Archive for the 'other people' Category

An Open Letter to David Watanabe

Published by Zach Inglis 1 year and 3 months ago in Noteworthy and other people.

I’ve been meaning to write this post for a few weeks…

David,

I found your work through Jon Hicks, of which I advocate no blame for. Your software is beautifull and functions in ways quintessential to how I suspect. I have yet to find a worthier Feed Reader. This in itself is a great accomplishment for which you should be proud. I own both Acquisition and Newsfire and enjoy them both.

In actuality, I enjoy them when they work. The myth that ‘Mac applications don’t crash’, comes from the fact that Mac applications rarely crash, but with your applications operational, this is hardly the case. I get crashes approximately every 20 minutes with a big fat “Your application has closed unexpectedly.”.

I paid cash in good faith that I’d get an application of standard quality, instead the real caliber of your programs are blinded by lack of care. And after Googling, I find this: http://squidnews.com/2007/04/17/david-watanabe-the-complaints/

I have shot off emails and even tried to get support via instant messenger. When I ask you about other things, such as Cocoa programming, I get responses but when it comes to your work, I don’t.

Asking you about transferring over licenses from Acquisition to Xtorrent (The same app, just a rebuild):
Zach Inglis: Quick question, is there a way to transfer licenses from Acquisition to Xtorrent?
David Watanabe: sorry
… Short, Impolite, And you’re rebuilding the SAME application.

As a developer I know what it is to program applications, they start to become something that is a part of you. Something for which you have pride over, and I can only presume you have pride over your applications. Carry it over, let the world know. Allow people to enjoy your applications as they should.

Hopefully, this’ll get a spark out of you enough to actually get off your ass and realize you are being no more than a crook: taking peoples money with promises of quality and handing them a mangled piece of Carbon.

— Zach

Recently, I was having such a problem where Newsfire would reset itself once every day, I had no backup the first time. I didn’t feel I needed one, Newsfire only crashed, it didn’t crash so badly.
Newsfire keeps crashing

A friend of mine, Shawn Grimes had similair problems:

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Blast From The Past: David Lanham Interview

Published by Zach Inglis 1 year and 4 months ago in other people.

I have managed to gather some interviews that I hosted a few years ago. I will write a series periodically on the each interview. They are all atleast 3 years old. Some will be paraphrased for readabilities sake. This is particularly interesting to see how people have evolved.

My first interview is with David Lanham, most famous for his icons but just as decent artwork.

What nicknames do you have and how did you construct them?
The only real nickname I’ve had is Chopperdave, which my roommates graciously bestowed upon me after watching the ‘I, Robot’ episode of Sealab 2021.

Are you a coder, designer, none or both?
Some of both, but designing is definitely in my blood more than coding. Coding is something I do out of necessity or to enhance the design, it isn’t really my passion though.

What works are you best known for?
I would imagine I’m best known for my icons sets, namely ‘Invading Your Space’ since it won Pixelpalooza in 2003.

What are the inspirations and aspirations?
My main inspiration is without a doubt nature and my surroundings, but I’m always interested to see what other people are making as well.

So how did you get into coding, design and computers?
Just something I grew up with and it ended up fitting me quite nicely.

Tell us a bit about your current website(s)?
I try to let my website provides a complementing and simple environment to view my work in, nothing that will detract or distract the viewer. I use a lot of neutral colors as well as rounded shapes and distinct sections to help lead the eye to where it should be focused. Well, at least that’s the plan… seems to be working so far.

Have you ever been ripped? If so how many times, and what were your views on that exactly?
I don’t think anyone would have a reason to rip my personal site, but the vBulletin skin I did for digikitten was ripped a few times. I didn’t think it’d make me that angry, but it REALLY did. Thankfully, it got cleared up and taken down. Although it is slightly flattering, it’s a lot more infuriating.

So what is the most used application on your computer at the moment?
Probably Safari or Photoshop

What in your eyes is or contributes to good design?
As long as it gets the point across that its trying to make, I consider it good. Personally, I am more attracted to clean layouts and subtle color use with certain elements that pop by use of color, shape, etc.

What’s in your CD player at the moment?
I just got the new Tycho album, good stuff.

What’s your biggest fear in life?
Being bombarded with horribly designed advertisements whenever I open a newspaper or turn on TV… Oh, wait

Anything else you want to say?
Have fun and be happy, even if you don’t want to!

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An update on Bryan

Published by Zach Inglis 1 year and 4 months ago in other people.

I know everyone is worried about Bryan, Avalonstar is #2 on Technorati last I checked, just below Kathy Sierra. I know everyone’s worried about him and I finally managed to get some communication in with Jenni (his fiancé, to those few who never knew that). She says he’s OK, considering. She’s trying to keep his mind on other stuff. She feels bad that shes made everyone worry, but please don’t get too concerned yet.

It’s annoying me seeing a thread of “what’s happening”, not “is he OK”. It’s not our place to know, if he wants to tell us; he will. But everyone seems to be having a debate on the specifics of the reasons, not the man behind it. While it’ll be a great shame if Avalonstar comes to any harm, it’ll be a worse shame if Bryan does.

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