Live data from Hacker News

So that’s what I’m going to do

notch.tumblr.com

11–20 of 43 posts

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#11
I find it interesting from the point of view that, to me, I assumed he would have at least somewhat internalized how closely he and his work is watched now. The fact that isn't the case is interesting.

I wonder if this will be the lesson that gets him to shift into that last bit of understanding as to what it means to be so watched by the wider world, awaiting your next bit of output.

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#12

I guess that's why book writers used pseudonyms. Suggestion : blueharvester

Eh. There are lots of reasons writers use pseudonyms. Separation of their day to day life from their writing life (one author I can't think of ATM did that because her academic coworkers would look down on the stuff she writes). Keeping writing that would appeal to different audiences easy to differentiate (Seanan McGuire does this, her zombie books are under the name Mira Grant). Searchability (whenever I am ready to publish something this will be my reason because my real name is far too common, winning the SEO war is almost impossible).

Obviously this is the reason Rowling did it with her recently uncovered book, but plenty of other reasons exist to use pseudonyms, both for existing and new writers.

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#13
It's refreshing that someone like him basically speaks out on an issue many if not most of us face. If we had the freedom to work on anything we wanted, I couldn't make my mind up. I'd start working on this side project, probably shortly after switch to that other little idea, then maybe try out this gadget and hook it up to that service and that would keep me going endlessly. I love trying new stuff, figuring things out, hacking them. But turning these things into products is a whole different game.

I deeply feel that very moment he describes, when a fun side project becomes a real duty and you have to work on it because people demand it. If you're without funds or income, it might be your only option, so even if it's not fun, it doesn't matter as long as it might generate income eventually. But once you're past that requirement, these things often stay little side projects that rarely end up being finished.

But these little side projects are basically how I taught myself most of what I know in programming.

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#15
" I really really don’t want to turn into another under delivering visionary game designer."

That's what I like about Notch: He's got a conscience and great self-awareness.

I can find issues with his games but I've always liked the guy and continue to do so. Great success, Notch!

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#18
post #14

>"Back before anyone knew who I was, I used to wanted to make huge games" Glad he didn't want to be an english teacher.

> Glad he didn't want to be an english teacher.

"English" should be capitalized. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#19
A generalized version of one sentiment really, really resonated with me ... "Turns out, what I love doing is personal passion. Not hyping personal passion or trying to sell a lot of copies. I just want to experiment and develop and think and tinker and tweak." What working adult among us hasn't felt this at some point?

Re: So that’s what I’m going to do

#20
Slightly OT:

How addictive is minecraft? It sounds great. But I quit video games a few years back, and don't have good willpower with them.

I work from home as well, so there's no natural limits on my time. But I'd love to try the game in a limited way.

Post reply on HN