Thomas Hubbard Online

Introduction to 3D Technology

Thomas Hubbard — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 22:42:07 +0000

Like the modern day Edisons who comprise the smart phone and social networking industries, 3D Technology is a thriving institution of its own. Before iPhones, and places where folks could gather and share content—before “content” became “things” used in our everyday lives—Martin Newell’s 3D rendering of a teapot existed as a testament to everything we consider Generation X. It was this ability to see and think three-dimensionally, or photo-realistically, that created the future we live in. It is also the reason I consider 3D Technology to be the father (or mother) of modern day technology.

That’s right! 3D Technology is every bit as conceptual as it is visual. This is a fact that many of the genre’s leading ambassadors have long since discovered. While nothing reaches out and grabs us faster than the 3D graphics seen in Pixar flicks and later gaming consoles, the simple truth of the matter is that we exist in a three-dimensional society. By design, we are drawn to those things we perceive as “real.” Be it Madden ‘12, or a virtual simulation like online banking, just about every integrated technology is the brainchild of virtual and three-dimensional thinking. It is important to realize that as human beings, we thrive on all levels of interaction, whether habitually or virtually simulated.

Am I implying that technologies like Facebook are by-products of 3D conceptualization? You bet I am! Social networking, in its modern sense, is nothing more than a three-dimensional model of something that already existed. If the lowest, most natural form of human communication is face to face, anything beyond this could be considered a virtual or three-dimensional reality. With Social Networking, people are not just “users.” It’s endless, interactive possibilities makes us “natives” of the program, enabling us to defy the law of Physics, time, and singular existence. Social networking (and all that it implies) is an exaggeration, much like the mesh and Raytracing of Newell’s primitive teapot model.

The genius of cult flicks like Max Headroom and Disney’s Tron is that they foretold a reality, albeit a virtual one. Theoretically, the age-old plot of machines and artificial intelligence taking over the Earth is upon us! The good news, however, is that our climax is nowhere as dreadful as prophesied by the filmmakers and 3D patriarchs of the 70s and 80s. At least for now, we all have the golden opportunity to play the gifted protagonist; the “kid” who embraces change, and imposes threat against the stuffed-shirts who dread the likelihood of a free world. I’d like to think we do so every time we update our profiles, make use of avatars, or simply enjoy a good game of Xbox or Nintendo Wii. 3D Technology, both visually and conceptually, has afforded us these capabilities.

Welcome to the world of 3D!

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Intuit’s Insult

Thomas Hubbard — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:35:55 +0000

Intuit, the company that brought us QuickBooks and TurboTax, waged “silent war” with the web development community in mid-2009. It’s weapon: The $4.99-per-month website that could potentially dominate the marketplace, and drive the modest, independent studio out of business. (Okay, so this statement isn’t exactly their tag line, but the scenarios in their television ad are clear shots at independent studios).

The thing that gets me is that Intuit has no shame! Let’s forget, for a moment, that their $5, unbranded templates are trash, and that their claims of instant gratification on search engines are absolutely bogus. Several bloggers have already tackled that subject. In agreement with them, I’d like to offer a different perspective.

For years, Intuit’s software suite has been catered to (and patronized by) the small business community. To try and monopolize the technical sector of that community—and insult them with the “don’t-let-your-nephew-build-your-website” innuendo—is the ultimate insult. While I favor and advocate professional web development, I hardly believe that Intuit’s drag-and-drop solution constitutes as such. I found their television ad both hypocritical and cumbersome, especially given that the company has undergone sporadic reorganization, a fancy word for “job cuts,” since 2008. You can’t just elbow your way into any community and offer nothing in return! The thought that anyone would stand for such outlandishness is beyond my comprehension.

While several sources have suggested that Intuit is struggling with it’s identity, I beg to differ. Like other conglomerates, Intuit specializes in monopoly through slave labor. That is, to manufacture the “best” product at the lowest price…for the lowest price. Larger competition like GoDaddy and AT&T will hardly feel the effect. At any time, their resources will afford them to restructure and adopt a similar business model. But for John Q., the talented web developer with a string of bad luck this economic season, the future isn’t as bright. His options? Start a so-called business in a market he can’t compete in, or settle for a contract position with no benefits, stability, or opportunity for growth. My heart goes to that web design student whose post-graduation options (and odds of recouping) are slim-to-none. An educational investment upward of $50,000 is ridiculous if the market value of your product is only $5.00.

I’ve had the honor to work and attend school with many of today’s prolific web developers. I’m sure most will agree that Designers and Developers—at some point in time—share the same space. It is my hope that our creative and technical industries will stand against companies like Intuit and boycott their products, and realize there is NO JUSTIFICATION for Intuit’s insult! It’s a bully move, at best, and I think it calls for necessary action. Maybe it’s time the “freeworld” adopt some regulations. Regulations that will ensure opportunity, prevent monopoly, and prevent web development from becoming the new $5 clipart.

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The 21st Century Slave Contract

Thomas Hubbard — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 21:23:12 +0000

I couldn’t help it…the words that rang in my head were those of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. In Get Rich or Die Tryin’, his big screen debut, he uttered these harsh, albeit prophetic words:

“I ain’t signing that mutha f*ckin contract / I ain’t a b*tch like you / I ain’t going out like that—ME?!?”

SIGH! Had I only taken heed of his cheeky wisdom! A few weeks ago, I was going through some of my old tax returns and stumbled across a contract from the early 2000s. It was with a well-known company that shall remain nameless. Rejoicing in all that I had accomplished, I decided to read over the contract…y’know, for old times sake. WHAT THE HELL DID I DO THAT FOR? I soon realized that I was victim of contractual slavery, but the worst part is that I wasn’t aware of it! Whoever declared that “ignorance was bliss” must have been…well, blissful in their ignorance! I’m a man who likes to know. Usually, I’m a man who likes to read.

I’m also a man who likes to share what I know (and that which I read), which is the ultimate purpose of this blog post. In no way is it an attempt to bash the plantation—ahem—COMPANY I was employed with for two years! After all, no one held a gun to my head and forced me to sign that contract! Honestly, all I saw at the time were the dollar signs, and the fact that I was being offered a position in my field. I was young, hungry, and the salary was way above standard! I apparently went into it blindly, but it was a successful run, and for that I am thankful.

The biggest lesson was learning that ALL creative industries have similar glitches. Whether you sing, draw, invent, or perform, you should realize that the game really isn’t designed in your favor! It used to be the entertainment and music industries that were notorious for shady deals. Today, those shady deals are found in corporate environments, too. While the typical professional may secure employment, it’s difficult for the creative or technical candidate. Normally, they secure contracts, or temporary positions that come with no health benefits. Almost similar to the modern record deal, sans the customary advance.

Still not convinced of the snakery? Well, put your game face on for a moment. When budgets get cut, what department is the first to go? The art / creative department. Don’t trip, it’s been like that since high school. I’m sure you remember those weak art and technology programs, right? Contrary to popular opinion, strong institutions that foster the Arts are few and far between.

Maybe these odds are woven into the very fabric of science. Hell, how many times have we read the “tale of the starving artist?” I think most have come to accept the flaws of the creative process; some even master it and use it to their advantage! But my thing is this…if a company does decides to offer a creative opportunity, why make it virtually impossible for one to create during or after the opportunity?

Regardless of the salary this company paid me, the contract was the exact opposite of the Emancipation of Proclaimation. Yeah, it was that bad! Several provisions in the contract raise a red flag, but the ones that really stood out were…

“You agree that all inventions, discoveries, developments, improvements, ideas, copyrightable creations, works of authorship, mask works and other contributions (herein collectively referred to as “Creations”) whether or not patented or patentable, or copyrighted or copyrightable, which are conceived, made, developed, created or acquired by you…WHICH RELATE IN ANY MANNER TO THE SUBJECT OF YOUR WORK FOR (said company)…regardless of the extent developed at (said company’s) facilities, at YOUR HOME, or elsewhere, shall belong to (said company).”

“…if a Creation is described in a patent application or is disclosed to a third party by you within one (1) year after you leave the employ of (said company), you agree it is to be presumed that the Creation was conceived, made, developed, acquired, or created by you during the period of employment with (said company), unless you can prove otherwise.”

Can you believe that? We creative people need FREEDOM in order to create. As ridiculous as it sounds, creativity creates more creativity. But who could be creative in such corporate bundage? The message of the contract was actually two-fold. On one hand, it displays the greed of corporations. This particular corporation wanted it all, and I was apparently bound to them even after my resignation. But on the other hand, the contract displays the power of the creative mind! Would companies stoop that low if they thought we were incapable of revolutionary creations? If it is true what they say—that corporations have monopolized the economy— they have done so through contracts like these.

Independence is truly the way to go, even though its path is a long and humbling one. But at least you own yourself, as well as that which you create! Above all, I enjoy freedom as CEO of Hubbard Digital Corporation. Will I ever sign another contract with a corporation? Maybe, if the price is right. But I’m definitely not signing anymore slave contracts! Oh, hell no! I ain’t a b*tch like you, I ain’t going out like that—ME?!?

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How to Embed Flash in PowerPoint Presentations

Thomas Hubbard — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:51:30 +0000

Love it or hate it, PowerPoint is the corporate dream. I personally loathe it with a passion, yet I recognize it’s influence on Corporate America. It offers a cheap, aerodynamic solution for producing linear presentations. Toss in a few transitions and BOOM, you’re the new grandmaster of all things technical! Sheeeit! Might even get that 10 cent raise, nah mean?!?

Unfortunately though, your rule as “grandmaster” will suffer interrogation, as you stuff your presentations with every transition known to man. This, my friend, is the way of the amatuer! All it takes is one loss—one failure to secure a million dollar contract—and its coming down the pipeline. Now everyone’s sweating, and your days at the cubicle are numbered!

Are you in this position? Do you need a solution to secure your 10 cent raise? Well, at this point, it may be too late. But if its not, or if you would like to be proactive and learn a solution that requires some expertise, then I present to you “How to Embed Flash in PowerPoint Presentations.” This method is not only a sure way to “wow” your audience, but it gives purpose to an otherwise useless application (did I mention that I hate PowerPoint already?).

You might ask, “what would be the purpose of integrating Flash with PowerPoint?” Well, for one, you could create a Multimedia Intro to your presentation. Just imagine a professional, introductory slide with music and animation, looping as constituents of a business convene for an important meeting! Sounds cool, eh?

Here are some examples of Mutlimedia Intros I did some time ago. Yeah, yeah, I know…I hated every minute of it! Believe me!

IBM - Johnson & Johnson Intro
http://thomashubbard.net/portfolio/2009/ibm-johnson-johnson-intro-only

IBM - General Motors Intro
http://thomashubbard.net/portfolio/2009/ibm-general-motors-intro-only

NOTE: There are many sites out there that offer tons of customizable flash templates…some for free, some for a fee. FLASHMO (www.flashmo.com) is one worth checking out. If you cannot find/afford a customizable Flash template, then this technique will require Flash expertise!

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WordPress Inventory Manager Plugin

Thomas Hubbard — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:59:36 +0000

Life can be quite difficult for the Webmaster who needs a simple solution for tracking inventory. Sure, there are tons of e-commerce and shopping-cart plugins out there (many of which are highly overrated, in my humble opinion). But as far as a basic, inventory manager that’s fluent and reliable, there just isn’t anything out there for this niche. Or, at least that’s what I thought…

Enter the “Inventory Manager Plugin” for Wordpress, and its creator, Cale Bergh of the Alpha Channel Group.

To merely brag on Cale’s expertise would do him no justice! Cale is an all-around guy…professional, personable, and just so happens to be a gifted developer! While in pursuit of developing my own Inventory plugin, I stumbled across his Alpha Channel Group website by sheer chance! To say the least, my experience working with Cale was awesome!

Cale was highly responsive and flexible regarding the enhancement of his Inventory Manager plugin, which has been out there for quite some time. The plugin—even in its early state—was exactly what I had in mind, sans a few additional features. I shared these ideas with Cale and he immediately began working on the builds, keeping the end-user at the forefront of his efforts. As his beta-tester, I was able to witness the expansion of the Inventory Manager to its current state. And while it is still in its early stages, I am certain this plugin has the potential of becoming just as popular as Instinct’s ecommerce and eShop’s shopping cart at quirm.net. Yes…It really is that good!

The main treat about the Inventory Manager is that it runs independently. If you’ve worked with ecommerce or shopping-cart plugins, then you know exactly what I’m suggesting here! Inventory Manager isn’t entangled with Wordpress’ Posts or Pages functions…which is the last thing you need when you’re operating an autonomous, inventory system. With Inventory Manager, you control your products, quantities, and categories from a distinct sub-menu in Wordpress’ Dashboard.

Another cool feature is the product display option, which allows you to display inventory items and their descriptions in a spreadsheet or grid view. You can even customize the number of items to be displayed on each page! Each item is clickable and leads the user to it’s description page, where all of its details can be viewed.

The ability to reserve inventory items is arguably the plugin’s most powerful feature. Emails are immediately sent to the webmaster and product owner, informing them of the product name, description, SKU number, and even the quantity the User would like to purchase!

Other notable features are as follows:

The administrator may…
- Define a placeholder image
- Restrict users from editing inventory items that don’t belong to them
- Choose the lowest role (Administrator, Editor, etc) with inventory management capabilities
- Utilize a comma-delineated, bulk upload feature that supports .csv and .txt formats

Everyone will enjoy…
- The ability to upload multiple images for an inventory item
- The ability to Sort by Category feature
- The ability to Sort by Price (High-to-Low, Low-to-High)
- The ability to Sort by Item Name
- The ability to Sort by Manufacturer

To download the Inventory Manager, please visit http://alphachannelgroup.com/wp/inventory_manager.html. Thanks, Cale!