Disqus - Latest Comments for Phil Butler

Re: Take the CFL Recycling Challenge

Phil Butler — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:22:59 -0000

Chris, this is spot on. I came from heavy industry and research. So often, solutions appear great until the small details are weighed (which is often much later). Mercury, as you obviously know, is one of the most toxic substances in the world.

Recycling or proper disposal of CFL's, as in many solutions, is key. Here in Germany, I think recycling and some of these issues are part of the culture. I know in the states, the recycling culture is not quite there. It is great to have experts like you Chris, to help people think about these issue. Thanks for all you do.

Always,
Phil

Re: Three Reasons To Use Disqus

Phil Butler — Tue, 27 May 2008 10:04:19 -0000

Fred,

I applaud your candor and transparency in as far as your association with Disqus. I suppose I should start my little comment in a similar way and disclose that JS-Kit is a client of mine. This being said, it should also be noted that Daniel's innovation was much supported by me as one of the initial testers and reviewers. I liked the initial platform and still do - but here is where to "love affair" gets rocky.

Though Disqus reveals some great features like those you mentioned, there are three main issues (with one corollary one) that everyone should be concerned about. Perhaps the biggest of these (and in comparison with JS-Kit's monetization model - even scary) is; "What if we use Disqus and they decide to start charging for the service?"

This question would be easy to answer save the proprietary issue of data ownership and utility. A user of JS-Kit's services, and a few others, can "opt out" without penalty at any time. Disqus does not allow for escaping with one's SEO and content in tact. This is very problematic even if you just started your cookie baking blog on Blogger.

Besides the aggravation of having your users use multiple signins (not so with Kit as it uses OpenID), Disqus essentially "robs" all benefit via SEO and data portability by storing and indexing a blogs comment data offsite. I feel that (know) this is by design as it is a very effective method of "stealing" content for search engine placement for Disqus the site -errr server...errr data dormitory.

I wish that Dan had consulted with me before embarking on this problematic course. Even if the mechanism is not designed to "bait and switch" potential "Mommy Bloggers" out of their search placement, the implications or even appearance of impropriety is beyond my comprehension for a startup or VC firm these days. JS-Kit, and its CEO Khris Loux, have done some amazing work (yes I am biased, but then I am for most startups if you look). People are freaking over Disqus being used on 4000 blogs, when Khris' work has permeated every corner of the Web and will soon approach over 20 million users. These widget masters are not creating rocket science Fred. If Scoble wants to use Disqus, given the current situation with data, he is an idiot or has some other interest. TechCrunch is not using it for this very reason I will bet (actually I fairly know as KIT is talking with them also):

So there you have it, transparency upon transparency upon a nebulous plan for making money. Would anyone like to bet on what the final plan for getting dollars for Disqus might involve? I hate being negative, but let's not hype things so much before they prove their worth. Sorry to be so adamant but I tested nearly everything Fred and beyond the testing and innovation - there is the user value - period.

Always,

Phil Butler

Re: Just a wacky idea

Phil Butler — Fri, 30 May 2008 13:54:43 -0000

Hi Steve,

A very valid and timely post I must say. I have been working for another comment entity JS-Kit for some time now, and to be honest we have been a little curious about Dan's contentions of late. I tested and reviewed Disqus and talked to Dan back when it was launched - found it to be a great innovation back then. The problem then was how was this thing going to be monetized? Also, we were concerned about data or content not resident on the publisher's site even then. Dan did not have all the answers then obviously because it was so new.

Dan has three problems that he does not seem to want to address. He accused Kit and me of dogging him accross the Web after he retreated to Twitter yesterday. Well, my name is tied to his innovation in a way and the people at JS-Kit have operated with complete transparency in making and deploying their elements. So, yeah, I am going to go every place Dan goes and make sure that people are not duped into thinking that magically somehow their SEO and user comments are going to magically reappear when they need them.

Dan should reveal the monetization model for Disqus - People want transparency and this is a good PR move to show crediblity.

Dan should explain that their way of feeding the HTML back to the resident site from a file on their domain will be very slow if it works at all.

Dan should also just explain how the Disqus site will get SEO benefit from every scraped scrap of user content a publishers allows him to gather. Also, that if a publisher wants these comments back ...it will be all but impossible.

I liked Dan and Disqus if anyone cares to read the article I wrote on Profy about them. I predicted that they would out class even JS-KIt in the end if they develpped properly. But, here we are going crazy over a comment system that barely has 4000 sites when KIT has tens of thousands and is as good or better in many respects. Just making people aware that a smiling car salesman grin usually dennotes a car salesman under it.

Always,

Phil Butler

Re: Online advertising needs to grow up

Phil Butler — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 23:05:16 -0000

Excellent article Mathew!

I could not agree more and it is nice to see that other people are in tune with reality. I love the possibilities of the web too, but it occurs to me that some of these numbers being thrown around have to be hyped.

I write about startups all the time, and especially in the video venue. I think that many of these entities are "sharing" their numbers with other sites.

So the big question for advertisers (or one of them) should be: "How many times can we expect the same people to buy from separate places they visit for the same purpose?"

A larger issue might be, how many "same" registered users will buy anything on dissimilar sites they are registered on?

I enjoyed your post very much, and hope I added some food for thought.

Sincerely,
Phil Butler

Re: No this doesn’t mean Mark Cuban is right

Phil Butler — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 20:22:10 -0000

I agree with the negotiation aspect. I am sure Viacom does not want a legal precedent set, as I mentioned in several other discussions on the subject.

I just hope neither entity is dumb enough to take this all the way. A loss for Googe will strangle user generated video and sharing.

Re: Hey Ma! They got TV on the Internet now!

Phil Butler — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 14:00:19 -0000

Looks like old money making their move to brainwash us some more. The way TV integrates into Web 2.0 may be significant to the future of the Web.

Mass appeal and the old dollar appear to be as strong as ever. When I first heard this news I was delighted, and then I realized just who and where TV is. MySpace for crying out loud, that is like saying NBC is still NBC fools!

I am not sure what we are supposed to expect, but once everyone (well nearly) is set up to accept myspace as the place to be, I guess they figured no one was paying attention any way.

So you ever feel like you are in a chess game where the outcome has been determined?

Re: Independent: just another word for "wrong"

Phil Butler — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 23:18:08 -0000

I am not so concerned with newspapers per se, as I am slightly disconcerted by the news today that Time is closing down the print aspect of Life magazine.

Having grown up with all those images (I know they will still be online) it is sad to watch things like that pass into the night.

Maybe I am just being sentimental :)

Re: Feeling the need for speed

Phil Butler — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:59:18 -0000

That was very cool! My son wants one now. Thanks for sharing that Matthew.

Always,
Phil Butler

Re: Kathy Sierra: the dark side of anonymity

Phil Butler — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:07:17 -0000

One of the most frustrating things about blogging is sincerely wanting to share things with people, and for so many to either not care or exhibiting terrible behaviors.

I agree with with your assessment Matthew, and admire Scoble too, but I think this may only encourage the types that perpetrate awful behaviors.

The Internet community is suffering from some kind of psychological illness brought on by many factors. I think the largest variable is the disposable nature of real human interaction here. Perhaps we need to develop a more substantial and cohesive fabric to it all somehow.

Thanks,
Phil Butler

Re: Huffington sees blend of old and new

Phil Butler — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 22:00:16 -0000

Well, I get a little teary eyed when traditioal things go bye bye, sorry but Iam sentimental.

It is inevitable to see many traditional businesses go 2.0, but I don't think we have to cheer exactly. I remember watching my Dad read the paper every day, and somehow visioning him at a laptop is not in my capability.

Just a few thoughts! Thanks, Phil

Re: Is Facebook overtaking MySpace?

Phil Butler — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 19:31:01 -0000

I am with you, given the numbers at hand Facebook is on a roll. Personally, anything overtakes myspace in its current form shows some taste :)

Always,
Phil

Re: Happy Birthday Hypertext Girl

Phil Butler — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 17:21:29 -0000

What a refreshing story and beautiful face for Web 2.0! After reviewing a few real "pig" sites these last couple of days, it is nice to see a kind, worthwhile story!
The mere mention of myspace does however send chills up my spine tho. I am just glad there are still smaller entities that represent good communication.

Re: Is Web 2.0 over and out?

Phil Butler — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 01:28:25 -0000

Hi Matt,
There is some evidence that startups are being channeled toward "suites" rather than single entities. I have been a big proponent of collaboration between some of these Web 2.0 entities.

There is some resistance to these ideas, particularly with those that might be angel supported in their investor profiles.
Other entities like Wikia-Search and hakia have expressed a desire to collaborate and are intending open sourcing their wares at some point.

I agree with your excellent evaluation of the current situation, and have some of the same issues.

I hope I helped in some small way in the discussion!

Re: The courtesan sisters of comparison search, and Thefind

Phil Butler — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:53:39 -0000

Great article! I am with you on the credibility band wagon. If anyone could gain steady online respect they would rule the shopping venue.

I expect this is true for all the other sectors too. The water is so muddy in Web 2.0 right now I am wondering if any of us will know which way is up in a year?

Thanks for the info, Phil

Re: Look at Facebook

Phil Butler — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:46:16 -0000

The open source aspect is exciting, and I think, the way the Web is going. 1.5 billion page views is nothing short of astounding!

Thanks for the great article Eric!

Always,
Phil

Re: Illme, a company that promises to get rid of the common cold

Phil Butler — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 06:33:29 -0000

Matt,

Do you ever get the feeling cumulative Web 2.0 development these days is the digital equivalent of building the Great Pyramid at Giza with a billion billion loose grains of sand?

There are at least 1000 developments, that when combined, might actually produce something with feet on the actual ground.

This or that got 12 million dollars to see if they might sorta kinda maybe build yet another destination where social networkers (bloggers, marketers, geeks and digifiles) might migrate.

I think we need to run the numbers and see just how many actual (non blogger or digg aficionados) actually might report their sniffles on spitter, I mean twitter. :)

Always, Phil

Re: louisgray.com: Content Sharing Platform Fachak Launches In Alpha, But Is Raw

Phil Butler — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 04:27:42 -0000

Okay! Open your email inbox guys. Your fame awaits :)

Re: Debating Disqus - Seems Stupid

Phil Butler — Mon, 26 May 2008 16:59:03 -0000

This is a very insightful article David. I was one one the fist to write about Disqus, and I must say I was initially impressed. However, Dan and his crew have sort of let me down in several areas. The original platform was extremely promising, but of late several issues have come to light.

Some of these are highlighted by the intuitive readers here, but for the record here are some "real" issues:

1) proprietary login = lock-in: disqus has a proprietary login. this means that a blogger/web site encourages it's users create an identity within disqus. If the site chooses to remove disqus in the future then all of the identities disappear. If the site uses other web services then it's
visitors will have multiple logins for one site. Both instances are a disaster.

2) Proprietary visitor profile: All of the data created in the disqus profile is locked into disqus. It cannot be accessed by other services or the visitor. Again, if the site adds other services then the visitor would have to re-upload the same data [avatar, name, etc]. This is a complete
waste of effort forced on the visitor - both the site and visitor cannot exit disqus without losing all of their profile data.

3) Monetization: Disqus is a for profit business. so where is the monetization model? Since disqus bloggers logins, visitor profile data, and community pages they are locked into a business model that is undefined. what if disqus starts showing ads on the community pages and the blogger disagrees? what if they start charging a monthly fee? What if they start a destination site around comments and charge the blogger for referral traffic [don't think this
can happen? ask the sites that started using the "free" powerreviews service and then had to compete with buzzillions, or bazarvoice, etc.] Without a clear path for earning money and simultaneously being locked-in means that sites take a big risk when deploying disqus.

In effort at full transparency, these points are all straight from the horse's mouth at JS-Kit Khris Loux. I have close relationships with virtually every startup launched in the last two years and the good news for your readers is that Khris is not wrong. Disqus is a fairly powerful platform, but though I predicted it would overshadow KIT in the long term..even I was wrong. Loux and his team are efforting open source and transparency in the most credible ways. Disqus has a model that does not appear to have the user's interest in mind.

Regardless of how much we like an innovation, we must look at the vision and direction behind it. JS-Kit uses OpenID and allows full disclosure and sharing of their monetization plan and scheme. If appearances were everything, then no one would use another comment platform other than KIT. Yes, I work for them, but I also work for some of the best in the business and hand selected them as entities I wanted to be behind.

If you look at the innovation, service, ideology and long term merit of Disqus versus JS-Kit with any depth perception at all ...the evaluation is quite pat.

Please let me know if you have any questions or issues and I will always help. Again, a very perceptive and valid argument going on here.

Always,

Phil Butler

Re: 2007/03/18/the-geeks-guide-to-good-and-evil/

Phil Butler — Sun, 18 Mar 2007 17:20:56 -0000

This is a great blog story! I just wrote an article about it, which will be posted tomorrow .
I love your work Pete!

When Good Geeks Go Bad
[...]"Luckily, we uncovered this ancient guide to good and evil, which will help you make moral decisions about these cases without the need for rational thought."[...]

Re: 2007/03/18/the-geeks-guide-to-good-and-evil/

Phil Butler — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:29:08 -0000

I think I captured your meaning Pete, I love it man.

Re: 2007/03/21/dogster-local/

Phil Butler — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 22:56:44 -0000

This is great Pete,
I wonder if we are going to see other sites in niches like this pop up.

I bet so, maybe fishter for aquarium people, gerblester for God knows what and boyfriend/girlfriendster for those hard to find gifts.

I like the sites, I am a dog and cat persone. Great post!

Re: 2007/03/25/famesource/

Phil Butler — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 13:45:12 -0000

I like the site, and agree with the other comments. There needs to be a filtering aspect.

I am also thinking that some of these sites should absorb one another, as there are a few out there with similar functionality, although slightly different.

Just thoughts, I like Veoh as a showcase for artists in video myself.

Re: 2007/03/26/productwiki/

Phil Butler — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:15:06 -0000

Ya gotta love Wiki's. At this point anything might be superior to digg.
This is interesting Kristen, thanks for the great review.

Re: 2007/03/29/mojiti/

Phil Butler — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 21:01:05 -0000

Great Review Pete! I like Mojiti. They have come a long way and perhaps they can attract a demographic to help float their boat.
Phil

Re: 2007/04/01/slashdottit/

Phil Butler — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:25:08 -0000

Wow! More totalitarian regimes popping up all over! Hey, if we all just agree, then everyone will play nice I bet.

Cool article Pete, maybe we should start a voting news site that records people's expressions no web cam. At least, it would be entertaining and subjective.

Always,
Phil

Re: 2007/04/02/google-tv/

Phil Butler — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:29:21 -0000

Global domination, they must be stopped Pete! I think we can do it, yes I know we can. We need Oprah on this one.

Always, Phil

Re: 2007/04/01/emi-drm/

Phil Butler — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:45:29 -0000

It is actually great news, too bad I got scooped toward a possible Beatles release to iPod :( This is still great stuff Kristen!

I do hope they eventually release the fab four stuff, I expect their are heavy negotiations and PR to do before that though.

Always, Phil

Re: 2007/04/04/travel-oregon/

Phil Butler — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:37:16 -0000

Thanks Kristen,
I almost expected Louis and Clark to pop out any moment.

I agree and think that regional or localized sites can have good popularity (perhaps even be fundamental) in the future of the Web.

I wonder if larger entities will gobble some of these up to exploit local user resources or to provide some level of local news etc.

Thanks Phil

Re: 2007/04/04/yahoos-biggest-fck-up-not-buying-facebook/

Phil Butler — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 23:41:47 -0000

Is it a question of Facebook getting better of myspace getting old?

I think there is so much cross residency going on that Pete and Kristen could be all of these people :)

Heck, perhaps Google is creating "virtual" users with all the people they have working on algorithms. Wow, I may be the only one here!

Hello! Is anyone there?

Re: 2007/04/05/profilefly/

Phil Butler — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 22:24:22 -0000

Dad gum Kristen! I just beta tested another one today.
I wish someone would come up with the "end all" web site so we could all start going somewhere instead of bouncing all over the landscape.

These startup people are inconsiderate of us bloggers. I mean there needs to be a web site that aggregates where we congregate to find new stuff. LOL

Pretty soon myspace will have so many additions it will look like one of those houses with 5 different types of architecture.

Re: 2007/04/07/ekudoz/

Phil Butler — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 22:53:02 -0000

Great find and a nice post Kristen! I wish there were more "pay it forward" places. I will attempt to find out what the scoop is now :)

Re: 2007/04/07/facebook-feedback/

Phil Butler — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 22:55:56 -0000

I am wondering when one of these popular and profitable sites is going to hit a home run rather than watching replays of base hits. Just thinking Pete :)

Re: 2007/04/07/sutree/

Phil Butler — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 23:00:18 -0000

I just reviewed another video how to Kristen, I hope they come up with one that can teach me to type.

Actually, I have been waiting for more of these to come about, as video for this purpose is really excellent.

People who do not ordinarily come online would if they could have things explained in such a way!

Hey! I just got the billion dollar idea, lightbulb, hello! :)

Great find Kristen!

Re: 2007/04/07/ekudoz/

Phil Butler — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 16:45:32 -0000

I think that the internet has been turned into a place where insults are the norm.

Perhaps we are looking at cause and effect. If we established a place in the real word where 1 million angst riddled adolescents could have at it, then the world would be much worse off, right?

Oh, we have pods like that, public schools and NBA games, sorry! :)

Re: 2007/04/09/mypunchbowl/

Phil Butler — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:13:39 -0000

Great post Kristen! For those who need event planning these sites can be very useful.
Who do you think will crash and burn in this realm I wonder?

Re: 2007/04/09/ganges/

Phil Butler — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:18:15 -0000

You are so rigth Kristen, without a really good bookmarking function and a list of other features these sites are just YouTube wanna bees.

At the least they need some better gimmicks, and the people I know in that sector can readily tell you that their people can add just about anything.

I think most of us think that adding these widgets is Rocket Science, but to a really skilled programmer or developer it is simple most of the time. Just some thoughts.

Always,
Phil

Re: 2007/04/10/myspace-trailer-park/

Phil Butler — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 14:55:19 -0000

The only difference between Myspace and a trailer park is that people keep moving back. :)

Re: 2007/04/10/yahoo-spaces/

Phil Butler — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:34:28 -0000

In like Yahoo! sometimes! They did not even steal anything from the Chinese like Google admitted to today :)
Great post Kristen, China deserves Yahoo! rather than mean old Google or myspace :)

Re: 2007/04/10/drumtable/

Phil Butler — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:05:00 -0000

I am glad they finally made a place for me to blog Kristen.

Seriously, this is a good idea, when I mention what I do to people even my own age they look at me like I spoke in Romulan (aliens from Star Trek).

Boomers have lots of interesting information and tales to tell. This could be the perfect site for many.

Re: 2007/04/11/notely/

Phil Butler — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 01:37:31 -0000

Notelynet? That is almost a tongue twister Kristen.
The High School suggestion is a great idea. I hope they take your suggestion.

Re: 2007/04/13/web-expo-2007-2/

Phil Butler — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 11:31:59 -0000

I want that Octopz logo! Why couldn't I come up with that Kristen?

Many of the newest sites could have been much better had the added just a few touches before hollering "Look at me".

I guess time to market enters their mind, but sometimes I wish they would not hurry so much.

I wonder if anyone will figure out how to microwave Fillet Mignon and make it taste better than grilled faster?

Re: 2007/04/14/youtube-takedown/

Phil Butler — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 03:23:00 -0000

I am glad to know that the fate of mankind is in capable hands :)

Re: 2007/04/15/ustream-narcissism/

Phil Butler — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:27:58 -0000

A world filled to the brim with Scarlett O'hara's Lmao. This is hilarious.

Re: Is Digg the Result of Cumulative Advantage?

Phil Butler — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 21:57:13 -0000

Superb, and I seldom use that word Pete.

Nothing more can be added, that is rare.

Re: Is Digg the Result of Cumulative Advantage?

Phil Butler — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 02:40:59 -0000

This is good. I am not sure that we are doing justice to true geeks by classifying what often gets to the top of digg as either news or fodder for geeks.

The "moo cow" mentality that has driven the Myspace engine is exactly the same variable that Pete described. Sure, some traditional media and ads go there to turn that barn into Walmart online, but when is the excellence going to arrive?

Somehow I did not expect our voyage into Web 2. whatever to be primarily focused on carnival type dog and pony shows. Maybe time for act two.

Re: 2007/04/17/lonleyblogger-sale/

Phil Butler — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 18:23:47 -0000

Who's got time to date? My monitor has a blonde wig on it :)

Re: 2007/04/16/virginia-tech-shootings/

Phil Butler — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:16:00 -0000

You actually did a great job Pete, at least acknowledging the gray area about commentary.

I am sad to say that many are not nearly as polished as you. I admire that, especially given how easy it would be to sensationalize things.

I just read one where the blogger was more moved by Web 2.0's influence on the event than the actual horror of the event itself apparently.

I am sure that the people will appreciate all the genuine concern, but unfortunately they will also be appalled at some of the obtuse behavior.

Re: 2007/04/18/mashablecom-banned-in-thailand/

Phil Butler — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 12:06:06 -0000

LOL, A master at work. Slow down Pete, you may start to transform into some Xerxes looking demigod looking dude with 400 body piercings. LMAO

All that I ask is that you kneel before me and you shall rule all of Web 2.0! :)

Re: 2007/04/19/petition-against-alexas-statsaholic-lawsuit/

Phil Butler — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 04:09:10 -0000

If a company cannot handle some good competition, it is likely a weak freak of nature. I agree, just have a beer and talk it over.

Web 2.0 is supposed to be about collaboration and connectedness, where is the example from Alexa here?

Re: 2007/04/19/petition-against-alexas-statsaholic-lawsuit/

Phil Butler — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:58:54 -0000

Discourse and debate is one great thing about Web 2.0. However, the validity of Web 2.0 is in question in so many areas now.

Hell, we can't even agree on a bad guy when we are apparently see one in action.

Google is wonderful and perfect, Digg is the place for news (whoooaaahahahaha!), MySpace is a community like a quaint little village in the Swiss Alps, and YouTube is the Web 2.0 equivalent of "I Love Freaking Lucy."

"Ricky, Ricky Fred has got his hand up my dress! Don't worry Luceeee, Fred is our neighbor!"

It is true, the relative allegations should be examined. Perhaps a boycott of Amazon until they either produce incontrovertible evidence that mean old Statsaholic harmed them?

The blososphere can be the jury. Give them 1 week to present the evidence, let Pete be the judge and we come back here and decide.

Now that would be Web 2.0!

Re: 2007/04/20/alexa-versus-statsaholic-the-sequel/

Phil Butler — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:21:28 -0000

I would have given a hundred bucks to see that. I would have been the one back in the entrance laughing until I choked. :)

Re: 2007/04/20/myspace-porn/

Phil Butler — Sat, 21 Apr 2007 00:29:03 -0000

They are equally immoral in that they prey on our perceived desire. Both elements attract people because of basic self need and desire. I guess Freud would classify them a pseudosexaul morays taken to the extreme or something. Who's looking for Mom and Dad? If Oedipus were alive he would be on Myspace that may settle it. :)

Re: 2007/04/21/web-startups-and-the-lying-liars-that-lie-about-them/

Phil Butler — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 02:03:03 -0000

Now I realize why I use the word "entity" so much, I have been sucked into the BS 2.0 zone.

I mean "compelling" Web 2.0 "entity", with the most "innovative" "architecture" is a nice way of saying: I am compelled to vomit if this Web 2.0 BS does not transform the 2007 version of an Internet chat room with video into something new soon. :)

Re: 2007/04/25/blinkx/

Phil Butler — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 23:19:58 -0000

Uh, I think he meant the technology, not the IPO :)

If that is the case, which it appears to be from the text. Here is the ultra simplified explanation for the 20 buckaroos and the Andalusian Pony.

Blinkx combines traditional metadata indexing, voice recognition, semantic coding and search to provide fast and relevant video searches.

See trackback later for the intermediate version of the stoned pony winner. :)

Re: 2007/05/28/particls/

Phil Butler — Tue, 29 May 2007 01:08:41 -0000

Well, played fair as usual :) Only to find the rest of the known world drinking beer at the finish line. LMAO

Re: 2008/04/14/jskit-score/

Phil Butler — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 10:28:36 -0000

Nicole, as always and excellent post. I wrote about JS-Kit on several occasions and found it to be the most clean and innovative set of widgets of the type.

Since working more closely with Khris and his team, I have discovered even more innovation and rather fantastic collaborative aspects to this company.

The score widget is but one of a whole range of simple yet productive tools that can be deployed and actually help people. You know that I have been on the collaboration scheme for some time, and it is great to find the best writers, the best blogs and the best companies finally trying to realize the dream of Web 2.0. I know your readers who have blogs will love some of these upcomming tools and the Score widget too.

Cheers to Pete and you Kirsten for continuing to bring the very best to people. Always - Phil

Re: 2008/04/29/secondbrain-launch-contest/

Phil Butler — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:35:04 -0000

HI - All registered users are eligible to win. Billy , I have like this platform from the start. Second Brain has the most potential of any aggregation type site.

Re: 2008/06/12/second-brain/

Phil Butler — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 14:24:38 -0000

Hello Kristen!

A great article about a startup with great potential. Comparisons abound every time an author writes about a startup it seems. I suppose this is natural after all. As Mig pointed out, Friendfeed is essentially a component of what can be done at Secondbrain, or at least it is now.

Trimmed down development has been the trend since Twitter and Facebook hit the scene. My only question is: "Is this the right way to develop?" With a platform like Secondbrain, users can be dealt a hand of features and services that combined with the "Library" aspect - provide great usability.

This by itself is not all that powerful, but combined with attention savings, user familiarity, singular tools and a focused commmunity - Secondbrain could prove to be that elusive "all in one" we all talk about.

Again, a great article Kristen! Phil

Re: 2008/06/26/efactor/

Phil Butler — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:17:31 -0000

Paul,

Great work as always! This is most interesting man. (I miss writing with you at our former blog). Any way, I sent them a mail or two and I think this one might just have a chance if they respond to some feedback and go progressive.

Congrats Paul.. on keeping the pace - you are one of the best man.

Always,

Phil

Re: 2008/11/11/best-music-site/

Phil Butler — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:49:34 -0000

Pete,

This is a great idea! I love Fairtilizer - the next generation of DIY music company on the Web. Just so you know my friend - watch this! :)

Always,

Phil

Re: Facebook CEO Zuckerberg: “We Do Not Own User Data”

Phil Butler — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 07:37:54 -0000

Now that we have that settled :) Can someone explain how Facebook is going to stay afloat after their half billion dollars runs out? Great article Adam, just prodding man.

Always,
Phil Butler

Re: ReadyContacts.com - B2B Marketing Lead Generation | Visit re

Phil Butler — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:35:11 -0000

A nice, informative article - Thanks! You guys have been kickin it on startups for quite some time, I folow you believe it or not :)

Always,
Phil

Re: How The Health Blogosphere Was Scammed

Phil Butler — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:51:51 -0000

Bravo on the Google SERP's. Duplicate content hurts really bad and I would not be surprised to know Google has already penalized someone.

As for this story, I would like to invite interested parties to help me do a piece on Sitepoiont about this. Use my email if so inclined.

Always,
Phil Butler

P.S. Calling BS is fun

Re: Google’s local search impresses on “notary” search

Phil Butler — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 02:01:03 -0000

Hi,
I was a Google fan for quite some time and they do have the largest market share right now. However, compared to the development in semantic and real language search I have been exposed to recently, Google search is really a dinosaur.

It will be difficult (well not really) for some of these to catch up in terms of indexed pages and etc. Other engines in Beta or still behind doors in Silicon Valley have some of the greatest minds on the planet behind them. The also have some of the heaviest hitting investors too.

I just interviewed Dr. Berkan CEO of hakia search (not finished yet). he walked me through what they are doing and we talked about 2nd tier engines in collaboration with each other. You simply have to think of Google as a 6 or 7 year old TV, when compared to these developments.
Don't take my word for it, do some research.

Not trying to start a ruckus, just want to help.

Phil Butler

Re: Microblogging

Phil Butler — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 20:46:18 -0000

Teach me, it takes me 200 to say Hi!

Re: Google’s local search impresses on “notary” search

Phil Butler — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 21:11:34 -0000

Barney Pell is a brilliant person and I agree with you assessment for the most part. There are other people with money out there too, however. As for data centers, Google uses and architecture that is archaic by comparison to either Powerset or hakia (from what I understand).

Dr. Berkan told me that he would make his technology open source in the final analysis any way. I need to wrap my mind around the system better before I can authoritatively comment. I am an engineer and have some limited grasp so far. But fuzzy logic and AI are just a little out of my scope of operation.

Algorithms by themselves can always be manipulated and can only return as diverse set of data sets to choose from. Humans (and correctly designed semantics) return much more precise data sets.

The way Dr. Berkan explained it to me like this:
Take a sentence with 10 words in it. A mathematical analysis of those 10 words would result in BILLIONS of permutations. A person would organize and break down those same 10 words into perhaps 6 or 7 permutations.

By using semantics in conjunction with a special algorithmic program, semantic searches will return something in between these parameters.

Sorry, to run so long :) Any way, what they are bringing to the table is as you described and they are not interested in short term windfalls. I got the feeling that they are in it for the long haul. The people behind them have a different cause I think.

Just what I know so far, thanks for the great venue Robert! When I get some technical data I will shoot it to you.

Sincerely, Phil Butler

Re: Google’s local search impresses on “notary” search

Phil Butler — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 14:50:25 -0000

I appreciate your view AC, but I can assure you that those engines mentioned are more capable (or should I say will be) than Google for doing specific and localized searching.

If you do a search for Palo Alto Bimbos, google will probably lead you to one. In a year or two hakia will be able to categorize the bimbos by height and weight, location and eating habits. The biggest plus will be having the prostitute ads in the "sponsored links" bar on the right :)

Like I said, I will attempt to reach Dr. Berkan so that I might be able to show you guys (as he did for me) how rather excellent this technology is. Google has many reasons fro being #1. I am not against them, heck if they invented better technology I would be all out for them.
Tnanks ....Phli

Re: Web 2.0 consolidation ahead?

Phil Butler — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 14:27:02 -0000

Great Article Robert, another trackack headed your way. Do you think collaboration is the next phase of Web 2.0?

Re: Taking the week off

Phil Butler — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 20:38:54 -0000

It is very hard to continue to deal with so much angst, anger, rude behavior and down right ignorance. I could get over it much better if I could do a "Terry Tate Office Linebacker" routine on every peckerhead I have to deal with.

Sure people over react, but the larger concern here is how we treat each other as human beings period. To say this is of no import is just accepting rude and improper behavior.

Perhaps a set of communities that have some accountability to them would go a long way to having people near us who are willing to enter into a dialog that actually leads to something. I don't agree with any blogger on everything, heck sometimes very little.

I admire your symbolic support toward better community Robert.

Re: Apple collaborating with Amazon, Google, and Cingular on new iReader?

Phil Butler — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 19:22:46 -0000

Great to see your words again Robert! I just wish Apple (and all the rest) would come out with something that does everything for like $25,000. We could save some time and maybe get a deal :)

Always,
Phil

Re: Taking the day off of blogging

Phil Butler — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:39:59 -0000

Glad you got to rest, you seem to have been wired pretty tight since you got back, the mad blogging machine. I also like the video with Bullwinkle in the background lol.

Re: I finally get “semantic” Web

Phil Butler — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 23:25:10 -0000

Some very very good points of view here Robert. Not trying to do the impossible and change anyone's mind, but I am pretty sure the Internet is not going to remain in its current configuration forever.

If we think about this with a kind of logic that applies a historical innovation index of some kind, html and other languages might be compared to any innovation or language.

Take linear A compared to linear B. No one has yet gained a full understanding of Linear A, yet it served the most advanced civilization of the bronze age for 2000 or more years.

Linear B was translated when the Rosetta stone was deciphered and it bears some similarity to linear A. For those that don't know Linear B was the early language of the Greeks (those guys our culture and other stuff came from).

In a similar way html, XML and the others have served us well, but is it time to look deeper? Hell, mathematics cannot even give anyone an exact measurement of a circle or any derivative of pi. It does not mean it is useless, but it does suggest that there is something (quark-tile theory of inter-dimensional mathematics etc.) that could reveal greater discoveries.

So, given my introduction to AI, fuzzy logic and semantic search offered By Riza Berkan of hakia search, I am leaning toward semantics. Just another opinion of course, but the law of probability and history assures us of this. We no longer use punch cards to tabulate bank data on computers the size of whole floors (1975), Windows 95 is no longer our preferred OS, we watch LCD high def TV's rather than black and white(1965) and Google has been around (in computer years) as long as the transistor radio. :)

Re: Sam Zell misinformed about Google

Phil Butler — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 22:53:21 -0000

Yeah, just wait til traditional media integrates completely with Web 2.0. Yeeeeeeehaaaaa! LOL

Re: Tour of famous Swiss Watch maker

Phil Butler — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 22:55:42 -0000

Great stuff Robert, it is neat to see that there are still excellent precision things be made.

Re: A blogger I aspire to be like

Phil Butler — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:14:44 -0000

I am hurt that I was not given tights for my Sherwood Forrest version of Robin Hood Robert :) I do agree with your assessment of Jim's approach though.

Every blogger has a personality though and perhaps Jim is one of those guys who could kill flipper for a tuna sandwich, it would be easier to be objective with that type or temperament.

A code is very necessary in any civil endeavor, but like the man says O'Reilly is off base. There are much larger issues than him being curtailed by the feds (which is all he cares about).

Just some thoughts Robert.

Re: The tech industry in slow period…

Phil Butler — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 23:16:48 -0000

Amen! No hits no runs and no men left on base. Where is the long ball hitter when you need em?

Re: O’Reilly responds to code of conduct feedback

Phil Butler — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 01:53:19 -0000

The people against any kind of civility in general do not read Gubbi. Let me say that again, "in general", as I want everyone to know I just mean that "most" people who like the rude and uncivil behavior "generally" scan articles. LOL

Neither O'Reilly or Wales is suggesting what I term in my parallel post (sorry Robert), the prospect of a Bureau of Online Blogs, or BOOB for short. Please read an interact rather than react to articles people put their time into.

Perhaps that should be the first rule of the Web 3.0 code of conduct, if you don't read do not enter. :)

Re: Google starts linking social networks

Phil Butler — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 15:32:33 -0000

Robert,

As always, top notch insight. I wonder at what we might call "the cart before the horse" syndrome." In integrating all these services Google has done something fantastico, but should these services not be focused on the quality of data involved rather than how to "migrate" a beer to someone from Facebook to Twitter?

I think that if we begin a discourse on this issue, then perhaps we will have some data to traverse the web with. Not to seem to critical, but should we not focus some on taking this Web to the next level?

Always,

Phil

Re: Seesmic & Disqus add up to video comments and more

Phil Butler — Mon, 26 May 2008 17:42:28 -0000

Robert,

I have never had cause to really question your stance on many things but this Disqus subject seems a little indefensible to me. I reviewed them (perhaps the first or second to do so) some time back and found them to be quite extraordinary in many ways. However, I feel a little betrayed in that even I predicted their prospects to be better than JS-Kit and several others back when.

The problem here is multifaceted of course. Disqus, though a viable and potential filled platform, is limited in a number of ways. Beyond that, their monetization scheme is at best "nebulous". Secondly, their data portability is potentially a disaster if you consider their users to be effectively "locked in" as far as their content is concerned. People fail to realize just how much they have vested in a simple comment sometimes. Considering thousands of them brings to light a wholly unimaginable problem if they are lost into the bowels of Disqus.

It is fairly obvious (via the tail of the comment url's) that Disqus is using this content for their site SEO and not to help the resident blogs. I shudder to think that this might be some Machiavellian attempt to "scrape" and utilize content for Disqus purpose, but what other reasons exist?

Their proprietary user login and profile are again, walking disasters if you think about user friendliness and this being "locked in" aspect of data and residency. JS-Kit, which ironically I put beneath Disqus initially, offers OpenID and etc, as well as a transparent monetization scheme. People really want transparency Robert ...you know this. What happens when Disqus wants to charge 5 bucks for this service (and they will)? The "opt out" scenario for users will not be pretty. If they choose to dump Disqus, they will loose potentially tons of data and comments to the Disqus data base.

So, you can see why I started this "War and Peace" of a comment. Robert, you are one of the best....how come this stuff is not resident in the evaluation'? There are so many other questions out there in thiis area. I know I have sent you 5 emails asking you to review or look at JS-Kit refinements and partnerships. My mail headings are just not that unnoticeable. Disqus has some big problems that not many are talking about. KIT and the others have their issues as well, but at least in the case of JS-Kit ...it is easy to see where the money and data go.

Always,

Phil Butler

Re: Indie Music Tech: Interview with Fairtilizer

Phil Butler — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 03:22:00 -0000

Great article! Fairtilizer is one of our clients and perhaps the most viable startup I have covered in the last 3 years (outside Veoh).

I know the readers here will see this news as just the beginning in a pardigm shift for the online music industry. Exciting times are the best :) More to come - much more

Always,

Phil