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GeneralRe: Ten questions Oprah Winfrey probably will ask Lance ArmstrongadminChris Maunder10 Jan '13 - 10:40 
Rubbish.
 
If your nation's cyclist wins a podium spot, or better, has an absolutely corker of an accident, then it's on the news.
 
The drugs are merely the sideshow entertainment.
cheers,
Chris Maunder
 
The Code Project | Co-founder
Microsoft C++ MVP

GeneralRe: Ten questions Oprah Winfrey probably will ask Lance ArmstrongmemberChris Meech10 Jan '13 - 3:25 
They have the title to his new book, wrong. It will be "Lance. It's what you to do to pustules." Smile | :)
Chris Meech
I am Canadian. [heard in a local bar]
 
In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is. [Yogi Berra]
 
posting about Crystal Reports here is like discussing gay marriage on a catholic church’s website.[Nishant Sivakumar]

GeneralRe: Ten questions Oprah Winfrey probably will ask Lance Armstrongmember_Josh_10 Jan '13 - 10:50 
I hope he asked Warnie for some advice. "It was mum's fault!"
QuestionSri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian9 Jan '13 - 17:31 
Has anyone been there? Anything I must see if I'll be there for a week? I'm fond of beaches, monuments, mountains, and stuff like that. Smile | :)
 
Do we have any regulars from Sri Lanka? It would be helpful for me if they can chip in too.
 
PS: I've explored the details of the country with wiki travel, tripadvisor and the likes. Seeking additional opinions here.
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberPIEBALDconsult9 Jan '13 - 17:44 
I dunno, I haven't been, but I assume there are girls there.
GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian9 Jan '13 - 18:05 
I think so too, but I'll take my girl with me. Smile | :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

GeneralRe: Sri Lankamember_Maxxx_9 Jan '13 - 18:07 
Coals to Newcastle, mate. Coals to Newcastle.
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way
___________________________________________
Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011
 
.\\axxx
(That's an 'M')

GeneralOTmember_Maxxx_9 Jan '13 - 18:09 
UP until "litereally" a few seconds ago I had always read your CP name as
 
Piebald Donut
 
Reminds me - need to pick up new specs tonight!
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way
___________________________________________
Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011
 
.\\axxx
(That's an 'M')

GeneralRe: OTadminChris Maunder9 Jan '13 - 18:35 
..and up until about 2 seconds ago, so did I.
 
The end of innocence...
cheers,
Chris Maunder
 
The Code Project | Co-founder
Microsoft C++ MVP

GeneralRe: OTmemberRanjan.D9 Jan '13 - 18:46 
Don't remind "Donut" , Just few hours back we had a nice stomach full of dinner and now was about to bed but had a look into your post and came to know about Donut. I'm hungry now grrrrr
 
Thanks,
Ranjan.D

GeneralRe: OTmemberRajesh R Subramanian9 Jan '13 - 20:32 
Don't think about the donuts[^]. Goodnight[^].
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

GeneralRe: OTmemberPIEBALDconsult10 Jan '13 - 3:01 
It isn't?
AnswerRe: Sri LankamemberMycroft Holmes9 Jan '13 - 18:20 
Twice - both times down south, beaches are lovely but the north is supposed to be more "cultural".
 
The govt has decided to rebuild their infrastructure and the tourist will pay for it. Place was excellent the first time, bloody expensive the second trip. If you are going to Yala NP be aware that the prices are extreme, something like $50 per head.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity
RAH

GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian9 Jan '13 - 20:38 
Thanks, MH. $50 sounds quite pricey for that park. I wonder if it's worth the money, but I'll shell it out if the Mrs. wants to see it.
 
I'm taking the liberty of asking you some more questions.
 
1. Are there beaches that you'd specifically recommend? I'd prefer something that's somewhat far from the maddening crowd.
 
2. How good is the "cultural triangle" trip? I'd most probably get a self-driven 4x4, or if they don't accept my license, then get a chauffeur.
 
3. Have you used their public transport (colombo-kandy train to be specific)? Is it any good?
 
Anything else you'd suggest as a must-do thingy? (I'll buy mounds of tea, of course).
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberMycroft Holmes9 Jan '13 - 21:12 
Yala - We turned up with under $100 in our pocket and they don't accept CC.
 
We were down near Talalla and the beach was great with only a crowd big enough to make it fun.
Galle was very interesting.
2 - didn't get there but the missus enjoyed it on a previous trip.
Did the Ella to Kandy by train, do go first class as the seating is only very ratty rather than decrepit. Cost peanuts and was an interesting ride.
We used drivers, all hotels will arrange a driver, bloody expensive but they did a good job.
 
The best scam we came across was in Kandy where a guy came up and claimed he was a cook at our hotel (small boutique H/L) and then took us shopping, how he guessed our hotel I do not know.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity
RAH

GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian10 Jan '13 - 6:49 
OK, thanks a lot. Smile | :)
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

AnswerRe: Sri LankamemberJ4amieC9 Jan '13 - 21:29 
Only a stopover on the way back from the Maldives. Nice airport Laugh | :laugh:
GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian10 Jan '13 - 6:49 
Airport added to the list of places to see. Thanks very much. Laugh | :laugh:
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

AnswerRe: Sri Lankamember d@nish 9 Jan '13 - 23:22 
Whatever you do, do not forget to go for blue whale watching.
"Bastards encourage idiots to use Oracle Forms, Web Forms, Access and a number of other dinky web publishing tolls.", Mycroft Holmes[^]

GeneralRe: Sri LankamemberRajesh R Subramanian10 Jan '13 - 6:50 
Thank you, that sounds interesting. I presume this is around the south west province? Where did you do this? Searching shows up more than one place (but south west seems prominent).
"Real men drive manual transmission" - Rajesh.

GeneralRe: Sri Lankamember d@nish 12 Jan '13 - 0:56 
Mirissa was the place. Galle is the nearest big (and well known) city. Just be careful about choosing authorized tour provider. Their tourism website must have information.
"Bastards encourage idiots to use Oracle Forms, Web Forms, Access and a number of other dinky web publishing tolls.", Mycroft Holmes[^]

AnswerRe: Sri LankamemberJohn Simmons / outlaw programmer10 Jan '13 - 0:46 
I can neither confirm nor deny that I've ever been to Sri Lanka. In the 1975-76 timeframe. While serving in the navy.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
-----
You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997

GeneralThe Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACprotectorAspDotNetDev9 Jan '13 - 12:27 
More specifically, it was an ID 10 T error. The worst part is that it was my fault. Can you spot the error?:
Protected Sub btnUpdate_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles btnUpdate.Click
    ' Do a bunch of stuff...
End Sub
 
Protected Sub btnSelect_Click(sender As Object, e As EventArgs) Handles btnUpdate.Click
    ' Do a bunch of stuff...
End Sub
 
I'm a little embarrassed that this was the reason for my lost morning. Blush | :O

GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberPIEBALDconsult9 Jan '13 - 12:35 
We have met the enemy and he is copy/paste.
GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberKevin Marois9 Jan '13 - 13:24 
You handled the wrong click event. I've never done that D'Oh! | :doh:
If it's not broken, fix it until it is

GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberSuper Lloyd9 Jan '13 - 14:15 
Never ever ever?? Roll eyes | :rolleyes:
What about 3rd grade?! Poke tongue | ;-P
My programming get away... The Blog...
Taking over the world since 1371!

GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberlewax009 Jan '13 - 15:04 
AspDotNetDev wrote:
Can you spot the error?

I think it's pretty obvious...you're using VB Poke tongue | ;-P
GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberShameel9 Jan '13 - 21:14 
You must have been a VB6 programmer in the past, where methods were bound to events using method naming convention. VB.NET has the Handles keyword. My case was worse, back in the days when I was migrating from VB6 to VB.NET, I didn't even know that the Handles keyword exists and was wondering why my events were not getting fired. Now I avoid all these problem by writing code in C# :-p
GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberJohn Simmons / outlaw programmer10 Jan '13 - 0:47 
AspDotNetDev wrote:
Can you spot the error?

 
It's written in Visual basic (and I'd be embarrassed too).
 
But seriously, both methods handle the Click event from the Update button.
".45 ACP - because shooting twice is just silly" - JSOP, 2010
-----
You can never have too much ammo - unless you're swimming, or on fire. - JSOP, 2010
-----
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997

GeneralRe: The Problem Was Discovered: PEBKACmemberEnnis Ray Lynch, Jr.10 Jan '13 - 3:47 
Yes, it is VB.
 
(I didn't read the other responses because I am sure I am not the only one that said it)
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting.
 
"And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
 
"All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch

GeneralFunding A Software ProjectmemberKevin Marois9 Jan '13 - 12:14 
I have had an idea for an app that I want to write & market. I have posted questions here before but I want to get more info.
 
The bottom line is that what I need to do this is funding. And by funding I mean salary to pay me and probably 1 or 2 other developers, office space, and necessary equipment. I could try to write this on the side, but it would take years. So if I didn't have to worry about salary and could just go to the office each day & develop, I could crank this out fairly quickly and get to market.
 
I'v researched Angel Investors such as this[^] but they all seem to be geared towards start-ups, which from what I can see is an existing company that is trying to get going.
 
I'm not a company. I'm just me and I would bring in a few other people. So do I qualify as a start up? of not, how do I go about getting investing to get started?
 
Thanks
If it's not broken, fix it until it is

GeneralRe: Funding A Software Projectmembermark merrens9 Jan '13 - 12:19 
Well, to start with you'll need a business plan or, at the very least, something formal that will give potential investors an idea of what it is they are being asked to invest in. A good idea is to be able to show a working prototype; even if not fully functional it shows that something is happening.
 
They usually want to know what you are risking. From what you are saying above, nothing at all. If you don't believe enough in what you are proposing that you won't take some of the risk, why should anyone else? In other words, you need to show some skin in the game. Doesn't have to be much, just enough to show someone you are serious.
 
There's loads more but that might give you something to think about.
"If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur." Red Adair.
nils illegitimus carborundum
 
me, me, me

GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberKevin Marois9 Jan '13 - 13:27 
mark merrens wrote:
hey usually want to know what you are risking. From what you are saying above, nothing at all.

 
I think you read it wrong. I didn't say I wasn't risking anything. I simple said that I can't afford to quit my job and code on this full time.
 

mark merrens wrote:
f you don't believe enough in what you are proposing that you won't take some of the risk, why should anyone else?

 
Not sure how you got that. If I didn't belirve in it I wouldn't be pursuing it.
 
What I'm attempting to ask here is how to get funding, or is it even possible, when it's just me. Meaning I'm not a company looking to expand. I'm one guy looking to develop an app.
If it's not broken, fix it until it is

GeneralRe: Funding A Software Projectmember_Damian S_9 Jan '13 - 15:18 
I think you'll find that Mark's comments were actually quite reasonable based on the information you provided.
 
The second one you quoted was more of a rhetorical question imho - you didn't spell out that you were risking anything in what you said in your original post, so you would need to demonstrate that you are taking some kind of risk in taking the leap... For example - you state that you want someone to cover your salary while you develop this awsesome app (that's going to make you a lot of money)... how about mortgaging your house for it? That's the kind of risk that many people who have great ideas and want to convert them to reality are prepared to take, not to ask an angel investor to take the risk for them.
 
Either way, good luck. You have had some excellent advice in the responses here. I would concur that setting up a company is a good option, as banks would prefer to deal with a company than an individual when it comes to investment loans etc - essentially you are wanting to invest in something that you think is going to turn a profit. Perhaps this is an avenue for you to consider - fund your own adventure...

GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmvpRichard MacCutchan9 Jan '13 - 23:04 
Kevin Marois wrote:
I'm not a company looking to expand. I'm one guy looking to develop an app.
It's exactly the same issue, you still need a business plan that explains, in clear terms, how much money you need, for how long, and how soon the profits will start to roll in. Remember, you are asking someone else to risk a large amount of cash based on your hope that the project will be a success, but you are not in a position to offer any guarantees. Which will probably mean that they may want some tangible security against the loan, such as your house or other property. To be honest you are really asking in the wrong place, you would be better contacting your local business bureau or chamber of commerce (if they have such things in the US). You could also try your local Rotary Club, many members are business people.
One of these days I'm going to think of a really clever signature.

GeneralRe: Funding A Software Projectmemberwizardzz9 Jan '13 - 14:01 
This may sound silly, but find a lawyer to partner with. From my experience, a lot of them have money and like to diversify and invest in businesses.
 
Otherwise, yeah, you need a prototype or proof of concept app.
 
You can look for an incubator space. Many provide opportunities to present to investors. For example: http://www.1871.com/[^].
GeneralRe: Funding A Software Projectmember_Maxxx_9 Jan '13 - 14:39 
Kevin Marois wrote:
geared towards start-ups, which from what I can see is an existing company that is trying to get going.

 
That's true - an investor wants to invest in something that exists not just an idea - so they expect you to have started - probably by setting up a company, doing some sort of business plan and having a presentation showing what money you need, how much of the company they will get for that money, and what their return will be in the first 12 months, next 12 months etc.
 
From what I have been told by investors, they do NOT like investing in your salary (or anyone else's) - so placing the emphasis on the fact that you need office space, equipment, software phones etc. and showing how little you require by way of funds taken out of the company would be the aim (e.g. you are willing to take an annual income which would just keep your head above water, because you KNOW that in 12 months you will be rolling in money with your successful product, rather than you expect to be paid a reasonable income while you develop it).
 
I'd check out BizSpark [^]if it's MS based software you're talking about - you can not only get a lot of dev software (and Azure space) for free, but you can also take advantage of their resources to help you get going (I went to a great BizSpark weekend a while ago where we pitched to a bunch of investors for practice - with help putting the presentations together for maximum effect (I also won an XBox 360 Kinect pack - so definitely worth going!)
 
One thing they told me was that my idea and requirements really weren't big enough for angel investors - ask for $100,000 and they don't see sufficient profit to make it worth their while - ask for a couple of million and they can see potential!
 
Another thing they were good at was pointing out how many other people had had that same idea before - and the reason you hadn't seen the product in the marketplace was because the concept was flawed - then they helped modify the concept to look like something that may have been more marketable.
 
Final bit of advice I recall was to set up your company with a business partner who will be the business not technical side of the company - so you can get on with the tech while the partner gets on with teh business side of things.
 

good luck
MVVM# - See how I did MVVM my way
___________________________________________
Man, you're a god. - walterhevedeich 26/05/2011
 
.\\axxx
(That's an 'M')

GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberMaximilien9 Jan '13 - 15:55 
Kickstarter[^] it, you will see if there are some interest in your project.
Nihil obstat

GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberMark_Wallace9 Jan '13 - 20:03 
Seconded.
 
Banks and "angels" will do everything they can to strip you of as much as they can; kickstarter investors just want to see you succeed and to receive their pre-agreed, unchangeable rewards.
I wanna be a eunuchs developer! Pass me a bread knife!

GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberRutvik Dave9 Jan '13 - 20:59 
Getting funding for your project is difficult thing (unless you have big influence). so do what most of the startups do, start small and on your own until you have something to show, to the investors.
 
So I would suggest you to team up with fellow developer and do this on side until you have something to show.
 
First you need a proper plan, without it you cant estimate that, it will take a year. I also have a startup (with just me in it), and in 4 months (full-time working on the app) I have full-fledged web application hosted on Windows Azure (and it is ready to launch). Also Microsoft BizSpark was a huge help (if you are into MS Tools, signup for it).
 
And then you should try at Angel List[^].
GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberBobJanova10 Jan '13 - 1:38 
You should be a company. If you want to pay yourself and some employees, have an office and business equipment, and are developing something for a market, you should set up a company or partnership (depending on exactly where you are and what legal position you want to have).
 
What do you do now? Company contracts often forbid you from doing external 'real work' that competes with your primary job. If you're normally employed then you will probably have to talk to your employer about what you're allowed to do anyway.
 
How quick is 'fairly quick'? Perhaps you could get your employer or contractor-client to give you a few months away from work (with reasonable notice of course) to develop it under your own steam; if you had the day job to come back to then you would still have financial security and you shouldn't need financial investment (the risk you're taking would be 3-4 months salary and you probably have that available as liquid savings).
GeneralRe: Funding A Software ProjectmemberEnnis Ray Lynch, Jr.10 Jan '13 - 3:52 
I think the most successful start-ups come from blood, sweat, and personal investment. If someone else is funding it then you don't have a horse in the race. Every one has a lot of great ideas but very few are willing to work hard enough to make them succeed.
 
Plus, considering modern software development and technology, funding an office for a start-up for just developers is a little anachronistic. I converted one of my bedrooms to a private office in my home so I don't have to have special office space for projects, best investment I ever made. If you are an apartment dweller considering stepping up by one bedroom and doing the same. You may think it would be hard considering your lease but if you have a 1 bedroom most complexes will gladly let you step up to a two, the one bedrooms are very easy to rent, the two's not so much.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting.
 
"And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost
 
"All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch

GeneralFirst day in Paris...memberAlbert Holguin9 Jan '13 - 11:57 
...well, I napped quite a bit... Sleepy | :zzz:
 
..but I'm sure the jet lag will be much better tomorrow... I hope Unsure | :~
 
...if I could only sleep on those darn cross-Atlantic flights!
GeneralRe: First day in Paris...memberPIEBALDconsult9 Jan '13 - 11:59 
How was she? Cool | :cool:
GeneralRe: First day in Paris...memberAlbert Holguin9 Jan '13 - 12:01 
Laugh | :laugh:
 
...apparently boring since I slept through it... Poke tongue | ;-P
GeneralRe: First day in Paris...mentorKeith Barrow9 Jan '13 - 13:29 
The video evidence would tend to suggest this Smile | :)

GeneralRe: First day in Paris...protectorAspDotNetDev9 Jan '13 - 12:30 
"I thought Christmas only came once a year."

GeneralRe: First day in Paris...memberNagy Vilmos9 Jan '13 - 20:26 
Your bad.
 
Don't sleep on flights and stay up to a normal bedtime when you arrive.
 
It is the only reliable way to get through jet lag quickly.


Panic, Chaos, Destruction. My work here is done.
Drink. Get drunk. Fall over - P O'H
OK, I will win to day or my name isn't Ethel Crudacre! - DD Ethel Crudacre
I cannot live by bread alone. Bacon and ketchup are needed as well. - Trollslayer
Have a bit more patience with newbies. Of course some of them act dumb - they're often *students*, for heaven's sake - Terry Pratchett

GeneralRe: First day in Paris...memberAlbert Holguin10 Jan '13 - 10:44 
I'm over it now... I actually can't sleep on the plane, but it's an overnight flight... so I made the mistake of falling asleep when I got to the hotel, I felt better when I got up but it was short lived, my timing was all off. I'm adjusted now though... just spent the whole day wondering around Paris.. in sh***y weather mind you. Java | [Coffee] Suspicious | :suss:
GeneralRe: First day in Paris...memberErudite_Eric10 Jan '13 - 1:56 
The Dali museum at Montmartre is a must see, even if it is the only art you look at in Paris, it is a great experience.
 
If you like clubs check out Show Case on the bank of the Seine, a great night club.
==============================
 
Nothing to say.

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