Zagaja.com

2012 to 2023 was a decade of massive growth for technology companies. Fueled by low interest rates, aggressive venture capital investments, and a massive surge in pandemic related technology expenditures, there was no limit for the demand for software engineers and adjacent roles. Flush with cash companies did not have to be picky: low performers and folks without productive work could coast on payroll until a use for them arrived. Major layoffs arrived to the industry over a year ago, and now it is easier than ever to find entry to intermediate level software talent.

An abstraction is a mental shortcut. Good abstractions save you the time and effort of learning about something in order to focus on a larger picture. You probably use abstractions all the time. Instead of learning about auto repair you go to a mechanic. It would seem odd to need to conduct diligence against your dentist beyond checking their credentials. Yet in fields without robust supply of providers the abstractions tend to break down. To have a successful procurement you need learn the underlying art and conduct greater diligence.

When I was in law school I was heavily involved in the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Through UCONN’s Innovation Accelerator program I worked with companies looking to build market plans for their product ideas. The goal was to get an investment from an angel investor. On the other end of the spectrum I was a student lawyer in the Intellectual Property clinic, helping secure trademarks and patents for start-ups. I know entrepreneurs, their personality, and the hype cycle that fuels job creation but blinds folks to challenges in creating products and businesses.

In this NBC News report I was surprised to see not only are the number of daily active users of X declining, but for every other social network than Meta mentioned the trend holds. It may seem like social media has been in decline, but now we have some numbers to show it.

I spent Saturday at PAX East 2024 with my wife and a couple friends. PAX East is a gaming convention focused on video games and tabletop and card games. You are free to peruse as you please the panels, expo hall, and different gaming tournaments and play areas. This year I started things off differently with a puzzle room experience that was worth doing. I lined up early to get a spot, I wish they had more of this sort of thing.