mburnett · HackerTrans

mburnett

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Google Analytics adds User Timings - Now measure "perceived load time"

analytics.blogspot.com

2 pointsby mburnett14년 전0 comments

Ask HN: Advice on strictness of credit card validation

6 pointsby mburnett15년 전2 comments

How your competitors could present a new marketing opportunity for you (Audi vs. BMW)

37signals.com

32 pointsby mburnett17년 전7 comments

Google loses $1.7 million per day on YouTube

internetevolution.com

1 pointsby mburnett17년 전-1 comments

comments

10년 전discuss

From the article:

> Ms. White was expected to leave no matter the outcome of the election.

11년 전discuss

untapt - http://untapt.com - New York (NYC) - Full Time

untapt is a breakthrough solution for hiring technologists in financial services and we recently closed our $3MM Series A round. Our goal is to transform the job market for technologists with an end-to-end solution that thinks about hiring differently. We're big believers in being happy at work and offer competitive salary, equity in the company, a great benefits package including healthcare and a health club allowance. We are looking to add team members who are passionate about disrupting this space and excited to be part of the journey.

Technologies we use: ● Python ● Flask ● AngularJS ● JavaScript ● HTML ● CSS (SASS) ● React ● MongoDB ● Git

Hiring for the following roles:

★ Full-stack Developer (Python/Javascript) -- You're a senior software developer who's comfortable working across the tech stack, but particularly strong with Python and Javascript. Ideally you have some experience with AngularJS, Flask and MongoDB. Above all you value software engineering expertise, and don't compromise on elegant code design.

★ Front-end Developer -- You're a gifted front-end developer with a sharp eye for clean, modern design. You should have experience building single-page applications using AngularJS, Ember or Backbone. You've done terrifying things with media queries and animated a feature film using CSS keyframes ;-). You're excited to work alongside a small team of passionate developers who are working to flip technology hiring on its head.

★ Quality and Usability Hacker -- You are technically savvy and ready to use your existing technical expertise as a springboard in playing an integral role within a thriving technology focused startup. You're excited for the opportunity to learn some of the more cutting edge technologies and work closely with a dynamic and passionate software engineering team.

How to apply: You can apply directly through out app (http://untapt.com) and get a sense of the product you would actually be working on. You can see and apply for the roles right on our platform. Email us at [email protected] with any questions.

12년 전discuss

untapt - Full-stack Developer

New York City

== About the role ==

We're looking for a senior software developer who's comfortable working across the tech stack, but particularly strong with Python and Javascript. Our ideal candidate would have some experience with AngularJS, Flask and MongoDB. Above all we value software engineering expertise, and someone who will not compromise on elegant code design.

  Skills needed:
    - Python
    - JavaScript
  Would like:
    - AngularJS
    - Flask
    - MongoDB

== About untapt ==

We are a small but well funded NYC startup. We're looking to transform the job market for developers by thinking about hiring differently. Our product is a digital hiring platform that directly connects skilled developers with top companies in financial services and fintech. We are focused on winning in our niche by keep quality high for both developers and hiring mangers. We are still early stage, but are seeing clear, predictable growth in our membership. We're searching for great engineers based in NYC who want to be part of the journey and have meaningful equity.

The reasons I enjoy working here?

  - Really starting to see traction in the product
  - Awesome team
  - Unbelievably connected founders
  - Competitive pay considering the equity they give
  - Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere

== Let's chat ==

We can meet for coffee and talk more about what you are looking for and how that might be a good fit as a team member of untapt. ([email protected])

12년 전discuss

untapt - Front-end Developer

New York City

== About the role ==

We're looking for a strong front-end developer with a good sense of design. You should live and breathe HTML, CSS and Javascript, and ideally you have experience working with single-page web apps in AngularJS. Above all we’re seeking an experienced developer with the knack for creating sites which lay out complex information in a simple, clean way — incredibly satisfying to use — across all browsers and devices.

  Need:
    - HTML, CSS
    - Javascript
    - Photoshop / Illustrator
  Would like:
    -  AngularJS

== About untapt ==

We are a small but well funded NYC startup. We're looking to transform the job market for developers by thinking about hiring differently. We are very early stage, but will soon release our MVP. We're searching for great designers and engineers based in NYC, who want to be part of the journey and want to have skin in the game.

== Why I love working here ==

  - Awesome team
  - Unbelievably connected founders
  - Very fair pay considering the equity they give
  - Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere
  - Very clear career growth potential (CEO has managed tons of devs and is keen on you growing in your career)

== Let's chat ==

We can meet for coffee and talk more about what you are looking for and how that might be a good fit as a team member of untapt. ([email protected])

12년 전discuss

untapt - Front-end Developer

New York City

== About the role ==

We’re looking for a strong front-end developer with a good sense of design. You should live and breathe HTML, CSS and Javascript, and ideally you have experience working with single-page web apps in AngularJS. Above all we’re seeking an experienced developer with the knack for creating sites which lay out complex information in a simple, clean way — incredibly satisfying to use — across all browsers and devices.

  Need:
    - HTML, CSS
    - Javascript
    - Photoshop / Illustrator
  Would like:
    -  AngularJS

== About untapt ==

We are a small but well funded NYC startup. We're looking to transform the job market for developers by thinking about hiring differently. We are very early stage, but will soon release our MVP. We're searching for great designers and engineers based in NYC, who want to be part of the journey and want to have skin in the game.

== Why I love working here ==

  - Awesome team
  - Unbelievably connected founders
  - Very fair pay considering the equity they give
  - Relaxed, laid-back atmosphere
  - Very clear career growth potential (CEO has managed tons of devs and is keen on you growing in your career)

== Let's chat ==

We can meet for coffee and talk more about what you are looking for and how that might be a good fit as a team member of untapt. ([email protected])

15년 전discuss

SEEKING FREELANCER

Ruby on Rails or PHP developer to build small web-app. More money if you know how to develop browser plugins.

NYC or Remote

See profile info for contact, looking to fill ASAP!

15년 전discuss

Wow. It says Palo Alto, CA is 71% MORE expensive than NYC. That result alone left me feeling that this data is not what I am looking for. I have lived in both places and disagree. I am curious about what "NYC" means to this site.

16년 전discuss

Back when they first started the "Buy a large popcorn and get unlimited refills" thing at the movie theater, I would simply save my bag from previous movies, wipe them down and bring them back the next time.

Unfortunately, they changed it to "1 free refill" and then even amended "Same day only" to the promotion. So I stopped doing it at that point.

I don't mind hacking the system if I can figure out a way to technically follow all the rules.

16년 전discuss

"Don't be afraid to build things for the sake of building them"

Completely agree here. Plus, it's only after you actually build out an idea that it really has any transferable value. There are definitely going to be ideas you have that seem a little off or even stupid, but don't let that stop you. Otherwise we would live in a pretty dull world of gray color and political correctness.

Push yourself a little. Always Be building.

16년 전discuss

When I first moved here, I stayed at this place: http://www.kenmorehotelsf.com

Its a long-term stay hotel. They give you a room, breakfast and dinner for $50 a night. People are nice and its a good location (as far as checking the city out).

16년 전discuss

Be sure to setup that business bank account quickly. It can take a few weeks to get everything in order. I believe you can do it as long as you have your Employer Identification Number (EIN).

https://sa1.www4.irs.gov/modiein/individual/index.jsp

This means you can do get the bank account and apply for the LLC in parallel.

16년 전discuss

Just remember that if you create an LLC (in any state), but operate that LLC primarily in California, you are required to pay this ridiculous "tax" of $800 per year (due within 90 days of when you first setup shop).

http://nolonow.nolo.com/noe/popup/NNLLCCABAS_faq.html#topic5

Also, I setup my LLC by just filing a few government forms instead of something like LegalZoom and it wasn't much trouble at all.

17년 전discuss

This is similar to what grosales said but a bit more drawn out with some fancy psychology thrown in: ------------------------------------------------------------

I have struggled with a similar problem and know how debilitating it can be. What I mostly offer here is a few questions to ask in hopes of getting honest answers for yourself. These tend to turn into much deeper issues than they seem at the surface. Not that deep issues are bad, but just take longer to work through. To encourage the full reading of this comment, I have broken into three parts. I should also note that I am not a certified psychologist, but will pretend to be one if the price is right.

PART 1 of 3

------------------------------------------------------------

I think the key is in what you said here: "The main problem I have is the pervasive feeling in the back of my mind whenever I spend time doing something that I could be doing something else." When you say, "I could be doing something else", I imagine its just not anything else. Instead it's something that internally drives you to become "completely engrossed in my work and won't sleep, eat, etc. until it's finished".

What is it about this other stuff that seems so appealing? Because it can be different for everyone, let's just say it's "stuff that makes me feel X". For me, this was "stuff that makes me feel creative/unique". I found that anytime I was doing "stuff that makes me feel creative/unique" I became "completely engrossed in my work and won't sleep, eat, etc. until it's finished".

SUMMARY - Some tasks/activities/stuff can organically motivate you because it makes you feel a certain way

PART 2 of 3

------------------------------------------------------------

Now, there are some tasks that were towards the middle of the spectrum ("stuff that kind of relates to X or gives me some feeling of X every once in a while"). But then, and this is the dangerous part, there were tasks that were the opposite of X. So let's say Y = -X and call it "work that makes me feel like Y". Y work was terrible. Y work made me question whether I should be in the industry and even made me feel depressed. So, in order to avoid these bad feelings, I would "procrastinate terribly [which in turn] accomplishes nothing but adding more stress to my life".

This is where you start to go nuts. You feel like its lose/lose (hate my life when doing it / stressed out when I don't). Sounds like this is the point you may be at. But as I eluded to before, the avoidance of these feelings makes sense. Logically, if something feels bad, we will either put an end to it or try to not let it happen in the first place. But let's dive into these feelings a little bit more. If you are not sure what kind of feelings this Y work can cause. Just ask yourself this question:

"What would happen to me if I had a job where I did nothing but Y work"?

Obviously, its much more effective if you fill in the Y. Again, as an example, for me the question was: "what would happen if I had a job where I did nothing but fix other people's bugs, uncreative maintenance work and writing a bunch of documentation?" My answer was (and this is where is gets very 'psychological'): "I would feel like I am not contributing anything special to the organization. Then I would feel I wasn't unique. Then I might be lost in the crowd, forgotten or abandoned". Everyone answers will be different, but in most cases it fits a model of "I would initially feel _________, but that might lead to ___________, which just feels REALLY scary for some reason". The second 'blank' is usually one of the basic fears: unworthiness, abandonment, loss of safety, ill health, etc. I found that being able to honestly and accurately complete that sentence exposed many subtle, but clearly driving forces in my everyday and long term decision making.

SUMMARY - Answer the question: "What would happen to me if I had a job where I did nothing but Y work"?

PART 3 of 3

------------------------------------------------------------

Once you see that some work "makes you feel Y", and that Y feelings suck, its easy to understand why procrastination might happen. But because some of these tasks seem necessary (I'm afraid it's going to cause me to fail school), you try to find a way to do them. So let's address your specific question: "How do I make otherwise un-motivating work intrinsically motivating".

I would say you could accomplish this to two degrees:

* first degree - somehow believe that doing Y work will NOT result in something that seems terrible (answer to SUMMARY question above)

* second degree - figure out how Y work can let you feel traces or bits of X

Imagine, abstractly, that the first or second degree is possible. Do you think you would procrastinate less? I imagine you would because you would not be avoiding what seems like the realization of something terrible.

Now, these two suggestions don't seem very actionable (i.e., 'okay now what?'). Things you can actually do or take action on usually results in a change of behaviors and patterns. Unfortunately, behaviors and patterns become so specific to a given person that to give a general diagnoses would be a waste of your time. Thus, you have to find the change that works for you. I will continue to provide a personal example, but be sure to read the summary at the end as it will give you a more specific question to be asking yourself and others.

My major catalyst turned out to be a "positive vs. negative framing" situation. I framed all of my Y work as "negative." Anytime I would be assigned something in the Y work category I would have quick and subtle thoughts run through my mind, "Great... now I have to put up with this crap again. This work is so meaningless and doesn't even make sense. What I really want to work on is X. But this Y work is holding me back... how dare you Y work!".

Framing my current or future situation in this negative way didn't allow me to provide myself with any "intrinsic motivation". Instead my motivation was thinking about all of the cool X work I could be doing. By simply identifying the framing of my thinking, catching myself in the "quick and subtle" negative thought process and a bit of self-coaching, my stress level (and thus happiness) shifted dramatically! Doing these tasks became much easier. The reason this happened was because I was able to stop my "quick and subtle negative thoughts" and tell myself things more along the lines of "okay, so it looks like we were assigned some Y work. Is Y work really that bad? It is going to kill me. Probably not. In fact, I can't believe they are paying me to do Y work. Oh look it's sunny outside!". Again, this was a behavior or pattern that was specific to me. Yours may not be the same, but your outcome should be.

SUMMARY - find out what behaviors or patterns are holding you back from achieving the "first or second degree" and change them

TIME TO START

------------------------------------------------------------

So, in summary, look into what about the Y work really makes you avoid it. Then, determine if what you are avoiding is as bad as it seems. It is at this point that honesty really pays off (Personally, I could have easily answered this question with more "quick and subtle negative thoughts", but that would defeat the purpose). Finally if it doesn't seem worth avoiding, change your pattern or your behavior to something that serves you better. To provide some encouragement, I have been able to achieve the "second degree" with my job. I literally went from despising it to enjoy it! It seems impossible, but it's true. I could really have just responded with the comment "Oh hey, that sucks. You should do more positive framing". But my guess is that would not have helped you that much. Instead, the change needs to be specific to you.

It's easy to just shove these kind of things to the side, but situations like this can cause a great deal of stress and unhappiness. I am sorry that you are currently experiencing it. But, my advice would be instead of taking a large risk: switching jobs, switching careers, dropping out of school, etc., try taking a small risk: asking yourself if what you are avoiding is worth the stress of avoidance.

17년 전discuss

Freelance web dev. Might be easier if I had a programmer to team up with, could get better sized projects and focus on what I do best.

17년 전discuss

I'll be there

17년 전discuss

An interesting viewpoint on what it takes to "predict" such influential events (including the adoption of a particular product/service) is the black swan theory. Nassim Nicholas Taleb seems to be very closely associated with it.

Basically, Taleb says the event must be:

1. Quite difficult to predict

2. Have an significant impact

3. Be able to be explained rationally, after the fact

Examples include September 11th attacks, the personal computer, Google and others.

-----------------

Read more about at your desired level of interest:

wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_swan_theory

video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDbuJtAiABA

pdf: http://www.fooledbyrandomness.com/ARTE.pdf

book: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Impact-Highly-Improbable/dp...

-----------------

Note: I found the writing style of the author to be a little quirky. You may want to read a sample chapter at local bookstore before going all in.

17년 전discuss

This "bounding box" experiment seems interesting but I think might be more clearly described in this way:

Say "This product is free" to see what roadblocks and bureaucracies are in the way of your client actually using your product to a degree that you may generate a sufficient amount revenue.

- AND -

Say "This product costs 1 million dollars" to find out how much the client has valued your product at (i.e. they think its worth only $450K)

Doing these things avoids you underpricing your product as well as revealing any additional hindrances or costs associated with adoption.

17년 전discuss

Summary: Tricky sales people can sell the fact they are good at a lot of things. How do you figure out what type of people they really are? By tracking the energy that interviewees have around their responses and digging deeper, people will inevitably reveal the behaviors and principles they live by day-to-day.

----

When trying to hire someone you may find that you are looking for a particular type of person (maybe someone who works well in teams or, instead, is more of a performer on their own). To learn more about the way the person is (I mean they way really are, not just what they sell about themselves) try these steps:

1. Ask them questions that might reveal one of the characteristics (Are you better at working on teams or by yourself?)

2. They will usually answer “both” and try to sell you on it

3. Ask them to recall some productive/highlighting/significant experiences in working alone

4. Then ask the same for working in teams

This obviously doesn't cover the whole process, but can be a helpful technique.

5. Feel a sense of energy coming from each response

6. Ask the base question again (“Teams or alone?”) and see which they give more weight to.

7. Assess how strong you can confirm a conclusion of which they truly prefer

17년 전discuss

I am going as well. Registered as user experience guy.

Went last year and had a blast!

17년 전discuss

I completely agree. After working for a startup for over year, I have witnessed behaviors, actions and decisions that create progress as well as the ones that hold it back. You begin to see all of the mantras and advice trickled throughout the web actually applied (or at least attempted).

You see what works for you and what doesn't. You identify your strengths and whether you can handle stress or not. Consider it getting paid to learn about the things that interest you (startups, hacking, marketing, etc).

Other Tips: To get a basic overview of funding strategies, read http://www.venturehacks.com. Attend events like http://sf2.startupweekend.com and be in a room full of people you can ask questions to (let me know if you would like a discount code for this).