Scott Jack is a technical content writer with a variety of interests.
This is just a friendly reminder that the photo that TSA takes of each passenger when checking ID is optional . They claim that the photo is not stored after identity is verified, but 1) that's not really how storage works, 2) I doubt it, and 3) even if facial recognition is everywhere, I'm trying to turn it down where I'm given a choice. Keep in mind: You must inform the TSA agent before stepping…
Link: How Manhattan's congestion toll speeds up trips in the suburbs - Bloomberg As they expected, the researchers determined that the $9 charge has sped up vehicle journeys into Manhattan, nudging some people who would otherwise drive at peak times to instead ride transit, drive earlier or later, or forgo the trip entirely. Because traffic thinned, those still opting to enter Manhattan by car…
You sound like ChatGPT by Sara Parker at The Verge talks about how AI is affecting vocab usage and revealing an erosion of trust. A couple interesting points (emphasis mine): This paradox — AI improving communication while fostering suspicion — points to a deeper loss of trust, according to Mor Naaman, professor of Information Science at Cornell Tech. He has identified three levels of human…
How the hell are you supposed to have a tech career in 2026? by Anil Dash is well worth the read, but here's my favorite bit: Build habits and routines that serve your own professional goals. As much as you can, participate in the things that get your name out into your professional community, whether that’s in-person events in your town, or writing on a regular basis about your area of expertise,…
At many growing companies, it can feel like your team is spending more time answering each other's questions than getting work done. Your day may be filled with questions about how to do something, where to find the latest reference on a topic, or why something is done a certain way. This isn't a team problem; it's a structural liability. Knowledge is scattered across SharePoint, Notion, a folder…
I've been thinking about ways to prolong the life of equipment while also getting around the fact that I'm currently using at least three types of charging cables. USB-A to Lightning USB-A to micro-USB USB-A to USB-C USB-C to Lightning USB-C to USB-C Kindle Voyage : 10 years old, micro-USB, I'm thinking about replacing it soon-ish. I'm amazed at how hard it is to find page-turn buttons on…
This post was in response to Thinking about my next career move , which is generally just about "how to figure out what jobs/career move I might like, might be feasible/pragmatic for me, and even just exist". I'm currently a technical content writer (self-employed) and during some recent job angst, Gemini told me to upskill and look into UX writing. Like you, I get the itch pretty regularly. I'll…
I write for a living, which I'm told means impending doom at the hands of LLMs. Except that it seems like the AI bubble is ready to burst, sending the US stock market and global markets into a tailspin reminiscent of 2000 and 2008. The broader job market is a mess, with exceptionally qualified people unable to find suitable work. Companies are laying people off left and right, then putting the…
I think it's time for me to look for new U.S.-based work opportunities — particularly flexible full-time remote roles. If you know of something that might be a good fit, please reach out . Here's a quick rundown of my past roles, with more info below. 5 years technical writing for a regional MSP 8 years sysadmin/support in a clinical setting 10 years remote volunteer IT work for an international…
I was in an intensive course last week. I chose to take handwritten notes in the PDF study guide embedded in the note, as well as directly in the note. The PDF occasionally lost annotations and the app started crashing. By the last day, I switched to writing directly in the note. Unfortunately, the damage was done. The drawing area appears to be corrupted. I was able to open the note on Mac to…