Overloaded terms
The word "sanction" can mean either to give permission and to impose a penalty. Determining which of these opposite definitions is applicable is relatively »
Digital immigrants
My parents have a hard time getting technology to work for them; even the simplest things seem to trip them up. I feel like I'm trying »
The internet is reinforcing political echo chambers
In theory, the internet should make it easier for readers to be exposed to views from across the political spectrum. But, because Facebook gets paid for »
Ransomware claims seem vulnerable to fraud
As ransomware has become increasingly prevalent, people have started taking out insurance policies to protect themselves. But, how do insurers guarantee that claims are genuine / authentic? »
Why are people afraid to look things up?
I'm surprised by how often people ask me technological questions that they can easily answer themselves. While I'm often tempted to reply with a let me »
Bitsquating
Random errors in computer hardware can result in bit flips that can be exploited by bitsquatters. While the probability of these errors is extremely low, with »
Pricing APIs is hard
When given a choice, companies prefer to set prices based on a percentage of the value that they create. In advertising, auctions dictate the market value »
Understanding through code
One of the best ways to test whether you understand a concept is to try teaching it to someone else. As you're asked clarifying questions, you're »
Technical intuition
In addition to demonstrating reliance and resourcefulness, successful founders of technology companies typically have good technical intuition. In other words, they know what kinds of technology »
Bitcoin and SMTP
There are a surprising number of similarities between Bitcoin and SMTP. Both protocols are intended to be decentralized and to transfer things - value and mail. »