Joel’s new year’s resolution is to give up Twitter and Facebook. As usual, his thoughts on why are excellent. I hope this means we’ll see some more action at Joel on Software in the future.

A funny side note about Joel: Many years ago, he was running Fog Creek Software and being quite prolific on his blog. I was managing a software development team and the subjects of his writing were particularly relevant.

One day, I got a call at my office from Joel. We were evaluating one of their products (FogBugz perhaps) and he called to ask some questions about how we were using it. Just a user research call for him, but a big deal for me. I was so floored by getting a phone call from Joel Spolsky that I ran into my boss’s office to tell him. For me, it was like getting a call from Steve Wozniak or Bill Gates–entirely because of what he had shared on his blog over the years.

The events of the last year and the role social media has played in them are causing some to think about where they post their thoughts. I’ve had a love/hate relationship with social media over the years so I’m happy to see a renewed interest in blogging. Matt Mullenweg has gone so far as to say 2018 is the year of blogging.

A few of people I follow have started posting more on their own sites recently. Of note, a former co-worker, Brendan, talks about Steering Clear of the Dumpster Fire that is Twitter. Also, Dave Rupert has started his very own RSS Club, although I’m violating the rules of RSS Club by posting the link here.

Three cheers for blogging & RSS in 2018!!!