CivicActions

From error to error one discovers the entire truth. Sigmund Freud

In my last posting (Usability Basics: Keep the User Informed) I talked about how the interaction with other humans differ from interactions online because of something called a feedback loop- the ability we have of constantly assessing the verbal and non-verbal communication that is happening.

"The more elaborate our means of communication, the less we communicate." Joseph Priestly

"I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts."
- Will Rogers

The New York Times reported yesterday that more and more internet traffic is beginning to bypass the United States- and Big Brother isn't happy.

"The man who doesn't read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." Mark Twain

It wasn't until after I got my Kindle, Amazon's electronic book, that it dawned on me- "Why didn't Amazon do this years ago?" Considering they're one of the biggest channels for moving books one would have thought selling a device that taps into their distribution channel as seamlessly as the Kindle does would be a no-brainer. Eventually Amazon had its "ah-ha" moment, probably after witnessing the popularity of the iPod and the iTunes music store.

Every once in a while it's good to review the basics and yesterday I virtually attended a website usability presentation given by NTen. Using three simple criteria they reviewed the websites of various not-for-profit organizations to deomonstrate how some simple changes could potentially have a positive impact on the site and, more importantly, online donations.

"I have with me two gods, Persuasion and Compulsion."
Themistocles (527 BC - 460 BC)

"There ain't much of a difference between a bridge and a wall..."
Tear Me Down (Hedwig and the Angry Inch)

Yesterday I walked into a local retailer and found this widget I'd heard about. I was considering buying it, but had a few questions for the saleman, so I went over to him and asked "Can you tell me more about this widget, like how long will it last between charges?"
"Buy it now," he replied.
"Well, I might, but I have a few questions. Besides battery life, what kind of warranty does it come with?"
"Buy it now," he said.

Thomas Jefferson to the Danberry Baptists:

No one likes to be backed into a corner, especially politicians. Seems the spectre of appearing weak and ineffectual was enough for the Dems to surrender their votes on Saturday to the new and improved surveillance program backed by President Bush.

In the debate over politics and healthcare there is, of course, no perfect solution. What sounds air-tight in theory quickly springs leaks in the world we live in- a world that's run by human beings who each have their own agendas, preferences, and needs. It's basic economics.