Wednesday
Jun162010
Website mods.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:14 PM in About Making some changes to this website and a few others…
If you like or admire 37signals, check this out.
WARNING: This website’s content is addictive. Consult your doctor before devoting more than ten hours each day to this blog. After all, it’s supposed to be superfluous… even when it’s not.
Unless otherwise specified, all site content — including images — are owned exclusively by Brad Chin. Please don’t steal art or creative works (including music); it’s someone’s livelihood, and you wouldn’t like your stuff stolen, either!
Please contact me if you would like to commission some art of your own — including writing, advertising/marketing, design, and/or illustration. If you would like to use anything you see here for non-commercial purposes, please let me know first. Thanks!
Entries in blogging (9)
Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:14 PM in About Thursday
May272010
Enhancing and beyond
Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 3:40 AM in Design First, I really wish TypePad or Squarespace would release an iPad-specific app for blogging — Squarespace’s web-UI only partially functions on the device (example: image uploading doesnt work in iPad Safari). I suppose I could use the iPhone app, but I’d lose the iPad’s improved keyboard.
I mention TypePad because, if they were to create a nice iPad app, I’d consider using them for my new Bradtastic site — and possibly suggest the Six Apart service as a new home for AIS. I want to utilize Typekit; at my new Bradtastic site, and possibly in the future, here.
I have a much better idea of what I’m going to write about and share. So much has happened over the past two-weeks; I’ve met amazing people, I’m working on amazing projects, and I’ve felt a bit better physically, too. I am somewhat saddened watching the French Open — I truly loved playing Tennis… I hope someday I’ll be physically able to again.
Bradtastic’s not so superfluous superfloo.us, and print work…
I’m working on some new designs and am carefully — lovingly — crafting a new feel for my “branding.” I do hope you enjoy it.
A glimpse of what’s coming.
iPad reviews, app reviews, my thoughts on Flash and web design, thoughts on typography and design… and most importantly, my 2010 — and what’s beyond.
Monday
Feb222010
Writing During Storms
Monday, February 22, 2010 at 7:24 PM in Tangential I find it easier to write during traditional “bad weather.”
I love a gray sky — let a little rain fall and I’m thrilled. A day like today — sunny, early — sucks… if it stays like this all-day-long, I’ll be bummed.
Oakland, rated best weather in America.
[By both Rand McNally and Parade Magazine]
I find it easier to focus without fire in my eyes. I like staring out across the horizon and into the upper-atmosphere; there’s something soothing about low clouds and darker skies, a hint of relative-safety and a serene sensation.
I suppose, on a day like today, I’ll write a little blog post.
I finally shared some of my book-writing with my parents. If only I could honestly say that the project was “coming along nicely;” writing a book isn’t like math with an exact answer and repeatable solution, and unfortunately, it gets superseded by daily doings and goings-on. Real life often gets in the way — sometimes people get in the way.Not that that’s always a bad thing. Life is filled with countless important people and things, and there just isn’t time for everyone and everything. Choices are made — sacrifices are made… and often, even important things get put-off.
On a day like today, I’ll battle the less-than-favorable weather with some down-and-dirty blogging!
WordPress versus Squarespace, part one.
I switched to Squarespace over one-year ago, and I’m quite satisfied with the service. The customer support is top-notch, and most modifications are a breeze. But it’s not all good — there are glaring and stunning issues making me reconsider the gargantuan beast, WordPress.
Because my blog is more than a hotspot for techies and not everyone reading this will know much about — or even care for — the specifications and details of the software and hardware involved, I’ll skip all of that and get to the meat.
The 500 pound giant.
Squarespace attempts to make their UI (user-interface) elegant, and they’ve succeeded in creating something elegant-looking. Unfortunately, a large-screen with high-resolution is required to really enjoy it. If the issue was only aesthetic, I couldn’t in good conscience complain; Squarespace’s clientele and prospects likely enjoy high-resolution displays, and I have one as well.
However, I also use a netbook (the iPad isn’t out yet!), and on it, Squarespace is practically unusable.
Critical functions are inaccessible on a small screen; Squarespace hasn’t built allowances into their main interface for low-res users, and there’s no backup. I could understand certain elements being off-limits — site-design (graphics) modification would be a good example, or adding new sidebars and widgets — but not being able to compose and post a new blog entry? Frankly, that’s pathetic.
At least Squarespace offers a free iPhone app, though composing an entire blog entry by thumb-tapping isn’t fun.
More to come soon, about WordPress, writing in general… and blogging.
Update on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at 3:02 PM by
Bradtastic
Bradtastic
I’m having some formatting errors… I wrote this post outside of the browser editor and pasted it in, and it won’t display properly. I’m not in the mood to go through and manually recode the damned thing at the moment, so it’s going to stay as it is… for now, anyway.
Ugh… another reason I’m thinking about sticking with WordPress. Not to mention, Scribe looks pretty cool — it’s a SEO Optimization tool for WordPress.
tagged blogging, squarespace, weather, wordpress, writing
blogging, squarespace, weather, wordpress, writing Tuesday
Jan192010
Year 2010 Redux, Hiatus
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 at 8:35 PM in Quickies 2010… is life any different for you? Better, I hope.
Hello everyone. To those of you who don’t follow my Twitter or Facebook (you really should… starting, say, now :-) ?), my departure from online contact probably seemed abrupt — I haven’t posted anything since Christmas. Things have just been busy. Website redesign is tricky with the technology — and disability — that I have.
I’m currently working on several website designs and redesigns — and those are some of the smaller projects. I’m still writing everyday, reading and learning… psychology and sociology, physics and mathematics have been of interest. I’m conceptual-designing; it’s fun, frustrating, and complicated.
My Superfluous Personal Blog (this blog) is going to be revamped, likely with an added column and new art. I just can’t make the time at the moment with more… pressing things to attend to. I need to take a desk apart, and I need to look at moving.
A Tablet PC and iRex Digital Reader 1000S would surely help speed things along. WACOM Active Digitizer screens… and fortunately, many of them are on sale, including Fujitsu Tablets and the older Motion computing LE1700 slate tablets. I’m also looking at digital paper e-book readers: such as the Kindle DX, QUE and B&N nook.
If you’re looking to help and get some credit, support and advertising (along with other services), send me a message. You could end up with lifetime advertising here and at other Bradtastic sites. Contact me for details. I’m also interested in the Alphasmart NEO — they recently lowered the price to $169! It’s a great supplemental tool for any writer.
tagged blogging, e-ink, personal life, technology, web design, writing
blogging, e-ink, personal life, technology, web design, writing Monday
Dec212009
Bradtastic Premier 2010
Monday, December 21, 2009 at 4:32 PM in About 
From the desk and TabletPC of Brad Chin: “Bradtastic 2010” Premier site logo, rough draft. Like I’d really let you see the final thing!
Superfluous? I don’t think so.
This is to let everyone get a glimpse of some of what’s coming. I’m going to move Bradtastic… however, I don’t know what to do with all of that old content. There’s a lot of it that I’d like to keep — but I also like the idea of starting over, fresh, since so much is different.
What do you think?
Please… let me know. Also, please leave a link if you happen to know of a high-quality questionnaire/polling system online. I liked that Livejournal had a system built in; but for many reasons, I’m not going to go back to LJ. Unless they paid me… I suppose a free permanent account would suffice.
About the art and one of my obsessions
I’ve been trying to utilize my Tablet technology as much as possible. Unfortunately, my device is more than five years old now; the battery-life is less than 35 minutes with full-conservation settings, it’s bulky and hot.
My inkblogging has garnered more attention than expected, and I’d like to continue with the format. I think it’s a perfect medium for discussing writing instruments and paper as well. I even have the perfect domain name for such a review site!
I’m still compiling my thoughts on the Levenger Ledgerdomain notebook… I think that it’d be pretty cool to start-off a paper and pens review site with a “Bradtastic Approved Notebooks” feature! (Or is it, “featurrette?”)
Meanwhile… some real-life wondrousness!
In digital-life form — Check out (and add or bookmark) Bradtastic Antipresto for links and images. I post iPhone art, skyline shots, funny stories, and sketchbook glimpses on a regular basis. [Note: if you’re not particularly fond of Antipresto’s DISQUS comments handling and style/theme, rest-assured, neither am I. My tumblr will be modified — improved.]
Wednesday
Nov042009
Fun and iPhone Photos
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 1:16 AM in Play I'm testing a feature of the new Squarespace application, photo upload. I also want to mention, I'm still enjoying Borderlands — and I'm still looking for a regular group to play with. More players = more loot!
Meanwhile, I'm working on organization and workflow optimization, and because of this app (Squarespace for iPhone/iPod touch) and 37signals' new "Haystack," I'm continuing the redesign of Bradtastic Premier.
So far the site has been hard to finish because client work comes first! During moments of rare "free time" (and during on and off illness, in between migraines) I've been inspired by the TV drama, NUMB3RS and the music of Waldeck.
Lastly: I'm giving serious thought toward the migration of AIS-Insurance.com from WordPress to something else. It would be a decent time to move my Brastastic stuff as well. I was wondering if anyone has experience with email-only hosting, TypePad, and/or Jumpchart.
I'm almost always interested in more information.
Update on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 10:10 PM by
Bradtastic
Bradtastic
I tried to add three new photos, to see if they’d still upload sideways. I don’t know what’s going on with this Squarespace iPhone app. Newer posts with single images seem to work without error.
Thursday
Oct152009
Ink Changes Ahead
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 9:09 AM in Ink 
[INK POST HTML TEXT VERSION, with LINKS]
First, thank you for visiting my new blog! It means a lot to me that you take the time to read my handwriting — I know that it’s more time-consuming. I’ve spent almost two years developing this style.
Cult of Ink
There are other inkbloggers out there, and I’m going to add some to my links. My thought is — I’d like to create a colloborative ink project — multiple inkers at one site! At a minimum, I’m going to create a special ink section here, with an “about” and some tips — “how to start ink-blogging.” Which brings me to the next matter at hand…
I’d mentioned at Twitter (@bradtastic) — I’m looking for an inkblog super-sponsor! I can ink more-frequently with a little support, and cover more-serious topics.
I’m offering prominently-placed full-site advertisements, marketing and design, write-ups, reviews, loyal fans and followers — I’ll even send a present!
Last year, I won an Ink Blot Award. Gottabemobile.com is down with my style, plus — I’m Bradtastic — all kinds of cool stuff is coming. 2010 is going to be BIG!
Please let me know if you’re interested — I’ll send to you, your brand or business, the details and all of the information. Future topics include — psychology, deception detection, relationships, business, art, criminology, tech-stuff… fiction and more!
Please subscribe to my RSS FEED — I’m going to post information on new Bradtastic Projects and websites, plus more on the future of Superfloo.us and my new “business” site. I’ve been working on some really cool stuff and I am currently talking to some new, very-interesting people. I’m also putting together new things — super-top-secret (not really) — with longtime associates.
Hugs & Kisses, Love plus high-fives!
Bradtastic
Thursday
Sep242009
The Blog, Bradtastic
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 6:09 PM in About I’m trying to find some balance in life — not always an easy thing to do. In many ways, things are so much better than they were just one-year ago, but there are complications. I’d like to write more, and I’d like to try and make this blog more exciting, and perhaps, more personal.
I often try to avoid writing directly about my thoughts and feelings; when I write about my life, it tends to be about circumstances and happenings. I’d like to post more images and artwork — even if it’s just a doodle or something. I’d also like to start inkblogging again.
The problem is, when I stumble upon free time, I chose to read and relax. My shoulder hurts so much — so much of the time — when I have free moments… I just think, lie down. Not conducive to blogging.
It certainly doesn’t help that I like video games, either… even though I do consider that type of entertainment important.
Well, at least there’s technology.
There’s a lot of new technology — and we’re on the brink of revolutionary changes in computing and entertainment. Glass-less and goggle-free 3D movies, games and TV is right’round the corner — in space time, mere moments away! There are too many mobile phones (this, I don’t understand… iPhone, anyone? Enough said, moving on), tons of portable gaming options… hundreds of notebook computers, desktops and ultra-super-tiny tech toys.
Some of these devices and products are useful — important… the rest are clutter. I’ve been asked about several things in-particular, so I’ll start organizing my thoughts, opinions and ideas into something bloggable to soon share with y’all.
I’m also organizing a few interviews and guest articles about supernatural phenomena, science and magic. At the forefront of my list: hypnosis. Interesting, right?
The “Bradtastic Approved” stamp is about to land on a few more deserving items. I’m still looking into moving Bradtastic Premier and redesigning this site. I’m even considering looking at TypePad again. Last, if you have something interesting to share, let me know. I’m always curious.
Tuesday
Sep152009
First One Back
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 9:01 AM in Thoughts Sometimes an onset creativity, inspiration, and passion doesn’t coincide with “free time.”
And sometimes, there’s illness involved, too… on top of all the normal — more common, rather — incidents and accidents… like automobile breakdowns, bad news about a family member or a friend.
Truthfully, for most people, free time is a myth — and a paradox. Most people claim to “want it,” few people actually have it… and many consider it a badge of honor to “never have any.” Time, the way we commonly measure and refer to it, remains relatively constant for us — the same 24 hours that everyone else has.
But what do we choose to do with it?
Life is a series of choices — sacrifices, really. “Which one of these two things sucks less? That one? Okay, I’ll take it.”
That might be too optimistic of me, actually.
But how many times have you heard — or even said — “I don’t have time for (insert something),” when you meant (and felt) that you just didn’t want to make time for… whatever it is (was)?
Time spent, ne’er to return…
Either way, the past is the past. We can learn from it, change or adapt, but can’t change the past. My *first entry back* was going to be about Tuesday, September 11, 2001. However, after writing a chunk of it, the post didn’t feel right. It was too serious, too important, to screw up.
The “art” of writing is important to me; it’s always on my mind, and when I hear something news or noteworthy I think, “What could I write about this?” Then, usually, I do — I write, by hand, in a journal. I have many now, completed end-to-end. The *finished* (is art ever really “finished?”) journals sit on a high shelf, thanks to Stephanie. She embarked on one helluva crazy effort — trying to bring a semblance of order to my chaos.
Blogging… it’s different, right?
When I’m thinking about blogging (now), I think about what I want to say — what I want to share. I don’t want to share everything that I write, but if I blog about something, well, it’s out there. But that’s not the only difference.
Many of the rules outlined in “The Elements of Style” just don’t apply to blogging — they shouldn’t. It’s definitely audience-specific — tailored, I mean — but I figure, most of the people reading this blog in-particular know me (or know of me) directly somehow…
… so, most of you know that I can write, pretty-darned well, if I mean to. But being a reader myself, when things are “well written,” it often feels a bit like work — taking it in… processing the information. And if the writer is poetic, then there are metaphors, potentially leading to ambiguity.
My intentions… maybe.
I enjoy being a student of human nature — all aspects of it, the good and the bad. There are so many fascinating things in this world alone (and galaxies beyond that!) — I don’t have time for a mere-fraction of it, none of us can take in everything. We have to pick and choose what’s important… what’s important enough.
I studied psychology briefly, before honing in on key areas: deception, manipulation, criminology, attraction… NLP and mentalism are delightful. Hypnosis is a complexity to me, mysterious in ways, still… but I haven’t had the same kind of research time that age has afforded to many of the half-century old Professors who claim to have some kind of a grasp on their chosen field.
Maybe I’ll get there someday… maybe I’ll waste some time. Maybe I’ll waste some of yours.
But… I’d bet we’d enjoy the heck out of it!
Do us all one thing, though: tell the people you care about how much they mean to you. I’d bet that they’d appreciate it.
BTW: I’m going to Reno* soon… and I gamble. You do, too… apparently.
