Gradually Approaching Normal

Right now, my life seems to be moving into a higher gear...and gradually approaching something resembling "normal".

I've seen a slight uptick in job interviews and positive responses - most of the interviews are phone interviews, and the response time is shortening between resume submission and time scheduled. (It's also a nice change to not have minimal response...then get chastised when I follow up). That, plus an editing project for Airship 27 (I'll let you guys know when it's available for sale) has kept me a bit busy.

One side-effect is that, right now, I'm missing Dax, who passed three months ago. It's not the overwhelming grief of losing her, or even a pang of wanting to adopt again to fill the void (collecting cats the way that some of my friends collect spouses) - it's that I want her back, as if she were merely lost and left outside rather than no longer amongst the living. Grief is tricky, and I'm handling it well....but when it comes to another kitty, it's going to be awhile.

You definitely want to check out this week's edition of Zone 4 (as well as a previous edition which received a spotlight this week), as well as another post in One Cause At A Time.

Have plenty to work towards in the next few days - finishing draft one of a story due in October; prepping for a November convention; and general networking/job search activities. But all in all, starting to feel a little more human....and that's a good thing.

Your Award-Winning Moment of Zen

As you can see, this newly-created social media training for non-profits has earned me kudos from Netsquared. Unlike others, I don't hesitate when it comes to building communities - I move boldly forward!

But in other online writing, I recently completed a post for One Cause At A Time focusing on a great organization that....well, I'll let you read for yourself. It's one of the many times that I get to take some pride in writing about - as well as work in - the non-profit sphere.

In other news, here's a double dose of Comic Related/Zone 4 goodness: one focuses on missing episodes of Doctor Who; the other features a nice verbal smackdown of a recent convention. Both are definitely worth checking out.

Your Doctor Who/Net Tuesday/Social Media Moment of Zen

The Doctor and Romana pre-Twitter

In September, Net2Chi (aka "Chicago Net Tuesday") is joining Netsquared's "Social Media September" and holding a lunch-and-learn around social media.

And given my proclivities, it will be Doctor Who-themed.

For more information and to RSVP, please visit http://www.meetup.com/net2chi/events/134577762/

Regaining My Blogging Mojo

Admittedly, for a good chunk of April and May, this blog was relatively inactive: I can - and will - blame writer's block.

That, and some situational matters, some existential (dealing with Dax's passing in the midst of job seeking) and some practical (having to revise some honest-to-gosh-hopefully-publicated-in-books fiction). So for awhile, I've felt honestly drained. But life has me bouncing back (as well as a pretender to the throne), and so I've been revisiting and regaining my writing mojo....

...not just in the sense of this blog, but all around. Here's a quick little summary:

• For the Chicago Nerd Social Club (I'm on their board), I've done write-ups on Doctor Who DVDs (thanks, BBC Home Entertainment) and Superman-related documentaries; 
• For my monthly column on Comic Related, you can catch my review of the recent BBC America hit Orphan Black, and speaking of which;
• Please like Zone 4 on Facebook, if only because you can avoid hearing a particular co-host chewing the scenery very loudly (and yes, I'm going to burn for that comment); 
• You can get a preview of my activities next week via Chicago Now; and
• I discuss reviving the Net Tuesday/Net2Chi/Netsquared group in a post with a familiar theme for current readers.

And I've also started a new endeavor, which I'll probably write about....early next week.

I'm back.

Please feel free to distribute this post via social media because not only could I use the traffic....but more importantly, the motivation to write.

Sunday Morning Blogaround

Increasingly, my days are becoming busier; spent all of this week prepping for a job interview where, within 24 hours, I was politely informed that they were moving forward with other candidates.

(Don't worry - I'll have a Hire Me, Pal! Initiative update tomorrow).

But that doesn't mean that several other cool things didn't happen - in fact, it's nice that although I'm posting this on a Sunday, rather than a Friday (and no, it's not because I only made a token appearance on this week's Zone 4), but it has been...well, my online profile has definitely improved.

• My monthly column for Comic Related focuses on one of my favorite shows, and this week, I'm hoping to write a special Doctor Who-themed post for later this month.
• This past week also saw the revival of Net2Chi (formerly, Chicago Net Tuesday) after, well, some benign neglect. You can read about what I did to prepare for Tuesday, as well as what we discussed on Tuesday
• After too long, a return to the Baker Street Blog, with a book that I strongly recommend you purchase

And with that, I'm off for a meeting working on a super-cool project, and remember: you'll get an update on the Hire Me, Pal! Initiative tomorrow!

Time For A Nap

Yes, it's been a busy, hectic week, and I'm only now catching up on some work related assignments. (Mostly finishing things that I should have finished today, but hey, when you gotta crash....you gotta crash).

Anyway, I'm gearing up for an upcoming Net Tuesday meeting (which I would be very grateful if you could help get the word out, especially since now we have a cool entry on the Netsquared hub), a Doctor Who meetup, and a Geek Breakfast. (You can get all of this - and more - via this week's Job Stalker post)

(Minor quibble - getting a little weary of people who never show up for events insisting on changes or locations. Meetup accounts ain't cheap - except for Netsquared, who covers Net Tuesday - and quite honestly, they probably wouldn't come if I moved heaven and earth. But enough of my ranting and raving - I'll save that for Zone 4).

Well, that's it for me - now, time to bed.

Want to Help Net Tuesday?

If you or someone you know is involved in tech, non-profit/social good, or is interested in good old fashioned community organizaton? Please feel free to download and forward this flyer for our upcoming Net Tuesday meeting.

(Please be sure to check out our newish main page as well):




Net Tuesday Flyer - August 2012 Imagine Englewood

Clowntime Is Over

Thankfully, was able to get caught up on a variety of projects, including a transfer to a new-ish computer. (My Windows laptop is moving slower than molassess, poor thing). However, I have some good news - an entry that I wrote for a short story contest didn't win, but will be published anyway. (With some editing, quite honestly, but I'm not too bothered by that - coming close but still getting the figurative cigar is still cool with me).

And now, assorted and sundry highlights from this past week:

• Great Zone 4 episode which features an in-depth interview with Chris Roberson. Had a great time recording it, and quite honestly, it's a great episode.
• New Job Stalker up and running
• You definitely want to check out our August Net Tuesday meeting- I'm personally excited to be hosting this.
• Mark August 16th on your calendar - Chicago Geek Breakfast in the morning, and Doctor Who Meetup early in the evening.

An Open Sourced Review of REVOLUTION OS

As a volunteer community organizer for Netsquared, I get to work with a wide arrange of people in the tech field. (Remind me some time to talk about the startup I'm helping launch). I've always been an advocate of Open Source software, and I'm frequently challenged to find the best way to explain the issues.

Thankfully, this was done back in 2001, with the movie Revolution OS, which focuses on the "rise" of Linux. Granted, it's a one-side, no-frills documentary (meaning that at times, it can be a bit painful to watch), but as a basic introduction to open source and free software....it's rather entertaining. (Had I seen this before converting a Panasonic Toughbook into an Ubuntu-driven computing machine, I might have converted all of my computers over).

And thankfully, it's on You Tube....and I've embedded it for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

A Surprising and Revitalizing Week

In all honesty, I started this week in relatively poor spirits....but at this month's past Net Tuesday meeting, that changed. Some old friends/partners visited, and needed help....and for a former community mobilization guy who was feeling out of it, it was the motivation I needed. Now, just have to find a venue, but have some ideas in the hopper.

The other news is that....well, for those of you who didn't know, I have been doing some proofing of pulp e-book reissues for Radio Archives, and was fortunate enough to see that one of the books I proofed has just been "announced" for release. Thankfully, they have been keeping me busy....but one of you might be interested. Let me post the little blurb they send out for your information:

Radio Archives is seeking motivated, excited people to help us proof our eBooks. The team is working hard and we currently have a backlog of 100 eBooks that need to be read and any errors corrected before the eBooks are published.

 

If you have a love for classic Pulp tales as well as a good grasp of spelling, punctuation, capitalization and basic formatting, then you may be just the person we're looking for! Send an email inquiry to Service@RadioArchives.com for more details!

And now, after a lengthy intro, here's a list of blatantly self-promotional items:

• Come listen to the most recent episode of Zone 4, where we talk about Marvel NOW! (and the even more impressive news about Airship 27's new Captain Action book)
• My latest piece for The Baker Street Blog
• Hey, look - a Job Stalker post!
• If you haven't already, please RSVP for next Thursday's Chicago Geek Breakfast at Wow Bao. Come hang out, talk geek, and basically enjoy low-key networking.
• Also, please RSVP for Learnapalooza on July 21st, if you haven't already. I'll be teaching two classes, and you may dig either of them.

July - Brought to You By Coffee!

Ok, so you're thinking, "Oh, Gordon, you're just going to link to this week's rather impressive Zone 4 episode and your extremely clever, Doc Savage-influenced Job Stalker column this month, aren't you?"

Well, yes, but you'll have plenty of other opportunities in the month to have a close, personal interaction with yours truly, including:

• On Tuesday, July 10th, there will be a very special Net Tuesday meeting. Geared towards newer members, this is going to be one where we're announcing a slight change in direction. You probably want to be there if you want to be part of using tech for the social good.
• On Wednesday, July 11th, come to Third Coast Comics for the Chicago Doctor Who Meetup's screening of Matt Smith's Favorite Doctor Who story. Yes, we're only calling it that to get the newbies, because the Tennant and Smith worship....needs to be tempered a bit.
• July 19th brings the latest edition of the Chicago Geek Breakfast. For those of you who complain that it's too early....well, where's your sense of initiative? Real geeks get more done by 5 am....by huge amounts of caffeine.
• The Lakeview edition of Learnapalooza on Saturday, July 21st will feature two presentations by me at Next Door Cafe - Doctor Who 101 at 11:30 am, and Sherlock Holmes and Social Media at 1:00 pm. You'll need to RSVP on the Learnapalooza web site if you plan on attending - these are going to be popular presentations. After all, they're on the back of the Learnapalooza t-shirt.

That's right - as my freelance work is slowly, but surely, coming together (with interviews for potential full time positions as well), I'm putting together a rather impressive array of activities, and you are more than welcome to attend and have a close, personal interaction with me.

Two Tuesdays Ago in Chicago.....

It started off as another Chicago Net Tuesday (or "net2chi", for those in the know) meeting....except for the co-organizer resigning, and the member who claimed that the community "didn't need" a group that helped connect non-profits and technology....and my own impending sense of burnout.

So after that meeting, I took a break, and decided....no, the naysayer wasn't going to win. I wasn't going to allow someone who was using the group to build their own resume (at least, I'm presuming) take over. So I wrote an inspirational note - yes, I'll be suspending the group later this year, but only get some well-deserved rest and relaxation. (I'll be putting together meetings until September, at the very least).

So lo and behold, Netsquared (our "parent" organization) put out its online newsletter, and in it, is probably the greatest quote ever cited this month.

You can find the original citation here

Nice to know that sometimes....just sometimes....I say things that warrant a hearty "Hi-Yo, Silver!"

Shameless Self-Promotion, Part One: Social Media

Because Michael Palin + Batman Suit = AWESOME

As many of you are aware, I've been engaged in doing some semi-regular freelance writing and consulting work. Rather than do a huge infodump on Friday (like I always do), I thought I would spread it out over two days, to give you time to digest (as well as give this blog two days of needed content.

So first and foremost, since I'm now the only organizer for Chicago Net Tuesday, I'm going to be taking a break, but also rethinking about how we connect. If you're connected in any way with social good, non-profits and/or tech, please join our Facebook group and our Google Plus circle.

(Seriously - I was told by someone that the community didn't "want" Net Tuesday, only because our meeting attendance is dwindling. So which is more arrogant - that statement, or me deciding to engage people to prove them wrong? Please leave your opinion in the comments!)

In addition, I'm also helping get the Chicago Astronomical Society set up on Facebook and Twitter. If you are so moved, please join and - more importantly - forward to those stargazing friends of yours. They'll thank you later. 

Finally, I'm now running the Chicago Geek Breakfast, and we'll be meeting on Thursday, June 21st, at 7:30 pm. For those with the initiative and the willingness to get your geek on, please RSVP at http://chicagogeekbreakfast.eventbrite.com.

More good stuff tomorrow.

Panic in the Streets of Berwyn?

(Been listening to Louder Than Bombs by the Smiths quite a bit; hence the title reference)


Well, this week is going to see me taking a well-deserved break from Zone 4, but that shouldn't stop you from listening. Or from making comments that the show slightly dips when I'm not around.

But in all honesty, I have been quite busy and have been "filling out the old online portfolio", as some pundits might put it. I'm gearing up for the online broadcast premiere of The Bar Tab of Rassilon with pal Phil - please be sure to join us at 1:00 pm Chicago time on Sunday, March 25th for our premiere. Simply head to http://www.livestream.com/egentv to watch, and also join us on Facebook by heading to http://www.facebook.com/BarTabofRassilon.

(Got lectured by one of the Radio Free Skaro guys about how I formatted time. I said "CST" instead of "CDT" on Twitter. I think they owe pal Roger an apology, since he's the guy who finds my gaffes).

But anyway, there have been some really cool professional - and personal - highlights for me online this week, including:

• Seeing some of my work for Netsquared's Community Organizer's Handbook online (trust me, it's taking what we've learned with Chicago Net Tuesday and showing others how it's done);
•  My recent post for Chicago Now's Job Stalker, in which I express my qualifications for busting myths, focusing on my freelance experience (and hopefully, being better qualified to blow up various objects with Kari Byron)
• The Zone 4 Podcast Facebook page is at 293 members. Please feel free to "like" us so we reach 300. 
• Also, Tony Collect has always been good about linking to my blog. I would like to return the favor by encouraging you to check out http://www.mahtwocents.com. I'm sure he'd appreciate it. 
• Recently, got another shout-out via the Trib Nation blog. Submitted for your approval.

Now, a small favor - Carlos, who edits Excelsior Webcomics (where my take on Wonderman will make his debut) also writes a manga-flavored strip called Eco-Teen. Please check it out when you get a chance.

A Valentine's Day Gift...for You

Has nothing to do with post -
Just wanted something to grab
your attention

Let me just say this right now - I hate Valentine's Day.

Too many disappointments and breakups which happened on or around this day. The fake sentimentality that for one day, you will or have the perfect partner (rather than, say, being a decent human being to those you wish to have as a romantic partner the other 364 days of the year). Yes, I hate this holiday, and like pal Andy Martello, will wait a month for that other, more appropriate holiday.

But since many of my blog's readers deserve some extra attention, here's a piece I originally did for Transmissions from Zone 4, the online radio version of my current podcasting home. Although that radio show is no more, I had recorded a piece for today that (sadly) wasn't used, and destined for future deletion....until now.

For one day only, you can give it a listen by downloading it from this page. (Sorry, Roger, no online player for you this time). I provide a similar explanation for the purpose of this solo podcast (has it really been only a year?), but I think you'll agree - it's a great, revealing piece about my first love.

And it's also very entertaining and mercifully short. So while you're enjoying Valentine's Day, I'm going to discuss web analytics and non-profits, because that's how I roll.

Time Lords & Analytics Are A Girl's Best Friend

Another very important self-promotional post - mostly because I want to not only encourage people to go, but to also help spread the word.

First, as you may have read previously, I am lucky enough to be participating in a live discussion about Doctor Who with Lynne Thomas, Hugo Award-winning co-author of Chicks Dig Time Lords. It's a book of essays about women who like the show...and I think we're going to have a great evening. We're going to be holding the event on Tuesday, February 28th, at 7:00 pm, in the Hendrickson Room at Arlington Heights Memorial Library. So far, we have plenty of people signed up, and this is an event you do not want to miss. To RSVP, just simply head to http://bit.ly/ChicksDigTL and let us know you're coming. In fact, you can even call me out on not liking fezzes, and be sure to order some DVDs and help support the blog. (Yes, I'm switching to another affiliate program, and ordering DVDs will help offset domain and other costs of the blog).

On a much more down-to-earth note, Chicago Net Tuesday is holding part one of a two-part series on web analytics and non-profits. (Keidra Chaney, who is a great presenter, is kicking it off in style). So please spend Valentine's Day discussing....well, stats and info. Our next Net Tuesday meeting is on February 14th at Tech Nexus, located at the southwest corner of Adams & Wacker. However, since it is a secure building, you will need to RSVP first - just head to http://www.meetup.com/net2chi and say "yes".

Hopefully, if I play my cards right, I might be able to parlay my various interests into a paying gig...but until then, it's freelance ahoy! (Or "the new new name for this blog")

Big Man On Paper

As many of you know, while I'm currently not working (and job seeking), I do have plenty of other activities to keep me out of trouble. For example, be sure to RSVP at http://bit.ly/MissionRedTix for the Mission Red Pre-Event Ticket Sale party. Here are the details:

In addition, here are some other opportunities to catch my glimpses of my non-blog life:

• In this week's Job Stalker post, I focus on how to save money by using open source software:
• On the Holmes-themed Baker Street Blog, I review Image's new Moriarty series;
• My recent Metroshrink post on software accessibility was featured on the July Netsquared Think Tank;
• Finally, there's a new episode of Zone 4 posted. Here's the trailer:

And in that spirit, here's my Zone 4 "Avatar"

Yes, that's me in all my glory. You can see me in the flesh on August 2nd if you RSVP. 

The Newest Member Of the Family

Any suggestions for a clever nickname?

At the risk of sounding excessively geeky, for the past month, I have been basking in the glory of a minor accomplishment.

I have always been an advocate for open source software solutions, using it for e-mail, browsing, podcasting, and media playing. However, I always felt that if I were to really practice what I preached...I needed to take the next step and actually use an open source operating system.

About eight months ago - while I was gainfully employed - I had purchased a used Panasonic CF-29 Toughbook via eBay. Although I ordered it knowing it had no battery or CD/DVD drive, I had no idea that the hard drive had been wiped....and therefore, had no operating system.

A month ago, deciding that I had the time (and more importantly, having failed to revive a 7 year old desktop), I decided to download Ubuntu and install via USB. This had great potential for disaster, dear reader - my dad used to attempt household fix-it projects with no workable handyman skills. My non-techie approach to revive a dead laptop may have had similar risks.

Only 25% of 40 GB used - go me!

For a few weeks, after installing the software onto USB, I found myself able to boot an initial menu, but with hours of blank screen. Thankfully, a few quick Google searches led be to Unetbootin, software which allowed me to create a USB drive that could boot Ubuntu. Once I had done that, I was able to install the software in about 30 minutes. (And that may be a slight exaggeration - I doubt it really took that long).

I've written on my non-profit blog, Metroshrink, about how it appeals to my sense of community-mindedness...but in terms of overall use. It's actually very easy (in fact, I'm writing this blog post on my Toughbook as we speak, my Hewlett Packard laptop taking a nice rest). Ubuntu has a built-in software download center (making it really easy), and although there is a slight learning curve for changing wallpapers, etc, it is quite cool. (Although I will still need to get a battery and CD/DVD drive once I have the cash...)

I initially changed the desktop to a Winston Churchill motivational poster, but decided to go for something a little more personal - and generic. So after Ubuntu boots, here's the sight that (very quickly) greets me:

Thankfully Ubuntu also has wi-fi, torrenting, etc - it's a pretty good all-in-one package. But the coolest thing for me has been, in the midst of a job search where there's often little return, there's a huge ego boost in turning a large, electronic paperweight into a working computer.

At some point, I will need to buy the latest Windows laptop - if I'm planning to consult, having some proprietary software would be beneficial. But as a guy who is both community-minded and - more importantly - cheap, using Ubuntu, a very user friendly operating system, is probably one of the best moves I've ever made.

So now, I only have two things to decide: what kind of clever nickname can I give the Toughbook; and more importantly - should I bring it to tonight's Net Tuesday meeting on open stewardship?

Next Week, Get a Close, Personal Experience with Me!

TECH cocktail Chicago 9
Originally uploaded by ChicagoMicro

I'm planning a theme week next week for the blog, so I thought I would outline some events in my schedule that...well, you may be interested in.

(By the way, I look the same as I do in this picture, only not as chunky. And better dressed).

On Tuesday, February 8th, I'll be attending the Social Media Breakfast , which is a great opportunity for basic working. (There are also other Social Media Breakfasts around the country). In addition...
• I will be presenting the evening of February 8th as part of the Chicago Net Tuesday meeting. I'll be talking about Sherlock Holmes and Social Media, and is a great chance to see me in hot, community organizing action
• On February 10th, I'll be attending the Red Cross' Flirting For Disaster at Lux Bar. It's a fund raising/networking event that is well worth your time and attention.

By the way, the gentleman on the left in the photo is my pal Mike Dwyer. Be sure to catch him with his improv troupe, Mustang Repair, at one of their upcoming shows. You can usually catch me there as well.

And now, back the usual blogging shenanigans

Making Chicago COUNT

So you're a non-profit that wants to improve your tech capacity? Or you're in the tech biz - IT, social media, coder - and you want to get involved in the non-profit sphere in Chicago.

If you're interested, have I got an event for you.

On Sunday September 12th, the first ever Chicago COUNTS conference will be held at the Illinois Institute of Technology from 9 am to 5 pm. Trust me, folks, this is the first conference of its kind in the Chicago area, and it is a big deal. Just look at the keynote speakers we have lined up - it's a veritable non-profit Justice League:

• Geoff Livingston, who consults with non-profits on how to get their message across;
• Nate St. Pierre, who works to mobilize others on the common good;
• Chris Jarvis, who helps businesses and non-profits set up employee volunteer programs, and 
• Estrella Rosenberg, who's done a lot to set up and maintain non-profits.

( In the interests of full disclosure, I'm not only helping organize, but I'll also be presenting. Yes, friends, you have the chance to see me in my full-on sexy community organizing mode.)

It's a very small admission ($25 until 9/5, and then $30 if you prepay after that), but be sure to buy a ticket. Sure, you could just join the Facebook page, but why settle? Why not engage in a great chance to learn more about how you can use these cool online tools towards the social good? You or someone you know wants to be part of this event. It's more than just a conference - it's the beginning of a movement.

Go ahead. Buy a ticket. Attend the conference.

Like Robert Conrad, I dare you, but with tongue firmly in cheek.