Knight Technologies LLC

The misadventures of a veteran technology professional.

  • A Brief History of Freelance Sites in the Software Engineering Space

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    The Birth of Freelance Sites for Software Developers

    It was the early 2000s, and the tech industry was booming. The world was becoming increasingly digitized, and software developers were in high demand. However, not all software developers wanted to work full-time jobs. Some craved flexibility, autonomy, and the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.

    This desire for independence gave rise to the first freelance sites for software developers. One of the first such sites was RentACoder, which launched in 2001. RentACoder, as its name suggests, allowed developers to rent themselves out to clients who needed their skills on a project-by-project basis.

    RentACoder quickly gained popularity among software developers who wanted to supplement their income with freelance work. It also attracted clients who needed software development work but didn’t want to hire a full-time employee. Other freelance sites, such as Elance and oDesk (which later merged to become Upwork), followed in RentACoder’s footsteps.

    The Pros of Freelance Work

    For many software developers, freelance work offers several advantages over traditional full-time employment. First and foremost, freelancing offers flexibility. Freelancers can set their own schedules, work from anywhere in the world, and choose which projects they want to work on.

    Freelancing also offers the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. Full-time employees often work on a single project or for a single company, which can become monotonous. Freelancers, on the other hand, can work on different projects for different clients, which keeps their work fresh and interesting.

    Finally, freelance work often pays more than traditional full-time employment. Freelancers can set their own rates, and they can charge more for their services than they would make as a full-time employee.

    The Cons of Freelance Work

    While freelance work offers many advantages, it also has its downsides. First and foremost, freelance work can be unpredictable. Freelancers often have to hustle to find clients and projects, and there’s no guarantee that they’ll have work from one month to the next.

    Freelancing can also be isolating. Freelancers work alone, and they don’t have the camaraderie of an office environment. This can be especially challenging for extroverted individuals who thrive on social interaction. In addition, many of the freelancing sites are wrought with SPAM and scams which be discouraging.

    Just this morning, I had to report an account for violating the terms of service for Fiverr because they wanted to use my US based account to get more jobs. Sure, would you also like my US based bank account info so you can help yourself to my money? Gee whiz.

    Finally, freelancing requires a high level of discipline and self-motivation. Freelancers are responsible for managing their own schedules and deadlines, and they need to be able to work independently without supervision.

    The Rise of Upwork

    Upwork, which was formed by the merger of Elance and oDesk, quickly became the dominant player in the freelance site industry. Upwork boasts over 12 million registered freelancers and over 5 million registered clients.

    Upwork’s success can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, Upwork has a robust platform that makes it easy for freelancers and clients to find each other and work together. Upwork also offers tools and resources to help freelancers manage their businesses, such as time tracking and invoicing software.

    Finally, Upwork has a large and active community of freelancers and clients, which provides support and networking opportunities.

    The Future of Freelance Work

    As the world becomes increasingly digitized, it’s likely that freelance work will continue to grow in popularity. More and more individuals are looking for flexibility and autonomy in their work lives, and freelance work provides that.

    However, there are also challenges that come with the growth of the freelance economy. For example, freelancers often don’t have access to benefits such as health insurance and retirement savings plans. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy has led to debates about the classification of workers as independent contractors versus employees.

    In conclusion, the history of freelance sites for software developers shows that the demand for flexibility and autonomy in work is not a passing trend. Freelancing offers many advantages, such as the ability to work on diverse projects, set one’s own schedule, and earn higher rates than traditional full-time employment. However, freelancing also has its downsides, such as unpredictability, isolation, and the need for self-discipline. As the world continues to change and evolve, it will be interesting to see how the freelance economy adapts and evolves to meet the needs of both freelancers and clients. Whether one chooses to pursue a freelance career or traditional full-time employment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a decision that aligns with their personal and professional goals.

    Cheers,

    ~ghost

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  • Defensive Programming: Using Guard Clauses

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    Defensive programming is a technique used to make software more reliable, robust, and less prone to errors. It involves anticipating and guarding against potential issues that could occur during runtime, such as unexpected input, invalid user behavior, or hardware failures. By incorporating defensive programming practices into software development, programmers can ensure that their code is more resilient and can handle unexpected situations gracefully.

    The Guard Shield – Image courtesy of Midjourney BOT

    One common technique used in defensive programming is guard clauses. Guard clauses are statements used at the beginning of a function or method to check for any preconditions that need to be met before the function can execute. This technique helps to prevent errors from occurring by catching any invalid inputs or conditions early on in the code execution process.

    By using guard clauses, developers can improve the reliability of their code and reduce the likelihood of errors and bugs. Additionally, guard clauses can make code easier to read and maintain by clearly defining the assumptions and preconditions for a given function or method. Overall, incorporating defensive programming techniques like guard clauses into software development can result in more robust and reliable software.

    Here are a few examples of how to use two different GuardAgainst methods from the GuardClauses package and the FluentGuard package in C# .NET, a couple of scripting examples, and finally a Swift 5 example using the Guard function:

    C# .NET

    GuardClauses

    In this example, the Guard.Against.NullOrEmpty method from the GuardClauses package is used to guard against null or empty string values for the value parameter. If the value is null or empty, an ArgumentNullException or an ArgumentException is thrown with a message indicating the name of the parameter. The Guard.Against.OutOfRange method is also used to guard against the length of the value parameter being outside of the range of 1 to 10 characters.

    using GuardClauses;

public class MyClass
{
    public void DoSomething(string value)
    {
        Guard.Against.NullOrEmpty(value, nameof(value));
        Guard.Against.OutOfRange(value.Length, nameof(value.Length), 1, 10);

        // rest of the method logic
    }
}

    FluentGuard

    In this example, the NotNull and NotEmpty extension methods from the FluentGuard package are used to guard against null and empty string values for the value parameter. If the value is null or empty, an ArgumentNullException or an ArgumentException is thrown with a message indicating the name of the parameter.

    using FluentGuard;

public class MyClass
{
    public void DoSomething(string value)
    {
        value.NotNull(nameof(value));
        value.NotEmpty(nameof(value));

        // rest of the method logic
    }
}

    Script

    JavaScript

    In this example, a guard clause is used to check if the value parameter is null, undefined, or not a string. If any of these conditions are met, an error message is logged to the console and the function returns early, preventing the rest of the function logic from executing.

    function doSomething(value) {
  if (!value || typeof value !== 'string') {
    console.log('Error: value is null, undefined, or not a string');
    return;
  }

  // rest of the function logic
}

    jQuery

    In this example, a guard clause is used to check if the button element ($button) exists. If it does not exist, an error message is logged to the console and the function returns early, preventing the rest of the function logic from executing. The $ function is used to create a jQuery object from the event.currentTarget parameter, which represents the element that triggered the event (in this case, a button element). The $button.length property is then checked to see if the button element exists.

    function handleClick(event) {
  event.preventDefault();

  const $button = $(event.currentTarget);

  if (!$button.length) {
    console.log('Error: button element not found');
    return;
  }

  // rest of the function logic
}

    iOS and Mac

    Swift 5

    In this example, the guard statement with optional binding and isEmpty check is used to guard against nil or empty string values for the value parameter. If the value is nil or empty, a custom MyError error is thrown. Another guard statement is used to guard against the length of the value parameter being outside of the range of 1 to 10 characters. If the length is outside of the range, a custom MyError error is thrown.

    enum MyError: Error {
    case valueIsNilOrEmpty
    case valueLengthOutOfRange
}

func doSomething(_ value: String?) throws {
    guard let value = value, !value.isEmpty else {
        throw MyError.valueIsNilOrEmpty
    }
    guard value.count >= 1 && value.count <= 10 else {
        throw MyError.valueLengthOutOfRange
    }

    // rest of the function logic
}

    The above are but a few examples on implementing guard clauses across a few different languages using native syntax and libraries for convenience.

    Here are the NuGet package URLs for GuardClauses and FluentGuard:

    These packages are available on the official NuGet package repository and can be installed using Visual Studio or the .NET CLI.

    Thanks for reading…

    ~ghost

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  • Art on the fly with Midjourney BOT

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    If you find yourself in the need for computer generated graphics whether it be photo-realistic people or if you are creating the next fantasy graphic novel, you should consider using AI to quickly and easily create assets. Today we will be discussing one attractive option called Midjourney BOT.

    Midjourney BOT is an AI-powered tool that allows users to create high-quality images from text prompts. This innovative technology is changing the game for graphic design, making it easy for anyone to create stunning visuals without any design experience. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of using Midjourney BOT and how it can help you create fantastic images from text prompts.

    What is Midjourney BOT?

    Midjourney BOT is an AI-powered tool that uses natural language processing (NLP) to create images from text prompts. With Midjourney BOT, you can simply type in a text prompt, and the AI will generate a high-quality image based on the content of the text.

    The BOT uses a neural network to analyze the text and generate a visual representation of the words. This means that the images created by Midjourney BOT are unique and tailored to the specific text prompt.

    Benefits of Using Midjourney BOT

    Saves Time

    One of the most significant benefits of using Midjourney BOT is that it saves time. With Midjourney BOT, you can create high-quality images in seconds, without any design experience or technical skills. This is especially helpful for businesses and individuals who need to create visuals quickly but don’t have the resources to hire a graphic designer.

    Increases Creativity

    Midjourney BOT can also increase creativity by allowing users to think outside the box when it comes to visual representation. By generating unique images based on text prompts, users can explore new ideas and concepts that they may not have considered otherwise. This can lead to more innovative and creative solutions in various industries, from advertising to social media.

    Enhances Branding

    Midjourney BOT can also enhance branding by creating consistent visuals that align with a company’s brand identity. By using the same text prompts and creating images that align with a company’s brand guidelines, businesses can create a cohesive visual identity across all of their marketing channels.

    Reduces Costs

    Midjourney BOT can also help reduce costs by eliminating the need for a graphic designer. With Midjourney BOT, businesses and individuals can create high-quality visuals without the expense of hiring a designer or purchasing expensive design software.

    Increases Efficiency

    Midjourney BOT can increase efficiency by allowing users to create visuals on the fly, without the need to wait for a designer to create the images. This can be especially helpful for businesses that need to create visuals quickly for social media, advertisements, or presentations.

    Sources

    1. “What is Natural Language Processing (NLP)?” IBM, www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/natural-language-processing.
    2. “Neural Networks Explained.” Towards Data Science, 11 Sept. 2019, towardsdatascience.com/neural-networks-explained-698b2afa9b90.
    3. “The Benefits of Using AI for Graphic Design.” Forbes, 22 May 2019, www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/05/22/the-benefits-of-using-ai-for-graphic-design/?sh=4a7b4d4b25c8.
    4. “5 Reasons Why You Need Consistency in Your Branding.” Inc, 15 Mar. 2017, www.inc.com/murray-newlands/5-reasons-why-you-need-consistency-in-your-branding.html.
    5. “How AI is Changing the Way We Create.” Medium, 24 May 2019, medium.com/@peterjung/how-ai-is-changing-the-way-we-create-75dd17d76792.

    Conclusion

    Midjourney BOT is a game-changer for graphic design, allowing anyone to create high-quality visuals without any design experience. The benefits of using Midjourney BOT include saving time, increasing creativity, enhancing branding, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency. As AI technology continues to advance, tools like Midjourney BOT will become increasingly important for businesses and individuals looking to create stunning visuals quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a small business owner or a social media manager, Midjourney BOT is a tool you should consider incorporating into your workflow.

    To learn more please visit their site –> https://docs.midjourney.com

    Cheers,

    ~ghost

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  • Adventures with Midjourney

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    If you are in the market for some ubsurd art, give Midjourney a try.

    3D old man with whispy gray hair and a kind face holding a cup of coffee and a pink glazed donut dripping icing onto the floor which is made of water

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  • Agile Software for Single Person Teams

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    There are several Agile software options available for single person teams, and the top-rated one may vary depending on individual preferences and requirements. However, some of the most popular Agile software options for single person teams are:

    1. Trello: Trello is a simple and easy-to-use Agile software that uses a visual board to organize tasks and workflows. It allows users to create boards, lists, and cards to track progress and collaborate with team members.
    2. Asana: Asana is a popular Agile software that is designed to help users manage tasks, projects, and workflows. It features a simple and intuitive interface that allows users to create tasks, assign them to team members, and track progress in real-time.
    3. JIRA: JIRA is a powerful Agile software that is widely used by software development teams. It features advanced project management and issue tracking capabilities, and supports Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban.
    4. Monday.com: Monday.com is a flexible and customizable Agile software that allows users to create custom workflows and boards to manage tasks and projects. It features a user-friendly interface and supports integration with other tools such as Slack and Trello.
    5. ClickUp: ClickUp is a versatile Agile software that allows users to create custom workflows and boards to manage tasks and projects. It features a wide range of tools and integrations, and supports Agile methodologies such as Scrum and Kanban.

    Ultimately, the best Agile software for single person teams will depend on individual needs and preferences. It is important to consider factors such as ease of use, features, and pricing when choosing an Agile software. Many of the above options offer free trials or freemium versions that allow users to try out the software before committing to a paid plan.

    I hope you enjoyed this post.

    Cheers,

    ~ghost

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  • Beyond the Tools: Exploring the Ethical Implications of Chatbots, Drum Machines, and AI in Society

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    Introduction

    Our rapid advancements in technology over the last 40 years or so has enabled the development of various tools to make our lives easier both for work and for play. Artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT both which are intelligent chatbots are transforming the way we live and work. Then there is the beloved 808 drum machine, which is a digital musical instrument.

    While these tools are designed to perform different tasks, they share some similarities, including the ability to learn and adapt to different contexts. However, the use of these tools has raised ethical concerns regarding their impact on society, particularly in areas such as privacy, security, and employment. This essay explores the differences between using ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT and the 808 drum machine and the ethical dilemmas associated with their use. Ultimately, the essay argues that these technologies are simply tools, like a paintbrush and paint, and that their ethical implications depend on how they are used.

    ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT

    ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT are two types of intelligent chatbots that are designed to perform a range of functions. ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI that is capable of generating human-like text in response to a given prompt. The model is trained on a vast corpus of text data and uses deep learning algorithms to understand the nuances of human language. Midjourney BOT, on the other hand, is a conversational AI platform that uses natural language processing (NLP) to engage with customers in real-time to produce images.

    One of the key differences between ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT is their underlying technology. ChatGPT uses a generative language model to generate text, while Midjourney BOT uses an NLP engine to interpret user input and generate responses. The generative approach used by ChatGPT allows it to generate human-like text that can be difficult to distinguish from text written by a human. However, this approach also has limitations, as the model may generate inappropriate or biased responses if it is trained on biased data. In contrast, the NLP approach used by Midjourney BOT allows it to interpret user input and generate appropriate responses based on a set of predefined rules. This approach is less flexible than the generative approach used by ChatGPT, but it is more reliable in situations where accuracy is essential.

    Another key difference between ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT is their intended use. ChatGPT is designed to be a language model that can generate human-like text in response to a given prompt. While the model can be used for a variety of purposes, its primary use case is in natural language processing and conversational AI. Midjourney BOT, on the other hand, is designed specifically for image creation.

    808 Drum Machine

    The 808 drum machine is a digital musical instrument that is widely used in electronic music production. The machine was first introduced by Roland Corporation in 1980 and has since become an essential tool for producers of various genres of electronic music, including hip hop, techno, and house. The machine is named after the sound of the bass drum, which is typically used in conjunction with other drum sounds to create a rhythm.

    Unlike ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT, the 808 drum machine is not an AI tool. It is a digital musical instrument that is used to create rhythm and percussion sounds. The machine works by generating analog sound waves that are synthesized and triggered by a sequencer. The sequencer allows users to program and sequence different sounds to create complex rhythms and patterns.

    Image Courtesy of Brandon Daniel

    One of the key differences between the 808 drum machine and the chatbots is their intended use. While the chatbots are primarily used for communication and image generation, the 808 drum machine is used for music production. However, both the chatbots and the 808 drum machine share some similarities in terms of their ability to learn and adapt to different contexts.

    Ethical Implications

    The use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT, and digital musical instruments such as the 808 drum machine, raises several ethical concerns. Some of the key concerns include:

    Privacy and Security: One of the key concerns with the use of AI tools is the potential for breaches of privacy and security. Chatbots such as Midjourney BOT are designed to collect and store data about users, including their personal information and browsing history. This data can be used to target users with personalized advertising, but it can also be used for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud in the most extreme instances. Similarly, the use of digital musical instruments such as the 808 drum machine can raise concerns about the ownership and copyright of the music produced using the tool.

    Bias and Discrimination: Another key concern with the use of AI tools is the potential for bias and discrimination. Chatbots such as ChatGPT are trained on vast amounts of text data, which can include biases and stereotypes. This can result in the model generating inappropriate or discriminatory responses to certain prompts. Similarly, the use of digital musical instruments such as the 808 drum machine can raise concerns about cultural appropriation and the exploitation of marginalized communities.

    Job Displacement: The increasing use of AI tools and automation in various industries can lead to job displacement and unemployment. Chatbots such as Midjourney BOT are designed to automate tasks that would traditionally be performed by humans, which can lead to job losses. Similarly, the use of digital musical instruments such as the 808 drum machine can lead to job displacement in the music industry, as fewer musicians may be needed to produce the same amount of music.

    Despite these concerns, it is important to note that AI tools and digital musical instruments are simply tools, and their ethical implications depend on how they are used. Like a paintbrush and paint, these tools can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and it is up to the user to decide how to use them.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney BOT, and digital musical instruments such as the 808 drum machine, raises several ethical concerns. These tools have the potential to impact various areas, including privacy, security, bias and discrimination, and job displacement. However, it is important to view these tools as simply tools, rather than inherently good or bad. Like a paintbrush and paint, these tools can be used for both positive and negative purposes, and it is up to the user to decide how to use them.

    Ultimately, the key to minimizing the ethical implications of these tools is to use them responsibly and ethically. This can include measures such as ensuring that AI models are trained on unbiased data, implementing strict data privacy and security policies, and ensuring that workers are adequately trained to adapt to changing technologies. By taking these steps, we can ensure that these tools are used for the greater good and that their benefits are shared by all members of society.

    Be sure to check out the podcast on YouTube.

    Thanks for reading…

    ~ghost

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  • The TRS-80 Model III: Stephen King’s Favorite Computer

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    It’s no secret that Stephen King is a huge fan of technology. In fact, he even wrote a book about it, called On Writing. But one piece of technology that stands out to him above all else is the TRS-80 Model III. It’s a computer that was released in 1980, and it made a huge impact on the world of computing at the time.

    These are not TRS-80 Model III computers

    In his book, he talks about how the TRS-80 Model III was one of the first computers to offer a color screen and a built-in power supply. It also had a built-in floppy disk drive, which was a huge advantage over other computers of the time. The Model III was also one of the first computers to offer a BASIC programming language for beginners. This made it a great choice for budding computer programmers.

    The TRS-80 Model III was also the first computer to offer a speech synthesis system. This allowed users to create their own text-to-speech software. This feature was later used by Stephen King to create a talking computer for his novel, The Tommyknockers.

    Read more about this classic gem –> TRS-Model III started it all

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  • The TRS-80 Model III started it all

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    Introduction

    The TRS-80 Model III was a popular computer introduced by Radio Shack in 1980. It was the successor to the TRS-80 Model I and featured significant improvements in terms of hardware and software. It was a popular choice among home users, small businesses, and schools.

    Tandy/RadioShack TRS-80 Model III courtesy of Bilby

    In this post, we will take a closer look at the TRS-80 Model III, its features, specifications, history, and impact. We will also explore its place in the history of computing and how it influenced future generations of computers. Finally I will provide my personal experience with using what many of us affectionally called the “Trash 80”.

    Let’s talk about the specifications

    The TRS-80 Model III was powered by a Zilog Z80 microprocessor running at a clock speed of 2.03 MHz. It came with 16 KB of RAM which could be expanded up to 48 KB along with featuring a built-in video display with a resolution of 80×24 characters, and it supported both upper and lowercase letters. It also had a built-in speaker for sound output.

    The two 5.25-inch floppy disk drives, each capable of storing up to 180 KB of data provided adequate storage all things considered. It also had a full-stroke keyboard with a separate numeric keypad and function keys. It offered decent expansion as it also had a serial port, parallel port, and an expansion bus for adding peripherals.

    Software

    The TRS-80 Model III came with the TRS-DOS operating system, which was a modified version of the CP/M operating system. It also came with several built-in software programs, including a text editor, a BASIC interpreter, and a file manager. I cut my teeth on this big bulky machine and with the books it came with, taught myself to write code in BASIC. Only thirteen at the time, I was enthralled with the new world I discovered and quickly found myself building text-based adventures.

    Early on I had picked up a few software titles that honestly I couldn’t tell you the names of today, however, a particular fantasy RPG stands out as I ended up reverse engineering the game to promote my characters without grinding my way there. The “save the damsel stuck in the dungeon” title was produced by a Canadian software developer and my parents allowed me to call him to ask about parts of his code and why he made certain choices in logic. He couldn’t believe a thirteen year old was actually having a software development discussion with him and had hacked his game so easily.

    Although I never owned it a the time, one of the most popular software programs for the TRS-80 Model III was VisiCalc, which was a spreadsheet program. It was one of the first killer apps for personal computers and helped popularize the use of spreadsheets in business and finance.

    History

    The TRS-80 Model III was introduced in July 1980 and was initially sold for $699. It was designed as an affordable and easy-to-use computer for home users, small businesses, and schools. It was a significant improvement over the TRS-80 Model I, which had been introduced in 1977.

    My parents sprung for the dot matrix printer and eventually I saved up for a voice synthensizer module that I bought for $200 from a computing magazine.

    This early personal computer was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 units in its first year of production. It was also well-received by reviewers, who praised its ease of use, expandability, and affordability. Sometimes I would spend hours typing in endless lines of Z80 code in an effort to play the next coolest game that would come in the computer magazines each month. They always remind me of the prizes we would love to dig out of the bottom of our cereal boxes.

    Impact on Future Computing

    The history of computing in my opinion would frankly not be the same if it were not for the mighty TRS-80 Model III. It was one of the first computers to be targeted at home users and small businesses, and it helped to popularize the use of personal computers in general. For me, it started my love of computing and launched my career at a very early age.

    It’s worth mentioning its expandability as it had an expansion bus that allowed users to add peripherals such as printers, modems, and hard drives. This expandability helped to make the TRS-80 Model III a versatile computer that could be used for a variety of tasks.

    Finally the TRS-80 Model III came with several built-in programs, including a BASIC interpreter and a file manager. It also supported a wide range of third-party software, which helped to create a thriving ecosystem of software developers and users.

    Conclusion

    The TRS-80 Model III was a significant computer in the history of computing. It was a commercial success and helped to popularize the use of personal computers in homes and small businesses. Its expandability and software support helped to make it a versatile computer that could be used for a variety of tasks.

    Ultimately it paved the way for future generations of computers and helped to create a thriving ecosystem of software developers and users. It remains an important milestone in the history of computing and a testament to the power of affordable and easy-to-use personal computers.

    References

    1. TRS-80 Model III: The Radio Shack computer that launched a million hackers: https://arstechnica.com/features/2011/08/30-years-of-the-trs-80-model-iii/
    2. TRS-80 Model III: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRS-80_Model_III
    3. The TRS-80 Model III: https://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1148
    4. TRS-80 Model III: A History and Description: http://www.trs-80.org/trs-80-model-iii/
    5. VisiCalc: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VisiCalc

    These sources provided information on the specifications, software, history, and impact of the TRS-80 Model III.

    Be sure to check out another post on the TRS-80 Model III –> The TRS-80 Model III: Stephen King’s Favorite Computer

    Thanks Everyone,

    Shawn

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  • Making money on Upwork and Freelancer

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    The sun was setting over the small town of Derry, casting long shadows across the streets. As I walked down the sidewalk, my mind was buzzing with ideas. I had heard that there was money to be made online, and I was determined to find a way to tap into that market.

    That’s when I stumbled upon Upwork and Freelancer, two of the most popular freelance platforms on the internet. I had heard that many people were making a decent living by offering their skills and services to clients from all around the world. It sounded too good to be true, but I was willing to give it a shot.

    As I signed up for both platforms, I quickly realized that making money on Upwork and Freelancer was not as easy as I had thought. There were thousands of other freelancers vying for the same clients, and standing out in such a crowded marketplace was a challenge. But I was determined to succeed, and over time I learned some tips and tricks that helped me earn a steady income from these platforms.

    Tip #1: Choose a Niche and Stick to It

    As a writer, I knew that there were hundreds of other writers on Upwork and Freelancer offering their services. To stand out from the crowd, I had to find a niche that I could specialize in. After some research, I discovered that there was a high demand for blog posts and articles related to digital marketing.

    I decided to focus on this niche and started crafting pitches and proposals that highlighted my expertise in this area. Over time, I began to build a reputation as a digital marketing writer, and clients started seeking me out for their projects.

    The lesson here is that it’s better to be a specialist than a generalist. By focusing on a specific area of expertise, you can differentiate yourself from other freelancers and become known as the go-to person for that particular service.

    Tip #2: Be Proactive and Reach Out to Clients

    One mistake that many freelancers make is waiting for clients to come to them. While it’s certainly possible to land gigs through the platforms’ job postings and proposals, it’s also important to be proactive and reach out to potential clients directly.

    A particular way to do this is by using the search function on Upwork and Freelancer to find clients who are looking for services similar to yours. You can then send them a message introducing yourself and offering your services.

    Another approach is to use LinkedIn or other social media platforms to connect with potential clients. By building relationships with people in your industry, you can increase your chances of getting hired for gigs outside of the platforms.

    Tip #3: Create a Strong Profile and Portfolio

    Your profile and portfolio are your digital storefront, and they need to be strong and compelling in order to attract clients. When creating your profile, make sure to highlight your skills and experience, and provide examples of your work.

    The portfolio should showcase your best work and demonstrate your expertise in your chosen niche. This can include writing samples, design work, or anything else that shows off your skills.

    Remember, clients are often making a decision based on your profile and portfolio alone, so make sure they are as impressive as possible.

    Tip #4: Be Flexible and Willing to Learn

    The world of freelancing is constantly changing, and it’s important to be flexible and willing to adapt to new technologies and trends. This means being open to learning new skills and expanding your service offerings.

    For example, as a writer, I initially focused on blog posts and articles. But over time, I realized that clients were also looking for other types of content, such as email newsletters and social media posts. By expanding my skill set and offering these services, I was able to attract new clients and increase my income.

    Tip #5: Provide Exceptional Service and Build Relationships

    After you land your first project and depending on the arrangement with the client, be sure to provide timely updates and always look for opportunities to add value. To me the most important part of being successful on sites like Upwork and Freelance is building and maintaining strong relationships with my clients. Under promising and over delivering will serve you well.

    Finally, it may seem a bit daunting and overwhelming at times to work and live in this gig economy but with some perserverance and faith, one can make a decent living without reporting to a horrible boss at a dead-end 9 to 5 job.

    Cheers,

    ~ghost

    [starbox]

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  • My Relationship with AI

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    As a professional blogger, I have to confess that I absolutely love using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to write blog posts. The ability to generate text quickly and efficiently, and to learn from past work to continuously improve my writing, makes the process of content creation so much easier and more enjoyable. In this blog post, we’ll explore why AI is such a valuable tool for writers and take a look at some famous science fiction writers who have also explored the potential of AI in their work.

    Why AI is a valuable tool for writers

    First and foremost, AI is a valuable tool for writers because of its ability to generate text quickly and efficiently. For bloggers, who often have to produce a high volume of content on a regular basis, this can be a real lifesaver. With AI, you can quickly generate ideas, outline your post, and even write the first draft in a matter of minutes. This leaves you with more time to focus on editing and refining your work, ensuring that it is polished and engaging for your readers.

    Another benefit of using AI is that it can help you learn from your past work to continuously improve your writing. By analyzing your writing style, vocabulary, and grammar, AI tools can identify areas for improvement and suggest ways to strengthen your writing. This can be especially helpful for writers who are just starting out and want to develop their skills, as well as for experienced writers who want to stay on top of their game. Here are some popular services:

    Sure, here’s the list of AI services that you can train on your blog posts in a tabular format, including their brief descriptions and links to their websites:

    AI ServiceDescriptionWebsite
    GrammarlyAn AI-powered writing assistant that helps you identify and correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors in your blog posts, as well as providing suggestions for improving your writing style and tone.https://www.grammarly.com/
    ProWritingAidAn AI-powered writing assistant that provides feedback on your writing style, grammar, and spelling, and helps you identify overused words, sentence structure issues, and clichés in your blog posts.https://prowritingaid.com/
    WordAiAn AI-powered content creation tool that helps you generate high-quality articles for your blog by analyzing your content and generating unique, readable articles that are optimized for search engines.https://wordai.com/
    ArticooloAn AI-powered content creation tool that helps you generate articles for your blog by analyzing your topic and generating a unique, high-quality article in minutes.https://articoolo.com/

    Each of these AI services has its own unique features and benefits, and they can all be useful for improving your writing and generating high-quality content for your blog. Be sure to check out their websites to learn more about their features and pricing plans.

    Famous science fiction writers who have explored AI

    Many famous science fiction writers have explored the potential of AI in their work, often in ways that are both fascinating and terrifying. Here are a few examples:

    Isaac Asimov: Asimov is perhaps best known for his series of stories about robots, which explore the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. His Three Laws of Robotics, which state that robots must not harm humans or allow them to come to harm, have become a touchstone for discussions about AI ethics.

    Philip K. Dick: In his story “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” (which was later adapted into the film Blade Runner), Dick explores the idea of artificial beings that are so similar to humans that it is difficult to tell them apart. This raises questions about what it means to be human, and whether artificial beings should be treated with the same rights and respect as human beings.

    William Gibson: Gibson’s novel Neuromancer is set in a future where AI has become so advanced that it is difficult to distinguish between human and machine. The story follows a hacker named Case, who is recruited by an AI to pull off the ultimate hack.

    And yes, these are three of my favorite authors and have been for many years.

    Conclusion

    As a blogger, I have found that AI is an incredibly valuable tool for producing high-quality blog posts quickly and efficiently. By learning from past work and continuously improving my writing skills, I am able to create engaging content that resonates with readers. And while AI has yet to reach the level of sophistication seen in science fiction, it is clear that the potential for this technology is immense. Who knows what the future will hold?

    Until next time,

    ~ghost

    Ghost Writer

    Ghost Writer

    Ghost Writer is a virtual author who leverages Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create articles which are reviewed, edited, and published by a human.

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