This Blog

Home
Contact

Syndication

RSS
Atom

.NETicated

June 2009 - Posts

Community Radio Episode Two

I’m proud to announce that episode two of Community Radio has been published to http://live.ineta.org/audio

In this episode, Steve talks with Heather Kostes, Emily Freet, and Nicole Moser about their roles at Microsoft, the MVP program, MVP benefits, becoming an MVP, karaoke, and more. Narrated by John Blumenauer.

As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Posted Jun 19 2009, 04:38 AM by Steve with 5 comment(s)

Filed under: MVP, Community Radio, INETA Live

European Union Says No to Free Dessert

As reported all over the web this week, Microsoft has decided to ship Windows 7 in Europe without Internet Explorer. For a long time, the EU has been complaining that Microsoft has been using their dominant position to hawk IE on unsuspecting computer users.

Horseradish!

Let’s bring this discussion back across the pond for a second, and look at new home construction. The Department of Justice had a quarrel with Microsoft awhile back over a similar matter. Of course, if they were really going after monopolies they would go after the micro-monopolies of new home builders for charging egregious fees for options. Take for instance the elegant and simple recessed light. The last time I bought a new house the builder wanted $125 for every single one I added. A quick trip to Home Depot confirmed that the hardware costs less than $10, and wiring was equally inexpensive. I wanted to put their lights out.

And what about the auto industry that forces you to choose from their tires, or their radios, or their floormats. Shouldn’t they be spanked? And what about government in general? Shouldn’t I be able to choose a DMV that offers better service if I want to? I think my four year old nephew could do that, and I’d gladly pay him instead.

But let’s take a step back for a second and remember that there is a major difference between these comparisons and Internet Explorer. Internet Explorer is free. Free as in no charge. Free as in ‘No sir, you can keep your money’. You buy the operating system, and you get a free browser. Restaurants do the same thing; buy a meal, get a free dessert. Is the European Union really that uptight to complain about getting their dessert for free? And a dessert that can easily be replaced by downloading another browser? Maybe they don't like free things and will soon consider an air tax.

Posted Jun 14 2009, 06:42 PM by Steve with 3 comment(s)

Filed under: Personal – Off Topic

Community Radio Episode One

I’m proud to announce that the inaugural episode of Community Radio has been published: http://live.ineta.org/audio

In this inaugural episode, I talk with Richard, Carl and Sara about Speaker Idol, speaking at Tech-Ed, podcasting, .NET Rocks, Richard and Carl's back stories, and more. Narrated by Jeff Fritz.

As always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Posted Jun 12 2009, 02:45 AM by Steve with 4 comment(s)

Filed under: Community Radio

Results – Community Radio Narration Contest

The contest deadline has come and gone, and I received four submissions. After reviewing the submission I have determined that they were all great, so whoever sends me $500 first… just kidding. I’ve decided that the only satisfactory course of action is to use them all on a rotational basis. In fact, I’ve decided to use community contributions exclusively going forward because, well, this is your radio! The first four, in no particular (though apparently alphabetical) order, are:

Would you like to introduce an episode of Community Radio? Record yourself in high-quality MP3 or WAV format speaking the following phrases. I look forward to your submissions!

Intro:

"[Hey, Hi, Howdy, Hey Y’all, etc.], this is [your name] welcoming you to Community Radio: connecting the developer community everywhere. Community Radio is powered by INETA Live and hosted by Steve Andrews: Microsoft MVP for Visual Studio Team System, Director of Technology for INETA North America, and all-around Community Fanatic. And now… to the communitymobile! Enjoy the show!"

Note: In the second to last sentence, it's communitymobile, as in "To the Batmobile."

Outro:

"Thanks for listening to Community Radio: powered by INETA Live, and hosted by Steve Andrews. If you enjoyed this episode, pass us along to your friends and colleagues and check out our podcast archives at live.ineta.org. I’m [your name], join us next time for another edition of... Community Radio."

Posted Jun 10 2009, 08:01 PM by Steve with 2 comment(s)

Filed under: Community Radio

Community Tour 2010

I think most folks know that I tend to speak at developer events from time to time. Actually in 2008 I gave 48 presentations at 32 events. My goal for 2009 is 52 events and I have 44 confirmed so far. Next year though I thought I’d take it up another notch. No, I’m not going for 72 events as some have suggested, nor am I retiring. Rather, I’m going on a North American tour and I’m currently on the hunt for a class A diesel motor home.

Note: Image for dramatization only. Logos are for illustrative purposes and do not signify support from any organization. Also, CommunityTour.com is sadly already taken.

As part of this tour, I am organizing and planning a number of programs, including:

Community Events:	continuing to speak at user groups, code camps, and other developer events.
Guest Lecturing:	engaging with college and university students about real-world programming, best practices, etc.
Community Camp:	teaching up-and-coming influentials about speaking, presentations, writing, blogging, the MVP program, the INETA Speakers Bureau, and more.
Volunteering:	continuing the idea of www.GeekFoodDrive.com and www.GeekGive.org by helping to organize volunteer opportunities at community events.
Mobile Code Camp:	bringing the code camp idea to smaller and under-represented areas in the US where there aren’t currently any community events
Community Radio:	talking with folks along the way, tapping the pockets of knowledge and sharing that knowledge with the community.
Community TV:	video interviews with community influentials.
INETA Live:	recording INETA Live webcasts from local technologists on the road.

Community Organizers

If you would like the Community Bus at one of your events next year, have feedback, are interested in organizing specific programs in your area, or you would be interested in riding along, please contact me.

Platinum Bay