White & Black / Black & White
Richard Beddie's take on simplifying the world we live in
More news – one person stuffs up so they want everyone punished
Sep 1st
Today I read in the Christchurch Press for a Call to rid pubs of pokies, after a women gambled away all of her money.
I was interested to see what the angle on this was – did the pubs do bad stuff to trick her, or was there some underlying issue with the way pokies are run?
No .. it’s simpler than that, as quoted:
Christchurch woman Lynette Whale, who lost everything she owned including her home, to pokie-machine addiction, said she hoped Gamble Free Day would raise awareness and mobilise people.
“I want to let people know that they can say no,” she said.
So let’s get this right: Ms Lynette’s message is “People can say no”. Hmmm. Well I have a few issues with that
- If it was that easy, why didn’t SHE say no? Clearly it’s not that easy (for some)
- If saying no is the answer then great, leave it to people to say no, we don’t need to ban anything.
- Why is it that because SOME people can’t control their behavior EVERYONE has to be punished (ie banning them).
The argument to ban pokies because some people get addicted is liking saying let’s ban all alcohol for everyone because some people are alcoholics. It’s clear that Ms Whale hasn’t learnt much here – trying to get something banned for everyone as a way of controlling ones own personal behavior isn’t exactly taking responsibility for ones own actions is it? (I am no addiction councilor, but I would think that would be a part of any rehabilitation). I am one for CHOICE. We should be able to CHOOSE to do what we like, and the Government only restrict this when, on balance, the damage to society is greater than the benefit. I also believe when individual are in trouble, there should be help available.
I do acknowledge that for a very small percentage of the population gambling is a VERY serious problem. My point here is not to belittle this, nor is it to say we shouldn’t support people with such problems (I think we should help – and problem gambling organisations do very cool work in this area) but the approach by so many to issues that effect individuals to ban or restrict things for EVERYONE is disproportionate and illogical.
Black and White Version: Knees jerk reaction calls to ban something for everyone because of the behavior of a small group of individuals is neither logical nor balanced.
Related posts
Grindr – how to get smiley faces in profile, and other tips
Aug 31st
I have done a couple of blog posts on Grindr, the iPhone app that has been euphemistically described as Dating for Gays (I say hook ups, but that’s just me). I find it amusing that Israeli publication Haaretz has the headline New iPhone application lets gay Israelis look for love while on the move. Love? Hmmm, call me cynical (or maybe just call me realistic) but I don’t think it’s love anyone will find (nor are they looking for it if they are using Grindr).
I number of people have asked me how to get things like smiley faces (or Emoji) in the profile name and/or profile text. Well the answer is easy: Install Emoji (as explained in this post) and then you have them to type in just like you would any character.
While I on the subject here are some protocol tips for using Grindr: More >
Related posts
iPhone free smileys (emoji) – easy peasy
Aug 30th
Everyone with an iPhone (probably) knows that you add in Emojis (smiley face icons etc) to the iPhone for 99c via various apps.
Almost a year ago I did a post about how to get emojis for free on the iPhone. Now that I have my new iPhone 4 to play with, I went to follow my own instructions on how to do this for the iPhone but found that the app required for step one has gone AWOL.
So a quick Google search and I found that there is now a MUCH easier way, and best of all it’s FREE!
Just go to the app store – search for Emoji Free (if there is more than one, choose the one with 4 images, one being a monkey in the icon). Install it, run it, and follow the instructions on screen. Easy peasy.
Black and White Version: Installing Emoji icons for free on the iPhone just got easier.
Related posts
Awesome iPhone App – Consume
Aug 29th
I recently downloaded a free iPhone app Consume.
I have to say – it rocks!
It allows you to get real time updates on any mobile account, broadband account, and even track couriers in any one of 18 countries (with over 200 providers)
I added my Vodafone OZ pre-pay iPad sim, my Virgin OZ pre-pay mobile sim, my NZ Slingshot home broadband, my US T-mobile pre-pay sim all in around 20 seconds each. The only two I have issues with are Vodafone and Teleocm in NZ. The later because I can’t access ANY online data about usage since my connection is thru Gen-i and (for now), there is no way of checking usage online for any Geni-i accounts. Vodafone NZ wont work for me, but I have no idea why.
Example of what the app shows:
Anyway .. it’s works very well, giving things like “MB/day” left for any broadband plan with a cap, and will even tell you if you are tracking to go over your data cap when its part way through the month. For pre-pay it will show $, and also any free things left (like 2-Degrees free texts). Given that it’s free I have to say – get it and try it!
Their web site reports that an iPad version of Consume is coming – and the images look great already! You can also read another (positive) review of Consume here
Update 30th August 2010: It gets better – this app even does things like Flybuys and OneCard (for non kiwis these are both loyalty programmes in NZ) and even does tracking of Apple orders. As James pointed out, it does Airline Frequent Flyer programmes too!
Black and White Version: Consume for iPhone rocks! Get it.
Related posts
Newspapers reporting non news
Aug 29th
Yesterday I read in the NZ Herald about Power shock stuns home loan applicant (yep, they are trying to be clever with the headline) who couldn’t get a mortgage due to an old bad debt.
They reported:
“The bank went digging around in my credit history and there was a black mark that showed up.
“I promptly got a letter from Baycorp saying something like, ‘You owe TrustPower about 100 bucks’. Once I paid it, it [the loan deal] went through, no problems at all,” she said.
Ummm, yep, that happens. You owe money, people won’t lend you more. You pay it back, they (normally) will. Simple. So why is this NEWS?
It even explains it at the end of the article:
She said the bill wasn’t a problem but it was a shock to see something come back from the past.
“There were so many people unaware of the debt, so surely it would suggest there is a problem with the way power companies are communicating with their customers,” Ms Healey said.
“If they wanted me to pay it, why didn’t they contact me?
“Perhaps they sent mail to my Dunedin address, but I never got any and maybe my untrustworthy flatmates never forwarded any on.”
Right, so the complainant admits they don’t mind paying it, and admits the flatmates probably didn’t send the mail on.
Again, no news, nothing to see here, move on.
Black and White Version: Sometimes newspapers seam to make up stories for no apparent reason.
Related posts
Is shopping in New Zealand a rip off?
Aug 29th
Yesterday the NZ Herald made an interesting story on how Jeans in NZ were almost double the identical pair in the US. The asked the question is shopping in NZ a rip off?
They pointed out:
A pair of black Levi’s 501s for men cost up to $139.90 here but you can pick up the same pair in the United States for just $75.11.
Some of the explanations proposed by Shamubeel Eaqub, principal economist for the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, were:
Related posts
Online Shopping – how to do it safely and get good deals
Aug 15th
I was going to write a big post all about how to shop online safely, use search engines, use last minute bookings sites, how to check for scams, then though, nah, why not cut to the chase and just say the key points. So here it is, Richard’s tips for effective (aka good prices) and safe (aka don’t get ripped off) shopping online.
Richard’s Online Shopping Tips:
- Learn how to use Google. Enuf said here, but really, do it. This, together with my last tip (credit card) is 90% of it.
- For good prices on products available at multiple places, use price comparison sites like pricespy and shopbot. There are NZ examples, if you are in another country, follow tip one and Google “Price comparison sites” from your local version of Google.
- For hotels etc, use last minute booking sites like WotIf.com. Gone are the days that booking early saves money, it’s the other way around now (exception: Big events when hotels will sell out – book early then!)
- If you are not sure about a particular web site, then Google them, and add the word “Scam” onto the end. eg This is my Google search for firsin.co.nz scam. You can see the 3rd and 4th links show negative comments (I know, coz I wrote them!).
- For overseas sites that look some unusual ordering process, or super crazy price, or funny shopping process – chances are they are scams. Also, Be wary also of country variances, the same product may not be the same in all countries, iPhones may be locked, clothing may be different sizing are just two example. Also watch for warranties and counterfeit products (this tip was updated thanks to Anton – see 1st comment on this post).
- Beware of claimed discounts. Do your homework on a products actually retail price before gabbing something just coz it was on sale (often the RRP prices are inflated on sites)
- Same goes for any claim of “better” for a product. Check it out first (see tip one on Google).
- Check out places like TradeMe (kinda like NZ’s EBay) for both new and used versions of the same thing. On TradeMe, use SafeTrader for large purchases (or do cash on pick up).
- Watch for shipping charges - especially from dodgy sites. A $10 item turns in $50 quick!
- For sites you haven’t dealt with before check these things:
- Do a WHOIS search on the supplier. Legit suppliers don’t have their domain expiring in three months (amongst other things)
- Check on web site rating sites. (Google to find others)
- Check out the product at consumer sites (again, Google to find others)
- If the offer looks to good to be true, it is, end of story.
Finally, ALWAYS buy online using a credit card. That way if the goods don’t arrive, or are not what you ordered you just reverse the transaction. There are few steps to follow to do this, but the onus is then on the supplier to prove they delivered what you ordered, not the other way around.
Black and White Version: Online shopping can be VERY convenient and get access to an extended range of products at often lower prices, but like anything beware.
Related posts
Now that’s how you do an iPad app for a newspaper NZ Herald (and how not to do it AirNZ!)
Aug 15th
The NZ Herald released its iPad app a few weeks back. And I have to say, it rocks.
They got so much right, where others screw up, such as:
- Easy to use interface. It fully uses the iPad and its screen.
- Formatting is consistent -- all articles are in a small box, with categories at the top. When you click on the story it opens up a window, which starts with a pic then scrolls through page(s) of the text.
- No premium/free distinction -- it’s all just there
- It’s all FREE (so many get this wrong -- I will no longer pay for simple access to info that others provide for free)
- Even the ads are cool -- check out the Merc at at the start -- it makes you WANT to watch it
The even get this bit right, and have a YouTube version of their add so people like me can post it:
Another good News iPad app is the USA today App (I think you need a US based iTunes account to install it). Not QUITE as good as the NZ Herald one -- but still free, and easy to navigate.
Where newspapers go wrong
Where MOST newspapers go wrong is they try to bring their old business model online. Their model USED to be write stuff people want to read, mix in some ads and then sell the product to the readers. The online mindset says I want the stuff for free, and if you won’t give it to me I will get it somewhere else, or just download it for free anyway. Their old model had high set up cost (the article writing and production) PLUS a variable cost of production (printing, postage etc). Their new model has a high(ish) fixed cost (although a lot of it is setting up the template/look) and then an almost zero variable cost (the cost of 10,000 people reading an online version is almost the same as 10 people). But newspapers keep trying to change for content, where the rationale for doing so (the variable cost of each reader) is no longer there. They can get HEAPS of readers by getting REAL good content, and as a result of more readers, charge even more for advertising, all while having no extra costs each time someone reads/downloads it. Simple really, so why do so many Newspapers get this so wrong? No idea really, I think they are just a dead technology waiting to die, and just don’t get the opportunity that’s there. I actually think their window is closing here. Right now they still have lots of customers, they can leavergae off this by marketing their online offering (the free one -- like NZ Herald) and build a new business online. However, as time goes on they will have less and less readers, and their will be more (competitors) alternatives online. In time the window off opportunity will have closed, and they wont have any leaverage to use.
Another ‘how not to do it’ story
While on the subject of how to do it (or in this case NOT) -- I see AIrNZ made their Kiaora Magazine (the one you get on the plane) as an iPhone/iPad app. Cool I think, novel even. But where they screwed up is they went and charged for it. The App is free, but each issue need to be paid for ($NZ 5.29 I think). What were they thinking? Here’s my thoughts on this:
- The mag is free when you fly (they say Take me, I am free)
- The cost of putting it online in any form has a (moderately high) fixed cost only (no variable cost for each copy, unlike printed copies)
- The mag is full of advertising
- I think few people will pay for the app
- They COULD have had a premium for advertising coz of increased readers, but instead will unlikely even get back their fixed cost investment
- They could have even had online only adds, targeting say technology or higher end travel (these people have more disposable money)
- Such a lost opportunity for AirNZ
- They will probably pull the plug in a year or less saying “not enough readers”
Looks like I am not alone here, most people think the fee from AIrNZ is a joke.
Black and White Version: Some people get how to use new technology, some don’t. Well done NZ Herald, silly billy AirNZ.
Related posts
Best and funniest iPhone 4 and Apple videos on the web
Aug 15th
I was browsing, stumbling around and otherwise looking around the web today and came across a whole bunch of cool (aka funny) videos on iPhones, Mac, Apple etc, so thought i would share them here:
The Unofficial iPhone 4 Launch Video
Warning: Contains sexual references 
The iPhone 4 Apology Video (including the black guy)
There there are the I’m on Boat Parodys
In case you missed I’m on a Boat -- watch this first, if not, skip to the next one. Warning: Harsh language.
Then watch this ..
While on the topic of cool, check out this novel, retro stand for an iPhone/iPad (and cheap 2, only $US 5.99). Click on the image for more details.
Black and White Version: Some people have too much time on their hands, glad they do, they come up with funny shit
Related posts
Yellow Pages – straight in the bin!
Aug 14th
Today I had a nice new copy of the Yellow Pages and White Pages delivered to my home. So I picked them up, and put then straight in the recycle bin outside. I did peak inside the white pages (coz it was smaller than last year) but that’s all. They have no use to me anymore. I wonder how many people even use the physical version anymore?
I think the online service is still relevant (although diminishing with every year), I use Google 10x more than I would ever use Yellow Pages for online searching to get “stuff”.
I remember a few years back when Telecom sold off Telecom Directories for a few billion $ and thought at the time good call, since the long term future of Yellow Pages (and physical directories in general) was dead. Yellow Pages online presence competes in the same sandpit as Google, and I know who’s gonna win that one!
Anyway, interesting how times change. Only 10 years ago any business not in the Yellow Pages that sold stuff to the public would have been thought of as crazy. Now it’s more like why would you?. I think the modern equivalent is being online – you HAVE to be there (I know if I cant find info online I would rarely buy from a company these days).
As an aside, one might ask WHY they still produce the books if no one uses them. Why not OFFER the book and see who takes it up? Well the answer is easy: Advertising. If Yellow Pages did that they couldn’t claim x million copies in circulation. What a waste of trees.
Black and White Version: Yellow Pages physical directory is dead in NZ. I wonder how long before the online version is?
