Comments on: Being Shy and Being Myself

By: Deborah Hartmann Preuss

Deborah Hartmann Preuss — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:09:39 +0000

Thanks for talking about this. I agree, and feel it is important to be transparent about being human, in order to build real community in this low-bandwidth text world of blogs and tweets.

An easy way to do that is to reveal that I eat my cornflakes with maple syrup. Or that I love shoes – waaaay too much. Or that I sometimes miss a train (!!!). I do not find that these things at all harm my status in my network… in fact, they build richer connections with people who also occasionally miss a train or spill their coffee in a taxi.

I am sure that some people unfollow me when I start talking about non-work things. That’s ok. I am a whole person and want to work with whole people, who eat and shop and have fun and sad times. And who are unapologetically passionate about their work. That is the network I want to build and work in. My work comes directly from this network, I do not advertise or market. So far, so good!

By: Andrew Vit

Andrew Vit — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:34:02 +0000

Although I’m really here for the techie stuff (your insights on CSS), It’s always nice to peek at another side of the person who comes up with those ideas. Surely we shouldn’t hide behind a single-minded profession-obsessed caricature of ourselves!

I think non-geek posts are a wonderful way to round out your online presence. The internet can’t meet you personally, but why not share a few things that make you more than just a name?

So, how’s the Ducati riding this summer?

By: Michael Kozakewich

Michael Kozakewich — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:49:39 +0000

It all depends on if you really actually want traffic. Are you blogging for the people? I hope not, because this is your space, and it should be you.
I’ve been reading Veerle’s architecture posts, and I’ve seen some fascinating things. The inspirations and humanity behind what you do is often as important as the code itself.

By: Toby

Toby — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:33:36 +0000

Hi Nicole,

I recently had a similar thought. I’m actually a musician but all I seem to put on my blog are random CSS experiments. I suddenly thought am I giving off the wrong impression here, should I be only blogging about my music work or some synth patch I made? Then I thought what the hey! Sure it’s a bit geeky but that’s who I am, I love messing with CSS (although I’m no pro, more a hobbyist! Sites for friends etc) so why not!

Going to check out the your OOCSS when I get some time, makes a lot more sense.

All the best!

By: Mark

Mark — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:40:43 +0000

I saw a talk you gave at O’Reilly on YouTube recently. I loved your OOCSS project. It’s such the right way of doing things. But I also loved how real and down to earth you are. Even down to the domain name your chose. I say just be yourself. Post what comes naturally.

By: Dave Gregory

Dave Gregory — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:16:28 +0000

Interesting, because I tried to do the opposite. I wanted to be Front End Famous, but at the time, I didn’t understand all that really meant.
Then I got a job at a prominent internet company. (Y!es, you might know the place)
That changed everything; I understood the real responsibility of being a prominent Front End Engie. I also saw the ups and downs. (Undeserved praise, Undeserved, and sometimes hurtful, criticism, as well as exchange of well thought ideas).
I became far more comfortable just doing what I do and not caring if anyone is listening. Now I am fairly happy I never got thrust into the limelight, as you did.
(Of course, I would have needed to create something incredibly useful as you did.)
It’s really cool that you found yourself in all this…

By: Tim Kadlec

Tim Kadlec — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 02:13:26 +0000

“Immediately, I stopped posting anything non-techie. I shouldn’t bother people with the delight I felt at eating corn flakes for breakfast, right?”

I think that’s probably a pretty common feeling actually. I know I went through it (still battling to some extent).

In my opinion at least, it is often the blogs that mix a variety of content that become my favorite ones to read. When an author is willing to open up and share their experiences and thoughts, regardless of if it pertains directly to “geekie” topics, it gives a far more open, personal feel and demonstrates that the author has interests and passions outside of their work.