Bonafide

I recently posted a comment on slashdot where I explain, in a big-picture kinda way, how I ended up with my job at the credit union. And it's true, that's not what I mean. This post, however, is about certifications.

Do I think certs are bad? Nope. I think they're cool. I think they're awesome to have, to show, and to show off even. I'm not above giving a man (or woman) props for sticking to a program all the way to the end. That type of dedication is to be commended, and whomever has shown it earns the right to boast about it.

Just don't rub it in, of course, or use graphics on your resume. (Full disclosure: I once recommended to a friend that he use graphics on his resume for his certs, to spice it up. Yeah, I've changed my mind, thanks)

So do I think certs are something required? This is a definite no. I think that most jobs list them as prerequesites because they don't want every Joe Computer who can wiz through Windows 98 SE, and play a mean game of Tekken, to be applying for their job. And that's understandable. Honestly, I've seen more job ads with the clause "or equivalent experience" than I've seen with a simple "you need these certs or this degree to apply."

Of course degrees are something else. They show an entire mountain of dedication where certs can sometimes only show a small village. These people took not only classes in their selected field, they broadened their horizons with knowledge from all kinds of sources.

Again, these peeps deserve their commendations, and I give them sufficient praise whenever applicable. (That's right JRob, I'm talkin to you!)

But on the flipside, on my side? They're really great to have, but after you self-teach yourself something for so long, you begin to wonder what the fuss is about certs anyway.

I found two points from this comment very insightful. He's speaking of those without certifications, ie, 'self-taught' people:

first, there were gaps in their knowledge that came from being able to do things without understanding exactly what they're doing or the underlying technology.

This is very true. A lot of times I'll get a new piece of hardware or software and I'll just dive right in. You don't need to know the exact technology because all things have a pattern. All things have syntax. When you understand command structures, config layouts, and setup defaults, you quickly learn that with Google all things are possible. As long as I keep my stuff in a controlled environment, I am very happy with how I learn my skills.

The second thing that I noticed was that self taught people could not see their lack of knowledge.

I don't see this one as ringing that true, but I know many where this is the case (of course, here I am, self-taught, saying that I can't see my lack of knowledge. The irony is palpable).

I think the point is this: When you're so used to diving in and getting your feet wet, you don't look at technology as a series of limitations, but a progression of challenges, each furthering the one before it until you've mastered whatever hoops need to be jumped through, and whatever is necessary to make Product X work like it should.

Those with certifications are used to finding limitations and structures of Product X and working inside them. This is the proverbial box that people love for your to think out of. Take this how you like, but this is what rings true to me.

In the end, as long as you know what you're doing, or can help me with what I'm working on, or getting out of my way so I can work on it, I have no qualms.

Qualm-free, that's me.

So Fresh and So Clean

So, Microsoft is still planning its own anti-virus. This is just great. Especially for those smaller AV houses, even the free ones.

Microsoft also claims (read: what-the-fuck-ever) that it will NOT bundle said anti-virus software into Windows. Uh...huh. You know, you can only get bitten so many times by that pet snake before you realize that snake just hates your guts. Windows is that snake. How many times have you had to reinstall it? For those who have not, how long did it take before your computer has slowed down to a cludge that is not unlike the tar pits of dinosaur times?

The fact is Microsoft will unleash this ignorant monster, as it has with other stupid things, such as Windows Firewall(about as useful as a fish hammer), and will release some 'critical update' which 'just so happens' to download anti-virus to your machine. Let us protect you, Microsoft will say. Let us take care of that need. You don't need Norton, you've got Windows Update and Windows Virus Shield! It's like free dirt on your bologna sandwich! So irresistable that you just can't wait to give us money for it.

And of course, for the first 3-6 months, it will be completely free. This is how Microsoft always tries to get ahead in business: by bleeding profusely for whatever stupid, ignorant idea it has. Next year the X-Box 2 will come out, following the money-losing X-Box in hopes that somehow it will turn the tides and get a leg-up on the competition.

Of course it will probably backfire, just like another certain company did by releasing a next-gen console early to lukewarm reception, reviews, and mediocre and rushed games. Of course, most of the games were made by said company, because the rest of the world was still developing for something that was, oh, I dunno, MAKING MONEY? (Click here for some fascinating reading--particularly the Dreamcast sections)

Back to my point: Anti-Virus will, sooner or later, be dominated by Microsoft. Prices for other Anti-Virus services, particularly Norton, will go down, and depending on how much Microsoft will bleed for the opportunity, maybe even squeeze a huge market percentage out for them. Each new PC will automatically, 'for the consumer's convenience and safety', have Windows A/V on it. Then there will be crying and mass hysteria in the streets, lawsuits will be filed that will take a decade to play out, and in the meantime each new PC is still being loaded with the shit, until every soccer mom in the free fucking world is stuck with it.

They'll probably make it like Windows Messager, where you can't get rid of it unless you actually take the time to go to Control Panel and then Add/Remove programs, something the lay user just does not know how to do. If they did they wouldn't be asking geeks in the family, now would they?

Honestly, I'm surprised it took this long for the Windows AV thing to pop back up. Expect more 'shock and awe' coming from the computing world before this is over.

Carpel Tunnel Gmail

For those who really, really want a Gmail account, this is the site for you.

However, I suggest getting one from eBay (look here), for those whose time is actually worth something...

Leggo my Ego

I couldn't help but fall over laughing on this one. The quote is taken from this section of an interview with the guy who created Mozilla.

Every place you walk today, you look at a sign, you look at the back of a truck you see URLs. Tim Berners-Lee did an amazing thing. But do you know why there's URLs on the back of trucks? It's because of the Netscape browser.

Allow me to rephrase that in Ego-ese:

Every place you walk today, you look at a sign, you look at the back of a truck you see URLs. Tim Berners-Lee did an amazing thing. But do you know why there's URLs on the back of trucks? It's because of my big dick.

Sorry, I think the guy's head might be a little inflated for that one. There were other browsers, and when the 'browser wars' erupted, you could easily say the same thing in regards to IE. I remember when both were being sold, yes, retail, for real paper money in electronics stores.

Give me a break.

CoH & WoW

Ah, my good bud Tycho comes through with some of the best, most sarcastic writing around.

Here is his quick take on the whole CoH vs. WoW thing:

(as read here):

"...where World of Warcraft says, "Here, let me show you a better way," City of Heroes says, "You know what? Fuck Dragons." Those two distilled manifestos might be just what you need to pick your poison.

That's what I'm talkin about. Tycho can always be counted on for excellent, honest opinions and wonderfully clever writing.

As for the whole CoH thing, I've spoken about it, as well as when I decided to quit. It's an experience grind. It offers nothing 'new' per se. After the first 15-20 hours of gameplay, you hit the same climb offered anywhere else.

As for WoW, consider this is a notice of signing my ass up. I LOVE Warcraft, all things Orcish and Humanish and Elvish and Zombieish, and I can't wait to dive into the world they're creating. The different between NCSoft and Blizzard, it's that Blizzard actually know what they're doing as far as innovation, and NCSoft is treading the same ground over and over again.

Let me get this straight, it's going to take another year and a half to add player combat in City of Heroes? Of course it's not quite as simple as just letting people fight amongst themselves, but damn. That is nutty. And for $15 a month, you better give me more than a free comic book and some 'upcoming features' while at the same time there are NO in-game events, there is NO story, there is NOTHING in regards to a real economy or shop-type atmosphere, as you have to find maps or get tips on where the shops are! What kind of insanity is that?

So on the flipside, World of Warcraft actually looks like a living, breathing world, you know, the kind you might want to go have adventures in? The kind you'd like to pay for the privilege of enjoying? The kind that offers something new and cool and is communal but not pushy, adds atmosphere and doesn't sacrifice quality. All of the things City of Heroes didn't deliver for me.

CoH fun? Sure, for awhile. But so is a pogo stick. But World of Warcraft is a Cadillac.

Hell, Nice and Frozen

YES!

YES!

YES!

A big huge thank you to Ken Edwards for hooking me up with a GMail account! That's what I'm talkin about, yeah!

If you would like to email me, by all means, eerwin@gmail.com is up and running.

Of course misterorange@gmail.com was already taken, I wasn't that nieve to how far along the name-taking process had progressed. Regardless, I am very VERY happy to be apart of it.

First impressions: very sweet, nice, slim interface, and it makes hotmail look like absolute garbage. But then again, a granny's first webpage makes hotmail look like garbage, but I'm very happy to have a little part of the Goog in my life.

Too cool :D

Bone Throwing

Well, you know Gmail has hit the bigtime when Forbes does an article on it. Here's a disturbing quote:

"One month ago free Gmail accounts were being auctioned for $200 or more; today they are lucky to fetch $5. If you don't want to pay for your free Gmail account, but you want one right now, try www.gmailswap.com and suggest a creative trade. Or just sign up for a blog at Google's Blogger.com; after you post for a little while, you can expect an invite."

Well, news to you bud: I've been back posting for a very long time now, no invite here. I also had a blogger account from back before Google even bought it, and while this doesn't mean I'm going to stop using it (c'mon now, it's fantastic, and easier/simpler/better than any content management system period), but it doesn't stop the sighs from coming when I think about a Gmail account :\ Maybe it's the inner-geek and his need to get something that not everyone on the planet has access to, even if the 'secret's out' sorta thing. I don't know. But it'd be cool at least.

Meanwhile, people who liked TechTV are pissed off about G4TechTV, a convergence that borders on creepy, like having a rotweiler and a bunny mate. On your front porch.

I kinda miss G4, especially considering that Comcast in Knoxville was one of the first stations ever to carry it. Now I think it's on 'premium' digital cable, also known as Too Fucking Expensive For What You Get. Not that I don't mind 37 movie channels, but when I did pay for all of them, which I did for a small period of time, I barely watched anything on them. Yes, 37 movie channels has options. But a bunch of mediocre movies, dozens even, do not equal one Magnolia or The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly. Hell, it barely meets a Doc Hollywood.

So in light of this, I'll lament the loss of G4, but not too much. There were only a few programs worth watching, notably Filter with the cute Chinese girl on there, and the review show I can't even remember the name of because G4 isn't on my channel selection anymore.

Oh well. TechTV was always boring (The Screen Savers was cool for about 5 minutes--let it go), and G4 was always devoid of any real, interesting content.

But in the meantime, I'll wait patiently for my Gmail invite that may never come, and until I shall weep, hope, and get frustrated, though not in that precise order.

Rejection Conjecture

Rejection sucks. I hate rejection. I avoid it like the plague. I try to propose things in the most friendly by-the-way suggestion possible as to avoid a big nasty "No." What can I say, who wants to be denied?

Well, I thought this breakdown and analysis of rejection letters was cool.

Here's the interesting part: I got one just a week ago!

The story: I wrote a piece in hopes of publishing it on Londes.com, a Magic: The Gathering site + store that has plenty of articles and writers and whatnot.

Why? Well, I dig Magic, but I haven't played in 7 years. I just got back into the game, and am enjoying what little I do play. I wanted to write a 'retrospective' article that detailed my thoughts on coming back to the game after all these years. I told the editor that it should go under "Humor" as it is really meant to amuse and give a little pause to the average Magic player (who's average age is 13, btw). Of course, those savvy enough to be reading Londes.com are probably a lot older, and that's the audience I wrote for.

Now I have this 1500 word piece with nowhere to go. I should post it or something.

Anyway, here's the reject letter I got:

Evan,

I've been thinking about what to do with your article for the past week, and I've come to this conclusion: while the writing is solid, I don't see what a reader would take away from this. As such, I cannot use it.

However, as I said, your writing is solid, and I would still like to see what else you can produce.

Finally, as a small note, we don't run contests at Londes.com. Instead, all articles published on our site are compensated with $8 in store credit. Then, after you have submitted a few articles, and we get an idea of how good a writer you are and the number of hits you get, we then make you an offer to become a columnist (columnists are paid in cash).

Thanks, and I hope to hear from you again in the future.

William Spaniel
Editor, Londes.com

If anyone's interested leave a comment and I'll post it as one. It's not much of a read to those who don't know Magic, but hell, if the need's there, at least I wouldn't have wasted an hour or so of my life in vain.

I do think I'm getting better at this columnist thing. Paul gave me a very nice comment on my recent article up at starchamber.net, and that's a good feeling. With Incursions (the SC expansion) due in just a few weeks I've got a lot of writing to do, and I'm excited to get started.

Plus there's Origins coming up, which entails a visit to my bud Tone's. Should be buckets of fun.

Buckets peeps, buckets.

Dual Parenting

Tonight I get the kids all to myself, and I hit the terrible delimma when you have both a toddler who likes to do everything with you involved, and an infant who can't request your attention (unless they're hungry or have a seriously nasty diaper).

So I'll spend plenty of time with Annie, but then feel terrible as if I'm neglecting Abby, which I try not to do. I'll get her out of her swing (her favorite place in the world--once we had my bud Jim actually get his out of the attic and set it up just so she would calm down) and sit her on the floor to try to get her involved. And of course, getting an infant 'more involved' generally means cleaning a bit more drool than normal. But I digress.

So tonight, as I have other nights where Ericka has been working, I'll try and walk the tightrope of attention and neglecting, whether it be one or the other. Then comes the pain of feeding one or the other.

But I got the quick answer on that one: The infant wins. Everytime.

Ghosts of the Phantom

My new article has just been published on starchamber.net, covering Phantom Tournaments. Just FYI :)

Developerish

Man, Joel Splosky is one smart cookie. His articles are always insightful and interesting, though as with any great writer or columnist you normally have to wait too long before a new piece comes out.

With that said, he just published How Microsoft Lost the API War, a very cool piece on the state of Windows programming and the insanity there-in.

I post this for myself because I like to try and keep up with conversations with other geek friends and to further my knowledge on random technological stuff, to keep me In The Know(tm).

A good, solid read.

Mummy's Curse

Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy is a waste of plastic, time, and trouble. It's a 'puzzle' game that doesn't even have voice-over for its cinematics (Wow, reading my through scenes is just so...exciting), and the controls are ass. Which is kind of important to get right in a platform/puzzle game.

You know, after experiencing the high quality of Sly Cooper, anything that makes me wander around in freakishly boring environments with boring tasks to further the snooze-worthy story deserves nothing less than the trash bin.

Why in the world it's getting such nice notices from Gametab is beyond me.

At least I just rented the turd, and not actually bought it. Stay away. You have been warned.

Tree Builders

Here is a neat little japanese tree-builder game. It's neat, fun, and mindless. All the ingredients necessary to waste time.

Integrity

Wow, I gotta give props to my man Brian Bailey. He responded to my recent blog post below, and his comments are very insightful.

I appreciate his time and effort to respond to my, frankly, very hurtful comments when read in the mindset of someone who might happen to go to Fellowship Church. I have great respect for people who can not only take criticism, but respond accordingly. Not to mention those with great intentions who can actually deliver on those principles.

And hey, Quakecon isn't ruled out this year, so be careful what you wish for Brian ;) You could have a Geek Sighting sometime in August.

Of Beds and Broomsticks, vol. 2

Thanks to everyone who showed up for Annie's B-Day party. I know there are some readers who were guests, and I hope everyone had a great time. I know I did.

Annie racked up, as kids always do, with plenty of new toys and things to step on and injure parents almost immediately. But that is the nature of such things.

However, let us recall what my last blog post entailed. It included a reference to getting Annie a new bed. Well, one of her gifts was a complete set of Dora the Explorer bedsheets (bedsheet, matress sheet, pillowcase and blanket) to go on her new bed.

Last night we attempted to coax Annie on said bed. No dice, she wasn't having it, she was thoroughly pissed that we'd even suggest such an idea.

So after about twenty minutes of "No" followed by crying, we finally put her in the crib.

About 45 minutes later, Ericka puts Annie in her bed, hoping that this will somehow evoke change in our daughter like putting a rock in water and expecting it to swim.

From that simile alone you can deduce what happened next. Annie woke up, and she was pissed. And I don't mean upset, I mean like Atom-Bomb-Fucking-Pissed-Off. Her world had exploded. She had went to bed thinking one thing, she had woken up thinking another. And she was so upset, it took us, literally, almost 15 minutes to calm her down.

But let me clarify this even further. She wasn't just crying. She was thrashing. She was screaming, she wanted answers, dammit. "No bed, no bed" she would scream, over and over. And no matter how much we told her she didn't have to get back in the bed, no matter how much we held her, no matter how much we told her it was okay, she was going to be upset.

And finally, after some of the most terrible, agonizing minutes of my life, we found the answer: me and Ericka began to sing.

Blue Clues.

Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, you may be laughing, or even smiling (I'll give you smiling, it's cute, okay?). But dammit, it worked, and after singing just about every basic musical interlude from that show, Annie was finally calm enough to drink some milk (chocolate, shaken not stirred) and fifteen minutes later was in bed (read: crib), and off to la-la land.

We're not sure what happened. She woke up a few times later crying, but after a few minutes she went back to bed. To some, this is Heartless (tm), but too much pampering and babying can lead to a child who only cries longer in knowing that a parent will soon come running. I don't know if child experts agree with it, but it's worked so far.

Anyway, I go on about this because this was the most extraneous case of crying and disruption I've ever seen in Annie's little world. It was worrying to say the least, and I was relieved (yes, to say the least) when it was over.

Tip to self: when transitioning, it might not be the best idea to do such drastic operations on Day 1.