#!/usr/bin/geek

BIG changes are coming...

2010-11-19T22:43:14-05:00

We're working on an all new version of usrbingeek.com. As part of this upgrade, this blog is being placed on permanent hiatus but all the existing content and posts will be archived somewhere on the site indefinitely.

The new usrbingeek.com will be a radical change compared to what's here presently and a total shift in content. Think: a new and different direction and purpose.

Please don't ask us to explain more right now. We won't. Also don't ask when the new site will launch. We're not prepared to say anything more today. But, please feel free to wish us luck!

To stay updated on the progress, please follow @usrbingeek on Twitter.

BIG changes are coming... (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 19, 2010 10:43 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: usrbingeek.com
Post tags: usrbingeek ios ipod iphone ipad

Copyright � 2010 - #!/usr/bin/geek - All rights reserved.
This feed is for personal non-commercial use only and may only be viewed in an RSS reader or feed aggregator that does not display ads or in a similar web-based RSS reader that does not display ads and is protected by password. If it is being displayed on a web site please email steven at spamcop dot net. #!/usr/bin/geek also reserves the right to require you to cease distributing these feeds at any time for any reason.

It's time for me to move on

2009-10-24T10:52:11-05:00

There comes a time when someone has done something for so long that they are no longer driven or inspired to continue doing it and I'm saddened to say that I've reached this point with WyldRyde.

Today, I'm handing over control of WyldRyde to Jeff Weisbein and he'll be assuming the operation of WyldRyde from this point forward.

You'll still be able to find me on WyldRyde but I'm planning on playing a significantly smaller role there so I may fully dedicate myself to my photography and workshops/tours.

You can also keep in touch with me on Twitter at @usrbingeek and @vtphotog and on Facebook.

It's time for me to move on (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on October 24, 2009 10:52 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: IRC & WyldRyde IRC Network
Post tags: wyldryde, irc, irc network

Copyright � 2009 - #!/usr/bin/geek - All rights reserved.
This feed is for personal non-commercial use only and may only be viewed in an RSS reader or feed aggregator that does not display ads or in a similar web-based RSS reader that does not display ads and is protected by password. If it is being displayed on a web site please email steven at spamcop dot net. #!/usr/bin/geek also reserves the right to require you to cease distributing these feeds at any time for any reason.

Ethics of competing and solicitation

2009-08-19T15:34:13-05:00

Do respectable business owners go to their competitors' place of business, or send their employees and friends, to talk with their competitors' customers in an effort to get additional business?

This act is called solicitation and most business prominently display signs stating, "Solicitation and distribution of flyers on this premisses is prohibited."

Let's look at why this is called Solicitation and it's meaning. The New Oxford American Dictionary included with OS X describes it as follows;

solicit |səˈlisit|
verb ( -ited , -iting ) [ trans. ]
ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone : he called a meeting to solicit their views. See note at BEG .
• ask (someone) for something : historians and critics are solicited for opinions by the auction houses.
• [ intrans. ] accost someone and offer one's or someone else's services as a prostitute : [as n. ] ( soliciting) although prostitution was not itself an offense, soliciting was.

So, solicitation essentially means begging. When has begging ever been polite? Hell, prostitutes were thought to be so immoral that this word was applied to them in the last century.

I guess I was brought up different. I strongly believe this type of behavior is immoral. It's certainly not ethical, nor WJWD. I also believe it stinks of desperation and shows off the sleaziness of the snake that engages in it and/or encourages his friends to take part in it.

If you must hangout on a competitors' IRC Network at least have the decency not to promote or discuss your own. If you can't control yourself perhaps you shouldn't tempt yourself by using it. That's the ethical thing to do.

Ethics of competing and solicitation (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on August 19, 2009 03:34 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: IRC & WyldRyde IRC Network
Post tags: irc, wyldryde, competition, solicitation, soliciting, promotion, ethics

My Twitter Follow Policy

2009-05-23T22:15:36-05:00

I love Twitter. I even have a couple accounts. vtphotog for photography, birding, and Vermont related tweets and usrbingeek for IRC, politics, and more general subjects. However, Twitter is not completely free from drama or problems.

Recently, I silently unfollowed someone without any comment because of their constant personal attacks on another person that I followed. I have no interest in getting involved in their argument and wasn't getting anything valuable from following this person anyway so it wasn't a hard call to make. But, they must use one of those follow management services because they immediately sent me a particularly nasty email that restated some of their rants about the other person and also chastised me for unfollowing them. This situation has motivated me to put together this formal Twitter Follow Policy:

In general I follow my friends, associates, photographers, Vermonters and others that are otherwise interesting or funny, but only if I believe they are genuine, know what they're talking about and aren't insulting or disagreeable.

I don't try to limit my follower count to some arbitrary number but there are some things that will ensure that I wouldn't reciprocate your follow or could cause me to unfollow you, or maybe even block you. In no particular order, they are:

Personal attacks or hate speech against any group or individual;
Excessive updates within a very short period and are about nothing special;
Excessive rants in all capital letters;
Any Squidoo or Knol links or links to any "make money online" site that is just as bottom feeding and ridiculous as Squidoo;
"*ad*" or "paid to twitter" posts;
All or nearly all your posts are '@' relipes and are of no interest to anyone but who you're replying to (that's what DMs are for!!);
Every, or nearly every twitter, is a link to your blog, your RSS feed, or something else you're promoting;
You appear to be a minor and act like it;
Bathroom updates or toilet humor (You're not Howard Stern, nor do I want to follow him either);
DMs or excessive posts about #spymaster;
Spammy with #followfriday (Don't be lazy or stupid and recommend the same accounts every week);
Spammy posts about generating so many followers per day by signing up for a crummy service like tweeterfollow;
Multiple "listening to" twitters within a short period;
Automated DMs;
If your profile doesn't mention your real name, where you're located, and/or have a photograph of yourself;
No updates and I don't know you in real life;
Appear to be a bot or any other type of spammer.

My Twitter Follow Policy (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on May 23, 2009 10:15 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Twitter
Post tags: twitter, follow policy

Fly like an eagle

2009-04-10T03:37:34-05:00

The music is a bit strange but this video from a small camera attached to soaring Golden Eagle is quite amazing.

Fly like an eagle (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on April 10, 2009 03:37 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography
Post tags: eagle, nature, soaring, flying, birds, birding, falconry

My path to discovering Vermont Waterfowl

2009-03-02T16:24:09-05:00

Living in Vermont provides me with constant opportunities to make lots of landscape photographs. Everyday, no matter where I go I come across some picturesque scene and can't stop myself from photographing it. Sometimes even when I'm running behind or late. I hope I never become blasé to the beauty here.

There are many times of year when I do nothing but crisscross the entire state going to my favorite spots to make photographs at sunrise and sunset or wait hours at some barn until the clouds, light and shadows are "just right."

When the weather is changing and the sky is going to be dramatic I obsesses about going out to capture it and where I can work it best into some specific landscape. I couldn't care less if I get soaked in the process. All I want to do is get the image I pre-visualized.

My favorite thing though, is when I unexpectedly come across natural wildlife when shooting landscapes and working it into the scene or making it the prime subject. What kind of animals or birds it might be doesn't much matter to me.

I enjoy photographing Black-capped Chickadees, deer and voles just as much as Osprey, Bald Eagles, and Black Bears. But lately, I've gotten very serious about seeking out specific types, if not species, of wildlife to photograph rather than coming across it through happenstance and being an opportunistic photographer of it. It hasn't been easy.

I've been spending a lot of my free hours this winter freezing my toes off in a hunting blind and waiting for the wildlife. It takes a lot of patience and perseverance. Much to my own surprise I LOVE every freezing cold minute of it! I even enjoy the days where I didn't get one good image because nothing got close enough. The landscape and scenery is still breathtaking and the peace and quiet of the outdoors which is only interrupted by natural sounds like ice expanding or contracting, foot steps of animals walking through the snow or birds flying, landing, taking off or calling is sublime.

For the past couple weeks I've been photographing different species of diving ducks on Lake Champlain like the Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Hooded Mergansers, Lesser Scaup and Red-breasted Merganser. Up until a few weeks ago I never knew anything about them, let alone that they were here in Vermont. When I'm not working or out photographing them I've been reading about diving ducks and other waterfowl in Vermont. It's been such a fun experience observing, photographing and learning more about these fascinating and adorable birds.

Now through late April is a great time to view waterfowl in Vermont as many species stop here on their way to more northern breeding grounds. To watch them all you need to do is find open water (not ice), have a decent pair of binoculars, and keep still and quiet. (Its best to leave young children at home as they're unable to stay quiet or still long enough.) However, unfortunately to capture decent photographs of most waterfowl you need a lot of specialized gear as point and shoot cameras cannot provide the magnification (zoom), stability, or speed that is required.

The Lake Champlain Ferry Docks in Charlotte and Grand Isle have been good spots, when they're not frozen. (Grand Isle was completely frozen yesterday and Charlotte probably is or will be after today. But, later in the week I think the lake should open up again. Also note: You cannot go on Lake Champlain Ferry property unless you're crossing on the ferry but there are good vantage points near each.)

Sorry, I don't have any photographs to go with this post as I don't have the time (or drive) to sort/rate and digitally process any of these shots right now. As always, I'd much rather spend my time behind a camera making photographs than spending time sitting behind my computer.

My path to discovering Vermont Waterfowl (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on March 2, 2009 04:24 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography , Twitter , Vermont
Post tags: photography, wildlife, nature, vermont, vt, landscape, birding, birds

Next generation PocketWizards Impresses

2009-02-16T17:54:28-05:00

Earlier today PocketWizard announced their next generation of PocketWizard flash syncs and they look nothing short of amazing. Unfortunately, for Nikon shooters, we'll have to wait until the 2nd Quarter of 2009, whereas Canon's version will be available in March.

In short, you can dump all your unreilable PC sync cords and just slide these on your cameras and flashes and let your camera completely control the flash. You can still take over and do things manually if you like but wow, it sure sounds like using off camera flash just got really quick and simple.

Next generation PocketWizards Impresses (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on February 16, 2009 05:54 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Nikon , Photography
Post tags: pocketwizard, nikon, canon, flash, strobist

Photography is not a crime or terrorism

2009-02-12T12:37:24-05:00

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nailed 'Em - Amtrak Photographer

Yep, Amtrak really does have a photography contest and their security staff according to media reports, to this day, still harasses photographers for taking pictures of the trains.

The entire idea that terrorists take photographs to plan an attack is silly and something only Hollywood does to fill time in a movie. Security experts and intelligence officials say that there isn't any evidence that any terrorists photographed their targets prior to carrying out their attacks.

The unfortunate truth is that most attacks have been done with little planning and the terrorists are smart enough to not attract attention to themselves by photographing or video taping their targets.

Security guards and officials need to start applying some common sense to this. You don't have to be FBI trained to get a feeling if someone is acting suspicious or not. Just because an individual is holding a camera doesn't mean they are up to no good and it alone shouldn't be a reason to harass them.

Photography is not a crime or terrorism (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on February 12, 2009 12:37 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography , War on Terrorism
Post tags: amtrak, photography, photo contests, crime, terrorism

How does a photographer fix a broken light switch?

2009-01-07T23:53:51-05:00

How does a photographer fix a broken dimmer light switch in their office that is stuck on high and making the light too harsh?

No, the answer is not to call electrician.

Nope, it's not to get out the tools and replace the switch.

You also guessed wrong if you think the lights would simply be turned off.

The correct answer is in the full post.

I'm not sure right now but I kinda like the look! I don't think I'll rush to replace that switch any time soon.

What do you think?

How does a photographer fix a broken light switch? (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on January 7, 2009 11:53 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography
Post tags: photographer, photography, diy, home repair, repair

Nikon D3x announced, Where's the new 70-200mm?

2008-12-01T04:01:58-05:00

All the rumors are no longer rumors. Nikon officially announced the Nikon D3x SLR today. This professional digital SLR features a new Nikon designed sensor that delivers 24.5-megapixel resolution and RAW files that are at least 138 MB each!

The camera is strictly of interest to professional photographers and lawyers/doctors/dentists that can afford its estimated selling price (ESP) of $7999.95.

All the online forums and mailing lists are jumping with lots of Nikon and Canon users opining or making fun of the price. But to be truthful, I'm not too surprised by it. Its fair when you compare it similarly specced cameras.

Most of those complaining are making comparisons to the Canon 5D Mark II. But is this a fair comparison? While the Canon 5D Mark II is used by many pros it is certainly not pro-grade in terms of waterproofing, shock resistance, dust resistance, reliability and build quality. It's a "prosumer" product even according to Canon. A fair apples to apples comparison is the pro-grade Canon 1Ds Mark III which was released at $7999.00. Oh. My. God! What a nerve of Nikon to charge .95 cents more!

Besides, we all know no one charges the ESP after the initial shipments are sold. The prices start falling tens of dollars within 2 or 3 weeks of that and hundreds within 2 or 3 months. It should level off at $6,500 not before long.

I can't wait to start seeing the reviews of the Nikon D3x as I'm very eager to know if the 24.5 MP sensor lives up to the hype. Does it really perform as well as the D3 in low light? I wouldn't be surprised if it does but I wouldn't consider parting with any of my cash until confirming it does.

My biggest concern is that Nikon still hasn't refreshed the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens. While this workhorse lens is nothing less than fantastic on 35MM film bodes and digital DX sensor SLRs, such as the Nikon D300, it shows its age and deficiencies on the Nikon D3 and D700. In my opinion, it shouldn't be used on these bodies for professional work. So I always keep mine on my D300.

Nikon has released new lens essentially optimized for the FX sensor DSLRs such as the stunning 14-24mm and 24-70mm but there is such a large hole in the line up until you get up to the 200-400mm. Many pros that still had the 80-200mm on a shelf switched back to it. Others are using the Sigma 100-300mm F/4.

I must admit that the problems with the 70-200mm on the D3 has made me regret buying the D3. Had I known how it performed on it, I would have held off!

Short of an updated lens with F/2.8 and VR that covers the 70-200mm range on the market I'd hold off on even considering buying the D3x or any other FX sensor DSLR body. Nikon needs to fill this hole and fast! I cannot believe we're still waiting for it.

It was rumored to be announced on two previous occasions and many were saying up until last week we'd see it tonight too. I held out hope and thought we would see it updated along with the D3x tonight and possibly even seen the 80-400mm refreshed too. I have a feeling that Nikon is experiencing production delays or manufacturing problems that led them to pull back on announcing it. I really hope this is the case. I would actually feel better if I we heard this from Nikon, because it would be very alarming if they're not working on an update and no announcement is imminent! Nikon really needs to address this issue soon or at least speak out about it.

The D3x press release follows.

NIKON UNVEILS A DIGITAL MASTERPIECE: THE D3X DIGITAL SLR

With Extreme 24.5-Megapixel Resolution, Processed Image Files Exceeding 138 MB, Five Frame-per-Second Burst Speed and Nikon Core Technologies, the D3X Ushers in a New Level of Image Quality

MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) – Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

“In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon’s world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.”

Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model’s expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X’s speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED™ Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What’s more, Nikon’s advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon’s exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject’s eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes – Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF – are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon’s Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer’s vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera’s body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon’s acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera’s Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon’s Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon’s GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**

* Based on CIPA Standards
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikon D3x announced, Where's the new 70-200mm? (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on December 1, 2008 04:01 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Nikon , Photography
Post tags: nikon, canon, dslr, nikon d3x

Copyright � 2008 - #!/usr/bin/geek - All rights reserved.
This feed is for personal non-commercial use only and may only be viewed in an RSS reader or feed aggregator that does not display ads or in a similar web-based RSS reader that does not display ads and is protected by password. If it is being displayed on a web site please email steven at spamcop dot net. #!/usr/bin/geek also reserves the right to require you to cease distributing these feeds at any time for any reason.

Why I don't waste my time with new IRC networks

2008-11-29T22:35:13-05:00

Earlier today, I was repeatedly asked why I won't help others start IRC networks, and why I won't even join any other networks. This person made some silly statements, and put me on the defensive about the issue.

I always politely decline these requests and state that I have too many windows open so I cannot connect to anymore networks, which is actually true. I run Parallels just so I can run mIRC, and it can barely handle all the channels I'm in on the three networks I connect to.

It's also a time management issue, especially when it comes to starting a new network. Explaining this is usually good enough and puts the issue to bed. However today, he kept pushing me for a more direct answer and I just didn't know how I could answer this question without offending the person asking.

It's not only about Parallel's problems and my lack of free time. It also comes down to what I've seen happen time and time again.

It usually starts out with a teen that has a moderately popular channel with about a dozen or two users, sometimes more. In some cases they'd want to just have the technical experience of setting up their own network. In most cases, it has a lot to do with the perceived power. The ability to gline users instead of being limited just to channel bans is enchanting to some. Glining looks so cool, they think: "...I'll have so much power, over so many people, no one can argue with me again! HAHAHAAA!"

Nonetheless, they've got the idea of having their own network in their head so they start questioning what we use for software and hardware and how we do everything. It gets to the point of being annoying... answering these questions over and over, especially after seeing the same end result all the time.

But they don't stop. They repeatedly beg and bug us for help installing Unreal... on Windows! Then Anope. Then BOPM. Then stats. Eggdrops? Opps they don't run on Windows do they? Ugh! They never read the docs. They don't try to figure out anything themselves! They want us to tell them step by step... or better yet do it all for them!

By some miracle, they eventually kinda get some of it working, it keeps crashing, but hey it kinda works! Here comes the rub. Hardly anyone joins their new "network."

They thought they would get the users from their channel to switch to their new "network", and that they would move their respective channels but it usually doesn't happen. Many people on WyldRyde are in a lot of other channels, this is where their friends are, plus they're on other networks too. Why have another server window open? Many also tried out other new "networks" and experienced the same end result so they're reluctant to give any new ones a try.

So they start harassing everyone in their channel, and a few other people that they barely know in others. Maybe after lots of begging and harassing a few users will join. However, no one likes an empty net. So those new users might stick around just long enough that they feel like they're not offending the guy, but they typically don't return after a reboot or when that crappy Windows IRCd crashes or even more likely Windows crashes because 4 days went by without a BSOD. ;)

So after a few days and not being able to retain many of their initial users, they start to spam their "network" on WyldRyde and others. They get glined from all of them for spamming and there's no going back. Still no one joins... except the super idiots that use botnets to flood them in retaliation for spamming. Oops, it crashed again.

In a last ditch effort to get some users, they then start offering olines to anyone. I mean anyone. I'm talking about people that shouldn't even be trusted with IP addresses, let alone emails and passwords, which unfortunately most users don't make unique.

Through these abusive idiots and their "friends", they might get another dozen people to join... and that's usually when the fights for power start.

After a few hours (or maybe days) of the dogs fighting for the alpha and beta positions; or them then exceeding their powers by killing or glining users that are friends with the owner; the owner removes these idiots' olines and thats when the real trouble begins. One of them either hacks the server, services, or all of above. Or worse yet... DDoSes them out of an ISP! Yes, I've seen that happen too many times too.

After all that "fun," that's when they finally realize that running their own IRC network wasn't so much fun after all!

Sadly, this is when some give up on IRC altogether or they come running back to us to beg removal of their spam glines.

Sure this isn't what happens all the time. Sometimes it takes half a year for all this to play out. In many cases, it's just months (if not weeks). For the more than ten years that I've been on IRC, it's what I've seen happen over and over again. If I had to put a number to it I'd guess it was 99% of the time!

I can only think of three networks that started out this way and lasted more than a year. Even still, they struggle to find users and one of them just gave up too.

So when I decline to help, it's not because I don't like you, or trust you. It's not because I don't want to help. It's because I'm sick of seeing the same mistakes made over and over again and the same stupid immaturity. Simply put:
Lasting networks are not started overnight and are certainly never started by someone without any experience.

If you're serious about running your own network, you've got to get some experience first. Help out on other networks and work hard to become staff on them. Then work your way up and Admin for a while until you've gained enough practical experience that you can do it on your own without asking others for help. But, if you're volunteering at the right network, after a while you probably won't care about running your own anymore, as you should enjoy doing what you're doing there. In any case, it's the only way to gain the knowledge required to run an IRC network successfully if you should still want to one day.

Why I don't waste my time with new IRC networks (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 29, 2008 10:35 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: IRC & WyldRyde IRC Network
Post tags: IRC, irc, networks, unreal, anope,

FolderShare works so of course Microsoft plans to FUBAR it

2008-11-21T03:02:17-05:00

When Microsoft acquired FolderShare in November of 2005, I immediately started to wonder how long it would take for Microsoft to FUBAR it.

To my surprise, Microsoft somehow managed to avoid messing with it too much and it's been a great program and service that performed nearly problem free and even saved my butt just days ago and it wasn't the first time it did that. However, I worry that they are finally getting around to "improving it" because of this notice posted on FolderShare.com:

We're contacting you to let you know what's next for FolderShare, and to make you aware of some important changes.

In December, we plan to announce a product called Windows Live Sync. You can think of it as FolderShare 2.0. It's going to look familiar and offer the same great features, plus:

* More folders and files - sync up to 20 folders with 20,000 files each.
* Integration with Windows Live ID - no more extra sign-in stuff to remember.
* Integration with the Recyle Bin - no more separate Trash folder to fiddle with.
* Unicode support - sync files in other languages.

A huge part of Sync's success story depends on FolderShare users like you. When Sync releases, FolderShare goes into retirement. That means your FolderShare software will stop working and will ask you to upgrade to Sync. Once you do, Sync will automatically rebuild your personal folders. We expect a lot of new users when Sync is released, so if you can't sign in right away, please give it a little time.

Here's the part you need to pay attention to: Sync will not be able to rebuild your shared libraries. If you have a lot of shared libraries, you should hop over to the FolderShare website while it's still available and copy all that information. You'll need it to rebuild your shared libraries in Sync.

You should also note that the Professional option is being retired with the FolderShare name. Sync has a single offer, which provides free synchronization for up to 20 libraries and 20,000 files. We'll be working to raise those numbers as our service grows.

Thanks for being a FolderShare user! We're excited about delivering an even better file-synchronization experience to customers like you. We hope you'll come along as we move forward with Windows Live Sync.

I'm not resistant to change. I could care less about name changes. Even UI or other changes don't scare me. I only care about FolderShare's feature set and its reliability. FolderShare has been nearly perfect because it does what it advertises and does it well. With Microsoft driving things and now making changes to it, I'm concerned that this could be a downgrade instead of an upgrade.

In the bullet list the announcement states, "sync up to 20 folders with 20,000 files each." But in the next to last paragraph it confusingly states, "...up to 20 libraries and 20,000 files." Did they mean to say, "...up to 20 libraries and 20,000 files in each," or did they add the first "each" by accident? A global maximum of 20,000 files will be a huge problem for a lot of us. Certainly for me! Even 20,000 files per library is hardship but I can move things around and create some more libraries.

Additionally, the official announcement makes no mention of a new Mac client but this post on their blog does. Why the omission in the official notice?

I hope they quickly clarify these confusing and conflicting statements and somehow avoid FUBARing FolderShare. It'd really be a shame if Microsoft screws up this fantastic program/service.

FolderShare works so of course Microsoft plans to FUBAR it (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 21, 2008 03:02 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Microsoft & Windows
Post tags: foldershare, microsoft, folder, sync, synchronization, synchronize

FolderShare to the rescue! Mozy fails, it's gone!

2008-11-16T01:41:04-05:00

I've had an unbelievable frustrating few days thanks to a significant OS crash Thursday. It was the first crash I've ever experienced like this since I switched to Mac. It locked the system completely; it wouldn't respond to any keystrokes or mouse movements and was repeating over and over the last second from a podcast that I was playing in iTunes. After waiting over 30 minutes hoping it would start responding I had to do the unthinkable and power the system off using the power switch.

I'm not positive what caused the crash but I highly suspect it was Parallels Desktop 3.0 (5608) as WindowsXP running in it was having window draw errors moments before.

In any case, the crash corrupted the volume on one of my Drobo storage drives. It houses over 14,500 photographs: ALL of my personal photography projects from the last 6 years, most of which are wildlife, nature and landscape photographs I've carefully labored to make across the state of Vermont. Without exaggeration they're the sum of hours of work from almost every single day...countless hikes and long drives, late nights and extremely early mornings!

At first I thought I was able to fix the volume with Tech Tools but after a reboot I got an error message that stated something like, the drive volume is damaged and needs to be reformatted; it has been mounted in a temporary state so you may copy all the data that can still be read.

I was livid! Over 1/3 of the files were suddenly missing completely and many more were corrupted!

As you might remember from a previous post, I pay for Mozy backup service to backup these photographs but since I've been throttling the re-upload of all these photographs (see that previous post for why) it still hadn't finished re-backing up everything on the Drobo.

It was percipient that I had FolderShare, setup to synchronize everything on the drive to another Drobo connected to another computer. If it wasn't for this, I could have lost most, if not all, of my photographs and I WOULD HAVE FELT DEVASTATED!!!

I finally got everything back in place yesterday and I was "up and running again" but if all the stress from this wasn't enough, Mozy decided it wanted to re-upload everything on the Drobo yet AGAIN. For frack sake, NOT AGAIN!!! Mozy service is going to be canceled at the end of the month.

My advice to Mozy:
Get your act together and make it so in the event a "deleted" file reappears within 30 days it doesn't have to be re-uploaded! Fix this BUG and I'll gladly pay for the service again.

I'm calling it a bug, as it is ridiculous: Files shouldn't be "marked as deleted" immediately. There is no reason to! Everyone deletes files by accident or has similar problems like this fiasco and get the files back in place without having to download them from Mozy or maybe they do have to re-download them from Mozy. But, in either case, there is no reason that the files should have to be re-uploaded again once they're back in place on the user's system when they're still on your servers. FFS WHY DO YOU GUYS THINK THIS IS A GOOD IDEA??!

Until and unless this bug is fixed I'll just use Amazon AWS S3 for off site backup as I do for all my commercial photography.

One thing that's important for me to clarify: I don't think it was Drobo's or Mac's fault.
I believe that this volume corruption could have occurred with ANY external hard drive and wasn't anymore likely to happen because I had a Drobo. I've read it doesn't matter if you're using Mac or Windows and nor does it matter how the drive is formatted. It's just one of those unfortunate things that can sometimes happen because the drive isn't properly unmounted due to a crash.

Readers: What do you use to backup off site?
Please let me know your recommendations or thoughts on this fiasco in the comments.

FolderShare to the rescue! Mozy fails, it's gone! (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 16, 2008 01:41 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography
Post tags: foldershare, mozy, backups, drobo, backup, hell, rant

My thoughts on the RED Scarlet and Epic

2008-11-13T23:10:29-05:00

RED finally announced the not-so-secret Scarlet and Epic today. Lots of the photography bloggers and gadget blogs are saying it is game changing. Forum nerds say they're "DSLR killers". A few are even claiming it'll be the end of Canon and Nikon completely. I say hogwash!

I don't disagree completely that they could be game changing eventually. The specs are impressive. It'll almost certainly will have some measurable affect as they'll inspire some more innovation. Competition is always good.

This isn't a post claiming they're vapourware, science fiction or anything like that. I have no doubt that Jim Jannard, RED's founder and CEO, can deliver on his promises and produce cameras that match or are close in specs to what was announced today and at similar or better price points. What I do doubt, rather what I'm concerned about, is how useable and reliable they will be.

I'm simply calling for some sanity and reasoning about them. It's just too soon to get excited! And I'm going to reserve any excitement for them until professional photographers have had a chance to use the shipping products under real world conditions.

Canon and Nikon have been at this "game" for decades. They know exactly what works and what hasn't and as photographers we know what to expect from them. Even with all of this experience, both companies still have had camera bodies that came out with serious flaws. In the case of the Canon EOS-1D Mark III they just stopped short of an all out recall.

What worries me most about the Scarlet and Epic is what is touted as their strong point; their modular construction:

How solid is the gear when the individual components are attached to each other? How are they attached? Is this a product that's going to need constant babying? Is something going to fall off if we merely bump into someone else? Can they survive a small drop?
How is it all sealed? Will it be weather resistant? If not, are we even going to have to worry about using them in humid conditions? What about dust and sand? Snow and Cold? Pros don't always have the luxury of waiting for ideal weather or working only in ideal conditions. I love being able to use my Nikon D3 in the heat, cold, light rain or snow without any concerns.
How ergonomic are they? Based on the pictures I've seen it doesn't appear that comfort or ergonomics played any importance in the design at all! I think the modular construction even sacrificed the position and layout of all the controls. These are not going to be "instinctive controls" that we can switch to and use without adjustment! Hell, some look so small and cramped together that they'll be a serious problem. Forget about keeping your gloves on...if you can even use them out in the cold.
The modular construction almost certainly adds weight and I bet they will be much heavier.
How noisy are the sensors? Hows the color accuracy and range? Lots can go wrong here. Both Nikon and Canon released bodies with sensors that weren't without problems. Remember the banding issues on the early D200s?
How reliable overall will it be? Time and use can only answer that.

My advice to other professional photographers looking at the Scarlet and Epic is to look with curiosity but let the dentists, doctors, and lawyers be the guinea pigs and get all the kinks worked out.

Sure we're all speculating right now but even still, I think it's very unprofessional for professional photographers to even dream about relying on these unreleased first generation products until much more is know about them. DSLR Killers they are not.

UPDATE:

Nov 15, 2008: Was just told that the Scarlet and Epic doesn't even have auto-focus no matter who's lenses you use. What a joke!

My thoughts on the RED Scarlet and Epic (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 13, 2008 11:10 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Photography
Post tags: RED, Scarlet, Epic, canon, nikon, ccd, digital cameras, professional photography, photography, camera

NEWDealFinder.com Launches!

2008-11-10T04:17:25-05:00

A couple weeks ago when I rebranded my Lockergnome blog into a Deals site I had no idea it would take on a life of its own!

The response was tremendous and it has exceeded all my expectations for it. But, I quickly found that this idea needed a lot more room to grow...so without further ado, I'm proud to announce the public launch of NEWDealFinder.com today!

NEWDealFinder.com Launches! (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on November 10, 2008 04:17 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Product Reviews & Purchases
Post tags: deals, freebies, savings, free, discount

10 reasons why you should be reading usrbingeek's Deal Finder

2008-10-21T20:30:07-05:00

I'm sorry that I've been to busy to actively blog here on usrbingeek.com but I promise that's going to change soon.

In the mean time, I do hope you're reading usrbingeek's deal finder as we're posting many great deals everyday! Here's some of the most popular deals so far this month:

10 reasons why you should be reading usrbingeek's Deal Finder (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on October 21, 2008 08:30 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Lockergnome , Product Reviews & Purchases
Post tags: deals, freebies, savings, free, discount

The only political ad worth watching

2008-10-10T00:41:06-05:00

Kristen Bell is absolutely fracking adorable in this GAP Vote For ____ advertisement.

The only political ad worth watching (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on October 10, 2008 12:41 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Movies, TV, & TiVo , Politics & Law
Post tags: kristen bell, gap, vote for, election, politics, voting, vote, gossip girl, veronica mars

Comcast's new Data Usage Guessing Game is the last straw

2008-10-03T23:00:06-05:00

On October 1, 2008, Comcast's new Acceptable Use Policy placed a 250 GB monthly transfer cap on their internet service. If you should exceed this limit your service could be disconnected.

Comcast doesn't provide ~~(and reportedly has no plans to offer)~~ any tools or meter to give you an accounting of how much data you've used. You can't even call Comcast customer service to find out....they reportedly won't tell you because customer service don't know themselves. You'll only be advised when it's too late and you've been disconnected!

This guessing game if you're approaching the limit, or have gone over the limit, without being warned that you're approaching it, should make it illegal!!

I don't play any online games. I don't download or upload any movies, music, or software. I don't use bittorrent. I hardly even listen to or watch more than a few YouTube videos a month, or listen to or watch any live streams for more than a few minutes at a time but I do download and listen to about two dozen podcasts, some of which are video, and often download videos and movies to my TiVo that I purchased or rented from Amazon.com.

I also backup two computers to an online backup service called Mozy and I believe this is my largest data usage. On a typical month I guess about 40-80 GB is uploaded to Mozy. So I should be fine and fall well under this limit each month but since no meter or accounting of how much data I'm using is provided I'm left to guess and worry that I am about to go over the limit.

Coincidentally, Wednesday when the new AUP went into affect, I had to move a folder that contained all my wildlife, nature, and vermont landscape photographs to a new Drobo drive, since my hard drive on my iMac was nearly full. The Mozy client decided that it's going to re-upload everything in this folder...over 150 GBs!

I fear, combined with my normal monthly usage, that this could theoretically put me over the 250 GB limit this month. But I have no way of knowing for sure!! I'm left to guess and worry about it. No joking, I lost sleep last night because of this!

So now I'm being forced to unsubscribe from a lot of podcasts, not renting any movies this month and being forced to consider not allowing Mozy to backup all this data. I guess I could spread the upload over several months by only allowing it to upload a few folders at a time. But that would mean all these pictures won't be backed up offsite and I have to worry about that too!

This is ridiculous. I'm paying over $155 to Comcast each month and meanwhile I have to worry about them dropping me without warning! Comcast should at least be providing me with a tool or meter that gives me an accurate accounting of how much data I've used, and until doing so shouldn't have any limit in place.

I will be contacting the Vermont Department of Public Service to discuss the cap and find out the procedure to file a formal complaint or petition the prohibition of this limit since you're not told how much data you used. I also will be writing my Congressman Peter Welch, Senators Bernie Sanders and Patrick Leahy, and Governor Jim Douglas about it. You should do the same!

UPDATE:

Oct 03, 2008 11:27PM EDT (UTC-5): Comcastcares twittered me in response to this post, "We shared that feedback and that is why [a meter] is coming!! And I am pushing it to be faster if possible"

Here's the email Comcast sent their customer's about the limit:

Dear Comcast High-Speed Internet Customer,

We appreciate your business and strive to provide you with the best online experience possible. One of the ways we do this is through our Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). The AUP outlines acceptable use of our service as well as steps we take to protect our customers from things that can negatively impact their experience online. This policy has been in place for many years and we update it periodically to keep it current with our customers' use of our service.

On October 1, 2008, we will post an updated AUP that will go into effect at that time.

In the updated AUP, we clarify that monthly data (or bandwidth) usage of more than 250 Gigabytes (GB) is the specific threshold that defines excessive use of our service. We have an excessive use policy because a fraction of one percent of our customers use such a disproportionate amount of bandwidth every month that they may degrade the online experience of other customers.

250 GB/month is an extremely large amount of bandwidth and it's very likely that your monthly data usage doesn't even come close to that amount. In fact, the threshold is approximately 100 times greater than the typical or median residential customer usage, which is 2 to 3 GB/month. To put it in perspective, to reach 250 GB of data usage in one month a customer would have to do any one of the following:

* Send more than 50 million plain text emails (at 5 KB/email);
* Download 62,500 songs (at 4 MB/song); or
* Download 125 standard definition movies (at 2 GB/movie).

And online gamers should know that even the heaviest multi- or single-player gaming activity would not typically come close to this threshold over the course of a month.

In addition to modifying the excessive use policy, the updated AUP contains other clarifications of terms concerning reporting violations, newsgroups, and network management. To read some helpful FAQs, please visit http://help.comcast.net/content/faq/Frequently-Asked-Questions-about-Excessive-Use.

Thank you again for choosing Comcast as your high-speed Internet provider.

Comcast's new Data Usage Guessing Game is the last straw (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on October 3, 2008 11:00 PM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Computing & Tech News , Politics & Law , Politics & Law
Post tags: comcast, verizon, fairpoint, internet service provider, isp, dsl, cable internet

usrbingeek's deal finder

2008-08-27T03:42:52-05:00

~~I've re-branded my Lockergnome blog and changed its focus this week.~~

If you're a deal or freebie hunter I encourage you to check it out: NEWDealFinder.com.

If you come across a deal or freebie that's worth sharing please feel free to get in touch!

UPDATE:

Nov 10, 2008: Deal Finder has become so successful that I've had to spin it off into its own web site: NEWDealFinder.com!

usrbingeek's deal finder (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on August 27, 2008 03:42 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Lockergnome , Product Reviews & Purchases
Post tags: deals, freebies, savings, free, discount

The Omnivore's Hundred

2008-08-20T01:39:05-05:00

I thought it'd be fun to participate in the Omnivore's Hundred, via Seven Days Omnivore.

Below is a list of 100 things that I think every good omnivore should have tried at least once in their life. The list includes fine food, strange food, everyday food and even some pretty bad food - but a good omnivore should really try it all. Don’t worry if you haven’t, mind you; neither have I, though I’ll be sure to work on it. Don’t worry if you don’t recognise everything in the hundred, either; Wikipedia has the answers.

Here’s what I want you to do:

1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.
2) Bold all the items you’ve eaten.
3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.
4) Optional extra: Post a comment here at www.verygoodtaste.co.uk linking to your results.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. ~~Crocodile~~
6. ~~Black pudding~~ (Wouldn't again, didn't enjoy it.)
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and ~~beans~~
25. ~~Brawn, or head cheese~~
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac ~~with a fat cigar~~
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects (We've all had them without knowing it)
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. ~~Fugu~~
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. ~~Beer above 8% ABV~~
59. Poutine
60. ~~Carob chips~~ (won't eat again!!)
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. ~~Roadkill~~
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. ~~Horse~~
90. Criollo chocolate
91. ~~Spam~~
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. ~~Snake~~

The Omnivore's Hundred (Permalink) originally appeared on #!/usr/bin/geek on August 20, 2008 01:39 AM. Comment on this post
Post categories: Dieting , Recipes
Post tags: foods, foodies, omnivore, cooking