Section 1.1: Reflection on Technology by Ted Neward

The first post comes from my colleague, Ted Neward, titled “What has tech brought us?” In this insightful piece, Ted reflects on how technology has stagnated over the last decade. He notes:

> “Let’s pause and reflect on the last ten years: 2012–2022. There hasn’t been a significant breakthrough in hardware… Laptops remain laptops. While they may be lighter and faster, the fundamental design hasn’t changed.”

When discussing social media, Ted provides a candid perspective:

> “Social media? We’ve come to recognize that it harbors just as many pitfalls as it does advantages. Initially, social media was a boon. I joined Twitter in its early days and spent nearly 13 years on the platform before stepping away. Mastodon is promising, but it will face many of the same challenges over time.”

As for smartphones, he observes:

> “Most of us—especially Millennials and Gen Z—find ourselves less content because of our smartphones. Although I appreciate having one, I often long for the simpler times before mobile phones, or even the basic phones we used to carry.”

Ted poses some compelling questions that linger in the mind of any technologist:

> “What can technology accomplish? What innovative creations could emerge from someone with time and resources looking to improve the world, even in a small way?”

It's an engaging article that merits a read!

The first video highlights key moments from The Game Awards 2023, providing a recap of notable announcements and awards. It captures the excitement and creativity showcased during the event.

Section 1.2: Creativity and Fear by David Todd McCarty

The second noteworthy piece is by David Todd McCarty, an online acquaintance and prolific Medium writer. After connecting on Mastodon last November, I was quickly taken by his writing style. Whenever a new article from him appears in my feed, I prioritize reading it.

His recent article, “The First Cut Is The Deepest,” resonated strongly with me. Like David, I have a collection of blank canvases waiting for inspiration to strike. I also possess several beautifully crafted journals—leather-bound with exquisite paper—that I hesitate to use, fearing that my initial attempts won't live up to their quality.

I understand my creative goals and have a vision, yet I often find myself paralyzed by the fear of making that first move into the unknown.

After reading David's article, I reached out to him on Mastodon. Having interacted multiple times, I felt comfortable sharing my thoughts, and I appreciated his response.

If you haven't followed him on Medium yet, I highly recommend it. Join him on Mastodon as well!

Section 1.3: The Perils of Procrastination by Ryan Cooper

The third highlight is an older article by Ryan Cooper titled “Why You Won’t Fix It Later.” This piece serves as a crucial reminder about the dangers of procrastination. The phrase “I’ll fix it later” can often signal that you’re veering off course. If you catch yourself thinking this, take a moment to pause.

Anyone involved in software development for any length of time has likely uttered this phrase, either aloud or silently. More often than not, it’s forgotten quickly.

Ryan’s article effectively underscores the futility of this mindset and is worth reading.

Interestingly, I stumbled upon this 2007 article while perusing one of Justin Searls's GitHub repositories, which referenced “LeBlanc’s Law.” A quick search led me to Ryan’s work, and I’m grateful I did. However, it’s disappointing that these lessons still seem unlearned.

Section 1.4: The Evolution of Developer Conferences by Brian Rinaldi

The final post features Brian Rinaldi's thoughts on the current state of developer conferences. My experience in running conferences concluded in 2018, but I’ve attended a few since then. The landscape has undoubtedly shifted since COVID-19 disrupted the norm.

As restrictions eased, in-person events slowly made a comeback, but understandably, many attendees were hesitant. Numerous events either did not return or operated at only 40–50% of their previous attendance levels.

Brian’s article is insightful, and anyone who has organized a conference recently will likely resonate with his observations. I’m relieved to have exited that realm, but I hope that many of my friends who still run excellent conferences will navigate these uncertain times successfully.

The second video provides highlights and a breakdown of the Auburn vs. #8 Alabama game, analyzing key moments and plays from the match, showcasing the excitement of college football.