Writing immersible content for the web is always challenging. It’s a medium not known to sustain readership beyond a few seconds. Imagine having to sell a product in a limited amount of time and sustaining the attention span of an online user. This is what the workshop intended to address. Content speaks to a specific audience and good content only makes the actions on the website more compelling.

A few scientific facts that relate to web content – people don’t read web pages, they scan. Reading is usually 25% slower on the web than print. Also, since readers don’t read what has been written on the web page, therefore the first few paragraphs of your article must state the important things first to sustain interest. Another surprising aspect about online behavior is that users tend to focus on images first, particularly if the image is that of a lady.

The anatomy of a web page content is divided into three parts – Page Title, Heading and Paragraph. Therefore for better comprehension of the content, a page title must be clear, short and simple, the heading must be used to make the major points and the first paragraph should describe the major points in detail. The inverted pyramid style of writing web content is a good example of presenting the conclusions at the beginning while providing the details at the end. This helps the user to grasp the gist of the article immediately.

Amidst some live examples in slides the discussion then pointed towards best practices of web content writing. Such as using highlighted points, having lists, using bulleted points to aid in scanning the details, avoid writing numbers (1 rather than ‘one’) and not using underlined text that gives the impression of a link to the user. Most importantly avoid using jargon in your content writing.

Amongst other things the workshop focussed on case studies and research papers too. One research suggested that if the length of the line is too long it slows the reading speed considerably. Another research provided conclusive evidence about the preference of users for left aligned text because the focus point of reading is fixed and always constant. Also the workshop discussed making software error messages concise and simple to understand. In a nutshell an ideal error message should tell the user what the error is, where the error is and how the error can be rectified.

Sadly a very interesting and insightful workshop had to be concluded but not before it left an indelible mark on our minds.

Radio
The first thing I noticed while watching the videos was the radio in the Windows Phone 7 Series that comes with the  integration of the  Zune technology. Now many would question the need for a radio in an iPod with thousands of MP3s at your disposal. The question is with the most innovative apps around on iPhone why has the radio not been integrated so far. Any pointers?

Home Screen
The home screen of a Windows Phone 7 Series device is made up of several tiles (or “hubs”) which in my opinion a smart innovation. Looks like one can accomplish tasks without leaving the home screen and according to the Microsoft press release there will hubs related to People, Games, Music+Video and more. The tiles provide Live updates from Facebook and other social media channels which just adds up for a seamless interaction with the device. What’s more, users will be able to create tiles of their contacts to receive live updates. On the other hand as compared with the current HTC HD2 home screen interface, the iPhone still looks outdated with its glossy 4×4 square app icons for the home screen. Mac fans may differ with my point of view but honestly the dynamics of the smartphone UI (may I add touch-screen) market is ever-changing and Apple needs to rethink its UI strategy for iPhone. Also the advantage lies with Microsoft which provides the device manufacturers the freedom to build innovative applications with the Windows Phone 7 Series platform — the TouchFlo, TouchFlo 3D and the Sense UI technologies from HTC are an outcome of this arrangement that provide a an enhanced user-experience. Apple does not do that rather it has released the iPhone OS SDK to the developer community and left it upon their discretion to innovate, create and sell apps via its iTunes App Store. Indeed the apps have been the backbone for the iPhone/iPod Touch products. It’s a win-win situation for both Apple and Microsoft in that sense.

Bing+Games
All Windows Phone 7 Series devices will come with a dedicated search button with (not surprisingly) Bing as the default search engine. Microsoft will also integrate XBOX Live into Windows Phone 7 Series for serious gamers and Microsoft Office for enterprise use. There’s also discussion about Windows 7 support which is missing currently that will complete the spectrum – from PC to cloud computing. Noting the comparison and the features one can say that the expectations from Apple have only gone to a new level. As for me, I am waiting for the launch of Windows Phone 7 Series this Christmas.

I did not set out with a firm expectation on what the design should be or how it should “feel”. Before I finalised the current website I had trashed atleast 3 designs because I was not satisfied with the output. Either it was too colourful or murky or it looked very dull. What was my user going to think about me? it was a question that consistently flashed across my mind. So I stepped into the user’s shoes and began thinking critically. The end-result was a minimalist design that goes against all norms of “good” web design which we have come to admire in this so-called ‘Web 2.0′ world. My aim was to reduce the “noise” while providing the right “signals” to the information seeker. I wanted the visual design element to be invisible such that the likelihood of getting influenced by graphics, colours, etc. and being dragged away from the content I wanted to be consumed was reduced. And so here is that website that begs your utmost love, care and affection.

A few things must be said before leaving this website in the good hands. It’s still in a work-in-progress state so expect a few dead links, a few glitches here and there. Most importantly I am eager to know your views on the overall experience so do not hesitate to leave your comments behind. Happy surfing!

When you move a file that’s going to be duplicated, Windows system asks you if you want to Rename it or let Windows give it a default name — in which case it adds an ‘_numeric’ to it.

Mac does have this auto-rename feature but only for its Downloads. For instance you downloaded a file using the Safari browser, it defaults the name to ‘_numeric’ if a duplicate file is found. That is a boon because users download a whole lot of stuff and don’t want to be bugged by dialog boxes asking for renaming/replacements or whatever.

But here’s where the goodness is soured. If you use Finder to move a bunch of duplicate files across 2 folders, Mac just gives you 3 options – Don’t Replace, Stop and Replace. There’s no ‘Rename File(s)’ option available! I fail to understand this but my hunch is that this nifty feature might have been patented by Windows. For whatever reason, it’s a basic choice which Mac just could not have ignored.

I have posted my feedback to Apple and hopefully they will include it in their next release Snow Leopard. Looking at current times when content creation and warehousing are mere necessities, empowering the user with features that streamline the processing of his/her data would always be welcomed.

The flinging of the shoe was not merely and expression of anger from an individual, it signified that the democratic system of modern India had broken down and that the citizens had lost faith in the fundamentals laid down by the very Constitution of India – Freedom of Expression & Speech. It’s shockingly ironical to have the keepers of this very fundamental right harbor a belligerent view of protest in a nation that has awarded its citizens freedom of expression through the Fourth estate. We have to note the exemplary work done by advocate H S Phoolka who has taken up the cause of fighting for aggrieved Sikhs of the 1984 riots using the apparatus offered by the Constitution of India. There is no lawlessness in this country or circumventing of Human Rights that requires a futile act of courage from a reporter who has the ability to enlighten the society through his writings. When did the shoe become mightier than the sword? one must ask Mr. Singh.

This episode has drawn a disappointing parallel to the supposed act of protest by a journalist in Iraq. One must be forewarned that Chidambaram is not a variant of the policies that were supported by Bush and despite the alphabetical alikeness, India could never be an Iraq. The Indian justice system would decide fairly what the outcome of the case would be.  Let’s remind ourselves that the same courts condemned and sentenced criminals like Manu Sharma (Jessica Lall Murder case) and Vikas Yadav (Nitish Katara murder trials) despite their high & mighty political affiliations and the media must be thanked in part for highlighting the shortcomings of the case and bringing the culprits to book. No doubt if proven guilty Tytler would be censured for his deplorable acts against humanity. For the present though the focus is on Jarnail Singh and his unconstitutional chivalry that needs to be debated & condemned across the society.

[tags]chidambaram, india, dainik jagran, jessica lall, nitish katara[/tags]

FedEx would have delivered the package on March 23rd if Mount Redoubt had not erupted ‘untimely’. All FedEx flights were diverted and the package took a week more than usual for delivery. It was a situation beyond anyone’s control but I was getting impatient. Finally the good news from FedEx that the package had arrived in Regina early morning and was going to be delivered today. No way I was going to miss the delivery schedule (and wait another day). I requested the executive to let me know an hour before the delivery van was at my doorstep so I could go home and she agreed.

Finally the call came from FedEx but guess what?!! the delivery van had already reached my doorstep and the lady was apologetic for missing the point (aw! darn!). The driver said “sorry” he couldn’t wait and his next stop would be the Sask Energy building just in case I could catch him. I made a dash for my house in the cold and saw the FedEx white van turning at the corner of the street 2 blocks away from my location and vanishing- oh dang! I reached my doorstep to see if there was a note but couldn’t find one but I knew the van was in the vicinity. Reaching the Sask Energy building was my next goal and the biting cold made a block look like a kilometer long.

Soon enough I saw the white van turning into the backyard of the huge Sask Energy building and I was running once again to catch it before it vanishes once again. The van was parked amidst a few more white vehicles camouflaging it nicely. It felt like I had been set up for a cruel joke – when I reached the driver had disappeared. I wasn’t sure how long I would be waiting in the harsh cold. I wanted my Mac TODAY, I said to myself and I’m not leaving without getting it. Sooner than I’d finished cursing myself, a uniformed personnel arrived smilingly like he knew who I was and what I was looking for. Apple, he told me had not authorized him to reroute the package to the office address (which was pitiful) and he had a schedule to meet so he had to rush. After the preliminary exchange of greetings, he vanished inside the van to find what I was looking for and reappeared with a puny little box that hardly look like it contained Mac. And it was so freaking light! A few “thank you”s and “apologies” later we both went our ways. I left the box at my apartment and it’s lying there now awaiting my arrival in the evening.

And so the Mac is here FINALLY. The question that begs an answer – is this the end of my long affair with the PC?

There’s nothing much to explore in this cold season in Regina because everything’s covered under snow. It’s also difficult to walk on the streets when the wind chill factor is low (or should I say high). So although one might be an avid walker in Mumbai, being adventurous in this season in Regina could mean a nasty frost bite or exhaustion. Ice gets deposited on any part of the body that remains exposed to the cold wind while you’re taking a stroll. Feet even though wrapped in woolen socks turn numb and ache. All sidewalks and roads that are covered with snow will make walking a very challenging task. It’s not surprising that most people around here own a car while others take the Regina Transit bus service for commuting. Cab services are also available and just a call away if you can afford the fares. But wait until the summer turns up. The locals keep talking a lot about the season when they go mountain biking or trekking. I am eagerly awaiting the the sun to bring me the comfort of its warmth.
 
Regina is full of nice people as I found out much earlier than I expected. My first contact in this city was Surjit, a security officer at the 711 store on Broad Street. I met Syed later originally from Pakistan and introduced by a friend from the project who gave me and my teammate a ride in his Honda around the city. On another evening a Regina Transit lady driver helped me find a bus to take me to Downtown from the Eastern parts of the city. She took a pamphlet out and marked the bus timings for me ensuring I am not left out in the cold literally. Then 2 youngsters became fast friends at the McDonald’s outlet – one from Afghanistan the other from Azerbaijan. However that is nothing as compared to the smiles and greetings that I receive everyday from countless strangers on the streets and in the elevators. Friendliness is like a way of life for these wonderful people.
 
Food is another thing that one enjoys in Regina. In fact this city is well-known for it’s wide variety of restaurants. There’s a food court in the Cornwall Centre mall quite adjacent to my office which caters to every taste bud on this planet. My favorites include Manchu Wok and their Garden Plate dish, the Opa from Greece with their delicious Veggie Pita wraps cooked in Olive oil and also Edo from Japan who serve one of the best Udon Noodle soups I have tasted so far. It’s difficult to finish the bowl but that’s pretty much lunch for me. Veggie food is not difficult to find but be assured that soups would use meat broths as I found out later in one of the city restaurants. Be a little flexible on the eggs too if you enjoy eating out too often. Not to mention how addicted I have become to the Hot Chocolate and Cafe Mocha from Tim Hortons. It’s far easier to compare anything with India and get away but Canada could be exciting too if you learn to adapt yourself to it’s environment and the society. The good thing about this country is you can make friends as easily as getting freezed in the wind chill. There’s a lot to be shared about Regina and I think I haven’t actually. It’s getting interesting now as I start to dig my feet into the frozen earth of Regina.

The ‘Van Huesenish’ , Harvard return millionaire Sanjay Singhania (Aamir Khan) runs a telecom company called Airvoice from Mumbai. His style statement includes rolled-up short sleeves over his bulging biceps, his flair for negotiating deals with white men and his unmistakable love for technology which is evident from the MacBook he owns.  Enter the bubbly Kalpana (debutante Asin Thottumkal) modeling for an Ad Agency and boasting about her alleged romantic angle with Sanjay Singhania. That not only wins her a lot of favors from her peers but also puts the millionaire in shame of losing his identity until he decides to take the matter in his own hands. The palpable anger however subsides once Sanjay has a brush with the charming Kalpana – it’s love at first sight. She’s loud at times no doubt. But the most endearing quality is her love for the destitute and the weaker sections of the society. Surpisingly the movie is named after the brute character played by Pradeep Singh Rawat called Ghajini Dharmatma. He joins the list of dreaded on-screen men with fancy names but he also gets a movie named after him which is so rare in Bollywood.

Ghajini is an escapist cinema – one that was purely intended to entertain at the cost of factual bluffs. Aamir must be credited for portraying a wild, ruthless and a dark character with such ferocity. The amount of effort that he invested in the making of Ghajini and afterwards is seen on the silver screen. However he growls a tad too much which is discomforting but it’s all absorbed in the action and the story moves on. His sequences with Kalpana are the most enjoyable on screen and complelety contrary to his psychic behavior which is dark, scary and almost animal-like. Such ghastly portrayal of a ruthless evildoer was once a hallmark of ShahRukh Khan in Yash Chopra’s Darr (1993) – Sanjay Singhania is closer to Rahul Mehra in his dastardly animal acts, however his motivation is revenge for the death of his fiancé rather than romance. Aamir’s 8 abs (or whatever they say) matches his brushed look and the shaved head with the deep scars – which are so profound one can imagine the impact of the hit he must have received. The songs (composed by A R Rahman) feel like they were retrofitted in the script to give the audience a respite from Sanjay’s howling and hits. ‘Guzarish’ (no doubt) has been the highlight of the movie with the sandy picturization and Aamir’s flat tummy. The sensuous Jiah Khan also gets to sway with ‘Lattoo’ which has a nice rhythm to it. ‘Kaise Mujhe Tum’ highlights the agony of lovers and thankfulness. This song has a nostalgic feeling to it.

Overall Ghajini is an average fare but Aamir takes the cake for his portrayal of a sick person with failing memory. But before you hop into the cinema hall, read more about anterograde amnesia to help you familiarize with Sanjay’s psychic condition.

» Visit the Official Website

OLLO traces the footsteps of Lucky Singh (Abhay Deol) who makes a leaving stealing cars and housebreaking. Lucky’s the cute next door guy gunning for a high society lifestyle. For him, the sky’s the limit for his brazen activities and he’s also not limited by weather or daylight in that respect. With his partner in arm called Bangali (Manu Rishi) he’s introduced to Gogi Bhai (Paresh Rawal) and together they form a coterie that runs havoc in the capital city. He’s enamoured by his love interest Sonal (Neetu Chandra) a last year college student. Things begin to take a turn when he meets Dr. Handa (Paresh Rawal) and his wife (played by Archana Puran Singh).

My liking and inquisitiveness for the north indian dialects – those that are spoken by the commoners around the Delhi area began with Khosla Ka Ghosla and Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye has come to personify the same. Abhay Deol as the high profile thief cum lover boy is just fantastic and after Manorama, Socha Na Tha, Ek Chalis Ki Last Local and Honeymoon Travels Pvt Ltd., one must appreciate his choice of films that have abstract storyform. That makes me await eagerly for his next release Dev D directed by Anurag Kashyap. What needs to be noted with OLLO is the sheer characterization of the cast. It’s heartening to note that Dibakar has not let the success of his previous movie overshadow this one in terms of story, cast or music. Talking of which OLLO has some foot tapping numbers like ‘Jugni’ (Des Raj Lachkani & Party) finds rooted in Punjabi with coatings of western hip hop and the title song in Punjabi beats sung by Mika. This is brilliance that is very rarely seen on Indian screens. Entertainment guaranteed so just go for it. Just don’t look for any social messages from it.

I have been on Wordpress since 2005. However I have found that it takes a lot of effort for a single person to update and maintain this highly acclaimed application. I have to take constant back-ups of my database/files/wordpress files and keep up with the current version as and when it has been released. It’s time consuming and stressful and sometimes puts me in a panic state of mind – what if the new upgrade doesn’t work for me.

Moreover to maintain the following of readers I am always under pressure to write frequently which given my crazy mood pangs and writing skills is not possible. I am always searching for bright ideas to keep the crowd entertained but it’s not easy sometimes. Besides my hectic schedule the motivation to to write something creative has been dwindling in the past few weeks. The website has lived it’s lifeline and served it’s purpose. It’s time to now move on to the next generations of apps.

Given the limited resources (creatively and technically) I have decided to shift to Twitter and Tumblr temporarily. I find using these social networking tools an efficient way to express my thoughts with less time and effort. I will continue to write for my website till the time I decide to replace it with something more useful but not frequently. I am heading for a change pretty soon.