Backbytes

Anyone who says Silicon Valley software engineers don't know how to have a laugh needs their head examined.
After a hard night celebrating the launch of Internet Explorer 4.0, some tired developers had just enough strength to place a giant 'e' logo on Netscape's front lawn.
Netscape engineers, taking a break from the furious pace of progress in the information age, then put a six-foot dinosaur on top of the rogue 'e' and spray-painted it with 'Netscape Now'.
That certainly showed Microsoft who's in charge.
Netscape's top brass called the prank 'childish', but Backbytes says: at least they only left a letter on your lawn. Most developers we know would have left the contents of their stomachs there, too.

Tricks of the trade
Backbytes got some management tips from the director of a prominent UK application development firm last week. 'We're introducing the concept of "sunshine management",' he told us, 'as in: "Look sunshine, this is what you're going to do".'

Tiptoe round Tulip
Backbytes would like to extend its thanks to Tulip Computers marketing manager Jonothan Sultan following the recent Computing Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel.
Awards presenter Mark Lamarr found himself in a spot of bother - our doorman obviously is not a lover of stand-up comedy, and refused to let Mr Lamarr in.
Sultan intervened to vouch for him, in return for Lamarr's promise not to make fun of Tulip during the evening. 'Who would want to gatecrash the Computing Awards anyway?' asked a bemused Lamarr afterwards.

Elegance for all
Following our serialisation of the Andersen Consulting dress code, we have been inundated with further questions of etiquette from our - frankly scruffy - readership.
'What do you recommend for those of us of a larger stature? Does Andersen recommend anything other than a strict diet?' asks Simon, who didn't give his full name.
Too right it does, Simon. 'Accentuate your assets and downplay your liabilities,' says the code. 'Shirts should avoid the tapered look or the bursting-at-the-tummy look.' For trousers: 'Avoid tight fitting, low waisted, balloon legs and other variations that shout "entertainer".'
Nick Craddock, marketing manager at Kasten Chase Applied Research is worried about his genitals. 'As an IT marketing professional I am always concerned with image and appearance,' he says.
'In preparation for upcoming speaking opportunities, does the Andersen Code recommend whether a gentleman should dress to the left or to the right?'
Unfortunately, the code says nothing about this Nick! But you could take your lead from Chris Boyce, European graphics manager for Creative Labs at his 1996 European technology conference, and wear a dress instead.

Blue heaven
So, Tory plans to reform the party include a major new IT and communications strategy to help them win the next election. A little late perhaps, but fair enough.
Why then, when party deputy chairman Michael Trend used multimedia presentation tools during his conference speech, did every pop-up illustration cause much hilarity among his true-Blue audience?
Given that the Tories have already admitted some resistance within the party to adopting modern technology, is the real joke on the reformers for hoping the grass roots will take IT seriously?