I thought I’d start this blog out with an introduction of sorts. Hello my name is Christopher (topher) Allen, I’m a Utah Native and I’m the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at a software development company. Although I’ve been in technology for years this is my first blog. So why would I ever want to start a blog? If I were to take Kevin O’Keefe’s advice I wouldn’t. On his own blog post – Stop blogging? Thinking of starting a blog, forget it? he claims the blogosphere is full of marketing campaigns and cut-rate journalists who drown out the authentic voices of amateur wordsmiths. It sounds like a bad idea to show up late to this party, and I’m hopeless at parties. I somehow always show up with a barbeque stain on my shirt and a hole in my pants and usually want to leave as soon as I get there. With that said I am passionate about a few things and my own ego lets me think my opinion and knowledge could be of value to others. I know at least my wife will visit my blog… mostly to find out where the hell I am.
So I’ve heard that it’s a rule of blogging to keep your blog focused on a set of topics you are passionate about, ideas that others might find interesting. With me, if I move past my first passion my family, (I’m sure you would all love another blog about how my kids are better than yours, should be models, and my latest adventures with kid puke) if I move past that…then I’m sincerely passionate about a few things:
1. Gold Systems
This is the software development company that I work for. It’s a crazy place to work, one that often functions like a hippy commune constantly concerned about not just doing the most cost effective, or expedient thing, but doing the “right” thing. This ideology is often in conflict with the challenges of software development – limited funds and a pending deadline. It has also been my experience that it’s a rare approach in our industry. It makes us better. What really makes Gold Systems amazing is that in consulting the only true asset you have, and the thing that makes up the bulk of your company, is your people. You have no product, you have no inventory, all you have is the knowledge in the heads of your staff, and the hours in a day. It’s not an easy way to make a living. The people that work here are amazing and that is why I stay here. We are unique, and we take a unique approach to software development, a topic I’m sure I’ll blog about.
2. LearningZen
LearningZen.com is my third child, well it’s really Gold Systems’ only child. As a consultant, no matter how good things are, you are always 6 months from being out of a job. We have always wanted to build our own service, something we could do on our own terms (not our clients), could be profitable, and most importantly, contributed to the greater good.
LearningZen.com is designed to be a user driven, education based, social media platform…. ok that was a lot of buzz words. To be simple, LearningZen.com is a service that allows any organization or individual the ability to participate in online education by sharing knowledge through online courses and community collaboration. I’m sounding like a sales guy here, but its only because I truly believe the service is of value. Plus, for anyone willing to keep their content public, its 100% free. You can’t beat that. It was built on the dream that bringing knowledge to the masses has been at the beginning of every renaissance and revolution. This initiative is a lot to bite off, but I’d like to share my triumphs, tribulations, and lessons learned. The system is currenly in beta and can be seen at www.learningzen.com
3. Photography and Travel
Maybe this is an attempt to make myself sound a little bit more interesting but I love to travel the world, and I love to capture moments in time with photography. You can see some of my images at www.flickr.com/tophera. I’m no Ansell Adams but photography is a great way to forget about the world and its challenges and focus on a single moment. It gives me peace. My love of travel should put me in good company because it’s the same as everyone else, who doesn’t like to see the world? Don’t be surprised if I put up a few pictures now and again.
Eagle Mountian Utah in Fall
Ok, whew…. I made it through my first blog post, is the party over yet?
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