Using the Readings as Models

Feross's Piece

I have to admit, after reading “How I learned To Program Computers” by Feross Aboukhadiejeh, I was quite disappointed at first. Not having learned how to use a computer in a time when computers were becoming mainstream and an essential part of everyday life, his article was very hard to capture my attention because I really couldn’t relate to Feross or the work that he’s done. Now don't get me wrong, I think his piece was very informative and well structured. I like how Feross included illustrations in his article, to show the progress he made with his websites over the years, but his topic bored me. Originally, all I got out of this reading was, that at a very young age he started building websites which ultimately taught him more and more about programming computers and eventually led to his success when he created "You Tube Instant". He writes about java script, web browsers and HTML codes…etc., which might as well be a foreign language to me. So there I was thinking to myself, how could I possibly use Feross's article as a model for my first paper assignment when I didn’t even understand half of what he's saying, let alone have any interest in his subject whatsoever.
I did have a deep appreciation for what he had accomplished, and I was not completely opposed to his article, I mean look at his background. This guy had a passion for something that dates all the way back to his childhood years, and so he kept working at it and perfecting it until it made him successful, that's pretty impressive.
I just found myself suffering from a severe case of writer's block, not sure if I really understood what the assignment was supposed to be about, and yearning for a much more interesting topic.

I was beginning to feel very discouraged and wondering if any of my classmates were experiencing the same frustrations as I was. But subconsciously I had already made up my mind that, even though I love to write and really look forward to my English class, maybe it was possible I just did not have what it takes to succeed in this course. We had just received our very first assignment and I was already struggling on what to write about, convinced that everybody else was doing far better than me.

Lost in thoughts, I found myself once more browsing through Feross's article when suddenly, one sentence captured my attention:
" None of us knows what were doing".
Curious as to why I hadn’t noticed this before, I clicked on the mentioned statement and found myself looking at a sub link to the original article. Here Feross speaks of his observation, how many of the young programmers, designers and entrepreneurs at Stanford shared the same mistaken belief about success and how it works. In his own words he states, that they believe successful people like Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Paul Graham, Walt Disney, etc. have some sort of built in superhuman awesomeness that makes them smarter, cleverer and more brilliant than the rest of us. They were convinced that something about these people is unique and that their feats would be unachievable by anyone else.
Feross disagrees with this kind of thinking. Speaking from his experience, success often times just happens without any foresight, pre-planning or exceptional skills.

There it was, the answer to how I can use Feross narrative as a possible model for my first assignment. Unaware of it, I had already adapted the way of thinking, just like the young programmers, designers and entrepreneurs at Stanford had. I was convinced that I had no chance of succeeding in this class, compared to others that is. But Feross used key commands in the beginning of his article such as: "Doing lots of side projects", "practice, practice, practice", and "get your hands dirty". That is precisely what I plan to do! Just as Feross, I have succeeded in other aspects of my life, (and I am positive that I will be sharing some of my stories on here in the near future). But I had to work for it. I didn’t reach my goals so far by giving up and believing I couldn’t do it. If my java script is just a little of course, I will just start over and rewrite the program. It's that simple. So maybe I wasn't inspired by Feross's style of writing, or how he structured his sentences, or how he did well on the road to success. However, I do find inspiration in how he portrays himself, his attitude and whole outlook on things. He never gave up.

 I am glad now that I have read the article. It was a great reminder to not get discouraged because you really just don’t know what achievements await you in the future. If anything else, you gain knowledge and experience. I will share my honest opinions and write freely throughout this class and I look forward to sharing this experience with you.

Joshua's Piece

I don’t know what to say about this article. I think Joshua needs to elaborate his reason for “quitting Google” a little more. He speaks of his information being out there, and wanting to protect his identification. But I do not believe that quitting Google will make him any safer. With the internet being an ever expanding universe, how is it really possible to know who has your information anymore? Now if Joshua had quit using the internet altogether I could see his point. But quitting Google to use different accounts and other search engines, makes no sense to me.

If he is worried about his life and his privacy being controlled by Google, maybe he should reconsider his way of thinking. Obviously he is still using the internet, so maybe the World Wide Web is the issue here that’s consuming his life.


Having said that, I must admit, that Joshua's article places Feross's piece in a whole new light for me. I felt that Joshua's text seemed more monotone and less varied. But as for his point, well, Joshua set a goal, and his goal was to eliminate himself from Google completely. It doesn't seem that it was an easy task to do, but Joshua stuck with it. He did not give up no matter how frustrating it may have gotten, and I do admire that kind of determination in a person. Just as Joshua demonstrated, I do believe "determination" will be a key factor for me, while writing my assignments. 

And as for using this article as a model for my first paper assignment, I think I will decline. My disagreement with Joshua’s opinion, and the lack of inspiration I am getting from his article in general, is preventing me from applying his quest as a useful tool in my future work. But that's why I am taking this class. Maybe I will gather some more ideas as we move along, that may teach me how to fully understand the topics we are reading, and successfully utilize them in my own writings.