I finally got around to finishing off the newsletter in between training sessions and the odd site visit for a client.
I’m pretty happy with the way it went. It was succinct despite being over 2500 words. I’d originally written it, or at least the basis of it, as a report for a project a year or so ago.
I decide to get it up to date and rewrite a few sections to consider changes in the region.
I then published it in my newsletter and on LinkedIn.
I’m quite surprised how it was received, to be honest. Nearly 2000 views and many reads on the newsletter platform, netting me a few new subscribers.
Reading
For my morning read, I started a book I bought a long time ago that I just didn’t get around to reading. iWoz: Computer Geek to Cult Icon.
It’s a fun book, and as someone who has met Steve Wozniak and got to chat with him for a few minutes, it reads exactly like he talks. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is just a transcript of a recording cleaned up a little for grammar.
For me, it highlights the fundamental difference between those founders of the tech scene and the vile maggots of today.
I’d like us to get back to some of that feeling and sentiment of wonder and discovery. And without sounding like an old man shouting at clouds, I think we’ve lost a little of that doing something to push and learn more, share more and try to figure out how and why something is. The money men, startup bro culture and the cancer of adverts have fundamentally polluted the internet, and it is something we’re unlikely to get back.
Nearly two-thirds of the way through the last Foundation book. I’d better start looking for something else to read soon.
Of note
When I met Woz a few years ago, we exchanged business cards, and I have treasured it ever since. It is a sleek metal business card with an interesting design based on punch card holes for his phone number. I’ve never called it and would never disturb someone out of the blue like that.
I’ve been teaching small businesses the uses of GenAI, and I have to say, this is one of the rare times that I have seen such interest and such understanding about how it can be used in business from complete beginners.
I labour the point about laws, copyrights, hallucinations etc, and the response has been really good.
The transcripts of the last communications coming out of the Titan submersible are terrifying. Best to avoid them.
