Just got the new copy of Offscreen. I subscribed starting with Issue 10 and have really enjoyed reading it.
Month: May 2015
Offscreen reading
Feeds and Speeds for Life. Episode 38 of Ben Thompson’s Exponent podcast. Ben and James talk about the value of opportunities, advice, and MBAs. There’s a particularly interesting segment where they talk about whether tech’s diversity problem is primarily a supply or demand side issue.
Facebook hosting doesn’t change things
I wonder sometimes if folks at media companies ever try clicking their own links from within social media like Twitter or Facebook, just to experience what a damn travesty of a user experience it is.
Facebook hosting doesn’t change things, the world already changed – Eugene Wei.
Agree and Commit, Disagree and Commit. Fantastic talk at Stanford by Greg Ballard. He suggests the ability to strongly disagree with, and yet still commit to, an idea is one of the most valuable workplace skills.
Sense of Urgency
We must develop an acute awareness of the passage of time and with it our diminishing window of opportunity. If we fail to do so we cede to others the opportunities which today are uniquely ours. We must work with a sense of urgency.
Sense of Urgency – Andrew Bosworth.
The days are long but the decades are short
Work very hard—a surprising number of people will be offended that you choose to work hard—but not so hard that the rest of your life passes you by. Aim to be the best in the world at whatever you do professionally. Even if you miss, you’ll probably end up in a pretty good place. Figure out your own productivity system—don’t waste time being unorganized, working at suboptimal times, etc.
The days are long but the decades are short – Sam Altman. – via Matt
Exit & Return. The first half of a two-part podcast episode about Shulem Deen, who, as a 22-year old Hasidic Jew in 1996, discovered the web through America Online. Much of the available content conflicted with Hasidic standards and ultimately led to him being expelled from the community. The second part is also available. – via Peter
Interview with Brunello Cucinelli. Om’s interview with the “king of cashmere.” There are really interesting perspectives on life, business, and seeking balance throughout the interview. And, if you’re not already following Pico I highly recommend it.
Status
My co-workers reminded me that yesterday marked 5 years of working at Automattic. It’s a neat milestone as it means I’ve now been at Automattic longer than any school I attended or any previous job I held. Looking forward to the next 5 years.