Xagronaut

Mobile Computing

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Mon 25 Apr 2005

Microsoft: Where’s the feed?

Microsoft has certainly joined the blogosphere in a big way, whether it’s the famous Scobleizer or a host of developers (onsite and offsite). Much of the MSDN content is available via RSS.

Ironically, however, a visit to the MSDN Blogs page, which lists the most recent blog posts from the MSDN Microsoft clan, fails to turn up the famous XML () or RSS () images. In fact, I have yet to find a master list of RSS feeds on Microsoft’s website, although this FAQ about blogging and RSS/Atom points to some helpful feeds and resources. A Google search turns up a page of Microsoft PressPass RSS feeds and a Security Updates page with this feed.

I did find a couple of RSS feeds on the Architecture page and a link to a list of architecture-related blogs, but again without a group RSS feed for the list of blogs altogether. You have to visit each blog to find the RSS link. Simon Guest’s black-on-blue RSS link is hard to see, demonstrating the disadvantage of diversity in weblog layout. My best guess is that the URLs just map to the blog software of choice for each author (ain’t the web grand?).

I did unearth a very cool gem while digging through the MSDN blogs, though. Jack Greenfield’s blog pointed to a blog by Grady Booch! Talk about cool! I’d only heard legends about the guy, you know, Booch Notation, the “Three Amigos,” UML, Rational, etc. He has a blog–how cool is that? And he also has a picture, which I think I will add to my mugroll.

Then there’s also Martin Fowler’s “bliki“, or in his words:

A cross between a blog and wiki of my partly-formed ideas on software development

I need to come back to absorb the essence of his bliki approach to publishing. Fortunately, his hybrid approach still offers an RSS feed. And, of course, Martin has a picture too.

Bottom line: Microsoft should make it easy to find RSS feeds on their site, including a link on their site map.

Update: I found (after much searching) a page which lets you search the Microsoft site blogs. It serves up RSS feeds and OPML for categories of blogs.

Thu 5 Jun 2003

Posted by jmiller under Mobile Computing
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Handspring Back Together with Palm. Mercury News: Palm to acquire Handspring. It has been a long road back — one marked by giddy success when… [Dan Gillmor's eJournal]

Fri 2 May 2003

Posted by jmiller under Mobile Computing
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Model Train Control Using Your PDA. VP writes “Forget that crap about PDAs making you more productive by keeping useless contact lists and appointment reminders. Here is the real reason PDAs … [Slashdot]

Thu 6 Feb 2003

See You in a Year

Posted by jmiller under Mobile Computing , Outpost516 Journal , The Muse
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I went without a cell phone about six months ago for budget reasons. I couldn’t see paying $80-120 per month for two phones. Especially not for the plan we had. Talk about withdrawal symptoms. Even now, I find myself worrying about Karla and wanting to call to check on her or see if she needs anything.

I have to say, not having the extra expense has definitely helped. I think. On the other hand, I’m not really sure if I haven’t just spent the extra money somewhere else on extras like food, videos, etc.

There’s a saying, “An advantage is not an advantage unless you take advantage of it.” Sorry, I can’t remember who said it. A savings or cut in your budget does nothing to save you money overall if you spend that same money on something else.

But anyway, as the title hinted, I’m watching the plans and the technology, just waiting for the right mix at the right price. Since I bought my phone, they’ve introduced color screens with games and digital cameras. Cool! But not cool enough. Or at least, not cool enough to get back on a plan. Yet. The longer I wait, the more I save, and the cooler the products get.

Wed 22 Jan 2003

Fun Pen App

Posted by jmiller under Brave New World , Mobile Computing
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“holy crap, that’s cool” [Daypop Top 40]

I wonder though. People often sign their name. My conspiracy-prone mind is saying, “Gee, they could collect signatures and idea scraps using this app.” Imagine yourself sketching your latest brainchild on their app, only to have it stolen by their technicians. Stupid, I know, but at least you read this far.