In the ColdFusion world, I’m “the application generation guy” as that is what I write on in the publications, lecture internationally on, and focused the blog on (it is the title of the blog). I got a million page views in my first year just from ColdFusion developers interested in code generation!

Now I’m presenting at ooPSLA, and code generation conferences, that brand is’t sufficiently distinct, so I’m focusing my research on evolution of DSLs which is a narrow enough, yet interesting enough topic to allow me to present academic papers on at top conferences.

I run a website development company, so I’m not sure how much ROI I get from the self-marketing with the code generation world, but it’s fun, so who cares!

My take away: find something your passionate about that just enough other people will be interested in, and focus your blog around your brand. If people who don’t know you can’t describe you in 3-4 words, they won’t describe you at all, and that isn’t good for your brand.

Multiple brands are allowable. Now I’m established in the code gen world, I’m working up a new brand around web marketing and will be presenting to BMA conferences and the like. Who knows, THAT brand may even bring in a little money, as our core business actually sells to marketing managers :->

Best Wishes,
Peter

I like your rule of asking: “Am I ok if my clients read this?”

Thanks again.

If you share an opinion that a potential manager does not like and they don’t hire you, even though you are a good developer, it seems to me that manager is either caught up in politics, or doesn’t want anyone to disagree with him/her…neither of which are traits I would look for in a boss.

And if the manager disagrees with all of your opinions, then you really don’t want to work for him/her.

Not to oversimplify, but unless you are blogging about ridiculous things like how you drink alcohol while you code, or are heavily political and divisive, I don’t see how you could have a huge impact on your ability to get hired.

One of the questions I ask myself before clicking publish is: “Am I ok if my clients read this?”

I have never heard of someone not being hired because of something they said in their blog.

Have you considered that marketing through your web site may actually be detrimental to a potential position or opportunity? What I mean is, the people doing the interviewing now have access to a lot more information about you (as a candidate) then they would if you walked in fresh from a agency placement or recommendation.

If someone doing the interviewing disagrees with one of your blog opinions, it may have an adverse affect. What criteria do you use when posting to help ensure this does not happen? Have you heard of this or seen it happen?

Mark
http://www.sourcekibitzer.org/Bio.ext?sp=l8

Thank you for this very interesting read.

I recently participated in two interviews within my organization for positions outside of my field. It was interesting how both candidates had blogs, which others on the interview panel had read. It seemed a useful tool for those giving the interview to have some background on the candidates technical knowledge and position on issues specific to the field.

In the end I doubt many will ever read my blog or care what I write. But there may come a time when someone will, and that person may actually give me a job or gain some insight from my blog.