News and Analysis

Quick ACTA UPDATE

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Germany and Latvia delay ratification of ACTA. This may increase the ability for ACTA to also die slowly. Note there's a lot of resistance in the Slavic countries.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • This thing is a long way from done, or approved, and with protests gearing up I don't think it's going to happen.
  • Also, national issues and feelings may be a big boundary ("why should I do what THAT country says.").
  • Unifited world protests oper these bills is a definite possibility.  It could lead to some strange alliances and interesting political repercussions.

– Steven Savage

Doublefine Raises Triple Their Goal With Kickstarter

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Double Fine, Tim Schafer use Kickstarter to raise $1.3 million for a new game. Yes, Million. Game developers take note – though obviously we're not all Tim Schafer, this may be a viable future model.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • $1.3 million. Damn.
  • This is money used for the game, not counting profits from the game. Though there will be some money lost to swag, preorder issues, and others, it's still quite an impressive achievement. Or in short, more money to be made.
  • Yes, this may be hard to apply to people starting out, but if you worked on a big game and got enough rep, or built up, Kickstarter may be a viable way to raise money.
  • Everyone is watching this.

– Steven Savage

And You Thought Your Cover Letter Was Bad

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At least you weren't this guy.

Here's the thing – I can see where he thought this thing would work:

  • He plays up his background.
  • He calls to his strengths.
  • He calls out his achievements.
  • He seeks challenges.
  • He projects confidence – well actually he carpet-bombs you with confidence then sets you alight with confidence.

The problem is:

  • He does all of the above in a wordy, over-detailed, overblown manner it's ridiculous.
  • He over-includes things that should be on his resume
  • He never truly says why he's right for the specific positions and what he brings much beyond his own awesomeness.

The letter is ridiculous, but the ridiculousness is even more apparent in that, if you dissect it, you can see how he may have thought this was a good idea.

The problem is the letter is an overblow, disconnected piece of work.  His overdoing it disconnects him from the people he sends it to, from the job (it's a Pile of My Awesomeness), and from those he works with.  Somewhere he thought he had the right idea.

Now odds are your cover letter or resume are overly modest, but it's always a good reminder that your letter – and resume – display your abilities while connecting you with others.  Oh, and not annoying them.

– Steven Savage