connecting*the*dots

My new digs:

I’m currently focused on dissecting the music industry from the position of an indie artist. I’ll be mixing in posts about experience design and the promotion of local acts in Greensboro, but the short-term goal is to wrap my head around the possibilities of supporting an unsigned musician’s needs.

Why? Because to quote a bud, “this can all be made… awesome.”

Come on over and join the discussion.

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I don’t exactly know what gear I’m moving into, but I’m definitely popping the RPM’s as I write this.

My day-to-day has evolved from a free fall of focus two years ago to a full-time operation running dotmatrix, collaborating with more than a handful of clients with unique and challenging work, assisting with the planning of this year’s ConvergeSouth and attempting to get The People, Yes off the ground.

In between those extremes of exploration and consternation, I found myself using this spot for sharing, pimping, contextualizing, opining, pointing and anything else under the sun I found valuable and interesting.

Well, it’s about time I get focused.

Yeah, I had a similar “state of the blogger” moment a few months back, but this time I’m a bit more motivated to down-shift into documenting my various efforts, especially along the lines of The People, Yes.

I refuse to become myopic or dry — graffiti, lyrics, images, poetry; all have a place — but I am making a turn, hopefully for the better.

Hold on, please.

(originally uploaded by Memo Vasquez)

… is more time consuming and stressful than…

(originally uploaded by dolphin_dolphin)

… so consider this latest incarnation of my blog as one heading towards its…

(originally uploaded by dsearls)

The TaskWatch clock & whiteboard won’t organize my life by itself, but it’ll be a good addition to my home office and a worthwhile investment..

(via Neatorama)

UPDATE: Lex was right, this would’ve been a waste of money. ;-)

Tell ‘em Stephen. Get to blogging!

(generator)

photo by Daveybot

Not only do I need to get my home in order (uhm, yeah, it’s now “lived in”), I need to prioritize my project work so I can get a few out the door (making myself and my partners in crime less stressed), get organized on the remaining work and figure out my capacity for taking on new projects. Why am I making this public knowledge? Because it counts as today’s blog post, of course. ;-)

Okay, so here goes nothing:

Today

• Knock out my Grandmother’s book cover design. - She going on 102 years-old, ’nuff said.
• File for LLC status of dot matrix - I have to get out of freelance transition mode.
• Submit the paperwork for non-profit status of The People, Yes - I finally have a small board of directors and officers, I just need to alert my lawyer
• Continue finishing the research deliverables for TheStreet.com - Design personas, context scenarios and then putting together the overall proposal
• Write up an identity abstract for dot matrix - The team (top secret ;) needs to respond and help shape the vision
• Write an RSS 101 post - As promised last week to the wonderful folk at Kindermusik
• Get Nick Reville the half submitted bounties - I had to give up my volunteer gig managing BountyCounty, but I’ve been behind transferring the remaining emails. Can you see why?

There’s so much more, but I’ve_got_to_focus…

rumor
lies
spin
facts
propaganda
policy
intelligence
jacks
jills
bills
currents
friction
fear
courage
suppression
nixon
bush
tookie
limbaugh
derision
respect
outrage
faith
religion
torture
laughter
humane
sport
(calling a spade a spade and taking no shorts)
listening
learning
responding
iteration
elegance
simplicity
reduction
inspiration
frame
digest
spit it back whole
flame
incense
discerning reality from a cajole
dollars
sense
exchange
provide
music
service
seek
hide
i’m not going down as if i never tried
hidden
blasted
obscene
apparent
flow
journey
knowledge
transparent
partake
imbibe
reveal
subscribe
the dotmatrix is forming
its time has just about arrived