Profile: Steven Savage

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IconImageSteven Savage is a Technical Project Manager in gaming who writes, speaks, and coaches on fannish and geeky careers.  Steve is a”Geek 2.0″, the professional geek, which probably helps distract from his goofy name.

Steve’s specialties are Coaching, Career Advice, Videogames and Technology, cultural trends, and trying to make Economics and Geekonomics interesting.

You can find out more about him at his website https://www.stevensavage.com/.

Steve is a writer of books, mostly focused on geeky careers.  You can read the following:

He also runs Seventh Sanctum, the page of random generators.

Frustration Friday: Hey, Guess What? It’s Obvious It’s Not Obvious!

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I seriously encourage people to share their progeekery.  I want to encourage you, all of you reading this to mentor people and share your career and job search secrets.  I want to encourage all of you NOT reading this to do it, but the mind control module for the site isn't ready yet.

But let me warn you about one thing – what you think is obvious isn't.

Right now, you're assuming someone else knows what you know, thinks like you think, and as smart and experienced (and indeed good-looking) as you are you are incredibly WRONG.

Do not assume anything is obvious when giving advice.  Do not assume people have read that book, used that website, know the way to tweak a resume, etc.  Don't.  If you assume people know something and they don't you will proceed merrily ahead and screw things up.

I'm not saying act like everyone is ignorant.  I'm saying that, when mentoring, remember that people may really not know what you know.  Be willing to explain a bit more, be willing to ask if someone gets something, and stop assuming people have had the same experiences you have.

It's a tough job market.  We have to not be ignorant of other people's ignorance when mentoring.

And you know, not like I've been here or anything . . .

– Steven Savage

News Of The Day 11/3/2011

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Groupon launches, and a lot of change is happening . . . and Greece is not looking good.

Economics/Geekonomics:
A look at what's up in Greece. Notes that there is some serious conflict and Greece might be out of eurozone according to some predictions. I'm wondering how the govertment/public disagreements might play out with the 99% movement in the US – though it seems NO ONE sympathizes with Greece.

Anime and Manga:
Sailor moon still at the top sales for graphic novels. No one surprised.

Comics:
Graphicly makes an acquisition. Curious to see what they're up to – they don't seem to get in the news as much as others.

Film:
Jennifer Lopez to produce a live 'Carmen Sandiego' film. I'm kind of at a loss for words – but I figure Scott will analyze this in a few years!

Publishing:
The Nook tablet is set to take on the Kindle. It seems they're making a play as a more technically powerful device – which I'm not sure will work. Still it is on – and the holiday season approaches, so let's see what happens – and what else is next.

A look at the Kindle lending library. I think this is pretty smart overall – its a good business plan and builds good relationships. This is what Nook and others have to compete with – and it shows Amazon's moves are also good for building relationships. They need that since they're big enough to be in everyone's sights.

Social Media:
Groupon sounds like it's raised a lot of money – up to 30% over what was expected. I'm still very doubtful of them, so to me this is further to fall. Still, as always, I'll keep watch. I still predict a drop – and then a drop in enthusiasm.

Video Games:
RockYou cuts half its staff, This is not entirely a cut, but still it shows a lot of transitions – and i'd be careful seining any resumes right now.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: So do you think Greece will leave the Euro.

– Steven Savage