September 2007 Edition New York City

A Major Change

Change

They say it's one of the most stressful times of a person's life. And it makes sense. Barring sheer abuse, there are usual emotional ties, doubts, fear of the unknown future. You don't want to inadvertently hurt anyone's feelings, and yet the hope for great opportunities, promise of financial stability and the chance to do what you really love to do are overpowering. But when it's said and done, it's all part of the journey.

I'm happy to announce that in just a couple of weeks I'll be assuming the role of Interactive Director at an international communications/PR consultancy. They've been doing great work in the communications space for over 20 years but until recently have not had much of anything moving in the online space. As more and more corporate communications take place exclusively online, and as consumers use the Internet as their primary research tool, this firm needed to do more with their Internet-based communications. Taking on this position will allow me to use my experience, skills, background and interests to create some really great products across many different sectors. It's a smart firm that works across different sectors and I'm looking forward to joining the team.

It's always difficult to leave a job, especially one where you've had the opportunity to work with a great team of committed people. Interactive Data has been a great place to work and we've managed to build the foundations for a fantastic business. They are destined to take the managed solutions and financial services industry by storm, and I look forward to watching them do it. Some have asked me why I'm leaving a good gig. Really, it's simple - financial services is an interesting market, but my background and favorite focus has always been marketing, media & communications, and to take on a position like this one is one of those great opportunities at just the right time that I really can't pass up.

As usual for me, I'll be transitioning quickly with just a weekend to detox and mentally prepare, but then the best way to run at this is head on. I'll be starting my new job October 15th.

My Brain ... Online

I've started a little experiment to record all the little bits of research, code, and things I learn on my own personal wiki. Uncaught Exception is essentially my brain, online. Useful for finding my own notes again, and in case the future needs to seed the brains of a powerful race of androids with the downloaded version of my brain. Check it out here.

Salesforce.com & San Francisco

nosoftware

This month I got to travel to San Francisco to take part in the salesforce.com DreamForce event. While I rarely fall in love with a piece of software, the concept, design, and opportunities raised by the salesforce.com system really impress me! There's so much I could have done with this in the past, and much more I can do in the future, and I'm looking forward to having a little fun. Yes, I'm a nerd.

On The Reading List

House of Leaves House of Leaves
by Mark Z. Danielewski
Team of Rivals Team of Rivals
The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

Other Stuff...

If JEOFnet isn't updated often enough for you, try my blog - which is now at jeof.name.

I'm still loving my new phone. If you haven't sent your contact info recently, please do! I want to make sure I have everyone's.

As much as I hate to admit, the fall season brings some televised guilty presence. This year it's Heroes, House, Ugly Betty and Eureka. Also catching up on The 4400.

Upcoming...

»New Job
»Seeing Wicked!
»& Sufjan Stevens!
»Denver - Nov 16th
»Thanksgiving at my place and you're invited

Previously on JEOFnet: August 2007