Errors & FogBugz

Today I saw this: (click for full size)

Yes, it's a stack trace caused by a SQL deadlock.
What's note worthy is that this is on a live, public facing website. - for shame :(

Now how do I report this error?

My StackOverflow DevDays countdown app - Version 2

Based on the announcement that my devdays app will be used in an environment where there is internet access available, I've updated to include the TwitterFall-esque feature that I originally removed.

It now looks like this:

The difference is the twitter messages displayed at the side.  These are looked up based on a search term specified in the config file.  If there are no new messages to display or it's not possible to reach the internet (network down, etc.) then one of an assortment of programmer related quotes is displayed instead.

The processing of commandline parameters is also improved.

Now it's even better, please vote for it. ;)


Source - Compiled binaries - Installer

Learning V Education

"The only thing that interferes with my learning is my education"

— Albert Einstein

Holiday scam? - 0800 988 9900

Incase anyone else receives a call saying they have won a holiday after completing a questionnaire over the phone:

Just had a phone call telling me I'd won a holiday after answering a questionnaire over the phone - I never do and find polite ways of hanging up on market researchers.

Using a technique which just sounds really suspicious, they told me I'd won a holiday for 4 to a European destination which I could take in the next 18 months. I just had to call a number they gave me (0800 988 9900) and quote a reference. When asked why, they said they weren't legally allowed to ask for my address!? and I had to call some other department who would take my address details and send me some information. They also (indirectly) said I had 5 minutes to make the call as the department closed shortly (called at 19:55 and said shut at 20:00). - This may have just been coinsidence though.

It sounded REALLY dodgy - so I did what all geeks would!

From the results of the search here: http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=08009889900 I won't be following up and I'd think twice before you did too.

Do people really go for this? - The psychological tricks seem so basic!
Are people more likley to fall for this in a recession?

My StackOverflow DevDays countdown app

Version 2 now exists

In response to Joel's request for an application to use as a countdown timer for StackOverflow DevDays, I have created this little app.

Here's a screenshot:

Obviously the design is highly inspired by the website. But I never claimed to be a great designer.

I had a couple of other thoughts about a screen design but liked the simplicity of this one and the ability to maintain the branding.

Obviously, I like the idea of this app being used at the conference but I also saw it as an opportunity to try and do some animation with WPF. (I've only written minimal XAML previously.) While I'm sure that this could be written in much less XAML I'm quite happy with it.

What the above image doesn't show is that the black and white city images scroll in the background and the sponsor images slowly fade in and out - showing one at a time. Also when it starts the different screen elements slide and/or fade into position. Then, when the timer runs out they slide back out as the screen fades to black.

Originally I was going to have a twitterfall type element showing latest tweets at the side of the screen where speakers are shown on the site. Unfortunately as there is no guarantee of internet access when used I left this out.

Here's a video of it in action:

Hopefully you like. If you do and are a StackOverflow user why not vote for it. ;)


Source - Compiled binaries - Installer