Author Archives: Dan Gillmor

A company called Brocade Communications announced layoffs today, not a new concept in this industry. But the headline on the press release — “Brocade Continues Business Model Optimization” — would have been funny had the situation not been so unfortunate. … Continue reading →

Miami Herald: Army chaplain offers baptisms, baths. It belongs to Army chaplain Josh Llano of Houston, who sees the water shortage, which has kept thousands of filthy soldiers from bathing for weeks, as an opportunity. ”It’s simple. They want water. … Continue reading →

Andrew Orlowski (The Register): Anti-war slogan coined, repurposed and Googlewashed… in 42 days. Although it took millions of people around the world to compel the Gray Lady to describe the anti-war movement as a “Second Superpower”, it took only a … Continue reading →

The Iraq war understandably continues to overshadow what otherwise would be real news. Case in point: The Federal Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will hear an appeal (Mercury News) from two technology industry groups and two states … Continue reading →

Thirty years ago on Wednesday, Martin Cooper made the first true cellular phone call, in a demonstration that was the beginning of massive change in the way we communicate. He’s a pioneer, and keeps pioneering. More in my Sunday column. … Continue reading →

New Scientist:Chinese secrecy blamed for super-pneumonia spread. The World Health Organization has continued to pressure China for more detailed information about its cases of SARS. “The team was fairly optimistic, but it is still too early to say if the … Continue reading →

Back at PC Forum…network is very, very spotty today. Execs from Yahoo, Cnet and AOL are explaining what business they’re in. Apparently it’s (surprise) making money. Running notes follow: Does AOL want to be “between the user and the Internet?” … Continue reading →

The war in Iraq was never a video game for the people on the ground, despite American TV’s inane efforts to make it so. Now we’re seeing the evidence — or at least we would be if the U.S. media … Continue reading →

Back at PC Forum, where we got to dinner early last night because Larry Ellison was a no-show. I ran a straw poll, asking people if his reported excuse — “The plane wouldn’t start” — seemed credible. Not credible was … Continue reading →

I’m heading to Phoenix today for the annual PC (Platforms for Communication) Forum, which remains one of the highlights of my year. Occasionally someone says something fascinating on stage, but the chief value is the quality of the audience — … Continue reading →