Death by Powerpoint, by Alexei Kapterev

Even good writers perpetrate bad Powerpoint. Don’t add to the tedium.

I found a link to this on the IA Summit news page, which found it on Christina Wodtke’s blog.

Flickr Turns 4

Last night I attended the Flickr Turns 4 party. The cupcakes were hands-down the best thing about it, but they were just one indicator of how well the party was planned. Some of my friends suggested that perhaps the space could have been bigger, but the closeness of the quarters made introductions between strangers more likely, as nametags could be read with ease, and one friend met his favorite group moderator that way. The 1000′s of posted pictures gave everyone a focus, as did the several hairy Brides of March, who seemed to deeply enjoy the furtive and not-so-furtive looks they received. Frank Chu, with his incomprehensible sign, was in attendance. The atmosphere was friendly, because everyone already had something in common — they love Flickr. What’s not to love?

Magic and Mental Models

Last week I attended Jared Spool’s talk for the BayCHI Interaction Design BOF Event at Yahoo!, Magic and Mental Models. Man, the colors there at Yahoo, I was nauseous after 5 minutes, I can only imagine the feeling if you’re working there.

But my merry band and I persevered and made it to Classroom 5 (we’re still in school, kiddies!).

Mr. Spool is a sleeper. And no, I don’t mean he puts you to sleep. He gives the appearance of someone who will be reticent and muttering, but is anything but. He’s animated and entertaining (though if he’s thinking of a second career in magic, I would have to caste a vote of caution on that count).