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September 15, 2008
Pieces of Me: My Author’s Note
Back in July 2003 when I first started this blog, I had no idea that blogging would become a daily obsession in my life. To date I have posted more than 4,600 entries in this eclectic blog. I enjoy having a platform to share my passion for technology, tech policy, a sunrise or a sunset, Baseball, Poker, Entrepreneurship and a number of other topics.
I first started writing on a regular basis back in the summer of 1996 when I published my first “Pulver Report.” From 1996 through 2004 the Pulver Report was published mostly on a monthly basis and provided me with a way to share my perspectives about the emerging VoIP industry. While I shared personal moments from time to time, my focus was primarily communicating with the community that made up the self defining industry.
A number of months ago I was inspired to reach deep into myself and share with the readers of my blog some of the private conversations I normally have with only myself. These personal and sometimes inspirational notes might have seem out of context to some of the longer term readers of my blog, but due to my reflective posts, I’m happy to see the readership of my blog grow and I’m committed for this blog to continue to be eclectic and a place where I will share what’s on my mind and what I’m feeling from time to time.
I am sharing the “Author’s Note” below as a way to provide a better perspective to those who may read one or more of my personal introspections and who feel they need to better know the person on the other side of the keyboard.
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Author’s Notes - Jeff Pulver
These notes are written from the “inside out” and collectively provide a unique perspective into my life, and to who I am and how I think and feel. I am a risk taker. I have seen success and failure. I am a gambler. I am a dreamer and a believe in investing in the dreams of others. I believe the “power of one” is more than the power of none. Not every day is a great day or even a good day but I try to do the best I can and remain positive, regardless of how hard that might be.
I realize that there are some people who are my “friends” to whom I’m a mystery. And that is fine by me. I’m still a mystery to myself some days too. I’m sure I confuse some people as to why I do something and how I think and how I can appear to be seemingly care free at times. But that’s me. I am inconsistent. I’m far from perfect. I make mistakes, Many mistakes. And some good mistakes. Sometimes. I’ve learned from my mistakes but I sometimes repeat them anyway. Sometimes I may be guilty of changing the facts to fit my needs. And that’s O.K. And sometimes I discover something powerful because I’m willing to live close to the edge. I respect others around me but I am sometimes fearless when fighting the status quo.
I was never someone who looked for permission from anyone to do the things I did. I just did them. And I had fun doing it And I still do. And from this I learned that while we can outsource many things, it is not possible to outsource fun. Which in turn reminds me that we can not outsource our life. We need to make our own fun happen. Which I try to do whenever I can. Sometimes the fun is subtle and other times it is obvious. But it is something always on my mind. Maybe it is because I feel as if I’m still a lonely 11 year old kid inside and not a grown up. And maybe it is because I don’t ever want to grow up.
In my book of life, life experiences matter. There are times we can learn more from living life than studying life in school. My father once tried to explain to me that ten years after taking a class in University that the classes that I learned something in I would know forever and the classes where I just studied something, I would just forget! He was right. Little did I know my dad was providing me with a blueprint for how I would approach learning new things for the rest of my life.
It has been said that the older we get, the smarter our parents get. I believe this now.
I am someone who would like to believe that nothing is impossible. That we should encourage people to dream and encourage people to challenge themselves. That everyone who has a dream should be given a chance to one day see their dreams come true. I am someone who would much rather have tried something and failed than not try that anything at all. And yes, this is a bit idealistic but this is my note to the world and if I want to believe in dreams and believe that nothing is impossible, so be it.
Looking at what I have written, my hope is that there is something I have written that you will resonate with you. My writing style is the way I speak. Yes I know my English isn’t great. My grammar can make an English teacher cringe. (Because it used to in school.).
I realize I don’t always remember to frame the notes properly. Usually when I’m writing about risk taking, these are risks I have taken. Risks I have taken when it felt as if I was living on the edge. Not everyone knows my story and sometimes I forget where I am and where I was and where I’m going. These are notes written from the heart.
One of my insights about myself is that strange as it may sound, it turns out being extremely busy and distracted tends to be a source of energy and focus which I am still trying to understand myself. What I trying to say is that the more busy I am, the better the chances that I will see an opportunity for myself that I would have never seen if I was sitting around waiting to do something. “Things in motion stay in motion. things that are idle stay idle” is something I feel at times.
Dealing with some of these things require a level of maturity and recognition for things which I sometimes like to avoid. Some people at a young age are more grown up than my friends twice their age. Age is a state of mind as much as anything else. And for some people, as they get older, they no longer allow themselves to live and have fun. As I get older, I am someone who is not only looking for more fun but someone who will share fun with friends whenever he can.
In the end I’m just me. I get up in the morning and I go to sleep at night and some days I hope that in the time in between I have done something interesting and maybe make a difference. This doesn’t happen everyday but when it does, I know I’m on the right track. My life is an adventure. I am a gainfully unemployed accountant by training. Just about everything I know I have taught myself. I am someone who believes in self-empowerment.
When I started writing these notes it wasn’t because I was writing a book but rather something inside of me that inspired me to write. During the past few months it has been suggested that I consider publishing a book and this is something on my mind and something I may consider doing in the future. (But it was never my intention.)
Our lives are a work in progress and most of what I’m writing comes from my own experiences and I try my best to share my experiences in bite size moments that capture a thought and/or a moment from my life. If I am able to connect with just one person, it makes writing these notes all worthwhile.
I enjoy hosting events which bring people together. I enjoy helping to be a catalyst for business and social networking. I enjoy being a community developer in my own community. I enjoy connecting people with people and helping them meet each other and exchange ideas.
I believe we are always learning about something. That regardless of our age, we can all remain young at heart. That we can learn every day in our lives but only those people who stay engaged with their lives and the future are able to pull it off. And anyone and everyone can and should dream, And maybe some of us one day will have a chance to catch that impossible dream and have a chance to challenge the status quo.
It is our responsibility to be honest with ourselves and with others. It is up to you to live your life and be your personal best. If you don’t push yourself to your own limits there isn’t anyone else who you can look to do this for you. And when you learn something, it is up to you to decide how to share your learnings with others.
I am passionate about music. More than words alone can say. I enjoy the energy from music and there are times when I live by the words of songwriters. When I’m alone there are times I just close my eyes and listen to the songs playing in my mind without the need of my iPod.
I have found it interesting how some friends respond to my notes. I appreciate hearing their perspective on life and how others have dealt with some of the topics shared in these notes. I also appreciate the opportunity to join the conversation.
I hope this Author’s Note helps YOU better understand the person behind these notes....me. :)
When you feel like it, please feel free to let me know something about you from the inside of your mind. Please feel free to share things which would otherwise never appear on your personal Bio. Please feel free to share to join the conversation and share your comments below. Share a thought. Share a moment. And feel free to find me on twitter and continue this conversation.
Tags: Entrepreneurship, leadership, Entrepreneur, Jeff Pulver
Posted by jeff on September 15, 2008 06:32 AM | Permalink
Additional resources: #140conf events | Watch the Jeff Pulver Show | Jeff's Qik Videos
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Hey Jeff,
I am new to this.. blogging and all...
By the way i went through your Pieces of Me at the starting of this page... I have a question regarding the VOiP. I do use it daily to be in touch with my family. As it doesn't shares the conversion CODECS with local governments, it is believed to be used for illegal and terrorist activities.
What is the problem in sharing the CODECS with local governments so that a trust can be developed among the people. Also why can't we use a technology like VOiP for the well being of all.
I am disturbed to hear that Indian government is on the verge of banning VOiP.
Looking for a reply...
Posted by: Anish at October 4, 2009 12:53 PM
Hi Jeff
A shame we were not talking during the #stream09 event. What you are writing is so much about the way i am thinking. However, maybe we have the chance to talk at stream10 :-)
By the way: Do you have a family and kids?
Posted by: Kay Fluhr at October 4, 2009 12:40 PM
Thanks for sharing in such a personal way that it takes a great deal of courage, over a sustained period of time, to go after ones dreams! Persisting through the failures, or "learning experiences" can be so challenging!
Posted by: Laura Chizzali at February 24, 2009 01:53 AM
It will be fun getting to know you, Jeff Pulver.
p.s. The status quo is way overrated. :)
Posted by: Michele Clarke at February 20, 2009 08:50 PM
"Age is a state of mind as much as anything else. And for some people, as they get older, they no longer allow themselves to live and have fun".
Above all, these were the two sentences that jumped out at me.
I have just turned 50. I don't feel like it. I don't feel, in my mind, any different than I did when I was 20. Perhaps, I'm more thoughtful about things these days. I certainly have more memories, some better than others, but none extremely bad.
I smile at 20 somethings, that are getting worried abut being 27, or 28, or, God forbid, 30! I laugh when they say they're getting old!
I have an online friend who is 54. Every time I speak to her, at some point in the conversation, she tells me that she is old. Her parents are still alive, and in their 90's. I bet they don't walk around telling everyone they're old all the time. So yes, age is certainly a state of mind, and no, I don't want to act my age, any more than I have to. So, if you follow me on Twitter, and you think I come across sometimes as a big kid, then that's great, I'm happy, I'm having fun, and so should you.
Posted by: Eyebee at February 20, 2009 08:21 PM
Jeff, you remind me SO much of my son. Many talents and gifts. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and dreams. Not everybody possess the same perspective in life. You are very inspiring.
Sounds like we get to know the real YOU !
Blessings to you ! You would enjoy Michael Murphy,
connecting possibly on his site www.positiveattitudes.com. His book "Powerful Attitudes" is something you would enjoy. He also is a "real person" kind of guy,very interesting,fun and personable. A learner and lover of the same music you mention. Much in common,loves people.
Thanks for sharing with us !
Gerri
Posted by: Gerri at January 5, 2009 04:29 PM
Hi Jeff,
I came here due to a Tweet suggestion of yours. I am new to Twitter and your name popped up as someone to follow to help me "get" Twitter. I'm learning. Rather new to blogging - but totally appreciate the post you did telling about yourself. As a public speaker, I learned something about the art of self disclosure. It's a lost art, in many ways but quite powerful. I think you are on the right track with allowing folks to know a bit more about who you are "inside."
Nice to meet you!
Amy
Posted by: Amy at December 7, 2008 12:53 PM
Inspiring. I haven't thought of a post like this to put your best self foward. Thank you too, from this side.
Posted by: TonNet at December 7, 2008 09:07 AM
Beautiful.
I bookmarked it and I'm going to come back here and read it every time I need inspiration and/or motivation.
Thank you Jeff.
Posted by: Ronen K' at December 4, 2008 05:11 AM
Thanks for sharing so much of your self and your thoughts Jeff. I find them uplifting and at times challenging.
Posted by: David Hurwitz at November 19, 2008 12:48 PM
Hi Jeff,
We have just connected on Twitter, Facebook and now here (does this mean were are stalking each other? smiling here).
I smiled all the way through this post - not the smile of glee, but the smile of a deeper kind that resonates from inside. The kind that has you nodding your head and going mmmm, yes, I can relate to that!.
You rarely share yourself with your readership, and neither do I, but you have now and to the betterment of yourself and those around you. This is obvious by people you have touched and the comments they have left - of which I am one.
So, you have more than succeed in resonating with just one person.
Thank you for sharing with me the "real you". I like what I read and hope to share in the conversation with you.
Smiles to you Jeff,
Yvonne
(p.s - you never asked for permission. I always did. But, when I didn't get it - I did it anyway - smiling here).
Posted by: Yvonne Rice at November 19, 2008 12:37 AM
Wow, I came accross your blog from following you on Twitter and I love it. Thank you for sharing your inner self. That's really hard to do and I wish I could do the same.
AnaRC
Posted by: AnaRC at September 17, 2008 06:50 AM
Thank you so much for following me on twitter. From reading this post, I see how we all gravitate towards you because of how honest you are in what you share and how you are passionate about sharing the tools in technology that allows us to communicate in the 21st century. I really look forward to learning MORE from you! Always, TheJennTaFur 8)
Posted by: TheJennTaFur at September 16, 2008 08:04 PM
It seems like the people who have enjoyed a lot of success generally bring reach a sort of fondness for the struggles they endured along the way. And it seems like the search to find one's way (and what they stand for) is what that person values most when they reflect. A very thought-provoking post. Sounds like a full life you described.
Posted by: TravisV at September 16, 2008 11:14 AM
You connected.
Something the world will never know (to be buried deep in your comment archives)...
"I am at odds. Every minute of every day. It drives me and it repels me. It has become my blessed curse."
Should my life prove to be of interest to another, I may just see this comment surface somewhere down the line. I'm at odds with typing it now. I'm at odds with seeing it surface. This is precisely why I did it.
Posted by: Andrew Peek at September 15, 2008 11:45 PM
Hello Jeff!
Thought I'd reach out to you after reading your heartfelt and authentic comments. Alot there that I too feel and believe. Thank you for expressing it so genuinely. Risk taking: big yes. Empowerment: hard to put into words the incredible feeling this brings. Nothing is impossible: Well, that's why I love "Imagine" by JL so much.
My Best,
Rhonda Michelle
Posted by: Rhonda Michelle at September 15, 2008 10:19 PM
Wow! 4, 600 entries! That's a looottt of entries.
Posted by: Den Relojo at September 15, 2008 10:17 AM
Great post Jeff, thanks for sharing
Posted by: Sean Bohan at September 15, 2008 09:57 AM
Hi Jeff - happy belated birthday! It's always inspiring to read the stories of other risk takers, so thank you for this post and good luck with your book...I'll look for it on the Amazon best seller list soon. :)
Posted by: mark_hayward at September 15, 2008 09:13 AM
Great post, Jeff. And I see we have a lot in common. I'm a believer in mistakes because my greatest fear is the status quo. The mistakes are the step stones on our way to fulfilling our dreams.
Now, I don't want to spam your comments, but since you're asking us to reveal something about our selves, I would like to point out two blog posts I wrote, about how some of my mistakes are the greatest things that have ever happened to me:
Are you never too careful?
http://blog.scope.is/marketing_safari/2008/05/are-you-never-t.html
And a couple of things most people didn't know about me:
Insatiable Curiosity
http://blog.scope.is/marketing_safari/2008/01/insatiable-curi.html
Thanks for sharing yourself with us. I look forward to continue the conversation :)
Cheers
Hjörtur
Posted by: Hjortur Smarason at September 15, 2008 08:59 AM
Really weird. It's 6AM in LA and I'm sleepy. I clicked through to this post from twitter thinking that Chris Brogan had written something about Jeff Pulver and that Jeff was not happy with what Chris wrote so I read this post as if Chris Brogan was pretending to be Jeff Pulver and that Jeff wasn't happy with Chris about it. AND Steve Garfield was mad at Jeff and Chris.
I'm going to sleep.
I hope this was just a bad dream and that Jeff and Chris are still buds and Steve Garfield is still the nice guy we all think he is.
Posted by: Tim Street at September 15, 2008 08:56 AM
Hi Professor Steve,
Thanks for visiting and for sharing your comments. I look forward to visiting the blogs of your students and will try to join their conversations. :)
Posted by: Jeff Pulver at September 15, 2008 08:29 AM
Hi Jeff,
I just wanted to let you know that I was here and that I read this. I'm now teaching at Boston University, New Media Tools for Journalism.
Last week's assignment was to subscribe to 10 blogs and pick 2 favorites.
When we talked about visiting blogs, I asked is the bloggers they visited knew they were there. How many left a comment.
In a class of about 50, only one did.
So I explained that by leaving comments, that's how the conversation starts. That's how they get to know people and have others find them.
This week they are all creating their own blogs. That'll give them a URL to put in their comments.
Nice post.
--Steve
Posted by: steve Garfield at September 15, 2008 08:25 AM
Hey Jeff,
I just want to say thank you. As someone who prides himself on being an idealist (and who's wife is constantly calling a dreamer), its sometimes difficult for me to put my dreams out in the public domain. I applaud your courage and bless you to continue growing in all the things you do.
Posted by: Isaac Hametz at September 15, 2008 07:50 AM