When writing here, I’ve never been particularly coy about who I am or what I’m up to. But I also don’t go out of my way to put myself front and center either, even if I make it a point to self-promote whenever possible. While the Internet now considers me the most famous me in Chicago* (take that, director of the short film Ten and president of Tribune Publishing!), I still like to pretend I have a certain amount of virtual anonymity.

I’ve had my short-term reasons for that, but mostly I like to have control over my world, and how I’m perceived. It’s silly, really, but the impulse is there nonetheless. As such, I’m not one to dwell much on my personal life here. I prefer to let the words and the work be the focus. In my job, you really have to make peace with the notion that you’re leaving quite the footprint for those who want to play technological archaeologist. Even though what I do here is separate from the job, I’m still aware it’s out there for all to see. And while I prefer not to obscure my personality, with great bandwith comes great responsibility. So I prefer to keep a firm grasp on the “me” that’s out there. It’s the difference between uploading pictures of oneself holding a beer…or holding a beer bong.

I’m occasionally jealous of some writers who take their lives and pour them so exquisitely over their blogs. Like this fella, for instance. It’s possible I’ll get to the point where I’ll say “Ah, to hell with it” but not quite yet.

Anyway, that’s about the biggest self-revelation you’re going to get from me here. But I figured since I had such an influx of new readers today, it might be best to let you know what you’re all in for if you stick around. I certainly hope you do.

* Nope, those aren’t my numbers at the top of that page. Told you I’m careful.