Do you want to know how to integrate Mantis and SVN? I did, but could never manage the right Google query to return a page written for someone unfamiliar with customizing Mantis. (I’m still learning SVN too.) This is the documentation I wish I’d had. This process is easier if you know […]
A friend of mine recently accepted a position at Boise State University, and documented the numerous customer service troubles he encountered along the way. It’s a bit long but worth reading. I’ve highlighted his main points here.
As customers, we search for someone to blame, but only because we want a problem fixed. The person who […]
Last week I mentioned some of the ways I approach proposed rules/legislation when evaluating my position. Again, these indicators are 1) being overly specific, 2) being individualized, 3) the absence of consequences and 3) the violation of locality. (Again, IANAL)
Embracing generality
I argued against laws attempting to cover every eventuality through specific language. The alternative is […]
My comments on this topic are too long for a single post. This is part one of a multi-part discussion, which will eventually be compiled into a single essay. (IANAL)
As the legislative session opens, I wanted share some observations on law, discuss what makes good law, and explore ways to identify poor laws. In many […]
Back at the beginning of the month I had the pleasure of attending Phil Windley’s CTO Breakfast. The discussion turned to hiring technically competent employees, which was particularly relevant to me, as I’m looking to hire a handful of competent PHP programmers.
The discussion was timely, as I had spent several hours the previous evening reading […]
I’ve been thinking a lot about what Phil Windley calls an “abundance mentality.” (He didn’t coin the term; it was through his article that I was introduced to the phrase.) I’ve been seeing variations on the same theme from Paul Allen (who really epitomizes the concept of an abundance mentality), Garr Reynolds, Kathy Sierra, and […]
I like web standards. But I think there are many standards proponents whose advocacy misses the mark when it comes to business.
Being able to easily replicate presentational effects across multiple browsers, from IE or Firefox, to a PDA or cell phone is a web developer’s Utopia. The ability to use semantic markup to not only […]
Lynn Stoddard, author of Educating for Human Greatness, presented to the State Board of Education today. He touched on a thought that intrigued me. My interpretation was that in order to achieve maximum productivity from employees at all levels, instead of directing all employee activities, companies should instead ask the question, “What actions will […]
It bothers me that so many web developers don’t understand basic accessibility concepts. HTML is a funny thing in the education world. When I studied computer science it was never discussed, but we were expected to use and understand the basics for several assignments. (The same for XML.) Most of the professional web developers I […]
For about three years now it has been my goal to get an MBA. Not just from a "pay your fee, get your ‘B’" institution, but an honest to goodness university with a solid business program. In addition to the not inconsequential cost barrier, something has always been in the way. Traditional day programs are […]
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