Issues with this website and some new ideas
Forum category
While so far I have enjoyed the intellectual conversation, I must say that the format and design of this website and its boards leaves much to be desired. Why not use a more professional design like what is used on some evangelical bible posting boards like the ones below?
http://forums.carm.org
http://www.rr-bb.com/
Both CARM and Rapture ready use the same interface. Or you could use this style from the Way of the Master discussion board.
http://www.ambassadorsalliance.com/
Or even this one from the 48days website
http://www.48days.net/forum
Or my favorite from the Focus on the family website
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/index.jspa
Whatever the design, I think all use a nicer cleaner posting interface.
John
http://forums.carm.org
http://www.rr-bb.com/
Both CARM and Rapture ready use the same interface. Or you could use this style from the Way of the Master discussion board.
http://www.ambassadorsalliance.com/
Or even this one from the 48days website
http://www.48days.net/forum
Or my favorite from the Focus on the family website
http://www.focusonlinecommunities.com/index.jspa
Whatever the design, I think all use a nicer cleaner posting interface.
John
- 2 views
Jay- My experiences with Macs date to before networking capabilities were what they are today… and the Mac was great for all the accounting needs of the company I worked for.
http://www.woosk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/controversy.jpg
http://www.woosk.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/controversy.jpg
Your place of employment is one of thousands out there. You cant assume that just because you operate this way, this means that all similar companies are run the same way. I once worked in a company where it was expected that you were to dress professional.
[dcbii][Susan R] http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/07/pc-vs-mac.jpgSusan,
At my place of business, it would most likely be the guy on the right, at least in engineering, but not because of the way he is dressed — it would be based on how he would fit into the organization, assuming expertise is equivalent. We have > 75% engineers, most of whom dress signficantly *less* businesslike than the Mac dude. I’m pretty dressed up wearing jeans with a collared shirt, and really so when wearing khaki pants instead. T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops is the fairly standard dress of my co-workers, though women are usually better dressed than the guys.
The only time someone would *ever* dress like the PC guy is for an interview, and in my line of work, dressing up that much is actually a minus point. I would hire either of the guys above with the right technical knowledge and comfort with the team, but when an engineer comes in for an interview, if he’s wearing a suit, that’s usually a point against him that he has to dispel with his expertise. Since he wouldn’t be interviewing for a sales/marketing type job (for which that dress would be more appropriate), I always wonder if he’s trying to impress with his looks rather than what he knows, so I would grill him that much harder. If he intends to be a software manager (engineers like myself still interview them, though we don’t have direct hiring authority), since I wouldn’t want a guy who is going to think that dress codes are going to increase productivity, I would be trying to find out if he thinks “business dress” is something really important for this job.
The reality for us, though, is that almost no one comes to an interview dressed like either of the above. It’s usually what we call “business casual,” nice shirt, khakis, shoes somewhere in-between the above. Again, women usually dress a little better, but that’s not a minus point for them. Even our sales and marketing guys usually wear nice slacks with a white shirt, no tie or jacket.
Of course, I accept that the dress for the software/hardware engineering industry is an anomaly in the usual business world. I’m just really glad I work in that industry, and not in one where “businesslike” appearance is a major factor.
[Jay C.]Ever considered using Mail? I was using Entourage but when I moved to Mail I saw a great improvement in speed. No its not as fancy nor does it have as many features, but it does the job just fine, and is lighting fast.Work PCs are a different game entirely, however. You don’t get to control how the computer is used or programmed… Macs have a definite advantage in the workplace, IMO.No they don’t, because Macs don’t natively integrate with Windows networks that use http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory] Active Directory , which is used by most businesses of any size - my organization is not even ten people, and we’re using it. As a vendor told me last week - you can make it work, but it’s a LOT of hassle. That, and if you want to use Entourage, you need something called the Web Services plugin to work with Exchange. Outlook 2011 for Mac will fix that, I think, but it’s another layer of complexity that doesn’t come “out of the box”.
You could use a product called DAVE but it costs extra money, so I see your point.
Why do people complain about the Mac being expensive? I bet I make a third less than most here and I was able to afford a Mac. Why do IT people complain about the cost of a Mac? Man what are they doing with that 50-90K a year they are making? This makes no sense why someone with such a salary cannot afford a Mac. My guess would be a one letter word called priorities. There is no reason why someone with such a salary cannot afford a Mac. It makes no sense.
And even if you are making 40K you still should be able to afford a Mac.
And even if you are making 40K you still should be able to afford a Mac.
Ability to afford something is a function of, as you say, priorities. Paying too much for what I can do for less would only make sense if the Apple aesthetic (which is superb) was a higher priority. As it is, I can’t afford to pay extra for the good looks. And, hey, my Dell isn’t exactly ugly.
Any time we spring for a major purchase something else suffers. There just isn’t anything I want to suffer so that I can own a mac.
Since I use Linux, I don’t have the security hassles of Windows. And I can upgrade the OS a couple times a year…all for free. About 90% of the software I use is free.
Since I believe profit is a good thing (it really means “wealth creation”), I don’t really believe free software makes a whole lot of sense. But nickels being in short supply… I’m glad it’s an option!
The cost of a mac would cover my kids’ tuition for several months.
Any time we spring for a major purchase something else suffers. There just isn’t anything I want to suffer so that I can own a mac.
Since I use Linux, I don’t have the security hassles of Windows. And I can upgrade the OS a couple times a year…all for free. About 90% of the software I use is free.
Since I believe profit is a good thing (it really means “wealth creation”), I don’t really believe free software makes a whole lot of sense. But nickels being in short supply… I’m glad it’s an option!
The cost of a mac would cover my kids’ tuition for several months.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
I’m with Aaron- whether we would prefer a Mac or not is not the issue. Our need for computers is based on our main priority which is home education, so I’d have to have 4 Macs, not just one. But with PC laptops that each cost less than $400 each we can do what we need just fine.
[jwolf6589] Your place of employment is one of thousands out there. You cant assume that just because you operate this way, this means that all similar companies are run the same way.You are correct, as far as it goes — I can’t make assumptions about other places of business that I have no knowledge of. However, I have been working in the technology field since 1988, have worked at 6 companies, visited others for training and business trips, interviewed at a number of others, and spoken with those who work at many I haven’t visited. For my segment of the business world, I believe I have a pretty good idea of what is expected now. (And by the way, you don’t have to work in my field to know about it — I have run into people who have noticed my dress coming back from work and have asked if I worked in software. When I replied in the affirmative, they responded that they “could tell” by the way I dressed. Work dress in my industry is well known.)
What has changed is time. In 1988, many software engineers where I worked still wore shirt and tie, and jackets were used only for customer trips or interviews, except for managers/sales etc. In 1991, at a different company, most days were nice shirt/slacks, with Friday being “dress down” day where jeans and t-shirt were OK, but nothing sloppier than that. As time has continued to progress, dress at most software engineering firms has continued to progress (some might say “regress”) until it is where it is today.
I might agree that engineering is not the best way to tell, since something can become ingrained at a particular company, and engineers don’t often “get out much” in comparison with the support, sales, marketing, etc. types. However, since these positions have also gone away from “business dress” in our industry (and companies depend on how well the people that interact with customers and potential customers do their jobs and make an impression), it’s a much better indication of the expectations.
Dave Barnhart
[Susan R] I’m with Aaron- whether we would prefer a Mac or not is not the issue. Our need for computers is based on our main priority which is home education, so I’d have to have 4 Macs, not just one. But with PC laptops that each cost less than $400 each we can do what we need just fine.Well you get what you pay for. For me it does not make sense why people who make 40-90K a year cannot afford a Mac, when someone who makes less can. But then again you have kids and I am single.
Granted I never would concur that Windows has no advantages over the Mac. certainly the bulk of the software runs on Windows, and some of it is much better. One reason why Parallels is so popular is because of this. For me this would add to my expense of the cost of the software and the RAM upgrade to run that. So for my usage of Windows I’ll just use the free option of BOOTCAMP.
I also dislike how the blackberry software for the Mac is nothing less of a joke compared to the Windows version. Also plenty of business software runs on a PC but not on a Mac. So yes Windows PC’s do have an advantage in some areas.
In the past many Mac people were anti micrsoft and would never run a MS product on their Mac. But these days many mac people are using MS office (as I am also), and Windows on their Mac, as they have come to realize that Microsoft controlls the business world, and its software is far more fearure rich.
There is wisdom in knowing and understanding the company before you apply. I have overqualified myself for jobs in the past by dressing too fancy. In interview tips and books they always say to dress nicer, but sometimes doing so will lose you the job! In one interview I came dressed in a collored short, slacks, dress shoes, and black socks, while the guy next to me dressed like he was going to work at the company. Guess who got the job? It was not me. I followed the advice given to me by “job experts” but they do not know everything and about every company. While most companies would prefer that you dress up nice to the interview, there are those that would prefer you dress as if you would start working at their company the next day.
You sound knowledgeable my friend. Perhaps we can help each other. I am looking for a better job, and perhaps I could use your aide on how to find one. I have read the 48 days to the work you love book by Dan Miller and am a regular poster on his website (48days.net). He strongly discourages job searchers from using Career Builder, Monster, whatever to search for a job. He also strongly discourages against the use of fax machines, email, job application terminals, whatever, and encourages using the postal mail to make an impression on an employer. His research indicates that his techniques he outlines in the book work more than 80% with employers verses the email/fax approach.
I can personally remember a time 5 years ago when me and my roommate were both out of a job. My answer was the fax machine and the computer, while m roommates, was the in person approach. Guess who got a job faster? It certainly was not me!
John
You sound knowledgeable my friend. Perhaps we can help each other. I am looking for a better job, and perhaps I could use your aide on how to find one. I have read the 48 days to the work you love book by Dan Miller and am a regular poster on his website (48days.net). He strongly discourages job searchers from using Career Builder, Monster, whatever to search for a job. He also strongly discourages against the use of fax machines, email, job application terminals, whatever, and encourages using the postal mail to make an impression on an employer. His research indicates that his techniques he outlines in the book work more than 80% with employers verses the email/fax approach.
I can personally remember a time 5 years ago when me and my roommate were both out of a job. My answer was the fax machine and the computer, while m roommates, was the in person approach. Guess who got a job faster? It certainly was not me!
John
[dcbii][jwolf6589] Your place of employment is one of thousands out there. You cant assume that just because you operate this way, this means that all similar companies are run the same way.You are correct, as far as it goes — I can’t make assumptions about other places of business that I have no knowledge of. However, I have been working in the technology field since 1988, have worked at 6 companies, visited others for training and business trips, interviewed at a number of others, and spoken with those who work at many I haven’t visited. For my segment of the business world, I believe I have a pretty good idea of what is expected now. (And by the way, you don’t have to work in my field to know about it — I have run into people who have noticed my dress coming back from work and have asked if I worked in software. When I replied in the affirmative, they responded that they “could tell” by the way I dressed. Work dress in my industry is well known.)
What has changed is time. In 1988, many software engineers where I worked still wore shirt and tie, and jackets were used only for customer trips or interviews, except for managers/sales etc. In 1991, at a different company, most days were nice shirt/slacks, with Friday being “dress down” day where jeans and t-shirt were OK, but nothing sloppier than that. As time has continued to progress, dress at most software engineering firms has continued to progress (some might say “regress”) until it is where it is today.
I might agree that engineering is not the best way to tell, since something can become ingrained at a particular company, and engineers don’t often “get out much” in comparison with the support, sales, marketing, etc. types. However, since these positions have also gone away from “business dress” in our industry (and companies depend on how well the people that interact with customers and potential customers do their jobs and make an impression), it’s a much better indication of the expectations.
[Aaron Blumer] Ability to afford something is a function of, as you say, priorities. Paying too much for what I can do for less would only make sense if the Apple aesthetic (which is superb) was a higher priority. As it is, I can’t afford to pay extra for the good looks. And, hey, my Dell isn’t exactly ugly.It does not sound from your email that you have the kind of spendable income that I thought. I have heard many callers to the Dave Ramsey showing making 70-100K or more a year and complain about being paycheck to paycheck and they have no money for anything. I get very upset with these callers, as we all know the problem is probably a lifestyle issue, and not a income issue. Cant say for sure with everyone, but with some, hmm, yes..
Any time we spring for a major purchase something else suffers. There just isn’t anything I want to suffer so that I can own a mac.
Since I use Linux, I don’t have the security hassles of Windows. And I can upgrade the OS a couple times a year…all for free. About 90% of the software I use is free.
Since I believe profit is a good thing (it really means “wealth creation”), I don’t really believe free software makes a whole lot of sense. But nickels being in short supply… I’m glad it’s an option!
The cost of a mac would cover my kids’ tuition for several months.
Ramsey on one show went off on such types, and suggested that they lower their living standards, and that the problem was that they absolutely felt that they need a new car, a new hottub, a new this, a new that, etc.. Its amazing how much more you can spend when your income raises? I make perhaps 10K more this year than last year, and I am spending about twice as much so case in point. But.. my living expenses are also higher as well, as I have a nicer place to live. Still cheap, but nicer…
For me it does not make sense why people who make 40-90K a year cannot afford a Mac, when someone who makes less can. But then again you have kids and I am single.It wouldn’t matter so much if I only needed one Mac, but I’d’ve needed four- I’ve already graduated one child, and have three to go. I’m not going to discuss my husband’s income, but I would not assume, or sound like I’m assuming that the PC owners on this forum make 40-90K or spend frivolously and thus can’t afford a Mac. What’s up with that?
Bottom line is that I’ve gotten great deals on PCs, and I’ve not missed not having a Mac for a nanosecond. I don’t need one for what we do.
I have heard many callers to the Dave Ramsey showing making 70-100K or more a year and complain about being paycheck to paycheck and they have no money for anything.We are really all over the map on topics in this thread aren’t we… must be some kind of record.
I think there are guys making a million a year who live paycheck to paycheck… it’s all a matter of staying within your means. If you don’t, you’re always broke no matter how much you make.
Views expressed are always my own and not my employer's, my church's, my family's, my neighbors', or my pets'. The house plants have authorized me to speak for them, however, and they always agree with me.
[Aaron Blumer]Great point Aaron. Paul learned the secret to be content in all situations whether living on 40K a year, or whether living on 20K a year. Its very difficult for man in a consumeristic culture to be CONTENT myself included.I have heard many callers to the Dave Ramsey showing making 70-100K or more a year and complain about being paycheck to paycheck and they have no money for anything.We are really all over the map on topics in this thread aren’t we… must be some kind of record.
I think there are guys making a million a year who live paycheck to paycheck… it’s all a matter of staying within your means. If you don’t, you’re always broke no matter how much you make.
[Susan R]I dont know how much they make or what their expenses are. Its possible some who make twice as much as me, have far more expenses and why they dont have as much, I dont know. Or its possible some who make twice as much as me, spend like the prodigal son, and thats why they have no money. I dont know.For me it does not make sense why people who make 40-90K a year cannot afford a Mac, when someone who makes less can. But then again you have kids and I am single.It wouldn’t matter so much if I only needed one Mac, but I’d’ve needed four- I’ve already graduated one child, and have three to go. I’m not going to discuss my husband’s income, but I would not assume, or sound like I’m assuming that the PC owners on this forum make 40-90K or spend frivolously and thus can’t afford a Mac. What’s up with that?
Bottom line is that I’ve gotten great deals on PCs, and I’ve not missed not having a Mac for a nanosecond. I don’t need one for what we do.
Windows has some advantages over the Mac.
John, I would be careful how you are coming across when talking about your pay. Just sayin.
In regards to cost of living, I know some people who plan how I do, I have multiple savings going on at the moment, saving for a house (garbage forclosures that you would have to invest another 50k in, that are in a livable neighborhood in the Twin Cities go for about 150k, so you can take a guess at a non-forclosure), a car for 2013, car maintenance, dental expense coming up (Yes, I have dental insurance, but it is still going to cost about 6k out of pocket), this next year I will start one for a new computer (another Macbook pro FYI), etc. In the end, all my money every paycheck is going to an expense somewhere, so in one way I am living paycheck to paycheck. So for some people, yes they make more than you, but as a result they are also putting aside more for other things. Like you said, priorities. So take it or leave it, it doesn’t bother me, just thought you might want to know you may come off to some people in a different tone than you meant it to be understood.
I like the Mac hardware, but Linux as the OS. Current lineup in our home, Macbook Pro (10.4. I am too cheap to upgrade), Asus Netbook, and Asus Nettop both running Ubuntu 10.04. IMO opinion, there is a trend towards the Nets over a full blown computer. In most ways, they are able to run every piece of software, but with more physical flexibility. (hook your netbook up to your HDTV when home, disconnect when you travel. I do this, and one of my friends did, and I am a coworker to do it as well.)
Back to the computer stuff. I work in IT as well, as a result we sit in a number of discussions on the future of computing. The old days of thinking about software in terms of specific to an OS are dieing. Take SAP, they are coming out or have come out with a mobile app. Or Google and all their web services. I casually play a game called minecraft, which is a java web based application able to run on all modern browsers and OS, and it is still in Alpha release. OWA, is practically a full email client with a lot Outlook has. Instead of OneNote there is Evernote, which is touted with the ability to run on almost any device. There is a web based app instead of Visio, but the name slipped me.
The list could go on and on about software being produced for the web. And it is not just that companies are making these apps for home users, in the end, companies like my employer will either be proactive or reactive to this change.
All that to say, the notion that one needs a Windows computer, let alone it emulated to run specific software is evanescent, and more so once HTML5 and CSS3 are supported.
I guess I will find a different thread for what I was actually going to post here.
In regards to cost of living, I know some people who plan how I do, I have multiple savings going on at the moment, saving for a house (garbage forclosures that you would have to invest another 50k in, that are in a livable neighborhood in the Twin Cities go for about 150k, so you can take a guess at a non-forclosure), a car for 2013, car maintenance, dental expense coming up (Yes, I have dental insurance, but it is still going to cost about 6k out of pocket), this next year I will start one for a new computer (another Macbook pro FYI), etc. In the end, all my money every paycheck is going to an expense somewhere, so in one way I am living paycheck to paycheck. So for some people, yes they make more than you, but as a result they are also putting aside more for other things. Like you said, priorities. So take it or leave it, it doesn’t bother me, just thought you might want to know you may come off to some people in a different tone than you meant it to be understood.
I like the Mac hardware, but Linux as the OS. Current lineup in our home, Macbook Pro (10.4. I am too cheap to upgrade), Asus Netbook, and Asus Nettop both running Ubuntu 10.04. IMO opinion, there is a trend towards the Nets over a full blown computer. In most ways, they are able to run every piece of software, but with more physical flexibility. (hook your netbook up to your HDTV when home, disconnect when you travel. I do this, and one of my friends did, and I am a coworker to do it as well.)
Back to the computer stuff. I work in IT as well, as a result we sit in a number of discussions on the future of computing. The old days of thinking about software in terms of specific to an OS are dieing. Take SAP, they are coming out or have come out with a mobile app. Or Google and all their web services. I casually play a game called minecraft, which is a java web based application able to run on all modern browsers and OS, and it is still in Alpha release. OWA, is practically a full email client with a lot Outlook has. Instead of OneNote there is Evernote, which is touted with the ability to run on almost any device. There is a web based app instead of Visio, but the name slipped me.
The list could go on and on about software being produced for the web. And it is not just that companies are making these apps for home users, in the end, companies like my employer will either be proactive or reactive to this change.
All that to say, the notion that one needs a Windows computer, let alone it emulated to run specific software is evanescent, and more so once HTML5 and CSS3 are supported.
I guess I will find a different thread for what I was actually going to post here.
Discussion