Matthew Lang

Finding Nemo was one of Ethan's favourites, perhaps this one will be one of Drew's favourites. Looking forward to it.

... the full story by NB.

Again, love the wide bars on the bike. Definitely a growing trend now.

via FGGT

Another great post by Curtis McHale. This time on what your ideal life would be.

Here's a hint. It's not lounging on a beach every day.

There is a problem with that question of how you’d spend your time, even though it’s a good starting point. Money isn’t really a predictor of happiness and an awesome life.

— What is the "ideal life" anyway? by Curtis McHale.

Nicholas Bate sums it up another way which I rather like.

Chase quality of life, not standard of living. The former is what most of us actually want.

— 7x7 Money Management by Nicholas Bate

The latest update to Twitter has seen the replacement of the favourite action with a star to a like action with a heart. Do I care? Not really.

The majority of drivel that is pumped through Twitter these days has me wondering if it's worth spending my time on it. Don't get me wrong there are a few great people who tweet there, they just don't tweet all that often. It's probably not a bad thing to be honest, I could do with stepping back a bit from Twitter.

of Kara Benz.

I'm still intrigued by the Bullet Journal and it's place in my toolset. Especially when you see examples of it being used the way Kara Benz uses it.

Nicholas Bate does and so should you.

... with Nicholas Bate.

Tools & Toys has another fantastic guide. This time it's the tools needed for writers that travel.

Two words that fill me with dread. About me.

I don't mind writing about a lot of things, but one topic I find difficult to write about is myself. In the past I've written about decisions, tools and experiences but the one topic I rarely write about is writing about myself in order to sell myself. Yes, the dreaded about me page.

I've managed so far to do well with my self-employed freelance career but things stagnated a bit over the summer. In order to keep the business ticking over, I've started treating my freelance business as a separate entity to my own personal website. I've relaunched my DigitalBothy blog and I'm in the process of writing a number of technical posts to showcase my expertise. A platform for people to see what I can do. I'm also writing a new about me page for the blog to sell myself as a freelance developer.

Technical writing isn't a problem. I've found my voice (or tone) for that style of writing. An idea, an outline, a draft, a number of edits, a final proof and I'm usually fairly happen with what I have written. When it comes to writing my about me page though, that's where it becomes tricky. Writing my about me page or even a resume is not something that comes as a naturally as the technical writing.

As a person I'm quiet. I've always been that way. And it comes through when I'm writing my about me page. I tend to overlook and downplay the achievements in my career. I can't afford to be that person. I'm hoping that these few paragraphs can prompt me to be a bit more vocal when it comes to selling myself.

I'm off to grab a coffee and have another stab at the about me page. Thanks for reading.

Amazing that Tolkien's work is still being found.

via Cycle EXIF

... with a difference. No to do lists here.

I try to write in this style for longer posts. People have commented on this in the past but I never figured it to be a big thing.

It seems to be hard for most people to write in spoken language. So perhaps the best solution is to write your first draft the way you usually would, then afterward look at each sentence and ask “Is this the way I’d say this if I were talking to a friend?” If it isn’t, imagine what you would say, and use that instead. After a while this filter will start to operate as you write. When you write something you wouldn’t say, you’ll hear the clank as it hits the page.

— Write Like You Talk by Paul Graham

Kurt Harden has some simple but effective advice for your career.

Show up - Showing up plays a stunningly important role in success. Think of it this way: If you aren’t there, how will you take advantage of the opportunities? Showing up means being there mentally and physically. Being ready when the time comes. As the great James Brown said, “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready.” Show up.

— Show up. Show up early. Show up often. by Kurt Harden

Four reasons in fact. Here's an excerpt from the first reason, validate your expertise:

Someone once said to me that most of the value created in the new economy is through writing. I’m not sure that I entirely believe this but I believe the sentiment that in a knowledge-based business the outcomes of writing are product and value.

— Four Reasons to Write by Win Without Pitching

I've quietly relaunched my software development blog and plan on writing a couple of articles a month. I'm doing it not only because I like writing but to also test my knowledge and experience with my others in the software development industry.