Trusted #010: Resuming focus on what matters
Write what you love, not what you think others want
It’s been six months since I started writing here, so I felt compelled to do a little self-reflection.
(Fair warning - this post is mostly self-absorbed. Feel free to tab away now.)
The author has lost the plot
In my original introductory post, I laid out my goals for writing - to write about technology in a sober, evenhanded way, without engaging in the typical hype cycles common of the genre.
That lasted all of a week. My first post, discussing the different communities surrounding AI risk, went moderately viral. Clearly, I was the next big thing, so it’s time to go full-on #AInfluencer, right?
So I did, and started posting lots of AI things, and there was some decent writing. In the end, though, I realized that I had fallen into the same trap I had cautioned about in my introductory post. While I wasn’t necessarily hyping AI in all my posts, the very act of changing to write about that full-time had that effect.
Moreover, as I kept returning to write about AI stuff, I realized that I felt trapped; there were other things that I wanted to write more, but I’d already pivoted to “writing an AI newsletter,” and I didn’t think I could change again. I kept writing, but it started taking longer, which led to me feeling like I needed to make the eventual post even better to account for the delay, which took longer, etc., etc.
I realized I needed a break and to refocus, so I took one.
The second act - where things go from here
(In list format because I like lists, sorry, it’s a military thing)
I’ve re-renamed the blog back to the original name. Just Trusted. And yes, it’s a blog, not a newsletter. I’m going to keep numbering the posts because…lists.
I’m going to give myself the freedom to write about things I’m interested in. There will still be some things about AI, but with a bit of a different tone; less “expert advice,” more “feelings and experiences.” I’ll also mix in some things about IT, cybersecurity, management, family, etc.
I’m still a strong believer that ubiquitous AI is going to significantly reshape the world. I’m putting my time/money where my mouth is here - I’ve started a second bachelor’s degree in computer science, and I plan to move on to a master’s degree next year. I’ll talk a bit more about that in a future post.
Post frequency is now officially “whenever I feel like it.” I’m hopeful that will be more often than monthly, but we’ll see how it goes.
That’s it. It’s a busy month for me - I’m getting promoted this week, I’ll be at bSides Augusta this weekend (I’m an alternate speaker, so may be on stage, may not), school things, and some speaking engagements later in the month revolving around my time at DARPA. Also turning 40 somewhere in there (40 is the new 20, right?). If you’re still here, thanks for reading!
Standard disclaimer: All views presented are those of the author and do not represent the views of the U.S. government or any of its components.
Something is better than nothing! Revision of goals can be a good thing. :)