Internet

August 13, 2003

Rendering Friendster When I was leaving Ireland, I tried to render all of my Irish relationships with a Visio chart (I know, how much of a geek am I?). The point was to illustrate just how insular the Irish software industry was. It was difficult to do, because there were so many links among people. I eventually tried to group them by company, and that kind of helped. Then my laptop melted, so that project went bye-bye. Ben Discoe (if that's his real name, he's so lucky) has managed a similar yet fair-more-impressive achievement with his (massive) Friendster network. Check out the cool chart he generated. My Friendster network is pitifully small. I sent out some invitations a long time ago, but hardly anybody accepted. I'm thinking now that the meme is a little more mature, I might try again. Anybody want in my network? Email me and let me know. 11:45:54 AM      Trackback []    Internet

A PhotoShop Clinic This is really big on Blogdex at the moment, but it's so impressive I figured I'd reference it too. These are a series of images that Greg Apodaca has worked on. If you've ever questioned what blemishes can be cleaned up with PhotoShop, you won't anymore. 10:12:53 AM      Trackback []    Internet The Arts

This Just In: Tech Support Still Lousy CNN reports that, surprise, surprise, most people are unhappy with technical support: Of the estimated 8 million computer users who seek technical support from software manufacturers every year, about a third never get the help they need, according to a survey in the latest issue of Consumer Reports magazine. The March survey of 10,000 computer users found widespread dissatisfaction with the level of service offered by U.S. software manufacturers. Quality has been the victim as companies cut corners to cut costs. As a result, the magazine put software tech support among the lower-ranked services that it's rated in the last 10 years -- slightly worse than the customer support offered by cell phone carriers and just a little better than that provided by cable TV companies. The article goes on to say that people are turning to tech-savvy friends and independent geeks-for-hire to fix their problem. This coincides with two recent, excellent articles directed at unemployed programmers. They recommend working as a geek-for-hire for family, friends and small businesses. I think this is a totally viable way for your average geek to make some extra cash. Admittedly, they'd have bath themselves and be friendly, but there's plenty of money to be made. I speak from experience, as I help out friends and family (for free...so far) all the time. (Cross posted to Capulet Speaking). 9:28:31 AM      Trackback []    Internet