constructive nonconformist

Internet Explorer's Maximum URL Length

Note to self: Internet Explorer has a maximum URL size limit of 2,083 characters. Passing a longer URL (like maybe a URL with a dynamically built query string) to IE 7.0 will produce a cryptic error page (even with ‘Friendly’ turned off) that says “Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage” and then misleadingly suggests that the server can not be reached. Don’t waste time troubleshooting network connections or DNS lookups. Don’t be puzzled by why the same URL works in FireFox and Safari.

GrokLaw on Microsoft's Patent threats

Link: Groklaw - Ooh, ooh, the bogeyman is gonna getcha with his stupid patents. Or maybe not..

Microsoft Takes on the Free World

Link: Microsoft claims software like Linux violates its patents - May 28, 2007.

Mark Pilgrim on Apollo and Silverlight

Link: Silly season [dive into mark].

(Via Daring Fireball.)

Proud to be Working for the Monster

In 1998 a remake of Godzilla starring Matthew Broderick was released and the US DOJ filed an anti-trust case against Microsoft. The Boston Globe published a political cartoon depicting Microsoft as Godzilla rampaging through a city.

The company I worked for at the time had contracted to have a Microsoft consultant on site and he posted the Godzilla cartoon in a prominent position on the outside wall of his cubicle.

He didn’t post the cartoon in irony or outrage. He liked the image of Microsoft in the cartoon and he was proud to be part of the monster that was stomping everything in its path.

You might be thinking this is just an anecdote about Microsoft arrogance. It isn’t.

This man loved his job. Gotta respect someone who’s found that kind of career happiness.