Questions for You and Me

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My quality of life has improved enormously since I decided to stop working for a while (I’m semi-retired anyway) and take the summer off. I haven’t had a summer off since I was a teenager and I’m loving it. I have nothing but free time now, but I still read about and follow interesting tech stuff (like user-centric identity) because of my career plan (see below), or what suffices for it at the mo’.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

After working for years in the software industry, culminating as CTO of a medical imaging startup, I’ve decided to go open-source. Most of the unpleasantness I experienced in software development came from the corporate control issues and profit motive, so I’m going to dip my toes in the open-source industry and see what that’s like. And besides, it’s so Web 2.0!
I plan to get there by building a small web site, and I hope, collaborating with other sites to build an experimental or demonstration group of user-centric social networking sites.

What can you teach me?

Maybe lots of stuff about software design and development. Maybe a few things about surviving in the corporate world after spending 35 years there. Trust me, you don’t want me teaching you anything about golf. Well, maybe some of the more creative profanity. I have lots of practice at that.

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My quality of life has improved enormously since I decided to stop working for a while (I’m semi-retired anyway) and take the summer off. I haven’t had a summer off since I was a teenager and I’m loving it. I have nothing but free time now, but I still read about and follow interesting tech stuff (like user-centric identity) because of my career plan (see below), or what suffices for it at the mo’.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

After working for years in the software industry, culminating as CTO of a medical imaging startup, I’ve decided to go open-source. Most of the unpleasantness I experienced in software development came from the corporate control issues and profit motive, so I’m going to dip my toes in the open-source industry and see what that’s like. And besides, it’s so Web 2.0!
I plan to get there by building a small web site, and I hope, collaborating with other sites to build an experimental or demonstration group of user-centric social networking sites.

What can you teach me?

Maybe lots of stuff about software design and development. Maybe a few things about surviving in the corporate world after spending 35 years there. Trust me, you don’t want me teaching you anything about golf. Well, maybe some of the more creative profanity. I have lots of practice at that.

Sorry, forgot my question for you…
What cool new things will be happening at PodCamp Boston2? C’mon, just a hint??

Sorry, forgot my question for you…
What cool new things will be happening at PodCamp Boston2? C’mon, just a hint??

Hey there!

Okay- here’s my attempt:

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My life has radically changed in large part because of PodCamp; I’ve taken charge of my own creativity and found out that people are actually willing to listen to and read what I have to say, which has been a brilliant surprise and revelation. I’ve found a community much larger and more interactive than the one I’m limited to by geography and happenstance.
I’ve learned that trying new things and giving up being afraid all the time can be a bit scary, but the rewards are fantastic, and I’ve gained much more by leaving my comfort zone than remaining in it.
The work has become play and vic versa.
Free time is illusive- with young kids, free time is often family time; other aspects of “free time” work better for me when I have them a bit more planned – working on your own means keeping lists and self-imposed deadlines to remain productive.

2. What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?
This is happening in small and big ways. I would love to finish my book project- especially now that I know so much more about how to consolidate things down into shorter sound bites. What started out as one massive book really maybe several smaller ones.
Getting there will involve doing more of what I am already doing, in part; There’s also two large opportunities looming on the horizon- it’ll be interesting to see what pans out.

What can you teach me?
Life is largely still highschool- same cast of characters. Makes dealing with new people a bit easier, when you realize you’ve met their counterparts before (and you can finally learn to avoid the jerks, because you see them coming this time around).
While much of what we do may be based on our neurology, if you understand the basics of what motivates a lot of people, you can understand individuals better than before.
And of course, there’s knitting, cooking a mean chocolate cheesecake, and the fine points of logistics for managing large crowds of people. Maybe a bit about that pesky legal stuff, when it’s necessary.

While it doesn’t show here, thanks for teaching me that brevity works, too.

Hey there!

Okay- here’s my attempt:

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My life has radically changed in large part because of PodCamp; I’ve taken charge of my own creativity and found out that people are actually willing to listen to and read what I have to say, which has been a brilliant surprise and revelation. I’ve found a community much larger and more interactive than the one I’m limited to by geography and happenstance.
I’ve learned that trying new things and giving up being afraid all the time can be a bit scary, but the rewards are fantastic, and I’ve gained much more by leaving my comfort zone than remaining in it.
The work has become play and vic versa.
Free time is illusive- with young kids, free time is often family time; other aspects of “free time” work better for me when I have them a bit more planned – working on your own means keeping lists and self-imposed deadlines to remain productive.

2. What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?
This is happening in small and big ways. I would love to finish my book project- especially now that I know so much more about how to consolidate things down into shorter sound bites. What started out as one massive book really maybe several smaller ones.
Getting there will involve doing more of what I am already doing, in part; There’s also two large opportunities looming on the horizon- it’ll be interesting to see what pans out.

What can you teach me?
Life is largely still highschool- same cast of characters. Makes dealing with new people a bit easier, when you realize you’ve met their counterparts before (and you can finally learn to avoid the jerks, because you see them coming this time around).
While much of what we do may be based on our neurology, if you understand the basics of what motivates a lot of people, you can understand individuals better than before.
And of course, there’s knitting, cooking a mean chocolate cheesecake, and the fine points of logistics for managing large crowds of people. Maybe a bit about that pesky legal stuff, when it’s necessary.

While it doesn’t show here, thanks for teaching me that brevity works, too.

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My musical life has improved tremendously by way of a lot of upheaval about 6-7 months ago. The old “when one door closes…” thing. The introspection brought about by that experience led to the realization that there were a lot of creative urges that had been marginalized for a number of years. I’ve built a project studio at home and can now pursue those things full on. In addition, the second I stopped thinking of my situation as dire other opportunities to pursue non-solo stuff began to appear. I’m even getting into some non-musical stuff, which is like Christmas morning to me.

In summary, I’m a lot more “in the driver’s seat” than I have ever been.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

The next move is to leave the corporate nest and begin searching for opportunities to put my creativity to good use in the world. I don’t need to be rich but I do need to be excited about where I’m headed each morning. There’s no plan really except to open my eyes, update my resume and start the process.

What can you teach me?

I can teach you how to make decaf coffee taste good, how to appreciate a thunderstorm, how to write a sales proposal that wins, how to do almost anything in MS Word, how to do a lot of things in Photoshop & Illustrator, how to do a few things in Sonar PE 6.0, how to change a battery in a 1997 Suzuki Savage, how to get good sound out of almost any amp, and how to play the living sh*t out of an electric bass.

My questions to you (or anyone else):
1) What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

2) What is the most lasting contribution you’ve ever made to something?

3) Who, if anyone, has changed your life the most in the past year?

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My musical life has improved tremendously by way of a lot of upheaval about 6-7 months ago. The old “when one door closes…” thing. The introspection brought about by that experience led to the realization that there were a lot of creative urges that had been marginalized for a number of years. I’ve built a project studio at home and can now pursue those things full on. In addition, the second I stopped thinking of my situation as dire other opportunities to pursue non-solo stuff began to appear. I’m even getting into some non-musical stuff, which is like Christmas morning to me.

In summary, I’m a lot more “in the driver’s seat” than I have ever been.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

The next move is to leave the corporate nest and begin searching for opportunities to put my creativity to good use in the world. I don’t need to be rich but I do need to be excited about where I’m headed each morning. There’s no plan really except to open my eyes, update my resume and start the process.

What can you teach me?

I can teach you how to make decaf coffee taste good, how to appreciate a thunderstorm, how to write a sales proposal that wins, how to do almost anything in MS Word, how to do a lot of things in Photoshop & Illustrator, how to do a few things in Sonar PE 6.0, how to change a battery in a 1997 Suzuki Savage, how to get good sound out of almost any amp, and how to play the living sh*t out of an electric bass.

My questions to you (or anyone else):
1) What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

2) What is the most lasting contribution you’ve ever made to something?

3) Who, if anyone, has changed your life the most in the past year?

@JoeC – PodCamp Boston2 will focus a lot harder on getting outside the Fishbowl (insofar as it’s an unconference so you can talk about whatever you WANT to talk about). We’ll probably provide some “guidance” like the Open Spaces people do, and then see what happens from there.

@Bass Ghost (which I say in my head with lots of reverb):

1.) The most courageous thing I’ve ever done was decide to change my life drastically in 1997, and less drastically in 2003.

2.) The most lasting contribution I’ve made so far would be PodCamp. With a dozen launched and another dozen on the way, I feel good.

3.) Jeff Pulver has changed my life the most in the past year. He took a bet, and the bet has paid off so far.

@JoeC – PodCamp Boston2 will focus a lot harder on getting outside the Fishbowl (insofar as it’s an unconference so you can talk about whatever you WANT to talk about). We’ll probably provide some “guidance” like the Open Spaces people do, and then see what happens from there.

@Bass Ghost (which I say in my head with lots of reverb):

1.) The most courageous thing I’ve ever done was decide to change my life drastically in 1997, and less drastically in 2003.

2.) The most lasting contribution I’ve made so far would be PodCamp. With a dozen launched and another dozen on the way, I feel good.

3.) Jeff Pulver has changed my life the most in the past year. He took a bet, and the bet has paid off so far.

1. Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My life has improved vastly since last July. My site and podcast have grown exponentially in both audience and breadth. I’ve been introduced to a ton of great producers and consumers of new media and the wealth of knowledge that both hold. My free time is better spent and much more refreshing now.

2.)What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

The next move for my career is the same as has been; to continue growing my business and applying creative solutions to million-year-old problems. Same deal with Sportsocracy…the only blueprint we’re following is the one we’re making up the night before.

3.) What can you teach me?

Pragmatism, the economics of pharmacy, and how to dominate Wii Sports tennis.

1. Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My life has improved vastly since last July. My site and podcast have grown exponentially in both audience and breadth. I’ve been introduced to a ton of great producers and consumers of new media and the wealth of knowledge that both hold. My free time is better spent and much more refreshing now.

2.)What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

The next move for my career is the same as has been; to continue growing my business and applying creative solutions to million-year-old problems. Same deal with Sportsocracy…the only blueprint we’re following is the one we’re making up the night before.

3.) What can you teach me?

Pragmatism, the economics of pharmacy, and how to dominate Wii Sports tennis.

1) Yes, much has changed and moving in the right direction. Got engaged, reconnecting with old friends and reading this blog!!

Free time has gotten much better. Now I just have to stop wasting it.

2)Next move is to start the business. Can’t let the degree go to waste. Starting to gather audience feedback and determining if there is a market for the product.

3)I can teach you how to order beer after 2am in Chinatown…..

1) Yes, much has changed and moving in the right direction. Got engaged, reconnecting with old friends and reading this blog!!

Free time has gotten much better. Now I just have to stop wasting it.

2)Next move is to start the business. Can’t let the degree go to waste. Starting to gather audience feedback and determining if there is a market for the product.

3)I can teach you how to order beer after 2am in Chinatown…..

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

Since last July I have finished my PR degree, “rediscovered” social media and found something I am very passionate about. I do feel I never have time to do everything I want to do though, sometimes I wish the day had 36 hours.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

Well, I’d like to move to the other side of the pond to Americaland and work in a PR agency over there, but immigration from Europe to the US is easier said than done…so, until I manage to find an employer willing to sponsor me for a visa, I will try to get a PR job here and get some work experience.

What can you teach me?

Before I started studying PR I did a degree in fashion. I can make you a tailored suit and teach you 61248327682 different ways to tie a tie.

Now my questions for you..

Biggest regret, and why?

What goals would you like to achieve before next July?

Biggest vice?

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

Since last July I have finished my PR degree, “rediscovered” social media and found something I am very passionate about. I do feel I never have time to do everything I want to do though, sometimes I wish the day had 36 hours.

What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?

Well, I’d like to move to the other side of the pond to Americaland and work in a PR agency over there, but immigration from Europe to the US is easier said than done…so, until I manage to find an employer willing to sponsor me for a visa, I will try to get a PR job here and get some work experience.

What can you teach me?

Before I started studying PR I did a degree in fashion. I can make you a tailored suit and teach you 61248327682 different ways to tie a tie.

Now my questions for you..

Biggest regret, and why?

What goals would you like to achieve before next July?

Biggest vice?

@skye lemmon-

My biggest regret is just not getting any old stupid degree when I should’ve, not because I’d value the education, but because it would’ve made me have to fight less.

My goals between now and next July involve writing at least one book, and then moving that towards being a platform for other work.

My biggest vice is eating things that aren’t good for my body. Gluttony is my sin.

@skye lemmon-

My biggest regret is just not getting any old stupid degree when I should’ve, not because I’d value the education, but because it would’ve made me have to fight less.

My goals between now and next July involve writing at least one book, and then moving that towards being a platform for other work.

My biggest vice is eating things that aren’t good for my body. Gluttony is my sin.

Hi Chris,

Sorry for the delayed response, but I was delayed.

1) Between last July and now has your life improved? How about your free time? All outward appearances would say NO, but the surface is the last place that the plate tectonics of your mind make themselves known.

2) What is your next move for your career? How will you get there? There are two really exciting ones. I am working on a startup company that will be the engine of wealth creation for thousand (and eventually millions) of people. And the other I’ll answer in your last question.

3) What can you teach me? After reading your entire biography (and having shared a crapload of experiences with you), I was having doubts about this one, but I am sure that I can teach you something about the theory and practice of experience design.

Thank you for asking these questions. I look forward to the lessons.

Mike

Hi Chris,

Sorry for the delayed response, but I was delayed.

1) Between last July and now has your life improved? How about your free time? All outward appearances would say NO, but the surface is the last place that the plate tectonics of your mind make themselves known.

2) What is your next move for your career? How will you get there? There are two really exciting ones. I am working on a startup company that will be the engine of wealth creation for thousand (and eventually millions) of people. And the other I’ll answer in your last question.

3) What can you teach me? After reading your entire biography (and having shared a crapload of experiences with you), I was having doubts about this one, but I am sure that I can teach you something about the theory and practice of experience design.

Thank you for asking these questions. I look forward to the lessons.

Mike