The Gong Show

The deep web is the portion of the internet that cannot be found via search engines. This could be because the data is not linked from anywhere, the data is hidden behind a pay wall or password, the data is stuck in a database with no html to render the contents of the database, or the pages explicitly tell search engine not to crawl via “nocrawl” and robots.txt files. The deep web is also known as the or dark web, invisible web, etc… each has their own subtle meaning, but they’re all often used interchangeably.

I find it incredibly ironic that in the process of trying to learn more about the deep web, I have been hindered by the issues that cause the deep web. For example, I think this paper on Accessing the Deep Web would be a terrific read. When I click on the link for the full-text article, I’m faced with an ACM login page. The deep web is hindering my access to knowledge about the deep web.

I’m particularly interested in the methodology of estimating the size of the deep web. I keep hearing widely varying estimates that vary even more widely in their methodology. I’d be curious to learn more about research projects and or companies efforts to make this body of information more accessible. If you’re barking up this tree, ping me, or comment below.

I find it entertaining that while I was in college, Facebook got into all kinds of trouble for trying to organize a nationwide Beirut (Beerpong to some) tournament. The bracket would include teams from schools all around the country and the whole thing would be managed on Facebook. The winners in each region were going to be flown out to NYC for the final few matches in the bracket. Does anyone else remember this?

The event was killed because of a few liabilities:
- promoting underage drinking
- promoting binge drinking
- some issue with contest law in NY regarding the size of the payout.

I remember thinking it was pretty awesome marketing at the time. A bunch of kids around campus were organizing teams and training as if rugby season were approaching.

I also remember thinking they would have to explicitly articulate the rules because so many variations of the game exist. When do you re-rack? Who goes first? Can you blow? Do you get a last chance for retaliation at the end of the game? All of these subtleties vary from college to college, so how was Facebook going to determine the “official” rules.

How can the same company behind this scheme now justify a 15bn valuation? [crickets chirp]

At least Zuckerberg didn’t try to pay a bunch of SoCal girls on Craigslist to contribute to their site. :)

After months of waiting, it turns out there is no gPhone. And yet, I’m elated.

I think the iPhone design is an impressive technical feat. It belongs in a museum of product design, placed neatly in between a Ducati and a Dyson. But its beautiful design is the end of its consumer value. As an inherently closed system on a single network, Jobs cannot (and is actively fighting against) a crowdsourced approach to product development.

Crowdsourced product design is why I think the Google Android announcement is both more significant and more beneficial to the end consumer than the iPhone. Google’s Director of Mobile Platforms said it best:

“We are not building a GPhone; we are enabling 1,000 people to build a GPhone,” said Andy Rubin, Google’s director of mobile platforms, who led the effort to develop the software. [from NYT]

Let’s assume that Steve Jobs (or Jonathan Ive) designs the best products in the world. I’ll just give that statement to them. I still think Google’s platform has much more exciting room for growth because every programmer with a itch to scratch can do it without the permission of a gatekeeper. Why doesn’t the iPhone have cut, copy, paste? And, what recourse do I have as a programmer to fix this sorely lacking feature on the iPhone? I have none; I have to wait for Jobs to decide that cut, copy, paste is a high enough priority on his feature list.

Google’s announcement today and behavior thus far is encouraging the long tail of niche features, unlike Apple (who just crippled the latest jailbreak, thus breaking all third-party apps). Thus, I’m encouraged by their attitude and excited to see what developers due with the SDK (to be released next week).

Hello Lazy Web,

I’m moving out of my apartment and seeking a new place. The last apartment I found was through a personal connection, so I thought I’d reach out via my blog to jump start both ends of the process.

1. I’m looking for a 1-BR somewhere close to the A-line downtown (around 14th, west 4th, or Canal). If you (or someone you know) is looking to rent and would like to cut a broker out of the process, drop me a line.
2. My current apt is now available. It’s a big 1-BR on the UWS. Modern utilities/dw/nice-bathroom. Huge windows. Right at an express stop (96th and Bdwy). It’s a great place; the only reason I’m moving is because I want to be closer to work downtown. Let me know if this sounds like it’s up your alley, as my landlord is a personal connection, and I’d like to help him find a new tenant.

I’m hoping the apt hunting process this time will be less painful than last time.

This makes me smile on multiple levels.

Some things just go together from David Karp on Vimeo.

Meanwhile, the new Tumblr is totally… just… wow. So much goodness in a single release.