I forgot to mention of course that in many EU countries, certain bodies (governement, education, , vendors, larger companies et al) MUST make at least the core functionality of their sites accessible to people with sensory disabilities. I'm not sure what the exact laws are, but if you develop for any of the above, and you don't do it right, you could end up in a lot of trouble!
Slashdot would *just* pass the basic test, I'm informed:-)
This is a book I think I'll be ordering as soon as my next personal budget is approved. In fact, I think the boss will order it anyway.
We take this so seriously that we've now hired a blind guy, to ensure that all of our sites are accesible. It's quite amazing what I'd discovered within a month of working alongside him! I've been developing/designing for years now, and thought I was pretty good at alting my tags and commenting my forms... But he's really opened my eyes to how a few simple and quick practices can be adopted to make a BIG difference.
So I recommend books of this ilk (I've not read this one yet obviously). You really can't afford to ignore these matters anymore. Even if just to find out about blindness accessiblity... generally though, Nielsen is right; most sites have significant failings in these areas.
I'm a designer/developer. I make sure that everything works fine in IE5, and is acceptable over 56k. THEN I start trying to ensure it works at least "okay" in other browsers.
Don't tar us all with the same brush! I avoid PDF as much as possible, and all of my Flash is compact and efficent.
So there:-P
(I do get angry with "Designers who design sites to impress other designers with fast machines and phat pipes")
Hrm, but us Brits don't complain about southern drawl, or Seattle slur in Hollywood movies! I was quite amused that a US reviewer of "Reign of Fire" (avoid, it sucks) complained about the non-rp accents of the Brits.
Hrm, off topic I guess.
What needs to be noted is that a soft yorkshire accent like that of Wallace is entirely appropriate. It makes perfect sense.
But I accept your points anyway... sorry.. I'm rambling!
I had a look at this at lunch, and I'm relieved to say that it's clear that we're in for a treat with the new movie - if this clip is anything to go by. People have suggested that W&G is old and stale now (as Chicken Run wasn't *amazing*). But this made me giggle, and I can't wait! Nice Work!!
Re:Why is this a Good Thing (tm)?
on
Penguin Airlines
·
· Score: 1
People seem not to have noticed Ximian's rival project called Mono. It's a Good Thing they're doing there, imho - even if it is miles away from being a.net rival at the moment...
I was just using FIX (my fav BBS) as an example. I used it as an example to point out that the old BBBS software is struggling to keep up with today's BBS needs. Or maybe it's becuase established BBSes (like FIX) have gotten to the point where they want to make changes, but can't becuase of sware limitations.
I was also just pointing out that many very important BBSes (like FIX) reside quite happily outside of the US.
It wasn't intended as an advertisement and I'm sorry if I gave that impression.
FIX was one of the first internet-based BBS's, and continues to do very good business. We have over 5000 registered users, with about 200 who are regular on a dialy basis (with hundreds or thousands more who swing by a couple of times each month).
We're currently developing some serious new software, as the BBBS software can't really handle what is thrown at it these days - FIX has performed some serious mods on the original BBBS code, but it's getting a bit flaky now.
Oh, and despite the "retro" look of the webpages, we finally decided it was time to update them:-)
But anyway, back to the point: Plenty of very good BBBS's live outside of the US. Hell, we even have regular US users at FIX!
Yeah, I mean this is something which was always said to be possible. So I'm not *that* amazed.
As usual, it's clear nobody follows links.
If you did, you'd find a link to this image and nothing much else, except a link to DarwInfo which links back to this same story on/. anyway - if that isn't hyperlinking gone mad, well I'm not sure what is...
Amusing, but irritating. Especially because of all the attention.
Exactly. Whilst this is a very dark cloud, there is perhaps a shiny silver lining.
I mean, most people here have a dual-boot, if only to play games under Winbloze. So, if it can be improved by Carmack being an M$ advisor, then perhaps this is less of a Bad Thing, and more of a Thing Thing - I still can't bring myself to say it's a Good Thing though.
You're comment abut them buying companies becuase they can't build good stuff, isn't quite correct. Think of all the companies they've bought, solely becuase the company had a product better than their own.
You think *this* is bad? Company I worked for got a $100'000 deal wrapped up ($100'000US being just the tip of the iceberg). After the contract had been revised, re-revised and finally approved, the ownders son (read: Dumb Ass) went to sign it. They said "we made a couple of small changes". He signed.
New changes -
- Signing away rights to this new (read: revolutionary) system to them. - Signing a "we don't have to pay until we are happy" clause. - Signing away the rights to... you get the picture.
The result? Months of work, unpaid. Numerous modifications, unpaid. Numerous workers, unpaid.
The company is now well over the edge of bankrupcy.
Moral : It's worth investing in legal advice, it's worth triple-checking, it's worth you EFFORT.
Actually, in many ways you're right. Maybe it is stupid to give people my real details, it makes me wonder about changing my/. details actually.
I really was not trying to start a/. flame session. You're right : Don't feed the Trolls. After all, it only makes them hungrier for more.
By the way, your quality of posting is good. Even if you make me look bad on a few points, this is the level of comment I dream of/. having.
>> None of them claim copying and distributing MP3 >> is legally correct, or morally, for that >> matter.
> Really, brainiac, I could swear you just said > they did. Oh well, must be my mistake.
No, in general. It's become acceptable to pirate music via MP3, but it's admitted that's it's illegal, like driving above the speed limit, or smoking weed.
Morally? As a (sometime) musician, I do have a pro-recording artist perspective on this. I agree that the companies exploit both the artist and the consumer. But still, if making music is your way of making a living...
Braniac? Nah, straight C student me:)
>> I REALLY don't want to turn this into a >> stupid/. flame war.
True, Napster was first for Windows - sad though it is, Windows IS the dominant desktop platform.
Justify this :
Artist makes song Song is produced, edited, recorded CD (or whatever) is distributed Shop assistant sells CD (one license) Somebody converts CD to MP3, giving it to 50 people.
Artist gets revenue from 1 CD sale, as does company, shop etc...
People claim this is "Open Source".
I claim this is theft.
I have a HD full of MP3, I feel slightly bad about it. But I listen, becuase it's become socially acceptable to steal music in this way.
People claim this is "Open Source".
I have a lot of clue what Open Source is all about. I actually live with one of the core Helix Code developers. I used to work with the Conglomerate guys. Also guys whose work is now in various Linux distros.
None of them claim copying and distributing MP3 is legally correct, or morally, for that matter.
Still, we had an entire RAID stocked to the brim with MP3, Warez etc...
I regard *your* comments as Trollish, his being more constructive, actually. I notice you don't put your name behind your comments?
I REALLY don't want to turn this into a stupid/. flame war. This is the first time I've ever been moderated down, from the start. For example.
I'm gonna take your work, be it school, artistic or "workplace" work, I'm gonna pass it off as my own.
But that's okay, becuase it's all in the Open Source spirit.
Completely off topic, but true. A little agressive, me thinks.
Comments like this should not be posted as AC, as it implies you're not 100% behind your posting :
- Becuase you don't wish to be contacted - You don't wish to face the consequences of your posting (flames/down moderation) - Because you don't want people to know that you disagree with the majority.
Well, I'm posting this with my username, with the +1 bonus intact.
I suggest politicised comments be posted WITH usernames, to add a touch of commitment and sincerity.
Certianly, you can have a court (restraining) order placed upon a person, making it illegal (contempt of court) for them to enter mentioned properties.
However, I do wonder how easy this would be to enforce for something such as EBay? Or any other "private affair".
This guy can obviously -
- Change user name - Change ISP - Change practically everything "net" which identifies him.
Sure, I guess it's actually not such a stupid idea, in theory. But it's practically unenforcable.
I'd say it probably is becuase they are concerned about how much control they would have. I mean, there's a fair amount of paranoia here, but still - we all know that the US Govt/FBI/Misc US "Agency" will stoop to all sorts of levels, to find "Un-American Activities". Hell, Slashdot could be deemed Un-American.
Slashdot Mirror
I forgot to mention of course that in many EU countries, certain bodies (governement, education, , vendors, larger companies et al) MUST make at least the core functionality of their sites accessible to people with sensory disabilities. I'm not sure what the exact laws are, but if you develop for any of the above, and you don't do it right, you could end up in a lot of trouble!
:-)
Slashdot would *just* pass the basic test, I'm informed
M.
This is a book I think I'll be ordering as soon as my next personal budget is approved. In fact, I think the boss will order it anyway.
:-)
We take this so seriously that we've now hired a blind guy, to ensure that all of our sites are accesible. It's quite amazing what I'd discovered within a month of working alongside him! I've been developing/designing for years now, and thought I was pretty good at alting my tags and commenting my forms... But he's really opened my eyes to how a few simple and quick practices can be adopted to make a BIG difference.
So I recommend books of this ilk (I've not read this one yet obviously). You really can't afford to ignore these matters anymore. Even if just to find out about blindness accessiblity... generally though, Nielsen is right; most sites have significant failings in these areas.
Buy it
M.
I'm a designer/developer. I make sure that everything works fine in IE5, and is acceptable over 56k. THEN I start trying to ensure it works at least "okay" in other browsers.
:-P
Don't tar us all with the same brush! I avoid PDF as much as possible, and all of my Flash is compact and efficent.
So there
(I do get angry with "Designers who design sites to impress other designers with fast machines and phat pipes")
I know! I'm actually wondering why on earth people have +1 my post? It's not funny... maybe "insightful", but then not by much!
Hohum...
Hrm, but us Brits don't complain about southern drawl, or Seattle slur in Hollywood movies! I was quite amused that a US reviewer of "Reign of Fire" (avoid, it sucks) complained about the non-rp accents of the Brits.
Hrm, off topic I guess.
What needs to be noted is that a soft yorkshire accent like that of Wallace is entirely appropriate. It makes perfect sense.
But I accept your points anyway... sorry.. I'm rambling!
I award you an honorary +1 metamod bonus for being funny. I've already posted here you see. :-)
I had a look at this at lunch, and I'm relieved to say that it's clear that we're in for a treat with the new movie - if this clip is anything to go by. People have suggested that W&G is old and stale now (as Chicken Run wasn't *amazing*). But this made me giggle, and I can't wait! Nice Work!!
Agreed. This reeks of insular snobbery perchance?
People seem not to have noticed Ximian's rival project called Mono. It's a Good Thing they're doing there, imho - even if it is miles away from being a .net rival at the moment...
Mong.
I raeva! ...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
*
I don't think he's entirely serious dear...
;-)
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Hell, I've been in places like this. Of the three places I've been in the last two years or so, one is very dead, and the other is barely hanging on?
Now, I'm not saying I personally had any impact on their downfall
Mong.
*
I was just using FIX (my fav BBS) as an example. I used it as an example to point out that the old BBBS software is struggling to keep up with today's BBS needs. Or maybe it's becuase established BBSes (like FIX) have gotten to the point where they want to make changes, but can't becuase of sware limitations.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
I was also just pointing out that many very important BBSes (like FIX) reside quite happily outside of the US.
It wasn't intended as an advertisement and I'm sorry if I gave that impression.
Mong.
*
Dude, this is hardcore flame bait! ...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
*
Plenty of very good BBBS's
Plenty of very good BBS's
Incidently, the BBBS home page is locatedhere.
Mong.
*
FIX was one of the first internet-based BBS's, and continues to do very good business. We have over 5000 registered users, with about 200 who are regular on a dialy basis (with hundreds or thousands more who swing by a couple of times each month).
:-)
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
We're currently developing some serious new software, as the BBBS software can't really handle what is thrown at it these days - FIX has performed some serious mods on the original BBBS code, but it's getting a bit flaky now.
Oh, and despite the "retro" look of the webpages, we finally decided it was time to update them
But anyway, back to the point: Plenty of very good BBBS's live outside of the US. Hell, we even have regular US users at FIX!
Mong.
*
Yeah, I mean this is something which was always said to be possible. So I'm not *that* amazed.
/. anyway - if that isn't hyperlinking gone mad, well I'm not sure what is...
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
As usual, it's clear nobody follows links.
If you did, you'd find a link to this image and nothing much else, except a link to DarwInfo which links back to this same story on
Amusing, but irritating. Especially because of all the attention.
Mong.
*
Exactly. Whilst this is a very dark cloud, there is perhaps a shiny silver lining.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
I mean, most people here have a dual-boot, if only to play games under Winbloze. So, if it can be improved by Carmack being an M$ advisor, then perhaps this is less of a Bad Thing, and more of a Thing Thing - I still can't bring myself to say it's a Good Thing though.
You're comment abut them buying companies becuase they can't build good stuff, isn't quite correct. Think of all the companies they've bought, solely becuase the company had a product better than their own.
Mong.
*
You think *this* is bad? Company I worked for got a $100'000 deal wrapped up ($100'000US being just the tip of the iceberg). After the contract had been revised, re-revised and finally approved, the ownders son (read: Dumb Ass) went to sign it. They said "we made a couple of small changes". He signed.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
New changes -
- Signing away rights to this new (read: revolutionary) system to them.
- Signing a "we don't have to pay until we are happy" clause.
- Signing away the rights to... you get the picture.
The result? Months of work, unpaid. Numerous modifications, unpaid. Numerous workers, unpaid.
The company is now well over the edge of bankrupcy.
Moral : It's worth investing in legal advice, it's worth triple-checking, it's worth you EFFORT.
Mong.
*
Aren't people now going to start pretending they are him?
/. is known for it's "playfull" element... one of you *must* have logged into EBay?
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Come on -
Mong.
*
Actually, in many ways you're right. Maybe it is stupid to give people my real details, it makes me wonder about changing my /. details actually.
/. flame session. You're right : Don't feed the Trolls. After all, it only makes them hungrier for more.
/. having.
:)
/. flame war.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
I really was not trying to start a
By the way, your quality of posting is good. Even if you make me look bad on a few points, this is the level of comment I dream of
>> None of them claim copying and distributing MP3
>> is legally correct, or morally, for that
>> matter.
> Really, brainiac, I could swear you just said
> they did. Oh well, must be my mistake.
No, in general. It's become acceptable to pirate music via MP3, but it's admitted that's it's illegal, like driving above the speed limit, or smoking weed.
Morally? As a (sometime) musician, I do have a pro-recording artist perspective on this. I agree that the companies exploit both the artist and the consumer. But still, if making music is your way of making a living...
Braniac? Nah, straight C student me
>> I REALLY don't want to turn this into a
>> stupid
> Then STFU already.
I really wasn't trying to start one.
Mong.
*
True, Napster was first for Windows - sad though it is, Windows IS the dominant desktop platform.
/. flame war. This is the first time I've ever been moderated down, from the start. For example.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Justify this :
Artist makes song
Song is produced, edited, recorded
CD (or whatever) is distributed
Shop assistant sells CD (one license)
Somebody converts CD to MP3, giving it to 50 people.
Artist gets revenue from 1 CD sale, as does company, shop etc...
People claim this is "Open Source".
I claim this is theft.
I have a HD full of MP3, I feel slightly bad about it. But I listen, becuase it's become socially acceptable to steal music in this way.
People claim this is "Open Source".
I have a lot of clue what Open Source is all about. I actually live with one of the core Helix Code developers. I used to work with the Conglomerate guys. Also guys whose work is now in various Linux distros.
None of them claim copying and distributing MP3 is legally correct, or morally, for that matter.
Still, we had an entire RAID stocked to the brim with MP3, Warez etc...
I regard *your* comments as Trollish, his being more constructive, actually. I notice you don't put your name behind your comments?
I REALLY don't want to turn this into a stupid
I'm gonna take your work, be it school, artistic or "workplace" work, I'm gonna pass it off as my own.
But that's okay, becuase it's all in the Open Source spirit.
Mong.
*
Completely off topic, but true. A little agressive, me thinks.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Comments like this should not be posted as AC, as it implies you're not 100% behind your posting :
- Becuase you don't wish to be contacted
- You don't wish to face the consequences of your posting (flames/down moderation)
- Because you don't want people to know that you disagree with the majority.
Well, I'm posting this with my username, with the +1 bonus intact.
I suggest politicised comments be posted WITH usernames, to add a touch of commitment and sincerity.
That's my twopence worth, anyway.
Mong.
*
Certianly, you can have a court (restraining) order placed upon a person, making it illegal (contempt of court) for them to enter mentioned properties.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
However, I do wonder how easy this would be to enforce for something such as EBay? Or any other "private affair".
This guy can obviously -
- Change user name
- Change ISP
- Change practically everything "net" which identifies him.
Sure, I guess it's actually not such a stupid idea, in theory. But it's practically unenforcable.
Mong.
*
Go Here.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Fixed.
Mong.
*
I'd say it probably is becuase they are concerned about how much control they would have. I mean, there's a fair amount of paranoia here, but still - we all know that the US Govt/FBI/Misc US "Agency" will stoop to all sorts of levels, to find "Un-American Activities". Hell, Slashdot could be deemed Un-American.
...Student, Artist, Techie - Geek *
Mong.
*