Argotic Syndication Framework 2007.3 Released

Argotic Syndication Framework 2007.3 Released: I am proud to announce the latest release of the Argotic Syndication Framework. This release provides ASP.NET developers with built-in support for some of the most common syndication features web sites utilize when publishing syndicated content. The framework now provides both server and client support of the Pingback and Trackback peer-to-peer notification protocols, as well as server and client support for  the XML-RPC communication protocol. Several ASP.NET web controls have been provided to make implementing automatic discovery of Pingback, Trackback, and syndication feeds a simple and pain-free process.
New features for this release:
[snip]Really Simple Discovery (RSD) support added to syndication HTTP handler. [Cool.]

Sparkle – Trac

Sparkle – Trac: Sparkle is a module that developers can stick in their Cocoa applications (five-step install!) to get instant self-update functionality.

Your app will be able to update itself, not just check for new versions: it’ll read the update information from an appcast on your server, download, extract, install, restart, and even offer to show the users release notes before they decide if they want to update. [Noice!]

Isomorphic SmartClient: Now Open Source

Isomorphic SmartClient: Now Open Source:

Isomorphic has made a leap of faith to a new opensource business model today. They have freed up their SmartClient Ajax platform by releasing it under the LGPL license.

The piece that has been opensourced “includes the typical set of Ajax UI components that are now available from several vendors, but goes beyond the standard offering with support for very large datasets, metadata management, advanced skinning and branding, WSDL/SOA binding, and many other features

Extensions to SmartClient LGPL, including the SmartClient Java Server, the SmartClient Visual Builder tool, and several industry-specific optional modules, continue to be available for purchase.”

It is interesting to see that the market almost seems to require that you are opensource, else the barrier to playing around is too high.

[I’m not so sure that last paragraph is true…]
Source: Ajaxian

Prototype 1.6.0 and script.aculo.us 1.8.0 released

Prototype 1.6.0 and script.aculo.us 1.8.0 released:

New versions of the JavaScript libraries that ship with Rails, Prototype 1.6.0 and script.aculo.us 1.8.0, have been released. You can find out about the numerous changes on the Prototype blog and on mir.aculo.us. If you’re running Edge Rails, just svn up and run rake rails:update:javascripts to install the latest versions into your application automatically.

Also of note: Christophe Porteneuve’s Prototype & script.aculo.us book is now out of beta and available for purchase from the Pragmatic Programmers. It’s up-to-date with all of the new features in both libraries, so be sure to check it out if you’re using Prototype and script.aculo.us in your applications.

[Cool!]
Source: Riding Rails

Facebook doesn’t need to be Adbook

Facebook doesn’t need to be Adbook: But the problem for Mark, for Jeremiah, and for all of us (including yours truly) is that we too easily default to framing our understanding of advertising in its own terms. We regard advertising as an independent variable: something ya gotta have. But in fact advertising is a dependent variable. The independent variable is the individual human being. As Chris Locke put it so perfectly nine years ago, we are not seats or eyeballs or end users or consumers. we are human beings and our reach exceeds your grasp. deal with it. [Check out the VRM stuff.]
Source: Doc Searls Weblog

MIT sues Frank Gehry

MIT sues Frank Gehry: stata-center.jpgI don’t know much about this developing story, but it’s interesting on its face… M.I.T. Sues Architect Frank Gehry – New York Times (and here’s a longer piece in the NYT):

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is suing renowned architect Frank Gehry, alleging serious design flaws in the Stata Center, a building celebrated for its unconventional walls and radical angles.

The school asserts that the center, completed in spring 2004, has persistent leaks, drainage problems and mold growing on its brick exterior. It says accumulations of snow and ice have fallen dangerously from window boxes and other areas of its roofs, blocking emergency exits and causing damage.

Maybe unfair, but one interpretation: award-winning “radical” designs aren’t great if they can’t keep snow off the emergency exit.

[There are all sorts of stories about famous architects and there rejoinders to complaints about leaky roofs… Frank Lloyd Wright they claim told one client who was complaining about a roof leak dripping on his chair to move his chair. Another comment was that you wouldn’t know it was a roof if it didn’t leak. It’s simple really, it’s just a question of priority. If you want something that amazes by its design and look it’s going to require trying new materials and techniques. If you’re trying to build stuff you haven’t built before, there is going to be a learning curve, and unexpected results. It’s the same thing that makes so many software projects “grow”, or “late”, or “overbudget”. Stick with stuff that’s been done many times before and it won’t leak or drop melting ice in front of doorways. But it won’t inspire or delight except in its utility. Fine if that’s what you want, but you don’t hire Gehry for that.]
Source: Good Experience Blog