creativity Archives | Ian M Rountree

When you’re doing work online, there’s a lot to consider, not just about the work you’re going to do, but about the tools you used to do it.

This goes beyond just picking between Blogger and WordPress or Tumblr and TypePad – the tools for web workers to build their platforms on range from getting the right laptop and Skype-ready headset on the hardware side, to picking seemingly low-priority things like task management software, browser plugins, and Instant Messenger clients.

Very often, the things that seem to be the least of our concerns when setting up turn out to make the biggest difference in the long term.

It’s easy to buy a new keyboard for a desktop computer. But what about laptops? We look for good screens, good speakers… Maybe a good processor or large harddrive if we’re savvy enough – but how many of us buy laptops based on typing tests and the way they fit our hands? It’s virtually impossible to replace the keyboard in a laptop.

Choosing your tools wisely is important. Here are some of the ones I use.

Some of the hardware that gets me through the day:

Dell Studio 17′ laptop – I chose the beast based on screen size, keyboard, and capacity for graphical work. When you’re a writer, any old typing machine will do (If you can type on it) but storing loads of data – hundreds of pages of writing, images, photoshop files… Big data is making its way down to the individual, so having a large harddrive is a good idea. My Dell has a terrabyte of storage.
Sony MDR-XB300 Headphones – picked based on their range (they work for the music I listen to) and for their comfort. I listen to a LOT of music, in addition to podcasts
BlackBerry 8520 – I’ve got the WordPress app, as well as Twitter, Facebook, Google Talk, Live Messenger, and AIM on my phone. Oh, and Evernote as well. I use my phone as a backup publishing platform – mostly for ideation and review of ideas I’ve had. It’s astonishing how much having even a little access can increase productivity, and accessibility.
Razer/Microsoft Habu mouse – it’s a gaming mouse, really, but I got it based on ergonomics and high DPI, which is a boon when working in Photoshop.

That’s an incomplete list, but you get the idea I hope – if any of these pieces of my kit fail, it changes the way I do my work. All of it was chosen based on knowledge of my workflow,

Some desktop software I use for productivity:

iTunes for music – because… Well, it’s iTunes. And I have an iPod.
Google Chrome – because it’s fast, even though it has some issues with WordPress’ post editor. Also, add-ons like;
- SEO Site Tools
- Bit.ly
- ScribeFire
Instant Messaging software, like;
- Live Messenger
- AIM – AOL Instant Messenger
- Skype
- Google Talk
Evernote – as mentioned above, because it lets me keep information on the move.
Dropbox because it keeps my things safe and lets me collaborate easily.
TweetDeck for Twitter management.
Adobe CreativeSuite software – it’s a standard, really, though mine’s outdated.
YNAB – You Need A Budget to keep things in order.

There’s also web software:

(mt)MediaTemple for web hosting – for reasons I’ve covered in a review previously. My domains register through them as well.
WordPress.org as a blogging software, because it’s infinitely extensible and powerful – I’ll get into more detail about WP.org later.
Standard Theme 2 which I developed my current site theme on top of, for reasons also covered in a review
Google Apps for my domain email and other tools – everything, at this point, routes through my Google Apps account

This is, of course, an incomplete list – in both cases. However, the trend is clear; I’ve chosen a set of tools that works the way I need them to. It’s not all flash and sizzle, but it does the trick, exactly as I expect, every time.

Picking hardware and software that works well in concert with your best creative workflow is of paramount importance. What tools do you use to get stuff done online?

Image by extranoise.

I read a blog post a few days ago listing must-have approaches for personal branding has really gotten me thinking.

We do a lot of work to supplement and implement our personal brands – we change our avatars, we work on our websites, we blog, we tweet. We self-censor. It’s a lot of emotional labour. But what about the tools we use to do these things? How are we getting where we profess we want to go – especially with so much of the personal branding focus relying on being the job from anywhere we are?

So – I have a request.

I’d like your help developing a list of blogging tools, which will eventually become a resource page here on this site – and which any contributors (which will be listed with their proposed resources) can feel free to repost – assuming they include a link to the original page.

Now – I know a lot of bloggers out there put together resources, so I’d love those too – links to pages or blog posts with lists or groups of tools, tips and tricks… These things help too!

And of course, there is fine print. It’s thus;

These are not intended to be productivity or process-related tools, though those will not be excluded. If you want productivity, 43 Folders has some great productivity resources.
These are not intended to be problem-solving tools – see ThoughtWrestling’s myriad resources for creativity and problem solving (I’m a contributor there, when there’s time).
The tools list can be anything from writing resources, to programs, to physical gadgets, clothing – whatever you’ve found that helps you do the work. Favorite computer model? Really love Evernote? Preferred hosting solution? There’s a lot of possibility here.

The list I’m looking to collate, ideally, should be everything a blogger needs to make sure they can be effective from post 1 to post 10,000.

I’ve already got what I think is a fairly good list – but if I get a suggestion for something that’s already on the list, I’ll be happy to give some more credit.

So. Whatcha got? What do you need to keep your Ubiquitous Office running smoothly from dawn to dusk?

My Platform – The Tools I Use

The Ubiquitous Office – Tools for Personal Brands