Hi, Jonathat. Welcome to the list!
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At 10:24 AM Tuesday 7/11/2006, Gibson Jonathan wrote:
On Jul 11, 2006, at 7:25 AM, Julia Thompson wrote:
Have you considered trying to get a job with a company that writes
architectural software? Seems like that might be a decent
fit. But I understand the appeal of self-employment.
Julia
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Well, thank you for your concern.
I do keep my eye open to these developments and have no great desire
to remain independent, especially now that I have a family to
provide for - but the industry has changed. I have sought roles
like this many times over the years, but truth be known there is not
that much software being developed and few leaders take risks
exploring new products. My own experience of late demonstrates
executives all-too ready to shaft a local team once the design & art
spec reaches working prototype and localization issues established -
shipping the package overseas for completion wins our flag-pin
wearing neo-nobility {guess my bias} Brownie points while leaving
citizens staring at a cut-short project at only 1/3 the budget
expected. It's a real, recurring, problem.
Also, there have been a whole heap of us refugees from the
building/product design world in this sector. The fine technical
line and creative product design aspects of the field made for easy
transitions for many into the computer industry. I don't feel there
is great competition from this quarter, per se, because I always
welcome these kindred spirits. Many prefer the information
architect path & milk big corps for an IT living - there just isn't
that much design software being created as the industry ossifies and
consolidates around fewer products. The whole high-tech consumer
field has shrunk and what little growth that has occurred is
off-shored to India. I was a defense contractor working on security
simulations when 9-11 occurred, but that turmoil froze every budget
{even security-oriented!} until teams simply had to disband ... and
my politics makes for uncomfortable uniformed bosses now in charge
ready to frown on semi-shaved "creative" types. I've weathered
several recessions with ease, but I never thought I should leave the
field until just recently.
I'm more interested in applying myself to niche markets that simply
don't show up on most corporate marketing radar... Games would be my
first choice as this relates to the IP I've been nursing for my
novel, but everything from hobby groups, religious accounting or
retirement home software all can target significant populations, but
fall through mass-market cracks as CEO's keep their eyes on
horizon-sized pieces of pie. I also like this because it keeps
things much more intimately local.
Mostly, we just need the economy to function properly again.
Define "function[ing] properly" . . .
-- Ronn! :)
Ronn Blankenship
Sometime Adjunct Instructor of Astronomy/Planetary Science
University of Montevallo
Montevallo, AL
Disclaimer: Unless specifically stated otherwise, any opinions
contained herein are the personal opinions of the author and do not
represent the official position of the University of Montevallo.
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