There is a great article on InsideRIA.com discussing Jakob Nielson's article "Web 2.0 Can Be Dangerous". I tend to agree with everything noted in David Tucker's review, and I'd like to add my own thoughts...

I think what disturbs me most about Nielson is his approach. While he certainly has some valid points, he directs his voice to those without a technical background, and pretends to know what he is talking about on the technical front. Jakob, if you are listening, you don't. Your readers would be better served if you were steering clear of the technical jargon, and sticking to your expertise in usability. RIAs are a relatively new concept, and while "best practices haven't gelled yet", RIAs still offer a great opportunity for business owners to capitalize in a BIG way by creating rich web applications with usability in mind. This RIA thing is not just about "gadgets on a page"...

The statement about Flash at the beginning of the article really discredits Nielson as far as I'm concerned. He did a great job of stating the obvious way back in 2000, but the Flash bashing wave that he's still trying to ride crashed a couple of years ago...

Up until now, this blog has been a place for us to share links, interesting technologies, and to post various other topics of interest. I've had some things on my mind lately, so if you can pardon my rambling, I'll shift gears a bit...

After several years of working with an interactive agency, I can honestly say that I have rarely had to dig for inspiration. Frustration comes and goes, punches and phones are thrown here and there, but it has been relatively easy to look forward to coming to work the next day. I love the day to day challenges that this work provides, and I have been fortunate enough to work with some very talented folks. I have had a real passion for digital media, and it has been fulfilling.

In the past, I have clung to the idea that one day I might be able to make an impression on the world in some small way. I want to produce something that has never been seen before, something that will be remembered, or something that inspires someone else. Whether it is my design or my code, there is some twisted satisfaction in knowing that a creation that came from my imagination might make a difference. I graduated school knowing that I was going to be that vision...that I would create, inspire, and be inspired.

I have slowly come to the realization that I am in a world of corporate marketing, web stats, reporting, metrics, code, sales presentations, digital asset whatever, yellow walls and more yellow walls, conference rooms, configurators, politics, "experts", CMSs, servers, dark clouds, and support tickets.

Today, that drive to create is thin. The fire is still there, but I can't seem to aim it in the right direction and stay motivated. Where do you go for inspiration? What drives you day after day to create something great? What motivates you to try to be the best when there are so many brilliant creative minds at work in the world?

"Lord grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."