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Category: computers

A Proud Moment for the Geek Dad

Posted on by jessestay

I started programming in the BASIC computer language when I was 10 years old. In third grade, I won third place in my school’s Computer Fair Elementary division (I went to a very large International School in Jakarta, Indonesia). So today was a very proud moment for me when I was able to watch the joy in my 8 year old daughter’s eyes as I taught her how to write her first computer program. We taught her a very basic web page first, then, a simple alert() box in javascript. I’m a proud Papa right now.

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How Transparent is Your Business?

Posted on by jessestay

ATT0005216161616.pngThis image is a Gas Station from the times that my parents and grandparents grew up. You’ll notice that there are glass cylinders on top of each of the gas pumps giving a glimpse into what’s inside. Those aren’t lights, nor are they crazy bug zappers. They are a symbol of how honest that gas station is.

My Uncle explained to me his memories of these:

“First a valve would open to fill the glass cylinder (about 5 gallons). That proved they weren’t cheating you. Then another valve would open and the 5 gallons would flow down the hose into our tank. This would be repeated as needed.”

Nowadays, in a world of computers and binary calculations, it’s easy to just let the computer do the work for you. They’re pretty accurate, and hey – nobody shares their statistics any more. You don’t need to share that data. After all, you know you’re being honest. But do your customers know you’re being honest?

Some times it’s easier to keep our honesty secret and trust the computers. However, your customers will be happier if you follow these Gas Stations’ examples. Go transparent, open up the blinds, and be sure your customers have no doubt in their minds that you’re being honest. Wouldn’t the world be a much better place if we all felt pressure to expose our honesty, rather than hide it?