quickly as possible. Rinse the bite area and click Help for further instructions.
Lesson #5: How do you free yourself from an admiring commenter's embrace? If you have been trapped by the commenter in a public forum, quickly climb on the commenter's back, highlight his/her text and press the delete button. Hang on for dear life. The commenter will not be able to reach you from this position, and the delete button may actually calm the monster. Beware that it does not lash at your back with its anonymous tail.
It is my hope that mastering these skills will give you a good start as you proceed into the wilderness of the blogosphere. I will attempt to add more lessons as time allows, so check back often. Most importantly, remember to stay on your toes and tread carefully. You never know what might be lurking around that next blog.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 04:45 AM | Comments (0)
January 25, 2006
I've Got a Butler
How many auto parts salespeople can say that? And how many can say that their Butler is the best?
Butler is actually a new launcher utility (new to me at least) that I have added to my iMac. For many people, the idea of a launcher utility is probably old news. For this new iMac owner, however, Butler is a program that has revolutionized the way I access applications, searches, reference look-ups, menus, bookmarks, files and url's from my computer. To put it as simply as I can, a launcher utility gives you the ability to launch all of these and more by assigning key combinations, abbreviations and "hot corners" (screen corners, mouse button, key combinations). Butler does this and much, much more. The productivity and time saved mousing and clicking around makes me wonder what I have been doing without such a utility for so long.
Just a few examples of some of my favorite new shortcuts:
* control-i opens my Images (or Pictures) folder
* control-command-t opens a Technorati search bar
* control-command-g a Google search bar
* control-command-n NetNewsWire, etc., etc.
Being new to this, I am certainly not capable of comparing this launcher to others, or even critiquing its ease of use. Still, I can tell you that I am loving the possibilities already. I highly recommend giving this, or a similar program a try if you spend much of your time using your computer for work or play.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 21, 2006
An Apple a Day Keeps Good Intentions at Bay
Despite my good intentions, the iMac G5 is singlehandedly responsible for my not getting half as much done as I intended today. Blame it on the computer. I vacuumed the house, did laundry, washed the dishes, and I also messed around with Dougie Dell (Jesse's laptop) a bit. It isn't like I was unproductive. So, my hair didn't get cut. We all need time to play a little...
Posted by capecodcyclist at 05:03 PM | Comments (1)
January 20, 2006
Konica Minolta Quits Cameras
RED HERRING | Konica Minolta Quits Cameras:
"Digital cameras make for razor-thin margins, unlike printing and imaging products for the enterprise. Konica Minolta, which merged two years ago, had been a late entrant into the digital market, and major players like Canon left it in the dust."
My first 35mm camera was a Minolta. I loved that camera. I wish I had never let it out of my sight.
Konica Minolta follows in the footsteps of Nikon (see: End of an Era) and is abandoning its traditional camera offerings. Konica Minolta is doing so in favor of its high end copier and optical devices. Nikon just did the same in response to the market's desire for digital cameras.
Are new digital technologies really that much better that we should be abandoning film cameras? I suppose the same can be said for any digital technology that is replacing traditional methods. Is online news really that much better than the local newspaper, or should they supplement each other and both continue in their own roles for example? Will we be losing something by not having those boxes full of photos that we had developed (that we did not select or delete)? Only time will tell.
(Via Red Herring.)
Posted by capecodcyclist at 05:48 AM | Comments (1)
January 19, 2006
New Species Discovered in California Caves
ENN: Environmental News Network [[Today's News Full Story ]]:
"Twenty-seven previously unknown species of spiders, centipedes, scorpion-like creatures and other animals have been discovered in the dark, damp caves beneath two national parks in the Sierra Nevada, biologists say."
Discovering new species is fantastic, just so long as EVERYONE and their brother does not come along to get their own specimen. It is great that measures are being taken to protect the caves, but ONE or TWO specimens of each species should be enough for proper research.
(Via ENN: Environmental News Network.)
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:59 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2006
charlie mars
You've got to ride on
Let the people say what they want
You've got to ride on
Let the people say what they want about you
(Lyrics Via charlie mars.)
MarsEdit rocks!
Posted by capecodcyclist at 10:09 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2006
Northern Canadian Tribe On Thin Ice
The next time you think you have it bad at the supermarket remember this story:ENN: Environmental News Network [[Science & Technology Full Story ]]: "a four-litre jug of milk that currently costs around C$16.40 ($14.14) will soon soar to C$20 ($17.24) because of the increased cost of flying goods in throughout the winter. Fuel supplies are also dwindling and may be rationed, the chiefs said. "
In the warmer months these tribes are accustomed to flying in their supplies. However, during the winter months in northern Canada, the aboriginal natives can usually drive their goods in over roads built on top of the thick ice (a far less costly means of transport). This winter has been unusually mild, and the road construction has been delayed.
And we complain about getting gouged on this side of the bridges...
Posted by capecodcyclist at 09:29 PM | Comments (0)
Hybrid Cars - Tax Deductions & Credits on Hybrid Car Purchases
Hybrid Cars - Tax Deductions & Credits on Hybrid Car Purchases:
Offering tax credits and incentives for manufacturing and selling hybrid vehicles is critical to forward progress on conservation. Either we are serious about promoting hybrid technologies and working toward change, or we are just paying it lip service.
The most recent energy bill signed into law by President Bush is a classic example of the split personality our country is suffering when it comes to our conservation efforts. By putting Toyota at a disadvantage (limiting tax credits to the first 60,000 vehicles, or approximately four months of sales for them) the bill has effectively penalized a major hybrid vehicle manufacturer. The intention may have been to allow American vehicle manufactures to get their foot in the door and boost their own hybrid vehicle production, but the effect may very well be the opposite. What is the incentive to manufacture more, when the benefit to the manufacturers has been capped?
It was also announced today that Toyota is being sued by an American company (Solomon Technologies, FL). This suit could effectively put a stop to the sale of Toyota's hybrids here in the United States.
We really seem to be making progress here.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)
MarsEdit: Blog Editor
I am trying out a new blog editor: MarsEdit 1.1. This is the first post using the software, and I like it so far. If anyone has tried it already, please leave your feedback. I am interested in any tips, tricks or problems you may have run into (especially since I haven't purchased yet). I am using MarsEdit with my Movabletype blogs.Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:50 AM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2006
First Week With My iMac G5
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home." —Ken Olson, President, Chairman, and Founder of Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977
When it comes to changing technologies, I don't think anyone could have ever predicted just how necessary computers would become to our daily lives at home. It is also incredible to consider the speed with which computer technology is still changing today, and how much it has changed in the years since my mother purchased our first desktop (an Apple IIc). It has been twenty-one years since that first Apple computer, and I have had five Microsoft Windows based PC's (not including my word processor) over the course of that time. So, finally breaking that Microsoft ball and chain last week was a giant step for me. Yesterday, marked the anniversary of this fantastic change: one week with a new iMac G5. I am a convert.
I will not travel the road of extolling the virtues of the Mac over Windows. They both have their advantages and their disadvantages. I will say that, for me, change is always exciting, and I have not felt that newness or excitement working with a Windows computer for years. Windows had just become that old hat.
So far, the biggest thing for me has been fighting those Windows mouse habits and realizing how often I used my mouse button to cut and paste web links. The drag and drop in Mac is just as easy (if not easier), but it is a matter of teaching an old dog new tricks. That is half the fun. Learning something new is what Windows had going for it eleven years ago, so ten years from now (maybe less), I will probably be making the jump back to Windows or some other operating system. I can only hope that I will happily be exploring and learning the world of Mac until then.
Within days of purchasing my new computer I learned that Apple would be releasing the same computer, at the same price, with new software, more features, and processors that are two to three times as fast. At first, I was a little peeved; but then I realized: I had been willing to make this purchase despite the knowledge that six months from now, the choices would be far greater. That is always the case the way technologies are changing. There is really no sense in perpetually waiting for that new, improved release. It is also always the case that the first year 's edition of anything always has its lemons. The kinks, quirks and problems all need to be worked out. By the time the people who are jockeying to be first in line for their new iMacs have worked out the bugs, I will be the willing recipient of their successes and the best student of their mistakes.
I am the happy owner of an Apple computer again, and there is no looking back.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 08:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
January 12, 2006
Amazing World of Mac
Okay, why didn't anyone take my hand and lead me down the Mac road sooner? Shame on you... you, SELFISH people! I don't think I have been this impressed with a computer since my Apple IIc.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 06:44 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
January 08, 2006
Debunking Wind Energy Proponent Stereotypes
Cape Cod is currently at the center of what has become the frontline battle for this country's progress on clean power. The debate over a proposed offshore wind farm here, in the shallows of Nantucket Sound, has exposed several serious misconceptions that apparently exist about wind farm supporters. I think it is worth debunking several of the common myths that have been tossed about.
1. Wind farm supporters do not care about animals.
This is a myth being perpetuated by fanatical animal rights activists. In reality, like their fellow wildlife loving accusers, most wind farm supporters are not only pro-environment, many have also dedicated much of their lives to the protection of our wildlife. Most wind power/wildlife concerns are related to birds flying into the blades of wind turbines. Improper siting of early wind farms in Spain and the United States has been the cause of major bird kills, but this should not be cause for carrying the resulting fears to such extremes.
If you do some research on this subject, it becomes apparent that these fears are primarily the result of old school wind technologies and poor placement. With modern wind turbines, the only issue should be selecting and analyzing their proper siting. Wind technologies have the support of hundreds of longtime, respected organizations dedicated to wildlife advocacy. Most telling of these, is the wind technology promotion of such bird friendly organizations as the Audubon Society and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (just to name a couple). Proper siting of wind farms has proven to have little or no effect on surrounding wildlife, and the many benefits of clean power, to both humans and animals, are proven by both common sense and solid research.
Unfortunately, birds fly into things... especially man made things. I can attest to this from my own experiences as a cyclist (birds very often fly into cars and trucks, and are a common sight on the roadside). I have also personally aided in the rehabilitation of injured birds that have collided with vehicles, windows, or have been otherwise injured by man made constructions or some form of our destruction. If it seems that I have gone off on a tangent about this particular stereotype, that is probably because it is the one I am most offended by. There are no agreed upon plans that I know of for us all to give up our modern lifestyles and return to our cave dwelling ways. We humans are here to stay. Whether or not this fact is unfortunate for wildlife is a matter of personal perspective. I believe that a big part of earning our rights as humans is taking responsibility for the protection of nature and the environment. I do not care if a person is a hunter or a naturalist, their ultimate responsibility should be to preserve and protect all that they come in contact with. I also believe both of these are capable of this, and have a right to claim that they are good environmental stewards. Regardless, wind farm supporters can be much more accurately compared to responsible naturalists, than the irresponsible hunters which opponents of wind farms are attempting to portray them as.
Wind farm supporters love wildlife too (and I'm not talking about parties).
2. Wind farm supporters are ignoring real conservation efforts and other technologies in their quest for a “quick fix” solution.
Show me a dedicated wind farm supporter, and I will show you a staunch conservationist and a supporter of ALL clean power technologies (unless they just get a kick out of watching things spin). Why aren't we promoting conservation? Short answer: we are. However, we are also realists. We recognize that none of these efforts alone are enough. Wind power is pointless if we abandon conservation efforts. Conservation efforts are useless without researching, constructing and utilizing clean power technologies. For most of us, our personal conservation efforts are second nature, are exemplary, and being common sense, should require no promotion. To suggest that wind farm supporters are looking for a quick fix, is to presume that we think there is such a thing. We know there is no quick fix, and that there will most likely be no major environmental differences resulting from these efforts during our lifetimes. For most of us, this is about the future... not ours, but our children's and generations' to follow. We are not willing to accept the defeatist attitude that there is nothing we can do about the current path we are on, or that the future is hopeless.
3. Wind farm supporters are looking to curb global warming.
Okay, this one might not be so much a myth as it is an attempt by the opposition to attack what some would debate is a weakness in one of the arguments for clean energy. It is also an attempt to limit clean energy's importance to this issue alone. Wind power supporters understand that dirty power producers are harmful to the environment in many ways. Power plant emmissions pollute everything from the air shared by all living things, to the rain that falls in our ponds, lakes, oceans, rivers and streams. Most wind farm supporters also understand that the production of electricity and our reliance on foreign fuel supplies are critical issues to our national security. Wind farm supporters readily acknowledge the reality of our future energy requirements, and would prefer to see these needs met with as many renewable resources as possible. Global warming or global cooling, man made or natural climate changes, wind farm supporters are united behind a vision for the future that is less reliant on carbon-based fuels. Opponents of wind power can pick on the global warming alarmists all they want, because we aren't trying to sell something by sharing in their concerns. Regardless of agreement with their conclusions, we are simply hoping their fears will never have to be realized.
4. Wind farm supporters (on Cape Cod in particular) are in this for profit or some other evil ambition. Other ridiculous personal attacks on Cape Cod's wind farm proponents have painted them as knuckle-dragging Bush supporters with horns growing out of their heads.
I can only speak for myself, but my concern for the environment has been lifelong. I require no payment for my efforts, but the satisfaction of knowing that I have lived by and stuck to my principles. This particular supporter has no interest in the financial workings of clean power production, although lower electric bills might someday be a bonus. Just as a side note, I also feel that the companies providing clean energy should receive benefits on a scale with other power companies, and should have to adhere to the same rules and regulations as other utilities. If there are any ulterior motives back of my own interests in clean power, they may be the self-serving hopes I have for reasonable electric rates, the future of my children, and the quality of life for future generations.
It is obvious that we will be debating these misconceptions about wind power and other related technologies for some time to come, but attacking the supporters themselves should be exposed for the misguided, desperate tactic that it is. The question remaining for clean power supporters is how to maintain forward momentum without getting sidetracked by the petty squabbles, finger-pointing and foot dragging that have been, and always will be, inherent to such potential for change. Also important, is to answer the question of how to win back the hearts and minds of these smart, caring individuals who seem to have latched onto and run with such negative ideas. The 1841 classic, "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds," by Charles McKay might make for a fine, related read. Perhaps we might discover some answers in this work. Unfortunate that it appears to have been written by a prominent, white male. What innocent, level-headed solutions could a prominent, white male possibly have been pursuing after all?
The future of clean power in this country hangs in the balance. Years down the road, when the rest of the world is far ahead of us in their efforts to utilize alternative forms of energy, these wind farm opponents will be looking back, complaining that we sat back and did nothing. Of course, no one will remember this debate, or how hard we tried. Instead of making a beginning right here, today, in our back yards, we were blockaded by those who would prefer we build our solutions in someone else's.
Posted by capecodcyclist at 05:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack