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Merkac Dot - Google Links, Slashdot Summary by merkac · 2002-12-14 23:31 · Score: 1, Redundant · on Console Games Sales Beat Out PC

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"In the Star Tribune [G], they write that "PC games fell 6.2 percent through the first 10 months of this year, making the first such decline ever." They go on to say that consoles will break record sales this year, and that there is a shift towards console gaming from PC. Is this due to the fact that there are now three major contenders (XBox, Playstation 2, Game Cube) and all the advanced features they offer (DVD ability on the first two etc)? I, for one, will continue with my Battlefield 1942 on my PC."

Mirrored Link: Star Tribune

Console games are winning the sales race with PC games news freetime - travel - homezone - cars - shopping - workavenue - communities metro / region - nation / world - politics - business - sports - variety - opinion - fun & games - talk index ap business news ap finanzas technology business calendar business forum company earnings reports company press releases consumer news data bank everybody's business photos business projects 2002: economic forecast due diligence: corporations and accounting practices mall of america 10th anniversary mn tobacco settlement star tribune 100 executive compensation executive compensation --> top 25 grantmakers nonprofit 100 banking on women venture capital --> archivestories photo reprints projects contact us corrections feedback Console games are winning the sales race with PC games Steve AlexanderStar Tribune Published Dec. 11, 2002GAME11

There is a war being fought for the hearts of consumers who love games. On one side is the venerable PC, on the other side the video-game console.

The consoles are winning.

The NPD Group of Port Washington, N.Y., is expected to announce today that unit sales of PC games fell 6.2 percent through the first 10 months of this year, marking the first such decline ever.

Meanwhile, NPD projects that console video-game sales will break all sales records this year, with hardware and software sales totaling more than $10 billion, up from $9.4 billion in 2001. Of that, about $5 billion represents video-game sales. PC game sales are projected to reach only $1.4 billion, or flat with 2001, said Steve Koenig, an analyst at NPD's PC software tracking division.

"The shift to buying video games is definitely the main reason behind flagging sales of PC games," Koenig said.

Game consoles now rival PCs in the quality of game play, graphics and sound, and recently have entered online gaming, formerly available only on PCs, he said.

Consumers whose primary interest is gaming can more economically buy a $150 Nintendo GameCube or a $200 Microsoft Xbox or Sony PlayStation 2 than a PC, which costs a minimum of $500 and typically is closer to $1,000.

Video games also have benefited from the growth in the game-playing population, which is due to the aging crowd of players who cut their teeth on PC games, before the advent of improved console machines, such as Sony's first PlayStation.

Studies have shown that people of all ages play some computer games, but the bulk of the audience for both video games and PC games now is 34 and younger, said Richard Ow, another NPD analyst.

Advertising

The shift to video games has been evident in TV advertising this season. Two of the most-advertised titles -- "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell," about a stealthy spy, and "007 Nightfire," about the glitzy adventures of James Bond -- have been advertised for use on a console, not a PC.

The shift to the video-game console as the chief game-playing machine began with the fall 2000 introduction of the Sony PlayStation 2 and accelerated last fall with the availability of the Microsoft Xbox, Koenig said. Until the introduction of the PlayStation 2, PC games always were a little more sophisticated and capable, while console games generally were regarded as being for younger children, he said.

"PlayStation 2 changed things, likely forever. It began a shift over to the console form of gaming," Koenig said. "For game players, there may be some surprise that this has happened so quickly. I think maybe they expected it over a three-to four-year period."

Game developers appear to have seen the trend coming. From January through October this year, they produced 9.6 percent fewer new PC titles than they did a year ago, or 750 titles in 2002 vs. 830 in 2001, Koenig said.

"The game-console market is very hot, and so marketers of gaming software are putting their development dollars into that," he said.

Revenue from PC game sales are projected to remain virtually flat for the full year, despite the unit sales decline, because prices have increased. Some top-selling PC games sell for more than $50, a price once viewed as impregnable, according to NPD, which produces widely followed market research that is based on actual retail sales.

Consumers won't see the apparent decline of the PC game reflected at their local electronics store yet. And in the short term, the greatest impact will be felt by the console makers -- Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo.

"The real winners are the console companies, because they will be getting more and more licensing fees," Koenig said. Game developers pay licensing fees to the game-console makers for the rights to produce games for a particular console. There are no comparable fees for developing PC games, he said.

PC games still here

But no one is predicting the demise of PC game-playing just yet. Koenig believes PCs are likely to hold on to their core audience of sophisticated game enthusiasts and are likely to continue their lead in online gaming because PCs are more suited to it. Meanwhile, the broader audience is likely to continue to migrate toward the video-game consoles.

"There is a generally held belief that PC games will continue to be under sales pressure from console games in 2003 and likely beyond," Koenig said. "It is painfully evident that PC developers will have to do something to attract game buyers to the PC."

Failure to do so could have a sweeping effect, Koenig said. Games long have been one of the reasons people upgraded to newer PCs, because the games often required faster chips, add-on memory, disk drives and graphics boards in order to function properly. But the absence of such reasons for consumers to upgrade their PCs could be bad news for an industry already hit by slack sales. Consumers already have found that older PCs handle most other computing tasks as well as newer, faster models.

But the future of PCs as game machines is clouded by uncertainty over what next-generation game consoles may look like, Koenig said. He believes consoles may begin to resemble PCs that are in the living room instead of in a home office.

While today's PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles can play games, DVD movies and audio CDs, future consoles also may incorporate TV accessories, such as DVD recorders and personal video recorders, which seek out and record programs by automatically browsing TV listings, he said.

"The Xbox already is half a step toward being a PC in the living room," Koenig said. "The next-generation game consoles might look more like PCs and are likely to offer a great deal of utility."

-- Steve Alexander is at alex@startribune.com.

Keep yourself safe. by quitcherbitchen · 2002-12-01 09:56 · Score: 4, Informative · on Investigating Chronic Wasting Disease

This is a decent article that addresses how to clean a deer with caution and respect to CWD:

Cut with Caution: How to safely field dress deer

Re:Ligitimate Fraud by Captain+Pedantic · 2002-11-16 07:21 · Score: 2 · on Registered Traveler ID Initiative

Read this

Now do you think United are going to keep your information to themselves?

More info on Cathy / FMC by Klox · 2002-10-21 05:51 · Score: 2 · on Ask 'Junkyard Wars Diva' Cathy Rogers

Just in case people don't know: Cathy isn't just a pretty face for the show she's the Executive Producer. I read this in the Star Tribune about Full Metal Challenge and thought it was enlightening. From the article:

"Full Metal Challenge," filmed in a converted power plant outside London this summer, is executive-produced by Cathy Rogers, who has produced and presented three seasons of "Junkyard Wars." She and Rollins co-host "Full Metal Challenge."

Experiment on FM in Minnesota by Anonymous Coward · 2002-10-10 09:22 · Score: 0 · on FCC Approves Digital Radio, Kills Satellite Merger

Maybe that explains this in the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

PUBLIC NOTICE Due to an experimental program that is taking place in your listening area during the next few weeks, some irregularities in FM radio performance may be noticed. If you notice any irregularities in the performance of a FM radio station please take the time to convey your experience. For your input to be of value to this experimental program, please include the station call sign, your location at occurrence, radio type, date, time, and any other specific comments regarding the irregularities you encountered. You can do this by submitting your comments by 11/12/02 in one of the following formats: Regular Mail: addressed to Southeastern Institute of Research, Inc., 2325 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23220 Telephone: 1-800-807-8981, ask for Leigh Fax: 1-804-358-9761, address to Leigh E-mail: address to FMBR@SIRresearch.com published 09-Oct-2002

Re:Article contains no actual quantitative evidenc by termigator · 2002-10-03 10:57 · Score: 1 · on Patents Choking Off Medical Research

I believe you are not aware of the whole picture about the big drug companies. Drugs companies at least spend twice as much money on marketing than they do on actually R&D. Also, to cut costs, they tend to take an existing patented drug that is about to expire, modify a bit so a new patent can be obtained, and then market it as a new improved version of the older drug.

The U.S. is the only major country that allows a private company to obtain exclusive rights on a patent where research received funding from public dollars. Hence, people pay up to twice as much for prescription drugs than in countries like Britain, Japan, and Australia.

Big pharma is now just a big marketing engine, where only the real innovative research is mainly being done by public funds.

Some articles worth reading:
http://www.namiscc.org/newsletters/July01/DrugPric es.htm
http://www.jsonline.com/news/state/apr01/scrip0204 0101.asp
http://bernie.house.gov/documents/articles/2001-07 -21-nat_journal-Rx_Drugs.asp
http://abcnews.go.com/onair/ABCNEWSSpecials/pharma ceuticals_020529_pjr_feature.html
http://www.startribune.com/stories/1519/3240359.ht ml
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=5 34&u=/ap/20021001/ap_on_go_co/drug_wars&printe r=1
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=5 34&u=/ap/20021002/ap_on_he_me/pharmaceutical_marke ting&printer=1
http://www.prwatch.org/forum/showthread.php?thread id=420
http://www.prospect.org/print/V12/17/elliott-c.htm l
http://www.prwatch.org/forum/showthread.php?thread id=638
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename= article&node=&contentId=A1208-2001Jul15&notFound=t rue

BUSH ON 9/11 by Anonymous Coward · 2002-09-09 06:16 · Score: -1, Offtopic · on Ask Eric Blossom about Software-Defined Radio

"Lucky me, I hit the trifecta"

He tells joke about innocent people dying, what an asshole.

My source is here.

This story, read the Oct 2001 section

BUSH ON 9/11 by Anonymous Coward · 2002-09-08 13:22 · Score: -1, Offtopic · on Microsoft to Hire Xbox Hackers?

Lucky me! I hit the trifecta!
Story here! Just look at October 2001

( .hj by Anonymous Coward · 2002-07-31 18:56 · Score: -1, Offtopic · on Matchbox -- a Small Footprint Window Manager

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Re:It's a cold wind that blows no good by kneeo · 2002-07-19 01:24 · Score: 1 · on 100th Anniversary of Air Conditioning

Dont blame the destruction of the "beauty of summertime" on the air conditioner. Sure back in the pre-AC days you could as a boy walk down the streets and be safe, but now days its not safe. Just ask Samatha's mother. With possible serial killers or being shot in your own yard. People would rather not just sit on the porch and enjoy the summer time.

Update: loss of judge by meridoc · 2002-06-14 02:06 · Score: 2, Informative · on First Virtual Piano Competition

The competition's lost one of the judges.

Strike one by Anonymous Coward · 2002-05-20 14:41 · Score: 0 · on Minnesota Passes First Online Privacy Law

A bill to fund the construction of a new stadium here in downtown St. Louis just died in legislature this week.

When the MN stadium bill came up a couple years ago, our legislature unceremoniously gave it the boot. In fact, the Twins have struck out on funding seven years in a row. In response, Major League Baseball threatened to eliminate the Twins if we didn't build them a new stadium. Now, congress has approved funding with all the enthusiasm they can muster.

We have a stadium (the famous Busch Stadium) that works, though it could use a renovation.

We have the Metrodome, which was built in 1980. Apparently, large public buildings start getting grubby and have to be completely replaced every couple decades.

Now, the Minnesota Vikings want a new stadium. They want the state to come up with $350 million so the Vikings can have their very own stadium.

The Vikings have a lease to rent the Metrodome through 2011 but "the 64,121-seat Metrodome doesn't provide them enough revenue from concessions, luxury seating and parking."

Strike one by Anonymous Coward · 2002-05-20 14:41 · Score: 0 · on Minnesota Passes First Online Privacy Law

A bill to fund the construction of a new stadium here in downtown St. Louis just died in legislature this week.

When the MN stadium bill came up a couple years ago, our legislature unceremoniously gave it the boot. In fact, the Twins have struck out on funding seven years in a row. In response, Major League Baseball threatened to eliminate the Twins if we didn't build them a new stadium. Now, congress has approved funding with all the enthusiasm they can muster.

We have a stadium (the famous Busch Stadium) that works, though it could use a renovation.

We have the Metrodome, which was built in 1980. Apparently, large public buildings start getting grubby and have to be completely replaced every couple decades.

Now, the Minnesota Vikings want a new stadium. They want the state to come up with $350 million so the Vikings can have their very own stadium.

The Vikings have a lease to rent the Metrodome through 2011 but "the 64,121-seat Metrodome doesn't provide them enough revenue from concessions, luxury seating and parking."

Don't Call Minnesotans or Jesse'll Get Ya by andyf · 2002-05-18 03:43 · Score: 1 · on Disconnecting Telemarketers

Jesse Ventura just signed a telemarketing law in Minnesota: http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/2838499.htm l

It requires telemarketers to not call anyone on a statewide do-not-call list, and fines up to $1000 for a violation. It exempts charities, existing business relationships, and unfortunately, calls that don't intend to complete the sale over the phone. That means, I suppose, that you can still get people trying to sell you condos, or sell you cars at very high finance rates. Blech.

Clean Water by SEWilco · 2002-05-16 08:32 · Score: 1 · on ThinkCycle: Solving World Problems With A Cluster of Brains

Maybe this $45 chlorinator by Charlie Taflin of Compatible Technology International is relevant:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/2832884.htm l

There are a lot of people working on such problems. ThinkCycle or something like that might help them coordinate more.

Of course, the classic popular reading for this field is the "The Ugly American".

The author speaks by heinzkeinz · 2002-05-10 18:55 · Score: 1 · on Comic Book Physics

Prof. Kakalios himself wrote an op-ed piece for the Minnesota Star-Tribune here

There's a bit more info here.

The course description:

Science in Comic Books
James Kakalios, Physics
Phys 1905, section 4 (#28788)
2 credits
T 2:30 - 4:25 p.m., FordH 155

How much energy is required to cause the planet Krypton to explode? If you were born on a more massive planet, would you be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound here on Earth? Using concepts and characters from comic books, this class will explore basic notions of physics, chemistry, and biology. In addition to identifying scientific bloopers, we will discuss those cases where the comic creators got the science right. Requires high school algebra and geometry.

</karma whore>

Two hours a week. Seems pretty easy to me, and that's coming from an artsy-type who took a course at the University of Toronto called "The Magic of Physics". I like easy credits.

Re:WTF?!? by Anonymous Coward · 2002-05-03 07:03 · Score: 1, Funny · on Review: Spiderman

These big-budget spectacles just beg a smart-ass comeback. Over at Destiny-Land they linked to a great deconstruction by James Lilek of the lyrics for the original theme to Spider-Man cartoons, which promise Peter Parker "Spins a web, any size / Catches crooks just like flies!"

"Not so; he usually punched them until they were unconscious, which spiders rarely do; nor did he inject an immobilizing toxin into their bodies so he could digest them at will..."

Ventura's Video Game by civik · 2002-04-27 07:24 · Score: 1 · on Campaign-Themed Video Games?

The name of Ventura's new video game should be 'Big Man Hunter'

click here if you don't know why that is funny.

Creative idea... by AmigaAvenger · 2002-04-27 07:22 · Score: 1, Flamebait · on Campaign-Themed Video Games?

Not that Jesse ventura cares, but do the people really want their tax money spent on this?

Ventura recently opposed a plan to give a little money to teachers for retirement, with a paltry cost of $15 million per year. (Star Tribune I guess he had video games in mind instead.

Re:Oh no... by Tycho · 2002-02-16 08:10 · Score: 1 · on FCC's Powell On Monopolies

Or the big telco companies could do what Qwest in Minnesota has been charged with.

According to this article:
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/1626045.htm l

Qwest has been charged by the Minnesota Department of Commerce with entering into secret deals that worked to the disadvantage of its local competetion. If Qwest did this, it merrily violated state and federal laws forcing Qwest to make these sorts of deals fair, non-discriminatory and to file these agreements with the Minnesota PUC. According to the charges Qwest has done none of these. If the Minnesota PUC rules against Qwest, Qwest could be looking at a fine from anywhere between $56 million to $202 million for this activity.

Re:Crackdowns Unsuccessful by Maditude · 2002-02-12 09:49 · Score: 2, Informative · on FTC Goes After Spammers

Here's a decent article article about how, even when someone DOES successfully sue a spammer, trying to collect is pretty hopeless. (Not too surprising that spammers aren't exactly rolling in cash)...

Re:Yes, this is justified ... by Bryan+Andersen · 2001-12-06 17:12 · Score: 2 · on U.S. Department of Interior Ordered Offline

The effected system is the one that manages $500 million a year in royalties from land owned by 300,000 American Indians. It is esentially operating like a bank, but hasn't got the level of security that a bank is required to have. This Minneapolis Star Tribune article has some additional details.

another review here by Maditude · 2001-12-02 04:18 · Score: 1 · on Review: Behind Enemy Lines

Haven't seen the movie, but I can't say that I plan to, either, especially after reading this StarTribune review...
quote:

Wilson and Hackman certainly should be able to relate to Burnett's plight: They're stuck in a movie from which they need to be rescued. But no help is coming, so they push on like good soldiers.

Did I mention stupid marketroids ? by dingbat_hp · 2001-10-13 14:20 · Score: 1 · on Gonzo Marketing: Winning Through Worst Practices

Flame grilled

Re:Phil Zimmerman feels responsible for 9-11 by ErikTheRed · 2001-09-22 10:59 · Score: 2 · on Legislating Insecure Encryption

Please at least read the article you're linking to (and get the link straight, while you're at it) before posting something like that.

In the article, the actual quotes attributed to Zimmerman show that he feels badly about the events, but in no way do they indicate that he feels responsible for them. I think this one sums it up (in regards to some hate mail he received):

"He raises some points that many people are raising right now, namely that terrorists can use the technology," Zimmermann said. "But it overlooks the strong need for good crypto."

Re:The Israel Taboo by an_mo · 2001-09-16 17:47 · Score: 1 · on More Links And Updates On Terrorist Attacks

More specifically, one should notice how most newsmedia coverage (and political debate) is all focused on retaliation, and little is spent on arguing the fundamental reasons why terrorism exist. See this nice article on the Startribune for a different perspective.

If we don't solve the palestinian problem we can eliminate Bin Laden but another one will soon pop up. We need to discuss with our allies how to:

1) maintain unconditional and strong support to Israel
2) start political and economic support to a Palestinian state
3) deploy massive UN troops to protect both

Israel has contained terrorism with a hard line but it finds itself at a dead end. Terrorism is here to stay until the causes of its presence are removed.

Even better is your bust in butter by bshroyer · 2001-08-31 05:44 · Score: 1 · on Get Your New Handheld...in Butter.

At the Minnesota State Fair, the regional Dairy Princesses have their likenesses carved into a 90 lb block of butter. It's one of the big attractions every year at the Fair.

Growing awarenesss by YIAAL · 2001-08-26 14:59 · Score: 3, Informative · on Sklyarov Update

Check out this oped by Linda Seebach. It's nothing folks here don't know, but it's put together clearly and beautifully for popular consumption. I think it's a sign that the general public is catching on to the dangerous idiocy of the DMCA.

What will life be like for them? by SirWhoopass · 2001-05-04 02:57 · Score: 3 · on Genetically Modified Humans Born

Not to go on some Katz-like rant or anything, but...

Can you imagine how much a kid would get picked on in school once the other children learned they were genetically modified? Or even the reaction from adults?

I'm not arguing about this particlar experiment. I have no expertise in genetics. From what I understand, this didn't seem to be some huge step (it's not like they were alterted for more IQ).

I'm just saying in a world that hasn't even overcome racism or religious intolerance, these kids could have a hard time.

Re:yowza by Tech187 · 2001-04-29 05:01 · Score: 2 · on Crashing And Burning In The DSL World

Qwest has had a competing service, but Thursday it was announced (or rather, it made it to the newspaper) that they're shutting down their ISP operation nationwide and transferring all their customers over to MSN accounts.

In fact, the Qwest exodous to MSN needs to be a major story here on /., if it hasn't already been an article that I've missed.

Re:Editorial Right Wingedness by Brian_Ellenberger · 2001-04-05 00:32 · Score: 1 · on Republic.Com

>"environmental terrorists who spike logging >areas" -- hmm, do I detect a hint of bias? Maybe >just an eensy weensy bit?

I think a good definition of a hate group is one that wants to inflict bodily harm upon another group.

For example, an organization devoted to killing gays is a hate group. A church that believes homosexuality is wrong but follows Christ's example of non-violence is not a hate group.

An environmental organization that tries to save woodland areas through political pressure is not a hate group. An environmental organization that spikes logs to kill those who don't agree with them is a hate group.

One of the biggest dangers in the United States right now, especially in academia, is the bridging of speech which "hurts" someone's feelings to the level of bodily harm. Saying something is wrong/immortal/etc is what free speech is about.

All of the examples such as fire in a theater and "I'm going to kill you tomorrow" letter involve direct bodily harm. Saying people should have the right to own guns or that sex before marriage is wrong is not direct bodily harm. If we keep elevating it to such, we are going to see the end to free speech.

Check out this link for an example of your rights going away.
Brian Ellenberger

At least one really good review by David+Leppik · 2000-12-02 22:00 · Score: 3 · on Dune Miniseries Airs Tonight

The Minneapolis & St. Paul Star Tribune gave it 4 out of 4 stars. The longer format, better visual effects, and great director of photography (Vittorio Storaro, from The Last Emperor), give it a leg up on the movie.

Mind you, 3 4-hour segments isn't much longer than the 4-hour "director's other cut" version of the movie, but this one was intended to be long. The problem with the movie was cramming such a huge, complex story in such a short time.

I just hope they don't sanitize the ending, but they probably will. Yay war for the sake of genetic diversity!

Gore climbing by RandomPeon · 2000-11-08 13:18 · Score: 1 · on And The Winner Is... Nobody!

http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview .cgi?template=elections_nation&slug= prez 09

Apparently more Gore votes are showing up in the recount - thus far he's picked up 843 votes.

Also, another irregularity popped up:

"In one heavily Democratic county, officials said 19,120 ballots in the presidential race were tossed out before they were counted because more than one candidate was picked."

And there is a real chance of a revote, where the Nader supporters can redeem themselves.

Finally, there is one group of absentees we've all forgotten about: Jews in Israel. I guess there are quite a few Jewish-Americans casting ballots from there - more info here

Unfortunately, it looks like my links have died since I wrote that sentence. Hope they come back.

Gore climbing by RandomPeon · 2000-11-08 13:18 · Score: 1 · on And The Winner Is... Nobody!

http://www.startribune.com/viewers/qview/cgi/qview .cgi?template=elections_nation&slug= prez 09

Apparently more Gore votes are showing up in the recount - thus far he's picked up 843 votes.

Also, another irregularity popped up:

"In one heavily Democratic county, officials said 19,120 ballots in the presidential race were tossed out before they were counted because more than one candidate was picked."

And there is a real chance of a revote, where the Nader supporters can redeem themselves.

Finally, there is one group of absentees we've all forgotten about: Jews in Israel. I guess there are quite a few Jewish-Americans casting ballots from there - more info here

Unfortunately, it looks like my links have died since I wrote that sentence. Hope they come back.

Electoral College system - but your vote matters. by rhea · 2000-10-19 21:14 · Score: 1 · on Should You Vote?

So, what will actually get one of these jokers in office is winning electoral votes on a state-wide level. If you look at your state's polls, and it seems that the greater of two evils is ahead, then hold your nose and vote for the lesser.

I saw today that Bush is ahead in Minnesota, a traditionally liberal Democratic state. Since I am female, and the next president will be appointing supreme court justices, this one is a no-brainer. I don't want to give my vote to a candidate I actually like, only to find that I've helped to give Bush MN's electoral votes.

And even if he is a goon, and wants censorship, at least Gore recognizes the Net's potential and doesn't think it turns hearts to darkness or some such nonsense.

Agreed. by mrmag00 · 2000-09-11 05:18 · Score: 1 · on US Government Computer Security Evaluated

Sadly enough, this is amazingly true. Just before I opened up slashdot, this article caught my eye. This guy hacked a nuclear lab and yet they aren't charging him until almost a year later. They dont say if it was anything big, but the media eats these things up.

Other links... by J.J. · 2000-06-08 09:55 · Score: 2 · on Microsoft Quickies

The necessary post full of other links....

Salon article
"End of the tech world" piece from AnchorDesk
a "So What?" peice from E-Commerce Times
Forbes says sell the stock...
...but StarTribune say keep it
MS and hardware
And last, but certainly not least, Ballmer says if they're broken up, prices will rise.

Sometimes, it really baffles me that people get paid to write some of this stuff.

Re:Now before you start spouting your righteousnes by cosmicaug · 2000-02-09 08:50 · Score: 1 · on Northwest Searches Employees' Home Computers

The "free pc" is presumably a reference to Ford and not directly related to the story. It was not mentioned anywhere at http://www.s tartribune.com/stOnLine/cgi-bin/article?thisStory= 81364200. The point of the poster bringing up the free PC by Ford was the same as yours.

Built in Crypto. by jelwell · 2000-02-09 03:02 · Score: 3 · on Red Hat 6.2 Beta on FTP Servers

From an Anonymous Coward, "DES sucks. Let's see Blowfish, RC4, RC2, Twofish, IDEA, RSA, 3DES, Safer, etc. on the standard, precompiled, linux distros (with the crypto source already in there too).
I want to be able to create encrypted file systems right out of the box. It should even be an option in the setup program. That way, when the MPAA/RIAA kick down the door searching for copies of DeCSS or MP3s, you can just hit the power switch and be safe."
What I wouldn't do for the ability to create an encrypted file system right out of the box. I'm so sick of hearing stories about Government granting searches of home computers.
Joseph Elwell.

Re:BBSing by yelvington · 1999-11-27 00:40 · Score: 1 · on Are BBS-Like Communities Dead?

Well, I never did find much commentary about BBSing in the 612 area code, but I have to point out that there is more local activity today on the Star Tribune's "Talk" service than ever existed in the combined user bases of all the 612-area BBSes in the days of the Computer User list.

I ran one of those old-style BBSes (The Lake), and later I built the Star Tribune's Web site (I was the editor). I made certain that startribune.com had a community focus and the Web-based discussion tools to do it right.

Maybe you're not looking in the right places by yelvington · 1999-11-27 00:28 · Score: 2 · on Are BBS-Like Communities Dead?

Of course BBS-like communities still exist; they're just on the Web now. If they're badly implemented on the Web and you're moping for the past, then the likelihood is that you're suffering from selective memory.

Most of the BBSes in the 1980s were twirly-cursor ruggie havens not worth the time it took to dial the number. It shouldn't be surprising that most of the Web-based "communities" suck. It's the rare gems that stand out in your memory.

Take a look at some of these:

Talk to Tom with restaurant critic Tom Fitzmorris in New Orleans. Food is a big deal in New Orleans. InsideNewOrleans.com has assembled a very active, very local, very focused community around eating.

Backfence with James Lileks, a newspaper columnist with the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. His column is spun out of contributions from his message boards. He's built his own tight community within the newspaper's "Talk" service, which has something on the order of 30,000 registered users.

Cyberspace Cafe & Pub, a meandering discussion that began in 1994 or so on the proprietary Interchange network and migrated to the Web in 1995. Don't be fooled by the message count (around 5800); this has "rolled over" half a dozen times.

Cafe Utne, operated by the Utne Reader, sort of a Reader's Digest of "alternative" publications. If you're wondering where all the '60s liberals went, this is it.

Table Talk,, the message boards of the Web-based Salon magazine.

Maybe you're not looking in the right places by yelvington · 1999-11-27 00:28 · Score: 2 · on Are BBS-Like Communities Dead?

Of course BBS-like communities still exist; they're just on the Web now. If they're badly implemented on the Web and you're moping for the past, then the likelihood is that you're suffering from selective memory.

Most of the BBSes in the 1980s were twirly-cursor ruggie havens not worth the time it took to dial the number. It shouldn't be surprising that most of the Web-based "communities" suck. It's the rare gems that stand out in your memory.

Take a look at some of these:

Talk to Tom with restaurant critic Tom Fitzmorris in New Orleans. Food is a big deal in New Orleans. InsideNewOrleans.com has assembled a very active, very local, very focused community around eating.

Backfence with James Lileks, a newspaper columnist with the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. His column is spun out of contributions from his message boards. He's built his own tight community within the newspaper's "Talk" service, which has something on the order of 30,000 registered users.

Cyberspace Cafe & Pub, a meandering discussion that began in 1994 or so on the proprietary Interchange network and migrated to the Web in 1995. Don't be fooled by the message count (around 5800); this has "rolled over" half a dozen times.

Cafe Utne, operated by the Utne Reader, sort of a Reader's Digest of "alternative" publications. If you're wondering where all the '60s liberals went, this is it.

Table Talk,, the message boards of the Web-based Salon magazine.

Re:Don't blow weather derivatives by Baldrson · 1999-09-23 14:51 · Score: 1 · on McAfee files for 57.5 Million IPO

LordOmar writes: Don't even get me started on Weather Futures.

Guys like Alvin Toffler will continue to publish wave after wave of best-selling bogus prophecy while NCAR continues to spend our money running the same old models on bigger and bigger machines. Consequently, I'm sure they are highly appreciative when folks insult systems that "put your credibility where your mouth is" like weather futures or Idea Futures.

And don't even get me started on The Digerati.

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