DanThornton

Tech, Geekery, Pop Culture, Miscellaneous

Previous employers coming together?

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I couldn’t help thinking it was slightly ironic that Bauer Media has emerged as the frontrunner to buy Absolute Radio, according to recent reports in The Guardian.

After all I spent 8.5 years working for Emap, and then for Bauer Media following the acquisition of the consumer magazines and websites by the German publishers.

And then I left to join my former boss Chris Lawson at Absolute Radio in 2009, not long after the new brand had launched.

I can only presume that the Bauers will be contacting me sometime soon with an offer for TheWayoftheWeb.

Anything I write about any potential purchase would be pure conjecture, but I will say that I’ve worked on brilliant projects with amazing people in both companies, and I’ve never launched so many great things in such as short a period as when I worked at One Golden Square. I’ve also had the pleasure of working with both companies since launching my own business, which has always been enjoyable.

Ferris Bueller’s tip for digital businesses

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The question isn’t “what are we going to do,” the question is “what aren’t we going to do?”

It’s all about focus.

Sadly I still can’t afford a Ferrari 250GT Spyder California. Then again, neither could the makers of the film, as for understandable reasons a kit car was used for everything except the still garage shots. Not really surprising when a real one was bought at auction by presenter/DJ Chris Evans for just under $11 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction.

David Heinemeier Hansson on your life’s work

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I’d be happy if 37signals is the last place I work….
Committing myself to this long-term focus has led to a peaceful work atmosphere and an incredible clarity of purpose. If this is the last job I’ll ever have, I damn well better make sure that I like it. I won’t just tough things out.
If you’re not committed to your life’s work in a company and with people you could endure for decades, are you making progress on it?

David Heinemeier Hansson from a post about work at 37Signals.

Since working for myself, I’ve noticed a similar process going on, especially as things have started to grow and become viable and sustainable. I doubt that any large companies are going to pick up a small virtual marketing agency in Peterborough, and I can’t really think about letting go on the niche websites which are like my children…

Even if there is a change and a pivot, the people and processes that are being worked on now will continue to be valuable, and the core will stay the same even if the ultimate output evolves over time.