Writer, Agilist, Elder Geek
One thing I rarely talk about – probably as it seems obvious – is there is one thing you have to have to move forward in your career. There is one key, one power, one trait you need to cultivate and use.
I don't talk about it nearly enough.
That trait? Imagination.
Game news all over, new controverisal social media, and . . . did I mention game news? Let's get to it . . .
Career:
Five reasons you may not be out of debt – Some nice, simple, effective advice.
Relocation:
Why location independence may be overrated. As a person who considered this kind of lifestyle, I have to say this makes some good points.
Economics/Geekonomics:
Keep an eye on Greece and China – Though to judge by this column, mostly China. Plenty to think of about these two companies often mentioned in any discussion on the economy, all written clearly.
Green Geekery:
An eco-friendly coke bottle redeisgn – Caffeine, a classic refreshment, aesthetic redesign, and green? A great example of having it all at once geektastically.
Anime:
Funimation gets rights to 'Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji'
Publishing:
Borders is apparently close to new financing.
Social Media:
Will Unvarnished become the 'honest' version of LinkedIn.com, a Yelp for People as seen here, or just an online Burn Book? Frankly I'm inclined to believe the worst – especially in this tough economy – and that this will go nasty fast, and end up with a lot of legal problems However you're going to need to be aware of this if it hits the larger social media culture.
Technology:
A look at how Google could solve the issue of fragmentation in Android
Video Games:
Must Read: The experience of a game reporter using his Pokewalker at PAX. He notes the power of this peripheral as a social tool, and describes his experience. Nintendo often seems to have a good handle on some of the social aspects of gaming, and those of you working (or wanting to work) in gaming will find some food for thought. I myself speculate that one of the values of gaming is going beyond the game – and companies that know how to add "lifestyle" elements to games may have an advantage.
There's a definite trend towards agencies working with game development talent. I think the current trends somewhat favor this – the investment it requires to make a good game requires talent. This also means that if you're in gaming – or want to be – it's time to see if agencies will affect you. For that matter of course they might be a good place to work.
A grant for Wii-based programs? Not game programs but programs like therapy. Might be worth finding out more about – or suggesting similar activities to organizations you know . . .
Future US thinks that gaming magazines face a tough future. They needless to say have some insights.
Breaks for game developers in the UK? It's a campaign issue. Seriously. Now let's see if some of this gets over to the states . . .
Finally . . . most awesome school bus in ages.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: So, Unvarnished. Good idea or bad idea?
-Steven Savage
We all know the story – Networking is the best way to get a job. Indeed every study I've seen indicates this is true. I know people whose jobs have come from networking – in some cases, people I helped out.
So you know the drill, Networking good.
However, I also know people that have gotten great jobs via want ads, the whole standard mail a resume thing. Good jobs. Career defining jobs. The majority of their jobs.
So I asked myself about why some people really DO make want ads pay off again and again, and I've come to the conclusion that there's a Want Ad Paradox – and some people manage to navigate it.
The Paradox of Want Ads in a nutshell is this:
So the paradox is one of inefficiency versus ease. In short, Want Ads are inefficient, but easy to use.
People effective at using Want Ads are people who have perfected the search process, have a good resume or set of resumes, and a good cover letter or set of cover letters. In short, they overcome the inefficiency of want ads by being able to get good resumes and cover letters out fast and efficiency.
I'm still big on networking, and frankly think that it's going to get more important over time. But the Want Ad search, done right, has a place in people's career searches – if they know how to make it work fast and efficiently.
ADDENDUM: I'd also note one advantage of the Want Ad search is you'll meet many recruiters, whom you can network with or find out about unposted and new positions. That may up the value of the search for people – and ironically turn it into networking.
– Steven Savage