181
182
183
Corporations and OSS Do Not Mix
I have been working on Open Source Software (in one way or another) since 2011 (just over 4 years since my first open source commit on a project). When I started writing open source software it was for fun. I was not a Computer Science/Engineering student. Programming was a hobby and open sourcing the code was fun and…
184
Algorithmic surrealism: A slow-motion guide to high-frequency trading
Please note: Part 1 of this essay appeared in the Feb 2015 edition of Contributoria . It is published and modified here under a...
185
Mozilla Launches Open-Source Support Program
Today Mozilla is launching an award program specifically focused on supporting open source and free software. Our initial allocation for this program is $1,000,000. We are inviting people already deeply connected to Mozilla to participate in our first set of awards.
186
187
188
Why is finance so complex? (2011)
Lisa Pollack at FT Alphaville mulls a question : “Why are we so good at creating complexity in finance?” The answer she comes up with is the “ Flynn Effect “, basically the idea that there is an uptrend in human intelligence. Finance, in this view, gets more complex over time because financiers get smart enough to…
189
My bank has an API so I built online banking
I recently attended Mondo’s second Hackathon, and it was incredibly insightful. My first hackathon, and moreover, my first time working…
190
191
192
Subtle Mid-Stage Startup Pitfalls
(This post is derived from a talk I gave at SV Angel's CEO Summit.) A lot has been written about the dangers that early-stage startups face. But startups face a different and equally lethal set...
193
Project Fi Review: Cell Service from Google
Mostly a visual journalist, I love tech and building things. I am an award winning photographer who has captured life through the lens in Central Pennsylvania for over 40 years. I also enjoy writing stories to blend with my visuals. On my off time, I am usually busy with construction projects on my rental properties…
194
195
196
What doomed MakerBot? The Osborne effect
On April 17, MakerBot laid off 20% of its staff . That's a big deal to me as I've been wondering what happened to the MakerBot I used to admire . Years ago, I looked up to the MakerBot team as a role model of how to run an open hardware company. Bre Pettis, MakerBot co-founder and former CEO, had given many talks and…
197
198
199
200
201
A new Microsoft browser?
Recently the news broke that Microsoft may be working on another browser instead of IE. After reviewing the available evidence I’ve come to the conclusion that, although Microsoft is making a few adjustments, and a name change for IE might be a good idea, the new browser will essentially be IE12. Still, I think we web…
202
Invented here syndrome
An explanation of how I use an LLM to help me with Unity, do math quicker, and add Victorian flavour to the text.
203
204
A different cluetrain
Back to: Escape from the planet of the Ice Giants | Forward to: Even More Obligatory Author Shilling
205
Candy Japan 2014 Year in Review
Looking back on what happened in 2014 for the Japanese candy subscription box Candy Japan.
206
I’ve Joined the White House’s U.S. Digital Service
The need for effective government services is rising, while confidence in our ability to deliver them is dropping. More than ever, day-to-day interactions with government are powered by digital sys…
207
10,000 Hours with Reid Hoffman: What I Learned
(Credit: Wired magazine. ) Time to read: 50 minutes We touched down in Las Vegas only three hours before, but we were already back in the plane and flying home to San Jose on a brisk winter day in …
208
209
210
Startup Priorities
One of the most difficult tasks for a startup founder is deciding what to do. Where should the tiny number of people working on a brand new company spend their time? Choosing wisely can place your...