Ajax Girl

jQuery has a new release, 1.2.2, which is a bug fix release and more.

The major changes are:

• 300% Speed Improvements to $(DOMElement)
• .ready() Overhaul: Uses Diego Perini’s non-document.write() technique, now wait for CSS to be ready, can now watch for the document ready event via the traditional .bind()
• .bind(”mouseenter”) / .bind(”mouseleave”)
• Complex :not()
• Accepts Headers
• Event API: jQuery.event.special setup teardown handler

You can download the latest release (minified).

Source: Ajaxian
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ajaxian/~3/216852040/jquery-122-released

We know Plaxo is for sale, presumably looking for north of $100 million and telling people around Silicon Valley that they’ve had an offer for north of $200 million. Revolution Partners, an investment bank, has been pitching them to all the big potential buyers.

There are now more rumors about the acquisition; specifically that Facebook is the buyer. VentureBeat is saying they have a source confirming the deal is “100%” happening. Our sources (and common sense) say its very unlikely any offer has been made, let alone accepted, and that Facebook may be just one of many companies taking a look at Plaxo.

Let’s look at the numbers. Plaxo reportedly did around $5 million in 2006 revenue, doubling that to $10-$12 million in 2007. 2008 projections are $20-$25 million. The company has just 1.8 million worldwide visitors per month (Comscore), less than 2% of Facebook’s 100 million monthly visitors. At current growth rates Facebook is adding around 10 million unique visitors per month. Putting this deal into perspective: Facebook grows a Plaxo every six days or so. And Comscore says 25% of Plaxo visitors are already coming to Facebook anyway.

Plaxo’s users also visit the site infrequently compared to Facebook users. Facebook’s 100 million visitors generate 42 billion or so monthly page views. Plaxo sees just 11 million page views per month, a tiny fraction of that. As an aside, Facebook generates the equivalent of a month’s worth of Plaxo traffic every 10-15 minutes.

Why would Facebook part with the rumored $200 million for a service that is so relatively small?

Crazier deals have been done, but this one isn’t happening (yet). Plaxo is a valuable property. It has a large professional social network and a great new product in Pulse - the sort of anti-Facebook news feed in that it pulls stuff from a variety of social networks instead of just Facebook. But it’s value will be greatest to someone that doesn’t already have those assets. Facebook does.

Facebook

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Plaxo

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Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216799569/

Tune in to TechCrunch tomorrow for Steve Job’s keynote live blogged from the Macworld Expo in San Francisco.

There is no shortage of rumors of floating about, but definitely expect to see an announcement about movie rentals on iTunes, possibly a new iPhone (either with increased memory, 3G or both) and a number of other hardware and software announcements. You can read the fake running sheet for the keynote here.

As of this afternoon the exhibitors and venue were still being set up for the big day tomorrow, with attendees already queuing to register today to beat the rush tomorrow (although some parts of the Expo were open today). Queues for general admission into the Keynote are expected to be in place from midnight with most major Mac blogs suggesting that general pass holders (ie not platinum or press) should look to queue from around 4-5 am for reasonable seats.

For a different take the team from CrunchGear will also be live blogging the event here.

Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216796636/

Foreign languages are hard. There’s no shortage of expensive books and systems claiming to teach you how to gab like a native in only a few short lessons. But traditional methods don’t work for most people as well real world experience and continuous practice.

A young German startup is helping language students get that practice and experience through their new language learning community called Babbel. Babbel is an Adobe Flex application that combines a social network with a series of language learning tools for English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French. The language learning tools are currently fairly basic and come in the form of vocabulary quizzes that test you on words by matching a word’s sounds and spelling with pictures. The site tracks your progress and reminds you to continue training on new sets. Babbel leverages the social network by letting users message each other and work on forming lessons together. In the future you’ll be able to chat with each other as well. xLingo and LiveMocha are other language learning communities focused on matching up foreign language students.

But Babbel is not only about collaboratively studying a foreign language. The site will also depend on it’s users to contribute more content to their site through vocabulary words and eventually new lesson plans. Users can add new words or phrases to the site’s vocabulary index, and then tie them to an audio clip and picture representation.

Babbel does have some notable drawbacks, though. Conversations are only text based (Skype or TokBox could augment that). Also, it isn’t a site where you can learn the basic grammatical rules of a language, it only supports vocabulary lessons. Readers interested in starting from scratch should check out Mango Languages, which provides a free program for learning the mechanics of a language from the ground up.

Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216778271/

New York based Drop.io launched a dead simple “drop box” for files last November. The service is online storage on the back end, with a very simple/clean user interface and upload features on the front end.

It is similar to box.net and a number of other startups. Users can upload files via a Flash tool or by simply emailing files to a designated address. Files an also be uploaded via a widget (see example here in the right sidebar). The page itself (example) can be open or password protected. The pages can be anonymous, and each one, called a “drop,” has 100 MB of free storage (you can upgrade to 1 GB for $10/year). There are also RSS feeds and email alerts for drops, although they do not contain enclosures. You have to link through to get to the actual file.

All in all, it’s a fairly generic service with a better-than-average but hardly revolutionary interface.

Today, though, they added a very nice niche feature called, simply, Voice. Every drop page has a phone number and extension associated with it. Call the number, dial the extension and record an unlimited length voice message (subject only to the overall 100 MB file size limitation). The file will appear momentarily as a MP3 file on the drop page.

This is an easy way to record a voice note, or even a simple podcast message. For now you can only have one person on the line, so conference calls aren’t a built in feature. Of course, you can always simply three-way dial the drop.io number as well as another person and record a call, or add drop.io to Skype to record a conference call there.

This reminds me of Dave Winer’s TwitterGram project that he created with BlogTalkRadio last year. There are also basic web-based recording functions that turn your voice into a MP3 (see Daft Doggy), although those do not tie into an actual phone number.

I like the service because it’s very, very easy to use and has no real restrictions. It would be perfect if they simply added the file as an enclosure to an email or RSS feed as well, but for now that isn’t an option.

drop.io

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Box.net

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Crunch Network: MobileCrunch Mobile Gadgets and Applications, Delivered Daily.

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216726456/

You know a company’s trying hard to promote a new version of its software when it puts together an acronym to describe it. SuccessFactors, provider of hosted enterprise software for “performance and talent management”, has opted for ULTRA: User Delight, Leading-Edge Innovation, Technology Agnostic, Results-Focused Capabilities, and Advanced Integration.

I’m not entirely sure what those all mean, but the basic idea is that SuccessFactors has become even more “Web 2.0″ with its latest release, the 71st since its founding in 2001. Employees can use SuccessFactors to track their professional goals, and companies can use the software to conduct performance reviews and assess competencies. There’s a bunch of other capabilities built-in that help with recruiting and the distribution of stocks and bonuses as well.

From the looks of things, SuccessFactors tries to do a lot of things at once. Not only does the software intend to help with employee management, it also serves as an employee directory and organizational mapping service. If I were an employee of a company that used SuccessFactors, I think I would actually find it much more useful for finding information about my colleagues than for charting developments in my career. But perhaps others are compelled to structure their goals explicitly and use it to determine whether they are competent enough to fill a new position.

SuccessFactors went public just this past November. Analysis of the IPO can be found here and here.

SuccessFactors

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Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216741750/

My iTunes library got so big recently that I didn’t trust Shuffle mode anymore. Scrolling through my library was a memory exercise instead of a quick path to an ear massage. Plus I missed that feeling I had when I was 14, with a shelf full of maybe 50 CDs, each of them dear to my heart. While I felt the frustration growing, it seemed like too daunting a task to actually filter through 60 gigs of music. But an unexpected event suddenly gave me an opportunity.

A couple weeks ago, my hard drive went belly-up and I had to restore everything from backups (thank you SuperDuper). Restoring from a crash is like moving to a new apartment. You can cargo cult and just move everything from point A to point B, or you can take the opportunity to reevaluate what you should keep and what you should toss.

This reminded me of a tip Jason told me for unpacking from a move. The idea is you dump all the packed boxes into the middle of the living room. Then you take things out one-by-one only as you feel the need for them. After a couple weeks of unpacking only what you need, you discover the rest of the pile is prime material for donations or the dumpster.

I loved the idea. And my hard drive crash was the perfect chance to test it on my overgrown music collection.

So here’s what I did.

1. I made my living room pile. I found the iTunes Music Library folder on my backup and copied it to my Desktop as a folder named “Music”.

2. I opened iTunes and kept it completely blank. I set it to Album View to replicate my CD shelf of yore. Then I waited for an itch.

3. When a craving hit, I opened my Music folder on the Desktop, found the Album I wanted, and dropped it into iTunes.

Two weeks later, I have a beautiful hand-picked selection of Albums in iTunes. And since that “Music” folder only takes up 48×48 pixels on my Desktop, I’ll leave it there as long as I want as an Archive in case a rare itch hits.

You don’t need a hard drive disaster to replicate this tip. Just copy ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Music/ to your Desktop and rename it “Music”. Then inside iTunes, delete everything. Wait for the itch, and start cherry-picking your own small music collection. Enjoy!

Source: Signal vs. Noise
Original Article: http://www.37signals.com/svn/posts/788-how-to-take-control-of-a-massive-itunes-music-library

Today’s agreement between MySpace and nearly all the states attorneys general to bulk up protections against sexual predators will no doubt have spillover effects on other social networks as well. No social network can afford to look like it is lagging in this area and will do whatever it can to be at par with emerging industry norms in this area.

In fact, not long after I originally posted about the MySpace deal earlier today, I received the following statement from Facebook:

Facebook has always created an inhospitable environment for predators by limiting access to users’ personal information based on real-world social connections. We have led the way in our partnership with the New York Attorney General and continue our involvement with the Attorneys General of all states and other law enforcement agencies to keep children safe from those who would do them harm. We are happy to work further with the states to develop and deploy strategies to protect kids online.

I am pretty sure that not only Facebook, but also Bebo and Google, will do whatever is necessary to fight sexual predators. With that in mind, here specifically is where Facebook, Bebo and Orkut (i.e., Google) are now lagging MySpace in protections for younger users, and where they may have to spend money to catch up:

1. IMAGE AND VIDEO REVIEW

MySpace proactively reviews videos and images for pornographic and sexually inappropriate content. Humans look at every image and banned images are digitally fingerprinted to prevent them from being uploaded again.

Facebook and Bebo only ban inappropriate images and video that are reported by users. Orkut doesn’t even do that.

2. GROUPS REVIEW

MySpace monitors group discussions for predatory content.

Facebook and Bebo regulate only reported incidents. Orkut does not review group discussions.

3. SEX OFFENDER DATABASE

MySpace helped develop and fund a database of registered sex offenders and deletes the accounts of members who are registered sex ofenders.

Facebook, Bebo, and Orkut do not have a policy of automatically removing registered sex offenders.

4. AGE LIMIT ENFORCEMENT

MySpace algorithmically searches for underage members and deletes their accounts.

Facebook and Bebo are more reactive in their underage account deletion policies. Orkut does not enforce any age limits.

5. “FRIEND” PROTECTION FOR YOUNGER USERS

On MySpace, older users cannot contact underage users without first knowing their e-mail and full name.

On Facebook, Bebo, And Orkut, anyone can “friend” anyone else.

Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216694494/

What is Macworld without rampant speculation? This year, though, someone is going the extra mile and is using Wikipedia to spread what looks to be a fake outline for the Stevenote tomorrow. Many blogs and media are biting (see here and here), including people who should know better (Steve Rubel).

At first glance, the notes seem plausible. Nothing too earth-shattering: a thin new MacBook, a 16GB iPhone, YouTube downloads on iTunes, and a preview of the iPhone software development kit. But it has a few fatal flaws: No mention of iTunes movie rentals, Microsoft Office 2008, more DRM-free music partners, or the much hoped-for Beatles iPod. (At least one of these highly-anticipated announcements has to be true). Not to mention that the self-correcting mechanisms of Wikipedia are already at work debunking the premise behind the notes. “This is TOTAL BULL,” reads one comment.

Still, it is a well put-together piece of speculation and plays on people’s trust of Wikipedia to spread rumor. My favorite part is the purported SDK news. According to these “notes” Steve Jobs will be spending a lot of time on it. The details: iPhone apps will be sold for $6.99 and widgets for $2.99, with 70 percent of revenues going to the developer (or they can be free). Apple will only accept source code, not executables, to protect the device. And example iPhone apps that Jobs is supposed to demo include an RSS feed reader (that would be nice), a Last.fm music app, and Twitter for the iPhone (this part may be true). Here is the relevant excerpt:

iPhone/iPod Touch SDK
- Apps and Widgets
- Using Cocoa with Objective-C
- Developers submit programs as source code, not executable
- Specify iPhone or both iPhone/Touch (certain features iPhone only)
- Set your own price: Apps $0-$6.99, Widgets $0-$2.99
- Users buy/download in iTunes Wi-Fi Store / iTunes Store (Mac/PC)
- Automatic updating wirelessly or docked

- Demonstration of exporting from XCode 3 to iTunes Store
- Submits source code to Apple for validation (make sure that people aren’t abusing the system, prevent malware and viruses)
- If using microphone or GSM, iPhone only; otherwise, available for both iPhone and iPod Touch
- Apps can be free or up to $6.99; Widgets free or up to $2.99
- Developers recieve 70% of revenue for their products
- Licensed under Apple Mobile Software License
- Can download wirelessly from iTunes Wi-Fi Store or docked to computer from iTunes Store
- Demonstration of wirelessly downloading (and running) the app submitted earlier
- Apps and widgets can be rearranged on front screen; front screen scrolls to show all apps/widgets
- Resubmit updated versions of apps; when added to store, iPhone/Touch will ask you to update it next time you use it (or next time you dock the iPhone/Touch)
- Developers can get their hands on a beta version of the SDK tomorrow on ADC and start developing; final version due early February
- iTunes 7.6 and iPhone/iPod Touch Software update 1.3 allowing for Apps mid-February

Example apps/widgets
Apps:
- iChat (coming with 1.3 update) (AIM, Jabber/Google Talk)
– Quick demonstration
- RSS Feed Reader (coming with 1.3 update) (read feeds online or off)
- One of our partners made something cool: Last.fm (scrobble tracks played on iPhone/touch wirelessly without syncing w/ computer)
Widgets:
- Dictionary (coming with 1.3 update) (quickly look up words, translate, use wikipedia)
– Quick demonstration
- Yellow/White Book (coming with 1.3 update) (search for contacts, add them to your address book directly from the app, will sync back with address book on your Mac/PC)
- Sports Ticker (coming with 1.3 update) (choose your sports and teams, get updates on their progress)
- Another partner: Twitter (update your Twitter on the fly, see your friends tweets)
- Try these out on the show floor today

Again, I say this is all bunk. But it does reflect in its own way what the Apple faithful want to hear. And hopefully, Jobs will shed some light on Apple’s iPhone SDK plans tomorrow.

Crunch Network: MobileCrunch Mobile Gadgets and Applications, Delivered Daily.

Source: TechCrunch
Original Article: http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Techcrunch/~3/216651508/

You’re probably wondering why I’m here. And so am I. The best I can hope to do is at least explain how I got here.

Some time back I was invited to play Werewolf at the 37signals/Coudal compound. Since everyone seemed intent on killing me off as soon as possible (despite the fact that I was never the werewolf) I actually spent most of the time sketching. Jason liked what I had in my book and asked if I’d be interested in posting from time to time here on SvN.

What was I supposed to say, no?

So here, a mere four months or so later, is my first post of the very squid sketch that started this whole thing. I expect I’ll be posting at odd intervals with whatever I’ve been working on, and possibly a bit of commentary on process. I hope it’s of interest.

Below the fold, the further adventures of the squid…

Here’s a more developed pencil version, that turned into…

…this screen print which, in a stunning coincidence, happens to be for sale.

Source: Signal vs. Noise
Original Article: http://www.37signals.com/svn/posts/785-allow-me-to-introduce-myself-and-my-squid