http://writersblocklive.com Where Books Get Written Before Your Eyes Sun, 01 Jun 2008 09:03:15 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en There was a period, 1996-1997 if memory serves, when I single-handedly did all the North American tech support for a new CD burning application called Toast. I was retained by a small German company, Astarte, when it became obvious that their German support staff could not keep up with the ... http://writersblocklive.com/burnt-toast-and-cool-cats-2008-06 I suppose it's fair to say I know Steve Jobs; at least more than most people know him. I've been in meetings with him, I've been chewed out by him (more than once), I've had lunch with him, and I've even been in his house. But it was all 'in ... http://writersblocklive.com/i-really-wish-i-knew-steve-jobs-better-2007-09 I've been to hell and back the past several months, but things are beginning to stabilize...at least enough that I feel I can start writing again. Time will tell, but I'll try. http://writersblocklive.com/ok-im-back-2007-09 Some time back I was forced to close registration for this site, due to the huge wave of 'fake' registrations being made by spammers (in advance of their attempts to post comment-spam). It pissed me off so much, I just said 'fuck it' and shut the whole thing off. ... http://writersblocklive.com/registration-re-opened-2007-09 Apple just posted an article written by Steve Jobs, describing the DRM situation with iTunes, as he sees it. It's a fascinating read: www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughtsonmusic So out of character for Steve and Apple to provide explanations like this, when they are usually so tight-lipped. I find it refreshing. http://writersblocklive.com/steve-jobs-speaks-out-on-drm-2007-02 There's an article on ZD Net this morning exposing a ridiculous new DRM schemes that's being pitched to movie studios for use on standard DVDs. It makes the discs unplayable on Windows computers. That ought to go over like the proverbial 'turd in the punch bowl'. Here's the dirt: Protect DVD-Video - ... http://writersblocklive.com/drm-lunacy-2006-10 I think this statement from Amazon's UnBox website tells the whole story: If your device is Plays for Sure compliant it may work... May work...the mind boggles at the way Microsoft gives their products names which embody the exact opposite of what the thing does. Play for Sure, Windows Genuine Advantage, Windows ... http://writersblocklive.com/plays-for-sure-the-big-lie-2006-09 I was saddened to read today that Tera Patricks, of www.mac360.com*, passed away after a long fight with cancer. My heart goes out to her friends and family. I always enjoyed her approach to Mac journalism, and will miss her wit and style. *looks like her site is down right now, due ... http://writersblocklive.com/bummer-tera-patricks-dies-of-cancer-2006-08 Building 50-foot walls just createsa market for 52-foot ladders. http://writersblocklive.com/todays-thought-on-drm-2006-07 The boycott of the new HD disc formats that I proposed back in February has gotten a lot of press coverage; which is just great. But now that the silly machines are actually starting to be sold I think it bears updating. My view is simple: the movie studios ... http://writersblocklive.com/hd-boycott-update-2006-07