Category Archives: Ramblings

The Internet Used to be Flat

Posted on April 26, 2010 by payne

The Internet used to be a lot “flatter”. Last decade, there really weren’t any major points of control.  If you had an idea for a new app or content site, it was pretty much a level playing field, and you … Continue reading →

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iPad: Initial Impressions

Posted on April 5, 2010 by payne

Joining the iPad review chorus….. The iPad will be hugely disruptive, but it will take time to figure out exactly how.  Unlike the iPhone and iPod Touch, the iPad is not entering a mature product category.  If you got an … Continue reading →

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Hulu Desktop & Boxee: Temporary Solutions

Posted on May 30, 2009 by payne

Hulu Desktop just came out:  it’s a client-app (Mac and Windows) that provides a “lean back” UI for Hulu video content.  It integrates remote control inputs, so it works well for folks plugging computers into the living room TV. I’ve … Continue reading →

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Managing the Household

Posted on May 29, 2009 by payne

Like many modern households, we’re managing a lot of moving pieces.  Three kids w/ activities, brother & family living nearby, grandparent visits, travel — it adds up to some “complexity”. We depend on a number of technologies to make it … Continue reading →

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URL Shorteners, WTF?

Posted on May 7, 2009 by payne

I’m sure I’m a minority here, but are URL shorteners (e.g. TinyURL) really a “business”?  Bit.ly raised $2m in funding for this?  What? On the news that Twitter has switched URL shorteners, why isn’t Twitter doing this themselves?  Either by … Continue reading →

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Metering Moore’s Law?

Posted on May 4, 2009 by payne

Since we’re partially dependent on Time-Warner Internet access, I’ve had to pay more attention to bandwidth caps / metered broadband issues.   See some recent discussions in GigaOM, and the Washington Post. Generally, I’m glad to pay extra for using a … Continue reading →

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The Writing Process that Works For Me

Posted on April 23, 2009 by payne

For writing, here’s the approach I’ve found works best for me, by far: Clearly note the purpose & main points (1 to 5) Write the first draft as quickly as possible [Maybe] do a light editing pass Set aside for … Continue reading →

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Proprietary Distribution Doesn’t Win

Posted on April 8, 2009 by payne

The blogosphere is aflutter with the woes of the newspaper industry.  I think most papers won’t make it, with the printed newspaper becoming as quaint as home milk delivery. Newspapers are really in two different businesses that got fused together:  … Continue reading →

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Teaching Google

Posted on March 30, 2009 by payne

If you extrapolate to a future where all information is on-line, how important is “knowing” vs having the ability to find what you need? “Knowing” will always be important, especially when combined with experience.  I wouldn’t want to cross a … Continue reading →

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When Disruptive Value is Sponged up by the Incumbents

Posted on February 11, 2009 by payne

Charles Teague and I were riffiing today on entrepreneurial opportunities around the iPhone, location-based services, and other areas.   A recurring discussion theme was:  sometimes technology disruptions don’t lead to NewCo opportunities.  Why? Consider the hype around Web Services from years … Continue reading →

Posted in Ramblings, Software | 3 Comments