Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
I've written previously on how Geeky/Fannish jobs, cool as they are, are also bloody hard at times. I want to follow up on that by praising one of the best traits of the job search and career growth that many geeks have more than they realize.
Endurance.
Ani-Magic is a
convention in Palmdale California that takes place in October. They
have an interesting way of helping the convention serve the
professional needs of those on staff according to their Vice-Chair:
the convention itself is a training ground.
The idea used at Ani-Magic is that the con itself should be run as
professionally as possible. Positions, processes, etc. are all done
like they would be in a business. The result is the convention itself
is a growth opportunity for people to gain business skills and
metaskills, as well as getting valuable experience applying their
abilities to a large endeavor like a convention.
This idea is one that any convention could leverage – getting
people experienced in business processes to help the convention run (or
studying up on them yourself), using appropriate practices, etc. is a
great way for people to get experience with running something
professional. I also imagine it's far easier to put such information
on a resume or use it in a job interview – and to use people as references
Additionally, the convention has actively sought to have speakers
who can discuss jobs and careers and actively seeks out more of all
stripes.
Some great ideas going on with this convention. Keep
their ideas in mind – and if you're in southern California, this
convention looks like one worth attending – and working on.
– Steven Savage
Career:
Networking tips for shy people
Social Media:
The whole Twitter/Facebook/Livejournal Denial of service attack was apparently against one anti-Russian blogger. I'm sure there's more to shake out, so let's see what's next. Career tip here: as the internet and social media become more ubiquitous, more companies will get dragged into regional issues. A little more here.
Technology:
More info and more theories on the Apple Tablet – I'm increasingly biased towards the idea it's more of a giant iPhone than a true Netbook. Which of course means its basically a netbook, but still. If it IS more of a giant i-not-Phone this may also be a boost to iPhone app writers (if Apple doesn't pull their software . . .), and may open a few new fronts in the Netbook arena – because face it, it's in the netbook space.
On the subject of Apple, the iPhone store mess still has legs and has gone as far as higher-ups emailing bloggers and a well known Apple booster getting VERY bitter. As predicted, there's apparently an undercurrent of resentment of apple out there over the iPhone handling. To boot, ever consider how the app store handles customer relations for developers?
So just why does Google want with On2? A few theories here, the most interesting are that A) they're consolidating their video work, and B) the possibility of building a gaming platform. I'm not sure anymore, but to lean to the wild side, since Google's been working to mess with Apple and Microsoft, a gaming system (or Chrome OS based game system) would seriously throw Microsoft off (as well as Nintendo and Sony).
Did you know Adobe Acrobat Reader is a major target of malicious attacks? A scary read that notes Adobe may have to learn from . . . Microsoft. Good ammo for security concerns if you're in IT, and important period. As I've said about Flash, Adobe is very omnipresent, but people don't pay attention to that very much.
Microsoft actually got the office.com domain – Which must have been costly (though probably not to them). That's a great bit of branding for their web version of Office – and the Everything Wars continue . . .
Video Games:
Is the Marvel MMO back in production? Seems like it. Of course with City of Heroes, Champions, and DCU it's awful crowded, but Marvel does have a big name draw advantage – and a load of films coming out. Toss a resume out to the studio and see what happens. I can easily see this being cross-promoted with the films they have planned – if they can get it out in time. A big push could mean jobs . . . and on that superheroic subject, an analysis of why Champions should worry City of Heroes.
The push continues to have Philadelphia's government encourage the gaming industry there. I see this as possible if Philly gets it right – Philadelphia is in an absolutely ideal location for it physically, has its history and culture, and is a good bet in general. On that subject – are you working to get fan/geeky jobs and companies supported in your community?
-Steven Savage