An Apology For Simple Software. There is a trend among armchair commentators to criticize software for perceived oversimplicity or lack of features. I would like to propose an analogy with carpentry which I hope will foster greater understanding of the merits of simple software. [kuro5hin.org]
The best pieces of software I have used provided an easy interface for beginners. However, as I got more experience and dug a little, I progressively uncovered more complicated and powerful interfaces. Good games are just like that. Simple enough at first that you are drawn in; then, as you get addicted, more features come in.
I guess my point is that simplicity doesn't preclude power, so long as the issue of user learning is well understood. However it's probably easier to design separate pieces of software, each for a specific range of uses.
Bring awareness of Web community inside the newsroom
These ideas go beyond just news sites. They're really applicable to businesses, organizations, and (if I can pull off the implementation of blogging + RSS software at Illinois Library Systems) even libraries.
"... don't trust your instincts about risk and be careful how you change your behaviour in response. It's entirely possible that you could be increasing your risk by being too worried." [David Harris' Science News]
New Section: Science. imrdkl suggested it, and you voted on it, so in accordance with the majority vote, I've added a section for Science. [...] The science section is now available for articles, so if you were waiting to post something, wait no longer! Enjoy. [kuro5hin.org]
"Moby has started a book club as part of his current World tour.
He wants fans to bring along second-hand books to swap....
He told The Sun: 'When someone finishes a book they put it in a little box and when someone else wants a new book they look into the box and find one.'
'Ozzy Osbourne used to snort ants. Led Zeppelin had sex with hookers on private planes. And I start a book club. Because one can only snort so many ants and have so much sex before one starts to long for the comfort and companionship of a book.' " [Ananova, via LISNews.com, via The Shifted Librarian]
In case you're interested, the musician also keeps an online diary.
More on post-9/11 censorship....The removal of sensitive information from web sites is undermining scientific research in many fields. Quoting Steven Aftergood, director of the Federation of American Scientists' project on government secrecy: web censorship "either creates unnecessary labor to identify and track down a copy of the missing document or it yields an inferior or incomplete product." [FOS News]
