If you think that you can't be annoying because you often work alone, think again. You still deal with people for support, advice and information, as well as to get a promotion, notes Gini Graham Scott, author of A Survival Guide for Working With Humans (Amacom, 2004).
*SIGH* Ever notice how there's always some book that just came out that- surprise!- is relevant to the article?
So is this really useful advice, or an ad for this person's book?
Another point to mention is how these applications get created in the first place. (At least, this is how it happened to me...)
Initially you've got an Excel spreadsheet that you've got to update, so maybe you write a small macro that does a few repetitive tasks. Then someone says 'Hey, wouldn't it be great if...' and you slap together an interface for your colleague.
Next thing you know, people are modifying and extending this simple program into something really useful. And all without having to install any extra software. Sure, it's slower and more crash-prone than a stand-alone DB; as long as people save their work, we can recover.
There's just not enough benefit to writing a full-fledged DB for a (relatively) simple task.
But a database requires MUCH more knowledge and effort to set up and administer. Everyone who uses it either has to have an interface designed for them, or has to know SQL and how *not* to screw up the database. What if something has to be modified? Are we going to let just *anyone* add/alter tables?
And you STILL have the problem of having to pull data from many sources, process it, reformat, etc. So now we need a REAL coder (no insult intended, VBA guys) to write programs in- C#? Java? Even perl or python will require non-trivial amounts of work.
And no, the IT guys can't help you- they're too busy with patches, network outages, etc. And you can't afford another person in your department *JUST* to setup/maintain a database.
Instead, if we can just teach people how to import/export from an application they are already intimately familiar with, and get a few employees to slap together some simple VBA dialog boxes, we can get our jobs done quicker WITHOUT having to hire extra staff.
I have done this myself- for no other reward than not having busy-work tie me up for hours at a time. Sure, I could have set up a database... if IT would allow it (it's a non-critical part of my job)... after a weeks-long wait for approval... and if they'd let me make my own DB (doubtful)...
Perhaps some of this stagnation has to do with aging itself. As we get older, our bodies don't respond to exercise as well, recover from sickness as quickly. Our eyesight gets worse, our metabolism slows down, all that. The *perception* of aging is perhaps what drives us to more conservative, "safe" beliefs and patterns.
Now imagine if, through this age-ending process, you can retain much of your vigor (and more importantly, your *perception* of health). I believe people would be more active, more willing to take risks, and maybe, "remain more liberal" given that they're not worrying about their ability to cope with life.
With an attitude like that, heaven help us if GNOME turns out to be the only defense Linux has on the desktop against a Microsoft hegemony.
Well, that's the beauty of Linux, isn't it? GNOME is not its only defense. KDE is at least equal to GNOME. Or you could try something really funky, like XPde, and really confuse people.
What's more, you can still use gnome/KDE applications, no matter what desktop environment you use.
Actually, if that scenario led to a sub-mission where I could avenge the child's death, and thus get a super-discount on all items bought at that store?
A NYC councilman was shot and killed inside City Hall. How did the "perp" sneak a gun into the seat of city government?
Well, he was himself a councilman...
The two [the shooter and his victim] did not pass through a metal detector, which is not unusual for elected officials, apparently allowing Askew to slip his silver.40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun into the council chamber undetected, along with an extra four bullets in his socks.
Why do we keep making the same farking mistakes OVER AND OVER again!?
I believe that most people who are 'fed up' with MS are probably annoyed at the applications more than the OS. Most of the viruses, trojans, etc. are due to vulnerabilities in Outlook, Explorer, etc. (Yes, the design of the Windows 9x OS exacerbates the situation.) Or perhaps they're annoyed at feature-creep in MS Office. So the first issue is, what is annoying?
Second, even if a person is completely dissatisfied with Windows the OS, switching to Linux means switching to a fundamentally different operating system; very little of their Windows knowledge will be useful. And after learning linux (no small feat), they'll still have to learn all new applications- IF a linux equivalent exists. That's a big hurdle, IMO.
Can this system keep track of a 'bar tab' for me as well? Does it provide ANY value to me as a customer? (update: after RTFA, the answer given was 'give-up-your-anonymity-for-"safety"')
What if I get 'blacklisted'? How long does my name stay on the list?
Can I SEE the list? Will they at least TELL me I'm on the list?
Wait a second... Am I on this list automatically, once my picture/ID is recorded? Before I've even done anything? (See previous line)
I'm assuming the Police would LOVE access to this list, so they'll have it, officially or not. (update: I just RTFA; YES, they can subpoena info from the list)
I'm assuming local employers will LOOOVE access to this list... A reason to fire current employees or refuse future candidates.
(update: after RTFA, and I love the comparison of this system with renting a car. I didn't know going to a bar was so serious...)
Newer versions of Word load older documents just fine. The other way around doesn't work so well due to new features being added, but you wouldn't expect it to, surely?
Actually, Yes, I would. Word97's "Save File" dialog box has an option to save a document as "Word 95" format. I expect that to mean the resulting file IS in Word 95 format.
However, the resulting file is not 'compatible' with Word 95, formatting information is lost (e.g., pagination). I've had to help a writer friend of mine several times trying to get around this problem.
(N.B.: Microsoft also distributed a 'patch' for Word 95 that would allow reading Word 97 format documents. Didn't solve my friends problem, though; you could only save in Word 95 format, with the same formatting loss.)
Think of it as "Homeland Security eats its own dog food..." In other words, they are using the same operating system that the vast majority of people use, so they will experience the same vulnerabilities. They'll be able to advise people about computer security from first-hand experience, not just from a few pristine 'test lab' machines.
>... people too submissive or timid to say "no" to a caller.
It doesn't matter WHY someone would add their name to the list. It simply means they don't want to be harassed. If an impulse-buyer can save themselves a few bucks by eliminating some temptation in their lives, then I'm all for it.
Your statement makes me realize just how important an issue this is.
Slashdot Mirror
If you think that you can't be annoying because you often work alone, think again. You still deal with people for support, advice and information, as well as to get a promotion, notes Gini Graham Scott, author of A Survival Guide for Working With Humans (Amacom, 2004).
*SIGH* Ever notice how there's always some book that just came out that- surprise!- is relevant to the article?
So is this really useful advice, or an ad for this person's book?
Another point to mention is how these applications get created in the first place. (At least, this is how it happened to me...)
Initially you've got an Excel spreadsheet that you've got to update, so maybe you write a small macro that does a few repetitive tasks. Then someone says 'Hey, wouldn't it be great if...' and you slap together an interface for your colleague.
Next thing you know, people are modifying and extending this simple program into something really useful. And all without having to install any extra software. Sure, it's slower and more crash-prone than a stand-alone DB; as long as people save their work, we can recover.
There's just not enough benefit to writing a full-fledged DB for a (relatively) simple task.
But a database requires MUCH more knowledge and effort to set up and administer. Everyone who uses it either has to have an interface designed for them, or has to know SQL and how *not* to screw up the database. What if something has to be modified? Are we going to let just *anyone* add/alter tables?
And you STILL have the problem of having to pull data from many sources, process it, reformat, etc. So now we need a REAL coder (no insult intended, VBA guys) to write programs in- C#? Java? Even perl or python will require non-trivial amounts of work.
And no, the IT guys can't help you- they're too busy with patches, network outages, etc. And you can't afford another person in your department *JUST* to setup/maintain a database.
Instead, if we can just teach people how to import/export from an application they are already intimately familiar with, and get a few employees to slap together some simple VBA dialog boxes, we can get our jobs done quicker WITHOUT having to hire extra staff.
I have done this myself- for no other reward than not having busy-work tie me up for hours at a time. Sure, I could have set up a database... if IT would allow it (it's a non-critical part of my job)... after a weeks-long wait for approval... and if they'd let me make my own DB (doubtful)...
Perhaps some of this stagnation has to do with aging itself. As we get older, our bodies don't respond to exercise as well, recover from sickness as quickly. Our eyesight gets worse, our metabolism slows down, all that. The *perception* of aging is perhaps what drives us to more conservative, "safe" beliefs and patterns.
Now imagine if, through this age-ending process, you can retain much of your vigor (and more importantly, your *perception* of health). I believe people would be more active, more willing to take risks, and maybe, "remain more liberal" given that they're not worrying about their ability to cope with life.
Is say "Sure. I'll get this done- when I can. Don't expect it to be done for at least a few weeks, maybe longer."
DON'T CLEAN UP THE SCANS. Don't even look at the scans. DO NOT RETYPE ANYTHING.
With the kind of volume you say you're receiving, the only way you're going to survive is to:
1. close your eyes,
2. load the documents into the feeder,
3. press 'scan'.
4. Make sure everyone knows this policy.
With an attitude like that, heaven help us if GNOME turns out to be the only defense Linux has on the desktop against a Microsoft hegemony.
Well, that's the beauty of Linux, isn't it? GNOME is not its only defense. KDE is at least equal to GNOME. Or you could try something really funky, like XPde, and really confuse people.
What's more, you can still use gnome/KDE applications, no matter what desktop environment you use.
Actually, if that scenario led to a sub-mission where I could avenge the child's death, and thus get a super-discount on all items bought at that store?
That would ROCK...
Do you mean BVE?
Here are just a few glaring omissions from their catalog...
gawk l eep
talk
date
wine
grep
unzip
strip
touch
finger
mount
fsck
more
yes
eject
umount
s
(Stop groaning. Someone had to do it.)
'cause he's afraid for his karma.
Problem is, if the parent post had been spelled right, it might have gotten modded funny. So:
- Good use of unusual word : +1
- Crucial spelling error : -1
Karma: unchanged.
buymusic.com.
*STILL* doesn't allow non-IE users. Pitiful.
History repeats?
.40-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun into the council chamber undetected, along with an extra four bullets in his socks.
A NYC councilman was shot and killed inside City Hall. How did the "perp" sneak a gun into the seat of city government?
Well, he was himself a councilman...
The two [the shooter and his victim] did not pass through a metal detector, which is not unusual for elected officials, apparently allowing Askew to slip his silver
Why do we keep making the same farking mistakes OVER AND OVER again!?
I believe that most people who are 'fed up' with MS are probably annoyed at the applications more than the OS. Most of the viruses, trojans, etc. are due to vulnerabilities in Outlook, Explorer, etc. (Yes, the design of the Windows 9x OS exacerbates the situation.) Or perhaps they're annoyed at feature-creep in MS Office. So the first issue is, what is annoying?
Second, even if a person is completely dissatisfied with Windows the OS, switching to Linux means switching to a fundamentally different operating system; very little of their Windows knowledge will be useful. And after learning linux (no small feat), they'll still have to learn all new applications- IF a linux equivalent exists. That's a big hurdle, IMO.
Just spewing thoughts here...
Can this system keep track of a 'bar tab' for me as well? Does it provide ANY value to me as a customer? (update: after RTFA, the answer given was 'give-up-your-anonymity-for-"safety"')
What if I get 'blacklisted'? How long does my name stay on the list?
Can I SEE the list? Will they at least TELL me I'm on the list?
Wait a second... Am I on this list automatically, once my picture/ID is recorded? Before I've even done anything? (See previous line)
I'm assuming the Police would LOVE access to this list, so they'll have it, officially or not. (update: I just RTFA; YES, they can subpoena info from the list)
I'm assuming local employers will LOOOVE access to this list... A reason to fire current employees or refuse future candidates.
(update: after RTFA, and I love the comparison of this system with renting a car. I didn't know going to a bar was so serious...)
(First Simpsons Reference Post)
"Let's go burn down the observatory so this will never happen again!"
Newer versions of Word load older documents just fine. The other way around doesn't work so well due to new features being added, but you wouldn't expect it to, surely?
Actually, Yes, I would. Word97's "Save File" dialog box has an option to save a document as "Word 95" format. I expect that to mean the resulting file IS in Word 95 format.
However, the resulting file is not 'compatible' with Word 95, formatting information is lost (e.g., pagination). I've had to help a writer friend of mine several times trying to get around this problem.
(N.B.: Microsoft also distributed a 'patch' for Word 95 that would allow reading Word 97 format documents. Didn't solve my friends problem, though; you could only save in Word 95 format, with the same formatting loss.)
Are you referring to internet users, or to Verisign? Your statement could be taken either way...
a run-time license that lets buyers use the company's intellectual property that is contained in Linux distributions
In other words, a zero-length file...
Oh wait, my mistake; there are millions of lines of SCO code in Linux. Entire programs, even.
Think of it as "Homeland Security eats its own dog food..." In other words, they are using the same operating system that the vast majority of people use, so they will experience the same vulnerabilities. They'll be able to advise people about computer security from first-hand experience, not just from a few pristine 'test lab' machines.
> ... people too submissive or timid to say "no" to a caller.
It doesn't matter WHY someone would add their name to the list. It simply means they don't want to be harassed. If an impulse-buyer can save themselves a few bucks by eliminating some temptation in their lives, then I'm all for it.
Your statement makes me realize just how important an issue this is.
(Never thought I'd say this...)
Ha-Ha! Thank goodness for the corporate web filter!
> I'm sure that the code produced are of real high quality.
I'm sure the sentence produced are are of real high quality.
At really obvious Karma Whoring.
Link to the proposed bill is here.
(Not to be nasty or anything, but if you'd have clicked the link in the slashdot announcement you would have found this link immediately.)