The Internet Soapbox
If you're like me, you have about a dozen people that forward you
emails constantly that you REALLY wish would watch this.
http://www.smilepop.com/index.cfm?action=viewcard&content_id=601&page_id=601
Great New Sound – Still Thirsty
An old friend from high school sent me a link to her husbands band. DAMN!! I've been listening to the same 3 tracks over and over all day. If you like a little edge in your music, check them out.
UPDATE: I just splurged and bought their CD. Hope you do too.
Bait & Switch or Whine and Bitch?
It sounds like Apple might be at it again – give something away for free and then start charging for it later. To me, dotMac was their “test the waters” move. They lost some subscribers, but they gained some revenue. If they do start charging for software, the interpretation will be dictated based on the presentation. Apple kinda whined when people were shocked and amazed that Apple would start charging for a once-free service. Of course, so did most of the subscribers.
I think it is great that Apple has (usually) some AWESOME software. iMovie, iTunes, and iPhoto are all AMAZING pieces of software and truly define the Mac experience. iCal is still, to me, a work in progress.
I applaud Apple for having the huevos to charge for good software – but make it worth my money. One of the huge attractions of Apple is the all-in-one package. They sell great computers that come equipped with everything you need to appear like a media genius. If they want to charge me for their software – that's fine. I'll pay it. But, don't go the Microsoft route of charging UNBELIEVABLE prices for software and then FORCING people to upgrade. If you charge a fair price for great innovation, people will pay – gladly.
What would I pay?
iTunes: $50
iPhoto: $35
iMovie: $99
iCal: $0, zip, zero, zilch
BUT – don't expect me to pay this with each new upgrade. Remember: When you force people to pay when the value isn't there, you begin to lose your “Fanatical Zealot” following – and that Apple, is why you are where you are today and why I, among thousands of others, never doubted you would be.
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Apple preparing new upgrade fees. In a move that could anger customers, the company next week will announce a plan to charge for upgrades to some of its highly acclaimed “digital hub” software. [CNET News.com]
If Airlines Sold PaintCustomer: Hi. How much is your paint?Clerk: Well, sir, that all depends on quite a lot of things.Customer: Can you give me a guess? Is there an average price?Clerk: Our lowest price is $12 a gallon, and we have60 different prices up to $200 a gallon.Customer: What's the difference in the paint?Clerk: Oh, there isn't any difference; it's all the same paint.Customer: Well, then I'd like some of that $12 paint.Clerk: When do you intend to use the paint?Customer: I want to paint tomorrow. It's my day off.Clerk: Sir, the paint for tomorrow is the $200 paint.Customer: When would I have to paint to get the $12 paint?Clerk: You would have to start very late at night in about 3 weeks.But you will have to agree to start painting before Friday of thatweek and continue painting until at least Sunday.Customer: You've got to be *&%#@* kidding!Clerk: I'll check and see if we have any paint available.Customer: You have shelves FULL of paint! I can see it!Clerk: But it doesn't mean that we have paint available. We sellonly a certain number of gallons on any given weekend.Oh, and by the way, the price per gallon just went to $16.We don't have any more $12 paint.Customer: The price went up as we were talking?Clerk: Yes, sir. We change the prices and rules hundreds oftimes a day, and since you haven't actually walked out of thestore with your paint yet, we just decided to change. I suggest youpurchase your paint as soon as possible.How many gallons do you want?Customer: Well, maybe five gallons. Make that six, so I'll haveenough.Clerk: Oh no, sir, you can't do that. If you buy paint and don't useit,there are penalties and possible confiscation of the paint youalready have.Customer: WHAT?Clerk: We can sell enough paint to do your kitchen, bathroom,hall and north bedroom, but if you stop painting before you do thebedroom, you will lose your remaining gallons of paint.Customer: What does it matter whether I use all the paint?I already paid you for it!Clerk: We make plans based upon the idea that all our paint is used,every drop. If you don't, it causes us all sorts of problems.Customer: This is crazy!! I suppose something terrible happens ifI don't keep painting until after Saturday night!Clerk: Oh yes! Every gallon you bought automatically becomesthe $200 paint.Customer: But what are all these, “Paint on sale from $10 a liter”signs?Clerk: Well that's for our budget paint. It only comes in half gallons.One $5 half gallon will do half a room. The second half gallon tocomplete the room is $20. None of the cans have labels, some areempty and there are no refunds, even on the empty cans.Customer: To hell with this! I'll buy what I need somewhere else!Clerk: I don't think so, sir. You may be able to buy paint for yourbathroom and bedrooms, and your kitchen and dining room fromsomeone else, but you won't be able to paint your connecting halland stairway from anyone but us. And I should point out, sir,that if you paint in only one direction, it will be $300 a gallon.Customer: I thought your most expensive paint was $200!Clerk: That's if you paint around the room to the point at which youstarted. A hallway is different.Customer: And if I buy $200 paint for the hall, but only paint in onedirection, you'll confiscate the remaining paint.Clerk: No, we'll charge you an extra use fee plus the difference onyour next gallon of paint. But I believe you're getting it now, sir.Customer: You're insane!Clerk: Thanks for painting with us.
2003 – The Year of the Andy
Today, we embark on a new year; 2003 – the Year of the Andy.
In this category, I will post my milestones, events, dates to remember, accomplishments, triumphs, and 'educational moments.' This will be my journal of personal achievements to help me focus on my goals and keep me motivated.
I hope that 2003 is your year too.
On the first day of 2003
I wish you all the best. I have had a great holiday season, spending most of it with my wife's family. We have been on a whirlwind of partying, eating, drinking, and just hanging around. Tomorrow we jump back into reality. The wife is off until Monday, but there is much work to be done to get this place back into shape before the old schedules kick in.
Today was a good day. We spent the day with the family, after taking some joy rides on the “Harley”. Lots of leftovers were consumed and hours upon hours of football were inhaled.
Today marks the first day of “The Year of Andy.” I don't know what the future holds, but I'm going to face it head on and with a tenacity unlike any other.
Here's hoping that all of our 2003 resolutions will endure to see the light of 2004.
Peace to all, and to all a good night. — Andy
Top 10 Requests Heard by Piano Tuners10. Do I have to take everything off the top of the piano?
9. Should I always have the piano tuned every 10 years whether it needs it or not?
8. Would it be cheaper if I didn't have the last octave tuned?
7. Do I bring the piano to you, or do you come here?
6. How are my knockers?
5. Will the vacuum cleaner bother you?
4. Can you do something about my loose stool?
3. My dog has perfect pitch.
2. Do you have to turn every one of those little pegs?
1. Do you have a regular job?
The Little Things
In the January issue of MacWorld, they posted my editorial on the lack of a smiling Mac when booting up OS X.
No, it's not much, but it's the little things that make each day fun.
Kissing Satan Goodnight
Kit Fox, seventeen, has a talent for taming the written word. I enjoyed reading the first chapter in her “Kissing Satan Goodnight“.
I'm looking forward to chapter two.