First Post

Wow. Starting this with something named “First Post” inspires my “paralysis by analysis” response in a big way. For example, I just spent thirty seconds thinking about whether to change “inspires my” above to something else.

My name Seth McCarthy. I currently manage a software development team at BIOVIA, a brand of Dassault Systemes. For a long time I haven’t done anything technical outside of my job. It hasn’t been for lack of interest, just for lack of white-space in my schedule. Now, a major work project is winding down, and it’s a good time to reset to a more balanced approach to work vs personal projects.

Goals

I guess the main point of a post like this is to put a stake in the ground and talk about what I plan to do here.

Improved Domain

I have a domain at smallerinfinity.com. I got it years ago to be able to have a short email address. I was inspired by an old LifeHacker article about Google Apps for your Domain (probably this one? It’s been too long to be sure), but I didn’t get far on it. I’d like to be less embarrassed by it so I can use that email professionally.

Share Ideas and Information

I recently saw this post from a friend on LinkedIn:

Practice Long Form Writing

I’ve noticed that in person or on the phone, I am usually a successful communicator. I can express complicated and detailed ideas in a way that increases the shared understanding of my audience and my self, and keep the focus on the important points.

When I need to express a complicated or detailed idea in writing, I am less effective. I’m not sure why, but my audience often focuses on tangents. I’m confident that’s something about my presentation, and I’d like to practice for improvement there. I’ve been practicing this recently in the office with Confluence help articles, and I find that I want to do more of it.

Well, that’s enough thoughts for this post. Later, I’ll create and publish a backlog of things to publish.