Mark Roseman's Blog

Osama.

Wow. Let's see what kind of hairball the spin monkeys cough up on this one.

Why Outsourcing to the USA can be a Bad Idea.

Sure, there are enough complaints from people in the USA about jobs lost through outsourcing to countries like India, and yes, Canada. But as this article suggests, some government policies (e.g. the infamous Patriot Act) are providing good reasons for companies outside the States not to send work state-side. As we've all been hearing for a good long time, security trumps trade. So don't be surprised when more companies outside the USA start to pull out of deals, and cost more American jobs.

Interesting Article about Socialtext.

I found the peak-behind-the-scenes quite interesting; I didn't realize they were as small and virtual as they are.

Yelling and Screaming Day.

So after too many weeks of meetings, proposals, and getting agreement from everyone in management on how to move forward for Pauline's service, today was the day that those who were "resistant to change" were told in no uncertain terms by their boss that "this is the way the center has decided things are going to look as of Nov 1st, and if you want to stay here, this is what your job is". Went over as expected of course. So while its not that the work hassles are over for her yet, but at least a corner has been turned and things are still pointing in the right direction.

This one falls squarely in the "life is too short" category. It also very much reaffirmed the choices I've made for my own career lately. While I greatly enjoy working with a small group of intelligent, motivated and decent co-workers, the thought of going back to an environment full of bozos again... <shudder!>

Poll finds reality gap among Bush supporters.

Wow. (found via Boing Boing)

Congrats to Cameron Laird.

Recognized with the Frank Willison Award for his contributions to the Python community. Very well deserved!

Big Funding Win for Collaboration Technology in Canada.

Wow! Definitely big news... big congrats in order to Ron, Saul, Carl and everyone else involved in getting this. I'm looking forward to hearing what the plans are for this money, and glad to see that there will be a way to leverage the great network of people doing work in this area at universities across the country.

Thank God for small miracles.

Canadian Innovation.

Was in a somewhat frustrated and pissy mood, I think partly at least from seeing a bit too much of the depressing coverage leading up to the US Election. Sort of the general "what the fuck is happening to society" sort of thing. The only slightly redeeming note is that I'm certainly glad I'm not American, but am still scared both of how what happens there affects us, and wondering what if anything is keeping us from following their example (at least in terms of the horrid level of intelligent public discourse, real media criticism, etc.).

It was probably an opportune time then that the current Macleans came today, a commemorative issue celebrating Canadian innovation. While its not a cure all for the times, it did provide a much needed shot of optimism and positive energy at the right time. Thanks Macleans. And thanks Canada.

Evolution of Groupware, CSCW, Social Software etc.

Great piece by Christopher Allen talking about the evolution of the various terminology surrounding collaborative software, as well as some of the core philosophies embodied in the terms.