Blogging Ethics

Blogging is something I enjoy doing. I do not pretend to use perfect spelling, grammar and puctuation. One thing I do maintain is ethical stanards in my writing.

I wonder if accepting free software license keys is ethical for a blogger giving their opinion about that free software. Will the fact that they did not pay for that license color their reveiw of the product? Should they disclose that their copy was free?

I have up until now bought everything I have written about at the publicly available price? Some software I have written about was distributed for free to everyone under licence conditions. It is my policy to disclose the condition under which I aquire anything I reveiw here. Whether I pay full price, sale price, free for everyone or a free review copy, you will know how a got the things I write about. That way, you can make your own judgement about my opinion, knowing how I got that item.

Classics

I recently bought a wonderful $0.99 iPhone app named Classics. This app is on sale and I beleive the original price was $2.99. If you enjoy reading Classics is for you.

Classics is a collection of books that are out of copyright and are favorites of many book lovers. I am currently in the second chapter of The Time Machine by H. G. Wells. When I bought it the collection had 13 books including A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The creator of Classics has promised new books in future updates.

The books are presented in a virtual scrolling bookshelf with custom cover art. The books have page turn animations and sounds and a bookmark animation. Classics remembers your last page read in each book and returns you there the next time you open that book.

The books are easy for me to read and the app has not crashed for me. If you like to read classic books you will like Classics.

Pumpkin Cream Pie

A wonderful Autumn tradition in the United States is to have a pumpkin pie. This pumpkin cream pie was made by my friend Darlene. I have been eating it for three days and only have a little peice left. It is absolutely delicious. I hope you too can enjoy a sweat pumpkin pie before the new year.

Free At Last

Earlier today I told the co-manager on duty that I was resigning from my secondary part-time job. I beleive In the character building value of honest work. However, I also beleive a person can be stretched too far.

I will be going to college next January to pursue my associate’s degree in computer science. I am in a stable financial situation and I want to succeed in having a career and contribute to my community and nation.

I am tired of the hard work, low pay and juvinile co-workers. I was working in an international fast food restaurant. I am still employed in my full time job with an international retailer. If I could choose my work I would work in the technology industry in some job suitable for my education, experience and knowledge. I know it will take time and work. I am willing and able to succeed. I will get there.

iPhone OS 2.2

I just downloaded the free iPhone OS 2.2 update. As an avid listener of podcasts I greatly enjoy the new ability to download additional episodes from within iPod and download new podcasts in the iTunes Store over the network.

I also liked the changes to the App Store. With limited time to test Mobile Safari, the new version seems more stable and less often crashes. After more time to test it out I will give you an update. Also, expect an update on my reading soon.

My Ubuntu VirtualBox

Recently I was pointed to Sun Microsystems free VirtualBox virtual machine software by my friend Michael Fey. I installed a VirtualBox and downloaded the free Ubuntu Linux 8.1(32-bit). I will be taking a class in Linux Essentials at my college next year for my computer science major. I thought that if I use Ubuntu Linux some that I will be more prepared for the class. I will be at least more familiar with how Linux is used on modern computers.

The installation was easy and automatically recognized my network connection. I have used Firefox 3 and the automatic package updater. I used the blackjack game that was built-in. It is a nice desktop. Ubuntu uses the GNOME desktop. I will continue to use it from time to time and learn more about Linux.

Wrath of the Lich King

After my two month hiatus my first new post has almost nothing to do with programming. After buying World of Warcraft Wrath of the Lich King Collector’s Edition(with a 10% store employee discount), I jumped head first back into Blizzard Entertainment’s fantasy world. My main character, who had been waiting patiently at level 70 for months, is now at level 71.

I am currently questing in the Borean Tundra of the northern continent Northrend. I intend to stay there until all single player quests are complete. The variety of flightpath mounts are impressive. I have riden a hipogrif, a dragon and an airplain in one zone. I am not done exploring the Borean Tundra. More magical adventure awaits.