Last year, my girlfriend was having a nagging problem with her iPod. Every time she plugged the player into her computer, things would freeze up. After a trip to the Apple store, a few Google searches, some conversations with friends, and finally some trial and error, we figured out that iTunes and iPods do not play well with USB 1.0 ports. We bought a USB 2.0 hub, plugged in the iPod, and all was well.
Every computer geek knows that their knowledge is in high demand among family and friends. I would sometimes joke that I wish I had kept my CS degree a secret. As I thought about how many people I knew, and how much they valued my input when it came to their computers, I realized what the magnitude of that demand might be like on a larger scale. Could I even imagine how many people outside my circle were having the same problems, but had no one to ask for help? How many people spend an evening on hold with their computer’s manufacturer, because they can’t check their e-mail or update their iPod?
One year ago today, I started Of Zen and Computing with a single post discussing the nuances of iPods and USB ports. By the end of that week, 114 people had found their way to Of Zen and Computing. By the end of the month, 4300 visitors had walked in the door. I never imagined I would reach that many people, and especially not that quickly!
I realized I had started something special, and that is why Of Zen and Computing is still here, plugging away one year later. The site has had great success, going from 4300 visitors in its first month to its current level of nearly 50,000. With every post to this website, I try to stay true to the original tag line, “clear answers to common computing questions”. Whether it’s a software application, hardware problem, current events, or my opinion on a techno-political matter, I try to communicate in plain English, and relate the issue to the reader in practical terms.
Although I often do, I realize that most other people aren’t using their computers for the fun of it. We use computers accomplish goals, and unfortunately sometimes our computers stand in the way of our goals. It is in this time of need, or perhaps sometimes just a moment of curiosity, that I am glad Of Zen and Computing has been able to provide a moment of clarity to a few of its readers.
Most of all, I would like to offer a thank-you to all the readers who found their way here, and another one to those who keep coming back. Without you, this site would not have a purpose.
There are also a few people who deserve an individual bit of thanks:
- Gina Trapani and the Lifehacker crew for giving the site its first bit of real exposure.
- Mark Ursino for supporting the site in its infancy, and becoming one of its first contributing authors.
- Darren Rowse, for the indispensable advice he publishes daily.
- And of course, Nicole, for her inspiration and creative direction. It’s a good thing her iPod stopped working last year.
In the spirit of providing a helping hand with our “clear answers to common computing questions”, here’s to another great year online!
