Thirteen years as a blogger…
On this day in 2003, after waking up relatively late one February Saturday morning with nothing better to do, I wrote the first couple of entries of what has become my blog, which included a note about Google’s acquisition of Pyra Labs. Does anybody out there remember that?
Within a couple of days, I realized that I was going to have to update it each day. Each. Day. Rain or shine, workday or holiday. Finding the time to do so, whether analyzing the latest tech news or simply sharing my thoughts, became a daily challenge. Leaving aside the question of my obsessive-compulsive personality, it soon became clear that I was up to the task, and that what’s more, I would be able to use much of the material in my classes as a teacher at IE Business School in Madrid, as well as talking about stuff I was already writing about in the media (since returning from California in 2000, I was a regular contributor to a number of Spanish newspapers and magazines). I had created a monster, but there was no turning back.
For a number of years in those early days I would write up to three entries a day, something I certainly couldn’t manage now. In the summer of 2012, IE, seeing the page as part of my job, decided to publish it in English, a decision that has given me more scope to write about international issues, while at the same time requiring longer, more detailed pieces.
I have to say that IE Business School — where I have taught since 1990 — has always respected my choice of topics, giving me complete freedom to write about any subject I consider appropriate: a reflection of its philosophy toward all teaching staff. I should add that the page has increasingly become a vital teaching tool, creating a bridge between my writing and my classes.
Over these 13 lucky years, I have created an invaluable (to me at least!) archive on the evolution of technology during this time, while at the same time attracting a regular readership prepared to take the time to comment on my musings.
During this time, I have come to know many of them, albeit rarely in person, and am able to recognize their style and approach in much the same way I imagine some of my readers will recognize mine. I hope that this conversation will continue: it is a source of inspiration and a mine of information.
Thirteen years. It seems like only yesterday, and I continue to enjoy it as much as that first February Saturday morning. Here’s to another 13 and a big thanks to you all.
(En español, aquí)
