Westenberg Update: February 2025

I had a post go semi-viral (for me, anyway) last night. It's nice when I get a few extra eyeballs on my work, so - hello, new readers. Welcome to the party, etc.

It felt like an important post to write. We are facing a lot of nonsense and fuckery in the world, and the only way to keep on keeping on is to remain connected to the things we can control, no matter what, instead of fighting for control over things that are entirely outside of our ability to impact.

Anyway, if you're new around here, I can imagine it's a confusing muddle of work to get through.

I've been thinking about what this blog is and what it's meant to be. There are easier ways to make money on the Internet than baring your heart and soul to several thousand people and hoping they pay you for it. I'm given to understand that selling courses about how to make money as a writer is an excellent way to make money as a writer.

I'm not sure it would feel like me, though.

In fact, I'm convinced I'd hate myself for it.

And I refuse to turn into one of those writers. I can't absorb that level of cringe and remain comfortable in my own skin.

Westenberg is a blog about tech, philosophy, humans, people, and life and living. It gets off-topic sometimes, and I find myself going down rabbit holes. But it's real, and I mean all of it. If it ever feels like there are posts that don't make sense or don't feel like they're a part of a whole - I'm keen to hear that. It's how I get better. Even if my first reaction is an instinctual fuck you, my blog is perfect.

What else can I tell you?

I'm 6 years sober in June, only a few months away. I'll admit that sobriety has been harder this year than it normally is. For obvious reasons, I guess. It would be unreasonable not to feel the pull of a half-decent gin and tonic when things are on fire and there's a whole lot of hate coming your way.

Don't worry - I'm not relapsing. Not anytime soon. It'd be tough to finish my 9th playthrough of Diablo III if I did. And that's non-negotiable.

I started an agency. It's called Signalvs, and it's a marketing lab created to help folks grow the right way. No growth hacks, no bullshit, no scamming users or being deceptive or contributing to the malaise of the world. Good content. Good work. Good ideas. Good vibes, with good people.

I started making a webcomic called Pizza Party, and you can read it right here on the blog. A different outlet for my ideas. It's a good thing.

I'll be doing some more writing over there about startups, marketing, messaging, and how to grow on the Internet. The work stuff, I guess.

Westenberg is still a place for my musings and my ideas about philosophy, rationalism, pragmatism, creativity, productivity, etc., etc., etc.

Other things.

My kid started a new year at school.

My cats are doing well. One of them is kind of an asshole, but I love her just the same.

I ate a breakfast burrito.

I'm going to Fair Day.

Onwards and upwards.