Albert Tanutama

Brief summary:

I skipped my lunch for a brief meeting with Eric Schaffer. He’s the CEO and founder of Human Factors International (HFI), a global company focusing on usability factors. Eric invented a methodology called “Schaffer–Weinschenk Method” as a roadmap to implement organization’s usability program. He was here to conduct HFI-Singapore’s training on “The Science and Art of Effective Web and Application Design”, which I didn’t manage to attend … I have neither heard about HFI nor spoken with any usability practitioners (and experts) before. Thus, it was quite special to have him speaking as usability practitioner (tho it was ended as a sales pitching session). I had my BK afterwards - thanks to the “tapau” methodology.

Next, Congrats to nicknox for completing her undergraduate study
And, the rests of my day as keywords: 36, 2 hours, waiting, parkway parade, grand mercure, sakae sushi, the trip, uncle and auntie, sakae sushi, uob, 10%, ice cream, iCon, MPH, stuck, briefcase, carry, home-made chilly cassava (yay!), night, sleepy, blogging…

About one year ago, I signed up for All Consuming (AC) service for tracking books that I’ve read (and currently reading) in my blog. The service was neat but unreliable. It was slow and often inaccessible. After a while, I abandoned it. This morning I suddenly received an email from Eric Benson from AC. He announced that 43Things have acquired AC, and invited all subscribers to visit the new service.

I’ve used 43Things before and tho I was initially excited about it, I soon realized that it was not that useful. The acquisition, however, challenged my earlier opinion. They suddenly give me enough reason to come and use it more regularly since I’m currently reading (quite a lot of) books. The integration of 43Things and All Consuming was a good idea and was essential for its survival.

Earlier, I didn’t have enough reasons to use 43Things regularly - I didn’t see the point of updating things that I’d like or I’ve done regularly. First, I prefer to do the actual things than updating my list. Second, things that I’d like to do are usually recurrent. Finally, I have a blog, thus I prefer updating my blog than writing my stories there. With All Consuming, 43Things is suddenly becoming much more useful. With its search feature, it is easier to track book that I read: find, add, and update (cover image included!) - better than using Amazon manually. I can read opinions on that book and even find people with similar interest (All Consuming display other people who read the same book). By looking at their profile, I might actually find other book that of my interests (something like Amazon’s recommender system). The profile of the user is further enriched with the original 43Things features - the “wish” and “been there done that” lists. The acquisition seems make sense, and I kinda happy about it.

What’s next? How about better and more usable UI? It is a bit messy - mixing books, movie, and music all together. The tagging system is not really useful than “Last few things consumed…” feature, perhaps because I didn’t really have many items to be tagged. I’d rather emphasize “the last few things” than the “today’s tag” feature. I’d add “so-so” to mediate between worth and not worth doing; and better completion date feature (by adding month and year? I can’t recall exact date when I completed doing the task). Finally, here’s my 43Things+All Consuming profile.

I’ve added “Tuesdays with Morrie” into my reading list. The book is a true story about the conversation between the author, Mitch Albom, and his former sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz. Mitch enrolled in Morrie’s last ‘class’ - a series of conversations, tackling the issue about the meaning of life.

Morrie was Mitch’s “coach” during his university days. They were quite close as Morrie taught Mitch in several subjects and supervised him in writing his thesis. They often spent time together - mostly on Tuesdays. After graduated, Mitch became a sports journalist and because of his busy schedules, he then lost contact with Morrie.

Morrie was later diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease that damage his neurosystem. Not wanting to wither up and disappear, Morrie made his upcoming death as his final project. He was later featured in a television show that would reunite him back with Mitch after 16 years. During his final days, Morrie taught Mitch many things about life: world, sorry, regrets, death, family, emotions, aging, money, love, marriage, culture, and forgiveness.

Tuesdays with Morrie is an inspiring book - written to engage its readers in the conversation with Morrie himself. Life’s greatest lesson comes from those who understand how-to live, love, and die…

Yup. I got the chance to watch Episode III in exclusive screening session courtesy of Microsoft MSDN connection (managed to answer a quiz about their upcoming visual studio tools correctly). They made it pretty special.

First, we gathered in (very) nice Microsoft Auditorium for a small gathering and fun session. The session started with Star Wars’ lightsaber fighting (with auditorium light turned off) - they deserve applause for their efforts. Then the top prize was shown - WHOA! That’s what I called lightsaber - very bright, very red (and blue), and animated, just like in the movie. The session was then followed with 3 round of quizzes along with generous prizes (10 lucky people selected to participate in the quiz got a saber, and minimum 128MB of thumbdrive). The questions were tough and, unfortunately, most of the participants were not prepared. It was not really interactive and engaging (you ended up watching 10 people struggling to answer questions, quietly, because if they give the wrong answer, their points will be deducted)…. Anyway, I was surprised after the prize was given, the session ended just like that (I mean, no presentation? no marketing? I’ve never thought that such thing will happen). I’m impressed. They just want us to have FUN. I think that was really kind. Then we moved on to the cinema nearby. A coach bus was reserved to take us to Eng Wah, Suntec City. We then showed our badge and (an invisible) stamp to get our ticket, (large) popcorn and softdrink. The show itself started without any speeches (cancelled on the spot by the speaker himself).

In short, it was exciting to finally have the missing episode - the story are making much more sense. (spoiler ahead) all my questions and doubts were answered. First, was the Senator Palpatine really the emperor? (I was suspicious, but they had slightly different face). Within the first few minutes - I kno that he up to no good. And after a while, how he really transformed in to the ugly looking guy. I’m not really satisfied the way he reveal himself as the bad guy tho. Not a very clever move. Second, where were the rest of the Jedi? It was answered in pretty emotional ways - quite sad to see that one by one they disappeared. Ah. Third, how was Anakin transformed into Darth Vader? Hm. The first transformation, where he was named as Darth Vader, was not convincing - without strong reason that enable us to sympathize with his decision. The second transformation, where his body was destroyed and where he first wear the custom, was way better! Finally, what happened to Padme? Sadly, she didn’t have significant role in this episode (except for giving birth) - really different from the first episode.

Overall, the movie was enjoyable and entertaining. I’m glad that it was finally over, in a positive note. The Star Wars era is now officially ended

Things are getting back to normal - projects are coming, and I need to catch up with “the world”.

Following merger and acquisition trend - Bradbury Software, company that develop FeedDemon (my news aggregator application) has been acquired by newsgator (also known as news aggregator for Outlook). One thing that I admired from Nick Bradbury (the founder) - he cares about his customers. I’ve been using FeedDemon since version 1.0 (after won a design contest), and have received several free updates (new features - not just bugs fixing) up to the current version 1.5. Now, as part of the acquisition deals, all FeedDemon users will get 2 years business standards subscription for free! (worth about US$40 - FeedDemon application itself cost about US$30). Gosh. That’s really a good (if not great) surprise. I’ve never felt such service from a software company. I’m looking forward for his next great products from Newsgator.

James Snell announced that IBM has started to encourage all 320,000+ employees world wide to consider engaging actively in the practice of “blogging”. Two main objectives : to learn and to contribute. Learning from open exchange and to share exciting things they are doing - insights and high-value innovations. A particular points from IBM blogging guidelines that capture my attention is “to add value” - it should helps people to do their jobs and solve problems; improves knowledge or skills; contributes directly or indirectly to the improvement of products, processes and policies; or promotes values. I think this point well-captures the spirit of corporate blogging - something that employee should ask themselves before pressing the publish button.

Another journalism mishaps was occured - Newsweek retracted Quran desecration story (link to the editor’s note and followup article). Some questions that pop into my mind: should the story be published in the first place - given the existing data and the sensitivity of the issues? The stake are really high - what was their objective in publishing the stories? Given existing situation, what are the magazine roles to rectify the damage? what are their responsibility? I noted that ASNE (American Society of Newspaper Editor) website had listed responsibility as one of their principles: The primary purpose of gathering and distributing news and opinion is to serve the general welfare by informing the people and enabling them to make judgments on the issues of the time. I think “to serve the general welfare” is the objective that really matters. It should be the heart of journalism - to improve well being of the society. This, unfortunately, often lost with the urge to get the latest, groundbreaking news - ignoring its (negative) implications. For more complete coverage of the journalist ethics, refer to Dan Gillmor’s Bayosphere post.

Yep, I think that’s all for tonight…

The Table No. 32 .

I attended my company Annual Dinner and Dance party this evening. It was my third D&D party, the second party at Grand Hyatt hotel, and the BEST one! The theme of the night was “an odyssey around the world” . People were expected to wear some sort of costumes - so I decided to dress a little bit chinese-like
The atmosphere was exciting - lots of people dressed up nicely (a rare opportunity to see the “other side” of our system analysts and software engineers). Some of them did come in really international costumes: Thai Royalty, Arabian Sheiks, Egyptian Queen, Turkey Belly Dancer, and even Indian Chiefs (complete with eagle feathers). WOW! Our door gift was a set of USB mobile phone chargers - quite useful to be used in the office. We were mesmerized by a young magician who showed us a neat card trick - and a magic ball that could multiply itself. We were also entertained by a skilled contact ball juggler during cocktail.

I sat with my lunch friends in table 32 - the farthest from the stage - it was rather dark, but really cozy because we could talk without being bothered by loud musics. After brief opening by the CEO, we were served a small dish - a frozen sock! The organizer apparently wanted to start the evening with a game - We had to defrost the sock, then ask (or rather assign) one of the people in our table to run to the stage. We didn’t win ^-^” …

The food was great! It was started by a cold dish (octopus, jelly fish, puffs, shrimp salads), followed by quail soup (I couldn’t find where the quail was), cantonese chicken (tasty!), steamed sea bass, prawns, mushrooms and vegetables, udon, and dessert pudding (lovely!) along with free flow of soft drinks. The program included long term service award, and for the first time, the company star awards to employee who practice corporate values. One of my teammates won the award. Congrats!

The evening was filled with lots of laughters and whistlings. We had a special fashion show, where some employees were asked to be dressed up with a mask, plastic bags, and tissue rolls. Eyes were glued when we had a belly dancer showing her seductive skills (it was hilarious when we got her to dance with one of our friends). The final games was another fashion and dancing show to the best dressed employees (we have Indian lady chief and French farmer winning the show). The excitement was especially high during the lucky draw. There were 75 prizes, including the famous iPod! The tension was there when it reached top ten prizes. We desperately waited for our number to be called (they seemed revolving near our number but none was called) - until the last prize. One of the persons sitting at my table actually won the first prize! It was really a suprise and it was HILARIOUS! Because we had already given up hope to win any prizes in our table - you’ve just gotta see our expression when the winning number was announced. (I think most of us got a sore throat afterwards…)

The evening finally ended around 11.45 pm - after some snaps, we took cabs home. It was a really lovely party - made possible by great friends and colleagues around (enjoy the photo at my flickr album)

Joshua Jaffe from CNet predicted that social media software like blogs, wiki, and social network applications will be increasingly integrated as business applications. Blogs might replace e-mail blasts, wikis could strengthen existing collaboration software and social networks opens possibilities never envisioned before.
He noted key competitive edge over rivals for those who early embrace the power of social media services - to improve companies’ bottom lines and to protect reputations.

Personally, I’d suggest company to adopt blogging and wiki - integrated as part of intranet. By leveraging on RSS technology and post category - different blogs can be aggregated into meta-blogs such as team, business units, or departmental blogs rather than assigning multiple blogs. The work progress, report, and updates should be posted in either weblogs or wikis - performance appraisals could be done through feedback posted in the weblogs and the quality of posts. After some time, those weblogs could be a valuable company information resources - that document its growth and activities.

Once blogging cultures have been established internally - I think company would be ready to reach out to its customers through external corporate blogs. The external blogs will pose different challenges from internal blogs - because its focus, way to communicate, and information posted will reflect corporate image. By identifying reputable bloggers within the company - I think company will be better prepared to jump into corporate blogging than those who don’t.

Wiki is quite interesting application to have as a business application - I’ve tried to use it and agree that it has the potential as great collaborative tools. My main concern is the customization required before it can be used effectively. The wiki customization is still pretty opaque to me. Nevertheless, I still wish to have one if I work in a team project - writing documentations, or papers.

I’m not so sure about the social network application - I’ve seen great networking application, such as macromedia Intro. My main concern is on the maintenance of network - it does not feel natural and integrated into everyday’s workflow. My prediction is that social network application will be a sophisticated version of people’s directory - will not be used everyday, but important and useful. I’m looking forward for standardized data format that allow interoperability between applications and services (like FOAF?).

Update: SiliconValleyWatcher reported that IBM will jump into blogging bandwagon as well - joining Sun, Microsoft, GM, and HP.

Received (early) examination result - glad to see that I’ve “completed the programme of study by coursework only” I’ve simple expectation when I enrolled into Information Studies program - to explain my design works, objectively. Two particular subjects that I want to take are Human Computer Interface and Multimedia Information Systems.

The program was surprisingly exciting and interesting - much more than I originally expected. There are many areas that I learned throughout the coursework: information system and retrieval, information sources and searching, information users and society, Human Computer Interaction, information management, web-based information systems, information mining and analysis, system analysis and design, digital preservation, business information sources, and critical inquiry. To summarize it: information as the core and enabler of human activities, where the skill and ability to find, manage, analyze information are essential for survival.

The learning experience complemented my undergraduate study in Computer Engineering - the understanding of a system in human context. The focus was shifted from binary data into tangible information - opening multidisciplinary studies and perspectives. I realized this because my interest has moved from usability into sociability - how the system enables social interaction and process, which involves understanding of human psychology. The next transformation that could be really interesting to look at is Knowledge Management - that is when the information was transformed and internalized into knowledge and skills. IMO, the social aspect of information systems will play important role - much more than the technicality (and thus, it should explains why expensive KM systems do not always work).

However, it’s time to move on and put what I’ve learned into practice first. That should be exciting - and I’m looking forward into as I’m also officially released from my quarantine today

Uchenna and Joyce Agu won the gruelling Amazing Race 7. The final episode was thrilling - they arrived last in the Jamaica pit stop after suffering a flat tire and as a result, they were stripped of all their money and possessions. It was plain bad luck - because they were in the first position before the unfortunate event happened.

Without any money, especially in the last lap, was devastating - it seemed impossible to win the race (or even to continue in the race). They need to literally beg for money. Unfortunately, that was not an easy task, esp. that was their first. Despite the initial rejection and disappointment, Uchenna didn’t lose his coolness (Joyce did). His ability to remain calm during the crisis was admirable. Because of that, they finally manage to continue the race - and even to catch up with the rest of the teams. Their persistence (and luck!) they managed to board the plane even after the door was closed (Unfortunately, I can’t make it in Singapore - they didn’t allow me to check in 15 min before boarding time). They were also lucky to get a good cab driver who was helpful to find the last clue - the other team (Ron and Amber) wasn’t that lucky and lost because of that.

Finally, they showed that winning with honor is important. Although they were only steps away the finish line and the $1 million prize, Uchenna and Joyce continued to beg from nearby strangers until they paid their cab fare. With all of those teamwork, values, they deserved to win the race. They showed how to win the race gracefully. Congratulations!

An interesting quote from USA Today: “The blogosphere is today’s Wild West” - It againsts harmony, on a mission to air “dirty laundry”, where people respond and react with incivility, impatient with uninteresting or inauthentic posts. This “messy” blogosphere is probably why there are no Fortune 1000 chairman and/or CEO who blogs, as reported by UT. However, they are becoming aware the power and opportunity lies in the blogosphere. There’s an untapped opportunity for an early CEO adopter with the right touch according Corporate blogging consultant Debbie Weil. To Mark Cuban, owner of Dallas Maverick, honesty is key. Executives who blog - and doing it right - could enjoy large readership, ability to get “fine-grain” reports about who their readers are, and IMO, ability to speak directly to their readers with authority (i.e. no more misquote by press).

Moving a bit more in-depth, I noted interesting reasons from several high-rank executives who blog. Randy Baseler, vice president of marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, wrote “I hope it [blog] will help solve one of my biggest frustrations - not being able to talk with everyone as often as I like about what’s going on in our industry and our company. Either I’m in a different time zone, or in a meeting or at another commitment, so this web space can be a place where you can go to find out my thoughts and opinions”. Rich Marcello, Senior Vice President & General Manager of HP Business Critical Servers wrote, “I hope you find this blog helpful and informative and occasionally, at the expense of our competitors, fun to read”. Nora Denzel, another HP Senior VP for Adaptive Enterprise wrote ” I just wanted a fun, informal, low maintenance way to communicate. Because if it isn’t fun, I’m not going to do it.” She takes it communication literally - by podcasting (recorded audio). Mark Cuban (you should know who he is by now) recently posted “One of the beautiful things about blogging is that I can present ideas, concepts, situations or hypotheticals about anything and then open it up to comments. Often I have found the comments offered by readers to provide more value and insight than what I originally wrote. Sometimes they prove me right, sometimes they prove me wrong. Either is a value add to the original blog post.” Bob Lutz, GM Vice Chairman, briefly described “After years of reading and reacting to the automotive press, I finally get to put the shoe on the other foot. In the age of the Internet, anybody can be a “journalist.” This is the first of many commentaries I will make on this forum, and I’d like to begin with, surprise, some product talk” in GM Fastlane blog, which is a “source for the latest, greatest musings of GM leaders on topics relevant to the company, the industry and the global economy…”. Finally, Jonathan Schwartz from Sun, posted (as early as June 2004), “I can offer perspectives, opinions, and insights, and I can link to others and their views, etc. Others can link to me and send me feedback, creating a massively connected community and open dialog… to change the format and fidelity with which what I say is transcribed, and to get unfiltered feedback from the community”.

It’s really about communication…