On the advice of my brother I recently updated my cable modem from an old Motorola Surfboard Surfboard 4100 to a Motorola Surfboard 6210. The old modem was issued to me from Time Warner to access my Earthlink high speed internet account in Cary,NC near the Research Triangle Park (RTP).

Since the new modem supports Docis 3.0 I now can download via 8 bonded channels versus the 4 bonded channels down with the old modem that supports Docis 2.0 which theoretically should give me a speed boost. Here are the results of the test.

Performance Tests with Motorola Surfboard 4100

Before upgrading my cable modem I ran a couple of speed tests against the SB4100, here are the results.

Performance Tests with Motorola 6210

This modem seems to give me much better download speeds than the previous cable modem with at least 100% increase in download speeds.

Over the course of a few days it seems like the modem is reliable and hasn’t dropped my connection. The hardest part of the upgrade was getting through TWC’s provisioning department where you have to give them your new Mac address so they can grant it access their network. Even though the Docis 3.0 gives me 8 channels for downloads it still only supports 4 channels and it doesn’t appear to improve my upload speeds. Overall if you want an easy boost you can probably get one with a modem upgrade providing your current modem is older.

Related Articles

• 105 reviews of Road Runner (rateitall.com)
• Time Warner Routers Still Hackable Despite Company Assurance, Blogger Says (wired.com)

Technorati Tags: Add new tag, Data Communications, Earthlink, Modem, motorola, roadrunner cable modem Earthlink, RTP, Time Warner, Time Warner Cable

I have been blogging for many years. During that time I have used many other platforms including hosted software from BlogCity. TypePad, and Blogger. I also used Moveable Type briefly and a highly customized version of Joomla! (before that MamboCMS). Last fall I switched to WordPress as my primary blog platform. Though I haven’t been bowled over by WordPress I have come to the conclusion that it is the best blogging platform for me because it’s easy-to-use, has the widest variety of features, extensible, and it’s open source (with a thriving community of developers– over 90 developers were credited with contributing to this release).

Yesterday the long awaited and somewhat delayed WordPress 2.5 was released. Today, I updated my installation today and though I had a few problems the upgrade to the new version was definitely worth it.

The Upgrade Process

I upgraded my instance of WordPress using the Keith Dsouza’s WordPress Automatic Upgrade plugin. The process took only a few minutes and I like using this plugin because not only is it easy to use but it makes a back-up before updating your installation in case you have to revert. Once I upgraded the next step was to reactivate plugins. Most of my plugins were still functioning except for Alex King’s 404 Notifier and Popularity Contest which is a shame because the Popularity Contest widget is how I display my most popular posts.

The Administrative Interface

The biggest difference between previous versions and this release is that the administrative interface is substantially redesigned. The dashboard is now a “widgetized” page that breaks out important data like Recent Comments and Incoming Links into separate boxes.

The menu organization is greatly improved. The new interface breaks up the left side with common authoring and tasks and the right side with less frequently used options like settings, plugins and user management.

My only complaint is that I think the dashboard should allow you to drag and drop these widgets in the arrangement that you prefer. For example, if you use WordPress stats you might want to make that box your top choice followed by other less relevant information.

Editing Environment

In WordPress 2.3 I had been using WysisygPro Plug-in for WordPress as my editor but it didn’t work after I installed version 2.5. This wasn’t a big deal for me because WordPress now comes with Tiny MCE 3.0 for visual editing and it works quite well. The interface is easy to use and you have the option of tabbing between visual and HTML mode. There is also a media bar to add video and music.

I also like the removal of the “Save and Continue Editing” button which I thought was a waste. In previous WordPress versions the save button would return you to Manage Posts pages showing you all your drafts which I found annoying. In WordPress 2.5 the Save button keeps the post open and you can click on the Manage->Posts button if you want to go to look at all your posts.

Another new interesting feature is a auto-suggest for Tags that adds a drop-down of your currently used tags when you fill out the tags option.

One thing I don’t like is the redesigned interface is that the categories have been moved from the right column to below the editor. Ideally I would like a drag and drop interface that allows me to arrange my editing environment as I like. For example, I use All-In-One SEO Pack Plug-in and I would like the option of dragging it higher in the list than the trackbacks option.

Plug-In Management

One of the features I was looking forward to was the ability to automatically update plug-ins. In previous versions you were able to view your plug-in list and see which ones need to be upgraded but to do so required a tedious manual process. I tried to use this feature to upgrade Google Analytics for WordPress but while it removed the old version, installation of the newer version failed. Ilan reported that he has the same problem with another plug-in, Gregarious, but had no problem with Google Analytics. I was able to successfully update the Similiar Posts plugin without a problem though.

Conclusion

WordPress 2.5 deserves a big thumbs up. The administrative interface is a big improvement. In the past I had used the Steve Smith’s Tiger Administration plugin to improve the interface but the new design is such a big improvement that I am pleased to use the native administrative theme. Overall I think the changes in this version of WordPress could have merited a full version release (3.0 instead of 2.5) but it’s a considerable improvement and foreshadows many more improvements to come.

My only word of warning is that some of your previously installed plugins may not work in WordPress 2.5. For example, Gregarious and Popularity Contest. However, I suspect that their authors will update them at some point.

One thing that remains conspicously absent from WordPress is any commercial tie-in to Automattic, the venture-backed sponsor of WordPress. The only commercial offering I see from them so far is consulting services for businesses that start at $2500/year. I would suspect a consumer or small-business option will be coming at some point. However, as of now their individual services for statistics and spam protection is free. Correction from Matt Mullenweg of Automattic:

Stats are indeed free for everyone, but Akismet is free for personal use and paid for commercial use:
http://akismet.com/commercial/

Technorati Tags: Blog, compatibility, Google Analytics, Gregarious, Joomla!, Open Source, plugins, Popularity Contest, review, Software, WordPress

I travel every week and I spend countless hours in airports on planes using my iPhone to listen to music, podcasts, and phone calls so it’s important to me to have a good headset. When I acquired my iPhone last June (yep I was one of the first-day, overpaying suckers) I realized that the traditional white plastic style earbuds and mic combo wasn’t going to cut it. So I plunked down an additional 100 bucks for the V-MODA Vibe Duo headset. The thing about in ear headphones is that you can’t really try them on the store so you need to rely on third party reviews when you make your decision. Hopefully this one is helpful.

They have been the most comfortable in-ear headphones I have ever owned. This is due to the three sizes of silicone tips that come with the headset rather than the one size fits all models. Besides comfort their sound quality is very good. I also like their small size and the corded wires that feel somewhat more substantial and tangle-free then the typical vinyl coated variety. Unfortunately they have one weakness…

The silicone tips that cover the ends of the earphones fall off…a lot. Luckily V-MODA gives you extra sets but after six months I am down to my last pair (which aren’t my preferred size). I made a quick trip to the Apple Store today where I originally bought the headset. Unfortunately they don’t carry additional tips.

V-MODA does offer replacements for a fairly reasonable price – $7.98 for four pairs (two black, two clear). So if you do pick up a set, I highly advise keeping plenty of silicone tips as back-ups, you’ll likely need them. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t lose my last pair before the UPS man shows up with reinforcements.

Technorati Tags: earphones, headphones, iPhone, Reviews, V-Moda, Vibe Duo

I like the idea of a program that rewards you for conducting repeat business. In most any industry it’s cheaper to retain a customer and cultivate them then to acquire a new customer by creating an "affinity" for that companies products.

I participate in two programs conducted by companies where I spend a lot of money.  The programs are intended to reward certain behaviors and create greater customer loyalty. Here are two that are failing for stupid reasons. 

Citibank Thank Your Rewards

This program could be great but it just outright stinks. The idea is that you are rewarded for spending money using your Citibank Platinum. If you use it at certain websites you are supposed to get additional points.

Unfortunately, you must go to the Thank You Rewards special website and then pick the retailer even though Citibank knows exactly where you bought your items and for how much. I suspect it’s a matter of getting credit at the retailer for your purchase that it’s not automated. Finding retailer links difficult. The site is almost always slow. It’s hard to derive any benefit from the program that can’t be their intention, can it?

If I were Citibank I would be emailing customers their best Thank You Rewards deals. I would bet that would increase usage on their card. Also if they see I am using my card at a rewards partner site and don’t get the points then they should steer me to the link for the next time at the very least. Or send me an email, alert me in my account management page. This seems to be an easy to provide value-added service that  I am sure their users would find attractive and be more consistent with building a more valuable relations. I would think the technology behind this is no more complicated then calculating my bills and sending me statements. 

Here’s my latest gripe. I lost my credit card over the summer. When they reissued my card I was not automatically set up with the program. My points balance hasn’t changed since they issued the new card. I am almost afraid to check to see if I can get the credit for six months worth of usage. If not then I am done with them. Also by the way, I just started using another credit card with what looks like a "better" affinity program. Good job building loyalty. Another point of reference, I am sure I spend at least $50,000 on that card per year I wonder what value I have as a customer to them?

[By the way if you want to have a little fun do a search for Citibank blog. It returns tons of negative criticism. I did the search because I wanted to reach someone I could have a conversation with about their web experience. Here's a tip guys, the old way of doing business is over. Given your stock performance over the last year it might be worth your time to figure out how to keep up with your customers expectations. Maybe even exceed them...Drop me an email I will be glad to help you out.]

Starwood Preferred Guest

I travel a lot. I stay at a Westin where I have a corporate rate and it’s close to my office. So I joined their affinity program Starwood Preferred Guest. Here’s the condition to achieve preferred statuses. 

• Stay just 10 times (or 25 nights) a year, and earn Gold status.
• Stay 25 times (or 50 nights) a year, and achieve Platinum status.

Does that sound equitable? Why not just 10 nights or 25 nights why are these criteria so different. I am going to likely stay at some hotel in the area for 100+ nights this year but it’s going to take me 2 1/2 times as someone who travels from city to city ten times and who stays one night at a time. I am spending 250% more money and I get less benefit. This is a head-scratcher. 

One of my fellow guests told me he’s just started checking out and back in on the same day to get his status faster. Even if he stays at the same place two nights in a row. That’s stupid for the hotel chain, it’s inconvenient for the customer.  I switched from staying at the local Lowes Hotel because they didn’t honor their affinity program for travelers who receive corporate rates. By the way Lowes if you want to know what that’s going to cost you this year it’s probably north of $15,000, Westin it’s your business to lose. 

I also have a corporate rate at Westin but sometimes the Westin website has better deals. Once again I have an inconvenience when I should as a "valued" customer qualify for the best rate. Maybe you should read your marketing literature on the "Westin Difference" and make it a reality rather than lip service. 

No Affinitiy

Neither of these programs have created a stronger relationship between myself and their companies. I have no customer loyalty. Both programs make me jump through stupid hoops to derive the full benefits of their program. The second someone else comes up with a better deal (which shouldn’t be hard) I am off. I wonder if either of these companies achieve any leverage from the programs or are they just a cost of doing business. They have an opportunity to improve customer loyalty and they are both blowing it. 

I have a choice were I stay.  I have a choice in my credit card. What reason would I have not to exercise my options? 

Technorati Tags: Affinity Programs, Citibank, Customer Loyalty, Lowes Hotels, Starwood, Travel, Westin

Earlier this week I railed on Barnes and Noble for their confusing website. Rather than be accused of being curmudgeonly in my old age I thought I would share my great experience tonight at the Annapolis Westin. I spend well over 100 nights on the road a year, and while I am not very picky about where I stay, I am somewhat picky about the service whether it’s at a luxury hotel or at a Holiday Inn Express.

When I first started staying at the Westin I was less than impressed. The service was a little cold, one night in the shower I discovered the maid had forgot to stock the bathroom with bath towels and the food in the restaurant was hit or miss but the bellmen Rick and Larry where top notch and the facility was beautiful and I attributed it to the new hotel working out the kinks. However, the hotel is across the street from my office and it’s surprisingly affordable in the winter.

Tonight when I checked in to the Westin my reservation was messed up, it could have been my fault as I check my email I don’t seem to have the confirmation number. However, in comes Brian Johnson, the night manager who took care of everything. Which is exactly what I would expect. but here’s the differentiator. First he got me a better rate then I thought I would get being that their was no proof of  He gave me a card with his name and the card of the front desk manager if I had any additional needs. He also offered to do his best to take care of anything special I might request (A mini bar with a ham sandwich and a Starbuck’s Frappucino maybe;). Anyway Brian left a lasting impression, it inspired me to detail that experience. The old saying is that 100 happy customers will not say a thing about a good experience but an angry one will tell ten others. 

Now for the open source software tie-in. When it comes down to it most open source software companies give away a large chunk of the software and sell a service offering. That’s a difficult thing because for that service to inspire someone to plunk down their cash they should feel they get an exceptional value in many cases that’s expertise and service. Since many of these businesses count on renewals the onus is on them to keep re-earning your business. I think that the software industry as a whole suffers from the impersonal write it once sell it a million (or a billion) times model that has made Microsoft and Oracle the giants they are today. I wonder if the reason for the traction that is being gained by commercial open source software isn’t a function of flexibility or price but the promise of good service, in an industry that’s almost devoid of it. 

Technorati Tags: Annapolis, commercial, Open Source, Westin

Last week on a plane trip between Atlanta and Dallas I read The Dip (as I do with all Seth Godin‘s books). Here’s a review and an endorsement.

The Dip – A little book that Teaches You When to Quit – (And Teaches You When to stick)

By Seth Godin
Publisher: Portfolio Hardcover
Copyright 2007
ISBN-10: 1591841666
ISBN-13: 978-1591841661

Excerpt

Every new project (or job, or hobby, or company) starts out exciting and fun. Then it gets harder and less fun, until it hits a low point-really hard, and not much fun at all. And then you find yourself asking if the goal is even worth the hassle. Maybe you’re in a Dip-a temporary setback that will get better if you keep pushing. But maybe it’s really a Cul-de-Sac, which will never get better, no matter how hard you try.

Review

The Dip really is a thin book, 80 pages in it’s entirety and the pages are small and liberally spaced. However, sometimes good things do come in small packages, The Dip is one of these packages.

The premise of the book is that you need to understand when to cut your losses and when to power through. One analogy Seth uses is that the biggest benefits from working out mainly come right at the point you don’t think you can go any farther if you push through when things start to burn then you start the process to build muscle and improve endurance. In your career the same applies, if you break that stall you can start to realize relatively large benefits from overcoming the most difficult challenges. Conversely, you must know when continued effort is not going to bring you any more benefit. The key is to understand when there is no chance of achieving your potential and that quitting can be a smart tactic. And that moving on to a more rewarding challenge is the best course of action.

The Dip is a good lesson in opportunity cost, especially when applied to your career. Not knowing when to quit can prevent you from being exceptional. Sometimes quitting is hard, especially because most people don’t do well with uncertainty. I wonder how many successful people really fall short of their true potential by taking the safer path.

Overall the book is good, succinct and useful, it’s reinforced by easy to grasp examples and points are illustrated by business card illustrator Hugh MacLeod.

Other Resources

• Seth Godin’s Blog
• Squidoo Lens on The Dip