The Daily Sucker

I know, I know I use Javascript. You have to if you want detailed analytics (or any kind of advanced features) but there are lots of reasons not to use JS. Almost every time there’s a security alert about an unpatched Internet Explorer vulnerability — and there’s a big one out now (with a patch due Wednesday) — Microsoft suggests you turn Javascript off.

Here’s a screen shot and I’ve highlighted the applicable parts.

Microsoft isn’t the only browser that has ever had JS problems and it isn’t the only problem with JS. Until recently, JS has been a drag on web site performance. It’s still a drag unless you place your JS correctly on the page or delay its delivery.

Have you ever wondered, “Did Bob read my e-mail that had my quote or is he just ignoring me?” Well, if Bob uses HTML e-mail (and lots of folks do) you can find out if he opened your e-mail.

About.com has an article entitled “Windows Email Return Receipt Tools and Services” and it mentions a good number of services and software. The one I bought and use is from a company called MSGTAG. (While MSGTAG has an affiliate program, I’m not a member.)

There are 3 versions (one if free, but your e-mail has a footer about MSGTAG) I bought the high-end product MSGTAG Status 2 ($59.95) and it’s really amazing. For example, I discovered that my daughter — the person I love more than anyone in the universe — waited 3 weeks and 23 hours to open one of my e-mails.

On the other hand, it only took Seth Godin 2 minutes and 12 seconds to open an e-mail I sent him entitled “Bad Marketing at the American Diabetes Association.” Hmm. I think there’s a point here.

I was really disappointed when a program called RescueTime stopped working. I tried everything suggested and I couldn’t get it back. Well, the great news is IT WORKS AGAIN. The solution was one of the following:

1. There was a new version of the software.
2. I updated Windows and the .NET 2.0 upgrade decided to finally install (third time’s the charm).
3. I created a new user account.

I really like the way it tells me how much time I’m spending on each application on my computer. It’s very cool and the individual version is free (the business version hasn’t been release so I don’t know pricing.) I have no commercial interest in this product. I’m just happy it’s working again.

On the other hand, WebLog Expert has gone down the tubes. Sigh.