2004 October 05

Dave – you're a big teddy bear. I respect what you've done for me and the rest of this industry. Seeing you again, here in Seattle, woke me up to my possible earlier miscommunications. Sometimes my own vision gets in the way of my need to see the bigger picture. I don't ask for your forgiveness, just your understanding. Of course, you're invited to the next Gnomedex… if you can handle Vegas.

Read more on Third Apology of the Day…

Jake – You were right, unfortunately (about what shall remain between the two us). It's good to have you back aboard – as a partner, not just an employee. Your candor has always been abrasively direct, but that's why I love you. Thanks again, and I'm sorry for not being in touch with you earlier.

Read more on Second Apology of the Day…

Ponzi – I don't thank her enough. I totally forgot to add her to the Gnomedex blogroll, and I didn't even realize it until everything was too late. She's evolved into a business manager, but still loves me madly and deeply. Before I took down the Lockergnome “about us” page, I didn't add her – but that was done inadvertently. Believe me, I didn't mean to do it. Sometimes I don't see things the same way that others do (which is a blessing AND a curse). I'm doing my best to remember to think about her before I think about myself. Changing patterns is difficult to do.

Read more on First Apology of the Day…

We were given NDA absolution from Susan Dumais a few minutes ago. She presented a very interesting (unique, off-the-radar) utility that would definitely boost personalized Web searches on the desktop (not available for download, naturally). We heard from another researcher, Eric Brill, who is also from the same center; he demonstrated his work with natural language queries. I don't know – is using the word “query” natural? Lili Cheng discussed the social aspect of searching, illustrating a sweet little personal / cluster mapping tool (not available for download, naturally). She also explained a little more about Wallop (YASN). I was hoping to meet the Portrait guy (and maybe the ConferenceXP team). I suppose those introductions will have to wait. We're watching search researchers – and if they do it again, will that make them re-searching researchers?

Read more on Microsoft Blogger?…

I didn't do it, but I did have a great time today (and tonight). Catching up with a VERY parky Don, a VERY scripty Dave, a VERY geeky Bink, a VERY “active” Buzz, a VERY hyper David, a VERY sucky Brad, a VERY thoughtful Jason, a VERY good Robin, a VERY stylush Marc, as well as other new / old friends. I'm officially buying Steve Ballmer an iPod when I get back home. Scoble is going to do his best to get it to him. FWIW, I don't even own one – but I think Microsoft's CEO needs to experience that thing more than I do. Perhaps Ponzi will get a mini pink, too?

Read more on For the Record…

The last few days have been a whirlwind for us. Obviously, it's been difficult to post new entries here (and at Lockergnome). Gnomedex is over, but the next Gnomedex is already underway. We're in Seattle for MSN's Search Champs – a very tiny gathering of what seems to be the smartest minds in the industry. Don't ask me how I was selected. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I don't use the Google toolbar anymore? Who knows. I'll list the other braniacs when I get time. Right now, Ponzi and I are prepping for dinner. I just wanted to share a few thoughts before y'all thought we were dead. Wait until I tell you our “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” story about our trip out of Tahoe. Back home tomorrow – where billions of junk e-mails await. I haven't seen my Inbox in four days now. If you've sent me something, please have a little more patience? If you haven't send me something, then kindly ignore the man behind the curtain. Oh, and… we really lke Seattle. Like, REALLY.

Read more on Championing Search…