2003 April

Lockergnome.com's design is getting tired. I'm working on making it wired. Thoughts? If you know of an enterprising geek who might be able to lend a hand (or foot), let me know.

Read more on Extreme Beta…

Catching up on old Friends episodes via SnapStream. If you wanna know what's up with the weird Webcam angles today, you'll have to read today's issue. And since Jake's butt is no longer keeping the couch cushions warm, I've temporarily turned the laptop's lens to Sprocket's perch. When he's not attacking that which falls through our mail slot, I'm certain you'll find him here… pining for the fjords. Sprocket, not Jake.

Read more on Central Perk…

I don't generally get too excited about candy (largely, because I believe that sugar is far more addictive than any illegal drug). There's one sweet, however, that my mouth just can't deny: the Cadbury Creme Egg. Now, I'm talkin' about the original one – not the wannabe Chocolate-filled or Caramel-centered ovoid confections. So, thanks to my pie-bakin' babe for bringin' home a box of four. On rare occasions, I've also been known to nibble on Sour Patch Kids at the movie theater. They make me fart. UPDATE: Peeps suck.

Read more on The Sweetest Taste…

I didn't mean to sound cranky with my post on OPML the other day. Sometimes, when I want something to work the way I want it to work – and it doesn't – I get frustrated. If I offended anybody, it certainly wasn't my intention. Truth be told, RSS / OPML is going to play a large part of Lockergnome's future – and I'll definitely be engaging the community in a more active (read: positive) manner. And for whatever it's worth, I just renewed my copy of Radio, I helped Beth get her RSS feed up-and-running on Blogger Pro, purchased something on Noah's Amazon wish list when I was using Greymatter, and I'm using a registered version of MovableType to manage this blog. I just downloaded the new beta of Safari for my iMac, even though I'm entering this post through w.bloggar on Windows XP. In other words, what I'm trying to say is: I'm not a software biggot.

Read more on So Happy Together…

Most husbands bring flowers home for their sweethearts. Me? I asked a close friend to redesign her blog. The result? One kick-ass layout, one happy wife, and one more reason for you to get up in the morning. If possible, I'll ask Gretchen if she'll let me show you Robyn's first design – which was also beyond amazing. Three cheers for Sekimori!

Read more on I Blogged My Wife…

Mark pointed to Matt who's talking about a new module (ENT) for RSS 2.0. Sounds neat, but what I really need someone to do is evolve the spec for OPML. Instead of me having to re-categorize my feeds every time I install a new RSS parser, the OPML file should have pre-definied categories. And, instead of me having to maintain separate OPML files for all of my parsing applications, programmers should start enabling the user to dynamically load feeds from a centralized (local or remote) OPML file. C'mon folks – let's get smart with this stuff. I understand the need to maintain a proprietary database for the program in question, but your app shouldn't require me to maintain separate feed subscriptions. I'm not a programmer – I'm a user. And damnit, why can't “you” help make OPML smarter and more convenient for me?

Read more on RSS? OPML? ENT?…

Since Jake and I have to head back to Berkeley for the computer book thingy in a few minutes, I can't participate in “No Pants Friday” until later this evening. Even so, Jake's requested that I at least wait until he goes to bed before I decide to rid myself of these oppressive jeans. To protest this, I've decided to don the outfit given to me by Jim “Crazy Shirt Guy” Williams today. If you're not awake yet, take a look at my Webcam for a good jolt. And please, support the cause by dropping trou at your earliest convenience. I'm there with you – in Spirits. Or NOT in Spirits… or Levis… or Lees… or Deisels…

Read more on Drop Your Pants!…

For years, we've been sitting on a certain domain. Jake dusted it off last month and decided to create a somewhat different site / service. I thought it'd be neat to slap a familiar GUI on top of it, so I asked the geekiest chick I know (Courtney) to help. In two days, she had taken my idea and breathed life into it. For download junkies, I present: FileOfTheDay.com. We're working on whipping up a Mac one, too. Shareware authors can contact Jake if they want to get listed there. It's not an award – it's merely a showcase. And yes, it has an RSS feed.

Read more on File of the Day…

Mace tells me: “I wanted to point out that The Barenaked Ladies now have a blog online – though Ed Robertson is (so far) the only one to actually post. If Steven and Ty ever get around to it, they'll certainly have plenty to go on about.” Yeah, but they don't allow fans like us to post comments. I wanted to beg 'em to come to Gnomedex.

Read more on In The Car…

Christian carried over a Canon cable after Rendezvousing with Jake on OS X. Man, Apple did THAT one right. Anyway, it occurred to me that as Tim was talking about all that “stuff” on stage (RSS, syndicating content, conferences, blogging, e-books, etc.), Jake and I were actually doing it. I mean, we weren't taking notes (like every other person seems to be doing here) – we were checking stats for Lockergnome, updating our blogs, strategizing via IM, parsing news feeds… living in the middle of the conversation. There's a big difference between talking about it and actually doing it. Who here will take what Tim said to heart? Makes me wonder if anybody here “gets it?” And if they don't, what do I need to do to show them the light – without the fear of blinding 'em?

Read more on Do Or Do Not…

The Waterside Conference has definitely begun. We had issues getting Wi-Fi working properly, but now things appear to be running smoothly. Tim is doing the keynote right now, and I've got a back-row seat. He looks geeky; I like him. He says he's looking for the alpha geeks – but my question is: who does he believe the alpha geeks are? What are they doing? What are they seeing? And more importantly: where the hell is Doc?! Is there anybody in the audience reading my blog? Are you blogging? I'll have to wait until later to upload the pictures / videos I'm taking, only because I failed to bring a media transfer vehicle.

Read more on Water is Wet…

Claritin really clears the head without messing with the mind, ya know? I'm a dopey, sneezy, happy little man. I can't blame it for my earlier rant on the Webbys. Keep your eye on the Webcam, too. Within an hour, I should be a clean-shaven dopey, sneezy, happy little man! We're going to wear our Lockergnome bowling shirts to the conference tomorrow, but that doesn't mean I should look like I just rolled out of bed. Unless…? Nah.

Read more on On Second Thought…

A mini-FAQ was distributed in yesterday's Windows Daily newsletter regarding my departure from TechTV. Please review it (and if Lockergnome.com is still loading slow for you, understand that we're in the process of ordering a new server to handle the increased traffic). I'm off to review my new DVD player, so… if you haven't already subscribed, you'd better do it before this evening. I even put a fancy little subscription box on my blog for your convenience. Please tip your waiter.

Read more on Cleaning House…

Jake is in my living room. Google is sponsoring Gnomedex. The Tobyn team is joining us in July. New blog host is managing traffic admirably. Had a great meeting with Brian Livingston this evening – and a great dinner with Chris DiBona. Good ideas. Great company. I love this business, but I have a massive headache. If you knead me, I'll be in the other room.

Read more on Linkfest…

I don't like to shave.