From Alex MacCaw:
Culture can be hard to define, and it certainly can’t be created with mission statements and performance reviews. However, there are certain steps that founders can take to create an amazing place to work.
I think this is true. Culture evolves by people doing what they do naturally in their given environment. But, thinking about what that environment looks like and how its shaped has come to mind a lot more lately…
I’m not quite sure I follow what happened here, but I think I get it:
The Windows logo is no longer a flag, it’s a window (twisted to an angle) with added prominence to the word mark. It no longer incorporates the multi-color, signature style of Windows and has becomes a single color.
The Microsoft logo, for the company that sells the Windows product, is no longer a plain word mark but has a symbol. The symbol incorporates the four colors from the Windows flag, and the straight-on look of a four-pane window.
If it wasn’t clear before: Microsoft is Windows, and Windows is Microsoft. This is not a new Microsoft, nothing is changing, in fact, they’re only becoming more locked in to the status quo.
Why, contrary to traditional marketing, is the product marketing and the overall company marketing now so intertwined? Microsoft is further limiting their ability to market new products unless its Windows-centric (mobile, desktop, tablet, internet, etc.). I fully expect the Xbox to be renamed Windows Game Box.
We’re planning to head to Breckenridge and Vail in September for their respective Oktoberfests. This is my favorite time of the year and after these 100-degree days I’m very ready to start wearing sweaters.
Here’s one of the best things I’ve learned while staying in hotels: bring an Apple AirPort Express wifi base station. I can’t take credit for tip this at all, this is all Alex, but the reason you do this is so you can connect multiple devices through a single access point.
Ideally, you set this access point name and security to be one your devices already know (like the one at your office or house) so you don’t have to go re-enter passwords all over the place. Plus, most paid hotel services just see the one device (AirPort) and charge you once for that connection, not for your iPhone, iPad, and notebook. Yes, I’ve once accidentally charged $14.95/day multiplied by three devices to a hotel room. And finally, it helps if you have more than one person traveling.
It’s a small, lightweight device (hardly bigger than your notebook charger) with easy configuration and a way to save money and hassle while traveling.
I’m very proud of the team at Crowd Favorite and the great work they did alongside the Simpson College PR team. Everything from the design, to the way the content is managed is exactly the kind of elegant work we’re excited to work on every day. Check out the new site at Simpson.edu.
This weekend Alex and I will be in San Francisco for the annual WordCamp conference. If you’d like to talk shop, chat about WordPress, apply for a job or just grab a drink some time be sure to look for the guys in the Crowd Favorite shirts or drop a line.
From Roger Ebert at NYTimes.com:
The United States is one of few developed nations that accepts the notion of firearms in public hands. In theory, the citizenry needs to defend itself. Not a single person at the Aurora, Colo., theater shot back, but the theory will still be defended.
First: I’m moved and saddened by this event, it was a weird way to start the day for many of us I’m sure.
Will this be enough to start a real political debate? Not to be insensitive, especially so quickly after the fact, but I appreciate that Bloomberg used this opportunity to say something while Obama and Romney did not (beyond condolences, prayers). I’m curious if this is just going to remain a 24-hour-news story or can lead to a tipping point and begin change? I doubt it. I can’t think of any important gun-related legislation passed after Giffords (a Representative) was shot.
This is all very sad and certainly hits close to home. It’s just as sad how often shootings happen every day in cities across our country. I fear nothing will change.
The Internet Defense League “is a loose coalition that shares a commitment to defending the Internet.” I decided to participate in broadcasting alerts on my site when the internet is “at risk” not because I think many visitors to a personal blog will be persuaded to act but because it seems like the right thing to do (beyond taking action when needed).
By Rebecca Greenfield at The Atlantic Wire:
Preteens posing with helicopters they did nothing to earn and posting the pictures online for others to ogle provides an easy in for commentary on the state of the American dream. (Dead.)
We stumbled upon this yesterday and had a good laugh, but after reading this I realize it’s indicative of something interesting going on and I’m a bit more self aware of how I present myself.
I was browsing the Mac App Store and spotted a new “Editors Choice” app from Mint.com: Mint QuickView. It’s a system tray application icon that pops down a ‘quick view’ (modeled similar to Fantastical or even Spotlight) of your finances. Spending, recent transactions, net worth, etc.
Rachel and I have over two and a half years of our joint finances at Mint.com and it’s the best online budgeting, tracking, and personal finance planning tool. It has my unqualified endorsement and the new app is a great addition to the website and mobile apps.