Author: Carl Setzer

A blogger blogging from just north of Seattle.

Webrings and the History of the Web

Carl Setzer

My random web thought of the day: remembering the webring. For it’s time, a very powerful tool for finding related content. I spent many an hour perusing sites under a variety of topics: fantasy literature, science, science fiction, politics….the possibilities were extensive. Seems they still exist, but connecting to them a lot less critical. Seems few people drift through webrings now. Rather, they move through Google search results. I wonder, though, if webrings provide any SEO benefit? That would be my expectation, at least.

So, the point? Tastes change, behaviors follow, culture modulates and we both find ourselves reacting, as well as leading.

Thinkup : Social Media Innovation?

Carl Setzer

I want to dive a bit deeper into ThinkUp, but like what I’ve seen so far. Give Mr. Dash a few minutes of your time. Then let me know what you think. I’ll be here…

Utilizing Social Media

Carl Setzer

I’ve seen a large array of “build your business with social media” ideas. All based on the great canard of getting rich quick and easy. They’re all lies. 

Business can be grown and developed with social media. Not, however, by hopping from one bright shiny to the next. It’s continuous engagement, consistent updating and regular use that makes the long-term win. 

Typeset and Font Alignment Thing Of Hatred

Carl Setzer

Am I the only one who hates justified text? I find the cleanliness of the aligned ends to be more than offset by the weird spacing. I’m sure it can be made to work with forethought and focus. That brings back memories of fiddling with typeset, adding up all the characters and spaces, figuring out how to word the thing in order to best utilize the space.

Anyway, just being a little snarky in response to an e-flyer I received today. Perhaps just being a bit too cranky and perfectionist. Maybe I just need another cup of coffee.

Great #Tech Events In #Seattle

Carl Setzer

I’m a bit sad that I was unable to cram this year’s GeekWire Summit into my overdone calendar. That is in no way meant to devalue the event. Using Franklin-Covey parlance, I couldn’t move some Quadrant I items to fit this Quadrant II.

Seattle has a great tech community, and many ways for connection within. The next one that I’m aware of is the September Seattle Tech Meetup on September 17. This is one that I should be able to make.

And then there’s the Seattle Interactive Conference. This is a grand one, and one that my current budget just can’t absorb. However, I hear great things and would recommend attending based on them.

I’m sure I’m missing good ones. Let me know if you have suggestions that I should add. Heck, maybe I’ll start a more definitive list.

Always A Killer

Carl Setzer

Just read another article about how some new device will be a “device x” killer. Over the years, the tech press has lauded PC killers, Office killers, Windows, and the ever present iPhone killers. Seems the underlying premise is that success requires the existing giant to fail. Seems that there’s never considered the ability to coexist, to develop a new space. Zero sum games, not adding value or creating something new. 

The All Powerful Snooze Button

Carl Setzer

Laying here listening to my wife’s alarm go off, I’m struck by a significant societal shift which took place during my lifetime: the snooze bar. 

I remember a world where these things didn’t exist. That your alarm clock rang once a day. Heck, you needed to remember to arm the thing before you went to sleep. I suppose some folks rewound the clock and moved the alarm hand forward a few minutes. But most didn’t. Ring, then up; no other methodology existed. 
Now, we tend to gradually awaken. With smartphones and such, you can choose pleasant tones to gently rouse you from slumber. Speaking for myself, my alarm starts earlier, with a more gradual waking process. 

I’m not sure what, if any, deeper effects have been brought about by this. Something to explore. It’s hard to imagine that a significant shift in a culture’s circadian rhythm won’t have some larger impact.  

Alcohol Consumption And Arousal

Carl Setzer

A little tidbit to greet the 2nd 20% of your work week.

It explains a great deal, if you think about it.

Found this on Reddit

Red, White, & Blue

Carl Setzer

I’m wondering why our culture had a specific sequence to “Red, White, & Blue”. In the States, the sequence is always R, W, B. Curious, no? Think it’s related to a song? In sure there’s some cultural touch-stone.

First Poem This Summer

Carl Setzer
Dreams laze across summer sunbeams. 
Flickers of dust briefly present 
Then lost upon life’s currents; 
Gentle summer breeze.