Recently I came across DabbleDB, a ajax-ified online application for building simple to intermediate database structures. After briefly using the system I had the following observations.

• It is a nice tool for sharing simple database information as a replacement for Microsoft Access or Excel Spreadsheets.
• An API would be nice. I can see the tool being utilized for basic web site functions such as calendaring, event planning, news releases or tracking leads. However, I couldn’t find an API which would let me tie in our web apps with the DabbleDB.
• The interface is clean but often not intuitive. Several times I tried to make changes to the database structure so I could show the location of several stores on a map. When I tried to view the results the software asked me to assign locational data. I wanted to make the address information locational but it only let me specify state as the locational element.

DabbleDB is definitely worth checking out. I think it still has some maturing to do but overall it’s a slick app and I applaud the developers and their effort to make databases management more user-friendly.

Why is it that we all seem to allow for things to go undone for long periods of time? Personally, I’ve been guilty of leaving small tasks, which might take 2 hours to complete, go undone for over a year. Am I a lazy person? I don’t think so but then again I have been known to push a few things off which could get done here and now.

I’ve had to question what makes some tasks rise to priority while others just hang in the background for what seems to be eternity. In reflection, I’ve arrived at these insights. (more…)