Bill Conrad's Blog, page 8

Company Fires 60 Strong Writing Team

I came across this news article:
https://www.techspot.com/news/103535-...
The article stated that a company developed a seasoned writing team to promote their product by writing blog posts. All was good until they laid the writers in favor of an AI generator (like ChatGPT). The only people left were editors who had to tidy up the blog entries, so they looked like a human had written them.
Should I be angry? Hey! They fired a bunch of fellow writers! Not cool! The truth is that this story did not surprise me at all, and I felt no emotion. Why?
A friend (who is not a computer expert) developed ChatGPT scripts to do his entire job. He takes the company’s latest reports and writes blog posts, emails, and tweets. Plus, he spots issues and recommends improvements. ChatGPT allows him to do a day’s work in minutes. And the result? His bosses are very pleased, but he would get fired in a heartbeat if they knew what was going on.
ChatGPT is the perfect program to do what those 60 people were doing. Take boring company junk and turn it into enticing blog posts. The people reading the blog will see the latest company news in an easy-to-read format.
What about those who got fired? I am sure they were creative and talented people who were proud of their words. They had families dependent on their income, and I know these writers were angry for being laid off. Yet, this is not the first time a new technology has led to job loss.
I recall a story by my former coworker who passed away in the mid-90s. She was an incredibly talented database programmer hired to upgrade a large retail store chain’s inventory/ordering/payroll/accounting system. This contract job replaced giant mainframes with smaller but more powerful modern software and hardware. She developed a relational database and Windows program that allows quick interaction. Her system replaced a vastly outdated text file database and thousands of dumb terminals.
This effort took six months, and the results were fantastic for the employees, customers, and company profit. Yet, before the upgrade, the company had a four-story building with 120 employees, several mainframes, and one entire floor dedicated to nine-track tapes. (Remember those “high tech” computer scenes in old movies where the two tapes spun back and forth? They are nine-tracks.) Imagine the size of their electricity bill.
The entire building was replaced with a single programmer (to maintain the system and add features) and a single modern server. I am sure those 120 people were spitting nails upset at losing their jobs. This speech from the excellent movie “Other People’s Money” sums up their situation:
https://www.americanrhetoric.com/Movi...
Could these employees see layoffs coming? The 2015 documentary “All Things Must Pass” described the downfall of Tower Records. Nobody at Tower saw a future where people could download music, yet the millions of people downloading music certainly saw the future.
If the Tower Records employees or management had applied any effort, they could have predicted their job loss. “Hey, look at this. People can download music. Time to update my resume.”
Well, what about me? Programs like ChatGPT are getting more powerful every day. You know my book, Interviewing Immortality? (Please download a copy!) I bet if you gave ChatGPT the summary, it could write a story just as well. Girrr. I must admit, this is a true statement.
Want proof? I have read several books that were clearly written with ChatGPT, and here are two examples:
ChatGPT for Writers by Saif Hussaini
AI Mastery Trilogy by Andrew Hinton
What ticked me off was that in the book summary/blurb, the author made no mention that ChatGPT wrote their creation. I have seen enough ChatGPT-generated content to recognize its writing style and have a spoiler alert. You will soon have the same magical ability. Want proof?
Way back when books were not printed, scribes copied them. Then, the printing press was invented. The result was unflattering because printed letters were square and not created by humans. Boo! Try harder. Then, the typewriter was invented. If you received a letter, it was clear that it was not printed; a typewriter made it. Boo! I want the neatness of a printing press.
Then, the computer was invented, and people wrote letters using a word processor and printer. Boo! Look right here. The font changed. I want to read a letter created on a typewriter.
ChatGPT has already invaded our lives. Are you talking/emailing/chatting with a real person? ChatGPT or some other AI is taking your fast-food orders, calling you on the phone, answering your technical questions, providing limitless entertainment, or conning you out of your hard-earned money.
Yet, I remind you that this is just the beginning. Remember the invention of the IBM PC in the late 70s? Yes, there were many issues, but with some developments, we now have today’s astounding smartphones, gaming PCs, internet service providers, and thousands of AI computers chugging away.
We figured out the IBM PC and will figure out ChatGPT. This means that, like in the 20s, when people figured out they were reading a typed letter, people will learn to recognize when they are not interacting with a human.
Will those 60 people be hired back? Probably not, but the arm will swing the other way. The company that fired those 60 people will soon have upset customers. “This blog is pure AI. I’m not shopping here.”
What does it all mean? If you see a future where AI will take your job, it might be time to update your resume. Also, it is now essential to recognize AI-generated content. Fortunately, I will be here to provide you with AI-free content.
PS, I got a spam message today for a service that uses AI to generate blogs. “100% original content” It made me laugh.

You’re the best -Bill
July 17, 2024

My Writer’s Block Solution

Writer’s block is when a writer cannot invent a topic to put to paper. Since I began my adventure, I have never seriously faced this issue. Why? Before I wrote my first book, I had been thinking about the story for 20+ years. I thoroughly understood the plot and did not get hung up during the writing process. I even had enough mental material for the next book in the series.
Yet… My first three books were dumpster fires, which needed severe editing. Fortunately, I discovered outlines before writing my fourth book. This saved me months of editing and vastly improved the quality.
Everything (except marketing) went fine until I got to my eighth and ninth books. They are stuck at the outline stage. For the first time, I am having difficulty creating a basic story. The heart of the matter is that I know the general plot, but the specifics connecting the core concept are nonexistent. I believe this problem is indeed writer’s block.
I have tried three different methods to jog my creative juices. My first idea was to ignore the outline for a week and then confront it. Over time, this procedure vetted some issues, but the core problem remained. My next idea was to talk to my mother (my beta reader) and two fellow authors about the plot. This discussion teased out some good ideas, but I was still stuck. My third idea was to start over with a clean outline. I boldly did this three times, and this technique was the most successful, but I was still stuck.
My core issue remains. I know the basic plot, but there are big holes. I researched what other authors do to overcome writer’s block for this article. The helpful websites suggested scheduling writing time, reading, exercising, forcing writing, and accepting flawed work. Another website recommended talking to a fellow author and using existing material as a starting point.
Girrr. I have learned the hard way never to force myself to write. My life has always had a strict schedule with time set aside for writing, and I do not accept flawed work. Now what? Time to try something new.
A week ago, inspiration hit. ChatGPT. Wait, wait. It’s not what you think. In addition to outlines, I also have developed brief character biographies. So, I wrote ChatGPT, “This is a character biography for Kim (insert). She has problem X. List ways to solve X.” The results were unsatisfying, so I typed, “retry.” It only took three retries to find something that was interesting. Then, I asked ChatGPT to expand that concept. Next, I asked ChatGPT to recommend obstacles for my characters and situations they might encounter.
The experience felt like speaking with a con artist. ChatGPT was trying its best to generate something that would entice me. This feels like talking to a con artist (an expert BS generator). ChatGPT rarely creates something with substance, but every result sounds impressive.
Generator is the perfect word to describe ChatGPT. For example, only so many situations make a person angry. Betrayal, loss, failure… ChatGPT has a database of these situations and connects them with other database parts. Anger caused Kim stress, so she walked around her neighborhood to think about the issue. A failed business caused Kim’s heartache, and she solved it by starting a new business.
ChatGPT provided many ideas, and I plugged them into my outline. It took a week to make my outline for both books strong enough to analyze. I estimate that in 2 months, I will have the confidence to write a first draft.
Important side note: I do not use ChatGPT for writing. Why? Using an AI program to write is not the point. My writing is my writing. Yes, my creations have flaws, but they are from my heart.
Well, is it fair to use a ChatGPT-generated plot? I do not look at the situation this way. I like to think of it as talking to a patient person about my plot with the intent of getting ideas. Also, I did not ask ChatGPT to invent a plot. “Tell me a story about unicorns.” I feel this kind of generated inspiration would be crossing an ethical line. Alright, truth. If I tried that and ChatGPT came up with a better plot than what I was capable of, I would feel defeated.
I suppose I have created a new method for tackling writer’s block. It may not apply to everyone, but I hope my idea will help a few writers develop something wonderful.

You’re the best -Bill
July 10, 2024

Anger Inspires, Exercise Expands, Sleep Mulls, and Writing Vets

My family has had 1,000 watts of drama over the last months, but I do not wish to share my chaotic details because I am a private person. Umm, truth. I really want to share this mess and would value your input. Alright, alright. You deserve a hint. Borderline Personality Disorder. If you know somebody who suffers from this malady, you know how much destruction it causes.
The drama caused many painful emotions, angry thoughts and serious courses of action. It has caused multiple sleepless nights because my mind would not let the problems go. Anger was chief among my feelings and I was surprised how many great story ideas I developed during my angry thought process. Fortunately, I have learned to have a notepad handy and recorded many ideas, including eight article concepts, an entire chapter for an upcoming book and two short story ideas.
My idea for this article was to share my ideas and evaluate them, but as I looked at the chaos I reordered, it occurred to me that the ideas were not that great. But way? I decided to figure out what was going on.
I have always been a creative person and have had many great ideas over my lifetime. My highest periods of creativity occur when I exercise, go to sleep, and write. The more I thought about these specific activities, the more I realized they inspired different kinds and levels of creativity. Here is what I have learned about myself.
I used to think I got my best inspiration during bike rides and hikes. When I exercise, I let my mind drift while I explore nature and work my muscles. I am sure that during this time, my circulation improves, sweat expels things my body does not need, and my mind works at peak effectiveness. Why? Coordinating one’s feet during a hike or moving the handlebars on terrain is mentally challenging. Yet, this activity does not require pure mental power; it uses muscle memory. I equate this in computer terms when a graphics card does most calculations while the main processor acts like a symphony conductor.
I do not always get new ideas during my exercise, but I do think about many topics. Going along the trail is a perfect setting to identify, explore, and solve problems. Now, I save up problems for when I exercise and have found many great solutions. Yet my new article/plot ideas are unfocused (lofty), and only 30% are suitable for being written up.
Right before I go to sleep, I always think about my stories. This includes reviewing the plot, imagining the characters in situations, and devising book marketing solutions. I have concluded that my creative output is poor during this time.
Yet pre-sleep provides the perfect environment for getting comfortable with my plots and characters. This time allows me to develop details, connect ideas, and take pride in my creation. The result of my effort shines when I use my outline to write the story. I occasionally solve problems or develop something new, but it is rare. Also, as I am falling asleep, I often forget to record my ideas.
When I write, my creativity is cold and direct. My core focus is to evaluate the present sentence and, once satisfied, create the next. When I get stuck, I briefly distract myself or change locations to joggle my creativity. While writing or editing, I rarely get big ideas or solve big problems. Instead, I focus on grammar, flow, motive, and logic. Still, it feels good when I fix a flaw or have a creative moment.
To further define this time, I have an example. If a person asked me to sit down and write a story about unicorns, I would be lost. I might be able to develop a unicorn story during a bike ride, but it would not be significant. Yet, I know when I could think up a fantastic story about unicorns.
When I get angry, my creative output is raw and never-ending. I am sure the adrenaline is pumping through my veins, and my fight-or-flight mechanism is at full power. The result is a nuclear cluster bomb of thoughts, ideas, courses of action, and feelings.
When I calm down and evaluate my creations, I find them out of the box, illogical, uncompromising, and wacky. I estimate that 20% of this mess is helpful. Yet, the few gems certainly qualify as creative.
Of course, there is a problem with anger-inspired ideas. Being upset is not desirable, and I certainly do not wish to get angry for the intent of writing. Yet… I value this time, and when I am not angrily thinking about my core issue, I use this time to develop story ideas.
This article vetted many issues. I now know what to expect when I think about problems. I also know creativity is complex and inconsistent. Hey, that’s a creative conclusion.

You’re the best -Bill
July 03, 2024

Hey, book lovers, I published four. Please check them out:
Interviewing Immortality. A dramatic first-person psychological thriller that weaves a tale of intrigue, suspense, and self-confrontation.
Pushed to the Edge of Survival. A drama, romance, and science fiction story about two unlikely people surviving a shipwreck and living with the consequences.
Cable Ties. A slow-burn political thriller that reflects the realities of modern intelligence, law enforcement, department cooperation, and international politics.
Saving Immortality. Continuing in the first-person psychological thriller genre, James Kimble searches for his former captor to answer his life’s questions.
These books are available in softcover on Amazon and in eBook format everywhere.

The Bradley Bridge Exchange

In the late ‘80s, the internet became mainstream. Why? Suddenly, people from all walks of life could connect, communicate, and share thoughts, services, and data. It was all digital, fast, and universal.
Besides email, the most powerful asset in this early digital age was Usenet. Think of it like a bulletin board where people could post messages and read those posts. Popular topics included Star Trek, programming, politics, religion, computers, games, and sports. The technology even spawned new terms: flaming, flame war, troll, cross-posting, sock puppet account, and Godwin’s law.
Because it was so popular, non-technical people began participating, which added to the diversity. Later, a graphical interface (web browser) was applied, which spawned sites that overtook the clunky text-based Usenet, causing it to fade into obscurity.
In the early ‘90s, I spent at least an hour per day reading Usenet posts. I learned a vast amount about computers, life, and electronics. But it was not all serious topics. One of my favorite groups was rec.humor.funny. The idea was that a person would send jokes to the moderator, who would post the best ones. It was quite prestigious to have one of your jokes selected, and I worked for hours to write them. I thought it would be interesting to examine the two of them.
The inspiration for my first joke came from a collector plate commercial. One of my roommates commented on how tacky the announcer sounded, and I parodied it with a new commercial that sold bridges instead of plates. He was rolling on the floor with laughter, and I was inspired to write a joke. Here is the original without edits:

The most respected name in bridge sale is about to present an offer that no self respecting bridge collector can ignore. The Bradley Bridge Exchange is proud to introduce the Commemorative Bridge Series. Even if you have never collected bridges before this unique investment opportunity should interest you.
The Bradley Bridge Exchange has been selling quality collectable bridges for fifty years. Now through this once in a lifetime Internet offer, you can purchase famous bridges.
Think about it, EVERYONE needs bridges: to go to work, walk across, jump from, get mugged under and to throw rocks from.
Not all bridges go up in value, the Bradley Bridge Exchange guarantees that your own personalized bridge will retain its minimum value for at least one full year.
The famous Golden Gate Bridge was originally offered through The Bradley Bridge Exchange for a mere 35 dollars. In the 57 times it has since been re-sold, its value has increased to an astounding 10 million dollars! No other LEGAL investment could give that kind of return so quickly.
Look at the fine craftsmanship of this early American George Washington Bridge: Note the detail in the rust, the unique “yO maMa” mural which captures the American dream and the fine cracked metal work in these steel supports. You will not find any composites or reinforced concrete here.
1) Bridges are not owned by the city, state or country. Bridges are owned by the contractors that build them. They are then purchased by the Bradley Bridge Exchange.
2) Top investors say that bridges are a solid investment with underlying liquid assets.
3) In addition to the potential of increasing of the physical value, bridges can actually generate INCOME through the use of tolls.
4) Not only am I an owner of a bridge I am also a user!
5) Insurance is un-necessary. There has never been a theft of a major bridge in the history of The Bradley Bridge Exchange.
6) Bridges also make useful homes for transients which will make you appear in good standing in your community.
Act now while prices remain low. The Bradley Bridge Exchange WILL destroy all bridge molds for the above mentioned Washington Bridge with in a period of 30 Days. The first 100 bridges sold will receive 25 toll free suicide hot line signs at no additional cost. All mailers will receive The Bradley Bridge Exchange’s guide to purchasing tunnels and national parks at no additional cost.
Please E-Mail us directly at BBE@cash.be.ours with your credit card number. System operators are standing by.

Looking back on my creation, it still has a certain charm. I am proud of my early creation. Yet… There is massive room for grammatical and content improvements. “Underlying liquid assets” Still cracks me up.

This is another joke I posted:
Top Ten Rejected X Files Scripts
1) Title: “C. Brown”
Summery: Fox and Dana stake out a pumpkin patch waiting for a reported floating orange figure which only appears in the presence of a certain bald headed child.
2) Title: “Just a movie?”
Summery: Fox uncovers the secret alien past of the “Stargate Ancient Egyptian Remote Planet Tours and Themepark” through the cryptic hieroglyphics found on ancient bathroom walls.
3) Title: “Trouble in isle 10”
Summery: Aliens make large public landing in the ‘Target’ department store parking with the intention of shopping early before the Christmas rush. Guest star: Rossane Arnold.
4) Title: “Bay view” (Part 1/2)
Summery: Fox and Dana are called to investigate a California beach where everything is clearly not natural. This is a two part episode which cliffhangs with Dana barley escaping the charm of the head lifeguard.
5) Title: “Time 9:02.10” (Part 2/2)
Summery: This is the second part of a two part episode. Fox and Dana find the source of the unnatural events which are emanating from a high school that only produces picture perfect students.
6) Title: “Vipers in the sky”
Summery: Fox plays an April fools joke on Dana by trying to convince her that his not-so-super secret FBI person ‘leaked’ information about the television program Battle Star Galactia and its
factual past.
7) Title: “Area 51”
Summery: A top secret military base once thought to contain captured alien spacecraft and experimental planes to actually be a place for ‘Northwest’ pilots to discretely land and get plastered.
8) Title: “The X files Christmas special”
Summery: Fox and Dana witness a graphic “tail hook” type Christmas party where all traces of are which are covered-up in military fashon.
9) Title: “Psychic friends”
Summery: Certain 900 numbers which had been previously classified for entertainment purposes only are actually the real thing.
10) Title: “X Windows”
Summery: A node (borge.big.cube.mil) [on the now Politically Correct Internet] is uncovered by Fox to actually be run by aliens spying on our every move.
“The source (code) is out there...”

“Summery” “military fashon” Yeah… Some big issues. And yet, over a million people read my joke—such simple times.
It is fun to look at our past work. It proves that we used to have great talent and are now even better. Yet, I no longer spend time writing jokes because I have moved on to different challenges. I miss that activity and will try to write down a joke or two. Stay tuned.

You’re the best -Bill
June 26, 2024

ALL CAPITAL TITLES

Book titles capture what a book is about. Their purpose is to break down potential reader’s resistance so they will open their wallets and hand over hard-earned money. This means that, at the core, the title is an advertisement.
How does this work? Depending on the book, titles can be clever, friendly, outrageous, or welcoming. However, their overall goal is to entice a sale. “Dear reader. You are going to love my book. Sit down and take a load off. Now, flip to the first page and enjoy my story.”
Well… Some authors have not received the friendly title message. There is a new trend of using all capital letters in a title. What is the purpose of writing in capital letters? It is to emphasize words as if they were being shouted. I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO THIS!!! I suppose in a limited instance, having all capital letters does have merit for shocking titles. “AIRPLANE DISASTERS” “ROMANTIC FAILURES” “WORST MISTAKES IN HISTORY”
Note: An unwritten rule is that the title should have all capital letters on the cover. This makes a bold statement to entice readers. This is the time for an author to be confident.
The problem occurs in websites that sell books and search engines. Authors capitalize their titles to distinguish themselves. They even capitalize their names. The result reads too heavy-handed. It is like those annoying television commercials where the car dealer yells at the top of their lungs to buy a used car. Our reaction is to change the channel quickly.
To show you what I am referring to, I copied several titles with their authors listed on Amazon:

THE ULTIMATE PERSONAL FINANCE GUIDE FOR TEENS: LEARN THE SECRETS OF MONEY MANAGEMENT TO BECOME WEALTHY AND LIVE A STRESS - FREE LIFE by CARLOS A. DAVILA
WE ARE NOT IMPOSTORS!: HOW TO IDENTIFY, MANAGE, AND OVERCOME IMPOSTOR SYNDROME AS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN by JT BLACKWELL
JUST FIREWORKS : A Child’s memories of a war-torn Lebanon by Nader Barrak
HOW TO TALK TO ANYONE: Unlock Conversational Excellence: Transform Your Communication, Speak with Confidence, Connect Effortlessly, and Navigate Social Landscapes with Charismatic Grace by Rowan Becket
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE: SURVIVING WITH YOUR CHILDREN by Bridget Michaels
SCREWED-UP: BREAKING CHAINS FROM NARCISSISM: Know your Worth and break the toxic bond from a narcissist!! by Hayde Miller
VAGABOND by ATHANG RATHOD
FAYTHE OF NORTH HINKAPEE: The Saga of a Young Woman’s Quest for Justice and Love in Colonial America by James T. Hogg
INTERESTING FACTS For GENIUS MINDS: 1492 Entertaining Trivia & Facts For All Ages 8+ by Natalie Larsen
THE LITTLE BRAZILLIAN COOKBOOK by Cristina Ripley

Why is a cookbook yelling at me? Why are interesting facts shouting? Did they lose a bet?
Authors capitalizing their names? We are supposed to be a friendly bunch. “Hey, there. You seem like a great person. Why don’t you read one of my books.” The last thing a reader wants is an arrogant JERK of an author screeching at the top of their lungs, “DON’T YOU DARE READ MY BOOK! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!”
I suppose my rant about capital letters will not turn too many heads. So… What am I hoping to accomplish? If an author reads this article, please keep your readers in mind. I know it isn’t easy to stand out, but capitalizing your title is a step too far. THANKS FOR READING THIS.

You’re the best -Bill
June 05, 2024

Long Book Titles

Some of my favorite books are: “The Graveyard Book” “The Counterfeit Agent” “700 Sundays” “Hunt for the Red October” “The Pillars of the Earth” “Call of the Wild” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” “Cryptonomicon” “The Last Lecture” and “Neverwhere.” These titles are straightforward, simple, and compelling. Yet…
It seems there is a new trend. Titles have exploded into multi-sentence sagas. It is like those ‘70s cars that, after you turned off the engine, they keep running (dieseling). To give you an idea of the problem, I went to Amazon and copied this:

Taking Charge Of Your Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Overcoming GAD, Panic Attacks, Social Anxiety, Phobias, OCD, and PTSD with Neuroscience, CBT, and Lifestyle
The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online has never been this EASY (Updated for GPT-4) (Chat GPT and Generative AI Mastery Series)
ChatGPT for Nonfiction Authors: How to Use ChatGPT to Write Better, Faster, and More Effectively (Tips that help you generate ideas, research topics, and maximize your productivity; GPT-4 Update)
Texting Mr. Mafia: Curvy Girl, Age Gap Romance (Texting the Marino Mafia Book 1)
Always You: A Billionaire Romance, Cinderella Retelling Romance Standalone (It Was Always You)
Corporate Finance: The Ultimate Guide to Financial Reporting, Business Valuation, Risk Management, Financial Management, and Financial Statements
52 Smart Habits to Manage Your Money and Grow Wealth: Discover How to Improve Your Finances in 10 Minutes a Day (Smart 10-Minute Habits for a Better Life Book 2)
Money On Autopilot: 7 Simple Strategies to Achieve Financial Freedom. A Financial Literacy Book to Maximize Your Income and Live the Life of Abundance.
Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering (Beyond Suffering Book 1)
Money Skills For Teens & Young Adults You Won’t Learn in School: 8 Simple Ways to Manage Money, Start a Side-Hustle, Create a Positive Financial Mindset & Learn Lit Money-Making & Job-hunting Ideas
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and ... (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)
Canning Meat Cookbook for Beginners: USDA & NCHFP Approved Recipes for Preppers, Homestead, Dummies and Beyond - Enjoy 1500+ Days of Flavorful Meal Storage at Home with Pressure Mastery
Unleashing the Power Within: Mastering Your Mind and Defying All Odds on Your Journey Through Life (Self Help Books For Men and Women, Relationships, Anger Management and Emotions)
Die With a Smile: Spiritual Laws of Success (The Uncensored Guide to Practicing Spirituality without Religion: Transcending the Ego, Finding Inner Peace)
Women’s Role in World Religions: Comparative Religion: Exploring the Historical and Contemporary Role of Women in Major Religious Traditions
Her Cowboy’s Reluctant Heart: A Sweet Western Romance Novel (Cowboy Brothers of Hart’s Ridge Ranch Book 1)
AI Entrepreneur’s Handbook: Build a Profitable Business and Make Money by Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence (Includes 150+ ChatGPT prompts to turbocharge your business)
Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior and How to Effectively Communicate with Each in Business (and in Life) (The Surrounded by Idiots Series)
Expecting Better: Why the Conventional Pregnancy Wisdom Is Wrong--and What You Really Need to Know (The ParentData Series Book 1)

What is going on? The authors include the book description in the title, which results in too much information. Like:
ChatGPT for Nonfiction Authors: How to Use ChatGPT to Write Better, Faster, and More Effectively (Tips that help you generate ideas, research topics, and maximize your productivity; GPT-4 Update)
If this were any longer, we would not need to buy it. Hey, ChatGPT. Please simplify this title. “ChatGPT for Nonfiction Authors” Great job!
The other issue is that the titles do not make grammatical sense:
Self Help Books For Men and Women, Relationships, Anger Management and Emotions
That is (almost) a sentence, but where is the period?
I suppose all media goes through changes. In the ’50-60s westerns were all the rage: Bonza, The Rifleman, Wagon Train, and Death Valley Days. That trend died out in the ‘70s and is again becoming popular with programs like Yellowstone. I guess people like what they like, which means long titles are what is in. Should I follow this trend?
Interviewing Immortality: The story of a 500-year-old woman who forces an author to record her story: Book one in the Immortality series: The first book I wrote: It is worth reading: My mother even likes it (Have you seen how much groceries cost? Yeah, please buy this book)

You’re the best -Bill
May 29, 2024

My 19.5 Worst Interviews

My first Electrical Engineering job interview occurred in 1993, and I have mostly worked full-time ever since. I thought it would be interesting (therapy replacement) to write up my five worst job interviews. Turns out… This adventure ballooned to 19.5 fun-filled trips down painful memory lane. Yeah… Lots of therapy.
The whole point of an interview is to see if the candidate is a good fit for the job. This process seems straightforward, but interviewers get wrapped up in side tangents, politics, and ulterior agendas. Interviewers sometimes (always) forget that the process is a two-way street, and the candidate is looking to see if the company is a good place to work. The following is an examination of what can go wrong.

1) About five years ago, I interviewed at Clear Com, who makes intercoms for the entertainment industry. The interview started well with friendly chit-chat. While speaking, I noticed a “company move schedule” on the whiteboard. “Is the company moving?” “Yes, we are moving the entire operation to Orange County. (A 90-minute drive on a good day. The topic of Orange County will appear a few times in this article.) The details are on our website.” “And you did not think to include this information in the job description?” My interview lasted five minutes. Later, I searched their website and did not find a single mention of the move. What a waste of time.

2) Eight years ago, I interviewed with a division of General Atomics, and I recall the position had something to do with communications. I entered the conference room, saw ten people, and everybody introduced themselves. It was exciting, and I looked forward to a new job.
Right out of the gate, the head person said the job was not with them, and I would be subcontracted to SPAWAR (a government design bureau) instead. I heard awful stories about SPAWAR and was reluctant to work there. Then, the bombshell. My office would be onsite in a room built in the ‘40s that had asbestos. I asked, “Why didn’t you put this in the job description?” “We tried that and did not get any candidates.” “Umm, this is a non-starter.” My interview lasted ten minutes, and I left angry. Incidentally, the other people in the room were also upset, and one even tore up my resume. How rude!

3) I graduated from college in 1993, and my first interview was with a big company I no longer remember. The economy was in a slump then, and the government stopped several military contracts because the Cold War was over. Getting an interview was tough, and I was happy to be there. Yay! I arrived in a suit my grandmother purchased as a high school graduation present and was led to a conference room with four others. They were 15 to 25 years older than me. We were all interviewing for the same job! What???
There were no introductions, and the interviewer began asking questions, which each of us individually answered. They were a mix of job experience and technical. I quickly answered the first two, and they asked, “Do you know what a BOM is?” I shrugged and answered, “Umm, the thing that a plane drops.” The assembled people chuckled, and another candidate responded smugly, “BOM stands for Bill Of Materials.” “Oh, you mean a parts list. I know what a parts list is and have created several. No big deal.” The interviewer looked disappointed, and I knew I would not get the job.
In hindsight, I should have flipped them off and stormed out. I was still a young punk at the time, and this would not have been out of character. This was my first rejection letter, and the incident took away confidence that took months to rebuild.

4) Around 2000, I interviewed at a small company that made underwater modems. Think of this as Wi-Fi with sound. They were a tiny place, and the “office guy” had me fill out a job application when I arrived. Then, he had me take an engineering test at a desk in the CAD department.
As I slogged through the poorly designed test, I could tell the CAD designer at the next desk was not in a great mood. When I looked at what she was doing, I saw her using AutoCAD PCB (Printed Circuit Board). I can say for sure this deplorable pile of (swear words) is the worst piece of software ever made. Engineers and CAD technicians universally hated it, and AutoCAD dropped the entire product line a year after its introduction. I asked the woman if she was indeed using AutoCAD PCB, and she confirmed my suspicion and how miserable it was. Then we had a great chat about the company. This conversation convinced me that the place was not a good fit for me or any human being.
I went back to the “office guy” and demanded my application back. He gave it to me without even asking why. I left feeling relieved. Fun side note: The company went out of business six months later. Do I believe AutoCAD PCB was a big part of why they are no longer around? 100%

5) Around 2010, I interviewed with a company that made single-board computers. These are used in industrial applications, and Maxwell Technologies later purchased the company. I think they phased out that division.
The interviewer began with technical questions, which turned into me solving problems. I flew through the process but sensed a problem. The interviewer was getting more and more despondent. Finally, the guy said with a hint of anger, “We are looking for a more senior person.” “Well, you saw my resume. I have been working for years. What more do you need?” “We are looking for a person with more experience.” This attitude ticked me off, and I asked, “Well then, why did you interview me?” The guy fidgeted and answered, “You looked good on paper.” “But I answered every one of your questions.” “Umm.” “Clearly, I’m a good fit.” “Umm.” I left angry.

6) Two days later (it was an insane week), I interviewed with a company that made radio nodes (long-distance Wi-Fi). The interview started strange, with the head of engineering failing to describe their product and what their customers used it for. Then he got off on a side tangent about riverboats. He told me my job would be to add Voice Over IP (a telephone interface). This was a technical buzzword, and I said, “Oh, they make an integrated circuit that does this. It should take me about a week.” “I looked everywhere, and no company makes one!” (That evening, I did a two-minute search and found four companies that made them.) I realized I had made a mistake and apologized to save the interview. Then the guy started asking technical questions, cutting me off in mid-sentence with new questions. This was not pleasant, but I answered every one.
I interviewed with five more people, and they were all bored out of their minds. After the interview, my headhunter, Jim Montana, told me I did not get the job. He told me the first guy had a mini-meeting with the following people and said he did not want to hire me. I asked, “Then why did they waste my time?” “I don’t know.” “Well, do not send them any more candidates until they learn how to interview.” He called the company the next day and argued with HR. This conversation convinced him to stop sending them candidates. A year later, they were out of business.
Fun side story: there is an alternative porn star named Jim Montana.
In retrospect, both these companies had the same issue. Smug jerks punish smart kids so they can act like the kings of their castles. I had an idiot/chauvinist boss at SAIC who was in the same boat. His only function was to prove to his team that he had at least one brain cell. What a miserable place to work. The entire division was folded by upper SAIC management, but… They kept two people. I guess being a jerk has its rewards. The other person was the textbook definition of a micromanager.

7) I learned a hard lesson during my third interview. It was 1994, and the only way to find a job (unless you had an inside contact) was to look in the newspaper classifieds. So, when I saw “wanted, electrical engineer,” I called the number and got an interview. But it was at the Marriot hotel… Apparently, engineering companies work out of hotels. Whatever, I needed a job. After paying to park my car, I went to the front desk. They made calls, and an attendant escorted me to the basement.
The interview started uncomfortably, and I eventually learned that “electrical engineer” has two meanings. The first is a person with an electrical engineering degree, and they do technical stuff. The second is a hotel or business employee who does mild electrical work. This might include fixing a broken socket, installing a television, or replacing a broken telephone. This position is lower than an electrician. Whatever… I needed a job. The interviewer felt I was unqualified. Wow!

8) I had a phone interview with the head of Electrical Engineering at Thermo Fisher Scientific about ten years ago. I began cheerfuly, but the man immediately attacked my resume organization. I had a section with skills and another section with work experience. He insisted they should be combined to show what skill was used at what job. That would make a ten-page resume…
Then he paused for a long moment, and I asked, “Are you still there?” He yelled at me for interrupting him while he was reading my resume. Then, he scolded me for working at General Atomics. The interview concluded when he dramatically hung up.
The head hunter called later in the afternoon to ask how the call went, and I asked, “Don’t you know how big of a jerk this guy is?” “Yeah, we know.” “Then why on earth do you send candidates to him?” “Umm, my boss makes me.” “Well, stop!”
Funny follow-up: A different head hunter called me a year later about the same job. I asked if that same jerk was there. The answer was yes, and I asked why they were sending candidates. “My boss makes me. We placed three people there, and all three quit.” “Well, stop!”

9) Around 2015, I interviewed at a small company that made network switches optimized for streaming video. The phone interview and first interview went super well. They told me that I needed to interview with the company president and head of software. Two more interviews. Then, they wanted a follow-up interview with the first person I interviewed with, and then I had a phone follow-up with the president. Everything was perfect, and then… Nothing.
This was the first time I was ghosted, meaning the company never told me if I did or did not get the job. Now ghosting happens 70% of the time. Fun side note: The company went out of business eight months later.

10) I interviewed with a company that made long-distance optical data links around the same time. Think of this as Wi-Fi with lasers. The interview started well but went downhill. The problem? I did not know their product. I kept saying, “I can learn this technology.” My willingness to gain new skills made the situation far worse. In retrospect, the problem was that the person was looking for somebody to take over his job immediately. Fun side note: The company went out of business six months later. Are you noticing a pattern?

11) About fifteen years ago, I interviewed at a Korean cell phone company moving their base station manufacturing operation to San Diego. They were in the early stages and only had ten employees in a building that could hold 500.
My interview was with the HR manager and a technical person I would not be working with. Umm, alright… Right away, the HR guy was off. He had a strange attitude and disliked answering basic questions like, “How often will I be required to go to Korea?” Somehow, this translated to “I never want to go on business trips.” The interview was going downhill fast, and he dropped a bombshell out of nowhere. “You know, I have been doing HR for years, and I can tell when a candidate will be offered an offer.” “So… What about me? Am I going to get hired?” He was utterly unsettled by my question and refused to answer. Writers call this “foreshadowing.”
Then, the technical person took over the interview, and I learned that I would be a “manufacturing support engineer.” The guy further broke this down. If I discovered an issue, I would bring it to the attention of the Korean design engineer, who would consider the matter. They would bring my discovery up to their manager if it was deemed important. I was told the manager always took credit for the discovery. If the manager deemed the issue important, this manager would take it up the chain. In summary, this was a demeaning job. Plus, the technical person revealed they were a year away from beginning production, and several unpleasant incidents had already occurred.
A letter from Korea informed me I did not get the job. It explained that the company would be bringing staff from Korea to fulfill my role, and my interview was the reason for the decision. What the heck? Fun side note: The company set up shop and immediately moved its operation back to Korea.

12) Ten years ago, I interviewed with an Australian medical design company that was opening a San Diego division. The process began with me calling the engineering manager in Australia at 2:30 a.m. my time. Gahh... Because my phone did not allow international calling, I went to five liquor stores to locate a pre-paid calling card. $25 that I would not be reimbursed.
The phone interview went well, and I was invited to have an in-person interview in San Diego. The building was nice, and three people joined me in the conference room. They were all Australian and would be on site until the division hired enough people for them to return.
The head of engineering joined us on a conference call. His first question was why I was leaving my present job. “The contract is ending,” was my answer. “Well, what could you have done to keep your job?” “They liked me, but upper management does not have another project. So, I have to go.” “Again, what could you have done to keep your job?” He did this same drill-down for my employment history, which consumed 80% of the interview. He never asked me what I did at my prior jobs or technical questions. The only positive part was discussing the first company I worked for. “Why did you leave that job?” “The owner died, and the company folded.” “Well, I guess you could not have avoided that.” I laughed out loud, which probably did not help my chances.
Then, I directed the conversation to what work I would be doing, and nobody could answer my basic questions. I got mildly upset and asked, “Is this an analog or digital job?” This is a fundamental question, such as, “Will I be flying a jet or propeller aircraft?” All four dodged the question.
Nevertheless, they were impressed and outlined the next step. I was to drive to LA the next morning (a different day or time was not an option) and undergo a battery of tests at a certified evaluation center. This was an eight-hour process. Then, I would interview again in San Diego to discuss the results and fly to Australia for a further interview. I got the feeling I would have to pay for this trip.
I emailed them that evening to decline. Why? At the time, I was not too desperate for a job and did not want to give up a vacation day. Plus, if the head of engineering did not know the difference between analog and digital, the company had deep problems that I could not solve. Funny side story: The company closed its San Diego branch a few months later.

13) Around 20 years ago, I interviewed with Precision Engine Controls. They make ignition systems for huge natural gas engines and controllers for massive turbine engines.
The job was to finish a turbine controller. I looked it over the design and was not impressed. I asked about making basic changes, and they said I would finish the design as fast as possible without addressing any issues. Then I asked about the “overspeed circuit.” This safety system cuts off the fuel if the turbine spins too fast. If this occurs, a massive turbine can fly apart and kill people. “We do that in software,” the man proudly stated. “There is no separate system? What about a software bug?” “It has never been an issue.”
I wanted nothing to do with a company that would proudly make a dangerous design. This was the first time I declined a job offer. Fun side note: I later had a coworker who used to work at the company, and she said it was a horrible place. I dodged a bullet on that one.

14) Five years ago, I had a great interview with a company that made a rapid DNA analyzer. It used an ultra-sensitive resistance measurement device coupled to an automated microscope. In the interview, I solved one of their biggest problems. Go Bill, go Bill!
There was just one issue. In the center of their sizeable central office were fifteen round tables, with four workers each. The place was loud, and a worker could high-five six people from the sitting position. They were all chit-chatting and staring at me for the entire interview (I was in an office with windows looking out to the room with the tables). Wow, this creeped me out.
They offered me a job, and I asked if I could work in a different part of the building. “It is company policy for our staff to reside in the combined working space.” “I do not think I could be productive in that environment.” “We have no available offices.” “How about the lab? Or a broom closet?” “No.” “Can you set up a cubical?” “No.” I declined the job because I could not work with 100 eyes staring at me.
Fun side note: A friend of a friend worked at the company, and everybody knew about my interview. This inspired a debate about the work environment, but management did not change the work setup. Later, a different friend interviewed at the company and declined for the same reason.

15) I worked at Pyxis for four years. They made medical inventory products, and while the job started well, politics drove me out. I was told the politics had improved ten years later, and a friend still working there got me an interview with his boss.
This guy had multiple PHDs (that probably came out of a Cracker Jacks box) in electrical, software, and mechanical engineering. In the interview, I quickly understood he did not “know his stuff.” Alright, no big deal. He seemed nice, and I knew my coworkers were good.
The company declined my employment, and I learned that my former boss (he had left Pyxis and returned to a non-engineering division) said I was an awful coworker. This was upsetting, but it turned out to be a blessing. Because I was not there, the boss fired my friend and hired his friends. The whole group was incompetent, and they were all fired. I would have met the same fate as my friend if I had been hired.

16) Early in my career, I had an interview with a company that supported old telephone equipment. The idea was that when a city upgraded its telephone infrastructure, it sold the used equipment to third-world countries. This company upgraded and replaced parts because the original manufacturer no longer supported old systems.
The interview started off strange. The man smelled awful, and the filthy office had piles of equipment everywhere. He explained that we were not allowed to make mistakes because of their tight budget. “So, I have to be perfect?” “Yes, I do it all the time, and I can show you how.” “Umm, OK.”
The man also told me I was expected to install the equipment at these distant locations. He broke down the situation. I would fly to the third-world country, and a bodyguard from the telephone company would meet me at the airport. “Don’t worry. You’re not in any danger. The bodyguard is there to protect your tools.” I would then sleep at the bodyguard’s house so he could guard my tools. “Umm, OK.”
At the time, I was single and looking for adventure. Sign me up! Alas, the man called me to say he was going to offer the job to a prior candidate who they initially refused because they wanted more money. Fun side note: The company went out of business six months later.

17) My third worst interview was for a design company. They were in a distant part of San Diego, which required turning down unfamiliar back streets. I knew this navigation issue and gave myself an extra hour, but I arrived fifteen minutes late because of construction. The head of engineering was ultra-unimpressed at my tardiness. Yet… He admitted to being 30 minutes late to work for the same reason. Hmm.
The interview went rapidly downhill, and a coworker dropped off a schematic in the middle of it. The guy stops the interview to review the work and launches into the coworker about his bad design choices. I thought, “Looks fine to me.” Then, he drilled into one single aspect. I will not bore you with the technical details, but I can confirm this was standard practice (a pull-up resistor), and his argument was baseless. He then asked me to pile on. “Nah, the circuit is fine.” He launched into me, and I stood my ground. It was an awful day, and I absolutely did not want anything to do with that jerk, but he sent me an excellent thank you letter for interviewing.

18) The second worst interview I had was at Asymtek. They make glue dispensers for printed circuit boards. I got there promptly at 8:00 a.m., and the interview started with a test” to evaluate my technical ability. I had not prepared and did poorly. By 8:10, I knew I would not get the job, but decided to stay for the rest of the interview. I like to call these “practice interviews” which means I was not looking to get hired, but instead, trying to gain interview skills.
The first person to interview me was the company president. To put it mildly, he was an ass. He showed off their product and their manufacturing facility. My only thought was, “This mess needs a complete redesign, and their factory is even worse.” Then he launched into me for 30 minutes of insults mixed in with unfounded product glorifications.
I interviewed with the other staff, and they treated me to lunch. An incredible bunch of engineers. My day concluded at 6:00 p.m., and one employee escorted me out. I turned to him and said, “Thank you for the opportunity. Hey, I know I did not get the job because I completely blew the test. But I must ask. How the heck do you work with that guy? He’s such a jerk.” “Yeah, you got that right. Oh, crap! Don’t tell him I said that.” We both laughed.

19) My worst interview occurred at a company (I have since forgotten their worthless name) that made blood oxygen sensors. After I graduated from college in 1993, I moved to Orange County because San Diego had no employment. It turns out that there were no jobs there either. So, I worked at Kinkos (a copy center) for a year. It was too much, and I returned to San Diego, where I lived with my parents.
I was broke, demoralized, and desperate. In the classified section, I saw an “audio” job, but there was a problem. It was in Orange County. I loved working with audio but did not want to return to Orange County—too many bad memories. Oh well, I needed a job.
However, I had one stipulation. They needed to agree to my salary before I would accept an interview. They agreed, and I drove there on a chilly Monday morning. I knew it was chilly because I arrived an hour early to avoid any traffic, and my car was cold.
On the way to the conference room, the company owner casually mentioned, “Hey, I cannot meet your salary request.” What? Then why am I here? I did not say this because I wanted to impress him and ask for a pay bump. And it was audio!
The owner began by drawing a circuit on the whiteboard. He then asked me to devise the “transfer function.” This is a mathematical representation of how the circuit works. It was a simple op-amp circuit, and I had done this activity many times. However, there was a massive problem because the circuit had an inductor in the feedback loop. Now, I will not go into gory technical details, but this configuration would make the circuit unstable, a condition to avoid at all costs.
I was flabbergasted and said, “I have never done a design like this.” “Are you refusing to derive the transfer function?” “I am not sure where to begin.” I was about to discuss the circuit, but he wrote the function and hissed, “Now, conduct an analysis.”
His anger turned off my pleasant attitude, and I asked, “Umm, wait a second. Where is the audio part of this design?” (The circuit on the whiteboard did not have any audio components.) “There’s no sound in our design.” “But the job description said it was an audio job.” “You misunderstood. Our design works in the audio range.” “Look, this isn’t going to work for me.” “You’re damn right!”
So, I stood and was about to leave but said, “Hey, since I drove all this way. Can I see your design?” My request severely confused the guy, and he murmured, “Umm, yeah.” He took me to the lab and showed me their product. “Wow, this is a tight layout. I like the way you did this power section. And you used a Shark DSP. Nice. Hey, I bet you’re having timing problems.” The guy was floored by my insight and managed to murmur, “Yeah, we are.” “I can fix that.”
I walked out of the lab, and on the way to the front door, he offered, “Now, maybe we can reconsider this whole thing.” “No, you had your chance.” I went to my car happy, but this was my worst interview.
Fun side story: A friend interviewed there a year later and declined because “they had no idea what they were doing, and the boss was an idiot.”

19.5) I have an honorable mention, not in the bad interviews category (because I never interviewed there), but it is still entertaining. On Fridays, I occasionally go out to lunch with engineering friends. We have a lot of fun; it is a great networking opportunity.
One day, one of the guys was discussing a circuit he was having trouble with. He works for a company started in the mid-70s by two Hispanic men who left the Navy to start a maintenance contract business (I am still hopeful for getting a job there, so I do not want to mention the name). They were tight with their Navy buddies, and the business took off. Later, they changed to support outdated military equipment. The idea is that countries sell their old military systems to other nations. Because they are so old, the original company no longer supported them. Also, it was difficult to manufacture parts because they were based on obsolete components.
The circuit problem we discussed was a ‘70s logic board made by a German arms company. (We would now use a microprocessor to accomplish this task.) The design was discrete (it used transistors and not integrated circuits) and operated at a high voltage. (Engineers typically use 5 or 3.3 volts, but this circuit operated at 14. Really? Who picked that voltage?) My friend struggled to figure out how to substitute modern parts, and I asked, “Hey, why not use high-voltage logic?” That evening, I emailed him data sheets and recommended a circuit to solve the problem.
My friend worked in the test department and asked me if I wanted a job for sustaining, designing, and developing test fixtures. “Sure!” “Well, I have the budget. Consider yourself hired.” Did I get a job without an interview? How cool is that?
When the two friends started their business, they exclusively hired Hispanic workers. This had tax benefits and led to better relationships with overseas customers. It also made for a tight and friendly working environment. One partner retired in the early 2000s and sold the business to the second, but there was a stipulation. His daughter would continue to oversee accounting. She had an accounting degree and had done an excellent job, so this was not an issue.
My friend told the owner about me, who eagerly agreed to hire me. Now, I did have one issue. All employees spoke Spanish but were willing to make an exception if I took Spanish classes. I was not keen on learning a new language, but this job sounded amazing.
When my friend requested an offer letter, the accountant did not approve it. So, the two got into a heated argument. Her reason? I was not qualified. Unsatisfied, my friend asked the owner to intervene, and all three argued. Things began unraveling because she could not explain the issue. (Keep in mind that I never sent them a resume. Alight, I must brag some more. I got a job without sending a resume? Yes, that was cool.) The next day, she did not show up for work.
Two days later, the former owner (her father) went to check in on her. Her house was empty, and he later learned she had fled to Mexico. The owner hired an accounting firm to evaluate the finances. The business had taken out loans, owed money to suppliers, the bank account was overdrafted, and the pension fund was empty. There was a massive trail of forged signatures and money transfers to offshore accounts.
The owner contacted the district attorney, and the woman was charged with embezzlement. Fun side note: Her two kids (ages 2 and 3) were employees making $500K annually. More side notes: My friend never found out how the kid’s father fit into the picture.
The former owner was heartbroken and took out personal loans to keep the business going. The owner did the same. Workers had to take pay cuts, and some got unpaid leave. The pension checks stopped. Obviously, I was not going to get hired but there was one side benefit. Everyone at that company and a bunch of retirees knows my name. Imagine that?
For the next six months, the workers all had their ears open. They learned the accountant was attending a quinceañera (the celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday) at her cousin’s house in Ensenada, Mexico. Five big employees drove there, grabbed her in the middle of the party, and forcibly took her to the border. Apparently, they bribed the Mexican police to look the other way when customs agents were arresting this screaming woman.
The woman went before the judge and did not enter a plea. Here is where things get strange. She put all the stolen money into a trust for her kids, which made it difficult for the authorities to retrieve it legally. The money was also in an offshore bank, and she refused to divulge the details. There was no trial (my friend and I did not understand this), and she got a 15-year sentence without the possibility of parole. (A friend who knows the legal system explained that they give harsh sentences for embezzlement.) Her house and car in her driveway were sold, and the money was used to rebuild the pension fund. Her kids live at the cousin’s house. So far, except for the car and the house, not a cent has been returned.
My friend (and apparently the owner) said that as soon as the business stabilized, I would have “a job for life.” However, two years later, the owner made my friend hire a college student for my position. This worked out poorly; my friend is looking for a new job.
Those are my crazy interview stories. I hope you found them entertaining. Or was this a good therapy lesson? Perhaps I should be paying you. Hmm. This is something for me to think about at my next job interview.

You’re the best -Bill
May 22, 2024

Go Where the Ball Will Be

When I was eight, I joined a soccer (football) team called the Purple Dragons. Not a great team, but I tried my best. Alright, truth. “Tried” is a strong word to describe my effort.
What was it like being on this team? Once a week after school, we had drills and strategy discussions. On weekends, we competed against the local teams, and our record was around one win and ten losses. I did not enjoy playing, but my parents felt it was suitable for exercise and sportsmanship. I suppose this is true, but all these years later, I cannot remember any life-building experiences.
Well, there was one little gem. In one of the games, I vividly recall the coach telling me to “Stop chasing the ball. Go where the ball will be!” “How?” “Guess where you think the players will kick the ball.” “Umm. OK.”
So… I wildly ran around trying to anticipate the other player’s strategy. There were three outcomes. The first was that my flailing attempts failed miserably. Second, the running left me tired. Third, the coach yelled at me more. So, I returned to chasing the ball and ignored the sage wisdom to go where I thought the ball would be.
The lesson my coach was attempting to teach was not to copy the other players. My goal (I made a sports pun) was to take control of the game. Of course, I did not put this together until I was in my mid-twenties.
It is tough to be the leader because they get all the blame when something fails. It is much easier to follow. For example, if pink jeans are popular, buy an armload. How about these new reality television shows? Try watching them all day long. Do you see how much money people are making on Enron stocks? Buy a thousand shares.
The big problem with following is that the result will be a generation behind. This means that a person must see what the leader is doing, copy their idea, and then produce it, which takes time. But what if a person is good at copying? Companies made millions in the ‘80s selling designer jeans. It was a simple formula. Put a stylish label on ordinary jeans, make a flashy commercial, and rake in the cash. The only skill involved was quickly copying the latest fad.
While some duplication models are successful, developing an incredible new gizmo is always more profitable. Sure, there are risks; not every wiz-bang invention will work or sell. The real takeaway is that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.
All these years later, I still think about what my coach said. I put effort into investigating news stories, asking questions, and making bold choices. This is my best attempt to go where the ball will be. Yes, life can be scary, but not as frightening as getting to the end of our lives and realizing we have been following the ball.

You’re the best -Bill
May 15, 2024

I Don’t Do Politics

Living in a country that allows its citizens to elect their leaders is a privilege. To do so, we have spirited debates, chaotic elections, and complaints when an elected candidate does not live up to their promises. This has worked well for us, but a new disturbing trend exists. Our society has become more politically polarized than ever. This means that you are not with us; you are against us. It used to be that the only weapons in this war were television, magazines, newspapers, and books.
Now, a nobody can post any wacky political idea they have, and millions of people get exposed to “the truth.” Streaming sites like YouTube have given rise to independent political analysts, influential commentators, and fake news. It is a lot to take in, and I have difficulty determining what a fact, opinion, lie, or targeted propaganda campaign.
The central problem is that because a person can have political view A, it seems that the internet magically (search engines) knows this view and subjects the person to alternative opinions, which means that our A political beliefs are constantly bombarded. It now takes dedicated effort to believe in A without getting tricked by disinformation.
How am I contributing to this surge? My books and articles add to the great pool of opinions and information. Plus, I view YouTube (and other sites), and my views alter the search algorithms. This means that if I often view A videos or read A articles, in a tiny way, you will be subject to more A noise. Yay!
What is my political preference, and how strongly do I want you to adopt my politics? The answer is that I intentionally keep my views private for three reasons. The first is that my political opinions are my own. This means I do not wish to push my thoughts onto you because I do not think this is nice. After all, we have not been introduced, and instructing you how to vote would be rude. Enough people are splattering their views on this beautiful world without my help.
Another part of this first reason is that if I said, I like A, and you like B, it is natural for you to disagree or attempt to educate me about B. While l enjoy reading comments about my work, I get enough political noise without asking for it.
The second reason is what I call “the 25% rule.” If I stated my political beliefs, 25% of people would agree, 25% would not care, 25% might be annoyed, and 25% would dislike my politics. This means there is a low chance of success and unacceptable reader offense.
Is the 25% rule realistic? The numbers may not be accurate, but I am sure you were recently exposed to political disinformation or fake news that made your blood boil. And this is my point. We all have topics that anger us, and politics tops that list.
My third reason is that I do not wish to upset my readers. My goal for writing has always been to bring enjoyment. Even with this altruistic goal, my path has proven to be complicated. Readers span a wide range of personalities and backgrounds. For example, I got a harsh review because one scene in my second book was set in California. This trivial choice was enough to get a bad review. Really?
However, there is a problem with suppressing politics. Timid books lead to timid sales. A writer must be bold to garner interest; this is a tough road to travel without offending readers. I took a bold political leap in my third book.
One character was the President of the United States, and I modeled my approach after Tom Clancy’s book Clear and Present Danger. In his story, the political characters had typical political issues. However, Tom went far out of his way in not declaring which party the President belonged to and did not address political topics outside the plot. This choice resulted in an exciting story that did not offend the reader’s personal beliefs. However, not all readers took the bait, and there have been negative reviews concerning the politics.
I have watched Tom Clancy’s interviews, and he had Republican tendencies. The problem occurred when his personal beliefs leaked into his character choices and some of the plot. Why? Tom is human, and humans can only do their best.
I applied this same technique in my book. The President did not identify his political party, and I steered the plot clear of anything that would betray a preference for one political party or the other. This was a fine line because the plot revolved around a political scandal. While I tried my best, I am sure my choices loosely favored my own political beliefs. This was not too obvious from the reader’s perspective, and I think the story worked out well. Unfortunately, I saw one negative comment regarding politics. However, the comment compared my fictional creations to real-life events. I suppose, in a way, this is a compliment.
Would I ever want to put my timidness aside and share political views? Keep in mind that I could use a pen name. While I mildly share my political opinions with friends and family, I do not wish to be an in-your-face political commentator. My political power comes out in force inside the voting booth. Yet, it is getting more difficult to remain silent. There is so much disinformation/noise/lies today that I want to counter. If anything, the political statement I would like to make is, “Please share fewer opinions.” But I suppose I will allow one political thought for this article. Hey everybody. Vote for A.

You’re the best -Bill
May 08, 2024

She Would Not Do That

My wife enjoys crime dramas like NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law and Order, and CSI. Except for Law and Order, I do not enjoy these shows, which is fine because it is terrific when couples have different interests. Occasionally, I catch a few minutes, and on rare occasions, the plot keeps me interested enough to watch the rest of the show.
A week ago, I saw something (I think it was Criminal Minds) that got my attention. The authorities tracked down and captured a serial killer. In the investigation, the authorities learned that his mother purchased the gun/bullets, selected the victim, drove him to the crime, helped him dispose of the body, lied to the police, and helped him escape. During the questioning, she defended her actions, stating that she loved her son.
When I saw this, I sat up and said (to the television), “She should not do that!” Now, I understand mothers go to great lengths to support their children, so a mother helping her serial killer son should not be that big of a stretch. After all, we see loads of enabling behavior in every part of society. Honey Boo Boo even made a career out of it. Very true, but I was not buying it.
What was going on in the writer’s mind? They were doing their best to tug at the viewer’s hearts. “Take pity on this poor woman.” “Connect with her plight.” “How dare you look down on her.” “She is a victim, too.”
Yeah… This was, at best, lazy writing and, at worst, a slam against mothers. The problem was that for this plot to work, the viewers needed to connect with the mother’s side while being appalled. I only saw an unrealistic concept. “Son, you did a great job killing that woman. I am very proud of you.” “Thanks, mom.”
I connect with writing difficulties, and it is almost impossible to create something new. Thousands of crime/drama shows, books, and movies have been created. This plot format only supports a few formulas. Son is a serial killer. Famous person is a serial killer. Secret government agent is a serial killer. It should be no shock that a writer eventually tried: Mother is a serial killer enabler.
Alright, Bill. You are so high and mighty. Fix it! Good news. We already did. When my wife and I watched the show, I commented, “They are trying to get us to connect with her. Instead, they should have made her a serial killer. Mommy and son serial killers? I would have believed that.” My wife countered, “Or they could have toned down her help. Buying the bullets? That’s plain stupid. It would have been much better if she only lied to the police. I would have bought that.”
Would our fixes have worked? The problem with our “improvements” is they have already been done. Our criticism highlights the problem that there is only so much a crime/drama television show can do. Aliens? Nope. Grandmother driving a tank into the supermarket? Nope. An FBI demoted to issuing parking tickets? Nope. North Korea sending an army of serial killers, and NCIS capturing them? Nope. All these shows can do is uncover local crimes and solve them with basic tools. This means the plot bedrock is very close to the surface.
Still, I am going to be harsh. There were writers, editors, directors, studio executives, actors/actresses, intelligent women/men, and other random people on that show. Every single person involved could have raised their hand and said, “She would not do that.” Alas, no. They remained silent, and my yelling at the television offered no help.
It is tough being a writer in a crowded field. What kind of plot would I come up with? Gahh. The cat did it. Wow, I hit plot bedrock fast.

You’re the best -Bill
May 01, 2024