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blueferret

22 karma · joined April 20, 2023

Tech writer, content developer, website manager (and I work on SEO too). Author of weird/silly fiction novels (at https://thewrongwriter.com ). Collector of odd walking sticks. Scholar of ancient curiosities.
submissionscomments
blueferret··on Small Models Have Arrived
Several exist actually. Try whichllm.app or fitmyllm.com.
blueferret··on Microsoft new Outlook takes 10 seconds to do what Outlook Classic does instantly
At this point I would pay up front (one-time fee) for a Windows email client that rendered fast, worked with multiple account types including Outlook, had a nice simple interface so I can focus on the messages, and didn't have AI stuffed into it. Seems like we just don't have that.
blueferret··on Ask HN: What Are You Working On? (December 2025)
Perhaps a bit off-base, but...I'm writing another novel! It's the long-awaited sequel to this (post-apocalyptic sci-fi if you're curious): https://www.amazon.com/Viscount-2213-Post-Apocalyptic-Surviv...

I've had the idea sitting in my notes for years now. It waited patiently until I could get back to it.

blueferret··on Writerdeck.org
I use an Alphasmart Neo to write my novels. It's incredibly easy to focus with such a machine. If it just had bigger storage capacity and a microSD slot I'd never consider another option.
blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (August 2025)

  Location: Spokane, WA
  Remote: Yes (very familiar with remote productivity, having worked remotely for 7+ years)
  Willing to relocate: No
  Technologies: SEO, Content Management Systems, Documentation Platforms, Content Development Platforms, GitHub, LLMs
  Résumé/CV: https://blueferret.consulting | https://www.linkedin.com/in/omni-wordsmith/
  Email: chris@blue-ferret.com
I'm a content developer and an SEO. I specialize in managing business websites so their owners don't have to. Keeping them content-rich, technically stable, and search-optimized. Looking for a place where my work makes an appreciable difference.
blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (January 2025)

  Location: Spokane, Washington
  Remote: Yes
  Technologies: Content development tools, CMS, SEO tools,  
  Résumé/CV: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omni-wordsmith/
I'm a content Swiss Army knife. If you look under my belt (not that I recommend doing that) you'll find everything from building content strategies to managing websites. Looking for a content strategist or Director of Content role where I can set & follow a good long-term direction.

Email: chris[at]blueferret.consulting

blueferret··on Low Cost Mini PCs
What a great idea! I love checking DiskPrices; the structure does lend well to mini-PCs (another interest of mine). Bookmarking this for my next shouldn't-grab-this-but-price-is-too-good impulse buy.
blueferret··on Show HN: I published a book to save you from my software architecture mistakes
Congratulations on finishing the book! It's never an easy thing to accomplish.
blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (July 2024)

  Location: Washington State
  Remote: Yes
  Willing to relocate: No
  Technologies: CMS, CRM, ESPs, Documentation, SEO, SSGs, AI Tools
  Résumé/CV: https://blueferret.consulting/bfc-content-portfolio/
  Email: in résumé
15+ year content developer, tech writer, and SEO looking to branch out. I'm curious about AI research, ethics, and quality assurance. The rich knowledge base between my ears is ready for its next challenge.
blueferret··on From Infocom to 80 Days: An oral history of text games and interactive fiction
Very first game I played on a computer was Zork 1. Old Commodore 64. I think I still have the disk jacket for it (but not the disk, sadly).
blueferret··on Ask HN: What would you spend your time working on if you didn't need money?
That's easy. Writing books and researching curiosities.

I have dozens of book ideas, from novels to reference volumes. My research would at least partially focus on energy/power generation/storage, and partially on current scientific mysteries in our reality.

Ideally, such work could help enrich humanity. Make the world better in some way. Sadly, unless I win a lottery tomorrow or a wealthy person issues me a grant, some of this work won't get done.

blueferret··on Ask HN: What non-AI products are you working on?
Now this is interesting. I've read about using synthetic DNA for data storage, but other uses surely abound.

I don't suppose you'll need documentation help at some point in the near future...?

blueferret··on Amid explosive demand, America is running out of power
While I agree that it would make a lot of sense, as another user commented, it's too much of a political football. More's the pity. Nuclear is an incredibly useful power generation method. With current tech, it would take much less time to stand up than it used to.
blueferret··on Gem12 Pro Mini PC: Ryzen 7 8845HS, Mini Screen, and OCuLink eGPU
I use a Beelink mini-PC with a Ryzen 7 chip as my main PC. It handles everything I throw at it (not a gamer though). Worst it's been is making a little fan noise and warm to the touch. Never once overheated or made so much noise it bugged me. YMMV.
blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (March 2024)

  Location: Spokane, WA, USA
  Remote: Yes
  Willing to relocate: No
  Technologies: CMS, CRM, Email Service Providers, Documentation, SEO, SSGs
  Résumé/CV:https://blueferret.consulting/bfc-content-portfolio/
  Email: https://veilmail.io/chris
I'm a tech-friendly Communications & Content Manager. 10x better than AI for producing, managing, & promotion quality content.
blueferret··on Ask HN: How many of you are self employed?
I guess I'm partially self-employed, in that I'm reactivating an old/defunct business providing content management & consulting. Still very early on, as I'm figuring out good niches in our AI-enabled world.

I do love seeing threads like this though. All the fun tools & projects people build up.

blueferret··on The absurdity of the return-to-office movement
One of the services my current job provided during COVID was enabling remote work operations for client businesses. They still provide this.

In 2022, they started talking about RTO. Then they tried to enforce it. People quit. They didn't let up.

blueferret··on Show HN: Open-source alternatives to tools You pay for
Impressive work here! Layout's nice & responsive.

Now and then I like looking for alternatives to the apps I use...see if someone's built something better. Happy to add another resource when I do it.

Only thing I'd request to add would be tools for documentation. You have Docusaurus already, but more options exist. I'm sure I could rustle up an idea or two if needed.

blueferret··on Ask HN: What are you passionate about at the moment?
As a fellow "small web" fan, thanks for linking blogs.hn! Great resource; I like it. Will submit mine shortly.
blueferret··on What happened to blogging for the hell of it?
I've blogged on and off for many years. Personal, work, and in between. Maybe it's just me, but I find blogs have a lifespan. There's a period wherein they provide fulfillment as well as value, followed by a period where one or both of those tends to slip away. When both have left, it's time to stop.

Right now my only blog is for my freelance consulting biz (blueferret.consulting). I've debated a Substack for a different project as well...something of a philosophy discussion, wherein I'd clarify a set of ideas out in public. Because I can, and because I think others would enjoy seeing it too.

blueferret··on Ask HN: Freelancer? Seeking freelancer? (October 2023)
SEEKING WORK | Remote (in US PST) | Content Manager/Strategist, Tech Writer

My name's Chris. I specialize in strategizing, writing, and managing content for the technology, industrial, and healthcare industries. I also create documentation for guidance & educating your user base.

My work has enabled Silicon Valley companies to triple in size. To increase their online sales by 2,000%. To cut support queries in half. To 12x their email clickthrough rates. Sound like a good resource to have on call?

PRIMARY SERVICES:

- Content Management: I manage your website and its content operations, while you focus on the dev & building the business. Includes content creation (website copy, blogging, case studies, email marketing).

- Content Strategy: I create content strategies meant to address reader questions, and spur conversions, based on their own psychology. These incorporate into content management as well.

- Technical Writing/Documentation: I've documented everything from SaaS platforms to robotics. Medical technology to support procedures. My docs have spurred software adoptions, prepped thousands of new users, and slashed support ticket volumes.

Email: chris@blue-ferret.com Website: https://blueferret.consulting

blueferret··on Ask HN: Tips for Solopreneur?
Where in the PNW? I'm in the Spokane area; happy to connect. Maybe I can help you out with the endeavor, or just provide encouragement. (And #3, no, it doesn't matter.)
blueferret··on People are starting a lot of fires in the Pacific Northwest
As a PNW local, we're getting hit hard by smoke. Fires have popped up around the region, and smoke also blows in from fires in Idaho & Canada.

We thought we'd escaped this by leaving California!

blueferret··on Companies must stop using Google Analytics
Seems like we have a lot of good GA alternatives on here already. Thought I'd add one: goatcounter.com

Not mine, and I only just started using it. But it's easy to implement, and shows "just enough" analytics data for me. Nice simple option.

blueferret··on Goodreads has no incentive to be good
Four-book author here (will post links if requested). I used GoodReads for years, but kept running into problems with the author tools. Finally stopped when they claimed my latest book - published this year - belonged to another author!

Considering a full-on transfer over to another platform. Thanks for all the recommendations here.

blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (June 2023)
Props to you for your multifaceted skill set! I'm actually looking at camper vans right now...but I'm all the way across the pond.
blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (June 2023)
Location: Spokane, WA

Remote: Yes please!

Willing to relocate: No (unable at this time)

Technologies: Content developer & technical writer; use CMS, docs-as-code, SEO apps

Résumé/CV: See LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-williams-ab49141/), GitHub (https://github.com/redweezul/tech-writing-portfolio), and website (https://blueferret.consulting/).

Email: chris@blue-ferret.com

Hello everyone! I'm actually not a dev; I'm a content developer/manager + technical writer, who enjoys all things technology, and related fields like energy & medtech. Right now I'd like to support devs as a Digital Content Manager or Technical Writer. Open to many industries (and have experience with many industries!).

blueferret··on Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (May 2023)
Location: Spokane, WA

Remote: Yes please!

Willing to relocate: No (unable at this time)

Technologies: Content developer & technical writer; use CMS, docs-as-code, SEO apps

Résumé/CV: See LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-williams-ab49141/), GitHub (https://github.com/redweezul/tech-writing-portfolio). and website (https://blueferret.consulting/).

Email: chris@blue-ferret.com

Hello everyone! I'm actually not a dev; I'm a content developer/manager + technical writer, who enjoys all things technology. Right now I'd like to support devs as a Digital Content Manager or Technical Writer. Open to many industries (and have experience with many industries!).

blueferret··on Ask HN: People who were laid off or quit recently, how are you doing?
Nice! Great position to be in. What's the startup tackling?