Alec Saunders SquawkBox

Just a reminder — Barcamp Ottawa will be happening this weekend.  There are 60 folks registered on the Wiki, and we’re expecting a good turnout.  If you’re intending to come, please swing by and add your name to the list.  It’s a Wiki… you have to edit it, and add your name.  No forms, or any such thing. 

I’ve spent the last four days disconnected from the world, visiting with my 81 year old mother-in-law who has no internet and offline from my blackberry.  This morning, there is a veritable smorgasbord of items to look at in the blogosphere after such prolonged absence!  Some of the highlights for me include:

• Om Malik publishes his take on ABC and Murdoch’s direct to consumer strategies.  Content is king (again!).  Good read, especially the comments. 
• Mike Arrington says Shopify was worth the wait.  I’ll have to check it out.  We’ll see some of the Shopify gang at Barcamp Ottawa this weekend!
• The debate on software patents rages on.  Read Techdirt, and then the links to Brad Feld, and Fred Wilson.  I thought Mike’s comments on sustainable competitive advantage (which I’ve written about previously) were right on the money. 
• Surprise surprise, the team at Brightspark have launched a blog.  Congratulations!  In What’s so great about Canadian software developers anyway? Mark outlines what he sees as the strengths of Canadian software developers.  Part of what he writes is "I am not suggesting that we can have companies here that can compete with Microsoft or Google, I am suggesting that we can create GREAT parts companies. " Let’s strive for more. 
• Martin Geddes has written a beautifully illustrated account of how he uses his Nokia N90 cameraphone.  Go see it for the pictures, if nothing else.