Hi, I'm David Kadavy
Hey there, Steem. I found out about Steem through this post by venture capitalist Fred Wilson, regarding Medium's recent change of model.
I've long worried about the economics of the web. I used to work in Silicon Valley as a product designer, and even tried starting my own companies several times, but I didn't like the advertising model. I'm also a bootstrapper and solopreneur, so I don't like being beholden to investors, either.
Along the way, I became an author. My first book, Design for Hackers, breaks down visual design for engineering-types. I make my money from book royalties, online courses I create, affiliate relationships with other online course builders, and ads on my podcast, Love Your Work.
Lately, I've been writing a lot on Medium. It's been a great place to exercise my thoughts, and I even got paid a bit in their Creative Exchange program. They ended that program, and that's got me thinking about how writers can be rewarded for their work – aside from books, which I still believe have a bright future.
I'm still a fan of traditional publishing, and am in the process of trying to get another book deal, but I'm interested to see new ways that writing and thinking can be rewarded—especially during those long slogs thought experimentation in between books.
As part of my quest to make a living writing, I've moved to Colombia (from the US). The cost-of-living is much lower here, and I can really cultivate focus. There's something about being a foreigner that reduces cognitive load, because you aren't as exposed to advertising in your native language. Plus, the weather is great.
I didn't want to delay in introducing myself. I didn't want to end up lurking endlessly. Here I am, and I'm looking forward to seeing how this community works.
I am also new to Steem. I find your background and knowledge vastly useful in today's world. I am just now getting into technology and the digital/virtual world. I started playing around with technology and online infrastructures as a way to gauge whether I could distinguish real from false... there's a lot of false ads in the internet that look legit! And a lot of real that look bogus. As for your post writing is changing and evolving along with out society. Written word has a certain beauty to it that can't quite be possessed through certain mediums. One thing I got an offer in was handwritten books, where the book was printed out using my own self handwriting for the original work. Hours and hours go into this process because it is so tedious to write elegantly and beautiful both in words and in viewing. It adds another dimension to the text... the authors personality. The tone of your story be grasped by the reader more intensely. I would like to create some kind of media or outlet for writers to pursue this style but do jot possess the computer skills. Full of ideas but no programming background.
commenter + OP = match made in Heaven
What does OP stand for? My best guess would be original post but as I clearly state technology is new for muah. So want to be sure I am reading abbreviations correctly. They have a guide in the medical world of standard approved abbreviations, does such a guide exist for the tech world?
original poster
Thank you, kind sir.
Great idea.. I have mused in the past about a sort of anti-font uprising, the idea of a resurgence of handwritten works in the blockchain-age is intriguing.
Especially intriguing if you know how to write in cursive! They don't teach our kids cursive anymore in the states... my handwriting is somewhere between print and cursive and my children can't read my words. Unless of course I print them out very stereotypical computer times new roman!! It's very sad to me that I can almost write in a secret language they can't read when it's done in their native tongue. Maybe an app that printed in cursive would be a better idea?! That way they can learn "old fashioned writing" as my kids call it.
Just listened to your episode "110. Making Money on STEEM..."
Thanks! I'm a n00b, it was very helpful.
Welcome to Steemit David! Creative people moving to places where the cost of living is low is more common than you think here. I'm not sure if it's the demographic that Steemit has attracted so far or if it's a wider trend that I'm not aware of, but it's something that has struck me as interesting about this place. What I'm saying is, you'll fit right in :P
Fellow AVC reader here. Welcome!
Welcome on board! Lets get in contact :)!
Welcome, David. I think you're gonna love here. I'm fairly new to the platform too, only started in October last year, but I'm hooked. I share consistent parts with you regarding activities: I'm also a solopreneur, I wrote and self-published 10 books on Amazon (the last one being co-launched on Steemit as well) and I plan to move in another part of the world in the near future.
As for your life here on Steemit, take it slowly. The community is still very small, compared with other online places, but it has a very strong dynamic.
I followed you and I'm looking forward to your posts!
Welcome aboard the Steem train! I sure hope your experiences both in the professional realm and personal realm will come to enlighten us with the goodness of your heart. Namaste :)
Welcome to Steemit. If you have any questions feel free to ask in the chat. There is also a site with some useful guides here: https://www.steemithelp.net/
Welcome to steemit, Interesting background! I would be curious about what was your full story on what inspired you to move to columbia! Following you now ^_^