(This is part of an open ended series of posts where I write down random things I feel are sharable from the years of mailing lists I’ve not caught up on…)

Pardon the fanboy-ism, but few have had as much impact on my thinking as Mike Monteiro. And probably has affected my long-term employability in this tech environment … in the best way possible. I really need to do that ‘gratitude’ series at some point to make people uncomfortable. (Or at least I would be if I was on someone’s list…, but see also How to accept a compliment)

Anyhow, his newsletter is Good News where he answers a reader question a week. There is an archive available at the top right. You should go through the back catalog.

Choice non-context quotes as follows from June 2024 through the end of that year;

  • When someone tells you that your reward is over there, it’s generally because they’re doing something to you over here they don’t want you focusing on.
  • Nah, they’re about to fuck you.
  • Write it like you tell it.
  • ACAB also means All Crows Are Beautiful.
  • “No, that’s new to me! Tell me all about it, it sounds amazing.” “OMG, I’m so excited that you’re about to experience that. You’re gonna love it!”
  • Never walk into a room without knowing why you are there.
  • … you have to honor the deadlines you give yourself.
  • And other than Rob Liefeld, no one is worse at drawing feet than children.
  • What should you get your dog for his birthday? Whatever he fucking wants.
  • There’s very little you can fix about the world at 4:30am.
  • And only a fool passes up a call for adventure.
  • Take a pie. It’ll be amazing.
  • And if someone asks you where the molotov makers are meeting? You don’t know.
  • Help is not coming. You’re already here. I hope you’re ready.
  • Oh, and you’re never finished until you’ve cleaned up the kitchen.
  • Knowing how to forge a note is a great life skill