wannabetechgeek

You're not alone. I scan the list of top stories, open new tabs in my browser alternating between source and comments, as many as 10 at a time. I always scan the source first for context but, like others here, generally find that the comments are more interesting.

Thanks sharpn as those are really good points. When I get nervous I tend to talk more, so I'll remember to keep your advice in mind during the phone interview. Also like your last tip. Much appreciated.

That's because users can't customize yet. So while we can write to our hearts content some of us use it as a microblog that complements are primary blog. I ditched WP a while back cuz Posterous was so easy to use. But now I miss the customization and am thinking of going back but using Posterous to post. Still love you guys tho and can't wait for customization!

Timely for me as I'm missing TWTRCON (which costs $600!), but following the Twitter stream as I write this. Yup, conferences are great for networking especially for newbies like myself who don't have existing contacts in the industry. The best way for newbies to go about it though is to find all the free or inexpensive conferences available, or offer to volunteer. At least in the Bay Area, there's no shortage of opportunities. I'm volunteering at two in exchange for attendance, and have another four lined up that are free or under $25. The BarCamp movement and related is great for tech newbies and really speak to unbannable's points above.

Perfect, this is exactly what I need. Thanks so much for this resource!

I don't have a website, just a Posterous blog that doesn't seem relevant to post here. I've created a couple WP blogs and helped out a lot with site design/content for past work roles. It's a great idea to try and do my own thing, if only to at least learn while doing. Thanks.

Yeah, I was thinking about doing this. Starting off with a community college class or two this summer.

Sure you can do it. From 2002-2004, I lived on about that much per month, but it wasn't easy.

-Rent was under $500 - you can still get these prices. Sublet a room in a house with some other young people. - Electricity/internet bill - $35. - Cell phone - $50. - Bring down your bicycle and bike for transport - Free - If you cook every day, and eat mostly vegetarian and rice - not just MSG-infused ramen - you can live on $5 a day - that's $150 for the month. - Give yourself $250 for very infrequent meals out, beers, or BART/Caltrain trips - and surprises.

I'm guessing most of the people who said you can't do it for $1000 never tried. If you have to, you make it work.

Summer's a great time to live in SF for cheap - lots of free outdoor activities. 2 months isn't that long to tough it out. Come back again and enjoy the great city when you hit it big :)

This was a beautiful written and very compelling essay. I enjoyed every word of it and thank HN for sharing this with its readers.

I recently experienced a little dust-up online, where a blogger posted my Tweets and Twitter profile in order to retaliate against me (long story). I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear - shut down my Twitter account, remove my photo from my blog, and change my privacy settings on FB.

After a week, that blog post was buried on the second page and the RTs stopped. Suddenly, I felt comforted by a false sense of anonymity again. Back to my old habits, I guess... but perhaps with a temporarily heightened cautiousness in what I share.

I just quit a lucrative job in Vietnam and will be moving back to the Bay to seek a marketing position with a tech company. Obviously not a good time, I know. But like you, I've found a path I'm excited about pursuing and need to move on and make it happen. It's only been 2 weeks since I quit - and have some plans to travel and live in Vietnam while I begin the job search. Not a bad place to be while you're jobless and seeking! It also works because I'm single and have no debt. I hope my 1 Year post won't include me being broke, i.e., I hope I find a job, but sounds like there may be some more payoff coming to you with Yonkly and the book. Thanks for sharing such a personal story. Good luck!