“The iPhone/iPod Touch, being available for both Mac and Windows, has a single source of software in the app store. That Mac AND Windows thing is key. The app store is not just a software market for Mac users. This is why it blows the minds of indie Mac developers like myself. It’s because it follows the rules of the general software market, not just the Mac software microcosm that we Mac indies enjoy.

Specifically, you have a large group of people who will download and suffer any old shit by the bucketload as long as it is free or extremely cheap. And you have 10% of people who are actually particular about software quality and are willing to pay for it.”

(Via Daring Fireball.)

“And that brings up Wild Light. Tell me about that. Wild Light springs from the same conceptual source as Botanicalls, and it’s a very straightforward system. The idea is to bring the rhythms of organic daylight into dark and windowless spaces. In urban and office environments, we frequently cut ourselves off from the reality of the day so much that when finally venturing outside, we’re shocked to discover bright sunshine or maybe torrential storms. The basic Wild Light setup is simply a lamp with a networked connection to an outdoor solar sensor. This allows the indoor fixture to directly reproduce real-time natural lighting, on a scale where if a cloud flits across the sun, your Wild Light lamp will momentarily dim and brighten. It’s harnessing technology to reconnect us to nature’s capriciousness. I think those exposures are good for the soul.”

(Via ComputerWorld.)

Lucas Murgida at 667 Shotwell from Chris Sollars.

More at lucasmurgida.com.

(Via @frauenfelder.)

David Hobby on Stepping Outside the Box of the Business of Photography:

“Granted, there are a lot of things to be depressed about in the current photography environment, when it comes to the business side. But more and more, I am starting to believe that as each of the old business models seems to evaporate, a new one emerges to take its place. Even if it may seem like you have to stand out in left field to see it.”

David Hobby is renowned in photography circles for teaching (some would say inventing) off-camera lighting techniques and effects based on small flashes rather than large studio strobes. In this long post he talks about using the free time from diminished commercial assignments to do self-assigned pro bono projects which benefit both the subjects and the photographer. The subjects (NGOs, small businesses, or student actors for example) get free or low-cost professional level photos while the photographer gets creative freedom, technical stretching, and portfolio photos which often lead to new kinds of professional assignments.

Established professional photographers often see such projects as beneath them, suitable only for newbees just breaking into the field. Hobby argues that there are huge benefits even for the old pros.

I will certainly be thinking about how these ideas can apply to my situation.

(Via Strobist.)

(Via Boing Boing.)

Batteries built by viruses – Boing Boing

Interesting times, indeed.

Mary Elizabeth’s paradox: And yet, bacon and chocolate do not mix.

Mary Elizabeth’s addendum: But butter goes with everything.”

Gimme Shelter: Mary Elizabeth Williams

(Via @tigoe)

Howard’s Dream Office

(Via MAKE: Blog.)

Urban Typography

(Via Beyond the Beyond.)

Larger version at Pitchfork: TV

(Via boingboing.)