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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.
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Entries in writing (10)

Thursday
May272010

Enhancing and beyond

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

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.
Tuesday
Jan192010

Year 2010 Redux, Hiatus

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.

Friday
Dec182009

Art of the Arts.

A “THOUGHT-SKETCH,” a little something to explain why I’ve been so pen and pencil obsessed over the past few days.

I’ve been asked about my love of fine writing instruments and rare paper, and my pursuit of the perfect notebook and pen. Some wonder why it’s so important to me, or what the difference is between a Montblanc fountain pen and a freebie BIC ballpoint. The obvious physical differences aside, I suppose that it’s similar to the differences between a Squarespace or TypePad paid blog, and a freebie Blogger site. 

The significance of art, and its preservation:

Would the Declaration of Independence carry the same significance if it were scribbled on napkins with chalk? 

I doubt that many people ask themselves, or others, this question very often (if ever); however, this is something that I consider regularly. If an artist doesn’t value his or her own work, should anyone else? If a writer doesn’t think that his blog is worth paying for, should you consider it worth reading?

People want to believe that the old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” is followed — and believed — but it isn’t. Our culture has impressed upon us all the importance of aesthetics, advertising and marketing… and we give more credence to the claims of the financially supported (or otherwise famous) than those without similar backing.

I use fine paper to encourage fine writing…

Hopefully, I can create a fine all-around product. If I didn’t believe that I had considerable talent or skill in something, I wouldn’t waste the time or money. I don’t think that everyone should go out and buy $50 notebooks and $1,300 pens… I know that not everyone can afford it. However, there are finer things at a lower-pricepoint. Two-dollar pencils and ten dollar notebooks.

Opening a well-constructed notebook with beautiful paper sets a wonderful tone. Hovering above the page, uncapping a fine writing instrument, my mind becomes enveloped by the significance of the moment, the idea, the message, and my purpose.

I place importance on my work before I even begin, by placing importance on the facilitators of my creations — be it a notebook and pen, pencil and paper, or a computer and blogging service. I like to use products and services created by people who put every ounce of themselves into their craft in hopes of creating a masterwork. Knowing this, I try to do the same.

First, I respect my art. If I won’t, why would anyone?

Friday
Dec042009

Topical leads to seriousness

I’ve been chatting with Daniel — a “student” of mine — while playing some Borderlands (2K Games’ masterwork RPS — role-playing shooter); he’s figured-out, over this year, that his serious interests involve writing. His love of videogames is a natural outlet, and hopefully, writing about games (or for them?) can become a career for him.

As some readers of mine might remember, I’ve wanted to write about games for some time. I dabble in it, from time-to-time, usually at Gamespot. I tried making a dedicated gaming blog, but never could make enough free-time to pick up the necessary momentum to carry the project along.

I might have another chance now… and an opportunity to do things differently.

In discussing videogame reviews, one facet stood apart — particularly interesting to me — the nature of trust. People generally read reviews to accumulate more information, to make a better decision. However, if the reader doesn’t trust the reviewer, the review won’t mean much — that’s if it’s even read!

Why should anyone trust a review? How can we assess whether or not the author shares similar views, has similar tastes?

At the time, I didn’t think of this thought-trajectory as being particularly-profound, but it lead me to new findings, new ideas and concepts. Free-association, mixed with a bit of luck, I suppose. 

I’ve decided on a few fixes; I thought about what makes me trust a review — and the reviewer, what I think when we don’t share the same tastes, and what makes me come back for more. I also thought about Bradloves and Bradtastic.com, and the future. Indeed, 2010 looks like a turn-around year.

Before I get back to work, I thought I’d mention quickly: I’ve been told that I’m hard to shop for, get gifts for. That’s not at all true. At my Links page, I have two wish lists (so far) — each with gifts ranging the gamut. If you don’t have lists of your own, you should think about making one (or five)!

Thursday
Oct152009

Ink Changes Ahead



[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

Tuesday
Sep292009

Superfloo.us Inked — Logo Concept

©2009 Bradtastic Brad Chin. All rights reserved — if you want something, just ask!

Tablet PCs really are a blessing for artists and designers…

Actually, I think that everyone can benefit from Tablet technology — whether or not people know it, or will admit it. The iPhone has proven that touch technology can be truly inspiring and life-changing; and to think, Tablet PCs could have multi-touch and Penabled technology in the same device. That would allow a computer to have all the pinch-zoom goodness of multi-touch and the pressure-sensitivity of Wacom’s pens — the best of both worlds, productivity and art — in harmony.

I wish I could get a new slate; the note-taking benefits from software such as OneNote, illustration with Autodesk’s Sketchbook Pro, and of course, Adobe Creative Suite… all in a sleek, easy to carry/use (for a semi-crippled vampire) form-factor… even if I can’t get inkblogging to work, there’s more than enough work to do to keep me busy. Satisfied.

And to think, if I could get inkblogging to work (possibly with some help!), I could change the world! Well, okay, maybe that’s overstating things just a tad… but right now, that’s how it feels. I’m severely limited at the moment, restrained — tethered, really — by the power cord, because my Fujitsu convertible’s battery (fully charged) runs dry within 25 minutes. In practical terms, I can’t risk using the device unplugged, making it no more mobile than my iMac.

But I can still create art — illustrations, designs — such as the one above. That logo concept is rough, but it brought me to the realization that… I want a logo. A logo designed by me, and probably not vectored. I like the sketched look… so I created another, after coloring the “rough.”

©2009 Bradtastic Brad Chin. “Superfloo.us” Logo, (Superfluous) Colored Version 001, draft.

I could create something for you… just throwing that out there.

After coloring the logo concept, I realized that I didn’t like the design… fundamentally. The style and colors are close, but not exactly what I want. Obviously, this draft is undeveloped — emphasis on rough — so the final version would be shaded more deeply, with richer colors and a presentation much more bold.

I also realized… drawing on the Tablet is fun!

Inkblog or not, expect more art. It might be unrelated to the post, but hey, it livens up the entry, yea? I’d really like to inkblog again, however.

Initially I was going to use Bradtastic Premier for art and design, and blog here about superfluous — perhaps superficial — things… but now, I’m having fun being serious. Seriously. When I went to the Apple Store several days ago to get my iPhone 3GS and Snow Leopard, I met a new sales associate, Armont, and we spoke about my writings and thoughts regarding criminology and the DOC — he was intrigued, naturally.

[Sidenote: we had a miscommunication in the beginning; I had told him that I was entitled to a “business discount” and he tried to look-up “AIS” on the list — and couldn’t find it, because I should have said that I’m a “business customer.”]

Conversation is a powerful tool; each time I discuss my thoughts about recidivism and psychology, I think of something new… generally, a stronger, more-direct way to deliver my information or express my opinions. Ultimately, I believe that “discussing” — blogging — about the things that I write about will make for better books.

Along the way, I can share some sketches.

Hope you enjoy it! Please leave comments or feedback; some people have been generous, getting me things from my Amazon Wishlist (link and widget located on my sidebar), and I’ve been thinking about paying it forward… by giving away some gifts of my own, to lucky website contributors!

I’ll post another Superfluous logo design soon. Stay tuned!

Thursday
Sep242009

The Blog, Bradtastic

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 — importantthe 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

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.

You might also go to Reno, occasionally, and if you’re going soon — good luck!