The blog of a twice-fired-techy

I think it’s time for a public confession. This is a moment of truth which puts the blog into better perspective, adds reality and relevancy to the profile. Some Q&A is in order.

1. Another blogger fired?

   At the time I was a techy and not a blogger yet. I was working in the Indian call center industry where the employees were asked to fake an American accent; with a 1 month of accent training it is quite manageable. Of course the parent companies do not want their customers to know their call is being routed to the call center at an outsource. I had a frustrated customer with all his savings spent on purchasing a computer which turned out faulty and ideally should have been replaced. I stood by what I believed was right and was termed a “loose cannon”. That year I spent my birthday with 0.50INR in my pocket (convert that to USD and imagine) and survived.

2. What next?

   I struck a job with another call center and started pitching a telephone box to the British to cut their phone bills. I was found fiddling with the computer; most of my time went in fixing computers of my colleagues than in making sales. I was warned twice and before it escalated to a third, I got a better paying job as a Tech Support. My boss from the marketing field didn’t find my technical prowess convincing. If I diagnosed the that a dysfunctional telephone line was the cause of an internet issue, it wasn’t good enough. They wanted me to search and read the knowledge base articles. They had invested a lot of time and skill in creating the knowledge base which was in infancy and had gone live only a day ago but nonetheless their new baby. I finally joined a company paying triple the salary where the technical skill was key. It was not a call center and their knowledgebase was as good as any of the techs because they contributed articles and built it.

3. Will the title ever change to “The blog of a thrice-fired-techy”?

   Well the title of this blog has changed several times now and if it ever comes to it again it will be a yes than a no. I’d rather be fired than be asked to sign a resignation (which is a trend here). Firing means no notice period, immediate clearance and a legal risk where a company would have to pay dearly for a wrong decision. (Update: I’ve resigned to go a full time blogger.)

4. What do I do for a living?

   I’m a keen and interested technology enthusiast. I’ve found a voice with Binary Turf. I run several blogs some covering controversial topics that I chose not to reveal my identity. I’ve created various software which I share with the world for free. That way I’m able to make meaningful contribution with the community and everyone is happy. Most of my earnings come from advertising on my websites and blogs.

5. What is different about Binary Turf?

   Binary Turf is a place where I pour my hear out. I share, discuss and document all the quest and excitement about technology and popular interests. The blog has grown to huge popularity since it’s launch in May 2008 and growing as you read.

6. Anything else about you?

   I’m an Electronics graduate and hail from Gwalior in India. I currently live in the capital of India and spend all my time online except sleeping. (Update: Not anymore – I’ve quit my job and returned to my hometown – it’s lovely here.)

Well so here we are with ColorfulTabs, CuteMenus2, FfChrome, Femme Flora… and other software. And while I’m at it let me mention that in the current week I’ll be running a series of articles on photography. I’m running a month long poll to know what you like to read here. Photography is a popular choice and it is time to touch this topic in-depth as I pursue immense interest in photography being the son of a photographer myself. Keep watching this space for more and do not forget to subscribe to the feed. If you have any questions they go right here in the comments.