01 • 30 • 12 : :

    This is the first issue of a new format....... one wherein the blog moves, gradually, from being a completely linear structure, to being user-selectable as one’s interest is prodded.

This has been a while in development - I had to custom-design all the header graphics
(logos/symbols) and then re-map the site structure. For the first few issues the MainPage will,

in the most part, remain as a linear structure - but the pageLinks will be functional.

In a few weeks, the MainPage will show only graphics associated with the pageLinks - which will indicate to the viewer that the core of the information of that category can be accessed by clicking the icon.

    I sincerely hope you all like this progression..... it was done, in part, to allow the user

full control over what they might want to connect with....

..........it is partly in the thinking/planning and development of this autonomy, that I found myself reflecting on the proposed changes to Facebook. As I absorbed the available information about the NewFacebook, I found myself becoming increasingly hostile and resentful to the changes. I felt, that although I - and probably most of you - were

the ownership. If not the actual ownership,the Community ownership......and yet, the custodian, Facebook/Zuckerbook,  in acting as absentee landlords, were intent on imposing
serious and significant changes to the structure, and the operational aspects of the vehicle.

Without any concern, or questions, of the userBase as to the acceptability of such....

Cavalier, arbitrary - somewhat arrogant - are terms that describe the general demeanor in which this climate is being re-structured.

I don’t like it - and I like even less the dictate, that whether I make the changes over to Timeline, or not - they will be made. By Facebook if not by me.

So - sadly, I committed Facebook suicide this week. I - as most of you, have many, many friends that I found or re-found through FB. I valued that - so much. Former students in Hong Kong, Mexico, Italy - many places. Friends at Royal Caribbean in Miami. Family and clients

all over the world ....... and yet, I pulled the plug.

It is not right - let alone, not fair - that  a community-focused environment can be highjacked in this manner....... and now, we hear that Facebook may well initiate an IPO - the largest ever in tech history. And do what with the billions gained thereby?

Here’s a thought - Apple, and/or Google - both being cash rich - could/should give birth

to a new global online community - one that is democratic, that is politically and ecologically

sensitive and responsible....... let’s all start an e-mail writing campaign. Who knows - the

Arab spring, sprung from similar discontent.

IMHO

Michael Moore

02 • 01 • 12 : :

  I have, no opinions, this week. I believe I need a refill....perhaps I should visit the Genius Bar, see ‘Whussup?’

On one of the many LinkedIn groups, of which I belong to too many, some brighLight in the Creative Designers Group posed the open question,  ‘Where Does Pure Genius Come From?’

Damned if I know......but I do believe that small doses of it might be had at the Genius Bar......perhaps we should all adjourn there for some BrainSoup today.......could use a refresher.....•

03•   March 3, 2012

They tell me it’s time to have another opinion......

of course, one needs to have an opinion ABOUT something.....

Not so sure this qualifies, but you might find it interesting.....

3 things - somewhat aligned - in this current period.

•     AIA reports that billings are positive for the 3rd consecutive month

1. •    ASID reports a degree of positive performance coming into 2012
   

2. •    Pantone has just released their color palette predictions for 2012/13 - and they
   

      can best be summed up as ‘happy’ colors. Optimistic even....

      It would seem that if spirits become lifted, if hope is generated, a wonderful human dynamic generally ensues.....

And this item - right off the CNN Newsbreak as of an hour ago :

Fed says job market has improved, consumer spending is up and inflation is under control, despite rise in oil prices.

So - in my opinion, we might just be on the upswing......good that it coincides with spring.

A re-birth, a renaissance - hopefully