« pulver.com PARTY at NXTComm 2007: June 19th in Chicago | Main | The next Chris Brogan / Jeff Pulver LIVE Call-in Internet TV Show: Today (May 16th) at 1pm EDT »
May 15, 2007
Question of the Day: Do you know more from the things you taught yourself or from what you learned in school?
Sometimes when people ask me about my background and how I got involved in the things which I got involved with, at some point during the conversation, I confess and tell people that I went to the “Abe Lincoln” school of education since most of the things which I have learned over the years that matter to me, were self-taught rather than studied in school.
As a 12 year old, it was my passion for having a Ham Radio license so that I could speak to people all over the world that lead me to teaching myself Morse Code and somehow learning enough electronic theory to get myself a ham radio license. When I was 14, I got involved in computer programming with a similar passion. On the other hand, I didn’t have much passion in University when I was studying accounting, although I graduated with a BBA in Accounting. My grades in school always reflected my personal interest in a subject. When I was passionate about a topic, I generally did well and when I wasn’t focused, well, I was lucky to make it thru that class. And I’m not sure how much learning took place when I was in class…
Which leads me to today’s question of the day: Looking at what you are involved with these days on a day-to-day basis, did you learn more of what you need to know to do this from something you learned in school, or from something you taught yourself?
Tags: Question of the Day, Jeff Pulver
Posted by jeff on May 15, 2007 07:22 AM | Permalink
Additional resources: #140conf events | Watch the Jeff Pulver Show | Jeff's Qik Videos
Comments
To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild fllower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour.
http://www.timeadmin.org/18ct-Gold-Watches_12_1.htm
http://www.timeadmin.org/Tissot-Ladies-2-Tone-Bracelet-Watches_14_1.htm
http://www.timeadmin.org/Tissot-Ladies-Classic-Watches_15_1.htm
http://www.timeadmin.org/Ladies-Sports-Watches_19_1.htm
http://www.timeadmin.org/Tissot-Best-Sellers_25_1.htm
http://www.timeadmin.org/Tissot-Best-Sellers-Watches_26_1.htm
Posted by: Masterpiece at December 20, 2011 11:41 PM
new era hats
new era hats
Posted by: new era hats at November 28, 2011 01:08 AM
contented mind is the greatest blessing a man can enjoy in this world
http://www.bootssale-outlet.com/ugg-classic-short-c-79.html
http://www.edhardystyle.com/mens-ed-hardy-hoodies-c-169_170.html
http://www.supraskateboard.com/womens-supra-shoes-supra-vaider-high-c-179_182.html
Posted by: ugg bailey button boot at November 20, 2011 08:06 AM
Louis Vuitton Handbags
http://www.shoesbagonsale.com
nike shoes
http://www.shoesbagonsale.com
Posted by: Louis Vuitton Handbags at October 31, 2011 09:47 PM
Thanks for your sharing!
http://www.buy-shoes-bag.com
http://www.bag-onsale.com
http://www.likehats.com
http://www.wholesalebrandshandbags.com
Posted by: New Era Hats at October 16, 2011 09:34 PM
Winter belongs Canada, because there has Canada Goose http://www.jacketbrands.org
If you like ugg boots, yeah,I just said http://www.sizetime.org ugg boots on sales.
Michael jordan is my hero. I like the http://www.cheapjordanbrands.com cheap jordans shoes.
Red cheap mocler jacket http://www.cheapest-moncler.com wrote out my heart in of enthusiasm.
In winter, on the snow ground, wear the cheap timberland boots http://www.cheapesttimberlands.com heartily play.
Yes. Also , there are firends who wear cheap supra shoes http://www.cheapsupras.org . Because it's really very nice, and very cheap.
Wow, shoes! This is a shoes store. Sales cheap nike shoes http://www.wowshoes.org, cheap jordans http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-cheap-jordans_c69, nike air max http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-nike-air-max_c1,nike shox shoes http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-nike-shox_c110, nike dunk high heels http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-womens-nike-sb-dunk-high-heels_c309, asics onitsuka tiger http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-mens-asics-shoes_c270, mbt shoes http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-mbt-shoes_c181, cheap ugg boots http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-ugg-australia-boots_c302, Christian Louboutin Boots http://www.wowshoes.org/Cheap-christian-louboutin-boots_c244. All kinds of sports shoes, fashion shoes.
Save 20-70% On Cheap womens,mens and kids cheap jordans,nike dunk heals,cheap adidas shoes,cheap mbt shoes,cheap asics shoes,cheap ugg boots,nike shox,nike air force 1,nike air max with Free Shipping at http://www.cheaponshoes.com cheaponshoes.com.
sales discount louboutin 2011 new style and louboutin pumps http://www.christianlouboutinclstore.com , christian louboutin designner louboutin shoes, louboutin men sneakers. free shipping and Tax-free.
Yes this christian louboutin store http://www.bestheel.com sales Christian Louboutin Shoes.
Posted by: Cheap Canada Goose at October 10, 2011 12:09 AM
This articles helps me more.Thanks for your sharing,I will pay more attentions to your blog. Looking forward to your better and better articles.See you next time.
Posted by: cheap air max 95 at August 13, 2011 02:29 AM
A guy is walking past a big wooden fence at the insane asylum and he hears all the residents inside chanting, Thirteen! Thirteen! Thirteen!
Quite curious about this, he finds a hole in the fence, and looks in. Someone inside pokes him in the eye.
Then everyone inside the asylum starts chanting, Fourteen! Fourteen! Fourteen!
Posted by: jerseys58 at August 5, 2011 03:26 AM
http://www.edhardyaustraliasale.com/
http://www.edhardy-clothinguk.uk.com/
http://www.edhardyukonline.uk.com/
http://www.ralphlaurenpolosite.com/
http://www.ukjimmychooshoes.com
http://www.ukshoesguide.com
http://www.ukjimmychoo.com
http://www.jimmychoouk.org
http://dieseljeansuk.com/
http://dieseljeanstore.com/
http://www.mbtonsale.org/
http://mbtshoesblog.net/
http://mbtguide.org/
http://mbtshoesstyle.info/
http://ed2u.org/
http://edreview.info/
http://edfake.org/
http://www.hotuggs.org/
http://www.dressingworld.org/
http://www.zistyle.com/
http://www.newstation.org/
http://www.mbtshealth.com/
http://www.mbtshoesky.org/
http://www.mbtspace.org/
http://www.mbtsshoes.org/
http://www.edhardytendency.com
http://www.edhardyshoplive.com
http://www.edhardysreview.com
http://www.edhardysonline.org
http://www.edhardydressing.com/
http://www.edhardystyle.org/
http://www.edhardyguide.info/
http://fashiondiary.org/
http://www.yoghourtlife.com/
Posted by: ed hardy at July 25, 2011 10:41 PM
I agree with this Although I rarely think that I "use" what I learned in elementary school (I taught myself to read before 1st grade, I learned how to do math from friends of the family) there definitely are some foundation pieces laid on how to study and even areas of interest from there. (I had a _great_ science teacher.) Of course I was in a private school from K-6. The foundations are rarely something we think of but may be what we form our self learning desires from.
Posted by: Cheat Point Blank at July 17, 2011 04:07 PM
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ calvin klein underwear
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ calvin klein boxers
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ ck underwear
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ calvin klein underwear sale
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ mens calvin klein underwear
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/ calvin klein outlet
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Global-Trunk/ Calvin Klein Underwear X Global Trunk
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Global-Trunk/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Global-Trunk-Boxers/ Calvin Klein Underwear X Global Trunk Boxers
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Cotton-Trunk/ Calvin Klein Underwear X Cotton Trunk
http://www.calvinkleinunderwears.org/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Cotton-Trunk/Calvin-Klein-Underwear-X-Cotton-Trunk-Boxers-For-Sale/ Calvin Klein Underwear X Cotton Trunk Boxers
Posted by: calvin klein underwear at July 6, 2011 11:07 AM
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/ gucci belts on sale
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/ louis vuitton belts
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/ calvin klein underwear sale
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/ oakley sunglasses sale
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/Calvin-Klein-142/Calvin-Klein-underwear-1160
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/Belts-143/Gucci-1162
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/Louis-Vuitton-144/louis-vuitton-belts-1163
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/sunglasses-145/sunglasses-1164
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/red-bull-caps-146/red-bull-caps-1166
http://luxurybrandonlines.com/Fashion/New-York-Yankees-147/New-York-Yankees-hats-1167
Posted by: gucci belts on sale at July 6, 2011 11:05 AM
Good article, Each and every point is good enough.Thanks for sharing with us your wisdom.
Posted by: China Inflatable at June 30, 2011 11:52 PM
http://www.suprafootwear-store.com/supra-skytop-for-women-c-156.html
http://www.suprafootwear-store.com/supra-tk-society-for-women-c-157.html
http://www.suprafootwear-store.com/supra-vaider-high-c-158.html
http://www.supraskytop-shoes.com/supra-skytop-shoes-c-159.html
http://www.supraskytop-shoes.com/supra-skytop-2-shoes-c-160.html
http://www.supraskytop-shoes.com/supra-tk-society-shoes-c-165.html
Posted by: Ed Hardy Clothes at April 16, 2011 06:54 AM
http://www.edhardystyle.com/mens-ed-hardy-jeans-c-169_175.html Ed Hardy Jeans
http://www.edhardystyle.com/mens-ed-hardy-long-t-shirts-c-169_177.html Ed Hardy T Shirt
http://www.suprafootwear-store.com/supra-skytop-for-women-c-156.html
Posted by: Supra Footwear at March 17, 2011 11:56 PM
This is such a nice addition thanks
Posted by: سعودي كول at February 25, 2011 03:21 AM
This article is written in,I was looking for the information.Thank you and your share this articl at here
Posted by: China Manufacturer at February 15, 2011 01:14 AM
Iwiss Electric supply solar power system, such as solar panel,solar controller,solar power
inverter,wind turbine and led lighting.
http://www.iwiss-solar.com
http://www.iwiss.com
http://www.mfg-components.com
http://www.fivestar-tools.com
http://www.crimping-tool.com
http://www.leier-lighting.com
http://www.explosion-proof-light.com
http://www.asiaups.com
http://www.wire-stripper.com
http://fivestartools.en.alibaba.com
Posted by: iwiss solar power at January 21, 2011 01:22 AM
Thanks thanks.It's a little pity that i am not the first to post a commnet here.But I am honor to join you guys to talk about this theme,share is very useful and helpful to the social development,am i right?
Posted by: Gucci outlet at October 30, 2010 08:36 AM
Your blog article is very intersting and fanstic,at the same time the blog theme is unique and perfect,great job.To your success.
Posted by: China Tent at October 8, 2010 08:39 PM
[url=http://www.fantastic-replica.net/]replica Louis Vuitton handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fantastic-replica.net/]wholesale replica handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fantastic-replica.net/]replica handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fantastic-replica.net/]replica designer handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fantastic-replica.net/]Louis vuitton handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fakehandbags1.com/]fake handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.fakehandbags1.com/]fake bags[/url]
[url=http://www.fakehandbags1.com/]fake louis vuitton bags[/url]
[url=http://www.fakehandbags1.com/]fake louis vuitton[/url]
[url=http://www.fakehandbags1.com/]louis vuitton handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com]Tibetan Jewelry[/url]
[url=http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com]Handmade Jewelry[/url]
[url=http://www.no1replica.net]designer handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.no1replica.net]replica handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.no1replica.net]louis vuitton handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.no1replica.net]replica designer handbags[/url]
[url=http://www.no1replica.net]replica louis vuitton handbags[/url]
Posted by: Louis vuitton handbags at August 4, 2010 08:51 PM
This is awesome, please keep writing.
Good post!As i was passing by here and i read your post.
It's quite interesting.I will look around for more such post.Thanks for sharing.
http://www.salegucci.net/ gucci outlet
http://www.all-star-shoes.net/ all star shoes
http://www.ed-hardy-outlet.net/ ED hardy clothing
http://www.nike-shoes-outlet.com/ nike outlet
http://www.salegucci.net/ sale gucci
http://www.salegucci.net/ gucci outlet
http://www.salegucci.net/ gucci bags
http://www.salegucci.net/ gucci handbags
http://www.salegucci.net/ gucci store
Posted by: Gucci outlet at August 2, 2010 11:15 AM
Nice post, very useful to me! Thank you!
"fake handbags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake bags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake louis vuitton bags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"fake louis vuitton":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
"louis vuitton handbags":http://www.fakehandbags1.com
Posted by: anny at July 19, 2010 11:18 PM
Nice post, very useful to me! Thank you!
"designer handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"replica louis vuitton handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"replica handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"louis vuitton handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
"replica designer handbags":http://www.no1replica.net
Posted by: anny at July 19, 2010 11:14 PM
Nice post, very useful to me! Thank you!
"Tibetan Jewelry":http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com
"Handmade Jewelry":http://www.tibetanjewelry1.com
Posted by: anny at July 19, 2010 11:10 PM
hi,
everybody, take your time and a little bit.
Now I introduce a website http://www.oppell.com is specialized in online service on Prada Shoes,Christian Louboutin Shoes,Coach Shoes,Ed Hardy,Gucci Shoes,Jimmy Choo Shoes,Lacoste Shirts,Lacoste Shoes,LV Shoes,Paul Smith Shoes,Sebago Fashion Shoes and UGG boots.
Air jordan(1-24)shoes Save: 32% off
UGG boota Save: 40% off
Tshirts (Polo ,ed hardy,lacoste) Save: 38% off
Bikini (Ed hardy) Save: 32% off
FREE SHIPPING
Posted by: mbt at July 16, 2010 11:10 PM
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz iPhone Ringtone Maker
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/iphone-ringtone-converter.htm iPhone Ringtone Converter
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/iphone-ringtone-creator.htm iPhone Ringtone Creator
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/m4r-converter.htm M4R Converter
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/mp3-to-m4r-converter.htm MP3 to M4R Converter
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/m4a-to-m4r-converter.htm M4A to M4R Converter
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/aac-to-m4r-converter.htm AAC to M4R Converter
http://www.iphone-ringtone-maker.biz/transfer-iphone-sms.htm Transfer iPhone SMS
Posted by: wangjiming at July 16, 2010 04:14 AM
ello,I love reading through your blog, I wanted to leave a little comment to support you and wish you a good continuhttp://www.topchanelbag.com
http://www.topguccibags.com
http://www.greathermes.com
http://www.greatlouisvuitton.com
http://www.topdesignerhandbag.com
http://wendysreplica.comtion. Wishing you the best of luck for all your blogging efforts.
Posted by: designer handbags at July 16, 2010 03:47 AM
it is a great post,thanks for your share.
Posted by: mbt at June 29, 2010 02:32 AM
buy ugg boots online[url=http://www.uggukboot.com/ugg-bailey-button-boots-c-1.html]UGG Bailey Button Boots[/url][url=http://www.uggukboot.com/ugg-classic-cardy-boots-c-2.html]UGG Classic Cardy Boots[/url][url=http://www.uggukboot.com/ugg-classic-mini-boots-c-4.html]UGG Classic Mini Boots[/url][url=http://www.uggukboot.com/ugg-classic-short-boots-c-5.html]UGG Classic Short Boots[/url][url=http://www.uggukboot.com/ugg-classic-tall-boots-c-6.html]UGG Classic Tall Boots[/url] [url=http://www.timberlanduks.com/timberland-mens-classic-c-3.html]Timberland Mens Classic[/url] [url=http://www.timberlanduks.com/timberland-mens-roll-top-c-8.html]Timberland Mens Roll Top[/url] [url=http://www.timberlanduks.com/timberland-waterproof-c-1.html]Timberland Waterproof[/url] [url=http://www.timberlanduks.com/timberland-womens-6-inch-c-4.html]Timberland Womens 6 Inch[/url] [url=http://www.newbagsale.com/jimmy-choo-bags-c-10.html]Jimmy Choo Bags[/url] [url=http://www.newbagsale.com/lv-handbags-c-17.html]LV Handbags[/url] [url=http://www.newbagsale.com/marc-jacobs-bags-c-11.html]Marc Jacobs Bags[/url] [url=http://www.newbagsale.com/miu-miu-handbags-c-12.html]Miu Miu Handbags[/url] [url=http://shoeseb.com/]mbt shoes clearance[/url] [url=http://shoeseb.com/]adidas running shoes[/url] [url=http://shoeseb.com/]nike basketball shoes sale[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-max-shoes-c-79.html]Nike air Max Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-shox-shoes-c-8.html]Nike Shox Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/mbt-shoes-clearance-c-180.html]MBT Shoes Clearance[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-force-1-shoes-c-163.html]Nike air Force 1 Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-dunk-sb-shoes-c-153.html]Nike Dunk SB Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-max-2010-shoes-c-105.html]Nike air max 2010 shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-max-2009-shoes-c-96.html]Nike air Max 2009 Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-max-90-shoes-c-80.html]Nike air Max 90 Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.shoesamason.com/nike-air-max-tn-shoes-c-99.html]Nike air Max TN Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.uggargyleknit.com/ugg-nightfall-c-7.html]UGG Nightfall[/url] [url=http://www.uggargyleknit.com/ugg-sundance-c-8.html]UGG Sundance[/url] [url=http://www.uggargyleknit.com/ugg-ultra-short-c-9.html]UGG Ultra Short[/url] [url=http://www.handbagseby.com/prada-handbags-c-13.html]Prada Handbags[/url] [url=http://www.maxairshoes.com/shox-monster-shoes-c-13.html]Shox Monster Shoes[/url] [url=http://www.handbagseby.com/versace-handbags-c-16.html]Versace Handbags[/url] [url=http://www.handbagseby.com/yves-saint-laurent-c-14.html]Yves Saint Laurent[/url] all ugg boots 7 days freedelivery.
Posted by: designer bags at June 21, 2010 04:23 AM
www.glamour-watches.com is a world class professional replica watches provider, we strive to offer replica watches with great prices, and the fast delivery.
http://www.glamour-watches.com
http://www.watchau.com/Swiss-Replica-Rolex
http://www.watchau.com/Standard-Luxury-Replicas
http://www.watchau.com/Swiss-Made-Replica
http://www.watchau.com
http://www.glamoursell.com
http://www.glamourseller.com
http://www.glamour-watch.com
http://www.glamour-watches.com
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-breitling-watches
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-cartier-watches
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-rolex-watches
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-tag-heuer-watches
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-omega-watches
http://www.watchau.com/replica-watches-paypal
http://www.glamour-watches.com/replica-watches-paypal
Posted by: replica watches at June 20, 2010 10:04 AM
http://www.suprashoesstore.net supra shoes
http://www.airmax-online.net/ air max shoes
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/ Nike Outlet
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/ Nike Basketball shoes
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/LeBron_James_Shoes.html LeBron James Shoes
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/Kobe_Bryant_Shoes.html Kobe Bryant Shoes
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/Nike-Air-Force-For-Men.html Nike Air Force
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/Nike-Shox-For-Men.html Nike Shox
http://www.nike-star-shoes.net/Nike-Dunk-For-Men.html nike sb
Posted by: jason at June 3, 2010 09:05 PM
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优
http://www.sdoseo.com 百谷优优网络推广
Posted by: sdoseo at June 3, 2010 12:33 PM
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
http://www.swissexpert.us/
Posted by: swiss replica watches at May 20, 2010 02:18 AM
http://www.direct-scaffold.com scaffolding
http://www.plastics-china.com/plastic_injection_molding.htm plastic injection molding
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Cap_Lid.htm plastic cap
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Jars.htm plastic jar
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Bucket_Pail.htm plastic bucket
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Auto_parts.htm plastic auto parts
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Others.htm plastic products
http://www.plastics-china.com/Plastic-blow-molding.htm plastic blow molding
http://www.plastics-china.com/products/Blow_bottle.htm plastic bottle
http://www.plastics-china.com/Contact_us.htm Contact Glory plastics
http://www.jsymq.com
http://www.zwf345.cn
http://www.plastics-china.com injection molding
http://www.printings-china.com China printing
Posted by: injection molding at June 16, 2009 09:17 PM
Mostly on my own but it was science fiction books that started me off. For me sci-fi books often put scientific and technological knowledge into a context better than science courses did. Plus the schools operate on the assumption that you are either supposed to be motivated by pleasing the teacher or competition with other students. Neither of those things motivated me.
Finding good books is a major problem though because most are crap.
http://discussions.pbs.org/viewtopic.pbs?p=300610#300610
psik
Posted by: psikeyhackr at July 28, 2007 03:19 PM
My parents taught me early on that learning IS life. This pretty much spoiled me for settling in to any kind of degree program at a university. I could never pick a single field of study, because it always felt too limiting. Somewhere around Junior High I caught the entrepreneurial bug from my father (who had two Ph.Ds, by the way) and decided not to pursue schooling in a formal way. I've probably spent the equivalent of a pricey four-year degree in business pursuits, but I'll put my knowledge up against anyone who is papered.
Posted by: Carter Harkins at May 27, 2007 12:25 PM
I've always said that your education is what you choose to make of it. Sometimes the things you learn on your own are the things that you are the most motivated to go on with and become an expert in. I suspect there is a balance, find something you love to do and use your schooling as a way to network, get guidance from an expert and to make yourself better.
Posted by: Rich Platts at May 18, 2007 04:47 PM
I've learned all of my networking / os knowledge on my own.
The thing the college (at least my engineering school) tought me was how to solve problems and how to think logically.
No school is ever going to teach you 'most of what you need to know'. They will give you the tools you need however to solve problems.
Mike
Posted by: Mike Picher at May 16, 2007 10:23 AM
I attended 7 different colleges so far, and probably won't ever finish a degree unless they give me something like an Oprah degree. Instead, I've collected experience. I've learned from personal interaction. I've experimented in the lab of life.
Most of what I need to do my job falls down to communications skills. I've read voraciously on the topic, and have educated myself through both books and trial-and-error. So far, I feel my education is a good one, though there are times when I wish I had a few basic college skills under my belt, such as maybe accounting, etc.
Posted by: Chris Brogan... at May 16, 2007 09:50 AM
As an entrepreneur with ADD I hardly learned anything in school. I was earning more from my candy locker business in High-School then some of my teachers :)
Even though most of what I have learned has been from business books like anything and everything from Seth Godin, I have learned the most from experience. Just dive in and do and you will learn because you have no choice if you want to be successful.
Posted by: Richard Kligman at May 16, 2007 07:22 AM
I'd have to say that both are important in what I do. For me it has more to do with passion.
Although I rarely think that I "use" what I learned in elementary school (I taught myself to read before 1st grade, I learned how to do math from friends of the family) there definitely are some foundation pieces laid on how to study and even areas of interest from there. (I had a _great_ science teacher.) Of course I was in a private school from K-6. The foundations are rarely something we think of but may be what we form our self learning desires from.
That said - my initial college experience was awful, I learned little other than an enjoyment of Constitutional Law, my knowledge of computers is self learned, even if I did have the advantage of an open access system at the University (ucscb.ucsc.edu).
But then to swing back to the schooling side, I recently went back to school for a Masters degree. And the schooling was wonderful. (There was passion there) There are so many little gaps in knowledge that can occur in self learning and applying and the classes were great for filling it in. But...this was also an all online school - much of the learning came in the discussion and exchange between the students, so my "formal learning" was being enhanced by the experience of the other students who had skill sets other than mine.
So I think I really take from both, and neither can stand on their own.
Posted by: Goldie Katsu at May 15, 2007 05:21 PM
yo jeff -
the more i learn the more i realize how little i know and even more how much less i knew - i have learned mostly from making mistakes lots of mistakes - and always hunting for those good mistakes - i think we learn most from the circumstances we find ourselves in and the defining moments on our life while were thought we were doing something else - i like robert wilsons quote - if you think you are going in the wrong direction then go there - rather then going to where you know the results - as my mother said when i asked her how old she felt inside - she said "not yet born yet" we have so much to learn and explore and yes too share - we are all students and teachers at the same time - lets enjoy life together and stop pretending we are zombies and live those moments as gifts rather then as work..
be well
geo
Posted by: geo at May 15, 2007 03:09 PM
Jack of all trades, master of none -- that has been my career. I have a college degree, but in General Studies (minor in Business).
95% or more though is self taught. I am certain there was not a college program for what I have learned over the years and anything I typically 'want' to learn about is so new that the only way TO learn it is self-study.
Posted by: John Rath at May 15, 2007 02:39 PM
I'm self-taught. I picked up a webcam and began creating videos in early 2006. I began learning how to edit and what was required to do so. I taught myself how to use a computer and use the internet.
I learn some of the foundations of my life from school, but other than that I taught myself the rest.
Posted by: Jonathan Bloom at May 15, 2007 01:26 PM
I am self taught. The internet was my mentor in regards to learning technology, programming, etc.
Posted by: Jeff O'Hara at May 15, 2007 12:46 PM
K^2 above said: "Other than the basic building blocks of writing -- vocabulary, sentence structure, paragraph construction, etc. -- I picked up virtually nothing in 17 years of formal schooling that is of use to me today in my work."
That is pretty much my experience as well.
Posted by: valeko at May 15, 2007 12:39 PM
I have a masters degree from the school of hard knocks.
When I did decide to get an actual bachelors degree in computer information systems (which I thought would help me get a better job), I maintained a 3.7 GPA, and mostly taught the professors a thing or two (but then again, 90% of them were just there for a steady paycheck)
Growing up, I was easily bored, unless I was trying to figure out something new, but once I could see what the answer was going to be, I generally lost interest and moved on to something else.
I am the jack of all trades, and the master of a few.
Posted by: Michael Bailey at May 15, 2007 11:45 AM
Education all over the place today.
The United States school system was drastically revised by the industrial barons of the day to fit their needs. Carnegie, Rockefeller - they created a system designed to suppress individuality, curiousity, and critical thought in order to make living automatons for their factories. As I mentioned elsewhere today, check out John Taylor Gatto's book, The Underground History of American Education. It's an eye opener:
http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/underground/
And I've always learned more by forging the path myself rather than travel the road already paved.
Posted by: Christopher S. Penn at May 15, 2007 11:35 AM
I dropped out of college to start my first business, a Unix and Network consulting firm that morphed into Tucson's first commercial dialup ISP. I am thankful for many of the things I learned in school, but I am mostly thankful for the things I was exposed to such as the Internet and the computer club (HACKS).
I got a lot out of it to a point, but after that point, school interfered with my education.
I would have to say that 95% or more of what I have learned that makes me successful in this business is self-taught.
Posted by: dave siegel at May 15, 2007 11:22 AM
I have always said that I'll take street smart over book smart any day of the week.
My grades were never that great in school. I was smart but never applied myself because getting a good grade meant nothing. I just wanted to do the work and learn. Honor roll and such didn't matter.
I personally have learned more from the people around me and on the job then I ever learned in school. The problem is that the world changes too quick and schools can't keep up with that change.
Posted by: C.C. at May 15, 2007 10:15 AM
I was encouraged to pursue an accounting degree in college too. There were a lot of things wrong with the way they taught accounting in college. It was all memorization. I refused to memorize and tried to learn the theories to then be able to apply them to the problems.
That was a mistake.
I switched to management and there I was able to learn and apply knowledge to problem solving. Great stuff. One of my professor was the creator of MBO, Management By Objectives, George Ordiorne. A great guy. I learned how to teach from him... Really great stuff...
I also had a professor who was a retired Johnson and Johnson retiree. He told us that he had worked too hard in life, ignoring his family. Looking back on it, he told us to become pebbles on the shorline and take time to enjoy life and not to work so much.
As it relates to what I'm doing now, video, blogging, photography... I took two photography classes in college and an intro to Final Cut Pro class.
Other than that it's all self taught.
One thing I enjoyed was sitting with an audio editor at a radaio station I worked at, and looking over his shoulder while he worked. I did the same thing at a newspaper when I hung out with the graphic designer as he processed photos on photoshop... I think mentoring is great.
Posted by: steve garfield at May 15, 2007 10:10 AM
Other than the basic building blocks of writing -- vocabulary, sentence structure, paragraph construction, etc. -- I picked up virtually nothing in 17 years of formal schooling that is of use to me today in my work.
For the most part, previous generations had it right, employing the concept of apprenticeship combined with hard work and thown-into-the-fire-by-the-seat-of-your-pants improvisation.
Posted by: K˛ at May 15, 2007 09:53 AM
It's all OJT baby. No certifications, just hard-won experience about what works and what doesn't, and troubleshooting skills honed in the crucible of supporting high-risk, high-value financial systems, with high-strung executives on your butt asking for when it will be fixed. Of course you have to diplomatically explain that the old SNA-gateway that they refused to allocate budget for /were too scared to replace, has finally failed. The key words are "Its no longer supported by the manufacturer..."
University was a place where I was a little fish in a big pond, as opposed to High School, which was a wakeup call to me. It was also the first lesson in self-reliance and self-starting, and learning that you were in control of your own destiny for the most part.
Posted by: Craig Plunkett at May 15, 2007 09:46 AM
I've definitely learned more by tinkering with stuff on my own than by studying something in an organized manner.
Posted by: Hans Persson at May 15, 2007 09:25 AM
So far everything I used to my advantage has been something I learnt on my own: Perl, HTML, CSS, Asterisk, Linux administration, Python, Qt/KDE...
And almost none of these things are looked for in the world, sad as that is. Everything is C++, C# (neither of which I’m touching with a ten foot pole), Java (which I’m nowhere competent in), PHP (ten foot pole rule applies), you name it. I’m supposedly a better engineer if I know what O(2^n) means and if I know by heart that a certain algorithm cannot be made in less time, but I don’t think I’ve ever faced that problem so far!
Posted by: Henrik Pauli at May 15, 2007 09:12 AM
Well, I've learned mostly from my own doing, rather than school system. I think it gave me a basis, but I always invested in my personal interest. Hey - I am learning editing, shooting video, lighting, audio - and I've never studied media. Also my business career launched before I had a degree. Especially when you are talking about doing business - school can give you the basic terminology and maybe some ideas about what's out there, but without being in the trenches yourself, nothing will happen. So, if you look at what I am doing now, and on my career path - it is 5%-95% ratio, 5% school, the rest is footwork, falling and getting up again etc.
Having said that, I see a lot of value in mentors - people with experience that I can talk with and listen to their perspective of life, based on their experience. This is something I find fascinating, and lacking in the education system today.
Posted by: Kfir Pravda at May 15, 2007 08:46 AM