Speed must go, with undue haste

What other sport’s governing body but cricket’s can completely mess-up their showcase tournament?

The Cricket World Cup in the West Indies can only be seen as an unmitigated disaster. Granted, the International Cricket Council cannot be held responsible for the mysterious death of Bob Woolmer, but most of the other sins can be laid at their door:

- An interminable competition lasting almost seven weeks

- Near-empty stadiums - Locals priced out of attending the matches

- Regulations that stopped people enjoying themselves – no instruments, no drinks unless bought through official concessions

- A commercial strategy underpinned by an assumption that India would at least survive the first round (they didn’t)

- Rigid application of a standard approach to handling rain-hit matches – which ruined the final as a spectacle

While some of these issues were addressed during the tournament, it was by then too late.

The only bright spot was the fun had by Bangladesh and Ireland in tweaking the noses of their supposed superiors.

The ICC has embarked on a strategy of commercial maximization since Malcolm Speed became their Chief Executive. He should now do the decent thing, and stand down.

Cyndi speaks

The doyenne of genealogy websites, Cyndi Howells, has recently started her very own blog.

So why is Cyndi so important? Her website Cyndi's List is the biggest repository of genealogy/family history research links on the web. It's not just a list, but a sophisticated indexing system, which gives people the opportunity to browse or search in a variety of different ways for what they are looking for.

Cyndi's List has now been going for more than ten years, and it is interesting to read Cyndi's observations (and frustrations) about how people use the web and issues associated with running such an important site.

A lifesaver for timid bloggers

Thomas Hamburger Junior told me about a wonderful site with help for bloggers to adjust their templates to meet their more particular needs. I can heartily recommend it - Tips for New Bloggers.

It's worth reading quite a few of the tips first, before trying anything - and don't forget to download your template before trying anything!