This isn’t a post about whether a I like a redesign or not, it’s about a site taking the plunge and owning it. Sites big or small are always looking to change their looks and function to keep up with the newest trends of the internet. These trends are moving rapidly and sites are having to move at a quick pace to keep up with the demand of the users. As a devoted reader of many online publications and user of many web apps, I’m always surprised by redesigns. Sometimes my reaction is instant and overly critical and sometimes I take the site as a new. To be honest, I love to read the criticism from all the users to rate the design and really understand what people think about a new way of viewing their beloved content. I rarely, if ever, partake in the angry mob scene with my comments since I understand that the site isn’t mine to change; but in a way, it is. Let me explain.

Web apps and publications are at the mercy of the viewers and users. A company is not a democracy, but it is. The executive power remains with the company to make the decisions to add/remove features and content but the viewers/users have the utmost say in whether those changes should occur. For example, if Google decided to add huge advertisement banners to their homepage that has been extremely accepted by the masses as one of the best designs for a search engine, I think there would be a major uproar. People would instantly post, comment, email and send in the dogs to change back the design. Google, on the other hand, has the executive decision to consider the input and remove those ads. Those ads could boost the revenue for the publicly owned company significantly. The consideration of boosting revenue and losing a percentage of users/viewers is the great dance that all companies make while designing a site. The saying, “it takes two to tango” goes beyond the dance floor and into a revenue model.

Now, the site must either concede defeat and revert back to the old design and function and, literally, head back to the drawing board; or own the design without making excuses and let the user adapt to the redesign since it will be better for the site and user in the long run. When I say “excuses” I’m not referring to notifications or company blog posts explaining the redesign and new functions, I’m referring to the posts or letters of employees or representatives of that company not instantly accepting the redesign. An example of an “excuse” would be the large cop out articles like Paul Carr of TechCrunch recently wrote about the new redesign of TechCrunch here explaining that he’s not sure how he feels about it and mocking his viewers for actually caring about the design and layout of their beloved online publication. Mockery of your readers is overboard, egotistical, and a bit asinine. I’m not hating on the site since I’m an avid reader but I’m hating on the pedestal that some of the writers put themselves on, and that is something to add to the template that Paul so kindly gave the readers.

If a company put a lot of work and thought into a design, you, as a users/viewer, should consider the change for a time and understand why the changes were made before unleashing the kracken. The redesign should be there to help the company in many aspects and not just to look cool, so take it with a grain of salt.

Note to companies: It may seem cute when an employee or rep of the company decides to post something semi-humorous about the redesign but it goes from cute to insulting when the post if meant to mock the user/viewer of the site. And that can’t be good for business.

Through news articles, blogs, and other sorts of media, I have had the chance to observe the Tech startup scene in many narratives and objectives, and there are a lot of opinions in the most current boom in tech in many types of subjects. I’m going to focus on something that I haven’t come across but I’m sure there are multiple articles on this and I haven’t had the chance to stumble upon them.

Currently, building and running a startup, compared to startups 10-12 years ago, is cheap. I mean pennies on the dollar for servers, bandwidth, and product development. Thanks to technologies like the RackSpaces Cloud and Amazon’s EC2 you can get a server up and running in minutes, the most viable product in front of users in weeks and, probably, funded in months. Is this another bubble? Well, some say ‘yes’ and others say ‘no’ but this isn’t a piece on that bubbling (spun..) subject. This is a piece on a new type of situation happening in the tech world, a BRAIN DRAIN of sorts.

It was brought to my attention recently that some of the hottest and well funded companies on the West coast are having a hard time finding the quality talent that was ubiquitous in the 90’s and early 2000’s. I began to wonder where did all the talent go? One explanation is all thanks to U.S. Visa regulations, a lot of lead talent had to leave the country (kicked out) due to their work visas expiring. This affected many tech companies by saying bye to their fantastic team and, also, affected the employment rate do to talented entrepreneurs having to move their businesses to where ever the individual lived. Now, that was a kick in the gut to the tech community and a big FU from the U.S. but it shouldn’t have lead to the large empty talent pool.

Where does Education fit in?

A few other articles suggest that great minds are just not being produced anymore through Computer Science programs, but this can’t be the case either since most of the best entrepreneurs and engineers that I know or read about never finished University or College. With the daily advent of new technology, the possibilities of a successful future without further schooling have become more accessible to young people. The Thiel Foundation, for example, is taking initiatives to disrupt the status quo,  and validating young people’s skills beyond their school walls. If there’s a growing tech entrepreneurial  mindset, then the NCWIT may have some figures to support the shift. This is also another topic that needs to be touched on later. (Education Bubble?)

The Startup scene

The number one threat, in my opinion, are these tech startup Incubators and Accelerators that are pulling in top talent from all over the country and the world to innovate and accelerate the world in tech. These institutions are offering the best, the brightest, and most motivated individuals the chance to create something, build a fantastic network of people, and leave a mark on this world. Look at it from the highly motivated individual’s stand point: Here’s $20k, office space, a cohort of other innovators in the same position as you, and the option to skyrocket to tech fame… I mean, why not? And, this isn’t a bad thing by no means. I’m in that position as well with my startup and the backing of an awesome VC/Accelerator but I’m just trying to put a finger on the problem of this massive decline in supply of top talent. I still get asked to join startups and other tech companies since my skill set is something they are in dire need of but, oops, I’m doing something myself and don’t have time. So, with YC accepting 70+ startups this year, TechStars accepting over 40+ throughout their 4 locations, 500 Startups accepting 45-60 in 2011 and an estimated 75+ in 2012, Founder Institute motivating talented individuals in 8 location around the world, and countless other incubators popping up all over the U.S. it’s hard not to blame these type of institutions (or companies or VC somethings) for the lack of talent happening in the U.S. Now, I’m not saying that there isn’t any great talent in the world to hire, I’m just saying that they’re, probably, already hired. Now that Peter Theil started 20 under 20, the talent pool is going to empty even quicker as if someone doodied in the pool (Caddyshack anyone?) and everyone is trying to save themselves from the horrific turd of 9 to 5 workday.

Now that I’m in Boulder, I get to see and meet the minds behind the next big tech startup and I’m having the chance to see the frustration and needs of these companies. Many startups have gained capital to bring on the talent but there is no talent to be had, and others are going with the equity split but many developer and engineers have seen that light show before and it just isn’t worth the time and effort. Being approached and given the elevator pitch many times, I’ve had to decline since the offer on the table wasn’t big enough or the idea just wasn’t to my personal liking and I can only imagine what other developers are thinking when confronted with the same offer. Right now, VC and Angels are jumping at some of the hottest ideas with funds to boost the idea to the next level but the funds are at a stand still since the founders can’t get any quality code and product out without the quality developer to make it.

Where does it all lead?

I don’t know what the answer is to this dilemma but I do know that talented and motivated people are trying to change the world one startup at a time, and I’m liking the scene right now. I love that there are new startups popping up all over the globe and I get excited when they get funding and I can’t even express the joy of reading about successful exists, but this still doesn’t get pass the fact that there is a shortage of talent in the tech startup scene… maybe this is just something we just have to deal with. Let the race to get the best talent continue!

Contributor: Grant Carlile

Not in any particular order of importance… just the most fresh first.

1. Apple releases the new iPad: This is a big deal because this is the first successful tablet PC* on the market. Apple is known for their excellent design in hardware and software. If you like the iPhone, then you’ll like the iPad. This is an excellent product for consumption of media and not made of the hardcore PC gamer or developer. (*Apple products are PCs, don’t let them fool you)
   1. Why does this matter?: This matters because there will be a new consumer product category available for mass consumption. The tablet PC has been around for awhile but no design has allowed it to be used by a typical user. The UI of the iPad OS is incredible and slick. I really like Apple products but I was hesitant about the iPad because I had the mind set that I could buy a powerful PC for the price of an iPad. Once I realized that the iPad was made for eBooks, Magazines, simple email, and other simple fuctions, then I understood the power of this tablet. A new App market is emerging from the iPad that will create more over-night millionaires and really cool products.
   2. What is going to come of this?: Well, a large table market! There are a few competitors releasing their products very soon, like JooJoo and iTablet. We will see a range of Operating Systems from a Windows touch OS to many Linux touch OS’s. There is a producer taking advatage of the Google Android OS on the tablet. I’m excited to see a Ubuntu version of the OS or even a Jolicloud OS!
2. D.C. Federal Court overturns ruling on FCC regulations: On Tuesday, April 6th 2010, a D.C. Federal Appeals Court overturned a ruling that gave the FCC the power to regulate Internet Service Providers like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon from limiting the content that flows through the tubes. This ruling really put a dark cloud over Net Neutrality.
   1. Why Does this matter?: This means Comcast can decrease the download rate for certain IPs. They can limit download/upload rates to Hulu and make it near impossible to view the content. Anyone remember the 56k day? Yea, it’s going to get real ugly. Providers like Comcast will soon begin to limit the access to websites and increase the bandwidth to their own products. Say bye to streaming content… and say hello to new partnerships that will regulate pricing across the board.
   2. What is going to come of this?: Hopefully, nothing. The FCC has a few options left before these Internet Service Providers have complete control over the content. First, FCC can appeal this to the Supreme Court because it could, possibly, be unconstitutional to limit free speech or freedom of the press… somewhere there is something unconstitutional. Second, the FCC is planning on declaring the broadband as a Title II service. This means that the FCC will have the regulatory powers over the ISPs and can recommit the Net Neutrality policies, but right now broadband is a Title I service and the PCC has limited control over the service.
3. HTML5: Don’t be scared of the new HTML5 markup language. It’s basically going to simplify coding and decrease the need of 3rd party applications like Flash. By introducing this new library of tags, we can actually embed a movie that plays with less than half the processing power.
   1. Why does this matter?: It a next step to “Web 3.0″ and equal interaction across any OS and language. Currently, products like the Apple iPad and iPhone do not play Flash video. This video is restricted on these machines because of the energy needed to use the application. With HTML5, videos and games can be plays through a compatible browser easily and quickly.
   2. What is going to come of this?: Well, Flash is going to have to come up with better solutions. I mean, they have some of the best software out there to create great programs and applications through Flash, but the processors and battery life has become very important thanks to portability needs. Plus, we are going to see really fun interactive websites!

I’m going to give the Cons first:

• There is no USB port installed! You need a little dongle that plugs into the iPad to get a USB attachment. Going to lose that in the couch with the Apple remote…
• There is no way to change the battery yourself. This is the a full-body aluminum casing and there is no way to get to the battery but to take it apart.
• There is no way to change the hard drive with out taking apart the iPad.
• It only comes with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB of solid state hard drive space.
• Programs can’t run in the background, so multi-tasking is out of the equation.
• It cost $130.oo more for a 3G data card installed… not only are you paying 200x the normal price for this adapter but you have to pay the $30/month for unlimited 3G access (or $15/month for 250MB/month… oh what a deal…) to AT&T.
• It doesn’t come with headphones.
• There’s no mic.
• There’s no camera.
• No Adobe Flash integrated on the browser yet… wtf.
• Low power processor that is only 1 Ghz.

The Pros:

• It’s light at 1.5-1.6 pounds
• It can run iPhone apps that you purchased already.
• Simple interface design… same as the iPhone
• Up to 10 hours of battery life.
• High Resolution screen
• The developer community is excellent and there should be some interesting apps coming to iPad only.
• Play movies that are purchased through the iTunes store.

As you can see, I don’t think the $499 (minimum) price tag is worth it. This thing needs a lot of improvements before I consider purchasing one. Since the unibody design has been released on most Apple products, I refuse to purchase any of them. They may have great hardware and software, but if I can’t upgrade things myself I don’t want it. I’m a tech at heart and I’ve built my own computers, so I know how to save money in upgrades and not waste it on over priced memory or hard drives.

I’ve read a few reviews and I understand that this is not suppose to be a full-powered PC but a simple task-oriented PC, but if I’m paying up-the-wazoo for this computer, I should have the ability to enhance the performance to my needs. Maybe I want to edit movies, built websites, and play WoW with out the computer lagging or taking 5 years to encode a media piece. I can only imagine if WoW was released on a multi-touch tablet PC…OMG!!

Let me know what you think about the iPad. I’m up for suggestions… maybe it will convince me to purchase one.

**All images on this post belong to Apple Inc.

Foursquare is a smart phone app. It uses GPS or signal triangulation to find where you are in a city. With your location found, the app will find a list of nearby restaurants, book stores… anything that can be named and located. So, I go to my favorite coffee shop, Pour House Cafe in Bloomington, and I click ‘check-in’, the app finds me and gives me the list. On the list I select Pour House Cafe and complete the check-in. This gives me points and I compete with my friends who are on my Foursquare social network. You can manage your friends and information via smart phone app, but the web app is bigger and easier to manage. You can not ‘check-in’ on your computer (or at least I haven’t found how) which is a down side, but it’s fun and you can keep track of your friends favorite places. Oh yeah, you get ‘badges’ for checking-in the most or at a number of different places. Lastly, there are Mayors of places on Foursquare. This means they have been there a lot.

Try it out! Have fun with friends and family, and let me know what you think about Foursquare.

Here are some screenshots:

#1) Outlier : the story of success by Malcom Gladwell

This is an excellent book about success and how outliers are made. The outliers are the rich successful people you read about or see on TV. An example is Bill Gates, how did he become the brilliant Bill Gates? Read this book and it’s very eye opening. Outlier is a collection of great stories of people growing differently but becoming just as successful as the last guy.

#2) E-myth revised : Why most small businesses don’t work and what to do about it by Michael E. Gerber

If you want to start a company you must read this book. Michael takes you though a true story about years of watching a small business basically run into the ground. Through this experience he realized the problems with small business and what needs to be done to not fail. This is eye opening and a great motivator.

#3) Blankets : an illustrated novel by Craig Thompson

I know what you’re thinking, “It’s a comic book, you can’t be serious!”. Don’t judge this book based on the illustrations and the fact that it’s a graphic novel. This book is a touching story about two people in love and the fun, pain, hurt, needs, and wants of a couple in love. It’s a movie in a book and I can read this every year. Blankets is a excellent book and the illustrations are beautiful.

#4) Once You’re Lucky, Twice You’re Good : The rebirth of Silicon Valley and the rise of web 2.0 by Sarah Lacy

If you’re a geek like me, this book is for you. It doesn’t teach you code or techniques, but it tells the story of your favorite geeks of the west coast. If you’re in the Kevin Rose fan club, you will love this book. There are some photos but don’t get too excited. It’s interesting how connected the silicon people are to each other. It’s a very interesting read and enjoy dreaming of geeky fame and fortune.

#5) Crush It! : Why now is the time to cash in on your passion by Gary Vaynerchuk

This book is a 200 page power house of motivation to get up off your butt and do something you want. After reading the book I thought that it must be very exhausting to live with Gary. This guy is all about branding and building your name though the web. He is a self-taught pro in the world of Social Media and Social Marketing, and has the audience to prove it. The book is fun and will eventually teach you some techniques about building your brand.

Send me your favorites! If you’re in the Bloomington, IN area let me know and we can meet to discuss books. Maybe start a book club?

It was a great turnout for the Bloomington Tweetup (#Bloomingtontweetup) at Stone Cutters Coffee! For all of you that don’t know what I mean by “tweetup”, it’s a term used to describe a meet-up of your Twitter friends. This give you a chance to put the actual person with the twitter name. It was excellent seeing Adam P. Schweigert (@aschweig), Kevin Makice (@kmakice), Colin Clark (@colinaclark), Phil Skaggs (@bastoid1), and Megan Meyers (@megameyer) come out for the first Bloomington Tweetup.

Please visit http://bloomingtontweetup.com/ if you want more information on the Bloomington Tweetup schedule. Also, the sponsorship on the site is $50 and all proceeds go towards  Jill’s House, a local non-profit that provides a comfortable, affordable home-like residence for cancer patients undergoing treatment at the Midwest Proton Radiotherapy Institute.

Here is some video from the event:

Also, I checked-in with FourSquare at the Stone Cutter Coffee. Let’s play!!

Please let us know when a better time to schedule a Tweet-up.

There are tools I’ve focused on in the past entries about telecommunication, file storage, and document creation that can be used to organize ideas, manage clients, and manage projects via a web browser. Online marketing has also simplified to a point that we can use Google or other major Ad companies to generate leads and bring potential clients our way in other countries. The ubiquity of high-speed internet has created a gateway for live collaboration in idea and white board sessions with a partner around the world. Thanks to the current state of the economy there are many talented individuals that can stop looking for the next 9-5 job and start looking for the next big idea with people all around the world.

I’m pumped about this year and I hope you are too! That’s my prediction of 2010 (twenty-ten)! What’s your prediction?

Here are some high points of the year:

1. Acquiring a company and then growing to a level of getting calls weekly for work.
2. Growing partnerships to start looking for office space together.
3. Meeting new people and brainstorming everyday about something new and fun. It’s like startup weekend everyday.
4. And of course, having a great family and friends. (This is always #1)

Let me know what your high points were for the year! I would love to hear what you’re thinking.