Enjoy this photo while I reconfigure my blog.
I'll be back soon.
2009-07-09
2008-08-13
Why I Refused To Pay American Airlines' Baggage Fee - And Prevailed
I had just spent nine days backpacking with friends in the high Sierra, spending the most of that time well above 10,000' enjoying the world free of the complexities of modern civilization.
Then I arrived at Fresno Airport (FAT) to begin my trip back home only to reminded exactly how ugly air travel has become.
My ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines. I flew to Fresno on Delta operated flights via SLC. However, my return journey included a hop from FAT to LAX via a Delta codeshare flight operated by American Airlines' subsidiary, American Eagle. American has a new checked baggage fee policy, $15 for the 1st bag, $25 for the 2nd. Delta Air Lines on the other hand, does not charge for the first checked bag. Furthermore, they allow up to three free checked bags for their Medallion members, which I am.
I arrived at the American Airlines counter a full one hour and 45 minutes before my scheduled departure time. During my 30 minute wait in line, I glanced at the signs announcing their baggage fee (which were all over the place) and wondered if I was going to have to deal with this issue.
Surely enough when it was my turn at the ticket counter, upon declaring that I have two bags to check (each under the 50lb threshold) the agent wanted to collect $40. I pointed out that my ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines, and that I was booked on a Delta flight number (albeit code share), and not an American Airlines flight. I further explained that since my ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines, that their CONTRACT of CARRIAGE prevailed.
As you would expect, the ticket agent would hear none of it and just gave me a blank stare, asking for $40.
I pulled out my Passenger Receipt and and Itinerary issued by Delta and pointed out the following two paragraphs written on the back, under CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT:
...and...
Note: While the CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT clearly state one (1) bag free of charge for domestic travel, Delta's policy for Medallion members is three (3) free bags. I was willing to settle for one and pay $15 for the other had your agents been willing to follow the letter of this contract, understanding that the latter may be a priveledge that is not expressly extended in this agreement.
At this point the ticket agent barked “Sir, if you want to get on the flight, you will pay the fee.” She then tried to shove me asside to check in other passangers in-line, no doubt she would have ignored me until the flight left without me. I replied that I "do mind" stepping aside and will not do so until he checks me in. I also explained that her trying to charge me a fee that is expressly against the CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT that I held amounted to a breach of contract. As you may expect, airline ticket agents are clueless to this.
We even got her supervisor at the ticket counter involved. He was professional, checked some things on his computer, but was unrelenting. Pay or don't go.
I was having none of it.
I proceeded to call Delta Air Lines. I discussed the situation with the agent on the phone who brought in her supervisor. The Delta supervisor confirmed to me that American Airlines should not be charging me the baggage fee under the codeshare agreement and requested that I hand the phone over to the supervisor at the ticket counter in Fresno so that they could speak. At this point I had spent 27 minutes on the phone with Delta and had a mere few minutes left before American's "30 minute computer controlled check-in cut off".
Finally, after 10 minutes on my phone, out of view in the back office, the AA supervisor emerged and proceeded to check me in and to check my bags, without charge. He grumbled something about having to “send an email to corporate” but was otherwise professional. At this point however, there remained only 20 minuntes until scheduled departure time, well within their “30 minute computer controlled cut-off” as the signs at the counter clearly screamed. I was still at the ticket counter.
I hastilly took my now tagged bags to TSA screening, informed them of my impending departure and they graciously agreed to screen them next, ahead of the pile they already had. Fortunately there was no line at the TSA security check point. As I placed my items onto the X-ray machine, the PA system announced my name as being late for the flight, which was about to depart. When I finally managed to run up to the gate, the gate agent was just walking to the door to close out the flight. As I boarded the plane, I saw my bags on the conveyor being loaded into the cargo hold.
In summary, I arrived almost two hours in advance of the flight only to be endlessly hassled by ticket counter agents over a $40 “nickel and diming” procedure which I'm sure enfuriates every customer. Their ignorance of CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT and codeshare agreements is representative of poor training. I almost missed the flight and was frustrated and disgusted with the experience.
Given this experience, combined with American Airlines' policy for charging for checked luggage, I can be very definitive in stating that I will avoid American Airlines at all costs. I will not only ensure that I am never again placed in such a tenuous “code share” situation, but will also be sure to avoid purchasing any tickets on American Airlines directly. I further plan to publicize this situation to my corporate travel department, my friends, family and colleages, send copies of this letter the the media, and publicize on Internet discussion forums such as flyertalk.com, and of course here.
It was a very unpleasant way to end an otherwise fantastic vacation.
I have since then followed up with 10 letters of complaint to various departments and executives with American Airlines and American Eagle, 4 to Delta Air Lines, one to the Consumer Protection Division of the U.S. Department of Transportation and copies to the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and American Public Media's Marketplace.
Then I arrived at Fresno Airport (FAT) to begin my trip back home only to reminded exactly how ugly air travel has become.
My ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines. I flew to Fresno on Delta operated flights via SLC. However, my return journey included a hop from FAT to LAX via a Delta codeshare flight operated by American Airlines' subsidiary, American Eagle. American has a new checked baggage fee policy, $15 for the 1st bag, $25 for the 2nd. Delta Air Lines on the other hand, does not charge for the first checked bag. Furthermore, they allow up to three free checked bags for their Medallion members, which I am.
I arrived at the American Airlines counter a full one hour and 45 minutes before my scheduled departure time. During my 30 minute wait in line, I glanced at the signs announcing their baggage fee (which were all over the place) and wondered if I was going to have to deal with this issue.
Surely enough when it was my turn at the ticket counter, upon declaring that I have two bags to check (each under the 50lb threshold) the agent wanted to collect $40. I pointed out that my ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines, and that I was booked on a Delta flight number (albeit code share), and not an American Airlines flight. I further explained that since my ticket was issued by Delta Air Lines, that their CONTRACT of CARRIAGE prevailed.
As you would expect, the ticket agent would hear none of it and just gave me a blank stare, asking for $40.
I pulled out my Passenger Receipt and and Itinerary issued by Delta and pointed out the following two paragraphs written on the back, under CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT:
“Delta Baggage Policy for Domestic and International Travel. [ ... ] Delta will accept of a maximum of one (1) checked bag free of charge for each ticketed passanger for Domestic travel within the U.S., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. [ ... ]”
...and...
“11. No agent, servant of representative of carrier has authority to alter, modify or waive any provision of this contract.”
Note: While the CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT clearly state one (1) bag free of charge for domestic travel, Delta's policy for Medallion members is three (3) free bags. I was willing to settle for one and pay $15 for the other had your agents been willing to follow the letter of this contract, understanding that the latter may be a priveledge that is not expressly extended in this agreement.
At this point the ticket agent barked “Sir, if you want to get on the flight, you will pay the fee.” She then tried to shove me asside to check in other passangers in-line, no doubt she would have ignored me until the flight left without me. I replied that I "do mind" stepping aside and will not do so until he checks me in. I also explained that her trying to charge me a fee that is expressly against the CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT that I held amounted to a breach of contract. As you may expect, airline ticket agents are clueless to this.
We even got her supervisor at the ticket counter involved. He was professional, checked some things on his computer, but was unrelenting. Pay or don't go.
I was having none of it.
I proceeded to call Delta Air Lines. I discussed the situation with the agent on the phone who brought in her supervisor. The Delta supervisor confirmed to me that American Airlines should not be charging me the baggage fee under the codeshare agreement and requested that I hand the phone over to the supervisor at the ticket counter in Fresno so that they could speak. At this point I had spent 27 minutes on the phone with Delta and had a mere few minutes left before American's "30 minute computer controlled check-in cut off".
Finally, after 10 minutes on my phone, out of view in the back office, the AA supervisor emerged and proceeded to check me in and to check my bags, without charge. He grumbled something about having to “send an email to corporate” but was otherwise professional. At this point however, there remained only 20 minuntes until scheduled departure time, well within their “30 minute computer controlled cut-off” as the signs at the counter clearly screamed. I was still at the ticket counter.
I hastilly took my now tagged bags to TSA screening, informed them of my impending departure and they graciously agreed to screen them next, ahead of the pile they already had. Fortunately there was no line at the TSA security check point. As I placed my items onto the X-ray machine, the PA system announced my name as being late for the flight, which was about to depart. When I finally managed to run up to the gate, the gate agent was just walking to the door to close out the flight. As I boarded the plane, I saw my bags on the conveyor being loaded into the cargo hold.
In summary, I arrived almost two hours in advance of the flight only to be endlessly hassled by ticket counter agents over a $40 “nickel and diming” procedure which I'm sure enfuriates every customer. Their ignorance of CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT and codeshare agreements is representative of poor training. I almost missed the flight and was frustrated and disgusted with the experience.
Given this experience, combined with American Airlines' policy for charging for checked luggage, I can be very definitive in stating that I will avoid American Airlines at all costs. I will not only ensure that I am never again placed in such a tenuous “code share” situation, but will also be sure to avoid purchasing any tickets on American Airlines directly. I further plan to publicize this situation to my corporate travel department, my friends, family and colleages, send copies of this letter the the media, and publicize on Internet discussion forums such as flyertalk.com, and of course here.
It was a very unpleasant way to end an otherwise fantastic vacation.
I have since then followed up with 10 letters of complaint to various departments and executives with American Airlines and American Eagle, 4 to Delta Air Lines, one to the Consumer Protection Division of the U.S. Department of Transportation and copies to the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and American Public Media's Marketplace.
2008-05-21
Why I Decided To Buy a Canon 5D Now
I've wanted a 5D for a long time, since last fall. So I began to do some research and quickly learned of all of the rumors of an impending replacement. It has gone by several names, back then the Canon 7D was a contender (I even jumped in), though now consensus has settled down to the Canon 5D mk II. Canon had revamped every other camera in its EOS lineup except the 5D. Expectations were that they'd announce it at PMA08.
PMA08 came and went (I was there) and no announcement. Then there were rumors around April 22. Nothing.
Then I had a problem with my 20D where auto focus failed. Suddenly I was without an SLR. I bided time playing with several point and shoots and started to think again about the 5D.
I did more research and more thinking. I did a price analysis. I posted questions on Flickr. I discussed it with other contacts and bloggers.
There were several features that I really wanted in an updated 5D:
- Higher usable ISO
- The self cleaning dust-reduction system in the Canon 40D
- Larger LCD (although the 5D's 2.5" is not bad)
Some of the other features introduced in the 40D like original decision data, and live view (because it would be useful for manually focusing macros) would have also been useful. And a Bluetooth link to a GPS for geotagging would have been the cat's meow.
All of my analysis pointed to the next possibility for Canon to announce an update for the 5D to be September at Photokina.
This lead me to also consider the downsides to a new 5D (albeit temporary ones):
- September is a whole summer gone by
- It won't be available in September (most likely), but one or two months after that
- I wouldn't want the first production run, I'd rather wait a few months and make sure there aren't problems like with the 1D mk III [1, 2, 3 and 4].
- There'd be a delay before Aperture supported it (most likely). It was months with the 40D.
- Nobody knows when it might come out, really
- Some people think Canon might not ever upgrade it
- The price would likely be much higher. Estimates are around $3500 (body only).
I even considered the following alternatives:
- I briefly looked at the 450D (XSi), but eliminated it for its size, durability and lack of a few key features (custom white balance, for one). Also the fact that they crammed 12 megapixels in the same space where my 20D has only 8 or the 40D has only 10 means there must be more noise.
- I considered getting a 40D for now until a new 5D is out. I found several good comparisons the two [1, 2 and 3] (my desire for full frame won that)
- I considered switching over the Nikon. I found a good comparison of the Nikon D3 to the Canon 5D. However, there are lots of tradeoffs. The D300 is not full frame, and while the D3 is, it is substantially more expensive ($5,000 body only at B&H) and much bigger and heavier eliminating it as a backpacking option. And then there's my investment in Canon L lenses to consider. Also, I like fast primes, Nikon isn't as good at that.
- HamWithCam suggested I look at a used 20D, or 5D to bide time for the new 5D. I didn't like the idea of buying another used body where the condition isn't really known.
- I even considered the 1D mk III, but it's not a full-frame, and while the 1Ds mk III is it has a lot of disadvantages. Cost ($8,000) size and weight, and the fact that there are 21 megapixels crammed into the same sensor size as the 5D. That cannot be good for noise. (it's a studio camera, anyway)
In the end I decided to buy the 5D now. It still has the best image quality of any DSLR even double its price, or in its size. It's a very well proven camera, and while it may be long in the tooth on "features", image quality is king. Then I found out that Canon was about to offer a $300 instant rebate in a couple of days (at the time). Decision made. I purchased mine at B&H.
Interestingly enough, my 20D came back from Canon Repair working again, even though they didn't fix it.
Now I have the best of both worlds.
Why Feedback Matters (PicLens responds to Flickr Users)
I've been using PicLens for for a while now to browse the photo streams of my contacts' and discovering new users on Flickr. A while ago I wrote about two enhancements that would make PicLens much easier to use with Flickr. Others had similar ideas.
I decided to write to PicLens (using their Contact link) to let them know what I think.
Here's what I wrote:
I love using PicLens to browse Flickr.
However, I'm often frustrated by having to escape out of PicLens to mark a photo as a Favorite, or to leave a comment.
Adding these two features into PicLens, so I don't have to escape out would be a big improvement.
For example, if I could just hit the "f" (or "*") key while viewing a photo and have it marked as a favorite on Flickr.
If I could hit the "c" key and have a small dialog box pop-up to enter a comment.
That would be nirvana.
:)
A couple of weeks later I got a very nice reply from them in a personally written email (non form letter). Firstly, they thanked me for my thoughts and suggestions and mentioned that they have been "utterly amazed" by the incredible amount of support that Flickr users have shown them. They added that they plan to add "a load of new features" in the next few months, including options to share and save images, and that they would definitely consider my ideas (above).
They've also put together a Flickr community (pool) on Flickr called ImmersiveViews where the entire Cooliris Team is there.
Lastly, they invited me to participate in their beta program for the new features.
What a great response to a few suggestions.
I love PicLens.
2008-05-20
Thank You Canon - For Not Repairing My Camera
I just got my 20D back from Canon's Repair Department (in Jamesburg, NJ), "unrepaired".
However, the camera works again! Here's what transpired...
On April 25th autofocus mysteriously failed on this camera. I had been shooting macros that morning, which while I mostly focused manually, I did also use AF. Later in the afternoon I connected the 20D to my Mac (via USB) and for the first time tried to control it remotely using Canon's CameraWindow utility. While I've occasionally connected this camera to this computer via USB before to download photos via Aperture, I usually take the CF card out and just put it in a card reader. In the 2.5 years since I've owned this camera, this is the first time I tried to run CameraWindow with it. Although I did use the EOS Utility about a year or so ago to set the "owner string" in the camera (both utilities were updated to the latest versions available from Canon's web site). From that moment forward, the camera would no longer auto-focus. I tried 5 different lenses. I tried cleaning the contacts. I called Canon Technical Support.
Alas, that same day I decided to send it into Canon for repair. Canon will provide a free estimate, and if you turn it down they will return your camera and not charge you.
FedEx picked up the camera on April 28th and on May 5th I received a "Repair Estimate" email from Canon for a total of $306.20. The breakdown was $290 for labor, $1.20 for tax, and $15 for shipping.
Upon noticing my Tweet about this, HamWIthCam was kind enough to give me his very strong opinion that I should not have this repaired. Primarily due to the shutter life (100,000 cycles) and that I'm probably very close to that (initially I thought I was way over that), but also that I should instead put the money towards something with less use. A used 20D or 5D was his recommendation. The thinking being that I would want to buy the new replacement for the 5D when it's announced (I'm expecting September). While his logic made sense, the idea of putting money into another used camera (with condition not really known) did not appeal to me.
I gave it a lot of thought. One thing that struck me was that Canon's repair estimate did not contain any parts, only labor. HamWithCam suspected that it was only an initial estimate. I called Canon and they confirmed that it was a final estimate to repair AF, although if they would find something else wrong during the course of repairing AF they would contact me again for approval to fix whatever that might be at a higher cost. He was also adamant that a technician or engineer had not actually looked at my camera before that estimate was made. This I agreed with. However, the "labor only" aspect bothered me. If there was nothing to replace, then could I fix it? This lead me to retrace in my mind what lead to its apparent failure and the possibility that perhaps connecting it over USB and trying to control it with CameraWindow caused some sort of state or software error in the camera that could be rest.
So on May 7th I declined the repair. My plan was to reset the camera to factory default and see if that would clear up the problem. If not I could re-install the firmware. A helpful sales person at Showcase (local camera store) also recommended taking out both batteries (the main BP-511A and the secondary CR-2016) and letting it sit for a few minutes, thus also inducing a reset (presumably).
I waited in great anticipation for the camera to return. Canon took their sweet time returning it. They only shipped it back on May 17th, 10 days after I declined the repair.
So today I have the camera back. I put in a battery, CF card and a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Autofocus Works!
I try the 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens that the problem first occurred with. AF works!
So what happened?
I doubt that Canon actually repaired anything. The settings in the camera appear unchanged. The first thing that I would expect them to have done is reset the settings.
I suspect the problem cleared itself after a while. Note that when I sent the body back to Canon, it had with it only the body cap and eye cup. No battery (BP-511), although the secondary CR-2016 did remain. Perhaps they removed the CR-2016 just to check if it was there? But wouldn't that reset the settings?
I'm not entirely sure, but I like the fact that it works again, and that I saved myself a tad over $300 for what would most likely have been a useless repair. And thanks to HamWithCam for insisting that it wasn't worth throwing $300 at anyway. It seems like I have the best of both worlds now. :)
In the mean time, I did a lot of shopping and ordered a 5D which arrives tomorrow (Canon has a $300 instant rebate now). More on why I still chose to buy one, despite rumors of an imminent 5D mk II soon in another post.
And finally, it's a bit early to tell that the problem has gone away completely. While the camera does auto focus now, I'm hoping that I do not begin to see an intermittent problem develop over the near future.
However, the camera works again! Here's what transpired...
On April 25th autofocus mysteriously failed on this camera. I had been shooting macros that morning, which while I mostly focused manually, I did also use AF. Later in the afternoon I connected the 20D to my Mac (via USB) and for the first time tried to control it remotely using Canon's CameraWindow utility. While I've occasionally connected this camera to this computer via USB before to download photos via Aperture, I usually take the CF card out and just put it in a card reader. In the 2.5 years since I've owned this camera, this is the first time I tried to run CameraWindow with it. Although I did use the EOS Utility about a year or so ago to set the "owner string" in the camera (both utilities were updated to the latest versions available from Canon's web site). From that moment forward, the camera would no longer auto-focus. I tried 5 different lenses. I tried cleaning the contacts. I called Canon Technical Support.
Alas, that same day I decided to send it into Canon for repair. Canon will provide a free estimate, and if you turn it down they will return your camera and not charge you.
FedEx picked up the camera on April 28th and on May 5th I received a "Repair Estimate" email from Canon for a total of $306.20. The breakdown was $290 for labor, $1.20 for tax, and $15 for shipping.
Upon noticing my Tweet about this, HamWIthCam was kind enough to give me his very strong opinion that I should not have this repaired. Primarily due to the shutter life (100,000 cycles) and that I'm probably very close to that (initially I thought I was way over that), but also that I should instead put the money towards something with less use. A used 20D or 5D was his recommendation. The thinking being that I would want to buy the new replacement for the 5D when it's announced (I'm expecting September). While his logic made sense, the idea of putting money into another used camera (with condition not really known) did not appeal to me.
I gave it a lot of thought. One thing that struck me was that Canon's repair estimate did not contain any parts, only labor. HamWithCam suspected that it was only an initial estimate. I called Canon and they confirmed that it was a final estimate to repair AF, although if they would find something else wrong during the course of repairing AF they would contact me again for approval to fix whatever that might be at a higher cost. He was also adamant that a technician or engineer had not actually looked at my camera before that estimate was made. This I agreed with. However, the "labor only" aspect bothered me. If there was nothing to replace, then could I fix it? This lead me to retrace in my mind what lead to its apparent failure and the possibility that perhaps connecting it over USB and trying to control it with CameraWindow caused some sort of state or software error in the camera that could be rest.
So on May 7th I declined the repair. My plan was to reset the camera to factory default and see if that would clear up the problem. If not I could re-install the firmware. A helpful sales person at Showcase (local camera store) also recommended taking out both batteries (the main BP-511A and the secondary CR-2016) and letting it sit for a few minutes, thus also inducing a reset (presumably).
I waited in great anticipation for the camera to return. Canon took their sweet time returning it. They only shipped it back on May 17th, 10 days after I declined the repair.
So today I have the camera back. I put in a battery, CF card and a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Autofocus Works!
I try the 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens that the problem first occurred with. AF works!
So what happened?
I doubt that Canon actually repaired anything. The settings in the camera appear unchanged. The first thing that I would expect them to have done is reset the settings.
I suspect the problem cleared itself after a while. Note that when I sent the body back to Canon, it had with it only the body cap and eye cup. No battery (BP-511), although the secondary CR-2016 did remain. Perhaps they removed the CR-2016 just to check if it was there? But wouldn't that reset the settings?
I'm not entirely sure, but I like the fact that it works again, and that I saved myself a tad over $300 for what would most likely have been a useless repair. And thanks to HamWithCam for insisting that it wasn't worth throwing $300 at anyway. It seems like I have the best of both worlds now. :)
In the mean time, I did a lot of shopping and ordered a 5D which arrives tomorrow (Canon has a $300 instant rebate now). More on why I still chose to buy one, despite rumors of an imminent 5D mk II soon in another post.
And finally, it's a bit early to tell that the problem has gone away completely. While the camera does auto focus now, I'm hoping that I do not begin to see an intermittent problem develop over the near future.
2008-05-15
Camera Buying Analysis
Having my 20D's autofocus fail a few weeks ago got me to start thinking about new equipment again.
That has snowballed into a rather large consideration project and I've been doing a lot of comparison shopping.
I'm pretty much decided on getting a 5D. The remaining questions are which other lenses, and there's a bit of a consideration of also picking up a 40D body. However, I actually think I can revive autofocus on my 20D when it comes back from Canon (I declined the repair, they wanted $300). Having given that some more consideration, I hadn't tried a hard reset or reloading the firmware.... Canon is taking forever to return it.
I'm also leaning toward the L series prime lenses. But I've also got my eye on the 70-200. I already have the 24mm f/1.4L, 50mm f/1.4 and 85mm f/1.2L which is why those are not on the list.
My other consideration is whether I should get the 24-105mm f/4 L IS kit lens with the 5D, or skip it and get another prime.
The above are prices I've researched. Bold indicates the lowest price. I've eliminated the 2x Extender because the only lens it would work with would be the 135mm f/2L. I've also compared prices against a very reputable local shop. They're not even close to what I can get on-line, and I haven't even factored in the 7% local sales tax I'd have to pay there. The on-line prices do not include shipping. If you think I should consider some additional source, let me know.
I'm certainly not going to get all of this now, but these are the ones I'm looking at.
Finally, I spent a long time considering waiting for an long-rumored and awaited supposed 5D successor. My current analysis tells me that it would be September before Canon might announce one. Add a couple of months before they're shipping and available, and maybe a few more before the bugs get worked out of the first production run and it'd be almost a year (or more) before I'd want to buy one (EOS 1D mk III have had issues). In the mean time, the 5D is a very stable quality product.
2008-05-09
Children, iTunes and DRM
A couple of years ago I bought both of my daughters (pre-teen) MacBooks. Along with that I gave each of them a $10/month iTunes allowance.
At the time I didn't buy much stuff on iTunes myself because of DRM. That has changed now that DRM-less music is much more pervasive on iTunes. Still, for them it was a simple solution and I didn't want to expose them to the non-purchase alternatives.
Needless to say, they've done a great job of spending that allowance and filling up their 80gb disks with all kinds of music, movies and a lot of TV shows. It wasn't long before we had to start to delete some stuff off of their laptop to make room for more. So there was the dilema. I paid for this stuff, I don't want to just throw it away.
The solution I found was a rather simple and elegant one: Transmit
My MacPro has tons of disk space (4TB at the moment). They have logins on it as well.
I use a program called Transmit to synchronize their MacBooks with the MacPro (one way), and then they delete what they no longer want on their MacBooks. The beauty of this solution is that they still have access to everything, even from their MacBook via iTunes sharing from the MacPro.
The trick was to set up the SSH daemon on their MacBooks and use SCP as the transport within Transmit. First I turned on Remote Login under the Sharing tab in System Preferences on their MacBooks. However, I didn't want their laptops open to a password guessing attack (kids use simple passwords). So I set the following two options in the SSH daemon's configuration file (
/etc/sshd_config
):PasswordAuthentication no
AllowUsers trancemist kid1 kid2
The first entry prevents passwords as being used to login to the system via the SSH protocol.
Only pre-authorized SSH keys are allowed.
The second line is a bit more security by only allowing specific users to login.
The last step was to generate an SSH key for each account on each laptop, and put the public key in the user's
~/ssh/authorized_keys
file.When I want to sync (one way) their MacBooks to my MacPro, I just login as them, load the private SSH key into SSH Agent, and run Transmit's Synchronize feature as shown in the screenshot above. I pick their iTunes folders as the source (MacBook) and destination (MacPro) for the syncrhonisation. Transmit updates everything new from the MacBook to the MacPro.
The final step is to go into iTunes on the MacPro and select
File->Add to Library...
and point it at their iTunes Library. Now they have access to it all again.I also run complete backups on their laptops to an external FireWire drive using SuperDuper!
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