APIs are a Contract which Startups Constantly Renegotiate
One of the key value propositions of web startups is an application programming interface (API) or a read/write interface. If you’re a fellow follower of AVC you’re already intimately familiar with this message which Fred Wilson periodically hammers home. Businesses such as Twilio have gone so far as to make their core value offering a powerful yet easy to use API to phone networks. Beyond the technical interface, startups support business interfaces which include leadership, investors, partnerships, and customer service. In this riff I’ll explore why startups alter their public interface and follow that up with the corresponding burden early users (adopters + customers) are forced to bare.
Tag: collaboration
Long commutes beg for Telepresence
I was tight on time this AM, because of a 5 hour commute to a meeting a few hundred miles from home.* I haven’t travelled for my job in a little over 5 years, but opportunity knocks.
Purpose Driven Meetings – New Metrics
A leader with clear purpose conveys meaning with little confusion or wasted energy. A gathering with a clear purpose focuses the attention and energy of participants towards a measurable outcome. (more…)
Ideal Coding: Easy to Pickup Yet Abundant in Function
Collaborative Creations & the Legacy of Patterns
Courage and humility are the driving personality traits behind collaborative creativity. One must be confident of the value of their perspective and ability, and humble enough to blend their finest work with that of others (more…)
Gotta Grok Git
Git is a file syncronization, and source control tool. Git has been my enemy. It’s still a spooky animal. Here’s how I survive git now without letting it get in the way of me breaking new things.
Can Search Discover the Spark of Life?
Cutting ties with my old friend Microsoft
For over twenty years I’ve relied on Microsoft products and services for my home computing. But for web development (the only type that really matters to me) Windows is more of a hindrance than a utility. Many libraries and unique tools are not even developed for windows. Last night I did a full install of Ubuntu 9.1. I’m sure I’ll continue to dabble with Microsoft products through WINE. My life partner Michelle also switched over to an iMac yesterday (from an xp trojan laden laptop) and the setup experience was very smooth, minus an iPhone wiping glitch *shakes fist at iTunes*.
The Ideal Computer Converges on Invisible
After watching the much anticipated release of the iPad, I had thoughts of advances I would build into a ground breaking computer. Why not incorporate gesture interface, projection technology (surface or eyes), and even neural interfaces into a revolutionary computer experience? My imagination followed a pattern which Kevin Kelly opened my mind’s eye to: (more…)
