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Luke Berg
Madison, WI
Information Technology
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David Spinks THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: The Ultimate Showdown: Grad School vs Professional Experience. Please bring your minds, but leave any weapons or blunt objects at home.

106 weeks ago from u30pro

: If you are looking to succeed via the traditional route in your career then grad school is a must. Many Director level and higher positions ...MoreIf you are looking to succeed via the traditional route in your career then grad school is a must. Many Director level and higher positions require a gradate degree to even be considered. Furthermore, Grad school gives people who aren't social butterflies a means to make great connections with other professionals.

On the other hand, with Web 2.0 becoming the standard instead of the "new thing", it is certainly possible to forge your own career path and forgo the grad degree.

106 weeks ago
Jeannie Chan: Actually, Seth just repeated a fairly commonly held POV. It's generally agreed that unless you go to a top school (some defines that as top 4, ...MoreActually, Seth just repeated a fairly commonly held POV. It's generally agreed that unless you go to a top school (some defines that as top 4, some top 5, some top 10, some top 30. I don't think anyone defines it outside top 30), it's a waste of money. Waste of money in term not only tuition, but also opportunity cost in term of lost income. But, if you get financial assistance, that also helps the equation. (Some field requires an MBA to advance...)
106 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg I love the title by the way. Doncha know der eh? I'm originally from MN so it brings back memories for me.

102 weeks ago from So, you like hockey, eh?

Emily Jasper: I moved to MN a year and a half ago, and it only took a couple months for those Os to get really long...and I say "folks" all the time now...
102 weeks ago
 
Thoughts on tonight's USA vs. Canada game at the Olympics?

102 weeks ago from So, you like hockey, eh?

Stanley Lee: @Ryan: it was first Olympics win since 2002.
@Stephen: Just hope that the Americans don't get upset by a team Finland or what not (I don't even ...More
@Ryan: it was first Olympics win since 2002.
@Stephen: Just hope that the Americans don't get upset by a team Finland or what not (I don't even think that would be all that big of an upset) in the tournament rounds.

102 weeks ago
Luke Berg: One of the best games that I've seen in a long time. I watched it with 6 or 7 Canadians and 3 of us Americans at a bar in Chicago, which was a ...MoreOne of the best games that I've seen in a long time. I watched it with 6 or 7 Canadians and 3 of us Americans at a bar in Chicago, which was a great group to watch with. They were sad but admitted that it was a good game in the end.

Miller was amazing and always seemed to barely get in the way. It very much resembled an all-star game, but with actual checking. :)

To be honest though, I haven't watched as much hockey since the strike. I might get back into it after watching this game though.

102 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg Excited for tonight. Making crawfish boil, corn biscuits, and rhubarb crisp. I'll post pictures and the recipes tomorrow. By the way, apparently many of my friends are afraid of crawfish so I have extras. Anyone from Madison that would enjoy crawfish and would like to stop over send me a message and I'll get you my address.

103 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!

JR Moreau: Sorry I didn't stop by man, night went by real fast. How did it come out?
103 weeks ago
Luke Berg: The boil turned out great. Just the right amount of spice for everyone that grew up in the north here.
103 weeks ago
 
Anna Raddatz One of my freelance gigs is consulting for a freelance web designer - I have a weekly call with him and we focus on his weekly schedule, time/project management, etc. But he's still struggling. I'd love to find a system that will work well for him - what are your favorite time management books or systems?

104 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Lindsey Donner: I am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler ...MoreI am a big fan of the 37Signals software (such as Basecamp and Backpack). However, if your designer is a freelancer himself, be wary that simpler might be better - Basecamp might be unwieldy if he is principally working on a contractual basis, and Harvest, FreshBooks and the myriad of other project-based timetrackers might be better for him. My husband and employee is a designer and given the amount of space they must already give (to coding applications, Adobe software, test sites, FTPs, email, stock photo accounts, etc.) to their "workspace" on the screen, Basecamp's complex project management can be overwhelming. I have managed other designers who, as soon as they are asked to use such a system, become quickly distressed.

NOT because they are not computer savvy (he probably is extremely computer savvy) but because such software sometimes "throws them out" of the work they are doing. Simpler is better and if I were you, try it yourself first to ensure that you can explain it and assist him in applying it to his specific situation. Additionally Harvest, etc. provide invoicing in the same product which might be of great use to him! Good luck! Let me know what he uses (and if he likes it)!

103 weeks ago
Anna Raddatz: Thanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly ...MoreThanks to everyone for their suggestions! I've used Basecamp before, and I don't think it's the right solution for this - his projects are fairly small, and he's a one-person team. Right now we're using todoist.com as a to-do list, broken down by project, and it's fine, but he's inconsistent about updating it. I think it's more an issue of mindset and focus, so I'm going to check out some of the books mentioned and see if I can come up with a creative, inspiring approach for him.
102 weeks ago
 
Brittany Thompson I'm hearing great things about the webinar. Wish I could have made it, but had a meeting that ran over (way over). Even if the content wasn't recorded, is there any chance maybe a top 5 tips or recap blog could be posted? And are these regular events? If so, I'll try to free up Wednesday nights each week :)

104 weeks ago from Location Independent

Emily Moore: Hey Luke! Thanks for offering the help... but it won't allow me to message you. Can you send me the instructions?
104 weeks ago
JR Moreau: Hi Brittany, the simplest way for you to publish a blog to Brazen Careerist is to
A) go to your profile, click the EDIT YOUR BLOG FEED button ...More
Hi Brittany, the simplest way for you to publish a blog to Brazen Careerist is to
A) go to your profile, click the EDIT YOUR BLOG FEED button and insert the RSS link from your blog into that
B)shoot me an email at jamesmoreau@brazencareerist.com and give me a heads up if you think you've got a post coming up that you'd like to be considered for a feature.

If you have any questions, let me know!

104 weeks ago
 
Heather Conroy Biggest message for me from the LI webinar was work out the scenario where you are your best self and then move towards it. Ask yourself what am I doing about it this week? month? Find your sweetspot. Loved the webinar!

104 weeks ago from Location Independent

Delta Waters: ryan, ;) i really like it here on BC...i did find you guys a hoot to watch whatever the topic...
104 weeks ago
Ryan Paugh: Delta, that's important to us too! If nothing else, I hope to always be providing entertainment value to our members :)
104 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg A little late, but I couldn't put off putting my goals out there and making myself accountable to them anymore. http://www.sightsisaw.com/blog/2010/february-goals-im-not-hiding-anymore/

105 weeks ago from Monthly Goal Meet-Up

 
JR Moreau Interested to hear what people think of this week's topic! I personally think a lot of conferences are a blast to go to, but rarely, if ever, do I learn well in group sessions, so really I enjoy them for the social scene and potential for one on one interaction. Always networking!

105 weeks ago from u30pro

JR Moreau: @Scott, I don't know if "justified" is the word I'd use. I've done work with people trying to market their conferences as "green" but it's all a ...More@Scott, I don't know if "justified" is the word I'd use. I've done work with people trying to market their conferences as "green" but it's all a lot of bullshit if you ask me. I see some people have the money to blow and want to look cool doing it. Throw it in the name of a charity, the environment or a social cause and it still is what it is... a party.
That being said, where's my invite?!? ;-)

105 weeks ago
David Spinks: Yep, I usually find a ton of value in meeting people and shaking hands. The panels and speakers are very rarely insightful, mostly because we ...MoreYep, I usually find a ton of value in meeting people and shaking hands. The panels and speakers are very rarely insightful, mostly because we watch people who we already read and follow online. We're not hearing anything new...
105 weeks ago
 
John Mattucci I read this Article about the iPad reviewing its potential as a gaming platform: http://bit.ly/aaD5M8 Do you think the iPad will make as big an impact for gaming as Apple wants us to think?

105 weeks ago from Video Games Industry

John Mattucci: @ Christina - Well defiantly the Mac got a bad rap of not being a "gaming platform" back in the day with its PowerPC processor (even I still have ...More@ Christina - Well defiantly the Mac got a bad rap of not being a "gaming platform" back in the day with its PowerPC processor (even I still have that feeling), but now with Mac using the Intel hardware, that was a big barrier removed towards game developers easily creating titles for PC's and Mac's. The reality is that a small percentage of people use Mac's compared to PC's.
105 weeks ago
John Mattucci: I was flabbergasted that the iPad lacked Flash support... like seriously? I though Apple was moving towards removing barriers (from change in ...MoreI was flabbergasted that the iPad lacked Flash support... like seriously? I though Apple was moving towards removing barriers (from change in hardware). But they just seem to put up more barriers. On the other hand, many flash games wouldn't work correctly with their touch screen as many require a keyboard to play the game...I feel Apple is being really anti social with other technologies unless you are writing with their SDK...reminds me of their first commercial, reversed http://bit.ly/JGmTW
105 weeks ago
 
Ryan Healy Love this post by Mark Cuban http://bit.ly/beKsEb. The simplest way to create more jobs is to allow entrepreneurs to spend less on lawyers and accountants. Ill take it a step further and say the government should provide incentives for entrepreneurs that go beyond this. What if anyone who creates a successful business receives a break on student loans or even full forgiveness? Of course you define what "success" is, but imagine the innovation that could take place with a small incentive!

105 weeks ago from Entrepreneurs

Luke Berg: @stan I completely agree that if you are making enough money to pay taxes you should be happy. My trepidation comes from not understanding all the ...More@stan I completely agree that if you are making enough money to pay taxes you should be happy. My trepidation comes from not understanding all the nuances to the tax code and being afraid to screw it up. Thus, the requirement of needing professional services.
@Thomas - Skepticism is healthy. I really would love to hear from someone who founded a startup and know what sort of pressure professional services cost them.
Cough cough, Ryans ( Healy and Paugh ) and Penelope. I'd love to hear your takes

105 weeks ago
stanweddle: Luke: I usually do my own tax returns out of necessity. I was advised by an accountant and an attorney to be aggressive with regard to deductions ...MoreLuke: I usually do my own tax returns out of necessity. I was advised by an accountant and an attorney to be aggressive with regard to deductions and interpretations. I'm told that if you have a good reason for them and IRS objects, you only owe the additional tax and interest on the additional tax. I'm seldom challenged on using this practice. Sometimes an accountant will be more conservative than necessary, especially when they are dealing with new regulations.
105 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg Alright, a new unrelated enhancement request that I thought of today but that also comes from a topic on the ask a coach network. How about adding the ability to search for a company and find out who either works at the company ( based on their resume portion of the profile ) or find out who used to work at the company. Finding out who is connected with a company easily would make brazen a great resource for targeting your networking towards the job you want.

106 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Healy: Great idea, Luke. It's in the works!
106 weeks ago
 
Jeannie Chan What is the etiquette for working with a recruiter? I'm looking to move forward with a position a recruiter called me for. Through LinkedIn, I know that I'm to someone who is at the role I would be applying for. Is it okay to reach out for an information interview? (I do not believe my connection would have influence on hiring decision.) My recruiter made it sound like I can't talk to anyone at the company, unless it's through her.

106 weeks ago from Ask A Coach

Sarah Beckley: If there is a contract, Jeannie needs to abide by whatever the contract says about how she can communicate with the company. If there is no ...MoreIf there is a contract, Jeannie needs to abide by whatever the contract says about how she can communicate with the company. If there is no written contract, but she's agreed to work with the recruiter, it's just good business/manners to let recruiter know you have an opportunity to connect with the company via another person. The recruiter's remarks about only going through her are to prevent her from going to HR herself and cutting out the recruiter's commission.
106 weeks ago
Caroline Ceniza-Levine: The recruiter is concerned with you going directly to someone in the hiring decision process and therefore cutting her out of a fee. She also ...MoreThe recruiter is concerned with you going directly to someone in the hiring decision process and therefore cutting her out of a fee. She also wants control of the process because she thinks that gives the best chance of getting you hired and therefore her getting the fee. See the pattern? So As long as you are not trying to exclude her from her fee (which you're not) go ahead with your info interview. It's great job search practice to have as many inside interviews as possible.
106 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh I'm glad you guys decided to create this network. I love u30pro and it's great for all of us here on Brazen. I have a few topic suggestions: "Dating at work" "Going back to school for an MBA" "Benefits under-30 pros care about most in a job" Thoughts?

106 weeks ago from u30pro

Megan Loghry: Yes, I agree! I really would like a discussion about going back for your MBA.
106 weeks ago
Luke Berg: How about what are some of the ways that under-30 pros have successfully landed positions in other fields than where they started? ( wording ...MoreHow about what are some of the ways that under-30 pros have successfully landed positions in other fields than where they started? ( wording obviously needs shortening but it is late and I'm tired )
I think that dating at work and benefits are also great topics and that u30pros will likely have very unique answers to compared to other age groups.

106 weeks ago
 
Ashley Jones Hello! I need some insight. I am helping a friend start a Web site for their construction company...starting from scratch. We are going to use GoDaddy.com for the domain name, do you know if they give you an fttp: site to upload files to? I have never used it or made a Web site outside of my Web development classes. Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated!! Thank you in advance!

107 weeks ago from Web Development

christopher patterson: There is nothing wrong with GoDaddy. Their shared hosting is a great value. They tend to lag a bit behind in adding newer versions of server ...MoreThere is nothing wrong with GoDaddy. Their shared hosting is a great value. They tend to lag a bit behind in adding newer versions of server technologies but you can't beat 5 bucks a mo for their economy hosting both (linux and windows).
102 weeks ago
Jay Godse: Try Google Sites as well.
102 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg I like the new bar at the bottom that gives some additional info about groups and companies that are on Brazen. I had two ideas that I thought would help me out a lot. 1. Maybe display some info about recent activity with the groups. Something like X number of posts today that would be under members. 2. This is likely a fair amount more work but it would be a great improvement. Can you look into matching the companies with profiles? I have an IT profile and would be interested in IT companies.

107 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Luke Berg: I should also modify #2 slightly. I would be interested in companies that are have IT job openings.
I think it would also make your pitch to ...More
I should also modify #2 slightly. I would be interested in companies that are have IT job openings.
I think it would also make your pitch to companies stronger saying that they will be viewed by people looking specifically for the type of jobs that they want to fill.

107 weeks ago
Ryan Healy: We're doing some performance upgrades soon, sometimes the page loads take a bit longer than usual.
107 weeks ago
 
Luke Berg I like the new bar at the bottom that gives some additional info about groups and companies that are on Brazen. I had two ideas that I thought would help me out a lot. 1. Maybe display some info about recent activity with the groups. Something like X number of posts today that would be under members. 2. This is likely a fair amount more work but it would be a great improvement. Can you look into matching the companies with profiles? I have an IT profile and would be interested in IT companies.

107 weeks ago from Brazen Community Feedback

Ryan Healy: Great ideas. Thanks, Luke. I will add them to the list.
107 weeks ago
Luke Berg: Feel free to send a PM if you want a more detailed explanation of what I was thinking.
I also have to say that I love this feedback group. More ...More
Feel free to send a PM if you want a more detailed explanation of what I was thinking.
I also have to say that I love this feedback group. More sites need something like this.

107 weeks ago
 
Taff Ahmed Hi all, I am new to this site and found this network... i am also looking for someone to profit share for my website idea which is about 10% done... I have limited knowledge so want someone with a little more expertise, its a networking site that I need help with so anyone who has the skills please let me know!! would really appreciate it!

108 weeks ago from Web Development

Luke Berg: Hi Taff, welcome. As Mariusz said, could you give us a bit more detail?
108 weeks ago
Taff Ahmed: Hi Guys... sorry for the delay in responding... send me an email to MoreHi Guys... sorry for the delay in responding... send me an email to fieldhockey@live.co.uk and will be able to give you more info if you like!!
107 weeks ago
 
Amy Walz Hello Fellow Badgers! What have you found to be more important to your happiness, quality of life, career, etc--- the money or the job? In other words, would you change to a job you think you'd enjoy more for less money? Or vice versa, would you change to a job you think would be more stressful for more money? Advice?!

109 weeks ago from Wisconsin Badgers

Luke Berg: I agree with Rebecca. I fall more on the side of the job though. I recently left a job because it was stressing me out so much that I was actually ...MoreI agree with Rebecca. I fall more on the side of the job though. I recently left a job because it was stressing me out so much that I was actually getting sick. It doesn't matter what the money is, the job isn't worth your health ( mental or physical ) in my mind.
109 weeks ago
Kelly Cuene: I'm a little late to the party... but I have to agree with others here and I think both are important. Personally though, I could probably make do ...MoreI'm a little late to the party... but I have to agree with others here and I think both are important. Personally though, I could probably make do with less than I think I can in order to work at a job I love, but I don't think I could work at a job I absolutely hate for lots of money. Amy, is this a decision you have to make right now (or had to recently)?
108 weeks ago
 
Mariusz Hi Everyone. Our little Design Afternoon is going ahead in Edinburgh. A presentation on accessibility, video visuals and a brave project is taking place on 30.01.10. Plus some great organic, handmade snacks, so if you're around, just pop in to Forest Cafe - it's free. For more details check www.oscc.web-sandwich.co.uk.

109 weeks ago from Web Development

Luke Berg: Mariusz, the presentations look great and I wish I could come. Are they going to be available for download ( video or audio possibly? ) after the ...MoreMariusz, the presentations look great and I wish I could come. Are they going to be available for download ( video or audio possibly? ) after the meeting?
109 weeks ago
Mariusz: Hi Luke. Thanks for the interest. I got the support of the college where I works, which means I should be able to get some nice video cameras and ...MoreHi Luke. Thanks for the interest. I got the support of the college where I works, which means I should be able to get some nice video cameras and microphones; the moment I clear the copyright thing with the speakers, I'm going to upload it.
109 weeks ago
 
Mojgan Fay Thanks for your reply Luke! I think you are right in that it had grown too long. I just threw out half and fed the other half some water and flour. Will see how it goes.

110 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!

Jenn Sutherland: RIP Sourdough starter. Better luck next time. Yeasts do demand to be fed on a regular schedule...kind of like my dog. :)
110 weeks ago
Luke Berg: Too bad to hear. I was interested in whether or not it would come back. Let us know how it goes and if it works, what you did differently.
108 weeks ago
 
Mojgan Fay I attempted to make sourdough starter. It looked promising: doubled in size, bubbles forming. I got excited! Then when I went to feed it this morning, it had shrunk to half its size. What does this mean? Should I start from scratch again? Is this salvageable? Normal? What happened?

110 weeks ago from I Love to Cook!

Luke Berg: I have a couple of guesses, it is hard to know without seeing though. I also can only speak out of experience from my childhood. Making starter is ...MoreI have a couple of guesses, it is hard to know without seeing though. I also can only speak out of experience from my childhood. Making starter is something I'd like to do in the next month though.
If it grew for too long, the liquid at the bottom will ferment and kill the yeast.
It might have ran out of sugar and / or water.
My suggestion, Cut it in half, cook half and try to grow the other half.

Try different things out, if you figure out what went wrong let us know. I'd love to hear.

110 weeks ago
 
Ryan Paugh With all of the great debate going on in this network, I think it would be really cool if we could channel that energy to come up with a running list of attributes Gen-Y looks for in a company. Please share your thoughts by clicking the Reply button on this comment.

111 weeks ago from Brazen Careerist's Top 50 Gen-Y Companies

Lindsey Donner: For me, the top qualities I look for in an employer or company are:

(1) Schedule flexibility;
(2) Management that rewards results and talent, not ...More
For me, the top qualities I look for in an employer or company are:

(1) Schedule flexibility;
(2) Management that rewards results and talent, not seniority.
(3) As others have also noted - a commitment to managing and mentoring talent.

It's my belief that most companies should strive to meet those 3 items, but I realize I'm unusual in that I have worked mostly for small companies - some larger corporations are still stuck in a more traditional mode, and if it works for them, we can't necessarily assume they'll change - YET!

101 weeks ago
Christopher Lomas: We regularly see the following as essential:
1. Clear, Fair EXPECTATIONS set
2. TRUST given
3. OWNERSHIP shared
4. an opportunity to develop their ...More
We regularly see the following as essential:
1. Clear, Fair EXPECTATIONS set
2. TRUST given
3. OWNERSHIP shared
4. an opportunity to develop their unique IDENTITY

98 weeks ago
 
Jose Nunez Is there a real alternative to citrix xenapp in the open source world? (no VNC doesn´t cut it)

117 weeks ago from Citrix

Luke Berg: What are you looking for in an alternative? If it is simple application publishing, I would check out Server 2008 especially R2.
117 weeks ago

Groups (32)

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Fans (14)

Emily Moore
JR Moreau
Dave McKeown
Andrew Shell
Rebecca Thorman
doscareers
Samantha Ogborn
Brittany Thompson
Karl Sakas
Emily Jasper

Following (23)

Rebecca MacDonald
Sajid Akhtar
Rebecca Thorman
Chris Ostini
Zack Zaban
Emily Jasper
Chris(tina) Brady
Sara Davidson
Lance Haun
Ed Barrientos