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Pat Dryburgh

James Shelley on his recommitment to the open web:

The ultimate value of the Internet is that it is an open network. I want to invest my time and grow my understanding in a dataset I can access, transport, query, and utilize in the future. For me, right now, this means using WordPress to amalgamate my personal “online existence” in a MySQL database that I own, instead of relying on Facebook or Twitter — or whatever the “next things” might be — to host my digital life for me on their terms, under their conditions.

If you follow me online, you may have noticed a decline in the quantity of content I’m publishing. Aside from the occasional reply on Twitter or Instagram photo, almost everything I’ve had to say can be found right here on my blog.

Well, anything I’ve had to say publicly, that is. The vast majority of my writing activity has been invested in the work I’m doing with Ensibuuko. Speaking of which, we’re currently on the lookout for Laravel developers. If you or someone you know is available, let me know!

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When someone asks something of me, I find it very difficult to say no. Sometimes it’s because I genuinely want to help, others because I feel obligated to say yes.

Too many times in my life I’ve let people down by failing to deliver on promises. More often than not, this is not for a lack of trying. It’s usually that I promise more time and energy than I have available.

This recently came up again when a friend introduced me to someone I’ve admired from afar for some time. My friend and this someone invited me to participate in a project they’re working on together and in my excitement to meet this someone, I agreed right away.

I had to send an email to this someone last week to let them know I was pulling out of the project (thankfully, he was forgiving and gracious and extended an invitation to rejoin their efforts if and when my schedule allows). If you’re a designer interested in blockchains and/or the music industry, do get in touch.

This reminder from Jason Fried that the pain of saying no is far less severe than the pain of failing to deliver on a promise strikes home with me. I want to ensure that the things I say yes to align with my ability to deliver.

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Just bought a new notebook to replace the one I filled in Uganda. Went with the charcoal Confidant by Baron Fig because the light gray doesn’t look very nice once it’s dirty and worn. Would love to find a notebook with similar qualities to the Confidant (opens flat, dot grid, sturdy construction) with a more durable cover.

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The Consulate of Canada to Uganda is a disgrace. The desks are full of brochures with web addresses that return 404 or 403 errors (including one asking for feedback regarding my service here), pamphlets for events that took place over 2 years ago, and a Japanese takeout menu. Every school brochure is dated 2016 or earlier. I even found a religious pamphlet for Seventh Day Adventists.

I’ve now been waiting for the Consular to return from her lunch which was to have ended two hours ago. Her office staff can’t reach her and have no idea where she is.

Oh, Canada.

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Today is my last day in Uganda. Tomorrow, I fly to Zambia for a couple weeks, then I’m off to Newfoundland to go camping with my brother.

To say these last four and a half months have been amazing would be an understatement. I will miss the dear friends I’ve made since coming here, but am looking forward to the day when I can visit again.

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