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For a change, I was asked to be part of a new kind of discussion today; new for me. I have always been part of technical/project planning discussions; Not this time though! The discussion turned out to be a deliberation over the different kinds of pricing policies we can adopt for a new web based service part of which is being owned by me!! Hurray!!! :))
It was good to be exposed to the kind of thought process that goes in deciding the same. Specially, the debate over whether to go free or not, & if free, for how long and how to persuade people to move over to the paid version!!
Hmm..I am arriving slowly on the web and enjoying the hoopla around it:)
Monday, September 29
Sunday, September 28
Thar journal!
'was enjoying a lazy sunday morning sleep when my cell started beeping. I was too lazy to get up and take the message. But the cell wouldn't stop beeping.
Eventually I gave up. It was my friend messaging so we could meet. He has taken an interest in photography these days. Seemed a couple of his photography club members had been on a rajasthan tour recently & had arranged for an exhibition of their photoes. Enthusiastic as he was, I couldn't say no & cut my lazy morning short.
It was a good exhibition. They had called it the "Thar Journal". Going by the name, I expected to see a lot of photoes of the desert, the sand and the like. But it turned out totally different. They had mainly focused on people and expressions. A couple of shots were really good.
There were four of them exhibiting. Lucky group, seems they got their entire exhibition sponsored; to the tune of around Rs 70,000. I would like to exhibit mine; Do I have a sponsor?!!! ;)
Some of their shots are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jegadish/sets/72157607075455115/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surendarb/sets/72157606777681232/
Eventually I gave up. It was my friend messaging so we could meet. He has taken an interest in photography these days. Seemed a couple of his photography club members had been on a rajasthan tour recently & had arranged for an exhibition of their photoes. Enthusiastic as he was, I couldn't say no & cut my lazy morning short.
It was a good exhibition. They had called it the "Thar Journal". Going by the name, I expected to see a lot of photoes of the desert, the sand and the like. But it turned out totally different. They had mainly focused on people and expressions. A couple of shots were really good.
There were four of them exhibiting. Lucky group, seems they got their entire exhibition sponsored; to the tune of around Rs 70,000. I would like to exhibit mine; Do I have a sponsor?!!! ;)
Some of their shots are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jegadish/sets/72157607075455115/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/surendarb/sets/72157606777681232/
Tuesday, September 23
On a little thank you note!
"So you are Prasad! I have been looking to meet you.", came a strong voice from behind.
I turned back. There stood a tall, fair person with a friendly smile.
I couldn't recognize who it was. He introduced himself and then we carried on for long on our conversation.
As it turned out, he was Ands from our Canada office. I had communicated with him only once before when I sent a thank you mail appreciating one of his initiatives which had helped me. Little did I know one mail could have him lookout for me when in India.
He is very soft spoken. He had recently shared a few of his thoughts pertaining to a module we are working on. That was in line with what I was looking out for. My mail had encouraged him to do more of the same. He was happy he had an interested audience I guess. It's surprising how a simple thank you note can motivate the best of people. :)
Its true of me too! :)
A couple of mails I got when I left my previous employer, took me by surprise. I got the best of compliments when I left than when I stayed on!! Some of them were from the ones I hardly expected. It's pleasant to read them once in a while :)
I turned back. There stood a tall, fair person with a friendly smile.
I couldn't recognize who it was. He introduced himself and then we carried on for long on our conversation.
As it turned out, he was Ands from our Canada office. I had communicated with him only once before when I sent a thank you mail appreciating one of his initiatives which had helped me. Little did I know one mail could have him lookout for me when in India.
He is very soft spoken. He had recently shared a few of his thoughts pertaining to a module we are working on. That was in line with what I was looking out for. My mail had encouraged him to do more of the same. He was happy he had an interested audience I guess. It's surprising how a simple thank you note can motivate the best of people. :)
Its true of me too! :)
A couple of mails I got when I left my previous employer, took me by surprise. I got the best of compliments when I left than when I stayed on!! Some of them were from the ones I hardly expected. It's pleasant to read them once in a while :)
Monday, September 22
Back in touch with ACD!!
Spoke to ACD after a long time; a couple of years I guess!!
He was my first introduction to being managed at work :). A very good person. & gladly, his voice & reception for me had the same proximity and warmth he had years back before we lost touch.
Some of my own professional traits have been influenced by him. He passed on to me the principle of being objective at workplace. He had an innate ability to get close to people without being too close; just about managing on the right line. That helped him maintain relationships well and remain indifferent to things which would otherwise hurt. He was assertive. In all, he gave me a wonderful start to professional life.
Whoever said the world is small for us not to meet! Thats so true. I just happened to meet a person who works for ACD now & my memories surfaced. 'glad I met that person; If not, wouldn't have spoken to ACD!!
He was my first introduction to being managed at work :). A very good person. & gladly, his voice & reception for me had the same proximity and warmth he had years back before we lost touch.
Some of my own professional traits have been influenced by him. He passed on to me the principle of being objective at workplace. He had an innate ability to get close to people without being too close; just about managing on the right line. That helped him maintain relationships well and remain indifferent to things which would otherwise hurt. He was assertive. In all, he gave me a wonderful start to professional life.
Whoever said the world is small for us not to meet! Thats so true. I just happened to meet a person who works for ACD now & my memories surfaced. 'glad I met that person; If not, wouldn't have spoken to ACD!!
Thursday, September 18
The new cool thing at office!!
We were in for a surprise when we got into the sole conference room we have at our office; something new, & cool at that, was at our disposal :)
'guess what?
An Xbox gaming console. hurray!!! :)
It's awesome. I have never been into computer games. But this one is different. Currently we have "Rock Band" loaded but as one would guess, many in the queue ;)
& "Rock Band" is really enjoyable; especially for ones like me who is not into anything in music apart from listening; ha..ha. It has got a complete drum set(hand & kick pads) with drum sticks and guitar apart from the mic. While I haven't been able to shed my inhibition at singing yet, drumming is very cool.
& no need to mention. With most in office trying their hand at singing and these instruments, we have an orchestra running every evening these days:)
'guess what?
An Xbox gaming console. hurray!!! :)
It's awesome. I have never been into computer games. But this one is different. Currently we have "Rock Band" loaded but as one would guess, many in the queue ;)
& "Rock Band" is really enjoyable; especially for ones like me who is not into anything in music apart from listening; ha..ha. It has got a complete drum set(hand & kick pads) with drum sticks and guitar apart from the mic. While I haven't been able to shed my inhibition at singing yet, drumming is very cool.
& no need to mention. With most in office trying their hand at singing and these instruments, we have an orchestra running every evening these days:)
Tuesday, September 16
A lingering thought!!
It was a mixed day today.
The happy part...
'had a good start to the day as I kickedoff my fortnightly presentations on design patterns to colleagues. It was literally a kick start; such was the fanfare :). The hall was full, 15+ people I suppose. And I enjoyed every second during the course of the 2 hour presentation; more so because I was the presenter and the participation I saw from the group was simply amazing. The group was so happy with the discussions, they have pushed me to schedule the discussions once a week instead of a fortnight. That means more work & preparation on my part; but then, I am happy; Hurray!!!
The sad[contemplative] part...
After the presentation, while I was just about to settle onto my routine,
"buzz..."
"What's up?"
There came a ping across the net from my long time pal.
"The day has started well. Just about to settle onto my routine", I replied.
"How about you?", I asked.
"well!! not so routine :(", came a sad reply after a pause.
& this friend of mine is a strong person & does not generally worry too much. His message told otherwise & I was concerned. Something must have really gone wrong. I called him. He works for an MNC & as he shared, there has been an announcement in his firm that a good thousands of jobs will be cut over a certain period. It was a huge number & my friend was concerned. The uncertainty got the better of him.
Now, what can one do? If it was not for a fortunate near perfect timing, I would have had to see a few friends being asked to move on; in person, at my previous employer. Thank goodness, I didn't have to. It would have been difficult.
But then, that was indeed a good lesson. That helped me reaffirm that my decision to move on was right. The perceptions we carry of a secured job, inspite of all reasons one can quote, are false. Uncertainty & the need of the hour are what stay. One better embrace uncertainty oneself before uncertainty imposes on one. Atleast, one has taken the call for self.
I am sad it has happened to a few of my friends, & now it might to one of my best. But, it is probably okay. It is just a matter of time before they reestablish selves back. Like for example, TL, who landed on a job just last week though after a worrysome two and a half months. It is tough but guess one can't help.
What does all this mean?
While my days could be running under the facade of happy times, I better prepare for what may not come and be ready to accept.
The happy part...
'had a good start to the day as I kickedoff my fortnightly presentations on design patterns to colleagues. It was literally a kick start; such was the fanfare :). The hall was full, 15+ people I suppose. And I enjoyed every second during the course of the 2 hour presentation; more so because I was the presenter and the participation I saw from the group was simply amazing. The group was so happy with the discussions, they have pushed me to schedule the discussions once a week instead of a fortnight. That means more work & preparation on my part; but then, I am happy; Hurray!!!
The sad[contemplative] part...
After the presentation, while I was just about to settle onto my routine,
"buzz..."
"What's up?"
There came a ping across the net from my long time pal.
"The day has started well. Just about to settle onto my routine", I replied.
"How about you?", I asked.
"well!! not so routine :(", came a sad reply after a pause.
& this friend of mine is a strong person & does not generally worry too much. His message told otherwise & I was concerned. Something must have really gone wrong. I called him. He works for an MNC & as he shared, there has been an announcement in his firm that a good thousands of jobs will be cut over a certain period. It was a huge number & my friend was concerned. The uncertainty got the better of him.
Now, what can one do? If it was not for a fortunate near perfect timing, I would have had to see a few friends being asked to move on; in person, at my previous employer. Thank goodness, I didn't have to. It would have been difficult.
But then, that was indeed a good lesson. That helped me reaffirm that my decision to move on was right. The perceptions we carry of a secured job, inspite of all reasons one can quote, are false. Uncertainty & the need of the hour are what stay. One better embrace uncertainty oneself before uncertainty imposes on one. Atleast, one has taken the call for self.
I am sad it has happened to a few of my friends, & now it might to one of my best. But, it is probably okay. It is just a matter of time before they reestablish selves back. Like for example, TL, who landed on a job just last week though after a worrysome two and a half months. It is tough but guess one can't help.
What does all this mean?
While my days could be running under the facade of happy times, I better prepare for what may not come and be ready to accept.
A Creative Ad!
Came across the following citation while taking my daily bite of adware today. Taken out of "Advertizing For Dummies", it talks of an ad placed by a dairy. I chuckled when I first read it. But then, it is very creative. Find for yourself :)
One such ad was a radio spot for BerkeleyFarms, a major Northern California dairy. Instead of creating a straight, consumer-directed ad extolling the virtues of its milk, the company created a recruitment ad for “new employees.” Instead of just telling its audience what superior milk they can take home when they buy the Berkeley Farms brand, a warm, motherly, female voice opens the spot with the wonderful line, “If you’re a cow, I want to tell you about Berkeley Farms — it’s a great place to work.” She goes on to tell any cows who may be listening that they can expect to be fed only the finest hays and grains, which a full-time vet is always on call in case they get sick, that their stalls are always kept clean and tidy, and that they are foolish cows indeed if they chose to work anywhere else.
This spot is a memorable one because it uses a creative twist — talking to the cows, not the consumers — to a great advantage. Hey, if this dairy is good enough for the cows, then it must be good enough for you!
One such ad was a radio spot for BerkeleyFarms, a major Northern California dairy. Instead of creating a straight, consumer-directed ad extolling the virtues of its milk, the company created a recruitment ad for “new employees.” Instead of just telling its audience what superior milk they can take home when they buy the Berkeley Farms brand, a warm, motherly, female voice opens the spot with the wonderful line, “If you’re a cow, I want to tell you about Berkeley Farms — it’s a great place to work.” She goes on to tell any cows who may be listening that they can expect to be fed only the finest hays and grains, which a full-time vet is always on call in case they get sick, that their stalls are always kept clean and tidy, and that they are foolish cows indeed if they chose to work anywhere else.
This spot is a memorable one because it uses a creative twist — talking to the cows, not the consumers — to a great advantage. Hey, if this dairy is good enough for the cows, then it must be good enough for you!
Monday, September 15
A(nother) fruitful day!!
It was a good day today [as usual ;)].
Finished planning the 6 week roadmap of the component I own. 2 months into the new firm, I have developed quite a hold on the code base. Its good to be at ease changing code:)
'was supposed to start on an additional component and slowly own it. Started on it with a bang!! he..he...I mean with a critical bug fix. :)
Finished my part of addressing a wrong hire issue. Fortunately, the way things have turned out, I do not have to regret my decision.
Had a gleeful evening. Went shopping!!
& now, just before calling it a day, I finished my preparations for the presentation and discussions for a design patterns discussions forum i am tasked with. Wonder what made my boss ask me, of all, to do it!! ;) It's now on my calender once a fortnight for the next 3 months to conduct these and ensure all my fellow colleagues share a common understanding of design patterns. 'got to see how it goes. :)
& did I mention? In between, I pitched in my personal project interests and scheduled a meeting with some one over the weekend. If things go well, I will have a partner on it soon:)). If not, at least I would have given a shot at selling my idea to someone; Hurray!!! :)
Finished planning the 6 week roadmap of the component I own. 2 months into the new firm, I have developed quite a hold on the code base. Its good to be at ease changing code:)
'was supposed to start on an additional component and slowly own it. Started on it with a bang!! he..he...I mean with a critical bug fix. :)
Finished my part of addressing a wrong hire issue. Fortunately, the way things have turned out, I do not have to regret my decision.
Had a gleeful evening. Went shopping!!
& now, just before calling it a day, I finished my preparations for the presentation and discussions for a design patterns discussions forum i am tasked with. Wonder what made my boss ask me, of all, to do it!! ;) It's now on my calender once a fortnight for the next 3 months to conduct these and ensure all my fellow colleagues share a common understanding of design patterns. 'got to see how it goes. :)
& did I mention? In between, I pitched in my personal project interests and scheduled a meeting with some one over the weekend. If things go well, I will have a partner on it soon:)). If not, at least I would have given a shot at selling my idea to someone; Hurray!!! :)
Sunday, September 14
Magazines online!!
Hit upon this new web2.0 service today; "mygazines". You read it right. It is mYgazine; for MY maGAZINE I guess :)Looks very interesting to me. I no longer have to go to the public library I used to frequent for most magazines:). It makes available a wonderful lot of printed magazines online for the interested. Also, provides lots of tools around them like email, share, bookmark/tag articles etc for the networked!
They are still in Beta. The UI isn't that smooth & also the site is pretty slow. However, I might still stay put with the site for the kind of magazines it gives me access to:)
Friday, September 12
Onam!
We celebrated Onam.
This year was a welcome change with regard to the celebration of the festival of Onam for me. Onam is a Mallu(sic) festival & I, being a Kannadiga haven't been much into its celebration. That despite being part of a predominantly mallu company for long :).
It was different this year. 'am part of a small firm with people from diverse backgrounds but very enthusiastic. Their energy pulled me as well as an active participant:)
We drew that special Onam rangoli [or whatever they call] with flowers. There were a few surprised faces seeing me, knowing who I am, by the flowers though!! & then, we had the specially arranged Kerala style meals; Onam special!! :)
This year was a welcome change with regard to the celebration of the festival of Onam for me. Onam is a Mallu(sic) festival & I, being a Kannadiga haven't been much into its celebration. That despite being part of a predominantly mallu company for long :).
It was different this year. 'am part of a small firm with people from diverse backgrounds but very enthusiastic. Their energy pulled me as well as an active participant:)
We drew that special Onam rangoli [or whatever they call] with flowers. There were a few surprised faces seeing me, knowing who I am, by the flowers though!! & then, we had the specially arranged Kerala style meals; Onam special!! :)
Tuesday, September 9
What do I do?
It's almost a month!!
I need to draw the line & take a call.
Hmm!! It is so easy making a decision for self. I would have done it in a whisker. I now have to decide something, rather unpleasing, that could affect someone else :(
I have tried my best. Talking to him, trying to help him. But unfortunately, things do not seem getting anywhere. I was appraised, at the beginning only, of the nature of problem this person had & why the firm was rethinking about his services. I was appraised of the efforts put in earlier in that regard too. But then, I didn't want it to happen to a fellow being. May be things could get better. I dared a month's time, much against monition from others, thinking I could change things a little. I have done that before & believed could do it this time too.
But the problem was of a different kind; rather of several kinds. I wonder, why we do not realize the importance of being professional at work. Today's workplace is a demanding one. The expectations are huge; skills (technical & otherwise), aptitude, attitude, passion, ownership in seeing a task to completion to mention a few. We need to realize the importance of results and act. It's for an individual to inculcate these and add value in being part of an organization. Others can only help to a level. Certain skills can be taught; they are only a matter of time. But certain others, mainly the perceptions & attitude, are hard to be changed.
And that is what we are facing with this individual. He comes out too insecure; scared of almost everything & everyone. His lack of confidence affects his interaction with others who, with time, have grown less inclined in helping him. He has his technical & analytical limitations. These limitations are not a problem; we all have limitations; but his indifference to them is the problem. He is so full of sympathy for self, he spends his energy conveying it to others rather than work on what is needed!! He is always submerged in his own problems and hence organizational dependencies on him suffer.
My attempts to get him out of this have yielded little. I am running out of the time I bought for him & am being asked for a decision. As much as I sympathise with him, I need to go rational & decide.
To continue with him or not.
What do I do?
I need to draw the line & take a call.
Hmm!! It is so easy making a decision for self. I would have done it in a whisker. I now have to decide something, rather unpleasing, that could affect someone else :(
I have tried my best. Talking to him, trying to help him. But unfortunately, things do not seem getting anywhere. I was appraised, at the beginning only, of the nature of problem this person had & why the firm was rethinking about his services. I was appraised of the efforts put in earlier in that regard too. But then, I didn't want it to happen to a fellow being. May be things could get better. I dared a month's time, much against monition from others, thinking I could change things a little. I have done that before & believed could do it this time too.
But the problem was of a different kind; rather of several kinds. I wonder, why we do not realize the importance of being professional at work. Today's workplace is a demanding one. The expectations are huge; skills (technical & otherwise), aptitude, attitude, passion, ownership in seeing a task to completion to mention a few. We need to realize the importance of results and act. It's for an individual to inculcate these and add value in being part of an organization. Others can only help to a level. Certain skills can be taught; they are only a matter of time. But certain others, mainly the perceptions & attitude, are hard to be changed.
And that is what we are facing with this individual. He comes out too insecure; scared of almost everything & everyone. His lack of confidence affects his interaction with others who, with time, have grown less inclined in helping him. He has his technical & analytical limitations. These limitations are not a problem; we all have limitations; but his indifference to them is the problem. He is so full of sympathy for self, he spends his energy conveying it to others rather than work on what is needed!! He is always submerged in his own problems and hence organizational dependencies on him suffer.
My attempts to get him out of this have yielded little. I am running out of the time I bought for him & am being asked for a decision. As much as I sympathise with him, I need to go rational & decide.
To continue with him or not.
What do I do?
Sunday, September 7
The helpless station master!
I was returning from my hometown. I usually prefer a bus but had to travel by train this time. Things were okay until an hour into the journey after which the railcar I was in started stinking! It got horrible with time & I couldn't take it. At the next station, I spoke to one of the local officials to do something about it. They asked me to find & complain to a person designated ASF! I was told he will be available in the front railcar! I tracked the length of the train looking for him only in vain!!
I wasn't ready to give up yet. So I hit the station master's office & spoke to the station master. Contradicting my expectations, he was very patient & empathetic. He listened to me willingly. But, then was quick to mention his helplessness in not being able to do something about the situation. He spoke at length on the problem of the newly introduced (system of) contract employees and their attitude to work; about how difficult it was to get them to work & the pain of not having enough authority to take action on them!!
My problem remained unsolved. I chose to move to a different railcar for the rest of the journey. I wonder how so many in that railcar could endure the smell over the period of journey.
Anyway, on poking, the station master handed me an address of the divisional railway manager whom I could write to on the experience and hope to see some remedial action. I will do that & see if at all there is a reply!!!
On side note, this makes me wonder on the way people take their work these days. I have seen similar issues of lacking passion, ownership & willingness in one's work in IT, the field I work in. 'guess the issues are the same everywhere!!!
I wasn't ready to give up yet. So I hit the station master's office & spoke to the station master. Contradicting my expectations, he was very patient & empathetic. He listened to me willingly. But, then was quick to mention his helplessness in not being able to do something about the situation. He spoke at length on the problem of the newly introduced (system of) contract employees and their attitude to work; about how difficult it was to get them to work & the pain of not having enough authority to take action on them!!
My problem remained unsolved. I chose to move to a different railcar for the rest of the journey. I wonder how so many in that railcar could endure the smell over the period of journey.
Anyway, on poking, the station master handed me an address of the divisional railway manager whom I could write to on the experience and hope to see some remedial action. I will do that & see if at all there is a reply!!!
On side note, this makes me wonder on the way people take their work these days. I have seen similar issues of lacking passion, ownership & willingness in one's work in IT, the field I work in. 'guess the issues are the same everywhere!!!
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