Architect's Rants

Running a host is more difficult than running a busy site. I say this because updates cause you to rethink the way people use your website. Recently, I was having problems with some code on certain interactive sites. After about a day and a half of checking it came down to an automated script that updated itself and in turn disabled another script that became incompatible because of the update. One big solution for this is to check and re-check your logs often regardless to whether the information you get there seems repetitive. Sometimes one line of errors out of a thousand lines of errors may give the solution to a big problem or future problem. Another thing to do is regular visit your sites. You will be surprised to find that the latest update on a server has disabled the functionality on a site, and I'm not only talking about scripted sites, but static ones too!

By the number of messages you see online with someone saying they are "Looking For Friends", you have to wonder what has happened to real interpersonal interaction? Mostly teenagers or early adults are the ones asking for friends in such a direct way. I say direct because usually you enter a community and friendships are built gradually and naturally as people get to 'know you' online, but the "Looking For Friends" user seems to have no qualms about declaring the reason for his / her participation.

A key reason for this may be due to the fact that the computer allows you to 'appear' friendly to someone who may not want to be friends with you. In a typical community you can place a avatar that makes you look handsome, strong or heroic. You can then build yourself up to 'be' something of a societal ideal when in person most may see you as the known loser. The Looking for Friends user will often seek after people who are ready to instantly appease their needs. If things become too complicated or questionable then they move on. A basic example of this is debate. Looking for Friends is not interested in sensible topics, most times topics about self are more entertaining, so long as they are not critical. If you do decide to take on a user who is Looking for Friends, then you need to be agreeable and complimentary, answer their post in an instant and be sure to say how much you like them on the way out.

So, know anyone 'Looking for Friends' online?

I have found that participation in something is always the hardest thing to get people to do online. You make it tantalizing and yet only one or two will grab the 'hook'. It seems that most online users like to go by trends rather than personal interests, in other words... if everyone is doing it then I'll do it too regardless as to if it is what I want to do. Some online users have almost given up their minds to a trend, sadly if that trend is leading them to something negative then they are doomed.