Some people choose not to identify themselves when they leave blog comments. I recently had a twitter conversation after finding myself dismayed at some particularly inappropriate statements from people with “cute” screen names discussing a vendor who has recently undergone some business transitions. Assertions about the company and alleged co-workers were made that would beContinue reading “Anonymity Is A Coward’s Cloak”
Category Archives: The Computing Life
Kalido Virtual Conference Scores Big
I’ve been critical of virtual conferences in the past, but I just saw the future, and it works. Kalido, a relatively small vendor, has demonstrated that careful preparation, serious commitment, and the right team can allow smaller firms to “punch above their weight,” putting on an event that captures great leads, promotes and sustains community, collects requirementsContinue reading “Kalido Virtual Conference Scores Big”
The Return of Spectra
Years ago, I spent some time covering the middleware market closely. One of the resources I found enormously valuable was a publication called Middleware Spectra. Its founder and editor, Charles Brett, is one of the most insightful, and often provocative, people I know. Over the years we became acquainted, and today I count him amongContinue reading “The Return of Spectra”
In Praise of the iPhone Coffeespot App and Starbucks Wi-Fi
It’s nice when things just work. And when you’re on the road, Wi-Fi is one of those things you really appreciate. I’ve posted before about how well Marriott supports travelers with wi-fi. This brief note is as positive as that one was, but has a few more moving parts. It’s about using Coffeespot, a lovelyContinue reading “In Praise of the iPhone Coffeespot App and Starbucks Wi-Fi”
Lively LinkedIn TDWI Discussions Exemplify Community IP Values
I’m not normally a fan of blog posts that do little more than talk about information available elsewhere. But I’m going to make an exception, because what TDWI has been able to do of late on LinkedIn has generated a good deal of conversation, information sharing and intriguing conclusions. Kudos to Wayne Eckerson for hisContinue reading “Lively LinkedIn TDWI Discussions Exemplify Community IP Values”
What’s An Eigenbase?
The open source community is remarkable in many ways. For me, one of the most significant aspects of it is exactly that: it IS a community. It’s composed of people who communicate and share in deep and productive ways. One of the most interesting manifestations of that spirit I’ve run across is the Eigenbase project,Continue reading “What’s An Eigenbase?”
Why Virtual Conferences Suck
Lately, I get a lot of questions about “virtual conferences” and how much I believe they will replace the struggling live conference business of today. My answer? In the next 12-18 months we will see a lot of awful failed experiments. Just like the ones we’ve been seeing for the past 12 months or so.
TDWI and Wi-fi on San Diego Bay
The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI) came to San Diego this year, with a sharply reduced crowd but a few intriguing announcements and a crew of attendees determined to get value out of a rich set of educational offerings and informal and formal discussions. I had the privilege of sitting on a panel with analyst and consultantContinue reading “TDWI and Wi-fi on San Diego Bay”
Would You Pay For Room to Work in the Air?
Airline travel in coach continues to be difficult for the business user who would like to be productive. On this trip the man across the aisle has a lovely little netbook. Much smaller than my laptop which is admittedly gargantuan with its beautiful big screen.
Civilized Discourse and the Blog
Jon Reed, a consultant in the SAP world, recently posted a blog entry about some lessons he learned years ago from Hampshire College President Gregory Price. John feels, and I agree, that these principles of discourse are a model of behavior and belief that we bloggers would do well to emulate. I rarely post about “stuffContinue reading “Civilized Discourse and the Blog”