2008:
Original:
Jim's Journal
My Podcast Link
10/25/2008 15:55 #46322
Wassup?10/25/2008 14:47 #46321
Equal OpportunityCategory: culture
An interesting essay by Will Wilkinson: 
which also keyed off some things that I've talked to James about recently, in his job search.
I find this to be very true. It's the adage that it's not what you know but who you know -- opportunities come through communication, not based on merit. Merit is what allows you to take advantage of the opportunity. You don't have a chance of showing off your skill unless you can talk to the right person.
At work the positions I've helped to hire for have been filled based on me knowing the people we were hiring. I vouched for and championed them because of their personalities and communication skills in addition to their technical chops. The thought of posting those jobs in public and hiring strangers off the street unnerved me greatly.
It's not a perfect system, but we'd only hire a programmer who doesn't come to us through either personal recommendation or by coming to the Ruby meetups we host only as a last resort. Hiring someone is a huge decision that can make or break a team, as I've seen from a few different sides.
It's a tough problem. There are people who are perfectly capable of careers that they can't get into because they don't know who to talk to. Networks limit choices, but also minimize risk and maximize chance of success, if you start out with the right mindset.
If you're looking for a job, don't look in the want ads, look for smokey back rooms and referrals :)
which also keyed off some things that I've talked to James about recently, in his job search.[W]hat little I know of economic sociology tells me that access to economic opportunities is deeply network-relative. -- Will Wilkinson
I find this to be very true. It's the adage that it's not what you know but who you know -- opportunities come through communication, not based on merit. Merit is what allows you to take advantage of the opportunity. You don't have a chance of showing off your skill unless you can talk to the right person.
At work the positions I've helped to hire for have been filled based on me knowing the people we were hiring. I vouched for and championed them because of their personalities and communication skills in addition to their technical chops. The thought of posting those jobs in public and hiring strangers off the street unnerved me greatly.
It's not a perfect system, but we'd only hire a programmer who doesn't come to us through either personal recommendation or by coming to the Ruby meetups we host only as a last resort. Hiring someone is a huge decision that can make or break a team, as I've seen from a few different sides.
It's a tough problem. There are people who are perfectly capable of careers that they can't get into because they don't know who to talk to. Networks limit choices, but also minimize risk and maximize chance of success, if you start out with the right mindset.
If you're looking for a job, don't look in the want ads, look for smokey back rooms and referrals :)
james - 10/26/08 12:24
alright, alright! I will get those addresses monday and draft a freakin letter.
^_^ thanks everyone for the motivation.
alright, alright! I will get those addresses monday and draft a freakin letter.
^_^ thanks everyone for the motivation.
janelle - 10/26/08 12:11
It definitely is a good idea for James to ruthlessly pursue his connections, because realistically that's how it works. =)
I just wanted to point out that the who you know system screws people over. It's also what has made it difficult for women and people of color to move up the ladder or even get in the door in some fields.
But I know that it's not your intent to screw people over when you do the hiring process.
Seriously, don't be scared of hiring people off the street. There are interview techniques that you can use to sort out qualified candidates. I'm actually really interested in the whole process of interviewing candidates and making good selections, so you just happened to hit on an area of interest for me.
It definitely is a good idea for James to ruthlessly pursue his connections, because realistically that's how it works. =)
I just wanted to point out that the who you know system screws people over. It's also what has made it difficult for women and people of color to move up the ladder or even get in the door in some fields.
But I know that it's not your intent to screw people over when you do the hiring process.
Seriously, don't be scared of hiring people off the street. There are interview techniques that you can use to sort out qualified candidates. I'm actually really interested in the whole process of interviewing candidates and making good selections, so you just happened to hit on an area of interest for me.
paul - 10/26/08 12:10
Oh ya, I would definetly say James should pursue it, because no matter how much I think the system is wrong or right, the fact is that it is the system used almost everywhere.
Oh ya, I would definetly say James should pursue it, because no matter how much I think the system is wrong or right, the fact is that it is the system used almost everywhere.
jim - 10/26/08 12:07
The people that we hired was one guy that I'd worked with in the past, and one that has been going to the Ruby meetups for almost a year - neither of whom I was really 'friends' with, but I did know them fairly well, enough to feel very comfortable working with them.
This all came up as James is looking for work, and I'm pushing him to ruthlessly pursue personal connections that he made during the campaign this year :)
The people that we hired was one guy that I'd worked with in the past, and one that has been going to the Ruby meetups for almost a year - neither of whom I was really 'friends' with, but I did know them fairly well, enough to feel very comfortable working with them.
This all came up as James is looking for work, and I'm pushing him to ruthlessly pursue personal connections that he made during the campaign this year :)
janelle - 10/26/08 12:04
I read Paul's journal in response to yours and then I read your journal.
I'm not a big fan of the hire who you know through your networks system. Although I do appreciate when friends pass along possible opportunities to me, like you did. That kind of hiring system is what made it impossible for me to get a job in my field (criminal justice) in Philadelphia. So I ended up working in a totally non-related field than what I studied.
Even though I scored near perfect on civil service exams for probation/parole positions, people who scored less than me were hired on the basis of who they knew. It was unfair and frustrating.
The who you know system seems particularly strong in Buffalo and I've seen hiring practices happen that I thought were uncalled for/unfair in a few different situations.
Really, hiring strangers off the street isn't that scary and you could end up with greater diversity in your staff if you do it that way.
Just my two cents as someone who has done a lot of hiring and has been screwed over by hiring processes.
I read Paul's journal in response to yours and then I read your journal.
I'm not a big fan of the hire who you know through your networks system. Although I do appreciate when friends pass along possible opportunities to me, like you did. That kind of hiring system is what made it impossible for me to get a job in my field (criminal justice) in Philadelphia. So I ended up working in a totally non-related field than what I studied.
Even though I scored near perfect on civil service exams for probation/parole positions, people who scored less than me were hired on the basis of who they knew. It was unfair and frustrating.
The who you know system seems particularly strong in Buffalo and I've seen hiring practices happen that I thought were uncalled for/unfair in a few different situations.
Really, hiring strangers off the street isn't that scary and you could end up with greater diversity in your staff if you do it that way.
Just my two cents as someone who has done a lot of hiring and has been screwed over by hiring processes.
jim - 10/26/08 11:37
Thanks, Paul - I know what you mean of course. I'm glad that it's working out for me in my new situation, as we had some excellent candidates from the pool at our Ruby meetup. That's not an endlessly deep resource, so maybe I shouldn't think to always count on it, as clearly as you reference it didn't work out for you guys at Roswell with me. :/
Thanks, Paul - I know what you mean of course. I'm glad that it's working out for me in my new situation, as we had some excellent candidates from the pool at our Ruby meetup. That's not an endlessly deep resource, so maybe I shouldn't think to always count on it, as clearly as you reference it didn't work out for you guys at Roswell with me. :/
paul - 10/26/08 11:13
I turned my long comment into a post (e:paul,46338) in honor of the 25,000 post goal.
I turned my long comment into a post (e:paul,46338) in honor of the 25,000 post goal.
tinypliny - 10/25/08 17:37
And talk. Talk to as many people as you possibly can. I mean "quality talk", not just "how's it going" "I am fine" talk. If you don't talk, you are missing more than 70% of the potential friends and contacts you might make.
And talk. Talk to as many people as you possibly can. I mean "quality talk", not just "how's it going" "I am fine" talk. If you don't talk, you are missing more than 70% of the potential friends and contacts you might make.
10/25/2008 11:55 #46319
Green ThumbCategory: nature
I got a couple cute little house plants to take to work. They're all marked as tolerant of low light, so hopefully they'll do OK. I got a plant light just in case, but I'm not sure how to set it up so it won't put too much light on them. I think I'm going to set a timer so it lights them up for a couple hours every morning.
Does anyone have any recommendations on low light plants species to get? I'm always on the look out, and would love to fill my cube up :)
Also, does anyone know where I can by some simple, plain, but not ass ugly plant stands that would be neutral enough to look OK in an office? Target and Home Depot don't seem to sell them. Metal or wood is OK.
Does anyone have any recommendations on low light plants species to get? I'm always on the look out, and would love to fill my cube up :)
Also, does anyone know where I can by some simple, plain, but not ass ugly plant stands that would be neutral enough to look OK in an office? Target and Home Depot don't seem to sell them. Metal or wood is OK.
pmrk - 10/26/08 22:16
I'd a recommend a snake plant aka Mother In Laws Tongue. They don't like a lot of water or too much light. I water mine every 2 weeks or sometimes once per month. Pothos plants are fairly tolerant of many light conditions, they prefer indirect light. They'll let you know if you're not watering them enough as they will droop but once per week is generally good. I gave my Mom a pothos a few years and it is still doing very well and she usually kills every plant too so don't feel bad (e:tinypliny) Home Depot sells both.
I'd a recommend a snake plant aka Mother In Laws Tongue. They don't like a lot of water or too much light. I water mine every 2 weeks or sometimes once per month. Pothos plants are fairly tolerant of many light conditions, they prefer indirect light. They'll let you know if you're not watering them enough as they will droop but once per week is generally good. I gave my Mom a pothos a few years and it is still doing very well and she usually kills every plant too so don't feel bad (e:tinypliny) Home Depot sells both.
gardenmama - 10/25/08 16:30
I got a couple of really nice low-light plants at Home Depot. They are two different varieties - one with green leaves and pinkish veins, and the other I believe has pinkish leaves with green veins. They are doing very well in my office - not near the window. Also, bamboo does not like direct sunlight and is interesting to look at. I got some really cheap (loose) at the 99 cent chinese store on Sheridan near Bailey by the chinese buffet. I put it in a ceramic container/vase with small stones around it - doesn't require dirt - just water.
I got a couple of really nice low-light plants at Home Depot. They are two different varieties - one with green leaves and pinkish veins, and the other I believe has pinkish leaves with green veins. They are doing very well in my office - not near the window. Also, bamboo does not like direct sunlight and is interesting to look at. I got some really cheap (loose) at the 99 cent chinese store on Sheridan near Bailey by the chinese buffet. I put it in a ceramic container/vase with small stones around it - doesn't require dirt - just water.
theecarey - 10/25/08 12:50
Philodendrons seem to thrive well in office environments. From what I have been told, the bright artificial light is good enough. Maybe it depends on variety.
:::link:::
This morning I was reading up on plants that offer good air filtration. So here is a link to that as well, as there may be some listed that would work for what you are looking for:
:::link:::
Philodendrons seem to thrive well in office environments. From what I have been told, the bright artificial light is good enough. Maybe it depends on variety.
:::link:::
This morning I was reading up on plants that offer good air filtration. So here is a link to that as well, as there may be some listed that would work for what you are looking for:
:::link:::
tinypliny - 10/25/08 11:59
Man, I always have killed all the plants (16, at last count) I have ever had. The botanical world and I don't get along too well. I am the queen of all black and decayed thumb people all over the world. :/
Man, I always have killed all the plants (16, at last count) I have ever had. The botanical world and I don't get along too well. I am the queen of all black and decayed thumb people all over the world. :/
10/23/2008 10:56 #46272
NaNoWriMoCategory: writing
November is National Novel Writing Month -
You try to write a novel over the course of 30 days. Which seems insane, but if you do 10 pages a day that's a 300 page book. If you sign up on the site it's got some peer pressure social tools to encourage you to keep going.
I'm tempted to see what I can do... I'll journal my progress if I choose to participate.
If you do sign up, please join the Buffalo region:
And add me as a buddy:
You try to write a novel over the course of 30 days. Which seems insane, but if you do 10 pages a day that's a 300 page book. If you sign up on the site it's got some peer pressure social tools to encourage you to keep going.
I'm tempted to see what I can do... I'll journal my progress if I choose to participate.
If you do sign up, please join the Buffalo region:
And add me as a buddy:
tinypliny - 10/23/08 18:58
Hehehe, I should totally cheat and use this pressure system to write my thesis. Do you think they will find out?
Hehehe, I should totally cheat and use this pressure system to write my thesis. Do you think they will find out?
jim - 10/23/08 15:55
Yeah, you can totally think of it ahead of time. The important thing is to write, not follow the rules.
Yeah, you can totally think of it ahead of time. The important thing is to write, not follow the rules.
james - 10/23/08 11:33
I have always wanted to do this, but November has always been a bad month. Between school midterms and Thankstaking I lose ten days. Maybe this year we can do an estrip group to get it done.
I have always wanted to do this, but November has always been a bad month. Between school midterms and Thankstaking I lose ten days. Maybe this year we can do an estrip group to get it done.
drew - 10/23/08 11:08
Might be worth a shot. Am I allowed to think of characters/plotlines before the month starts?
Might be worth a shot. Am I allowed to think of characters/plotlines before the month starts?
10/23/2008 08:40 #46268
Feed Reader SlaughterCategory: internets
I have been trying to follow the principle of 'inbox 0' (background: ). Basically, you get to zero messages in your inbox at least once per day. Ruthlessly, if need be. It forces you to decide if you're really going to need to respond to something, to really think about how you're going to spend your communication time.
For a few months I've been using that system, and found it incredibly useful. Then a week ago I realized that the tyranny of my mail has always paled in comparison to the beast that is my feed reader.
So, I went through my feed reader and deleted all the feeds that update daily or that are only momentarily useful. I'm down to 60 feeds from over 200. The 60 that are left are the ones that update occasionally, and have a very high signal to noise ratio.
It was taking about an hour or two every night to sift through them all and get to 0 unread. It feels nice to be able to do that in 5 or 10 minutes today. I am missing out on some really awesome random information, but the good stuff that I really need to know still finds its way to me.
The downside is fewer random interesting links to post into the (e:strip) chat.
). Basically, you get to zero messages in your inbox at least once per day. Ruthlessly, if need be. It forces you to decide if you're really going to need to respond to something, to really think about how you're going to spend your communication time.For a few months I've been using that system, and found it incredibly useful. Then a week ago I realized that the tyranny of my mail has always paled in comparison to the beast that is my feed reader.
So, I went through my feed reader and deleted all the feeds that update daily or that are only momentarily useful. I'm down to 60 feeds from over 200. The 60 that are left are the ones that update occasionally, and have a very high signal to noise ratio.
It was taking about an hour or two every night to sift through them all and get to 0 unread. It feels nice to be able to do that in 5 or 10 minutes today. I am missing out on some really awesome random information, but the good stuff that I really need to know still finds its way to me.
The downside is fewer random interesting links to post into the (e:strip) chat.
tinypliny - 10/23/08 09:26
OH NO!!!! Now who will give me the daily dose of what-the-hell-was-that randomness??????!!!!!
(I have around 160 journal feeds that update about once a week and they are all staggered so I am always struggling to keep it all in control. Can't get rid of any of them either. Its my job... well almost. It's my school.:()
OH NO!!!! Now who will give me the daily dose of what-the-hell-was-that randomness??????!!!!!
(I have around 160 journal feeds that update about once a week and they are all staggered so I am always struggling to keep it all in control. Can't get rid of any of them either. Its my job... well almost. It's my school.:()
paul - 10/23/08 09:23
Wow, 200 feeds - that is so much information I would go crazy. I only check about three things per day. Maybe thats why I am so boring though, lol.
Wow, 200 feeds - that is so much information I would go crazy. I only check about three things per day. Maybe thats why I am so boring though, lol.
WAAAAAAASSSSSSUUUUPppppp? Ha. That was great.
wait for the appearance of the "Where's the Change?" lady.
that is awesome.