JSON

I have been looking out for something like this. A JSON parser built into your web framework. A lot of AJAX examples pass back simple name-value pairs. This can grow cumbersome as the amount of data grows however. JSON, Short for JavaScript Object Notation, JSON is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write, and for machines to parse and generate. JSON is based on the object notation of the JavaScript language. However, it does not require JavaScript to read or write because it is a text format that is language independent.

I came across the Grails/JSON integration this while reading fellow Java and Grails developer James Lorenzen blog entry:

http://jlorenzen.blogspot.com/2008/07/grails-json-parser.html

Your Personal Brand

I have been following the micro-blogging trend over at twitter.com (follow me here: twitter.com/jameshatton). I'm sure I'm not the first to comment on this but it hit me today that one of the trends with the modern web, or Web 2.0 is to use your own name. In the earlier days of the web it was standard to use a pseudonym or alias... starting with hacker names I suppose such as DEATH-OVERDRIVE or NEO. This kind of caught on with other crowds with people naming themselves CatPerson or ILoveIcecream89. With the rise of social networking however people seem or the more willing to use their real names and real photos - if for no other reason then to ensure their friends can find them.

This reminds me of a talk by Gary Vaynerchuk I was lucky enough to attend at the Future Of Web Apps in Miami last year concerning your "personal brand". I could never express it as well as Gary himself... if you've never heard him speak here's your chance: http://garyvaynerchuk.com/2008/07/01/the-personal-brand-gold-rush-is-going-on-where-are-you/