I’ve been writing online for twenty years now, which probably says something about me. I got the domain sometime in the early 2000’s and it’s gone through several iterations.
This site began as a place to put thoughts somewhere permanent. Over time it became something else: a record of a life. Not a curated highlight reel, but an accumulation of interests, obsessions, mistakes, hobbies, philosophies, experiments, travels, injuries, books, frustrations, and small moments that seemed worth remembering.
I write about technology, happiness, pottery, finance, philosophy, creativity, fitness, politics, the internet, and whatever else I happen to be thinking about at the time. Sometimes the posts are practical. Sometimes they are reflective. Often they are just attempts to understand something a little more clearly by writing through it.
I don’t believe life needs to be extraordinary to be meaningful. Some of the happiest periods of my life have been remarkably ordinary: making pottery, playing a good video game, finishing a good book.
A recurring theme on this blog is the idea that hobbies and creative practices matter. Not because they make money or optimize productivity, but because they help us remain human in a world increasingly organized around efficiency, algorithms, and performance. I think there is dignity in amateurism, beauty in imperfection, and value in continuing to show up for things long after they stop being fashionable.
Professionally, I work in technology and analytics. Personally, I try very hard not to let that become my entire identity.
Outside of writing, I make pottery, play video games, travel when I can, and spend an unreasonable amount of time thinking about how to live a good life.
This blog is part journal, part workshop, part digital garden.
Thanks for stopping by.
— Dave
Hi Dave,
Just wanted to ask a question. I started to do alot of reading on the web analysis topic. I have just graduated with a social science degree and was looking to get into the Web Intelligence certification program at UBC. Im just looking for some tips in taking the right path in becoming a true web analysis, can you help?
Thanks
Hey! Just did a google search on G20 and to my amazement your blog post is in the first page of results. HOLY BANANAS! That’s awesome. Going to go read it now, but too excited to wit to email you and say congrats
Hi Dave,
My name is Will and I work for WTB, Wilderness Trail Bikes. We are coming out with a new tire this spring and I would like to use a photo you took from the Downieville Classic race, the Cruiser Cup from 2001 that features Fred Falk, our Operations Manager. The photo would be used with supporting collaterals that would be sent to media – the tire’s name pays homage to Fred and the image would help explain who Fred is and his history with WTB. I would love to include a photo credit to you as well as try to drive traffic to your website if you would like that. Please let me know at your soonest convenience – sadly, as is the case with all of these things, I have a looming deadline.
Thank you very much for your time.
Sincerely,
Will Ritchie
WTB, Inc.
Content Editor
writchie@wtb.com
415-389-5040