Guest Post
The Blame Game: How Personal Responsibilities And Consequences Are Easily Shirked Nowadays

A man can fail many times, but he isn’t a failure until he begins to blame somebody else. –John Burroughs
There is going to be a little ranting and raving going on here. I’ve had a question which has continued to baffle and perplex my apparently simple mind to the point that I’m finished trying to answer it. It’s one of those questions where you can’ figure it out, so you stop thinking about it all together in hopes that it will eventually come to you. But my question has not been answered, either by accident or with deep intent purpose in mind. That question being: At what point in American history did our Society lose the belief behind personal responsibility and dealing with the consequences for one’s own actions?
It would just seem that throughout history, people of every race and creed were of a different cut and grade than they are nowadays. John Brown the abolitionist, who was hung for stealing weapons and setting slaves free said, “I would rather die on the scaffold for God’s eternal truth than in any other way.” Socrates willingly quaffed his own poison as was the norm of the time after being found guilty for corrupting the youth and impiety. Essentially a philosopher being killed for philosophizing on subject’s people didn’t care for. Joan of Arc, a young 19-year old girl trying to free her French Brethren from the heal of English Rule, was found guilty by the English for insubordination and heterodoxy and burned at the stake for heresy. She believed god directly spoke to her, and as such, knew she was going to be burned at the stake. An odd premonition, just one of many she actually had.
At any rate, these people and countless others throughout history have come to some conclusion, and whether right or wrong, good or bad, held true to their convictions till the bitter end. Now of course the same could be said of tyrannical dictators and other evils, but sadly, they don’t even play the blame game.
Sadly, it seems many of us have grown into the privileged and bratty type, where the only game worth playing is the blame game. How often do we see this? Where someone completes an act, than because the consequences are too stiff and stark to face, they quickly shift blame elsewhere. The biggest problem is that the incidents are not isolated, but resonate throughout our entire social system. Let’s give a few examples as to what we’re speaking of here and how cowardly and criminal all of these actions are.
CEO’s of top Companies being fired and given the most ridiculous severance packages
This is only a problem for large publicly traded companies, but a serious problem nonetheless. How many stories have we all heard of a CEO doing a completely terrible job of managing, costing the company countless millions, using company funds for personal expenses, and the list goes on and on. Only in the end to be rewarded for their indolence and stupidity with grandiose severance packages. Now when a company is owned by a collection of people, those people have to elect others to speak on their behalf, which is generally what makes up a board of directors. Then these board members hire the best and brightest to run and manage a company. Problem is, many of the same people sit on many of the same boards for many of the same companies.
You can easily see why this would be a somewhat conflicting issue. Meanwhile, the actual owners of the companies, the stock holders, are just assuming that their business is being run in a smart and ethical manner. But what is ethical about someone failing at their job, and then being compensated for being fired? Those multi-million dollar severance packages should in the least go back into the company to try and make op for the error of hiring the dunce to begin with.
Government bailouts for too-big-to-fail banks and businesses
No business under a free market system is ever, or will ever, be too-big-to-fail. Where ever there is a demand that can be met, there will be people to supply it so long as it’s possible to supply. With that said, what business is too big to fail? Any answer would work. What business that is considered too big to fail could go under and not have hundreds of people waiting on the sideline for their chance to enter the market? Beyond the idea that any business is too big to fail, what business does the government have in entering the private market and helping companies in trouble? Also not to mention how the funds provided to these companies were often times misused, unneeded, and at no point should be a concern of a government.
Why would we support something that is failing, rather than try and support something that has yet to have a chance to get started. Free enterprise is the mainstay of this country, and there is nothing free about it when the government steps in and supports a certain section. It is absolutely revolting to think we rewarded bankers for not doing their job correctly, that the American people were on the hook for the gambles made and lost, and the government oddly supports monopolies of the type so much that they would even admit… they are too big to fail. It’s a frightening idea for a democracy with a free market system.
James Holmes, The Batman Movie Shooter
If you have not been following up on the story of mass murderer James Holmes from Colorado, all you really need to know is he’s pleading insanity. Crazy right? A man who devised an extremely well thought out plan on how to harm as many people as possible is claiming hes insane, and should not pay with his life for the crimes he committed. Even if he was insane, and was sane enough for just a moment to say he was outside of his mind when he did what he did, how could you live knowing the monster that dwells deep inside you? I myself would beg to be put down if I truly thought I was insane enough to unknowingly do what was done. But what he did was planned and methodical, which should show anyone he was at least sane enough to make a plan. But yet, now that he has to face the consequences of what he did, he’s turned from a stone cold killer into a victim…. The victim of his own mind. It’s awful, despicable, detestful, and there is no shortage of words to describe how terrible he is.
Let’s compare him to old Carl Panzram, a man who fully took responsibility for what he did. Before being put to death, he was quoted as saying the following, “In my lifetime I have murdered 21 human beings, I have committed thousands of burglaries, robberies, larcenies, arsons and last but not least I have committed sodomy on more than 1,000 male human beings. For all these things, I am not in the least bit sorry.” Then he went on to tell the executioner, “Hurry it up you Hoosier bastard! I could hang a dozen men while you’re screwing around.” Now this is certainly not intended to praise him for his actions, or being proud of what he had done. Merely to show that the man did what he did, and as terrible as it was, was fully willing to admit to his wrong doings and bear the burden of the consequences.
In The End
In the end, I’m willing to argue that people are just becoming weaker in their characteristics. Whether you want to call them cowards, yellow bellied, overly sensitive, or whatever. The point is, people make excuses and play the blame game like it’s their job far too frequently nowadays. Form politics to law, sports and school, and pretty much every aspect of our social environment, nearly no one can take responsibility for their actions. And for the life of me… I can’t understand why.
Featured images:
License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/713337
The author of this article is Damien S. Wilhelmi. If you enjoyed this piece you can follow me on Twitter @JakabokBotch. The law can be a tricky course to navigate, and if you don’t care to shirk responsibility for your actions and need to hire a proper Boulder DUI Attorney, do the right thing and find one.
Guest Post
‘Portal’ And ‘Left 4 Dead 2’ Arrive On Linux

Steam is powerful, hot, and painful. It can move trains, boats, and has driven minds crazy with the power of invention. And now, the power of steam has come to Linux. That’s right, Linux. Until recently Linux users were the most unloved members of the gaming world. They have been the outcasts, the rejects in the corner who preferred an operating system, which quite frankly, is the most logical of all of them. They are Linux users. And now, they have arrived.
Ok, enough with the dramatics; Portal is available if you’re running Valve’s Linux Steam client, you’ve got it. If you don’t have it, get it, because the Steam Box is coming. While PC, Xbox, Play Station, and Mac users have all had a gaming advantage, the love for Linux users has never been there. Until now.
Linux gamers now have access to Valve’s Half-Life,Half-Life: Blue Shift, and the just-released beta Left 4 Dead 2 (L4D2). And that’s good news.
For all the mega super awesomeness that this news could potentially be, it’s not quite the best. Valve’s current catalog for Linux is still quite sparse. With only 13 titles as of this article, it’s barely a scratch against the wall of Mac and PC game titles out there, but hey, it’s a start. I mean, Portal is a game from 2007, and the original Half-Life was first published in 1998.
This padding of the Linux library is likely part of preparations for the Steam Box console, which is expected to run the OS. Valve’s entire catalog will probably be available for Linux before long. The question is whether any other big-name developers will follow suit. There are over 100 Linux titles on Steam right now, but most of them are smaller games from indie developers. The Steam Box may have to stream games from a Windows-equipped PC if it wants to offer a similar selection of blockbusters to next-generation consoles.
Now, Remember that Valve utilizes a Direct3D -> OpenGL layer for its ports. It takes the D3D9 with extensions and dynamically created oGL calls. Not only does have to call oGL but it also has to deal with that translation overhead. Despite that, it still ends up being faster than native DX where no translation is done.They still use d3d9 but go through live translation to oGL calls and still they outperform the native DX9 implementation despite having the same limitations. Faster than native despite having additional translation overhead is nothing short of impressive especially when you consider Valve had next to no oGL experience when they started this ( although then basically then hired an all-staroGL team to carry out the endeavor.
It’s hard to talk about the Linux OS without talking about the Steam Box, which, if you believe Valve head Gabe Newell, is the console killer. Newell has confirmed that Valve’s own Steam Box will come packaged with Linux. The OS is anathema to the walled gardens of Windows, being both free and open-source. It’s just as alien to the Xbox and Playstation front-ends. Where they curate content and load up with adverts, the Steam Box is as open as an average PC.
Newell says you’re free to install Windows on Valve’s Linux box, and download whatever you fancy. Imagine a console with Adblock. Imagine a console that isn’t hamstrung by its components half a decade down the line, a console that doesn’t force its creator to make a loss on each sale or to devote a gigantic chunk of budget half way through its life cycle to make its successor.
The Steam Box should scare console makers. 2012 was a monster year for PC gaming, the portents of doom that dogged the platform for years finally shaken off as the once dominant consoles felt their teeth grow too long.
With the upcoming Steam Box, and Portal and Left for Dead 2 coming to Linux, the rise of the few should be a concern to all.
Author Bio: The article is written by Jason Phillips, a freelance writer and an enthusiast. His passion about gaming inspired him to write gaming articles, blog about gaming and starting an online gaming site Zombie Games 365.
Guest Post
React js Developer Skills – These Ingredients Make a Skilled Developer
React js Developer Skills

React js
There is no denying the fact that the IT world is dominated by a plethora of programming languages and libraries. React js is considered among the top javascript framework that has given a new meaning to front-end development and the open-source community. I guess it’s the perfect time to revisit the technology and understand why it’s so popular in the first place.
Right from simplicity to reusable components, dynamic web apps, fast rendering, SEO support, testability, and so forth are certain reasons the javascript library is used to create robust and dynamic user interfaces for web applications. Of course, the following post is not about what is react js and why the javascript library is so much in use. I am pretty sure you must have covered this part already. The post emphasizes the top skills React js developers in India must take into consideration. You see the technology itself is so popular that every budding programmer aims to excel at it. As a result, it does require a certain level of expertise, skill, and maturity to offer the best of development work. So yes eventually we will be covering the top react developer skills.

Now many of you have this misconception that Reactjs and React Native are the same. Well, Reactjs and react-native both are different. Reactjs is a Javascript library mainly used to create highly functional and complex interfaces whereas React Native offers a native feeling to your mobile applications. However, this one needs separate space and it’s a vast topic. Now without any further ado, it’s time to hire ReactJS developers tagged with a certain set of predefined skill sets and duties.
What Skills Needed to Become a Good React.js Developer? (Silo) 1
React js Developer Skills – These Ingredients Make a Skilled Developer 1
ReactJS Developer – Roles And Responsibilities towards the React Library 3
What are the Skills Required to Become a Good React Developer 4
Technical/Functional Programming Skills 5
JavaScript Fundamentals + ES6 5
GIT 5
ReactJS Developer – Roles And Responsibilities towards the React Library
Those who aspire to become React js developers must be well-acquainted with the fact that Dropbox, Khan Academy, Yahoo! Mail, New York Times, Netflix, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Codecademy, Uber, etc are some of the best use case examples when it comes to React js. And as from the developer’s perspective, it comprises numerous crucial features such as:-
- Learn once, write anywhere
- Easy to create interactive UI
- Predictable and easy to debug code
- Building encapsulated components
- Creation of new code without rewriting code
- JavaScript Syntax Extension (JSX)
- Virtual DOM and one-way data binding
Who is a React js developer? Much like any other professional a React js developer is solely responsible for designing and implementing UI components for Javascript-based web applications and mobile applications with the help of open-source library infrastructure. A developer is entirely responsible for accomplishing the entire development process starting from conception to the major testing process and following popular ReactJS workflows like Flux.
Commonly known as front-end developers, React js developers build modern-day UI components to improvise application performance. They leverage their knowledge about JavaScript, HTML, CSS, React library and work closely with testers, web designers, and project managers to create a robust and effective application.
Also, ReactJS developers enable business owners to focus on their core business areas, without having to bother about other IT-related activities. This has helped big time in enhancing client satisfaction. Before you even think about the cost to hire React developers, it’s time to focus on their basic Day-to-day tasks:-
- Keeping a constant track on the latest trends
- Meeting the client’s expectations
- A Reactjs developer tend to build intuitive and simplistic design
- Creating apps that are extremely scalable and flexible and that appeal to the masses
- SEO friendly
- A react developer helps in increasing the popularity of the application and product through effective UI/UX
Further below I would like to mention certain roles and responsibilities react developers are often asked to follow.
- He or she must be well-known with the javascript fundamentals.
- A react developer must have the potential to leverage the toolkit for creating frontend features.
- Next a Reactjs developer must be capable enough to create data visualization tools, libraries, and reusable code for prospects
- Integrate designs and wireframes within the application code
- Other than creating, a react developer must enhance application performance by keeping a constant eye.
- Optimize components to work seamlessly across different browsers and devices
- A react js developer must have a good understanding of CSS libraries, GIT, Sigma, Adobe XD etc
- By following responsive web principles, a react developer creates responsive web-based UI
Apart from these a react js developer must be able to translate wireframes and designs into good quality code by using array methods. He must consider thorough reviewing of applications needs and interfacing elements. Lastly, a react js developer must stick to the concept of proper documentation.
What are the Skills Required to become a Good React Developer
Today it has become very crucial to up your development game and nothing works wonders than choosing a high-end functional programming framework from your arsenal for the upcoming web application development projects. However using such a development framework eases the task of development but to ensure that framework is used at its best and true potential, one does require to consider reputable react js application development companies across the globe who have a proven track record of developing high-end, scalable applications.
Further below I would like to mention what are the essential skills required to become a Good Reactjs Developer. More or less these are the top react developer skills worth taking into consideration.
Technical/Functional Programming Skills
JavaScript Fundamentals + ES6
Without having a firm understanding of these javascript fundamentals ES6, it is next to impossible for one to become a successful reactjs developer. Let us delve into the details:
The first and foremost aspect is Variables and Scoping. Here a js developer must understand when and where you have access to the data. Now, what are these variables? Basically, they are mechanisms built into Javascript enabling programmers to hold onto data in memory and access that data later on within our applications.
Second, we have Array methods. One of the crucial aspects offered by React technology is that it has the capability to store data and access it within arrays and objects. The built-in JavaScript array methods are essential tools in every developer’s toolbox.
Next is DOM manipulation. Here manipulating the actual DOM elements can be a tricky task. Well, now we have the JSX abstraction at our disposal. Things have become easier than before.
Functions and arrow functions, here each component acts as a lego brick. It all depends on your smartness and spontaneity. How do you as a developer fit all these together?
GIT
Almost all coders who keep themselves busy during the development process are asked to be acquainted with the Git toolkit. Apart from this, by using Git, developers have the flexibility to add as well as update projects on different coding forums such as GitHub, Gitlab, and BitBucket. Some of the common tasks here include: merging strategies, handling conflicts, interrogating changes using push and pull options.
HTML + CSS
Another basic but crucial technical skill React developers must take into account is HTML + CSS. I mean you aren’t called a front-end developer especially if you aren’t acquainted with HTML and CSS. So what exactly does this mean?
First, he must be able to work with and write semantic HTML tags and CSS selectors.
Second, he must implement a CSS reset.
Third, Understand the box model and how to reset to border-box and flexbox.
- Node + NPM
Having a high-end knowledge of javascript is a must but if a developer has knowledge of nodes then it could be an added advantage. Businesses often prefer Reactjs developers who have a decent knowledge of nodes. At least, he could effectively exhibit the development needs of the client-side.
In addition to all these, developers must be skilled at different tools and technologies. For example, using sentry to fix crashes and real-time monitoring, Bitrise for increased automation, in case of crash reporting, managing testers, beta distribution – the developer must be able to use the hockey app, Redux to manage the application state, jest – a Ready-to-use tool for testing JS code and so forth.
Soft Skills
Now, do you think an ideal front-end developer must be limited to technical skills? Absolutely not, the right programmer is said to be the one who comprises exceptional soft skills. Let us unveil what exactly kind of soft skills they must possess?
Great communication skills
Building an app is no one-man show. It requires a team and to effectively manage the team it is very crucial to communicate well. So an ideal programmer is expected to communicate fluently.
Acceptance
Apart from strong communication, React developers are open to ideas and solutions proposed by others. They cannot be blinded by their own egos.
Problem-solving approach
Attitude matters the most! Of course, when you are creating something mistakes are bound to happen. It’s the way that makes a developer a cut above. How he handles the problem. This approach not just affects the developer but also the entire team as well.
Constructive feedback
There are no failures, there is always significant feedback. Every suggestion and piece of criticism should be backed by matter-of-fact arguments. And if you are the kind of person who goes by emotions and personal differences then the field is absolutely not meant for you.
Team player
Last but certainly not least, react js developers always tend to work in a team. Henceforth, they must be a team player – capable enough to consider every aspect of the team and then proceed further. A team of people gets things done. A good team player plays a crucial role in agile teams, where cooperation and working together on a common goal are crucial to finish the sprints.
Conclusion
So this is it! I do agree with the fact that hiring a skillful react developer could be a stressful experience but by following the above-mentioned traits it becomes way easier. In case you have any doubt or queries regarding the same, feel free to mention that in the comment section below.
Guest Post
What do Software as a Service (SaaS) Companies Do?
What do Software as a Service (SaaS) Companies Do?

A SaaS firm hosts an application and makes it accessible over the internet to clients. The term SaaS refers to software as a Service. This implies that the program is hosted on a SaaS company’s server and is accessed remotely by the user. A SaaS provider manages the servers, databases, and software that enable an application to be accessible through the internet – most often via web browsers. The program is accessible through nearly any device. Customers of SaaS applications often pay a subscription fee — sometimes monthly — to access the program. Certain subscriptions are priced according to the amount of data that must be saved, the number of users that will use the program, or the required degree of technical assistance. The following are a few of the things that the Saas company does.
1. Marketing
SaaS marketing is a subset of marketing focused on promoting and generating leads for SaaS solutions that are subscription-based. SaaS, often known as software as a Service, is a business model in which items are sold through cloud-based apps that get frequent upgrades and capability additions.
In contrast to firms that sell physical goods or require one-time payments, SaaS enterprises provide an intangible product. They must constantly demonstrate to existing and prospective consumers that their “rented” or subscription service is worth the monthly charge.
Any marketing plan’s foundation is made up of strategies and methods. In general, strategies refer to the overall approach to accomplishing goals and objectives (with defined, measurable targets), while tactics refer to the individual activities used to accomplish those goals.
Another critical point to convey when selling software as a Service (SaaS) is the ease with which updates and security fixes may be applied. Since the SaaS provider updates the software, there is no need to upgrade individual devices.

A critical conclusion for SaaS providers is that the hosted software industry is exceedingly competitive, making it more difficult for businesses to distinguish their offerings from the competition. By enlisting the assistance of an experienced technology public relations agency, providers may improve their marketing efforts and gain market distinction for software as a Service (SaaS) products.
2. Management of Customer Relationships
SaaS CRM is cloud-based software that provides permanent access to CRM features and support without installation and maintenance. A SaaS-based CRM increases customer transparency and enables firms to automate and customize marketing, sales, and customer care. You can get a SaaS CRM for almost any field of business, even private equity CRM.
SaaS is a subscription-based model with no substantial upfront expenses. To utilize CRM as a service, you pay a monthly or yearly membership cost.
This is one of the reasons why SaaS is preferred by smaller businesses and start-ups that may lack the financial resources to invest in a CRM system, even if it is deemed mission vital.
A few years ago, there was one concern associated with adopting a new software application: it would conflict with the way you worked daily, particularly with the applications you were used to.
As technology advances, customers of SaaS CRM applications may interact with currently available software and grow their CRM system in the same way that an onsite client would.
This implies that consumers may continue to use their existing software, like ERP systems or email clients, since these are often readily connected with the SaaS solution.
3. Management of projects
SaaS is an excellent model for delivering project management software since practically every form of the organization needs to manage projects successfully.
Regardless of the approach used, project planning and scheduling are critical components of project management. These project management tools provide easy access to the team’s prior work on the present project.
Given the amount of sensitive data stored in a project management software, superior security is non-negotiable. A reputable SaaS project management solution makes use of highly secure data centers and servers.
One advantage of cloud-based software is that, as annoying as it is, if your hard drive dies, all hell does not break loose. Log in with a different device, reset your password if your laptop is stolen, and you’re back in business.
Customer success, access to the newest goods, absorbing burdens, and minimizing payment barriers are all priorities for SaaS organizations. Since Salesforce coined the phrase “Software-as-a-Service” over two decades ago, the sector has seen rapid expansion and complexity.
4. Improve Security
Although a SaaS company can help with the security of your business on its end, your business needs to maintain high-security standards. Without both teams working together on keeping the business’s data secure, there will be problems. A SaaS company keeps your software updated and makes sure software patches are installed. The company keeps the business’s data very secure.
To do your part, the employees need to update passwords regularly. Your business needs rules in place for handling different types of data, for instance, classified data should never leave certain rooms, or be discussed around certain people. This relationship is like having a very safe car, but the driver needs to drive safely.
5. Free-Up Physical Space
When your business needs to expand to produce more products or hire more employees, having a SaaS company can help. You can get rid of your servers and the roles associated with managing servers and licensing software. A SaaS will take care of this through the cloud. Employees can change roles and still be productive within the organization.
An IT team troubleshooting problems is also a part of the SaaS company’s services. The IT team you have now could be retrained and put into the production part of your business. Training is also a very big part of a SaaS company; it will ensure your business’s team members are up-to-speed on the software the company offers.
Final Thoughts
A SaaS company will not take over responsibilities quickly, these changes take time. The company will need to assess and evaluate your needs, and you will need to make choices on how you move forward. Over time you will see the amazing benefits a SaaS company can bring to your business.
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