Ignoble How-To

Update (2015/01/01): An Ignoble Experiment: Ignoble How-To.

What you are looking at right now is a blog experiment I did from March through May of 2006.

Introduction

First, I should note that I blog personally for myself and am a web developer, using blogging tools quite often in addition to more traditional tools (Dreamweaver). I also work for the e-commerce division of Network Solutions, currently a separate company called MonsterCommerce. I have worked there for four years.

• Arconati Family
• Ferguson Christian Church
• Colorburst Video
• ...and many more.

</shameless self-promotion> And now that's out of the way, let me get back to the explanation. In my time of using Blogger since about 2003, I'd seen many an ad for automated blog-posting companies. Basically, these companies would write or rip from RSS feeds and automatically post content to their client's blogs in exchange for money. The point behind this is so that the search-engine friendly content would be auto-generated and would hopefully fill out or replace the content that the blog author actually wrote. What bothered me about this is that I never got into blogging for profit and still to this day do not blog for money. I'm basically a writer more than anything else (though not a great one) and I use my sites for journaling and sharing ideas. I believe that if you are not going to write your own stuff, then what is the point? It's cheating to my way of thinking. Sure, I guess I wouldn't mind making money, but only if it were by writing my own content.

Curiouser and Curiouser

However, the technology behind the automatic blogs intrigued my geeky side. So I decided to brainstorm ideas for how I might build something like it. I'd already stumbled onto the Blogger feature that allows posting via email. This feature works by allowing you to create an email address constructed as follows: username.______@blogger.com. For privacy, you control the suffix after the username, so that it's not guessable.

At the same time, I got lots of spam and email newsletters (who can really tell the difference?) in my inbox. The combo helped form the idea. I wanted to subscribe the Mail-to-Blogger address to a smattering of newsletters and the content of these would be added as posts. However, there is no way to SEND emails from this address nor any way to actually read them in an inbox, so this made it difficult. But then I remembered that I had my very own mail server with as much customization as I could want. I set up a throw-away address on my server and set it to forward to the Blogger address. I subscribed this address to as many internet newsletters from various topics like technology, microsoft, Google Alerts and other mundane things like Horoscopes and dating advice. The sites were all too happy to use my email address and when they sent out a newsletter, their content was posted to my blog. I added more subscriptions as time went on. It sounds simple, but in that short two-month span, I had over 1300 blog posts, none of which had I written (excluding this one). Wow.

Short Steps

In summary, here are the steps outlined.

1. Set up your Mail-to-Blogger Address. Make sure it is set to immediately publish.
2. Create an email address, perhaps through Gmail or your own mail server that allows forwarding. You will want the inbox to keep a copy as well for reference.
3. Find topical sites that send out regular newsletters or information and subscribe at will. You will want to make sure you get the first few manually, in cases where the sites want to verify subscription via a link.
4. Set your email address to forward onto the Blogger address. You will want to monitor this as it is likely that Blogger's spam filters may pick up the postings as unusual activity and save the posts as drafts instead of posts. Posting these manually with a captcha a few times and answering any other challenge questions got me past this.

That is all it took to the best of my knowledge and recollection. Keep in mind that all this worked over a year ago on an older version of Blogger, so I'm not sure that it would work today. Besides some contact to verify I wasn't a spamming bot, I never received any complaints or notices from Blogger. However, to my mind, there are probably still some invisible red flags on this site, which is fine by me. It was only an experiment. I do not suggest any one else try it as there are enough spam blogs out there as it is.

If you have any questions or comments, or would like to add details of your own experiences, please use the comments feature. Thanks for visiting.

Mobile PC Newsletter May 2006

Mobile PC News: ISV Edition May 2006

Announcements, tips, tricks, and techniques for mobile PC developers.

Fabrikam Fine Furniture Reference Components Released Component-based source code The Microsoft® sample Fabrikam Fine Furniture reference application <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880824> is a feature-rich, fully functional reference application. The source download includes separate components to assist you in learning to build mobile PC and Tablet PC solutions.

File synchronization The FileSync Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880825> component exposes the features of the Microsoft Windows® Synchronization Manager so you can synchronize file folders between a server and a mobile PC.

Network and power awareness The SENSWrapper Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880826> component exposes the use of the Windows System Event Notification Services to tell an application when a network connection exists and what the current power state is.

Ink-enabled data entry The InkListBox Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880827> and the InkNumber Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880828> expose the use of Ink <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880829> collectors and handwriting recognition to create custom pen input skins for accurate in-field data collection.

Electronic signatures The InkSecureSignature Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880830> collects, encrypts, and serializes Ink signatures for transmission and storage.

Ink annotation The ScalableInkPicture Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880831> exposes the use of Ink collectors to create custom annotations on photos and images, including those on the web.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Events

May

· MEDC - Las Vegas, NV <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880777>

· WinHec - Seattle, WA <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880778>

MEDC Mobile PC Sessions: . APP208 Mobile PC and Tablet PC Development Basics Tues (5/9) 10:00 A.M.

. APP324 Ink and the Windows Presentation Foundation Wed (5/10) 9:30 A.M.

. APP322 Inside Windows SideShow Wed (5/10) 2:00 P.M.

. APP335 Tablet PCs and Smartphones Thurs (5/11) 11:15 A.M.

. APP323 Developing for the Ultra-Mobile PC Thurs (5/11) 1:30 P.M.

. APP412 Centralizing Data Synchronization Thurs (5/11) 3:00 P.M.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

June

· TechEd - Boston <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880779>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

July

Register for the Worldwide Partner Conferece on July 11 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880780> This year's Worldwide Partner Conference will be held in Boston from July 11 through 13, with plenty of pre-conference activities on July 10, such as the Microsoft Small Business Symposium. Don't miss your chance to connect with Microsoft leaders, network with other partners, and experience the value of partnering with Microsoft.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Updates and Opportunities

Developing Tablet PC Applications with WinFX, Tuesday, May 23, 12:00 P.M. PT <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880781> Windows Presentation Foundation (part of the Microsoft WinFX® Runtime Components) incorporates a number of features traditionally found only on Tablet PCs: digital ink and stylus input. This means WinFX applications will be able to collect, render, and edit digital ink on any system-not just Tablet PCs. It also means Tablet PC applications will be able to do things that weren't possible before, such as collect ink over video, or render ink in 3D! In this session, we'll learn about the InkCanvas element, Stylus input events, and other features that make Windows Presentation Foundation a compelling platform for developing Tablet PC applications.

Announcing the Availability of the Ultra-Mobile PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880782> The Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) is now available for purchase! The small, mobile, and full Windows computer goes anywhere and does anything your current computer does-and it can finally be with you anywhere and at anytime. This companion PC is available from major manufacturers.

Build Your Marketing Savvy: Download the Marketing Guide for Partners <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880784> Grow your business with the help of the Marketing Guide for Partners, a step-by-step guide that covers marketing tips from how to develop effective case studies to how to become a co-presenter with Microsoft at your next event.

Attending MEDC? Handango Would Enjoy Meeting with You! If you are planning on attending MEDC in May, please e-mail Handango. <mailto:tabletpc@handango.com> We would enjoy meeting with you, learning more about your product offering, and hearing your future Tablet PC plans. We look forward to seeing you in Las Vegas.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Recent Articles

Gaming on the Go with the Microsoft Tablet PC Game SDK <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880786> Games that use the unique characteristics of pen input, such as Arcs of Fire, are a great niche for game developers to target. Larry O'Brien explains why in this article.

Lights, Camera, Fabrikam-A Complete Smart Client Sample <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880787> Learn how to make a client application "smart" with the excellent new ink-based controls and other fine features of the Fabrikam Fine Furniture Reference Application for the Tablet PC. In this article, Larry O'Brien walks you through this terrific sample application.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Partner Announcements

Samsung Electronics Unveils Q1 Ultra-Mobile PC at U.S. Launch Event <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880788> Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. announced the official U.S. launch of the company's new Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC), the Q1. The company made the announcement at a San Francisco press event, where it also announced that the Q1 will be available at Best Buy's e-tail outlet, www.bestbuy.com/ultramobilepc <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880832>, beginning May 7, and in select Best Buy stores later this summer as part of a collaboration between the two companies.

TabletKiosk Introduces Hard Plastic Screen Protector for Sahara Pen Touch-iT Tablet PCs <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880789> The hard plastic screen protector <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880833>is the simplest and most lightweight solution for protecting your Sahara Pen and Touch-iT Tablet from screen damage.

Motion Computing Leads Slate PC Market, Lowers Prices <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880790> According to a report from International Data Corporation (IDC) issued in April, Motion Computing is leading the industry in slate Tablet PC sales and grew 32% in 2005.

Emergency Management Data Collector Suite released by Lush Group, Inc. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880791> The Emergency Management Data Collector Suite is rolling out this month at Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. Tablet PCs collect emergency information, which is then automatically aggregated for presentation to command control. Having accurate, consolidated information available immediately improves decision-making and appropriate emergency response.

Customer Case Studies in Health Care and Governmental Services Highlight Mi-Co User Days 2006 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880792> Over 125 people gathered for the 4th annual Mi-Co User Days, held in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, in late April. A variety of Tablet PC-based Mi-Forms applications were presented by representatives of the Veteran's Administration Medical Centers, Sutter Health, Wilson County Home Health Agency, and other organizations.

Design Universe Releasing Pen-Friendly Lead Generation Tool <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880793> Now you can take detailed sales lead data at trade exhibitions using a Tablet PC or Ultra-Mobile PC. E-Pen&Expo lets you write naturally and freely at the exhibition, and then recognizes your notes, converting them to computer text and placing them in a spreadsheet or database

PhatWare, WebIS Announce Two Software Bundles for Top Windows Mobile Products <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880794> PhatWare and WebIS now offer some of their award-winning software in two different software bundles. Pocket Informant is bundled with either CalliGrapher or PhatNotes as one file at a discounted price for a limited time.

New Version Release from Aria: The Digital Order Form for Tablet PC <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880795> The Digital Order Form is a field sales automation solution that replaces the traditional paper order form. The application interface is identical to paper-based forms and incorporates handwriting recognition technology. Major features of version 1.22 include support for virtually any type of merchandise and an intuitive setup wizard.

Educational Pricing for PDF Annotator Available for a Limited Time <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880796> During their spring promotion, GRAHL software design offers PDF Annotator at very reasonable discounts. The single student license is now $34.90 instead of $49.95. With a Buddy Pack of 10 student licenses, the price goes down to $22.90 per license. Complete schools or universities may license PDF Annotator using the School Packs; for example for 1000 students the price is less than $2.00 per license

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Downloads Windows XP Tablet PC Edition

· Tablet PC SDK 1.7 <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880797>

· Power Management SDK <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880798>

· Game SDK (beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880799>

· Mobile Ink To-Do Starter Kit <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880800>

· Recognizer Pack <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880801>

· Power Toys <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880802>

Windows Vista

· Mobile PC and Tablet PC SDK in Windows Vista and WinFX SDK (Beta) <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880803>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Resources

· MSDN Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880804>

· Mobile PC Partner Program <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880805>

· Application Testing <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880806>

· Webcasts <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880807>

· Presentations <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880808>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

ISV Software Downloads

· ISV Partner Software Showcase <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880809>

· Handango.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880810>

· TabletPCPost.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880811>

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Communities

· Newsgroups for developers <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880812>

· Newsgroups for users <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880813>

· Windows XP chats <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880814>

· Channel 9 Wiki <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880815>

· OrigamiProject.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880816>

· DevX Developer Center <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880817>

· GottaBeMobile.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880818>

· TabletPC2.com <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880819>

· TabletPCTalk <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880820>

· TheTabletPC.net <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880821>

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Visit the Microsoft MSDN Mobile PC Developer Center. <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880822>

Contact Us <mailto:mpcnews@microsoft.com> We welcome your feedback. Send us <mailto:mpcnews@microsoft.com> your likes, dislikes, and requests to help us build a better newsletter for Microsoft Mobile Platforms Division.

Subscribe to Mobile PC News - ISV Edition via RSS feed <http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4880823>.

© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows and WinFX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

To cancel your subscription to this newsletter, reply to this message with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. You can also unsubscribe at the Microsoft.com web site <http://www.microsoft.com/misc/unsubscribe.htm>. You can manage all your Microsoft.com communication preferences at this site.

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© 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Microsoft, Windows and WinFX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Short Takes

WinInfo Short Takes

An often irreverent look at some of the week's other news, including Microsoft's big cash outlay in the coming year, a renewed emphasis on original content at MSN, Microsoft's search efforts, ABC's Web-based TV shows, Apple's music contracts and much more...

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==== In the News ====

WinInfo Blog

Short Takes - Ballmer: Follow the Money - Fool Me Once, Shame on You; Fool Me Twice, You're MSN - Ballmer: Microsoft's Search Engine Makes Big Gains - "The New York Times" Picks Microsoft Software for Electronic Newspaper - Microsoft to Support 1394b "After" Vista - Yahoo! Launches Tech Site - ABC Launches Free Web-Based TV Shows - Amazon Jumps Ship From Google to Microsoft - Apple Renews Contract with Record Labels - RIM Sued for Patent Infringement ... Again - Napster Goes Free Again ... Sort Of - Open Document Format Gets Standardized

==== WinInfo Blog ====

by Paul Thurrott, thurrott@windowsitpro.com

I went to New York this week for a Microsoft reviewers workshop. That's not notable per se, but for some reason I hadn't been to the Big Apple in over a year, which is unprecedented. I used to go there quite frequently. Actually, I had to go to Brooklyn, and because of the schedule--early morning train to the event Thursday and then a late train home tonight--I'm not actually going to get to see anyone while I'm here. Sort of a bummer.

In my absence from New York, I really missed using the Acela Express, which is the northeast corridor's high-speed train. It gets you from Boston to New York in less than three and a half hours and it's pretty comfortable. That said, the ride was bumpier than I remember. I was trying to use a mouse with the laptop, but it was jumping all over the place.

A bit of advice, which should be obvious but wasn't to me for some reason: Putting contact lenses in while a train is moving is foolish.

==== Short Takes ====

An often irreverent look at some of the week's other news

by Paul Thurrott, thurrott@windowsitpro.com

Ballmer: Follow the Money

In the week or so following Microsoft's mysterious revelation about billions of dollars of additional spending in the coming fiscal year, there have been a lot of conspiracy theories about a war with Google, aliens, and Eliot Spitzer. (Actually, Mr. Spitzer never came up.) On Thursday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer finally shed some light on where the money is going. He said the company will invest $1.1 billion in MSN and $6.2 billion in research and development, and that the company will push adoption of its MSN adCenter and Windows Live services. "A global infrastructure is not inexpensive," Ballmer said, noting the obvious. But here's the kicker: "Our number one priority is software as a service." Interesting.

Fool Me Once, Shame on You; Fool Me Twice, You're MSN

Speaking of MSN, Microsoft's erstwhile Google competitor has gone through several iterations. First, it was a traditional (pre-Internet) online service designed to compete with CompuServe. Then, it was a hip online destination and service, with a darker-than-Johnny Cash UI and Windows 98 integration. In its third and most reviled guise, however, MSN briefly became a content creator, with Microsoft foisting such ill- advised Web experiences as "Mungo Park" on its users. Those days are largely laughed about today, in the same way that we might make fun of such other ill-advised products as Microsoft Bob or the Halo 2 Soundtrack (the latter of which, inexplicably, includes little actual music from the game). Anyway, history has repeated itself, and not in a good way: This week, Microsoft revealed that it's once again making MSN a Web content creator. Seriously, I'd be happier with a return to the Johnny Cash MSN interface, which I actually kind of miss.

Ballmer: Microsoft's Search Engine Makes Big Gains

And speaking of Steve Ballmer, Microsoft's CEO also had some positive spin for MSN Search, which will soon give way to Windows Live Search and probably about 17 other services that combine the words "MSN," "Windows," "Live," and "Search" in a variety of ways. Speaking at an annual MSN conference, Ballmer said that inhouse search technology had made huge gains over the past two years (from a technical standpoint, presumably: MSN Search has actually lost ground to Google in the past year from a usage standpoint). It's pretty clear that MSN and Microsoft Research have come up with some compelling technology. It's not as clear whether anyone will ever notice, however.

"The New York Times" Picks Microsoft Software for Electronic Newspaper

"The New York Times" will use a feature in Windows Vista to deliver an electronic version of its newspaper that duplicates the look of the paper-based publication. Although readers can already access the contents of the paper online in a Web browser, Times publisher Arthur Sulzberger, Jr., said that Vista's XML Paper Specification (XPS) software would let the company publish the paper electronically in a version that duplicates the paper experience. The effect is actually kind of interesting: The upcoming eTimes, as I call it, looks exactly like the paper, with the same typefaces and columnar layout. It's not clear whether customers will have to pay for the eTimes, though the company will charge advertisers to appear within its virtual pages. The eTimes will debut around the same time as Vista.

Microsoft to Support 1394b "After" Vista

An upcoming version of the IEEE 1394 specification--which everyone except Microsoft refers to as FireWire--will provide increased transfer rates between PCs and devices at speeds of up to 3.2GB per second, far faster than the current speeds of 400 and 800Mbps that today's FireWire devices attain. Although Microsoft plans to support the new spec, dubbed 1394b, it won't do so until after Vista ships. Microsoft says it might add 1394b support to Windows in a Vista service pack or in a future version of Windows.

Yahoo! Launches Tech Site

Online giant Yahoo! this week launched a new technology site-- creatively titled Yahoo! Tech--that provides information about "personal technology" or what we might simply call gadgets. It's unclear why we need yet another gadget site--it seems like the identical Engadget and Gizmodo blogs pretty much sewed up that market years ago--but Yahoo! does offer some unique features, including top picks from "Consumer Reports," content from "PC World" and "PC Magazine," and links to other Yahoo! Web services. Gosh, it all sounds so exciting. Apparently, there's a gadget thing happening out there. I was just waiting for a conglomerate like Yahoo! to tell me all about it.

ABC Launches Free Web-Based TV Shows

ABC this week launched a Web site that provides free streaming versions of its hit TV shows "Alias" and "Lost" online. The site provides only the latest episode of each show and is designed so hard-core fans can see a show they might have missed earlier in the week. Visually, the streaming versions are decent, offering more than twice the resolution of the $1.99 iTunes TV show downloads offered by Apple. On the flipside, you must watch the shows in a browser, online, and you have to sit through occasional advertisements. I applaud ABC for at least trying out Web-based TV shows, but I'd like to see the offerings expanded to include a fuller catalog of shows and previous episodes. Also, the option to download for offline viewing would be nice.

Amazon Jumps Ship from Google to Microsoft

In a somewhat surprising move, Amazon, one of the leading online retailers, this week canceled its contract with Google and moved to Microsoft's search technology. That means that Amazon users who search at its Web site will now be treated to search results provided by Windows Live Search. Technically, the searches are served by A9.com, Amazon's in-house search service. But A9 uses Windows Live Search behind the scenes, so this is a big (and rare) win for Microsoft in this arena. Amazon wouldn't criticize Google, but it's certainly telling when one of the Internet's most visited sites jumps ship like this.

Apple Renews Contract with Record Labels

I keep waiting for Apple Computer CEO Steve Jobs to issue a press release that consists solely of him laughing, but so far, Apple has been pretty quiet about its most recent news. After several months of negotiations with the four largest record companies, Apple has renewed its contracts with them, allowing its iTunes Music Store service to continue selling digital songs for 99 cents apiece. The record companies had lobbied for variable pricing, in which newer songs could cost more than older tracks, but Apple--or, more specifically, Steve Jobs--argued that such a move was "greedy" and would make services like iTunes less viable for consumers. Right or wrong, Jobs won, and although we might debate the decision, few could argue what this development really means: Apple is a powerful force in music today.

RIM Sued for Patent Infringement ... Again

Hot on the heels of a patent infringement lawsuit settlement, BlackBerry maker Research in Motion (RIM) finds itself, once again, facing another patent infringement lawsuit. Visto (which is partially owned by NTP, the company that previously sued RIM and won a $612.5 million settlement) sued RIM this week, alleging that RIM is infringing on four of its patents. Visto previously sued another company for similar reasons and won a $3.6 million verdict. RIM's in a bit of trouble here, because it will be difficult to change the BlackBerry online service to bypass Visto's patents. The word "settlement" comes to mind.

Napster Goes Free Again ... Sort Of

Napster this week returned to its roots, sort of, offering a limited free version of its online music service through its Web site. Typically, customers pay $9.95 to $14.95 a month for Napster's subscription services, or 99 cents a song for a la carte downloads. But now, anyone can stream full-quality songs from Napster's 2 million-plus track catalog for free via the Napster Web site. The catch? You can stream the same song only five times; after that, you'll have to pay for it or subscribe to one of the company's subscription services. As a way to discover new music, however, it's hard to beat. Napster might just be on to something. Interestingly, Napster offered the new Web- based feature only after reaching an agreement with record companies, which will be paid a small amount for each Web-based song stream.

Open Document Format Gets Standardized

While Microsoft is only beginning the process of getting its OpenXML document format standardized, OpenXML's chief rival, the Open Document Format (ODF), was standardized this week by the ISO. Supported by IBM and Sun Microsystems, ODF seeks to usurp the pervasive Microsoft Office document formats with an open-source alternative. But by opening OpenXML and offering it to the ISO as well, Microsoft has pretty much blunted previous criticism. Microsoft will support OpenXML, but not ODF, in its upcoming Office 2007 products. But I think we can expect enterprising developers to offer various translation solutions. After all, both of the formats will be wide open and freely licensable.

Editor's Note: Calling All Windows IT Pro Innovators! Have you developed a solution that uses Windows technology to solve a business problem in an innovative way? Enter your solution in the 2006 Windows IT Pro Innovators Contest! Grand-prize winners will receive airfare and a conference pass to Windows and Exchange Connections in Las Vegas, November 6-9, 2006, plus more great prizes and a feature article about the winning solutions in the December 2006 issue of Windows IT Pro. Contest runs through August 1, 2006. To enter, click here: http://list.windowsitpro.com/t?ctl=29433:610453

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D&D Weekly Newsletter

	This Month Players Handbook II D&D T-shirts Next Month Fiendish Codex I: Hordes of the Abyss D&D Player's Kit Mysteries of the Moonsea Last Month Fields of Ruin Complete Psionic Voyage of the Golden Dragon
Updates for the Past Week We appreciate your signing up for the official Dungeons & Dragons newsletter, offering a digest of the most recent website content. Listed below, you'll find links to the previous week of articles, including the latest news and information on Eberron, Forgotten Realms, and D&D Minis -- plus, advice for players and DMs alike, as well as our Design & Development column, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the game! Recent News RPGA Poll: Sorcerer 05/05/2006 May Birthdays 05/04/2006 Fiendish Codex 1 Interview 05/02/2006 Upcoming Expedition 05/01/2006 Recent Articles Return Expedition to the Barrier Peaks 05/05/2006 Save My Game: Inconsistent Alignment 05/05/2006 D&D Miniatures: War of the Draqon Queen Preview 3 -- What's Hot 05/04/2006 Previews for May and Beyond 05/04/2006 D&D Miniatures: Aspect of Nerull Epic Stat Card 05/04/2006 D&D Miniatures: Tournament Primer, CG 05/04/2006 The Border Kingdoms: Barony of Great Oak 05/03/2006 Web Enhancement: City of Splendors: Waterdeep -- Environs of Waterdeep 05/03/2006 Realmslore: Everyday Writing in the Realms (Part Two) 05/03/2006 Tactics and Tips: Tougher, and Meaner Than You (Part 5) 05/02/2006 Creature Competition: Dragons 05/02/2006 Rules of the Game: Polymorphing Revisited (Part One) 05/02/2006 Map-A-Week: Player's Handbook II -- Part 1 05/02/2006 Drystone Pulls Out of Korranberg Statuary Competition 05/01/2006 Player's Handbook II Excerpt 05/01/2006 D&D Fiction: Oroon Rising, Part 13 04/29/2006 RPGA Updates RPGA Poll: Dungeons & Dragons Open Championship - Sorcerer Poll 05/05/2006 D&D Miniatures: Aspect of Nerull Epic Stat Card 05/04/2006 Limited Edition Art Prints The first series of limited-edition art prints is now being offered by Wizards of the Coast. Printed on archival-quality materials, each piece is an authenticated collectible, hand-signed by the artist. To view each of the ten art pieces, be sure to visit the gallery. Community News With this month's release of the Player's Handbook II, this month's board theme is Player Characters! What makes your character your character? What characteristics make him or her stand out? If you could change one thing about your character, what would it be? Complete D&D Archive
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