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Ask post: how do I find people for my survey?
I should be clear: we are locked into the iPods. We have already started the survey with the shuffles and would have to restart if we changed what we are giving away.

So if you are concerned about the fact that "giving away an ipod" is a typical spam come-on...what do you suggest we do to combat that? Assuming we are indeed stuck giving away and ipod shuffle
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:36 PM on June 10, 2008
We is my boss, myself and three programmers.

We are an actual funded company, but funded small and trying to stay below the radar until we have our beta completed. Hence trying to find some information without doing a link to our webpage or any of that stuff. Even the survey is a bit general, but does provide some useful info.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:46 PM on June 10, 2008
Yeah a friend suggested the turk. I think next time we may investigate that option along with survey software other than Survey Monkey, as it seems a bit limiting.

Not sure if its because of this thread or not, but we suddenly had 10 more people fill it out.

If it was anyone on here...THANK YOU guys (and gals)...you are FANTASTIC!
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:57 PM on June 10, 2008
katillathehun:

You make some really good points....many of them will require us to switch providers next time, which we already are considering. I am going to make some other changes as I can...unfortunately Smonkey limits the amount you can change once you have launched the survey...argh.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 3:27 PM on June 10, 2008

Ask post: Y'know how Jim Fixx died? A heart attack, while he was jogging!
Don't stress too much. I was in so-so shape...planned on walking a 5K and ended up running a bit and then deciding to run the whole thing and I survived. Hurt like hell for a couple days, but did it. As long as you are generally prepared you will be fine. Good luck!
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:29 PM on May 14, 2008

Ask post: Cold feet, or bad idea?
Perhaps it might be worth talking going to some relationship counseling...especially if you want to save the relationship. Hell make the first appointment before you even tell her you are thinking of stopping the wedding...that might be a sign you are serious about still making the relationship work.

I also feel the need to comment about the going to bed around 10 thing...I used to be a midnight person, my wife was 10...I have adjusted and now actually feel more awake... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 8:34 AM on May 13, 2008

Ask post: Maui-Wowie
Third Hotel Hana Maui...even if only for two nights or something. My wife woke up one morning to the sound of children singing in Hawaiian in the distance, while the breeze blew through the room...its amazing.

If you stay there go on the horseback ride along the coast they offer with a stable down the street. Also there is a guy farther into Hana (if you are coming down the road to Hana)...maybe a mile or so past Hotel Hana Maui that sells grilled stuff on the side of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:03 AM on May 12, 2008

Ask post: Help rescue my resume, is it worth $695?
I am working on posting an anonymous version of the resume.

Also, yes, it is a tier one school. Unfortunately career services mostly focuses on graduating students and full-time students. Additionally I don't think they get me. I am more the creative guy, not going into a career in finance and I think that confuses them.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 11:59 AM on April 16, 2008
Okay I posted the resume as two flickr photos...guess you will need to DL to be able to read it:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25792975@N08/
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 12:03 PM on April 16, 2008
I should also mention that my resume was at one point, recently, only one page. I felt as if I was leaving important things off. Basically career services cut off my experience in events at the theme park which was actually a huge part of a lot of marketing stuff, including events for non-profits and the like so I put it back on.

To be a bit clearer regarding my sister...she has looked at my resume and helped me. This is a revised version...she just doesn't seem to think... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 12:06 PM on April 16, 2008
So I if I am correct one way to look at this page issue is that two pages is a possible symptom of a lack of a strong candidate due to such things as perhaps disorganization, etc but a symptom does not necessarily mean a disease. So if the resume is tight and well written a 2nd page could be okay?
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:30 PM on April 16, 2008
I also have a hard time sometimes talking about my accomplishments. That is to say I have done so many varied things at my jobs, I have a hard time narrowing it down to those bullet points and saying what exactly "I" accomplished. I have contributed to much, but not always been in charge. Also my current job has not executed a number of my plans due to cash issues. So I have done a lot of brand work, targeting and promotions but almost none of it has been able to be executed. Not sure... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:40 PM on April 16, 2008
1) Anyone else have any opinion on putting education first? I have rarely seen it but is interesting...

2) If I am really interested in a job is it worth mailing a nice printed version as well as email?
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:52 PM on April 16, 2008
KokuRyu - Could you explain why you disagree? I am guessing you feel strongly about this based on the "completely".
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:15 PM on April 16, 2008
For what it's worth I am looking for something in technology, entertainment industry or a non-profit. I know its a pretty wide spread but that is where my experiences and interests are.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 3:52 PM on April 16, 2008
This has been awesome so far, BTW. This is why I signed up for metafilter 3 years ago! Incredible.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 3:53 PM on April 16, 2008

Ask post: Help me find a creative meets MBA job in Boston
I should have mentioned: The BC career office has not been a huge help. I think they are mostly aimed towards the full time students. They helped with my resume a bit, but then it got shredded by some other people that looked at it, so now I don't necessarily trust that either.

As far as titles I won't be going for...probably anything involving the words "Sales" or "Accounting", etc. I am not a numbers guy, so any job that involves lots of financials... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:38 AM on April 8, 2008

Ask post: Hawaii 5-0
Yes Maui and then maybe Kauai. Have not been to Kauai but we loved Maui. The Big Island is okay but just didn't have the magic that Maui did.

The area around Makena is very nice. I strongly recommend the old lahaina luau in Lahaina on Maui. Its apparently the most authentic one and the food was fantastic.

Maui also has some great snorkeling which I think would be okay for her since if youd like it can pretty much just be floating. Their is a boat... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 7:41 AM on April 2, 2008
Other comments reminded me of this:

If you have a costco card bring it. More than one person I know makes the Costco on Maui their first stop after the airport (it was for us). Stock up on wine, cheese and hawaiaiin treats for the hotel....even if you are not looking to save money its just nice to have what you want, not what the hotel has available.

You might want to look at the Maui Prince Hotel too. Its 4 star..room decor could use some... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 8:46 AM on April 2, 2008

Ask post: Timeframe from pitch to product on shelf?
A few specific notes from my group lead:

How much inventory they keep in distribution
centers? We need to know how many units to ship.
Also, please clarify with them how one would go about supplying
them with a product and setting that up? We also have
contract negotiation set right after one meeting with them, is that too quick, even for a product they may want to sell?
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 12:44 PM on March 25, 2008
Yeah its an MBA question :)

The $149.95 is our MSRP, our whole sale is $99, our manufacturing is, I think, around $10-$20.

The product is pretty much assembled within a few minutes...it just needs to be put in a small box with instructions and shrink wrapped.

The consumer has to do a bit of work on their own..at least in this initial version. In a real company I think after a few years we would grow to the point where... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:13 PM on March 25, 2008
I should add we tried to get in touch with Ritz Photo and B&H for information on this and they were both (not surprisingly) tight lipped about the whole thing. Felt obligated to at least try.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:14 PM on March 25, 2008
Yeah the "ready to go" is hypothetical. Its a very easy item to manufacturer...mostly stamped metal.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 3:52 PM on March 25, 2008

Ask post: Learning new languages during my commute!
I used Pimsleur, which I liked, but found it very difficult sometimes to understand which letters were actually being pronounced. This made any reading of the language a bit difficult. I had to speak to a French friend to straighten some stuff out. Its a great program but you might need to supplement it with some printed matter.

I also toyed with Rosetta and if not with the cost would have tried it. I am told it works very well.

Depending on the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 1:15 PM on March 25, 2008

Ask post: Am I too old for the law?
Not law school but I started my MBA at 32 and there are a decent number of people older than I - even a few 40+.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:21 PM on March 24, 2008

Ask post: Baby Momma Honeymoon
Hawaii...gorgeous but very relaxing. For that budget you can stay at some beautiful hotels like Hotel Hana-Maui....get massages (lots of places have pregnancy ones)...etc. It can be a semi-active vacation or just a luxurious time of relaxation. I can't recommend it enough.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:19 PM on March 24, 2008

Ask post: Best Badger Brush?
I would spend a little less on the brush and set aside the money for a razor/brush stand. My wife got me a very nice badger brush from the art of shaving and the stand she bought elsewhere really helps keep it nice and allows it to dry easily.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:16 PM on March 24, 2008

Ask post: No Limit Honeymoon
I can't recommend Hawaii enough...especially Maui...we spent almost two weeks on various islands....range of hotels from the hip fun all the way to the posh and very relaxing (Hotel Hana-Maui). The people were amazingly nice...you have plenty of activities...snorkeling, hiking, massages, shopping, etc etc...

If you want something out of the U.S., maybe look at Tahiti...from what I understand its like Hawaii but more exotic and exclusive. Many of the Luau performers in... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:34 PM on March 11, 2008

Ask post: Help! I have not had a vacation in 6+ years!
We went in October and it was perfect...not too hot but still warn enough to go snorkeling at 6am.

I would second the suggestion of Maui. There is still stuff to do if you needs stores, movie theatres, etc but there is a lot more natural beauty than Oahu.

If you really want some natural relaxation check out Hana for a couple days. Hotel Hana Maui is awesome if you don't mind the cost (its a bit expensive). Maui Prince resort on the western side... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 2:00 PM on March 10, 2008

Ask post: Prepare for Peak Oil without looking like a nutjob?
I should add its not just a nutjob thing...I don't want to spend thousands and thousands of dollars that could very well just be thrown away...hence no grain silo :)

My family does have a bunch of acres in the boonies of NH...unrelated to this stuff but I am glad we have it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 7:40 AM on March 4, 2008

Ask post: How to rebuild a life? Long....
You said you don't have other family to hang out with - what about people from work or the community? I think maybe you need to spend some time with some friends right now and take some time to just be yourself.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 9:02 PM on February 23, 2008

Ask post: Overall size of SLR lens and/or filter market?
I am sorry maybe I should have been clearer. I am not speaking of the cameras bodies themselves but just the lenses and filters.

So for example a 200mm lens or a 2000mm pro lens with anti-glare coating, etc....

What is the market size for just the lenses themselves that people purchase as an accessory for the camera.

Sorry if I was unclear.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:51 AM on February 20, 2008
That Mintel info is the most concrete number thus far...I am aiming for the US but at his point I will take whatever data I can get!
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:27 AM on February 20, 2008

Ask post: Flat TV's behind one-way mirrors?
I have seen this successfully done in a bathroom mirror. People catch up on the news while brushing teeth, hair, getting ready for work etc. The image is a bit darker so not sure if you would want that to be your main TV.

Of course that was a few years ago...LCD brightness, etc may be better now.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:29 PM on February 19, 2008

Ask post: I want to save the world... no seriously
I have a few "save the world" people in my MBA program right now. They hope they can either end of marketing their cause or run the non-profit in a way that will make it grow and save the world.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 8:39 AM on January 20, 2008
Sorry...um...one of end improve the marketing of their cause....
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 8:40 AM on January 20, 2008

Ask post: Is Amazon Prime worth it?
It's fantastic. Can't tell you how much gas I have saved not having to drive to stores. Knowing I am running out of Art of Shave stuff and just get it shipped...have it in 2 days means I don't have to drive 40 minutes...plus I get the cheaper amazon price!
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 8:38 AM on January 20, 2008

Ask post: Up, up and away!
I have a Sony PSP I use only when I fly....if you really get into a game you will be annoyed when you actually have to land.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 9:40 AM on January 16, 2008
P.S. I have noticed on JB the best method to avoid boredom is to watch some TV, do something else (game, work, etc) then watch a bit more TV. Rinse and repeat.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 9:41 AM on January 16, 2008

Ask post: Huckabee on Colbert Report
It did seem a bit spliced. Total guess,but maybe they cut it for running time? Occasionally on TDS there will be edits in the interviews (they are hard to catch but are there). Cut out the stuff that didn't hit and make sure the funny stuff stays in?

So it was probably live to the studio audience, but aired altered.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:33 AM on January 10, 2008

Ask post: Searching for a realtor south of Boston
From our understanding the NAS has been cleaned up rather well...is this not true? Any EPA source to verify that?
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 3:26 PM on January 6, 2008
Wonder what the odds are it will be successfully fixed?
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 9:03 AM on January 7, 2008

Ask post: Help me sell some books for fun and slight profit.
Partly is depends what kind of books you have? Pop fiction or harder to find stuff.

You might want to try Amazon instead of half...or try Alibris.

How many books do you have to sell? A hundred? A Thousand? A lot depends on that as well.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:06 AM on January 5, 2008
If you start selling more books or want to sell on multiple channels you might want to check out some software to make your life easier...something like www.ka-zam.com allows you to sell multichannels, track whats sold etc, integrates shipping and generally makes your life easier. Might not need anything like that for 120 books, but if your turn over on those becomes enough or you anything it could help.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 11:51 AM on January 5, 2008 marked best answer

Ask post: Medication for Panic Attacks?
I had a friend who was on Xanax and had no negative effects. I think she was on a small dosage and only took when an attack was coming on. There was no dependency or anything and sometimes she went months without taking it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:11 AM on January 5, 2008

Ask post: Is my old digital camera worth anything?
Send it to Second Rotation at secondrotation.com

They buy stuff like that I think. As long as you tell them the flash isn't working, which will reduce what they pay you, but they might still buy it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 9:52 AM on December 19, 2007

Ask post: How can two critical AND sensitive people get along better?
Instead of saying "I love you but you drive me crazy" try "I love you and you drive me crazy". My wife started doing that...sounds silly but it makes a difference. It reminds me that even when I am upsetting her the fact that she loves me is still more powerful than her annoyance with me. It not the words but the fact that she thought enough to say the right ones.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 11:24 AM on December 16, 2007

Ask post: What to do when your s-o doesn't come through in a pinch
That is pretty messed up. I was dating a girl only semi seriously and drove almost an hour in the rain and then fixed her flat in the mud. And at that point I was pretty sure the relationship was over but knew she had turned to me for help so how could I not?

That being said she may have a valid excuse - of course without one I think you should bit her goodbye.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 10:24 AM on December 14, 2007

Ask post: Why does road paving take so long in Massachusetts?
I used to live in Florida (A right to work state) and it also seemed to take forever there to do any paving.

I have noticed the huge amount of officers present at any paving in Mass so yeah money may play a part. However, Mass seems to not exactly be starving for dollars.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:28 AM on December 10, 2007

Ask post: How do I find a new job while working on my MBA?
Just a word of warning...I tried the freelancing thing years ago and it is very difficult to get started without a ton of connections. To establish the initial client base can take a long time.
posted to Ask Metafilter by UMDirector at 5:06 AM on December 7, 2007