Hi. I'm Paul Nixon, a designer living in Mountain View California. My days (and some nights) are spent designing websites for a little company in Cupertino. The rest of my time is spent with my beautiful wife and friends, road cycing and reading your blogs.
Thursday, January 25, 2007 11: 10 PM
"Geocoding My Life" from Jeff Croft. Mr. Croft continues to explore and perfect his craft. Impressive integration of contextual location data with each of his photos on his website. An example photo of none other than superheroes Keith Robinson and Wilson Miner. Jeff never ceases to amaze me with his ever-evolving exploration of design and technology on his personal site. Serious dedication.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007 11: 57 PM
Turned off my RSS feeds this week. In a strange way I feel liberated knowing that this post will not be sitting in someone's news reader begging for attention and scrutiny as another inbox "item" to be read -- only to lead to the inevitable disappointment of finding it to be another lame post about, oh I don't know, my lack of blogging on this site. I can now post with wild abandon here, knowing that I am no longer pushing random noise into 'blogosphere' and becoming a GTD item on someone's daily "to read" list. If you want this stuff, then come and get it -- ala GeoCities 1996. Enjoy the underwhelm-ment.
Sunday, May 28, 2006 11: 07 PM
The 2006 Tour de France course is available for Google Earth here. Geekery + cyclery = goodnessy.
Thursday, June 16, 2005 01: 40 AM
Nixon Rotolog watch. Wood inlays. Unique 'current time' dials. Nice.
Sunday, March 20, 2005 05: 37 PM
Yahoo Acquires Flickr. Take care of her Yahoo -- she's one baby that deserves a bright future...
Friday, March 18, 2005 07: 39 AM
Cameron Moll steps up to the Digital Web Magazine plate for this interview.
If you've never had the opportunity to meet or interact with Cameron, you are truly missing out on one the classiest people in web design -- SXSW bore that out to me. The above interview will prove it to you. And to Cameron, thank you for the time in Austin and for your kind words in the interview.
Monday, March 14, 2005 01: 53 PM
Just wanted to mention Contactlink today. In it's purest form it is a service the helps people be found and reachable through search engines based on keywords they define. It's a project I spent a lot of free time on to help to define the features, functionality, etc. It's still in beta (rough) -- so let us know if you have any feedback.
In the online world, it's fairly easy to get your blog or design site in Google (or any search engine), where people can find "you" and contact you. But what about my mom? My dad? What about the millions of people who do not have a web presence and have no desire to have one? How do they take advantage of the web to be found by people they've lost touch with? The answers to these questions are what really attracted me to this project.
This is my Contactlink door page. On it you will find keywords that help people find me in search engines -- including references to high school, past jobs, old contact information etc. Here is a Google search on my name and high school. My Contactlink page would put people directly in contact with me -- even without NiXLOG, etc. I personally find the whole concept interesting and of value, even if you are only found by that one, long lost friend. That could be the person that changes your life.
Saturday, March 12, 2005 02: 36 PM
So if you go to SXSW you are supposed to post about it, right? So here I am. At SXSW. This is my post about it. I see people. I see computers. I see lots of smart people. A few lost people (like myself). All in all it looks like it is going to be a good time.
The funniest thing so far was Kottke sitting by the wall literally surrounded by what seems to be some impenetrable blogging posse. I was going to say hi and give him some money for his cause, but I couldn't see a way to get past all the bodies sitting around him. Only proves you can become a blogging rockstar. I'll catch him another time.
Thursday, February 24, 2005 03: 33 PM
Make. "The first magazine devoted to digital projects, hardware hacks, and D.I.Y. inspiration." 1st issue TOC. (Via Metafilter) Update: Matt points me to Phillip Torrone's flashenabled.com -- he's a writer for Make, Popular Science and engadget. He also tinkers with a lot of stuff...
Thursday, February 24, 2005 09: 04 AM
UA student gets 3 months in jail for possession of copied movies and music. Ouch. (Update: This may actually be an ASU student -- looking for more details. Either way...ouch.)
Tuesday, February 22, 2005 08: 50 AM
Pupna. "The search engine puppy that retrieves exactly what you are searching for (and absolutely nothing else!)" ;)
Tuesday, February 8, 2005 03: 12 PM
The Lock Busters the from February 2005 issue of Wired. As entertaining as it is informative.
This just seems like a quirky world ripe for an independent film based on these types of "characters". I'm thinking some odd blend of Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Christopher Guest's Best in Show.
Sunday, February 6, 2005 01: 32 PM
To wake me up in the morning get me focused on something that needs attention fast. So some clever person designed the alarm clock puzzle -- which requires you to put puzzle pieces in the clock to turn off the alarm. This might actually work for me. Genius. Of course I would need to spread the pieces all over the place to still get me out of bed -- maybe keep one out in the car??? Via Gizmodo.
Saturday, February 5, 2005 01: 15 PM
I really think free Wi-Fi is changing business for smaller coffee shops and cafes (and in some cases entire cities) and the shops that charge are in for a painful wake-up call. Wi-Fi has become a cost of doing business -- a cost that ultimately drives more business.
It's 1:15 on a Saturday afternoon in Tucson Arizona. I'm sitting in a moderately sized local coffee shop (Ike's) working away. By my count, there are at least 14 laptops open right now. I would not hesitate to say that the extra business from the FREE Wi-Fi is more than paying for the expense to the shop. This place is packed...
By contrast, if I was to go two blocks down to Starbucks, I would put money on there being maybe 1-2 laptops open and that's about it. They currently charge for Wi-Fi through T-Mobile and that just isn't flying with local users. In fact, I think I passed three Starbucks on my way here -- to get to the free Wi-Fi (I also prefer local shops).
In virtually every instance of using free Wi-Fi here in Tucson, I'm spending money at the establishment. One reason is a "thank you" of sorts for offering the free service and the other is when you sit and work for a while you get thirsty or hungry. In fact it looks like everyone here at Ike's has made some sort of purchase today. I don't see anyone "milking" the free Wi-Fi. If anything they are spending more money than the average customer because they are here for 2-3 hours or longer.
The other thought running through my mind is the opportunity for these coffee shops and cafes. I see future establishments with free Wi-Fi getting bigger. I would really like to see newer coffee shops with dedicated work spaces, even moderately sized conference tables, etc. where you can spread stuff out a bit more, with more ergonomic chairs. One local cafe, Beyond Bread, has become our monthly graphic designer Meetup location of choice because of the larger tables and free Wi-Fi (we can view each others portfolios online at the meeting.) I'm sure shops like this exist in some cities, but I'm thinking in terms of a broader design trend here.
The key is keeping the Wi-Fi free. It has simply become a cost of doing business -- like air conditioning and electricity. The next priority would then be building the environment around the people free Wi-Fi will bring in, without sacrificing the comforts required by those coming in for good coffee and conversation. Wi-Fi users require space, ergonomics and power plugs -- lots of plugs.
The local coffee shop of tomorrow will not only be a good place for relaxation and conversation, but also a highly productive environment for individuals who want to get out of the office or house. Like Ike's, some coffee shops already are...
Tuesday, January 25, 2005 08: 44 PM
Google Video. "Google Video enables you to search a growing archive of televised content – everything from sports to dinosaur documentaries to news shows" via closed caption text. Learn more about it.
So my inexperience leaves me wondering -- do PR people already have tools to search closed caption archives to see if their company is getting coverage??? (Google's is only pulling from 8 channels -- but the potential seems big.) Via What It Is.
Monday, January 24, 2005 10: 49 PM
I already have too many Powerbook accessories - but this one is just calling my name...the Booq Vyper M (15") Powerbook Sleeve. Very, very nice looking case. Via Gizmodo.
Sunday, January 23, 2005 04: 31 PM
A while ago I posted "The Future Will Be Mechanized" -- seems that future is here. Armed remote control robots heading to Iraq.
Thursday, January 20, 2005 01: 11 AM
Flickr Tags. Technorati Tags. And now... Metafilter Tags. Via Matt's Flickr feed.
Thursday, January 20, 2005 12: 21 AM
Starting a company blog? Two handy PDFs: Beginner's Guide to Business Blogging (via ChangeThis. Free through Jan 25.) and Beginners' Guide to Corporate Blogging (Via CorporateBlogging.info) All via HBS Working Knowledge newsletter.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005 12: 00 PM
Ta-da list. "Simple, sharable to-do lists." from 37signals. Very simple and suprisingly powerful tool. Could publicly displaying basic tasks lists motivate me to get more done? See example. Worth a shot. Can't wait for two things with this web app: 1) Humorous to-do lists spoofing famous people and 2) Simple, handy how-to lists of all types shared publicly. Via the one of the web's best pilots Airbag.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005 01: 45 AM
Some excellent reviews of the iPod shuffle for new users and power users at iPodlounge. My friend Matt has already ordered one to add to his collection. My sister is considering one and she's never owned an iPod. Friends and co-workers are buzzing. Certainly another hit for Apple. John at Daring Fireball some great thoughts on all this. ...read more
Some more random thoughts:
Tuesday, January 18, 2005 02: 03 PM
Last night, thanks to our DVR, Rebecca and I caught up on Fox's 24 by watching the first five episodes in a row. As we were fast forwarding through one of the commercial breaks, with bits and flashes of products flying past, an idea dawned on me: Why not design commmercials to have greater meaning while being fast forwarded through? ...read more
With the growing number of DVRs (Tivo leading the pack) out there, more and more people are fast fowarding through commercials while watching their favorite shows. This has been a challenge for television studios and advertisers alike, who see the fast forward button as a commercial killer.
But what if they took a negative and found a way to squeeze something, anything, positive out of it? What if ad firms took a standard 30 second commercial and story boarded it to have greater meaning when fast forwarded without sound?
Two things immediately jump out as possibilities - using bold text and bold logo usage...both with longer air time during the commercial. The bold visual would ensure the person fast forwarding sees it, while the longer air time ensures the text or logo isn't just a flicker on the screen. It's like condensing a 30 second commercial to a 5-10 second one, where one message and the logo are key. The key is also giving this commercial meaning in 30 second format. Somewhere in the middle is the balance.
Initially this may only make sense on those top 5 or 10 shows that Tivo knows is being recorded. People are most likely fast fowarding through commercials on these. Eventually, this could be a concept that trickles through the commercial medium as a whole...who knows, maybe it already has...and I'm just late to the party. (Of course this doesn't factor in Tivo messing around with advertising during fast forwarding.)
You can proceed to trash my idea in the comments below...
Wednesday, January 12, 2005 03: 13 AM
This kid is either: A) Going to make his friends at school really happy today, B) a budding eBay profiteer, or C) really obsessed with owning one iPod Shuffle for each day of the week.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005 07: 20 PM
Mac mini stacks. Like pancakes only sweeter. Fictional, stackable external hard drives for your Mac mini. I couldn't resist -- I had to pull the the Mac mini image into Photoshop and create this two minute hack job. Wouldn't be suprised if something similar came out. I just want to expand the little mini with hard drives galore...maybe one for music, one for photos, one for movies, etc..etc...(alas I have joined THAT crowd that actually mocks-up fictional Apple products...please pray for me.) 
Monday, January 10, 2005 03: 59 PM
iPhone. Fictional take on a real product that Apple and Motorola are working on. It would be classic if this design required you to "rotary dial" each number and click it at the top. Looks like it might. MacWorld should be interesting this week. Via Mike.
Monday, January 10, 2005 03: 04 PM
iPod Nano. Slick, fictional iPod with a "twist" on the scrolling wheel. This guy is creative. Via maniacalrage.
Monday, January 10, 2005 01: 09 PM
Haughey on Gates: "...he's off his rocker." Passionate post revealing his dissapointment in the man who has always seems to be chasing the future, but not quite catching up to it. Via the high flying Airbag.
Saturday, January 8, 2005 12: 46 AM
Netflix introduces "marriage saver" profiles feature. This is nice. Rebecca and I have had a his and her's queue on our Netflix wishlist for a while now. In other news, married couples sit around discussing how web-based movie rental technology could be better. So sad...
Thursday, January 6, 2005 12: 10 AM
John Gruber on Apple, Think Secret lawsuit. The timing is interesting -- did Apple make this move now to raise rumor buzz to a fever pitch before MacWorld?
Wednesday, January 5, 2005 02: 28 PM
MacWorld rumors hit too close to home for Apple. As always, the lawyers will come out ahead.
Wednesday, January 5, 2005 12: 03 AM
The statistical science behind Halo 2 Live rankings. And you thought games were just games.
Tuesday, January 4, 2005 04: 28 AM
43 Things. Not sure if grouping a large number of procrastinators around a goal helps or hurts...but it looks fun.
Monday, October 11, 2004 04: 09 AM
Dropload Technology. Need to pass along that 100MB file to a friend? Dropload is your answer. Via delicious
Friday, October 8, 2004 12: 23 PM
Skinning Gmail With Custom Stylesheet Technology. Design. Fun with Firefox and Gmail. Via del.icio.us
Thursday, October 7, 2004 10: 18 AM
Jupiter Project Management Tool Technology. Nathan @ Playgroundblues built this web-project project management tool from the ground up in two months. Nice work.
Friday, September 24, 2004 11: 19 AM
Testing Mars Edit Technology. Test Mars Edit for Mac.
Wednesday, October 29, 2003 02: 33 PM
Freespot: Directory of FREE Wi-Fi Hotspots: Namely commercial spots: cafes, coffee houses, etc.
Tuesday, August 12, 2003 12: 30 PM
FeedDemon RSS Reader : Beta software RSS reader, but looks slick as hell. I'm in. I've played with some RSS readers before for windows, but haven't come across one that seemed like care and attention were given to design. My search is over. For Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or 2003 / IE 6. (Via Two Eyes)
Tuesday, August 5, 2003 05: 49 PM
nixonnow.org : And just when you thought life couldn't get anymore exciting...I go and rollout nixonnow.org. It points to my exciting personal home on TypePad. Stop on by, you'll be bored in no time at all.
Tuesday, August 5, 2003 06: 16 AM
nixonnow @ typepad : Launched my latest weblog at TypePad late into the evening. TypePad is looking and working great. Nixonnow will be a more personal blog for friends, family and those who are just plain bored with life. Enjoy.
Thursday, July 31, 2003 10: 28 AM
Popcorn Email Client : "Popcorn is a freeware ultra-lightweight POP3/(E)SMTP e-mail client for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP." And when they say lightweight, they mean it: less than 200K. Great for accessing email on the road or even other POP3 accounts from work. You view email directly from the server, so no downloading to your hard drive. Throw it up on your web server and always be able to download it when out and about. I like web-based email, but sometimes, I just like the feel of an app. This one does the job very well. (Found via: Two Eyes. Two for two over there today. Another great find.)
Thursday, July 31, 2003 10: 14 AM
Zempt 0.3 : Trying out Zempt 0.3. Desktop app that allows you to publish to MovableType. Simple interface, highly functional. Found via: Two Eyes
Thursday, May 29, 2003 10: 15 AM
No-Contact Jacket : "A new anti-assault device for women wards off potential assailants with an 80,000-volt electric shock." --- Wired Article. My only fear is that my wife may start wearing this around the house to keep me from bugging her. Could also be used in other unintended ways: Imagine a hundred or so peace protestors doing a sit-in, all wearing these. How do the cops handle that scenario?
Wednesday, May 28, 2003 06: 51 PM
PSX : "Sony will release a new hardware platform dubbed the "PSX." The PSX will feature both DVD and HDD recording functions; the former supporting both DVD+/-R and DVD-R and the latter offering a HDD capacity of 120 GB. The unit will feature an installed TV/BS tuner and an Internet adapter, and will also support USB2.0. Memory sticks will also be supported by the unit." Oh...and it will play PS2 games of course. Yikes. I may have to sit this one next to my XBOX. U.S. release sometime next year. Additional PSX link.
Thursday, May 22, 2003 11: 55 AM
blingmethod : "How a geek gets their bling bling". AStep-by-step tutorials for adding some bling bling to your crappy looking computer stuff. (Oh, free time, where have you gone? "How can you ever have time if you don't make it?")
Tuesday, May 20, 2003 06: 36 PM
Embryonic LifeLog Program - DARPA : Proposed project to record every experience of a human's life. (via Wired)
Friday, April 4, 2003 12: 14 PM
How Hydrogen Can Save America (Wired, Article)
Friday, April 4, 2003 12: 11 PM
Creative Commons and Academia (Syllabus Mag, Article)
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 02: 53 PM
Mailblocks.com (via Dan Gillmor, SV.com) No more spam. Challenge/Response system to authenticate senders. $9.95/year.
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 10: 49 AM
Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP (C|Net)
Monday, March 24, 2003 08: 36 PM
Sony Ericsson T610 Mobile (infoSync)
