Note: This column represents the opinions
of the writer and as such, is not represented as fact
At last,
the contents of Aardvark's "million-dollar ideas" notebook
are revealed for all to see!
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Since I delivered a dose of humour earlier this week, there's no lighten-up
section today.
Asia Online has been placed into liquidation, a move that could affect quite
a few NZ and Australian Net users.
For those who are relatively new to the Net, Asia Online's "restructuring"
is quite a significant event, as it is one of the longest-lived commercial
ISPs in NZ. Long before there was ClearNet or Xtra, Iconz as it was then
known, was offering Internet access to the masses.
That it has now gone into liquidation, so shortly after the demise of
globe-trotting web designers WebMedia, is yet another indicator that the local
industry scene is perhaps not in the best of health.
Need Cutting-Edge Copy?
As NZ's longest-running online commentator, I'm looking for
extra syndication opportunities for this daily publication -- or I'm happy
to write casual or regular material specifically to order for print or
Net-based publications. If you're
interested, drop me a line
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Do You XP?
How many Aardvark readers have already rushed out and bought their own copy
of Windows XP?
Despite the flashy TV ads and hype, most of the feedback I've received to date
indicates that yawns have prevailed and most of those who turned out to
pick up a copy yesterday are the same people whose past purchases include
8-track players, Betamax VCRs, Motorola Brick Cellphones and the like.
These are the early-adopters; the people who just have to get the latest and
greatest bits of technology whenever it's released.
However, I'd really like to hear from anyone who did trot out and hand over
their hard-earned cash. Are you happy with your purchase?
Sorry, No Tie, No Entry
Now I sometimes receive email from readers who say that I pick on Microsoft
too much and that sometimes I'm less than fair.
Okay, I admit, sometimes I do beat-up on the software giant -- but it would
be hard to do so if they didn't keep taping a giant "kick me" sign to their
backside.
Today they've given yet another example of how stupid they really can be.
According to
this story,
Microsoft has started shutting out non IE-users who try to use parts of its
MSN.com website.
Now we're not just talking about users of the admittedly buggy Netscape Navigator,
but also those who have had the sense to use the excellent Opera browser.
Microsoft claims that the lockout is solely because those browsers are not
compliant with the latest XHTML standard -- how convenient. There's nothing
on MSN.com that I can see which absolutely demands they use all the latest
and greatest features of XHTML anyway.
However, I think this one will backfire on MS. Let's face it, MSN.com isn't
exactly the greatest site on the Web. There are far better places
to get the type of content being dished up there and if you're going to turn
people away at the door then don't expect them to return any time soon.
I maintain my position that Microsoft is becoming increasingly arrogant towards
those who don't embrace its self-appointed dominance of the Net.
Save The Aardvark Fund
Yes, I have had several donations to the Aardvark fund and I thank those
who put their money where their mouse is :-)
If guilt is gnawing away inside you then there's still time to donate.
Just drop by and
hand over your loot.
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There are new Vacancies Last added 2 Oct In The Job Centre
There are 14 Domain Names for sale
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