Open Ais

Just another guy looking for answers

Jonathan Aisenberg

Jul 14, 2017

Alexa, show me the door

A lot has happened since I wrote about leaving Microsoft in 2014. Since then I’ve worked at two start-ups, had two…

In a Snap: Why Snapchat Isn’t Built to Last

Last weekend Snapchat ran its first ad. And while the trailer for the movie Ouija is being heralded as a success, I think it reveals much about the shortcomings of the social network.

Jonathan Aisenberg

Oct 17, 2014

One small boo boo for baby, one giant leap for mankind

Yesterday Lu turned two months old. Do know what present healthy babies get on such a day? They get their first big dose of vaccinations. Not exactly a pizza party, but beats the heck out of polio.

Jonathan Aisenberg

Aug 31, 2014

Dear Lucia

I had been meaning to write to you while you were in your mom’s belly, but you surprised us by coming a little early! Maybe that’s the first lesson — you can’t plan everything, which knowing your genes you’re likely to think you can. But I’m glad you’re here now; I couldn’t wait to meet you either.

Jonathan Aisenberg

Aug 12, 2014

Low Information Density: Why You Should Never Attend a Tufte “Course”

Let me save you $400, 6 hours of your life, and considerable frustration by imparting upon you the key takeaways from the Tufte course I attended here in Seattle last week.

Jonathan Aisenberg

Jul 21, 2014

Entering & Breaking (+Insuring)

I had a great July 4th weekend here in Seattle, spending most of it grilling meat on various roof decks and patios. During one such session, I had a friend pitch me their idea for a new business venture.

Jonathan Aisenberg

Jun 2, 2014

Are you going to keep your windows phone?

There’s no question I get asked more often about leaving Microsoft. Sure, people want to know what start-up culture is like (Ping pong table? Check. Kegerator? Check.) And folks who have never worked at a start-up want to know about how risky an endeavor it…