Martin Belam

I picked the basics of programming and how computers work with a book called "The Beginner's Computer Handbook - Understanding & Programming The Micro". Actually this book was the reason I became a programmer. I was 8 years old when received it as present on birthday from my dad.

I could not find a link to the book, but found this blog post which has also some pictures:

http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2004/06/the-beginners-computer-handboo.php

Advertising has been bound to newspapers for a long time. Check out the front page of 1st edition of the Manchester Guardian (now the guardian) from 1821 http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/gallery/2007/jun/08/1?picture=329998189

In those days the business model was to cover the front page with small text ads! (as pointed out by currybet here: http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2009/05/happy-birthday-to-the-manchest.php)

Yeah, the problem is that users don't do it of their own volition. Social media buttons do change user behaviour. It might not sway you, but if you track social media activity on your site with analytics, you'll see a large difference.

http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2012/05/give-share-buttons-their-due.php

"The Beginner's Computer Handbook - Understanding & Programming The Micro" by Judy Tatchell and Bill Bennett

http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2004/06/the-beginners-computer-handboo.php

I crafted my first computer from cardboard :) and learned to type and code using hand drawn keyboard :)

Martin Belam (former head of UX at the Guardian, and designer of the app) has a great commentary on its successes and failures: http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2012/12/guardian-facebook-rise-fail.php

Martin Belam (IA guy at the Guardian) wrote an excellent rebuttal to this yesterday. http://www.currybet.net/cbet_blog/2011/07/andy-news-redux.php