youcantdesign

Sony. Class action lawsuit

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 19:16:22 +0000

Well good job Sony, I bet it looked like a good idea making up a person to praise you, but now everybody knows. and we want money. sweet sweet money.

I wonder what you are going to have to do to get this $5? probably still have the ticket stub, which nobody will have. unless you save that sort of thing.

UNKNOWN SOURCE

"A class action lawsuit against Sony's Columbia Pictures units has been settled, and anyone who has gone to see Hollow Man, Vertical Limit, A Knight's Tale, The Animal or The Patriot is due US$5. Why? It all goes back to David Manning of the Ridgefield Press, whose quotes filled print and TV ads with praise for these movies. While other reviewers trashed many of these titles, Manning always managed to find something fantastic or amazing about the films. The problem?

He doesn't exist. Colombia Pictures made him up."

Downtime

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 23:45:28 +0000

There might be about 12 hours of downtime depending on any bugs in the domain name transfer from active domain to media temple.

Not that it matters as we only have 40 sessions a day, and probably most of them are me posting things.
(not that any of the other authors post seeing as there are 30+ posts and only 2 are by another author.)

Apple Mighty mouse

Tue, 02 Aug 2005 16:26:13 +0000

Oh Apple, When will you come out with something that is not awesome.
Their new mouse has no buttons. wait. 2 buttons, but it looks like no buttons, or just one button. But it actually has 4 buttons, but two you cant see and two look like they aren't buttons.

It has 360 degree scrolling and touch sensitive buttons. like a touch pad on a laptop.

While other companies have released products like The Mouse form Macmice, which has two buttons and a scroll (which I am using now) Apple released something once again that has surpassed what you expect. Oh! and its only $65 CAN!

    * Touch-sensitive top shell
    * 360-degree clickable Scroll Ball
    * Force-sensing side buttons
    * Optical tracking
    * PC-compatible (thats right, PC users can use it too.

sweet. I like it. I want it. I am ordering it today.

Ebay second chance fraud

Sun, 31 Jul 2005 16:39:41 +0000

I will expand on this entry later... If anyone gets contacted outside of ebay regardig this "second chance" option. It is a scam.

Cream of Wheat

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 20:56:01 +0000

Mike at Mike Industries made a funny post today.

cream of wheat

my favourite line was:

"more importantly, if the stuff is to be eaten hot, how much quicker could “Instant” really be than “1-Minute”? Who is the person who needs to shave a few seconds off of their one-minute breakfast drill?"

Serif

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 23:28:17 +0000

Zooming through the great and mighty Wikipedia I cam across this little tidbit of information which while known to graphic designers, might not be known to you. Perhaps you will learn something today?

Lets start with telling you WHAT a serif is.

In typography, serifs are the small features at the end of strokes within letters. A typeface (font) without serifs is called sans-serif (from French sans: "without"), also referred to as grotesque (or, in German, grotesk) and gothic.

Where did serifs come from?

In the Roman alphabet, serifs originated with the carving of words into stone in ancient Italy. Artisans would carve out a bit of extra space at the end of the long strokes of letters in order to prevent gravel and dust from collecting in the corners of the letters.

Self-Taught or GD Degree: will EITHER be enough?

Thu, 28 Jul 2005 23:11:41 +0000

Chris Gee over at thepreparedmind.com posted this wonderful little article, reminding me of an old subject we had posted at our previous blog (which I will try and find for you)

Self-Taught or GD Degree: will EITHER be enough?
Filed under: Design Industry — Chris Gee @ 11:43 am

I saw this question posed in a thread on the Graphic Design Forum and thought I’d re-introduce it as a new entry and expand the question.

So which is better? Is having a bachelors degree more important or do hirers in the industry care more about portfolio and experience in years? Will having an associates degree affect me negatively in any way at all once I graduate and start contributing to the industry?

This topic comes up quite a bit in graphic design circles and there is hardly a consensus of thought on it. However, I’ve recently been doing a lot of reading about the design industry and the current/future demands on designers from the marketplace and it has raised some interesting points/questions in my mind.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times
In many ways, we’re in the beginnings of a design heyday. Respected publications like Businessweek, FastCompany, Business 2.0 and The New York Times have run entire magazine editions featuring the huge impact of design and innovation on business. As the production of things is increasingly commoditized, the recognition is finally taking hold that people who can come up with ideas will lead and prosper in the 21st century.

full article here

It is an interesting read, as is majority of the articles on thepreparedmind.com

74 things to keep in mind.

Wed, 27 Jul 2005 16:59:43 +0000

So I came in to work to day and noticed a Giant piece of paper (well 11x17).

After reading it I decided to post it for all of you, and hopefully it will inspire you in some way. It made some sparks in my head and number 72 hit home for sure.

No matter how little time you have, you should always keep thinking of new ideas. Never let the pressure of your home life effect your work. You are an amazing designer despite how you feel somedays. Never get frustrated and always do your best.

74 things to keep in mind
Sally Hogshead / Robaire & Hogsead/La., Ca

1. There are no right answers. Including mine.
2. Burn your copy of Ogilvy on Advertising.
3. No ads for pet stores, barber shops, bungee jumping,lingerie,
    snowboards, condoms, or tiny stores that no one's ever heard of.
4. You can't out-think everyone, but you can out-work them.
5. Don't choose your typeface by just scrolling down the font bar.
6. Smart beats clever.
7. You will create a better book by breaking rules than following them.
8. Don't force-fit a piece in your book just because you're 'supposed' to have it.
9. Every good idea offends somebody.
10. Spend more time thinking, less time executing.
11. Don't write like a copywriter.
12. Avoid trends. They date your book.
13. Make it more audacious.
14. Mount each small space ad separately.
15. Stay away from overdone fonts, especially the funky grungy ones.
16. Start with a pad of paper, not a computer.
17. If you have a job during school, try not to work more than 20 hours a week.
18. No puns.
19. Make your work outrageous, not your attitude.
20. On an assignment, don't do the exact same brand as everyone else in class.
21. Focus.
22. Anyone can come up with a great idea, the trick is to do it consistently.
23. It's better to fail by going down in flames than settling for mediocrity.
24. Idea is king. Emperor. World nuclear superpower.
25. Don't get cocky, or you'll get your ass kicked.
26. Your classmates are your future co-workers. Treat them accordingly.
27. And more importantly, they'll be working in places
      you want to send your book.
28. It takes days to come up with a truly great idea.
29. Kill any work that's 'fine:
30. Be nice. Mind your manners. Play fair,
31. It all comes down to the work.
32. Don't base your self-image on positive feedback, you can't count on that.
33. It all comes down to the work. (Worth repeating)
34. Award books can limit your thinking.
35. Seek out the bizarre.
36. Find the kind of music that helps your concept.
37. Not everyone comes up with great ideas in the shower,
      or diner, or in their sleep.
38. It's not finished until it's startling.
39. Treat Friday and Saturday nights as if they were Tuesday afternoons.
40. Never present half-assed work. It's better to present nothing at all.
41. Competitive is okay, cut-throat is not.
42. Don't waste time or money on ideas you're not thrilled about.
43. If you promise someone you'll finish a project with them, do it.
44. It is actually possible to get through Studio Week
      without pulling a single all-nighter.
45. No matter how good it is, somebody won't like it.
46. All that really matters is your final book.
47. Listen to your gut, it's smarter than you are.
48. There will be days when you feel like a hack.
49. Your taste will change. Several times.
50. Let your work show your creativity, not your answering machine or noserings.
51. Be as respectful to the receptionist as the president.
52. Quitting school early cheats your potential.
53. If you work in a place that's not committed to doing great work,
      it doesn't matter how talented or ambitious you are,
      you will not produce great work.
54. A piece is not finished just because it's laminated.
55. Don't show any work to a potential employer
    until you're confident it's your best.
56. being creative is only part of being good creative.
57. You do not have to be an asshole, or work for one, in order to do great work.
58. Everyone knows everyone.
59. Buy a cheap portfolio case, all an employer cares about is what's inside.
60. If you hear the same feedback over and over, make the changes.
61. It's better to have 8 killer pieces than 30 pretty good ones.
62. After someone gets done looking at your book, they should know you.
63. You could be unemployed for six months,
      then get three phenomenal offers in a day.
64. You don't have to jump at your first job offer.
65. Companies do not 'turn themselves around'.
66. Don't limit yourself to a city or part of the country.
    Go wherever the best job is.
67. Sometimes the best books are the slowest to get a job.
68. Be certain your book represents the level and attitude of work you aspire to.
69. Never go for the money. At least, not until your kids need braces.
70. There's a huuuuge difference between an A-book and A+ book.
71. A real job is way more fun than school.
72. You will end up where you belong.
73. Listen to everyone's opinions, but do what you want.
74. It's worth it.

I hope you gained at least one thing from this list.

-Patrick Stolk-Ramaker

Free iPod Update

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 16:59:34 +0000

Well here is an update for everyone, I have had 2 confirmed referrals, that means only 3 more until I can send out for my iPod and then when I get it give a free iPod shuffle to one lucky person randomly selected from everyone who signed up using my referral.

So come on everyone sign up, follow the steps and if you can get some people to sign up, then you can not only possibly get a free iPod, but are entered into a contest to win a free shuffle!

So sign up using my referral here.

Exciting New Apple information

Tue, 26 Jul 2005 16:47:39 +0000

Well some of this news may be disappointing to you all, but here are the specs for the new Apple products thanks to engadget for the information.

Mac Mini

They bumped the specs to 1.25GHz /512MB / 40GB/ combo drive on the $499 model, 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / combo / 802.11g / Bluetooth on the $599 model, and 1.42GHz / 512MB / 80GB / SuperDrive / 802.11g / Bluetooth on their new $699 model

iBook

No widescreen, Its too bad really. I had my hopes set on it, but I didn't think they would release it anyways.

Well, a sudden motion sensor to shut down hard drives if you drop your machine, Bluetooth 2.0, 802.11, the enhanced trackpad, and spec bumps to 1.33GHz / 512MB / 40GB / combo drive for $999, and 1.42GHz / 512MB / 60GB / SuperDrive (aka a DVD burner) for $1299.

I'll probably end up getting a 12" ibook just because it is so small and easy to carry around. I like the idea, and If I get one, I'll let you all know.

Free iPod part II

Fri, 22 Jul 2005 20:19:09 +0000

Alright, turns out there is a problem with my first contest.

Please note that "A user may complete more than one offer and may refer more than 5 referrals, but cannot earn more than 1 free product with their account. Any additional referrals or offer completions will not result in any additional free items." Thank you for contacting us.

So Since I can only receive 1 free iPod I have changed things up a bit.

Everyone who signs up and completes their offer, using my referral link is entered into the contest.

The Winner of the contest will receive a free iPod Shuffle (512 version)
Hows that? All you have to do is:

1. You sign up using my referral link (thanks)
2. You then Have to sign up to one of their referral services
(yes it costs money*)
3. Get 5 people to do the same
4. you get a free iPod.

*Yes it costs money, you have to sign up to one of their refferal sites. read the fine print and make sure you are not locked in. But if you read the fine print and everything is okay, then you're good to go!

So not only can YOU receive a free iPod from getting 5 of your friends to sign up, you automatically are entered into a contest to win a free iPod Shuffle. (please not this contest will NOT happen if I dont receive a free iPod from them)

I figure thats a pretty decent way of thanking those who helped me get my iPod.

Good Luck!

Dont worry, I will be hosting another free iPod Shuffle contest soon.

DPM: Disruptive Pattern Material

Thu, 21 Jul 2005 23:46:15 +0000

So just when I was thinking I was going to change the banner of the site to something non-camouflage related, BOOM my loving second half gives me this spectacular present!

Well I got the DPM book. It is fantastic and intimidating (not because it is a book about tough camouflage patterns) but because it is incredibly thick, (two books actually, but both are huge). After a quick glance through both books (in my excitement) I have to say that they are incredible. (I am running out of descriptive words)

I will post a full review in due time, and until I feel the need to change the banner again. It will stay as camouflage.

Thanks sweetheart!

iPod iDJ

Thu, 21 Jul 2005 23:33:32 +0000

So you've just bought two iPods, and you want to listen to them both at the same time... or just one, then slowly another, then the first one again. Well instead of trying to figure out some way to do this without looking like a fool with speakers in each hand waving them around your head.. ok. I went to far.

But Numark is going to be selling this awesome iDJ device which is a two-channel mixer that accepts all iPod models with bottom connectors. Both channels sport a 3-band EQ and gain control, and the unit’s got dedicated mic and phono/line inputs for bringing in additional signals. (thanks engadget.com for the info)

No word on its pricing, but if you only have 1 iPod why not get another iPod for free? (yeah.. i'll be dropping that into all my posts)

This is slick equipment. I want one. But I want one of everything.

Google Moon

Thu, 21 Jul 2005 17:23:38 +0000

As if google hasn't already blown me away in everything from their slow overtaking of the world as we know it to using satellite imagery to get directions, they now have used NASA satellite images to "map the moon" at moon.google.com.

Im always expecting the best from them, and I wish I bought stocks a long time ago.

and for a laugh, Zoom ALL the way in.

Oh google, what won't you do.

free ipod

Wed, 20 Jul 2005 18:24:58 +0000

ok, so everyone says its a hoax, and everyone says you will never receive an iPod. But now this service is available to Canada.

Heres how it works.

1. You sign up using my referral link (thanks)
2. You then Have to sign up to one of their referral services
(yes it costs money*)
3. Get 5 people to do the same
4. you get a free iPod.

*Yes it costs money, you have to sign up to one of their refferal sites. read the fine print and make sure you are not locked in. But if you read the fine print and everything is okay, then you're good to go!

yeah. We'll see if it works.

Basically if it works, I'll let you know. Post a big post about how excited I am and tell all of you to get people to sign up. Hell a free ipod is pretty good.

And If by chance I get 10 referrals, then the second Ipod will be given away as a prize, and I will automatically enter everyone that signed up using me as a referral. (so you can win either way) and hell paying a small amount to get entered into a 1 in 10 chance of winning an iPod is pretty good.

Yes I win either way. But thats what it is all about.

So if you sign up, then get 5 friends to sign up then you get an ipod.
Its that easy. (I hope)

I bet these people cant argue with free iPods.
Derek from Forevergeek.com recieved one
Andrew from Gearlive got one

Articles are below

Wired News

Engadget Covered this company here

So Gratis Networks has set up a site called FreeiPods.com that is giving away your choice of an iPod mini, a 15GB iPod, or a $250 gift certificate to the iTunes Music Store. All you have to do is sign up, click on one of their offers, and then convince five other people to do the same. We smelled a scam in there somewhere, or possibly scamola, and since our whiny emails to the company asking them to explain how exactly this worked went unanswered, we decided to just call them up to try and sort things out.

The company rep we spoke to insisted that this thing was for real and that they had already given away about 400 iPods to people. To get it to work you actually have to sign up for one of their sponsors’ offers (like the Columbia House DVD club, the GM credit card, AOL for Broadband, etc.) and also get five other people to also take them up on one of their offers. Gratis Networks picks up a decent referral fee for every one that’s completed, and since it’s a lot harder than it sounds to also get five of your friends to sign up for AOL (for example), they only have to ship out free iPods to a relatively small percentage of people, while simply pocketing the cash for anyone who is able to only get four people or fewer to sign up (the company rep admitted that they lose money whenever someone gets five people to complete orders, since it means they have to ship out an iPod). Anyway, if you’ve got five friends you can convince to do this who also think they each have five friends they can convince to do this, you might just find yourself just maybe getting a free iPod.