I am Steven Savage, Professional Geek

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It's time to "Speak Out With Your Geek Out."

I am Steven Savage.

I am a geek.

I am a professional geek and I am proud of it.

What is a geek? A  geek is a person deeply into something and the ability to communicate it and be involved with that something.  Maybe it's literature or games or a band.  If you are passionate and deeply "into" something you are a geek.

If you apply it, you're a professional geek.

Geeks have always been there.  A geek was the person who obsessively chipped away at rocks to get just the right tool.  A geek was the person who asked "what does this mushroom do."  A geek was a there to fall in love with the math that built great buildings of history.  The medicines you take, the cars you drive, even the foods you eat have been made, touched, and often improved by geeks.

Many great figures in history were geeks.  Confucius' love of history and learning led him to formulate his philosophy.  Language geek Tolkien created a modern classic in the form of "Lord of the Rings."  Just look at Ben Franklin and his wild, imaginative mind and you'll see a geek who helped found a country.

These days, geek-wise . . . well have you taken a good look at the major figures in computing the last few decades?  Seriously?  Geeks – with business sense in most cases.

When someone makes a cure for cancer you can bet they'll have a "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" poster at their desk.  When we find a way to travel to the stars, the great minds behind that leap into warp drive will probably have a cache of yaoi manga in their rooms.

I am a creature of passion, information, and communication – in short, a geek.

I have applied it to my profession and my life in order to do good with this inclination.

I am proud of it.

I am Steven Savage, geek.  Professional Geek.  Geek 2.0.  Geek applied.

– Steven Savage

A Guide To Fansourcing Part 3: When To Fansource

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We've talked about what Fansourcing is (outsourcing things to fans, in our case specifically fan-to-fan).  We've talked about the advantages of it (a lot).  So now the question comes up – when should you use fansourcing.

Yeah, as much as I'm an advocate of fansourcing, it's not something to do all the time.  There are times, for whatever reason, you're not going to find fellow fans to do things – or won't be accepting a request from a fellow geek no matter what.

When should you fansource-out tasks you need done?

  • When you need someone who truly "gets" you, your project, or your interests.  In that case fansourcing may be your first (and only) opportunity.
  • When you need a highly specific skillet or level of knowledge going through your fandom/asociations may just be easier.
  • When you have a fellow fan who can do the task and will benefit from the connection/reimbursement as opposed to a stranger.
  • When you've got a sensitive situation you may only trust people with whom you share a connection.
  • When you want to actively promote a skillset, your fandom, etc. by keeping the money/resources/etc. within the "group."

As for people taking a fansourcing assignment, or considering fansourcing, what are the best times to do so?

  • When you need a reference, reimbursement, or similar tasks – let's face it, your fannish connections can just pay off.
  • When the task in question is something you can do and that supports your professional goals.  (Many an artist knows what it's like to turn something down).
  • To start building (or to expand) a client base – especially into groups you feel comfortable with.
  • To network more.

I usually find that the person who needs something done has a lot more limitations to face than the person doing the work.  That's just the way it is.

So no, it's not always the time to Fansource, but keeping in mind when it is a good time is a key to using it properly – or not using it all.

– Steven Savage

News Of The Day 9/12/2011

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The week begins! Do we have yet another market-transformative news announcement? Read on . . . because we got two.

Career:
Show Indeed.com some love – the job site won't allow discrimination against the unemployed.

Temps aren't seeming so temporary anymore. I'd also note there's probably paralysis due to fear/concern.

Economics/Geekonomics:
Barry Ritholtz agrees with the New York Times that market volatility is the new normal – because he said it nearly a month ago. Of course he's right, so the question is will people adapt to this situation?

Comics:
DC sells out 27 issues of the new 52. Not sure how many they printed, but this is obviously going to get attention. Too early to call it a success or failure or anything frankly, but it's interesting to watch . . .

Publishing:
MUST READ: Amazon is looking at a 'Netflix for Books' for members of Amazon Prime, an interesting idea, even if its one publishers sound leery on. This could easily be the "killer app" on top of the other killer apps Amazon offers. However I see publishers being cagey. Either way publishers, writers, and media types need to follow this trend – and it could mean more opportunities at Amazon (or a competitor).

There's some great analysis on the Amazon potential at Wired.

Video Games:
MUST READ:Gamestop will have a certified android gaming tablet on the way. Win for them – they get to sell tablets with all sorts of deals, yet don't have to make them. This also ties into their streaming service. Sounds like a decent idea overall. Oh and of course, it'll be on Android.

In case you didn't notice, 'Angry Birds' is really popular and is going megamedia. This article gives you a great overview – and notes that with it's next round of funding, Rovio is hugely valued. I'd follow them merely for the opportunities – but also for what people can learn about media/game successes.

MUST READ: A look at the tax breaks available to video game companies. Though there's a few snarky elements, it's a good article to help you realize how game companies have benefitted from many breaks. Certainly eye-opening, and now that this is in the public eye, it may get controversial – or get a boost.

We haven't heard from DeNA in awhile – they just bought Punch Entertainment in Vietnam.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Has Gamestop done a job of branding – or are they doing more, looking to be a seal of approval?

– Steven Savage