I have given up trying to find funding. And given the news there is another developer doing the same idea I have, there is a certain amount of panic, sadness, anger and stress all rolled into one. They have funding and are developers. But to the giving up.......
Here I am, a homeless man. Taiwanese. Honest with well intentions. It is the Holidays season. A time of family. A time book cased by Thanksgiving and Christmas. A time of giving. A time of family and looking out for the less fortunate. The setting could not be more preferable. How can a homeless man not get some love with all this???
- I emailed on Facebook hundreds of people with my same last name. Said I'm homeless and also Taiwanese. - Nothing
- I wrote letters to different philanthropists - Nothing
- There is a Doctor at St. Josephs Hospital a block from where I park. He has the same last name as me. He is also Taiwanese. I wrote a letter explaining where I am parked. My nationality. The Catholic workers he can talk to. I hand delivered the letter to him - Nothing
-I went to an event where I stood up in a crowd of 300 people and told everyone in the crowd I'm homeless and any can help with my project - Nothing. Not one person talked to me after the event!
-I emailed the Taiwanese/Formosan Church of Seattle. The pastor did not reply the email. I left a voice message. No return phone call. I finally got hold of the Assistant Pastor by phone. His reply in his email was questioning my project and his congregation are busy people.
When I say "nothing", I mean nothing. Of the hundreds messages sent to people with my same last name...not one message back. You would think someone seeing there is a homeless Taiwanese would at least have the decency to message with a word of concern of how things are - being cold outside. I thought the doctor would at least reach out. I am literally a block away from his office.
I know giving time, money or effort is hard. But not one message?? And you would think, a Taiwanese church would go into emergency mode, realizing there is a Homeless Taiwanese man in the world!! Its unheard of. Who knew there are homeless Taiwanese people in the world? I'm a rare person. And yet they show no concern.
Are you scared of me? As a pastor you want to shield your congregation from harm because you have fear?
=========================================================================
I have to stop! There was already a certain high level of disdain for people. That's why I'm happy being homeless. If continue trying to reach out to people, I fear I may reach a point of hate that not returnable.
There is a point in hate you do not want to cross. Once that line is crossed, its a dark world that is hard to come back from. I know. I have been there (in my teenage years). I know because it is the reason I have not spoken to my adopted parents for over 20 years.
If I keep trying to reach out to people, I fear I may cross that point of no return again.
Hundreds of emails/messages to people with my name and Taiwanese. Not one message of, "I hope you take care of yourself in this holiday season". Not one! Are you kidding me?
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Horrible News
Shit Shit Shit Shit. Years and Years and have not seen anyone come up with the idea I have my website until yesterday. Then I saw a news piece on jobsuitors.com. They are close but not exactly on the same idea.
Now time is the essence. And unfortunately, that be my Achilles heal. I can only go so fast as there is funding for the developers. And being homeless without a job, the speed is at a snails pace.
It is like watching your dream, your opportunity to be something, someone. Watching a million dollars slip through your hands. Its like getting punched in the gut. Sick.
Now time is the essence. And unfortunately, that be my Achilles heal. I can only go so fast as there is funding for the developers. And being homeless without a job, the speed is at a snails pace.
It is like watching your dream, your opportunity to be something, someone. Watching a million dollars slip through your hands. Its like getting punched in the gut. Sick.
Saturday, December 6, 2014
In God I Trust
A year ago, when asked how I'm going to find the people in my team. How am I going to get funding. I tell them, If this is meant to be, God will present the right people at the right time.
As tragic as my life has been, there is no way you can't believe in God if you know all the events.
And even now, my belief in God is stronger than ever. Right now, I have never been more financially unstable. I literally have no money. My sister has been supporting me for a few months, and that will come to and end. And yet, I know this is perfectly the right time, and right moment for me to be attempting this startup. My spirit is good.
At the Jane Park Startup Grind event, during networking, anytime anyone asked me who I am...my response is - "I'm a homeless person"
An Asian man with a camera around his neck literally took 3-4 steps away from me and started a conversation with someone else, after I said I am homeless. He didn't say a word and moved away. Serious. lol
So!, disappointed and feeling I wasted $20 of gas, I walked into the elevator. I held the door for a nicely dressed Asian woman.
She asked me the time. " 9:14 pm"
She asked me if I learned anything tonight : "Nope, I didnt't learn a thing. "
She asked me what brought me here:" I'm a homeless person"
.......and from there she opened up to me. Asking how I am. How do I do it. Telling me the tough time she had and how her family struggled.
We are at the lobby, I thank her for her concern but she must be in a hurry for she asked me about the time. She insisted we talk. We walked into the lobby of the orchestra entrance at Benaroyal Hall.
Some guy with a bassoon case walks by. 5-6 people with cases of instruments. Group after group of musicians and people walking buy.
She is flying out to Shanghai tomorrow morning. She also had an husband to get home to. And yet, she stood there and talked to me for an 53 minutes. We didn't talk about startups. We talked about life. She didn't start trying to educate me like Jane Park did. She shared her deepest stories. Her face showed genuine concern of one human toward another. -----She did not talk to the "Homeless" man like the scum of the earth.
I asked her what she does. "I am a Patent Attorney with a PHD"
(At that very moment, in my mind, NO FUCKING WAY. I literally said in my mind, this is GOD work )
Crucial Team Members I must find before launch.
CEO - Check
I have Erika B. I know my strength and weakness. A hermit anti social man. I may not be the best choice for CEO. I don't know if I've ever written much about Erika, but she is amazing. If this website is even slightly successful, Google or Microsoft or someone is going to steal her from me.
And the most important part, she has faith. Faith whatever this homeless person is doing...she is in.
Funding Guide - check
I ran into Mike. The organizer of Startup Grind. He didn't talk to the homeless man like he is scum. He has contacts and experience with Startups and Venture/Angel Capitalists. He is still wondering what this website idea is all about. But most importantly....
He treated a homeless man the same as any other person. He also has faith. Even if he doesn't know it.
Technology/Web developer -
That person has not been found yet. Still waiting. Have asked dozens and dozens. Not as easy as I thought.
Attorney (Preferably Patent attorney) - Check
Loree from Last night. A coincidental meeting in a elevator? What are the odds, a crucial part of your team, you meet in a elevator in Seattle, a city you haven't been to in months. And the most important part...
She genuinely talked to the homeless person like a person. Understood his pains. She also has Faith
It is now up to me to get this thing made!!!!
In the Startup event and in the past, people have told me...Edwin you need to drop the homeless introduction when you go to these events. You are going to scare away potential good people of the team who are scared of homeless people.
I am not going to lie to myself in order to please another person because of their fears. I'm a homeless person. That is who I am.
This attempting to create a website to dominate a industry is a journey. If the journey goes anywhere, I want people with me who care about other humans. Are not scared of other humans because they look different, act different or have less money. And if they are not willing to engage another human because of perceived stereotypes....I don't want them on this train!
Erika, Mike, Loree....you don't think these 3 people are extraordinary and amazing people? Do I need to post entries of the dozens and dozens of people that I have ignored me because of my introduction "I"m homeless"?
We all say, Treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't judge a book by its cover. But rarely do people act that way. But these 3 do. And I want them on my team.
That 4th member - Developer/tech person? He will show up. In God I Trust
As tragic as my life has been, there is no way you can't believe in God if you know all the events.
And even now, my belief in God is stronger than ever. Right now, I have never been more financially unstable. I literally have no money. My sister has been supporting me for a few months, and that will come to and end. And yet, I know this is perfectly the right time, and right moment for me to be attempting this startup. My spirit is good.
At the Jane Park Startup Grind event, during networking, anytime anyone asked me who I am...my response is - "I'm a homeless person"
An Asian man with a camera around his neck literally took 3-4 steps away from me and started a conversation with someone else, after I said I am homeless. He didn't say a word and moved away. Serious. lol
So!, disappointed and feeling I wasted $20 of gas, I walked into the elevator. I held the door for a nicely dressed Asian woman.
She asked me the time. " 9:14 pm"
She asked me if I learned anything tonight : "Nope, I didnt't learn a thing. "
She asked me what brought me here:" I'm a homeless person"
.......and from there she opened up to me. Asking how I am. How do I do it. Telling me the tough time she had and how her family struggled.
We are at the lobby, I thank her for her concern but she must be in a hurry for she asked me about the time. She insisted we talk. We walked into the lobby of the orchestra entrance at Benaroyal Hall.
Some guy with a bassoon case walks by. 5-6 people with cases of instruments. Group after group of musicians and people walking buy.
She is flying out to Shanghai tomorrow morning. She also had an husband to get home to. And yet, she stood there and talked to me for an 53 minutes. We didn't talk about startups. We talked about life. She didn't start trying to educate me like Jane Park did. She shared her deepest stories. Her face showed genuine concern of one human toward another. -----She did not talk to the "Homeless" man like the scum of the earth.
I asked her what she does. "I am a Patent Attorney with a PHD"
(At that very moment, in my mind, NO FUCKING WAY. I literally said in my mind, this is GOD work )
Crucial Team Members I must find before launch.
CEO - Check
I have Erika B. I know my strength and weakness. A hermit anti social man. I may not be the best choice for CEO. I don't know if I've ever written much about Erika, but she is amazing. If this website is even slightly successful, Google or Microsoft or someone is going to steal her from me.
And the most important part, she has faith. Faith whatever this homeless person is doing...she is in.
Funding Guide - check
I ran into Mike. The organizer of Startup Grind. He didn't talk to the homeless man like he is scum. He has contacts and experience with Startups and Venture/Angel Capitalists. He is still wondering what this website idea is all about. But most importantly....
He treated a homeless man the same as any other person. He also has faith. Even if he doesn't know it.
Technology/Web developer -
That person has not been found yet. Still waiting. Have asked dozens and dozens. Not as easy as I thought.
Attorney (Preferably Patent attorney) - Check
Loree from Last night. A coincidental meeting in a elevator? What are the odds, a crucial part of your team, you meet in a elevator in Seattle, a city you haven't been to in months. And the most important part...
She genuinely talked to the homeless person like a person. Understood his pains. She also has Faith
It is now up to me to get this thing made!!!!
In the Startup event and in the past, people have told me...Edwin you need to drop the homeless introduction when you go to these events. You are going to scare away potential good people of the team who are scared of homeless people.
I am not going to lie to myself in order to please another person because of their fears. I'm a homeless person. That is who I am.
This attempting to create a website to dominate a industry is a journey. If the journey goes anywhere, I want people with me who care about other humans. Are not scared of other humans because they look different, act different or have less money. And if they are not willing to engage another human because of perceived stereotypes....I don't want them on this train!
Erika, Mike, Loree....you don't think these 3 people are extraordinary and amazing people? Do I need to post entries of the dozens and dozens of people that I have ignored me because of my introduction "I"m homeless"?
We all say, Treat people the way you want to be treated. Don't judge a book by its cover. But rarely do people act that way. But these 3 do. And I want them on my team.
That 4th member - Developer/tech person? He will show up. In God I Trust
Friday, December 5, 2014
Startup Grind, Jane Park of Julep - Homelessman Not Impressed
Startup Grind is a wonderful idea and organization. It allow us aspiring entrepreneurs to be up close and listen to someone had has some success. But most importantly, a gathering for people to network with others. Mike, the organizer of the Seattle Chapter, does a fantastic job. And in my next blog, the fabulous event that happened. The positive thing that happened to me. The exact reason you need Startup Grind.
Even though I write about a few encounters of rejections of people willing to help, they are only a drop in the bucket of the rejections I've encountered. And it gives more credence to wonderful people that do treat me with respect.
Last night onThursday December 4th, Julie Park of Julep is speaking in Seattle and will be hosted by Julie of Madrona Venture Capital. I had to attend this event. Julie Park is Asian (Korean). An opportunity to meet someone from Madrona. I am hoping Julie help me find a mentor.
So I drove from Tacoma, WA. Using up precious $15 in gas. Excited.
Alas, Julie of Madrona left right after the panel chat with Jane Park. I was so disappointed.
With Julie of Madrona gone, I'm here, I used gas money. I mind as well talk to Jane Park of Julep.
"Jane, I'm a homeless person. I was hoping to talk to Julie. I know if I message her, she is most likely to erase the message. That is most likely what people do getting a message from a homeless person. Please, can you tell her not to delete and take a look/"...."Yes I have a startup. I have a website that will help people find jobs" "My message to Julie is hope she or anyone at Madrona can be a mentor"
What does a person do when faced to faced with a homeless person?
I know doesn't it sound crazy? Like being face to face bear in the woods. Don't eat me. Please go away. I'm nervous.
So here it is. The moment of truth Mrs. Jane Park. 60-70 people packed into a room to hear you talk. A crowd of aspiring eager entrepreneurs crowded around you after the panel talk to get some one on one talk with you. Most just want to say hello and good bye. You are a star.
A homeless man walks up and tells you he is homeless. For the ten minutes conversation, I can see her brains working.
(Homeless man! OMG really? He must be a crazy person. Ok he doesn't sound crazy. hmmmmmm
He want's me to pass a message on to Julie? no way. make some excuses. yeaa..I will tell him getting a mentor is like me hitting the lottery.
Ok he is homeless. I have to keep talking to him so it doesn't look bad. WTF is a homeless person doing in a startup thing? uuuughhh! Ok let me ask him about his startup. OH geez. I will just tell him any message to Julie of Madrona will be futile. Ok I told him. He is going away. Whew!)
Seriously, that is what went down. My seeking of a mentor as a homeless person is futile.
Last time I talked to a Asian guest speaker, it was the Asian man from Buddy TV. He brushed me off and wanted me away from his. He literally asked me to walk with him. And walked as fast as he could out the building never asking for details. I was hoping you were different.
To be fair, I think Jane Park handled faced to face with a homeless person the best she could. She is under immense stress to keep a company growing in order to please the numerous funding rounds. She does not have time to mentor anyone nor can she risk her relationship with Madrona by telling her to look out for a homeless persons email. Understoond.
All I wanted was a a hint, a smile, a word of concern. Any kind of reaction, that when faced with a homeless person, you react with some kind of compassion. And I got none.
60-70 people just sat through a long session listening to you talking about family, stories of you in Yale, as a Starbucks Executive, about your kids and husband. How wonderful of a wife and executive you tell us you are. And at the end of the day....
Isn't it odd, a homeless man is not impressed?
In my next blog entry, this Startup Grind have some positive results. The exact reason why Startup Grind is organized. I did meet a one or two good human beings last night.
\
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOLipJaEEIA
Even though I write about a few encounters of rejections of people willing to help, they are only a drop in the bucket of the rejections I've encountered. And it gives more credence to wonderful people that do treat me with respect.
Last night onThursday December 4th, Julie Park of Julep is speaking in Seattle and will be hosted by Julie of Madrona Venture Capital. I had to attend this event. Julie Park is Asian (Korean). An opportunity to meet someone from Madrona. I am hoping Julie help me find a mentor.
So I drove from Tacoma, WA. Using up precious $15 in gas. Excited.
Alas, Julie of Madrona left right after the panel chat with Jane Park. I was so disappointed.
With Julie of Madrona gone, I'm here, I used gas money. I mind as well talk to Jane Park of Julep.
"Jane, I'm a homeless person. I was hoping to talk to Julie. I know if I message her, she is most likely to erase the message. That is most likely what people do getting a message from a homeless person. Please, can you tell her not to delete and take a look/"...."Yes I have a startup. I have a website that will help people find jobs" "My message to Julie is hope she or anyone at Madrona can be a mentor"
What does a person do when faced to faced with a homeless person?
I know doesn't it sound crazy? Like being face to face bear in the woods. Don't eat me. Please go away. I'm nervous.
So here it is. The moment of truth Mrs. Jane Park. 60-70 people packed into a room to hear you talk. A crowd of aspiring eager entrepreneurs crowded around you after the panel talk to get some one on one talk with you. Most just want to say hello and good bye. You are a star.
A homeless man walks up and tells you he is homeless. For the ten minutes conversation, I can see her brains working.
(Homeless man! OMG really? He must be a crazy person. Ok he doesn't sound crazy. hmmmmmm
He want's me to pass a message on to Julie? no way. make some excuses. yeaa..I will tell him getting a mentor is like me hitting the lottery.
Ok he is homeless. I have to keep talking to him so it doesn't look bad. WTF is a homeless person doing in a startup thing? uuuughhh! Ok let me ask him about his startup. OH geez. I will just tell him any message to Julie of Madrona will be futile. Ok I told him. He is going away. Whew!)
Seriously, that is what went down. My seeking of a mentor as a homeless person is futile.
Last time I talked to a Asian guest speaker, it was the Asian man from Buddy TV. He brushed me off and wanted me away from his. He literally asked me to walk with him. And walked as fast as he could out the building never asking for details. I was hoping you were different.
To be fair, I think Jane Park handled faced to face with a homeless person the best she could. She is under immense stress to keep a company growing in order to please the numerous funding rounds. She does not have time to mentor anyone nor can she risk her relationship with Madrona by telling her to look out for a homeless persons email. Understoond.
All I wanted was a a hint, a smile, a word of concern. Any kind of reaction, that when faced with a homeless person, you react with some kind of compassion. And I got none.
60-70 people just sat through a long session listening to you talking about family, stories of you in Yale, as a Starbucks Executive, about your kids and husband. How wonderful of a wife and executive you tell us you are. And at the end of the day....
Isn't it odd, a homeless man is not impressed?
In my next blog entry, this Startup Grind have some positive results. The exact reason why Startup Grind is organized. I did meet a one or two good human beings last night.
\
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOLipJaEEIA
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
The Challenge
I just wrote a friend and this is the stuff I wrote.....
You have known me long enough and know I'm not insane. (Well, as I wrote that, I had my doubts hahahah) I"m all in on my website. And God has prepared me for this. Look at the challenges facing me
The mental and physical strain of being homeless. I'm in a van in the NW. Everything is always damp in the van. Not a good feeling.
Money to develop, revise a website
Money for a business license
Money for patent application.
All this was no income? I walked around the past 2 weeks with $10 to my name.
The patent/intellectual part of this journey is a must. There is a custom application that must be made. (I can already see will cost thousands). It is what will give me the niche. I"m going into a field with so many already established major players. Monster.com, Indeed, LinkIn. It be too easy for them to take my idea and develop it themselves. Without some legal protection and a major venture capitalist on my side....it will be doomed to fail. And yet, I already realize you can't patent ideas.
The insane part of this journey?
Make a website with no money.
Fight through mental lonely and physical discomforts of being homeless.
Try to dominate a internet landscape with your website filled with billion dollar established websites.
These obstacles are insane!
The challenge is established. It is as if all the hardship of my amazing life was a training ground for this.
Challenge accepted.
You have known me long enough and know I'm not insane. (Well, as I wrote that, I had my doubts hahahah) I"m all in on my website. And God has prepared me for this. Look at the challenges facing me
The mental and physical strain of being homeless. I'm in a van in the NW. Everything is always damp in the van. Not a good feeling.
Money to develop, revise a website
Money for a business license
Money for patent application.
All this was no income? I walked around the past 2 weeks with $10 to my name.
The patent/intellectual part of this journey is a must. There is a custom application that must be made. (I can already see will cost thousands). It is what will give me the niche. I"m going into a field with so many already established major players. Monster.com, Indeed, LinkIn. It be too easy for them to take my idea and develop it themselves. Without some legal protection and a major venture capitalist on my side....it will be doomed to fail. And yet, I already realize you can't patent ideas.
The insane part of this journey?
Make a website with no money.
Fight through mental lonely and physical discomforts of being homeless.
Try to dominate a internet landscape with your website filled with billion dollar established websites.
These obstacles are insane!
The challenge is established. It is as if all the hardship of my amazing life was a training ground for this.
Challenge accepted.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
YMCA Rejection
Taking a shower at the YMCA. A white man and a Indian guy right next to me. They were talking about some project. I heard the word programming. "Do you guys program?"
white guy "yes, who are you?"
me, "I'm a homeless person"
stare
"I have a website, I need help, may you can take a look"
White man hurried packed up, no to getting his email address. No to any kind of contact info. He leaves
I turn to Indian man who is almost done dressing. "what about you"
reply "what about me?"
me "you want to help? You have a email address?"
reply "I don't give out my personal information"
me " I have like 7 email addresses. Everyone has multiple email addresses. You telling me you don't have a general email you can give out. You going to say no to something you haven't even looked at?"
reply "Yea, sorry. I don't have a email address to give out" walks out
Me putting on 2 layers of sweat pants before I put on my jeans didn't help.
Rap music from a car
Walking out of St. Leo soup kitchen. Brand new white japanese with rap music blaring. I only heard one phrase of the music. The words "Fuck yea Nigger". I looked saw the driver. A young white bald man. You driving a brand new car with that kind of music. And you alone in the car. Something just didn't seem right.
Library Call Girl?
I'm sitting in the tacoma library right now. Next to me a 30's decent looking lady. 20 minutes in, her phone rings. this is what I hear
"Hello
Who is this?
Who are you?
Oh hey baby. How are you
I'm available around 6
Ok baby, how about 5:30
that sounds wonderful honey.
oh yea that is a nice place
Oh wait let me give you directions. I think you about 20 minutes away honey.
Ok baby, see you soon.
All this in a you know, a certain kind of voice. She hangs up. Logs out of the computer and walks out.
Web developer mess
The web developer that made first verson of HRBenny.com was so bad, he didn't even include a way to change the admin login. Now I have no way to change admin login. I have to go find and pay a developer to do that. But its ok. The whole website basically has to have an over haul.
I'm signing up for kickstarter. A catholic worker that knows me from where I park my van is going to help me make the video that goes on kickstarter. Well actually she just going to hold the camera.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Careful talking to strangers
One day out of boredom, was hanging around the Emerald queen casino for a free meal. Met an older black man James Williams. Told him everything about my website. Even told him its HRbenny.
Ever since then, he been wanting to meet and talk about it. I have refused. What skill I have developed in my life is the ability to read people well.
As it turns out, he is trying to act like he is involved. If it turns into something, he wants to hopefully get a piece without doing anything. Con artists always seeking to get something for nothing.
My mistake for even talking about this project to men standing around a casino just to get a free meal.
Ever since then, he been wanting to meet and talk about it. I have refused. What skill I have developed in my life is the ability to read people well.
As it turns out, he is trying to act like he is involved. If it turns into something, he wants to hopefully get a piece without doing anything. Con artists always seeking to get something for nothing.
My mistake for even talking about this project to men standing around a casino just to get a free meal.
The Crying Man
I few time a week, I eat lunch at St. Leo's church. The food is normally terrible. But I'm parked right next to it on G street. So I go.
St. Leo's church is also right accross the street from Bates Technical college in Tacoma. Almost everyday, I walk past it. I was waiting to meet someone to give her a ride to the laundry mat with her bags of clothe. And for some odd reason, I got the inclining to walk over to Bates and see if I can find the Web Development instructor.
Here I am, looking every part of a homeless person, walking in small technical college. Internet says Ingrid S. the instructor is in M118. Wandering. Looking. I see M123. Turn the corner. I see a lady with a child walking towards me. Must be a Day Care center on the first floor. Another lady with 3 kids behind her approaches. I see a corner where M118 should be. I turn left. As I turned into the hallway, I already new what was about to come.
yelling, "Escuse me. Sir!Sir!!Can I help you!"
A homeless appearing brown skin man near a day care center. It was inevitable
"I'm looking for a I. Smith. A instructor"
she asks around to another woman while holding kids "You heard of a Smith?" I stood there, waiting for her fear to settle and let me move on.
In my mind - "Lady, bad guys are not going to be wearing 2 coats, backpack and not shaven"
A Indian looking man in M118 tells me I might find Instructor Ingrid S. on the 2nd floor. So I go. But, I've lived this scene before. And it never turns out well. Allot of anxiety. Rejection, no matter how many times, is no fun.
On the second floor, I walk into a computer lab. A small office. A man is in the office facing a Lady.
"Its nothing important, I can come back later."
The man insisted on leaving and the woman insisted on I come in.
"I'm sorry, I feel like an Intruder." (ok time to kick me out - nope)
"You know, there is so many homeless people in this neighborhood. St. Leo is just across the street. Well I'm one of them. I live a white van on G street. I have a website. I know you have students. Maybe you guys can help" (ok time for the rejection)
Instructor Ingrid S. , "......(something about students).....if you send me the link to the website, I can take a look"
From here, something happened to me. An uncontrollable situation. I started crying. No amount of will power could stop it. Tears kept flowing down my face. I could not speak properly. I had to keep wiping away the tears. I was literally sobbing in front of the Web developer Instructor. She must be wondering - What in the world is this?
Maybe it was the experience a year ago at the University of Washington main campus. I walked around the computer science department. I looked of the computer science professor that I"ve seen on the internet pictures of him with minority students.
I found his office. He is inside. He glared at me when I asked for 5 minutes of his time. He slammed his door. No exaggeration. It was a slam. A definite slam of the door.
Then the next professor. Then the next . All asked me to leave.
I was an intruder.
Maybe it was all the meetups I've attended of programmers. Each time, I would be honest and introduce myself first as a homeless person.
Maybe it was 3 months ago. At this Tacoma computer user experience meetup attended by UW Tacoma computer science students and professionals from the community. I had RSVP, - Homeless man looking for help on a website. I stood in that meeting alone for 10 minutes. Finally I sat down. After 15 minutes sitting there, I had the waitress take a picture.
Later on, I just bluntly asked one student "Will you help?" Answer no.
Asked another programmer. Answer no
Ran into an Assistant professor E. Rose of the UW Tacoma computer science. She gave me her card. She told me to email her with the details. I emailed her. NO reply. I emailed her again . No reply.
Maybe its the cold weather approaching. The realization you are alone in this world. I am alone. I only have the support of a sister who always help but I know she is spread thin. I am alone. All my life its me against the world. Surviving. A distant aunt I haven't heard from in 30 years recently got hold of me. She offered all expenses payed trip for me and my son to Taiwan. To bring the brothers together. All expenses payed.
Last month I told her no. I would not attend. I explained to her, what kind of man would abandon their brother. They know I'm homeless. They know the reasons I can't get employment. They know I don't do drugs or have mental issues. Why would they abandon me? Why should I see them.
I guess i'm tired.
Tired of the rejections all my life.
Tired
And just hearing the words "maybe" was too much. I started crying. For "maybe" was definitely better than the usual "No"
So. HRBenny. First version is up and running. Have months to go. This is only 10% of the process. Step 1 in a thousand steps to go.
11-21-2014 update *
I saw the web development instructor again last week. She is unable to help. her students are only doing simple design work. It is a tiny technical college. At least she tried.
St. Leo's church is also right accross the street from Bates Technical college in Tacoma. Almost everyday, I walk past it. I was waiting to meet someone to give her a ride to the laundry mat with her bags of clothe. And for some odd reason, I got the inclining to walk over to Bates and see if I can find the Web Development instructor.
Here I am, looking every part of a homeless person, walking in small technical college. Internet says Ingrid S. the instructor is in M118. Wandering. Looking. I see M123. Turn the corner. I see a lady with a child walking towards me. Must be a Day Care center on the first floor. Another lady with 3 kids behind her approaches. I see a corner where M118 should be. I turn left. As I turned into the hallway, I already new what was about to come.
yelling, "Escuse me. Sir!Sir!!Can I help you!"
A homeless appearing brown skin man near a day care center. It was inevitable
"I'm looking for a I. Smith. A instructor"
she asks around to another woman while holding kids "You heard of a Smith?" I stood there, waiting for her fear to settle and let me move on.
In my mind - "Lady, bad guys are not going to be wearing 2 coats, backpack and not shaven"
A Indian looking man in M118 tells me I might find Instructor Ingrid S. on the 2nd floor. So I go. But, I've lived this scene before. And it never turns out well. Allot of anxiety. Rejection, no matter how many times, is no fun.
On the second floor, I walk into a computer lab. A small office. A man is in the office facing a Lady.
"Its nothing important, I can come back later."
The man insisted on leaving and the woman insisted on I come in.
"I'm sorry, I feel like an Intruder." (ok time to kick me out - nope)
"You know, there is so many homeless people in this neighborhood. St. Leo is just across the street. Well I'm one of them. I live a white van on G street. I have a website. I know you have students. Maybe you guys can help" (ok time for the rejection)
Instructor Ingrid S. , "......(something about students).....if you send me the link to the website, I can take a look"
From here, something happened to me. An uncontrollable situation. I started crying. No amount of will power could stop it. Tears kept flowing down my face. I could not speak properly. I had to keep wiping away the tears. I was literally sobbing in front of the Web developer Instructor. She must be wondering - What in the world is this?
Maybe it was the experience a year ago at the University of Washington main campus. I walked around the computer science department. I looked of the computer science professor that I"ve seen on the internet pictures of him with minority students.
I found his office. He is inside. He glared at me when I asked for 5 minutes of his time. He slammed his door. No exaggeration. It was a slam. A definite slam of the door.
Then the next professor. Then the next . All asked me to leave.
I was an intruder.
Maybe it was all the meetups I've attended of programmers. Each time, I would be honest and introduce myself first as a homeless person.
Maybe it was 3 months ago. At this Tacoma computer user experience meetup attended by UW Tacoma computer science students and professionals from the community. I had RSVP, - Homeless man looking for help on a website. I stood in that meeting alone for 10 minutes. Finally I sat down. After 15 minutes sitting there, I had the waitress take a picture.
Asked another programmer. Answer no
Ran into an Assistant professor E. Rose of the UW Tacoma computer science. She gave me her card. She told me to email her with the details. I emailed her. NO reply. I emailed her again . No reply.
Maybe its the cold weather approaching. The realization you are alone in this world. I am alone. I only have the support of a sister who always help but I know she is spread thin. I am alone. All my life its me against the world. Surviving. A distant aunt I haven't heard from in 30 years recently got hold of me. She offered all expenses payed trip for me and my son to Taiwan. To bring the brothers together. All expenses payed.
Last month I told her no. I would not attend. I explained to her, what kind of man would abandon their brother. They know I'm homeless. They know the reasons I can't get employment. They know I don't do drugs or have mental issues. Why would they abandon me? Why should I see them.
I guess i'm tired.
Tired of the rejections all my life.
Tired
And just hearing the words "maybe" was too much. I started crying. For "maybe" was definitely better than the usual "No"
So. HRBenny. First version is up and running. Have months to go. This is only 10% of the process. Step 1 in a thousand steps to go.
11-21-2014 update *
I saw the web development instructor again last week. She is unable to help. her students are only doing simple design work. It is a tiny technical college. At least she tried.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
The struggle continues - Carefule when using Guru.com
Lately the test on mental toughness has been incredibly taxing.
Its come to my realization I have picked the wrong developer to create my website. So anyone happen to read this and thinking about using a free lancer over the internet - DO NOT, Do Not use a freelancer on guru.com that is based in Pakistan.
We are currently on the final milestone. The work is so amateurish with so many errors. I had to find myself apologizing like it was my fault in the communication.
I've had it. I just want to get this developer to migrate the website to Go Daddy and hire other developers to fix the thing.
You get what you pay for. A cheap developer from Pakistan will create a crappy product.
Basically the whole website is a joke. Now having to find people to fix a website. Normally it is not a big deal for normal folks. But for me, it is extremely mentally arduous. For there is no money.
This dream, basically was over a few days ago. I literally had only 50 dollars left to my name. I already had borrowed $1000 from my sister a couple months ago and did not want to go back to that well. This project will need to be shelved to some distant future.
For like Maslow's Pyramid, how am I suppose to work on a website when basic needs are not met? Worst phone call was 2 days ago, when I called my son and explained why there is a good chance i have to shut off his phone.
I called the lady that usually lets me park in her driveway. The weather is getting cold. I asked her if I can park in the driveway, have electricity for heater. And I asked her if she could ignore the $150 monthly fee until I can pay her again. She said no. She said she was not comfortable supporting someone without a job and the only thing going is a dream of a website.
So I have a junk website that needs 2 revisions. There is no money to even live. The weather is getting cold. The psychological turmoil. I had never been so fearful of my future. My physical health has been deteriorating. My outlook for obtaining employment has been zero. When I was younger, this didn't bother me that much. But this time it did. There was actually fear.
There was one sliver of hope left. A distant relative. Someone I have not seen for over 34 years. A distant cousin that took care of me when she was a young girl and I was an orphan in Taiwan.
But then, she lives in China. For those who don't know, you can't just tranfer money out of China. It is unlawful to take money out of China.
So I called her and told her "I"m losing hope here. I all ask is hope to live on. In 2 weeks the first phase of the website will be done. 2 revisions and a custom app needs to be made. I am hoping you will look at it and consider helping out. "
And she said she will look at it and consider it.
Thats all I wanted. I am now mentally better. My distant cousin I have not seen in 30 years to look at a bad-ly made first version of a website. Hopefully she will be interested and help out in January.
Thats all needed. Hope.
Meanwhile I will figure out how to survive the next 2 months. Surviving. That, I'm good at. My specialty.
Its come to my realization I have picked the wrong developer to create my website. So anyone happen to read this and thinking about using a free lancer over the internet - DO NOT, Do Not use a freelancer on guru.com that is based in Pakistan.
We are currently on the final milestone. The work is so amateurish with so many errors. I had to find myself apologizing like it was my fault in the communication.
I've had it. I just want to get this developer to migrate the website to Go Daddy and hire other developers to fix the thing.
You get what you pay for. A cheap developer from Pakistan will create a crappy product.
Basically the whole website is a joke. Now having to find people to fix a website. Normally it is not a big deal for normal folks. But for me, it is extremely mentally arduous. For there is no money.
This dream, basically was over a few days ago. I literally had only 50 dollars left to my name. I already had borrowed $1000 from my sister a couple months ago and did not want to go back to that well. This project will need to be shelved to some distant future.
For like Maslow's Pyramid, how am I suppose to work on a website when basic needs are not met? Worst phone call was 2 days ago, when I called my son and explained why there is a good chance i have to shut off his phone.
I called the lady that usually lets me park in her driveway. The weather is getting cold. I asked her if I can park in the driveway, have electricity for heater. And I asked her if she could ignore the $150 monthly fee until I can pay her again. She said no. She said she was not comfortable supporting someone without a job and the only thing going is a dream of a website.
So I have a junk website that needs 2 revisions. There is no money to even live. The weather is getting cold. The psychological turmoil. I had never been so fearful of my future. My physical health has been deteriorating. My outlook for obtaining employment has been zero. When I was younger, this didn't bother me that much. But this time it did. There was actually fear.
There was one sliver of hope left. A distant relative. Someone I have not seen for over 34 years. A distant cousin that took care of me when she was a young girl and I was an orphan in Taiwan.
But then, she lives in China. For those who don't know, you can't just tranfer money out of China. It is unlawful to take money out of China.
So I called her and told her "I"m losing hope here. I all ask is hope to live on. In 2 weeks the first phase of the website will be done. 2 revisions and a custom app needs to be made. I am hoping you will look at it and consider helping out. "
And she said she will look at it and consider it.
Thats all I wanted. I am now mentally better. My distant cousin I have not seen in 30 years to look at a bad-ly made first version of a website. Hopefully she will be interested and help out in January.
Thats all needed. Hope.
Meanwhile I will figure out how to survive the next 2 months. Surviving. That, I'm good at. My specialty.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
You Get What you pay for.
So Far, using Guru.com has been extremely difficult. Mainly due to the developer being (most likely) from Pakistan. It is quite understandable. You are poor in a third world country. I have to give respect for them trying to learn coding and trying to make a little bit of money from it. I can't know anyone studying and nerding it out from Pakistan to try to make it living.
However.........it is so frustrating on my end.
I can say so far.....Do NOT use a freelancer to make a complete website. Break it in small pieces and be prepared to write every tiny detail down. DO NOT have anything that allows the developer to use his own judgement!!! So far this experience is a "D".
However.........it is so frustrating on my end.
I can say so far.....Do NOT use a freelancer to make a complete website. Break it in small pieces and be prepared to write every tiny detail down. DO NOT have anything that allows the developer to use his own judgement!!! So far this experience is a "D".
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Kustom Notes
Walking out of the cofounderlab.com, disgusted as usual. Disappointed as usual. Though, I feel blessed by God. For I have been molded by life for events of rejection. Granted, it still hurts but it no longer burns.
A stocky 5'3"man in - might have been google glass - and I made eye contact and he smiled and walked 2 steps and said hello to me. This olive skinned man, smiled and nodded through out our conversation. I knew who he was before he said hello. I read all the profiles. He is Hussein. A developer. On his profile he already has a project.
In our conversation, he revealed he is already with 9miles lab. They were able to receive $35k for 6 percentage. I expressed to him I was thinking of applying for techstars. For on their website, they state 110k for 6-8%. He enlighten me, techstars actually only give like 18k for 6-8% And the 110k is only in a debt note. Something to think about later. Hopefully.
Well, Hussein has got to be the most friendly man I have ever met in any of these meeting. Its hard to describe. There is just certain people you hang around and you just feel comfort and friendliness. And yet all the while talking to him, I could not understand hardly any words. His accent was too heavy! He talked about his site..KustomNotes. And then I popped the question..."Do you want to help me later?"
reply "Yes, yes, I help"
me "What? did you just say yes? I am so happy"
I have never reacted with so much joy. I shook his hand. Expressed to him how much that yes meant. Now, In my mind, I'm not sure how much I was going to ask for his help. But just immense surprise was all I need. I"m here asking half a dozen English speaking, American in that room for help. All of them dressed so sharp. All said no.
It took a Arabian (Not sure his nationality. Just going with Arabian) that I can't speak English to even say any interest. It was a shock!
We smiled and laughed at my joy and I quickly said goodbye. For the yes was all i needed.
Now I'm really walking out. I walked out the door. Sitting at a table next to the door alone was a woman I saw in the event. A pretty woman I saw with Hussein. Knowing how it sucked to be alone in a packed room, I said hello. And then she came out with the smiling and friendliness. Oh geez. ok. More talking
So I told her my story. I'm homeless and I was just in that packed room. No one was interested in helping. Except for one man. I was on my way out and this short man in glasses that I can't understand a single word said yes. I think I saw you with him.
"yes, that is my husband"
Wow! I had no question that was her husband. 2 perfectly matched people. Both so friendly and geniune. Then she talked to me about Kustom Notes. I have no idead what she was talking about. I looked at their website and still have no idea what in the world is that. But they got $35k plus Hussein's wife revealed they got another $100k pre-seed money. Yes. I didn't misspell. Pre-seed! Amazing. For a website on templates. I have no idea what it is about.
But what is revealed - it is so true on what they say about how venture and angel capitalists and how they go about handing out money.
Everyone has ideas. And these venture capitalists discovered something.
Its not the idea that makes a company successful. The greatest idea can fail. The worst ideas they funded can thrive....it all depends on the people.
So, they learned to invest in - People. Not ideas
After meeting Hussein and his wife...I see the investors point and they are right.
Wouldn't it be cool, if someday I can bring them from that odd Kustom Note thing and on board to mine. Just musing.
A stocky 5'3"man in - might have been google glass - and I made eye contact and he smiled and walked 2 steps and said hello to me. This olive skinned man, smiled and nodded through out our conversation. I knew who he was before he said hello. I read all the profiles. He is Hussein. A developer. On his profile he already has a project.
In our conversation, he revealed he is already with 9miles lab. They were able to receive $35k for 6 percentage. I expressed to him I was thinking of applying for techstars. For on their website, they state 110k for 6-8%. He enlighten me, techstars actually only give like 18k for 6-8% And the 110k is only in a debt note. Something to think about later. Hopefully.
Well, Hussein has got to be the most friendly man I have ever met in any of these meeting. Its hard to describe. There is just certain people you hang around and you just feel comfort and friendliness. And yet all the while talking to him, I could not understand hardly any words. His accent was too heavy! He talked about his site..KustomNotes. And then I popped the question..."Do you want to help me later?"
reply "Yes, yes, I help"
me "What? did you just say yes? I am so happy"
I have never reacted with so much joy. I shook his hand. Expressed to him how much that yes meant. Now, In my mind, I'm not sure how much I was going to ask for his help. But just immense surprise was all I need. I"m here asking half a dozen English speaking, American in that room for help. All of them dressed so sharp. All said no.
It took a Arabian (Not sure his nationality. Just going with Arabian) that I can't speak English to even say any interest. It was a shock!
We smiled and laughed at my joy and I quickly said goodbye. For the yes was all i needed.
Now I'm really walking out. I walked out the door. Sitting at a table next to the door alone was a woman I saw in the event. A pretty woman I saw with Hussein. Knowing how it sucked to be alone in a packed room, I said hello. And then she came out with the smiling and friendliness. Oh geez. ok. More talking
So I told her my story. I'm homeless and I was just in that packed room. No one was interested in helping. Except for one man. I was on my way out and this short man in glasses that I can't understand a single word said yes. I think I saw you with him.
"yes, that is my husband"
Wow! I had no question that was her husband. 2 perfectly matched people. Both so friendly and geniune. Then she talked to me about Kustom Notes. I have no idead what she was talking about. I looked at their website and still have no idea what in the world is that. But they got $35k plus Hussein's wife revealed they got another $100k pre-seed money. Yes. I didn't misspell. Pre-seed! Amazing. For a website on templates. I have no idea what it is about.
But what is revealed - it is so true on what they say about how venture and angel capitalists and how they go about handing out money.
Everyone has ideas. And these venture capitalists discovered something.
Its not the idea that makes a company successful. The greatest idea can fail. The worst ideas they funded can thrive....it all depends on the people.
So, they learned to invest in - People. Not ideas
After meeting Hussein and his wife...I see the investors point and they are right.
Wouldn't it be cool, if someday I can bring them from that odd Kustom Note thing and on board to mine. Just musing.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
My biggest obstacle to make this successful
Thursday night I went to a meetup event of people with startups/businesses searching for a co-founder. It was hosted by cofounderslab.com
46 people showed up. On the RSVP of attendees, we all written about ourselves. Everyone can see who is coming and what they are about. It is clearly written, I am homeless and coming!
6 pm: arrived. people milling around talking. Got my name tag. You put on a red sticker if you are looking for people to join you. A blue sticker if you want to join someone. I walked through the crowd and sat on a chair by myself and went through all the profiles. Looking for a developer or something. I noticed the co-host was a lawyer. A technical internet lawyer. Nice! And he's the guy at the front desk who gave me the name tag. I'm on it. Here I come Dan.
6:20
"Hi Dan, I"m Edwin. I'm homeless. I have a employment website i am developing....blah blah...I need help...blah blah..be a great experience...more conversation back and forth.
6:25 "So Dan, in a few months, you want to help me? It would only be an hour or 2 per month."
Dan "Well, I would need to see what you have and what its about"
me "Dan, its an employment website, I need someone to look over the legal stuff when people register. Can you give a hand?
Dan "Well, umm. I really don't know until I see what you have and what it is all about"
me"So you saying no."
Dan "I'm just saying I don't want to be involved until I know what its about"
me "its ok Dan. Its ok to say no. I've been to allot of these things and everyone says no."
Dan "silence"
me "Dan, what you should have said is....well you shouldnt have said no....what you should have said is - Yes, when the time comes, I be happy to take a look and see if its something you can help. Even if you don't want to help, you should have said yes. Because you don't know what you closed the door on. Always leave the door open. For you can always say no, later once you fully see the whole product"
6:30 I'm sitting in the back row.
650 people are asked to go up on stage and say who they are, what business they involved in. What they are looking for. There was no lacking of people lining up to go on stage to talk
6:55 Man talking about how great his interior design website will be and looking for technical guy
6:59 Man in crisp nice shirt and dark dress pants walks up rigidly. Chest out. Hair slicked back. Walking like robot. Not sure what he said. Mostly about new in town and how he did great things with startups and stuff
7:11 Tall white 50 year old white man says he is ex microsoft. A definite feeling of slick oil salesman here.
7:12-7-45 more people. 90% had red stickers. All looking people to join them. One after another someone looking for a technical founder. Come, help me create my thing I think it is so great and later on I will get the glory. ....Wait...isnt that what I am sounding like too? oh my.....I did not go up.....for around 7:10 pm..this was in my mind.....
7:10 pm This is a waste of time. What in the world am I doing here. All these men sitting in front of me. All rigid. One after another, full of ego. There is something odd about this whole thing. Just because these people applied for a business license of something, all of a sudden they think they are God-like. Everyone looking for people to join them...what am I doing here. I only say maybe 3 people with a blue sticker.
7:45 pm social networking time. Talked to the developer Indian young man sitting next to me. Whats your name, what you do...etc etc. .."Do you want to help me?"
reply "No, I think you have the user experience knowledge yourself"
ok thanks for your honesty
7:55 Waited to talke to brown short wearing person. The one person who got on stage and says he is new to seattle. Coder. Developer. Looking to get into with something on a part time basis. Used to help out with non-profits. I am going to talk to you buddy.
7:56 Gave 'brown shorts' guy a really good run down of the website and just looking for a one or 2 hours of help in a few months. "Will you please help?
reply "Sorry, I don't have enough bandwith at this moment"
I thanked him for his honesty. (Translation: I'm too busy but not busy enough to come to this meeting to find project but not for a homeless person)
btw- I"m in the tacoma public library writing this. Always bring over the ear headphones. Some guy on my left is moaning.
7:57 noticed a guy standing there while I was talking to 'brown shorts' man. When I was done, he talked to 'brown shorts' man. On the name tag of the new guy in our group, charity.com. Charity.com? Are you serious? ok I'm going to wait for this guy.
8 pm 'charity.com' man finished with 'brown shorts' man. I'm standing on his left, inches from him. He looks around. Looks left. looks straight. looks right...walks to his right direction. Walks 5 feet. Returns to my area. There is no one around that is not in an conversation except me. Now 1 foot from me. looks around. Back forth. Turns back to to his right walk away from me.
me "excuse me" got his attention "Hi, my name is Edwin..offered my hand" He walks over to me
"So i'm just curious. Why did you avoid me?"
charity.com "Oh I was looking for someone"
charity.com man then spends 15 minutes talking to me. And of course declined to help me in any capacity on my website.
I am now about to leave. I knew this was going to happen. I don't why I keep coming to these events. But on my way walking out...something else happend. But will have to save for next post. This computer keeps flashing. flashing. flashing. 4 minutes left on your session. Save your work. Flash. Public libraries. ..
46 people showed up. On the RSVP of attendees, we all written about ourselves. Everyone can see who is coming and what they are about. It is clearly written, I am homeless and coming!
6 pm: arrived. people milling around talking. Got my name tag. You put on a red sticker if you are looking for people to join you. A blue sticker if you want to join someone. I walked through the crowd and sat on a chair by myself and went through all the profiles. Looking for a developer or something. I noticed the co-host was a lawyer. A technical internet lawyer. Nice! And he's the guy at the front desk who gave me the name tag. I'm on it. Here I come Dan.
6:20
"Hi Dan, I"m Edwin. I'm homeless. I have a employment website i am developing....blah blah...I need help...blah blah..be a great experience...more conversation back and forth.
6:25 "So Dan, in a few months, you want to help me? It would only be an hour or 2 per month."
Dan "Well, I would need to see what you have and what its about"
me "Dan, its an employment website, I need someone to look over the legal stuff when people register. Can you give a hand?
Dan "Well, umm. I really don't know until I see what you have and what it is all about"
me"So you saying no."
Dan "I'm just saying I don't want to be involved until I know what its about"
me "its ok Dan. Its ok to say no. I've been to allot of these things and everyone says no."
Dan "silence"
me "Dan, what you should have said is....well you shouldnt have said no....what you should have said is - Yes, when the time comes, I be happy to take a look and see if its something you can help. Even if you don't want to help, you should have said yes. Because you don't know what you closed the door on. Always leave the door open. For you can always say no, later once you fully see the whole product"
6:30 I'm sitting in the back row.
650 people are asked to go up on stage and say who they are, what business they involved in. What they are looking for. There was no lacking of people lining up to go on stage to talk
6:55 Man talking about how great his interior design website will be and looking for technical guy
6:59 Man in crisp nice shirt and dark dress pants walks up rigidly. Chest out. Hair slicked back. Walking like robot. Not sure what he said. Mostly about new in town and how he did great things with startups and stuff
7:11 Tall white 50 year old white man says he is ex microsoft. A definite feeling of slick oil salesman here.
7:12-7-45 more people. 90% had red stickers. All looking people to join them. One after another someone looking for a technical founder. Come, help me create my thing I think it is so great and later on I will get the glory. ....Wait...isnt that what I am sounding like too? oh my.....I did not go up.....for around 7:10 pm..this was in my mind.....
7:10 pm This is a waste of time. What in the world am I doing here. All these men sitting in front of me. All rigid. One after another, full of ego. There is something odd about this whole thing. Just because these people applied for a business license of something, all of a sudden they think they are God-like. Everyone looking for people to join them...what am I doing here. I only say maybe 3 people with a blue sticker.
7:45 pm social networking time. Talked to the developer Indian young man sitting next to me. Whats your name, what you do...etc etc. .."Do you want to help me?"
reply "No, I think you have the user experience knowledge yourself"
ok thanks for your honesty
7:55 Waited to talke to brown short wearing person. The one person who got on stage and says he is new to seattle. Coder. Developer. Looking to get into with something on a part time basis. Used to help out with non-profits. I am going to talk to you buddy.
7:56 Gave 'brown shorts' guy a really good run down of the website and just looking for a one or 2 hours of help in a few months. "Will you please help?
reply "Sorry, I don't have enough bandwith at this moment"
I thanked him for his honesty. (Translation: I'm too busy but not busy enough to come to this meeting to find project but not for a homeless person)
btw- I"m in the tacoma public library writing this. Always bring over the ear headphones. Some guy on my left is moaning.
7:57 noticed a guy standing there while I was talking to 'brown shorts' man. When I was done, he talked to 'brown shorts' man. On the name tag of the new guy in our group, charity.com. Charity.com? Are you serious? ok I'm going to wait for this guy.
8 pm 'charity.com' man finished with 'brown shorts' man. I'm standing on his left, inches from him. He looks around. Looks left. looks straight. looks right...walks to his right direction. Walks 5 feet. Returns to my area. There is no one around that is not in an conversation except me. Now 1 foot from me. looks around. Back forth. Turns back to to his right walk away from me.
me "excuse me" got his attention "Hi, my name is Edwin..offered my hand" He walks over to me
"So i'm just curious. Why did you avoid me?"
charity.com "Oh I was looking for someone"
charity.com man then spends 15 minutes talking to me. And of course declined to help me in any capacity on my website.
I am now about to leave. I knew this was going to happen. I don't why I keep coming to these events. But on my way walking out...something else happend. But will have to save for next post. This computer keeps flashing. flashing. flashing. 4 minutes left on your session. Save your work. Flash. Public libraries. ..
Using Guru.com part 2
Just quickly, if you going to use a freelancer from the internet, Do not ask them to build a complete complicated website.
What would save time and money, is to post creation of the website in pieces.
example: Have them build and create the mockup first. Then post another job for some people to do the functionality in parts of the website.
It will be faster, cheaper and less headache. Currently looking at 3 months to have my website built. The complexity of it is confusing the developer. If I had broke it down in parts, it would have been easier for these developers from India and pakistan.
What would save time and money, is to post creation of the website in pieces.
example: Have them build and create the mockup first. Then post another job for some people to do the functionality in parts of the website.
It will be faster, cheaper and less headache. Currently looking at 3 months to have my website built. The complexity of it is confusing the developer. If I had broke it down in parts, it would have been easier for these developers from India and pakistan.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Guru.com experience
With limited funds, I had to resort to finding a developer from the internet. I went on Guru.com and wrote an outline of my website. I put a a budget of 500-100. Got 37 people who responded with interest to do the project.
I gave the project to an Indian person for $500. It was almost impossible to understand his English. After accepting the project, he immediately requested $200 up front. It was never discussed. I un-awarded him the project the next day.
Found a guy in Oklahoma. He quoted $1300. Talked to him on the phone. English was good and clear. He had tons of really good reviews on Guru.com of people who used him in the past. I awarded him the project. After one week, he still hasn't sent me the project agreement. I messaged him asking him for the agreement. He didn't reply for 48 hours. I un-awarded him the project.
I awarded the third person, and so far it has been going ok. only ok. He is Mark with Appexos.com . Pakistanian and I"m sure he is piecing out the project to someone in Pakistan to build. His English is good. The total cost will be $1200.
What have I learned? It is very important to being very precise with what you want. I had assumed everyone knows what a Resume is. Nope. So what I have been doing is drawing after drawing of every page of the website. And you think they would know automatically the website needs an internal email system. Nope. That had to be made clear. Working with freelancers from India and pakistan requires everything being stated and made clear. Asking them to come up with the appearance or what the layout would look like is not the way to go.
Right now there is alittle trepidation and worry. The biggest worry is a scam. Talking with customer service of Guru.com and they even said - it happens. So far, the design mockup has been done. But not done exactly the way I want. So I had to do more drawing. But I have been very cordial and polite. So far I've given him $500. That was agreed upon once the design mockups are done. But mockups are nothing. All it is is just what the website would look like. Nothing is functional.
so that where I'm at. Hoping someone from a far away land is an honest person. The website will be built and this man is not going to easily make a design and get $500 and run off. For $500 in Pakistan is a good sum. We shall see. For I have no other choice but to put my faith in this man.
I gave the project to an Indian person for $500. It was almost impossible to understand his English. After accepting the project, he immediately requested $200 up front. It was never discussed. I un-awarded him the project the next day.
Found a guy in Oklahoma. He quoted $1300. Talked to him on the phone. English was good and clear. He had tons of really good reviews on Guru.com of people who used him in the past. I awarded him the project. After one week, he still hasn't sent me the project agreement. I messaged him asking him for the agreement. He didn't reply for 48 hours. I un-awarded him the project.
I awarded the third person, and so far it has been going ok. only ok. He is Mark with Appexos.com . Pakistanian and I"m sure he is piecing out the project to someone in Pakistan to build. His English is good. The total cost will be $1200.
What have I learned? It is very important to being very precise with what you want. I had assumed everyone knows what a Resume is. Nope. So what I have been doing is drawing after drawing of every page of the website. And you think they would know automatically the website needs an internal email system. Nope. That had to be made clear. Working with freelancers from India and pakistan requires everything being stated and made clear. Asking them to come up with the appearance or what the layout would look like is not the way to go.
Right now there is alittle trepidation and worry. The biggest worry is a scam. Talking with customer service of Guru.com and they even said - it happens. So far, the design mockup has been done. But not done exactly the way I want. So I had to do more drawing. But I have been very cordial and polite. So far I've given him $500. That was agreed upon once the design mockups are done. But mockups are nothing. All it is is just what the website would look like. Nothing is functional.
so that where I'm at. Hoping someone from a far away land is an honest person. The website will be built and this man is not going to easily make a design and get $500 and run off. For $500 in Pakistan is a good sum. We shall see. For I have no other choice but to put my faith in this man.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
The case for Internet Startup
With no money. No concept or knowledge of web development. Home is a Van. Office is the public library. Heroin and Meth addicts for spiritual guidance. I attempt to create a website.
I have had this internet website for a long long time now. A job board website. A website to help people find a job. Ok, not a trailblazing idea. But I got my secret sauce.
Monster.com had a yearly revenue of 1 billion a year.
Linkin has surpassed them in traffic and revenue
Indeed just got sold for a billion.
And who do you know that has used these websites and gained a job?
These websites are not effective and yet the revenue are so high. For we have all been been unemployed. That feeling of desperation. The stress of submitting resumes. Dressing up and selling ourselves and then praying we be selected. It drives people to search in all avenues to gain money.
Thus you have the revenue.
There isn't much of of the undiscovered internet frontier left. All money making zones of the internet has a clear leader. Social networking - Facebook, Product selling - Amazon Ebay, Porn - Covered well.
There is only one money making sector left without a true front runner. Job Boards.
The lack of a leader is clearly an indication of the ineffectiveness of the sites. Who do you know that went on Monster and found a job. Craigslist is slightly more effective but then the internet has not helped out. The process is still the same. Write a resume, lie on a bunch of stuff, submit it, wait, wait, bug the Hr rep, wait, wait, dress in foreign clothe to impress, smile, act like life is the company, answer every question with yes, smile, wish the other applicants good luck, go home, wait, watch price is right, get email, get depression because we feel not being selected is a personal attack.
There has to be better way
I have had this internet website for a long long time now. A job board website. A website to help people find a job. Ok, not a trailblazing idea. But I got my secret sauce.
Monster.com had a yearly revenue of 1 billion a year.
Linkin has surpassed them in traffic and revenue
Indeed just got sold for a billion.
And who do you know that has used these websites and gained a job?
These websites are not effective and yet the revenue are so high. For we have all been been unemployed. That feeling of desperation. The stress of submitting resumes. Dressing up and selling ourselves and then praying we be selected. It drives people to search in all avenues to gain money.
Thus you have the revenue.
There isn't much of of the undiscovered internet frontier left. All money making zones of the internet has a clear leader. Social networking - Facebook, Product selling - Amazon Ebay, Porn - Covered well.
There is only one money making sector left without a true front runner. Job Boards.
The lack of a leader is clearly an indication of the ineffectiveness of the sites. Who do you know that went on Monster and found a job. Craigslist is slightly more effective but then the internet has not helped out. The process is still the same. Write a resume, lie on a bunch of stuff, submit it, wait, wait, bug the Hr rep, wait, wait, dress in foreign clothe to impress, smile, act like life is the company, answer every question with yes, smile, wish the other applicants good luck, go home, wait, watch price is right, get email, get depression because we feel not being selected is a personal attack.
There has to be better way
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)