Cook 'em Dan-O

Spammers: Idiots? or Just Rich Statisticians?

One of my fascinations (yes, I am a geek) is to look at the spam quarantine summary I receive every day from my MIT mail server.  (Off-topic:  they use Brightmail, now owned by Symantec, and their filters are very good.  I've never had a message trapped that was legitimate.)  I'm fascinated with the names people make up for "Sent From" and the subject lines.  You can scan through the headers and see patterns, so you know which groups of messages are all from the same spammer.

What finally sank in as I looked at today's batch:  spammers are idiots.  Or, they don't care if they're idiots because the my Law of Large Numbers ("any number times another large number is a large number", as opposed to the real Law of Large Numbers) works in their favor.

I'm not talking about the comical ways spammers try to tell you that they can improve the function of your penis.  That almost falls into the "cute puppy" category.  Nor am I talking about the messages claiming to come from "the Official Viagra site".

No, I'm talking about the messages offering me an online diploma.  See, they're sending it to my @alum.mit.edu mail account.  As in, "I'm an alumnus of MIT".  Thanks, I'll stick with the degree I have.

Any human could look at a message headed for @alum.mit.edu and think, "I bet this guy already has a degree.  May as well take him off our list".  And it can't be that hard to program a spam sending application to filter such domains out.

So c'mon spammers.  Spend a few bucks.  Hell, hire one of the CS grads you anointed to write the code.  Or just send me a photo of you lighting a cigar with a hundred dollar bill; I'll get the message.

and I did not approve this message

Remember those political campaign ads? How they had to end with "I'm Joe Cheeseball, and I approved this message"?  Well I've seen two commercials so far, that use the same (or nearly the same) clip of President Obama giving some kind of "stimulus" speech.  They then segue into a pitch for their service... in one case, credit card debt counseling (which you can get for free), and extended auto warranties (which are worthless) in the other.

I suppose video of a President's speech is considered in the public domain, so this is likely a legal use.  But it sure seems cheesy.  I guess this is the inevitable result of Billy Mays' passing.

Twitter Taxonomy

If you're on Twitter you know about "following" and "followers"-- people you follow and those who follow you.  I think it's time for a further refinement of the taxonomy.  There are also:

• "Prostwitutes".  These are the sexy young things (I'm sure that's their real picture) that "follow" you, whose tweets are along the lines of "just posted new pictures of me, check them out!".
• "Promotwits".  These are companies that "follow" you, who are promoting their new web site, software, or whatever.
• "Tweetspam".  These are "tweets" from people/companies offering the same things regular spammers sell: viagra, college degrees, acai berries and the like.  

Maybe you can add to the list! 

Twitter Gets a Reason to Exist

I was hearing/reading about Iranians using Twitter to spread the word about protests they were organizing, in reaction to the recent election and allegations of vote-counting fraud.  Here's one example news story.  The Iranian government had had some success closing down sites such as Facebook, but the distributed nature of Twitter (lots of people posting "tweets") apparently made it much more difficult to control.

This reminded of me of the Tiananmen Square protests in China 20 years ago.  The government sought to control access to the media then (as it does today) in order to maintain control over information about the protest.  But apparently one of the technologies used to get information out of the country was something relatively new at the time--the fax machine.  People would fax updates to friends outside of China, who would spread the word among expatriate Chinese, and in some cases forward information back into the country.

It's great to see technology serve the interests of democracy movements!  Now if Twitter can just turn this into a plan for "monetizing its asset"...

Screen Wars

You've no doubt heard about the term "market share"--what portion of the total market for something is controlled by one brand or one company.  And I recall that in the 90's one of the management fads was "customer share"--what share of the customer's IT budget your product accounted for.  And I'm sure there are a dozen more "___ share" terms floating about.

You've also heard about web ventures that want to "attract eyeballs" as a way of "monetizing their asset".  Which in English means, "we can get paid a small amount of money per person who views and/or clicks on an ad... and that's how we're going to get some revenue to offset all the costs in programmers and servers that we're racking up with our web 2.0 service".

Of course, the monetizing isn't that easy.  More on that later.  But now that I've been interacting with email, photo sharing, social networking, and other web-based services, I've come to see that the battle is all about "screen share"--whose screen you see when you go about your internet business.  In other words, whose application will you use, and therefore whose ads will you be exposed to.

Take the example of sharing a photo.  Thanks to advances in cell phone and digiital image technology, and the avaiability of reasonably cost-effective bandwidth, taking a photo on the spur of the moment and sharing it is quite simple.  Had Brian been willing to stand still long enough, I could have taken his picture at the top of the run at Heavenly Valley, with Lake Tahoe in the background, and posted it or emailed it before I got to the bottom of the mountain.  (Of course, with my skiing skills, Pony Express could deliver it before I got to the bottom of the mountain, but that's another story).

So consider my options for sharing that photo:

• I can send it as a "multimedia" message... basically a text message with a photo attached (except that I have an iPhone, which doesn't support this basic service)
  
• I can email it to my friends using a service like gmail or Yahoo mail
  
• I can post the photo to a photo sharing site like Kodak Gallery or Phanfare
  
• I can post it to my Facebook page
  
• I can post it in a "discussion" on my LinkedIn page
  
• I can send a "tweet" with a link to the picture 
• I can post it to my weblog
  

There are pro's and con's of each approach.  But what's interesting is that wherever I choose to post it will determine what ads you see when you view it.  Unless you view the photo on my weblog (which has turned out to be a not-for-profit venture), someone's going to be showing you ads.  They may be targeted ads, like something at the top of the gmail browser that says "ski vacations, click here".  They may be unrelated, like the "IQ" ads I keep seeing on Facebook.  Or they may be anywhere in between.

And the odds are that wherever you view that photo, you will likely respond using that same web site or application.  If I send a text message or email, you'll likely reply with a text message or email.  If I post it on Facebook, you're less likely to send me an email saying "cool picture, who's the stand-in for an actual skier?!", and more likely to comment via posting a comment on my "wall".  And if you write on my "wall", guess whose ads you'll see?? And when everyone else sees that you commented on my picture...

So it's clear that the first battle may have been about creating a fan base (and keeping it interested).  The next battle is about steering that fan base to your application for all their social networking needs.  And since social networks are non-exclusive clubs, and since we all have text messaging and email accounts, it's all about creating the most useful, easiest to use application.  After all, we're all lazy in a way, and will use your application to carry on our conversations if the application is reasonably easy to use, reasonably unintrusive, and so on.

So the battle is on, and corporate America is beginning to pay attention.  Hell, even Oprah and Shaq use Twitter.  Who will win? Whose cuisine will reign supreme? Oh, sorry, wrong show.  It will be interesting to watch...

The Social Ramble Ain't Restful

Thanks to Satchel Paige for that reference...

In the Beginning, there was LinkedIn.  OK, really, it was MySpace, or Facebook, or some other social networking site.  But I ignored the world of social networking until last year when I started a job search in earnest, and felt the need to establish my online "presence".  So I started with LinkedIn.  And that was fine.  It took a bit of work to get a completed profile, tune it, and link it to the weblog you're now reading for insights into me that don't start with "seasoned executive" or some such phrase.

And all was well with the world.  But (to torture the metaphor), God said that it Was Good, and thus Silicon Valley said that More of a Good Thing is Always Better.  

And so it was that I started receiving random "pings" from people that wanted to connect with me on other social networking sites, especially Facebook and more recently Plaxo.  And I had ignored those requests, since I felt occupied enough with one site let alone two or three. (And that's not counting the photo-sharing sites like Kodak Gallery and Phanfare).

But when our HR group set up a Facebook page for SOMA Networks, I took the bait and signed up.  And that's been a mixed blessing.  All of a sudden I'm tuned in to what people from my high school are up to (looks like Dino Di Muro just sold his house), not to mention more details on the goings-on of my nieces and nephews than I usually get at family gatherings.

So that's the good part.  The challenge is that Facebook wants me to contact all my acquaintances and sign them up as friends.  And having received Facebook friend requests addressed to "exNortel" and other mailing list alias's, it's clear that the Facebook friend-finder engine is pretty unsophisticated.  And of course I have to set up a profile, and let people know what I'm doing.  It's all OK so far, and has given me greater insight into where the battle is being fought for social networking "eyeballs".  

Then suddenly I ended up on Plaxo.  I think there was one person somewhere that wanted me to update my address book.  So I said OK, and then learned that Plaxo may have started as an address book, but is now a full-fledged social network.  And I'm getting connection requests from all sorts of people.

The bigger challenge is strategic, not tactical.  (As you might expect, someone has an app that will cross-post all my stuff on all my sites at once).  Do I replicate content across these three sites? or do I tailor it?  Reading the same thing on three different sites sounds pretty boring.  But since there's not a clear division between friends on one site or another (nor a clear division between items of interest to work friends vs. social friends), it's hard to judge where some material should (and shouldn't) go.

Then there's the quality control (more correctly, brand management) issue.  Do I post photos of me with the lampshade on my head from that Cinco de Mayo celebration that got carried away?  And what happens when someone sees that after reading "seasoned executive" stuff on LinkedIn?

All I can say is that if I live my life as if I have no secrets, there's a lot less to worry about.

Geek Thrills

As a Stanford University graduate forced to share holiday celebrations with siblings from UC Berkeley, I've had to endure lots of ribbing.  So I'm not one to reflexively heap praise on the Blue and Gold.  But even I have to give it up for the Weenies--er, Bears--on this one.

UC Berkeley "Nano Nano" Song

Check it out, it's very well done!

Blackberry Power!

This is your brain.

This is your brain on vacation in Lake Tahoe.

This is your brain if you are a Blackberry addict on vacation in Lake Tahoe...

You Are Here--Another Road Trip

Sunday, 14 December 2008

On my way to Toronto for meeting with my Product Managers.  I now own Product and Project Management, and most of the staff is in Toronto.  So I expect I'll be making this trip on a regular basis.

Once again, I've outsmarted myself.  I've booked the United flight from SFO to YYZ, but through Air Canada because it's cheaper.  So it's an Air Canada flight, being operated by United.  As I did last time, I check in at Terminal 3 (aka United-Domestic) and begin looking for Gate 96, which (as it turns out) is really Gate 92.

Gate 92? Oh, that's in the International Terminal.  Which means I have to exit security, walk over to the International Terminal, and go through security--again.  Of course, I'm not worried, because I've also just learned that the flight is delayed by about an hour.  Yes, I could have signed up for text alerts or something like that, but never got around to it.

The Bad News:  having gone through security, all the best restaurants are now beyond my reach, as they're outside the security area.

The Good News:  I stop in at Andale!, a reasonably good Mexican restaurant (one of two decent choices) for a bowl of tortilla soup while I watch the 49ers play Miami.

The Bad News:  after stopping Miami's drive and driving down the field with no timeouts remaining, Shawn Hill is sacked on the Niners' 4th-and-10 play.  Baby steps!  Besides, it could be worse:  I used to follow the Detroit Lions.

The Good News:  despite word that the 777 was sold out, I'm sitting in an aisle seat, with three empty middle seats next to me!

The Bad News:  42 seconds after we push off from the gate, as the flight attendants are showing how to put on the life vest and blow into the ridiculously short tubes to inflate the vest, the babies who were strapped into their seats are now all crying, in a crescendo that even howling dogs would admire.

The Good News:  the captain comes on to say we're going to make up some of the time on our way to Chicago.  Maybe I'll make my connection to Toronto after all!

The Bad News:  that bottle of white wine now costs six bucks!  I can just imagine the bullet point on McKinsey's "route to profitability" presentation to United's CEO...

The Good News:  my gate for the Toronto flight is close by my landing gate in Chicago.  I even have time to get a hot dog (don't you dare use ketchup in a Chicagoan's presence!) before I get on the flight!

The Bad News:  there a couple of divas on the plane who are upset because they're going to have to put their carry-on luggage (which is all of their luggage) in a space behind their seats (a frequent flyer no-no).  I can't be separated from my L-V!

The Good News:  I get through customs and immigration in record time.  The body armor on the customs agent is a little unsettling.  And my Toronto airport shuttle drop-off is across the street from my hotel... woo hoo!

The Bad News:  the hotel has given me a room that smells like onions... and the bed isn't made... and--oh!--that's because there's someone sleeping in the bed!  Back to the lobby...

The Good News:  I get a room that doesn't already have an occupant.

The Bad News:  I'm not sure this bed came with a blanket.  And the bed's a few inches too short.  And the cold is coming right through the brick walls.  Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite!  Wait, that was the other hotel...

Monday, 15 December

The Good News:  I figured out how to turn on the heater... 

The Bad News:  ...this morning, after I spent the night sleeping under my winter coat.

The Good News:  it's warmer here in Toronto than when I left Gilroy yesterday... a little wet, but probably in the low 40's.

The Bad News:  when I leave our Toronto office Monday evening, the temperature has dropped to about 28˚F (-2˚ C for my metric friends), and that's before the wind started blowing.

The Good News:  found a way to sleep with my feet on (vs. hanging off of) the mattress.

The Bad News:  it's even colder today, -3˚ C.

Tuesday, 16 December

The Bad News:  even though the hotel serves "Wolfgang Puck" coffee, it still sucks.

The Good News:  I figure out that it's a short walk (maybe five or six blocks) from our office to my hotel.  I have a couple of restaurant ideas in mind, but definitely don't want to wander around in this weather!

The Bad News:  the temperature has dropped further, and my ears feel like they're going to snap off in the cold.

The Good News:  Bardi's, the steakhouse next door to the hotel, is pretty reasonable for a steak dinner.

The Bad News:  I get the waiter who was the understudy for Lurch in The Addams Family.

The Good News:  The Fairmont Royal York is across the street, so I can go there for a decent glass of wine.

The Bad News:  $14!

Wednesday, 17 December

The Good News:  it snowed while I was sleeping, about 10cm (or maybe 2.5 inches).  I got into the hotel before it started coming down!

The Bad News:  The street cleaners are just getting out, so every corner is a slush long-jump event.  See if you can clear the slush! Try not to land in the water! Leap for the snow! Hope there's no ice underneath!

The Good News:  I read about a great wine/tapas bar, Jamie Kennedy's Wine Bar.  They pair small plates of food with great wines, I can't wait!

The Bad News:  I thought it was at 6 Church Street... apparently not.

The Good News:  9 Church Street--we're in!

The Bad News:  I have to sit at the bar, the place is packed!

The Good News:  the bar server can see I appreciate good wine.  Pretty soon he starts bringing the extra goodies over.

The Bad News:  OK, there really isn't any!

Thursday, 18 December

Last day of my trip (as planned, anyway).

The Good News:  weather is clear (and cold), no more slush ponds to jump over at every corner.

The Bad News:  time to drag my suitcase to the office.  Nothing says "tourist" like a guy dragging his roll-along suitcase through the financial district.

The Good News:  looks like I'll make it to the airport before the weather turns nasty.  Air Canada sent an email out saying I could change to an earlier flight for free, if I wanted to get out before a storm rolls into Toronto.  Translation:  we warned you, don't blame us if you get stuck at the airport!  I'm leaving Toronto mid-day so I should be alright.

The Bad News:  everyone else had the same idea.  And I'm headed to Chicago, where the forecast is for two inches of ice.  And the weather has basically made today the start of the Christmas travel season.

The Good News: made it out of Toronto on time, now in Chicago.

The Bad News:  I feel like I'm in the middle of filming Home Alone.  I expect to hear "Kevin!" at any moment.

The Good News:  We're due to leave Chicago before the ice storm arrives.

The Bad News:  The storm has already stranded aircraft in normally warm-weather locales like Las Vegas.  No aircraft means no flights, which means some of my fellow travelers on their way to winter vacations in Hawaii, Australia, etc. are scrambling to find a flight out of town.  I have time to make an earlier flight to SFO, but don't bother as I'd have to wait for my bag to arrive anyway (the one downside of checking your luggage).  

More Bad News:  My flight is delayed, about an hour.  We're all watching the weather, trying to see if we'll be leaving before that wall of blackness descends on us.  I head to the only  bar on this concourse, and everyone is in it.

But Some Good News: We finally board and make it out of Chicago!  Ride's a bit bumpy, but we make it to SFO OK.

Some Final Bad News:  my bag doesn't roll off the baggage carousel.

Some Ironic Good News:  Turns out my bag was placed on that earlier flight to SFO; it's been waiting for me all along!

The Best News:  home safe and sound, and not flying anywhere for the holidays!

It Takes a Big Man...

Stuff I Was Wrong About

• WMD's
• Iraq's political stability after the fall of Sadam Hussein
• The integrity of a couple of executives
• Enron's role in the California energy crisis
• The staying power of South Park
• The safety of the Space Shuttle
• Bush=Gore
• What was "juiced" in baseball
• Where the fish would be hiding

Stuff I Was Right About

• Multimedia and the timing of "voice-data convergence"
• Al Davis' motivations
• The .com bubble
• The safety of the Space Shuttle
• The RIAA's inability to prevent illegal music downloads
• Joe Montana's touchdown pass to John Taylor in Super Bowl XXVII