The Myth of The Ideal Reader
There is a theory that says you should have your ideal reader (or watcher) in mind when you write. All the experts say you need… Read More »The Myth of The Ideal Reader
Writing Like Murakami
I walk into the corridor. It’s long and bright, with glass walls to little cubicles on either side. He walked slowly, balancing carefully on the… Read More »Writing Like Murakami
What I’ve Learnt From Publishing A Novel
It’s now almost five months since I published my first book, Human Software. Now, finally, I feel I’ve gained enough emotional space from that work… Read More »What I’ve Learnt From Publishing A Novel
33 Practical Tips for Freelance Software Engineers
After working in professional software engineering for three decades, from global telecoms companies to banks, insurers, energy companies, SaaS, startups, and scale-ups, I thought it… Read More »33 Practical Tips for Freelance Software Engineers
James Cameron’s Terrible Art is an Warning To Us All
I got into an argument with AI the other day because I didn’t like a piece of art. Specifically, I didn’t like the art in… Read More »James Cameron’s Terrible Art is an Warning To Us All
Legacy Systems and the Cost of Hidden Technical Debt
One of the most important recurring technical themes I explore in Human Software is how chronic underinvestment in core legacy systems, in favour of either… Read More »Legacy Systems and the Cost of Hidden Technical Debt
A Younger Model, A Local Model
I don’t want to run a local model. I don’t want to run a younger model. I want an old model that’s been taught properly.… Read More »A Younger Model, A Local Model
Making Her Smile
There was only one problem. The tree wouldn’t fit through the door. I try again, but it would be a case of losing too many… Read More »Making Her Smile
My Dispassionate Friend
On that day, I took the usual train away from my normal station to another place. A place out on the promontory, the shell and… Read More »My Dispassionate Friend
At this Time of Year Just Stop Trying to Please People
I get a text: “Want to join us for some beers later?” Urgh, the second night out of three and I was just contemplating sitting… Read More »At this Time of Year Just Stop Trying to Please People