Keep in mind almost every App in the market place is designed for 1 reason and 1 reason only. To provide a perceived value so that you use it and get more and more tied in.
Facebook, Google, Bing, Twitter, Instagram and the rest of the social media/search sitesApps in the ecosystem are the same.
The reason they provide these apps/tools and sites is to collect as much of your personal information as they can so they can sell it and market ads at you for the highest bidder.
That is how capitalism works,.also keep in mind these are businesses, they do not care about you, except in the value of selling your personal information/making money on you. If something happens, their goal is not to help make you whole, it is not to get sued.
Welcome to the real world.
Every tech site has the "RTFM loser!" crowd, always will. I find it amazing that some feel the environment has to be changed to what some like and need. In order to be able to welcoming for all.
As for a tech question, I want a different approach that I did not think about when I am dealing with a problem. I rarely post questions. I search and read, filter out the chaff and usually find what I am looking for.
It seems many that post questions, are just looking for the complete code for the solution to be posted so they can just cut and paste in to their work.
Now I have no problem with that, but I feel it makes them weaker coders.. The real trait I want to see in someone I work with or associate with is, The ability to discuss an approach and then they run with it. And find out if it works in the end or not.
In the end, I don't care if it is Facebook, Twitter or any social media or tech site. They are all loaded with individuals who spew hate. And I don't think that will ever be fixed or changed because that is the real world. And the internet just reflects the real world.
In the interest of full transparency.
"Lastly - Funny how the author wrote "Pai caved to corporate interests"... Pai was a lawyer and lobbyist for the communications cabal prior to his appointment by Humpty-Trumpty. This was NOT a 'cave', it was THE GOAL - deliberate and premeditated.."
He was first appointed to the FCC by then-President Obama in May of 2012 and received unanimous consent in the US Senate..
He was made chairmen of the FCC in Jan 2017 by President Trump.
Also forgot this, to get your products in front of the customer you need to be fulfilled by Amazon. So you ship a bunch of your product to Amazon and they charge you inventory handling and management fees.
The point is small margins become very small. The only way it pays is if you can do some volume sales. But Amazon always makes their cut;)
Forgot to mention this one, Amazons return policy they apply to their store operators. Customer gets a product they are not happy with/defective whatever. Amazon does not want to handle any returns, you keep the item and Amazon just dings the sellers account for the sale.
Small business on line sales. There are over 9000+ individual taxing districts in the US. Each requiring quarterly or if your sales are small yearly reports filed.
Each one is different, each one has it's own crazy rules. Here is one in the state of Minnesota. Say we sell a pair of gloves. If the user uses them to keep their hands clean they are taxable. If the user uses them for a safety purpose. handling glass with sharp edges, they are not taxable. How does the seller know? So they always tax!
The entire sales tax code, nation wide in the 1000s of taxing districts are a fuddled mess of crap.
Big online sellers like Amazon are all for it, they want to force all small independents in to Amazon stores where they skim 8% - 15% off the top of all invoice.totals as their cut.
Amazons master inventory system is a complete mess. They are always moving your products from the lower groups in to the 15% cut group. You call them up argue with them for a week and they will move that product back to the proper group. Next week they move 2 more up, rinse and repeat. If the government wants a sales tax they should be clear concise and honest. Just set one rate, one reporting entity, once per year settling up. Which they never do, everything government does is a complete convoluted morass of crap..
How is a one-two person small shop supposed to file sale tax reports in all 9000+ taxing districts? Let alone quarterly reports/payments. This will go through because the big operators want to force all the small online retailers to pay them a cut.
You may ask how I know, I run a business, have a state sales tax number. I also support other online sales sites from a tech stand point. I am in the trenches!
But everyone around me seems to and for many their lives revolve around it. As to the question, my initial take is yea! But maybe things are not that simple for others in their world.
I knew some would see my initial post as harsh. My intention was to say it can be done! I just pounded it out and sent it;) But things are what they are. FYI, I am a self employed contract Computer Programmer.
A one man shop, so I do all the work myself. Been really busy, delivering my first In-House Apple iPad app for a client. A small MDM deployment only 42 company devices. All while working on other things for other clients.
Some very true info has been posted here. Yes, 90+% of all business startups do not survive the first 1-5 years. Yes, I do work a lot more than 40 hours a week most of the time. Yes, It has been a hard grind at times. With many highs and lows over the years. I recall the 9 months after 9/11, I only billed 5-6k. Most everything was on hold. Yes, most of my friends who stayed in the corporate world are retiring and seem better off;)
I do have a mortgage and the normal bills of today's personal and business life. I do lease commercial office space for my office/work shop (2 miles from my house) but I do work in my home office very often.
But, I find the fact that most projects are unrelated and expose me to different industries, markets, needs and tools sets keeps things interesting and refreshing.. It also means the status quo is always moving. And in tech if your not looking in to something new every six months you can find your cash flow drying up a few months later.;)
In the end there is this one thing. Writing computer programs has always been my fishing;) And I have been fishing most everyday for the last 30 years. And will continue, as long as I can find clients who will pay me to fish. But as I said in my original post.
I wonder if I could do the same today, not sure to be honest..But reality is what it is;)
The question is, YOU! job postings! You have skills, those skills have a market! And I see most here are concerned about job postings!
There is a world out there, build something of your own. Why does everyone think they need to be employed by someone?
I know I am old 62, and over the hump, but I am never going to retire. I when to collage 5 times and in my day had 10k in school debt. I did not get a degree. I educated my self, started a business, paid my old school debt and have been in business for 30 years.
I wonder if I could do the same today, not sure to be honest.But reality is what it is;)
There is an important point here. What good is a six figure income, if you have a six figure cost of living?
Heck, I have been a self employed contract computer programmer for the last 30+ years, I only go to my office 2 miles from my house 2-3 times a month. I work remote on most everything from my home office with 1-2 local on sites a month with my local clients. I didn't even drive my car the last 2 weeks of Feb 2018.
The illusion that for IT you need to be in one of the high cost urban centers is untrue. Think for yourself, think outside the box.
Existence in the State of California, maybe hazardous to your health. There maybe a link between existence in California being a cancer causing carcinogen and cancer.
In academia will do a study on the relevance of today's ancient and outmoded method of education. One where you show up for a class on a teachers schedule, and sit there and "learn" as the teacher dispenses wisdom and learning from the front of the room.
In a way, today's degrees only prepare one to be an employee for someone else.
The Internet has changed things, but not education. Back in the day I used to buy books all the time, now I can not recall the last book I bought. When I want to learn something, I just fire up a browser and go and research the information I am interested in.
I wonder if the real future of education, is in free lance teachers, putting together tutorial sessions and making them available on the internet. Didn't see something a while back about a university putting their courses online. (MIT maybe? just looked and it seems so).
To me that kind of format allows those who are interested, to learn when they want to, what they want and need to.
Interesting that someone is looking for and alternative to FaceBook a social networking site that does not work like a social networking site does. A social networking site collects your personal data and sells it for profit! That is the purpose of a social networking site.
An alternative does exist! it is call real life, and having a real world personal social network;)
BTW nice reference;) "only winning move is not to play"
FB, Twit, Insta, Snap free, I don't use tech, I create tech;)
Just my 2 cents
Our current spending on the books is 4 trillion+
We are in real trouble, I agree partly about the need to eviscerate defense, but if we were to close most overseas military bases. tell our allies if your attacked we will be there when we can. Mothball most of the airforce/navy just keep some planes/ships and the coast guard. Cut everything to the bone, if something happens, we will accept loses and take the mass casualties for the first year+ until we reengage. I don't like the policy, but we are broke.
The problem you have is, if we do this to our defense budget our federal budget is not even in the black yet.
Our problem is not military spending, it is domestic spending!
Duh! So what does the EPA have to do with Federal Communications Regulations?
Actually I think the federal government needs to radically downsize and butt out of 20-30+% of what they have their fingers in. If I recall from my 8th grade civics class, the states retained all responsibility for everything not specifically granted to the federal government in the constitution. In my mind the federal government has badly over reached their powers.
Being a safety driver has to be one the most boring jobs. It seems to me it would promote sleeping, texting, etc.
They are supposed to have their hands poised over the wheel and be aware of everything going on around them at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Which is completely unrealistic for the individuals that would take that job.
When the passager in the Tesla was killed when the vehicle mistook the white side of a semi trailer for the sky. Tesla said, all drivers while using autopilot were supposed to be aware of everything going on around the vehicle and be ready to take control. Heck if that is the case I may as well be driving.
Slashdot Mirror
Keep in mind almost every App in the market place is designed for 1 reason and 1 reason only. To provide a perceived value so that you use it and get more and more tied in. Facebook, Google, Bing, Twitter, Instagram and the rest of the social media/search sitesApps in the ecosystem are the same.
;)
The reason they provide these apps/tools and sites is to collect as much of your personal information as they can so they can sell it and market ads at you for the highest bidder.
That is how capitalism works,.also keep in mind these are businesses, they do not care about you, except in the value of selling your personal information/making money on you. If something happens, their goal is not to help make you whole, it is not to get sued.
Welcome to the real world.
Just my 2 cents
Every tech site has the "RTFM loser!" crowd, always will. I find it amazing that some feel the environment has to be changed to what some like and need. In order to be able to welcoming for all.
;)
As for a tech question, I want a different approach that I did not think about when I am dealing with a problem. I rarely post questions. I search and read, filter out the chaff and usually find what I am looking for.
It seems many that post questions, are just looking for the complete code for the solution to be posted so they can just cut and paste in to their work.
Now I have no problem with that, but I feel it makes them weaker coders.. The real trait I want to see in someone I work with or associate with is, The ability to discuss an approach and then they run with it. And find out if it works in the end or not.
In the end, I don't care if it is Facebook, Twitter or any social media or tech site. They are all loaded with individuals who spew hate. And I don't think that will ever be fixed or changed because that is the real world. And the internet just reflects the real world.
Just my 2 cents
In the interest of full transparency. ."
;)
"Lastly - Funny how the author wrote "Pai caved to corporate interests"... Pai was a lawyer and lobbyist for the communications cabal prior to his appointment by Humpty-Trumpty. This was NOT a 'cave', it was THE GOAL - deliberate and premeditated.
He was first appointed to the FCC by then-President Obama in May of 2012 and received unanimous consent in the US Senate..
He was made chairmen of the FCC in Jan 2017 by President Trump.
Just my 2 cents
these 2 faced Mayors and City Councils. These are the same individuals who sold monopoly rights to the same companies for campaign contributions.
;)
Now they distract and confuse everything, saying oh we will fight for you, Right!
How do you know you should not trust a government bureaucrat or politician? Their lips are moving.
Just my 2 cents
Also forgot this, to get your products in front of the customer you need to be fulfilled by Amazon. So you ship a bunch of your product to Amazon and they charge you inventory handling and management fees.
;)
The point is small margins become very small. The only way it pays is if you can do some volume sales. But Amazon always makes their cut
Forgot to mention this one, Amazons return policy they apply to their store operators. Customer gets a product they are not happy with/defective whatever. Amazon does not want to handle any returns, you keep the item and Amazon just dings the sellers account for the sale.
Small business on line sales. There are over 9000+ individual taxing districts in the US. Each requiring quarterly or if your sales are small yearly reports filed.
;)
Each one is different, each one has it's own crazy rules. Here is one in the state of Minnesota. Say we sell a pair of gloves. If the user uses them to keep their hands clean they are taxable. If the user uses them for a safety purpose. handling glass with sharp edges, they are not taxable. How does the seller know? So they always tax!
The entire sales tax code, nation wide in the 1000s of taxing districts are a fuddled mess of crap.
Big online sellers like Amazon are all for it, they want to force all small independents in to Amazon stores where they skim 8% - 15% off the top of all invoice.totals as their cut.
Amazons master inventory system is a complete mess. They are always moving your products from the lower groups in to the 15% cut group. You call them up argue with them for a week and they will move that product back to the proper group. Next week they move 2 more up, rinse and repeat.
If the government wants a sales tax they should be clear concise and honest. Just set one rate, one reporting entity, once per year settling up. Which they never do, everything government does is a complete convoluted morass of crap..
How is a one-two person small shop supposed to file sale tax reports in all 9000+ taxing districts? Let alone quarterly reports/payments.
This will go through because the big operators want to force all the small online retailers to pay them a cut.
You may ask how I know, I run a business, have a state sales tax number. I also support other online sales sites from a tech stand point. I am in the trenches!
Just my 2 cents
They are already broke ;)
;)
Just my 2 cents
But everyone around me seems to and for many their lives revolve around it.
;)
As to the question, my initial take is yea! But maybe things are not that simple for others in their world.
Just my 2 cents
I knew some would see my initial post as harsh. My intention was to say it can be done! I just pounded it out and sent it ;) But things are what they are. FYI, I am a self employed contract Computer Programmer.
A one man shop, so I do all the work myself. Been really busy, delivering my first In-House Apple iPad app for a client. A small MDM deployment only 42 company devices. All while working on other things for other clients.
;)
;)
;) And I have been fishing most everyday for the last 30 years. And will continue, as long as I can find clients who will pay me to fish. But as I said in my original post.
;)
;)
Some very true info has been posted here.
Yes, 90+% of all business startups do not survive the first 1-5 years.
Yes, I do work a lot more than 40 hours a week most of the time.
Yes, It has been a hard grind at times. With many highs and lows over the years. I recall the 9 months after 9/11, I only billed 5-6k. Most everything was on hold.
Yes, most of my friends who stayed in the corporate world are retiring and seem better off
I do have a mortgage and the normal bills of today's personal and business life. I do lease commercial office space for my office/work shop (2 miles from my house) but I do work in my home office very often.
But, I find the fact that most projects are unrelated and expose me to different industries, markets, needs and tools sets keeps things interesting and refreshing.. It also means the status quo is always moving. And in tech if your not looking in to something new every six months you can find your cash flow drying up a few months later.
In the end there is this one thing. Writing computer programs has always been my fishing
I wonder if I could do the same today, not sure to be honest..But reality is what it is
Just my 2 cents
The question is, YOU! job postings! You have skills, those skills have a market! And I see most here are concerned about job postings!
;)
;)
There is a world out there, build something of your own. Why does everyone think they need to be employed by someone?
I know I am old 62, and over the hump, but I am never going to retire. I when to collage 5 times and in my day had 10k in school debt. I did not get a degree. I educated my self, started a business, paid my old school debt and have been in business for 30 years.
I wonder if I could do the same today, not sure to be honest.But reality is what it is
Just my 2 cents
Live where life is good, home ownership is cheaper than rent and your costs are more stable over time!
;)
Just my 2 cents
There is an important point here. What good is a six figure income, if you have a six figure cost of living?
;)
Heck, I have been a self employed contract computer programmer for the last 30+ years, I only go to my office 2 miles from my house 2-3 times a month. I work remote on most everything from my home office with 1-2 local on sites a month with my local clients. I didn't even drive my car the last 2 weeks of Feb 2018.
The illusion that for IT you need to be in one of the high cost urban centers is untrue. Think for yourself, think outside the box.
Just my 2 cents
finds out the truth ;) lol Oh well to late now ;) ;)
;)
Can you imagine the world wide withdrawal epidemic
Just my 2 cents
Existence in the State of California, maybe hazardous to your health. There maybe a link between existence in California being a cancer causing carcinogen and cancer.
;)
Just my 2 cents
In academia will do a study on the relevance of today's ancient and outmoded method of education. One where you show up for a class on a teachers schedule, and sit there and "learn" as the teacher dispenses wisdom and learning from the front of the room.
;)
In a way, today's degrees only prepare one to be an employee for someone else.
The Internet has changed things, but not education. Back in the day I used to buy books all the time, now I can not recall the last book I bought. When I want to learn something, I just fire up a browser and go and research the information I am interested in.
I wonder if the real future of education, is in free lance teachers, putting together tutorial sessions and making them available on the internet. Didn't see something a while back about a university putting their courses online. (MIT maybe? just looked and it seems so).
To me that kind of format allows those who are interested, to learn when they want to, what they want and need to.
Just my 2 cents
Besides the TLD entities themselves, Governments and well! less than honest individuals and entities, use any of the non .com, .net or .org domains?
;)
Just my 2 cents
I just do not believe that we humans will be able to do anything about it in the next 50 years.
;)
Just my 2 cents
Interesting that someone is looking for and alternative to FaceBook a social networking site that does not work like a social networking site does. A social networking site collects your personal data and sells it for profit! That is the purpose of a social networking site.
;)
;) "only winning move is not to play"
;)
An alternative does exist! it is call real life, and having a real world personal social network
BTW nice reference
FB, Twit, Insta, Snap free, I don't use tech, I create tech
Just my 2 cents
The government allowing individuals to keep more of what they earn (what is theirs?) is a problem?
The truth is!
;)
Our current spending on the books is 4 trillion+
We are in real trouble, I agree partly about the need to eviscerate defense, but if we were to close most overseas military bases. tell our allies if your attacked we will be there when we can. Mothball most of the airforce/navy just keep some planes/ships and the coast guard. Cut everything to the bone, if something happens, we will accept loses and take the mass casualties for the first year+ until we reengage. I don't like the policy, but we are broke.
The problem you have is, if we do this to our defense budget our federal budget is not even in the black yet.
Our problem is not military spending, it is domestic spending!
Just my 2 cents
Duh! So what does the EPA have to do with Federal Communications Regulations?
;)
Actually I think the federal government needs to radically downsize and butt out of 20-30+% of what they have their fingers in. If I recall from my 8th grade civics class, the states retained all responsibility for everything not specifically granted to the federal government in the constitution. In my mind the federal government has badly over reached their powers.
Just my 2 cents
"fool his parents" = lie to them. Duh!
Duh!! yes! along with the convept of a safety driver.
;)
Just my 2 cents
Being a safety driver has to be one the most boring jobs. It seems to me it would promote sleeping, texting, etc.
;)
They are supposed to have their hands poised over the wheel and be aware of everything going on around them at all times while the vehicle is in motion.
Which is completely unrealistic for the individuals that would take that job.
When the passager in the Tesla was killed when the vehicle mistook the white side of a semi trailer for the sky. Tesla said, all drivers while using autopilot were supposed to be aware of everything going on around the vehicle and be ready to take control. Heck if that is the case I may as well be driving.
Just my 2 cents