As of some time later today, it will have been one week since I announced that all of my software (and comics) were and funded, in large part, by donations.
So let's take a moment to take stock of how the last week has gone.
Funding
Donations have been chugging along at a good, steady rate. As of this moment we're at $821 total donated (plus some cents). [You can if you'd like to pitch in.]
In other words donations are rolling in at a rate of roughly $117 (USD) per day. Or roughly $3,510 per month (give or take).
The Bad News: That means we're running a bit behind the target goal of $5,000. (.)
The Good News: We're really not running that far behind. The difference is small enough that we can make it up over the next several weeks (either via donations increasing a little bit, or other mechanisms).
The Even Better News: We're hitting that level of funding with relatively little press coverage (outside of folks that happen to know who I am). And before we see the benefits of expanded user base and the distribution improvements that Open Source/Free software provides.
In other words... - Full Post
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Watch Bryan Code : Sunday @ 1pm Pacific Time
THRILL! As I fix bugs.
MARVEL! As I figure out how to build packages for Arch and Fedora in the Open Build Service.
DELIGHT! As I say things, occasionally, that amuse myself.
This weekend I'm sitting down to get some work done on my Open Source software.
And you can watch.
When:
This Sunday, May 2nd at 1pm Pacific Time (4pm Eastern). We go until I get too tired! Or "a few hours go by". One or the other.
What:
I'll be working on:
Setting up packages for Linux Tycoon, App-Make-inator and others for Arch, Fedora, etc. in the Open Build Service.
Fixing bugs reported from users in various games and apps.
I'll be screen sharing the whole thing. So you can spy on me.
Where:
As an On Air Hangout. You can catch it over on or my . - Full Post
MARVEL! As I figure out how to build packages for Arch and Fedora in the Open Build Service.
DELIGHT! As I say things, occasionally, that amuse myself.
This weekend I'm sitting down to get some work done on my Open Source software.
And you can watch.
When:
This Sunday, May 2nd at 1pm Pacific Time (4pm Eastern). We go until I get too tired! Or "a few hours go by". One or the other.
What:
I'll be working on:
Setting up packages for Linux Tycoon, App-Make-inator and others for Arch, Fedora, etc. in the Open Build Service.
Fixing bugs reported from users in various games and apps.
I'll be screen sharing the whole thing. So you can spy on me.
Where:
As an On Air Hangout. You can catch it over on or my . - Full Post
Illumination Software Creator 6.0 released! (With Source!)
Today, 6.0 has been released into the wild -- for Linux, Windows & MacOS X.
What it is:
Illumination Software Creator is a visual programming environment focused on rapid prototyping (and development) of native applications on a wide range of platforms. Without writing any code it is possible to build native apps for iOS, Android, Desktop Linux, Maemo, HTML5 and Flash.
You can grab installers and packages from the . More information, including examples and video tutorials, are .
Looking for source code? Well, it just so happens that the full source code is available, under the GPL. Links are on the as well.
What's New in 6.0:
Re-introduction of the iOS (Objective-C / Cocoa Touch) target, with custom layout options for iPhone and iPad.
Re-introduction of the Android (Java / Android SDK) target.
Re-introduction of the Python/GTK target, with custom layout options for Desktop and Maemo/Tablet apps.
Bug fixes and improvements.
Illumination Software Creator is Open Source (under the GPL license) with development made possible thanks to donations and contributions from people like you.
Take a moment to to help further development. Every dollar goes directly towards building new features, bug fixing and support costs. - Full Post
What it is:
Illumination Software Creator is a visual programming environment focused on rapid prototyping (and development) of native applications on a wide range of platforms. Without writing any code it is possible to build native apps for iOS, Android, Desktop Linux, Maemo, HTML5 and Flash.
You can grab installers and packages from the . More information, including examples and video tutorials, are .
Looking for source code? Well, it just so happens that the full source code is available, under the GPL. Links are on the as well.
What's New in 6.0:
Re-introduction of the iOS (Objective-C / Cocoa Touch) target, with custom layout options for iPhone and iPad.
Re-introduction of the Android (Java / Android SDK) target.
Re-introduction of the Python/GTK target, with custom layout options for Desktop and Maemo/Tablet apps.
Bug fixes and improvements.
Illumination Software Creator is Open Source (under the GPL license) with development made possible thanks to donations and contributions from people like you.
Take a moment to to help further development. Every dollar goes directly towards building new features, bug fixing and support costs. - Full Post
Open Source Funding Brainstorming!
With everything here being , funding is certainly going to be an interesting challenge. You can see the results of the first full week of donations .
The short version: Donations are, at present, almost good enough. Not quite. But super close. In fact, improving things by just 20% would do the trick.
So, the question is: What is the best way to improve the funding enough to fully cover expenditures, and continued development, long term?
With that in mind I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have ideas of great ways to fund Open Source projects? Let me know via email or on or . I'd love to hear your ideas.
Here are a few ideas I'm currently considering:
24 Hour Open Source Telethon [Highlighting the many Open Source projects out there with folks from those projects stopping in to talk about it.]
Hats, Shirts and Posters [Everyone likes clothing with logos and sayings from Open Source projects... - Full Post
The short version: Donations are, at present, almost good enough. Not quite. But super close. In fact, improving things by just 20% would do the trick.
So, the question is: What is the best way to improve the funding enough to fully cover expenditures, and continued development, long term?
With that in mind I'd love to hear your thoughts! Do you have ideas of great ways to fund Open Source projects? Let me know via email or on or . I'd love to hear your ideas.
Here are a few ideas I'm currently considering:
24 Hour Open Source Telethon [Highlighting the many Open Source projects out there with folks from those projects stopping in to talk about it.]
Hats, Shirts and Posters [Everyone likes clothing with logos and sayings from Open Source projects... - Full Post
Fun Perks For Supporting Open Source Software
Donating to Open Source projects feels great. No doubt about that.
But you should get something for your donation [other than great software], right? When you donate to PBS you get a coffee mug... - Full Post
But you should get something for your donation [other than great software], right? When you donate to PBS you get a coffee mug... - Full Post
Linux Tycoon on Ubuntu Touch, Android, iOS… everywhere.
I'm just going to leave this right here.
A few extra details:
On Monday, June 24th Wednesday, June 26th Wednesday, July 3rd, will be submitted to the Android, iOS and Windows Phone stores.
On that same day, Linux Tycoon will be made available for download for Ubuntu Touch and Firefox OS.
Also. On that very same day. Linux Tycoon will be made available as a web app, playable from any modern browser and just about any platform.
Linux Tycoon has been completely re-written in the Free, Open Source HTML5 app building suite, .
Full source code, under the GPL, will be released. (Joining the source code that is for the of Linux Tycoon.)
That's right. All of that "Linux Distro Simulation And Management Game" goodness. Free. And Open Source. And made possible from the awesome, freedom loving people of the world.
Note: The scheduled launch day of June 24th has been pushed back to July 3rd. Because... - Full Post
A few extra details:
On Monday, June 24th Wednesday, June 26th Wednesday, July 3rd, will be submitted to the Android, iOS and Windows Phone stores.
On that same day, Linux Tycoon will be made available for download for Ubuntu Touch and Firefox OS.
Also. On that very same day. Linux Tycoon will be made available as a web app, playable from any modern browser and just about any platform.
Linux Tycoon has been completely re-written in the Free, Open Source HTML5 app building suite, .
Full source code, under the GPL, will be released. (Joining the source code that is for the of Linux Tycoon.)
That's right. All of that "Linux Distro Simulation And Management Game" goodness. Free. And Open Source. And made possible from the awesome, freedom loving people of the world.
Note: The scheduled launch day of June 24th has been pushed back to July 3rd. Because... - Full Post
Quick Update w/Fancy Bullet Points
"WHOAH! No update in almost 2 weeks! What gives!"
- Guy On Internet
That's a good point, Internet Guy!
Here's a bullet list of stuff going on, over the last week or two, that just might interest some of you.
A new app has been born. Arduino-Make-inator (aka "ArMi"). Basically this is a modified version of ... - Full Post
- Guy On Internet
That's a good point, Internet Guy!
Here's a bullet list of stuff going on, over the last week or two, that just might interest some of you.
A new app has been born. Arduino-Make-inator (aka "ArMi"). Basically this is a modified version of ... - Full Post
Introducing: Arduino-Make-inator
We've got a new Open Source piece of software here at Lunduke.com: .
Have an Arduino board? Want to program it without writing any code (or even needing to know what "C" looks like)?
That's Arduino-Make-inator.
The basic idea is pretty simple (and crazy simple to learn):
Drag and drop some colorful blocks and link them up to tell your Arduino board what to do.
It's freely available for Linux, Windows and Mac from the (where you can also find information on where to download the full Source Code).
Worth noting: Development of Arduino-Make-inator is, like all other software here at Lunduke.com, made possible through from good folks just like you. Please take a moment and consider contributing to the future of this awesome piece of software. Every dollar helps.
Find some bugs? This is the first release of Arduino-Make-inator. There are bound to be a few here and there. You can report them either on the or over on the official . - Full Post
Have an Arduino board? Want to program it without writing any code (or even needing to know what "C" looks like)?
That's Arduino-Make-inator.
The basic idea is pretty simple (and crazy simple to learn):
Drag and drop some colorful blocks and link them up to tell your Arduino board what to do.
It's freely available for Linux, Windows and Mac from the (where you can also find information on where to download the full Source Code).
Worth noting: Development of Arduino-Make-inator is, like all other software here at Lunduke.com, made possible through from good folks just like you. Please take a moment and consider contributing to the future of this awesome piece of software. Every dollar helps.
Find some bugs? This is the first release of Arduino-Make-inator. There are bound to be a few here and there. You can report them either on the or over on the official . - Full Post
=?iso-8859-1?Q?Wikiprogress eBrief May 2013?=
Wikiprogress eBrief May 2013 The May 2013 Wikiprogress eBrief is out now! Included in this issue are highlights from this month's focus on governance and updates from the Wikiprogress regional networks. If you would like to join one of the networks, please contact the Wikiprogress team at See the full May 2013 Wikiprogress eBrief . Happy reading! This monthly progress report is brought to you by the Wikiprogress network of editors and organisations. To unsubscribe, please click . id=oecddirectbody> - Full Post
=?iso-8859-1?Q?Wikiprogress eBrief June 2013?=
Wikiprogress eBrief June 2013 The June 2013 Wikiprogress eBrief is out! This month's focus was on 'Environment'. In this issue find out how to 'Go Green' by understanding the impact of climate change on people, managing natural resources, implementing energy policies, reducing deforestation by redefining renewable energy, and by financing sustainable development. If you would like to join one of the Wikiprogress networks or have any questions, please contact the Wikiprogress team at See the full June 2013 Wikiprogress eBrief . This monthly progress report is brought to you by the Wikiprogress network of editors and organisations. To unsubscribe, please click . id=oecddirectbody> - Full Post
David Cameron's formula to boost UK's falling GDP. Promote GM crops in the name of fighting hunger.
British Prime Minister David Cameron speaking at a pre-G8 event in London. He gave clear hints at the need to embrace GM crops. (Photo: courtesy EPA)It may startle you. But the fact is that the more you destroy the environment (and the planet) the higher is the economic growth. You can bomb a city, and then rebuild it. The GDP soars. Similarly, if you allow the biotechnology companies to contaminate your food and environment, the health costs go up and so does the GDP. The more the spread of superweeds and superbugs, the more is the application of all kinds of deadly pesticides resulting in a higher GDP growth. And so on.So when I read today in The Telegraph the British Prime Minister David Cameron openly welcoming the GM industry, stating: "I think there are a number of subjects there that we need to take on, I think it is time to look again at the whole issue of GM foods. We need to be open to arguments from science," I wasn't the least surprised. With the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicting that the UK economy will grow by a paltry 1.5 per cent in 2014, David Cameron is certainly bitten by desperation. He wouldn't like to go down as the Prime Minister who failed to prop up the ailing British economy.We know that extra-ordinary times require extra-ordinary decisions. That holds true for Statesman. But at a time when most political leaders across the globe are no better than corporate lobbyists (Read my earlier analysis: What do you do when Heads of State indulge in lobbying? ) the best they can do is to cling on to desperation. That's exactly what David Cameron has done.Forgetting the scourge of mad cow disease and the foot-and-mouth disease that resulted in millions of cows being burnt, I wonder whether David Cameron even remotely understands the grave threat GM crops and foods pose to human health and the environment. And this brings me to the central question. If it is not proper for the governments to do what the business can do, why the Heads of State be allowed to do what Corporate lobbyists do? How long can democratic societies keep quiet while the Heads of State unabashedly promote the business interests of Corporations? When will the society stand up to put a curb on the abuse of power by the elected governments?I see the argument. "Last year farmers lost 1.3 billion pound Sterling from poor harvests and higher feed bills for cattle, making the need for new technology even more urgent," said The Telegraph report. While this may be true, the fact remains the poor harvests that were recorded across some of the developed countries were essentially because of the climatic changes, which is the outcome of the faulty agriculture practices that have been followed over the past few decades. Its intensive agriculture that UK excels in that is causing the problem. Any sensible Head of the State would have first tried to resurrect farming in a manner that it becomes truly sustainable and thereby results in less damage to the environment.David Cameron was speaking on Beating Hunger through Business and Science at a pre-G8 event in London (see the picture above). Business and science can definitely do a lot to defeat hunger. With over 40 per cent of the processed food being wasted in UK alone, I had thought the Prime Minister would direct the agri-business industry to ensure that not an ounce of processed food goes waste. This measure alone would have drastically reduced the carbon footprint, saved British environment from further deterioration as a result of more intensive farming, and at the same time made billions of pounds of food available to meet the needs of the hungry millions.Instead he took the desperate route that would result in a higher GDP which he can drum around. The more the business and industry were to invest in developing risky and unwanted GM crops, the more will be the GDP. The more the sale of GM crop seeds, plus the increase in sales of chemicals to fight pests and diseases, the more will be the addition to British GDP. The more the resulting damage to the health of British people would mean more dependence on big pharma, which in turn would mean more spending on health. All this adds on to country's GDP growth. What a remarkable growth formula, isn't it? #Additional reading: The Business of Hunger by Devinder Sharma. - Full Post
MadExcept 4.0 is here!
MadExcept 4 is out! It's my favorite exception-catching email-sending bug-squashing tool for Delphi. Now with the following new features: 64 bit Windows support for Delphi XE2 Full unicode support SSL and TLS SMTP client mailing SSL HTTP uploads Bug Tracker integration: added FogBugz, BugZilla and Mantis reporting option to conform to Windows Logo requirements extensive memory and resource leak reporting added debug memory manager added support for nested exceptions added new "madExceptViewer" tool lots of smaller improvements In my opinion, this is the biggest single release in MadExcept history! Basically everything I've ever wanted added to MadExcept, is now in MadExcept. Go check it out , download "madCollection" to install. Don't forget to click the "MadExcept 4" button when installing, or you won't actually get MadExcept installed. - Full Post
I used to be a C/C++ programmer.
Certain not-very-much-like-C things in Delphi still trip me up. Like this code which I wrote today, expecting it to zero pad my integer values: var hour,min:Word; begin ... - Full Post
Friday, July 5, 2013
Embarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 Builder
Embarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 BuilderInfoQ.comEmbarcadero Technologies, whose Borland roots date back to Turbo Pascal and the pioneering of modern development environments, launched a major overhaul of its development...- Full Post
Embarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 Builder
Embarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 BuilderInfoQ.comEmbarcadero Technologies, whose Borland roots date back to Turbo Pascal and the pioneering of modern development environments, launched a major overhaul of its development...- Full Post
France looks to EU transparency law to help lift the 'resource curse'
French development minister Pascal Canfin says transparent accounting by extractive industries will see more wealth staying in global south...
- Full PostIMA Conference on Mathematics in Finance
Date: Monday 8 - Tuesday 9 April 2013
Location: Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot-Watt University
One persistent theme in the history of mathematics is the close relationship between the subject and finance. From the Babylonians, through Fibonacci and then Stevin, Pascal, Fermat, Huygens, Bernoulli and Bachelier the development of mathematics has often been based on solving problems in finance.
The series of financial crises following 2007 have highlighted the need for novel mathematics to address the increasingly complex problems of finance. The IMA Conference on Mathematics in Finance has been organised in conjunction with the Bank of England, now responsible for financial stability in the UK, and with reference to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills Foresight project on the Future of Computer Trading in Financial Markets. The aim is to encourage mathematicians, from a wide range of backgrounds, to address important societal issues in relation to the operation of modern markets.
- Full PostEmbarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 Builder
Embarcadero Updates Delphi and C++ Builder, Launches HTML5 BuilderInfoQ.comEmbarcadero Technologies, whose Borland roots date back to Turbo Pascal and the pioneering of modern development environments, launched a major overhaul of its development...- Full Post
The State of Mobile HTML5 Game Development
Written by Pascal Rettig
At last night's Boston HTML5 Game Development Meetup I presented a yearly wrap up on "The State of HTML5 Game Development" with a focus on mobile to highlight my new book "Professional Mobile HTML5 Game Development" To put my money where my mouth...
- Full Post
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