The Different Philosophies of Tech Companies
Microsoft: "Only the software matters"
Google: "The hardware doesn't matter"
Apple: "The hardware is the vehicle of software"
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Microsoft: "Only the software matters"
Google: "The hardware doesn't matter"
Apple: "The hardware is the vehicle of software"
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I see a lot of press on Google's defiance against Internet censorship in China. I think it's a good position for Google to take. It's a precedent they probably should be the ones setting. They're not being evil. And a lot of people are cheering Google on like they can change the face of China's communication landscape.
But I think they're wrong.
I think if they want access to the Chinese market and the money that comes with it, they've got to play by their rules. They've done that, and now they're turning around and saying, "nope it's not worth it". So be it. Get out. But don't push your ideals on them in the process.
When I think about how I'd feel in the position of a Chinese citizen, I'd be frustrated by the way the Internet is handled. But I only have my life in Canada as a reference. As an outsider I see a lot of "bad" in the way China filters information to its people. But I'm not a Chinese citizen. And it's not my business to change their ways. It shouldn't be Google's either. Google isn't some freedom fighter - they're a business. I'm suspicious that they'd take an "all or nothing" position if they had something to lose. I don't think they do.
What does the average Chinese citizen think of Google's recent behaviour? Do they think "huzzah - someone to liberate us" or do they even care at all? I'd wager the average Chinese citizen is scarcely aware that Google was even working in China, let alone look to them for guidance on how to live their lives.
I'll admit that I'm pretty curious to see how this all plays out.
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I love my job. I love the company I work for too. But everyone has pet peeves - and these are my top 10, in no particular order.
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Everyone's seen e-mail disclaimers. Big reams of legal horseshit at the end of an e-mail.
Many of the disclaimers I see on a day-to-day basis boil down to "if this wasn't for you, delete it."
I can think of few things as useless.
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This week I'm posting something I have learned each day.
Caring is hard. Don't give people license to not care; it's too easy to accept.
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This week I'll be posting one thing I learn each day.
Today I learned that some people can only perceive value as a price-point; and the only value in that perception is not one you can defend.
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This week I'll be posting one thing I learn each day.
I learned how to use the CONCATENATE function in Excel to make trafficking online ads easier.
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This week I'll be posting one thing I learn each day.
Typekit hit primetime and is really easy to use.
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I have Windows 7 installed on my iMac. It's basically so I can play Left 4 Dead (and soon, Left 4 Dead 2).
One of the things I noted is the use of Valve's "Steam" software as the method for getting games. It's very much like the App Store on an iPhone, but carries just the Valve product line.
Because of Steam I've downloaded, played and subsequently purchased two other games from Valve (Champions Online and Team Fortress 2).
I think there should be something like this for desktop software, but a store for any publisher. It'd be a way better way to get apps and keep them up to date.
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