So I’ve installed the iphone 2.0 software (on my non 3G iphone, for now) and have some thoughts about the iphone apps and the app store.

I think that while the app store is going to be the defacto hub for distributing apps for the majority, it has some downs.

First, as the number of apps continue to grow, the app store just seems awkward for navigating and finding new apps. Also it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell the crap from the good, with the only aid being the marginally helpful user reviews. I think the blogosphere and word of mouth are going to play a huge role in the success of iphone apps. Seeing and hearing how an app has been useful for someone else is so much more credible when trying to decide what to invest time in installing and trying out.

Second, I have a hard time seeing myself paying for any iphone app, ever. The only exception is perhaps something that I’m already invested in. Are iPhone apps just supporting cast members? I vote yes for a couple reasons. I think the greatest value of a mobile app is the greater accessibility that comes with mobility, and it’s just not worth $10, especially when there are iphone web interfaces and even more so once the jailbreaked installers take off. Also, if I were a software developer, why would I want to limit my audience to only iphone customers? I think these factors are contributing to why you see many more “iphone versions” of apps and iphone interfaces for existing apps, than pure iphone-only apps. I’d put money on the iphone app market continuing in that direction.

Independence day ecards at somecards.com – “when you care enough to hit send”

“The Harriet Tubman of Fireworks”

I like having my twitter on my website. I use the standard supplied twitter javascript badge code to do this. One thing I don’t like about it is that it doesn’t create html links from the links in the tweet. So took a minute and made one that does.

Everybody stand back. I know regular expressions (although it’s just a baby one). It could also be improved to be much more flexible (https, not relinking already linked urls, etc), but it’s simple and working for my cases for now.

Here is the updated blogger.js file, just download it, upload it to your web space, and use it instead of http://twitter.com/javascripts/blogger.js

Links in your twitter badge now are clickable. Neato.

Aug 8-10, I’m volunteering for an organization called Teen Leadership Camp, to take 40 kids who are in the care of the Social Services Foster Care System to camp for a weekend. The goal is to offer life-changing paths, build hope, friendship and memories for these kids who have either been abused or neglected by their families.

I’m setting a goal of raising $400, which covers the cost of one kid going to camp. If you can chip in $5, $10 or more, that would be awesome. You can give by clicking the badge on the right column over there.

Check out this video and also see http://n-tlc.org for more info. If you have more questions, email me.

Something about music stirs my soul more than anything else. While I think “worship music” is important, I now am pretty certain that I won’t be writing any. Not to say that it won’t be worship, if that makes sense. I want my music to cross boundaries of belief to point people towards God. I really look up to Thrice for this, they’re creating original, honest music that has a wide appeal but is so clear when you dig into its message.

The biggest barrier towards me doing something with music seems to be me. I don’t write because I don’t like what I wrote, and after trying for a little while I get frustrated with my lack of skill. I say, when I get better at this or that, then I’ll do it. It’s hard to keep at it when there’s so much to do.

Awesome.

vs

Goodbye vienna, hello netnewswire

I might be way late to the game, but here’s why I switched:

While both apps are free and have good user interfaces, NetNewsWire syncs my news and blog feeds with an online account (also free), so once I read something at work, on my phone, or on my laptop at home, I never see the same item twice. Awesome. They also have a nice iphone interface for reading on the go.

Theres a more detailed comparison on the unofficial apple weblog, but the syncing seals the deal for me. Get it here.

thumbs up:

• autosoap
• ny chedder kettle chips in my lunch
• portland (and its public transportation)
• refactoring your rails app presentation content
• starcraft (anyone want a game?)

thumbs down:

• slower than slow wifi (how much are we paying?)
• having to pass presentation materials around on usb drives
• asking questions by shouting (can we get something better? We’re programmers right?)
• presentation skills at #railsconf
• AIR presentation – I’m here to learn about Rails, not flex.

jared: i’ve heard of this human race

jared: who’s winning?

Christa: haha

Christa: I AM

possession is an obsession in our culture. If we own a thing, we feel that we can control it; and if we control it, we feel that it will give us more pleasure. The idea is an illusion. Many things in life can be enjoyed without possessing or controlling them . . .Let’s learn to enjoy the beauty of the beach without the compulsion to buy a piece of it.

Richard J. Foster: Freedom of Simplicity