A reading
Inventory
8 blog posts spanning 2007–2008. Heavy concentration in 2008 (5 posts), with 3 from 2007. Topics cluster around music technology, Canadian tech policy, culture, and casual life updates.
Voice & style
grfxguy writes with accessible expertise and dry humor. Posts are conversational, informative, and anchored in personal experience — whether explaining a DJ mixer's spec sheet or venting about CBC cancellations. The voice is enthusiastic but never oversold; opinions emerge naturally from observation rather than polemic. Titles often feature casual punctuation (ellipses, question marks) that signal playful curiosity.
Topic mix
Eclectic. Music technology and industry (DJ hardware, musician licensing, jPod) dominate, but posts also cover Canadian infrastructure (cell-number portability, Calgary's environmental ranking), web novelties (keyboard pants), and local leisure (Sunshine ski resort). Reflects someone equally at home discussing gear specs and civil policy — a graphic designer comfortable across domains.
Evolution
Early posts (2007) are shorter, news-driven observations — often a paragraph plus a link and punchline. By 2008, longer and more detailed analysis: the DJ mixer review runs to ~700 words with hands-on impressions, while the cell-portability post methodically maps pros, cons, and industry implications. The writing matures toward substance without losing its ease.
Standout pieces
- Review: Numark DJiO — Authoritative, practical deep-dive on affordable DJ hardware. Balances technical specs (RCA outputs, USB power, ASIO compatibility) with cost analysis and use-cases. Best example of his specialist voice.
- Cell Out? One month to big move. — Prescient analysis of Canadian telecom deregulation. Structures the argument as pros/cons/conclusion, anticipating market shifts three years ahead. Policy literacy unusual for a blog post.
- Musicians offer Download Compromise — Advocates a $5 monthly fee as middle ground in the file-sharing wars. Early endorsement of what would later resemble Spotify's model.
- Mmm…gamma rays — Shortest post but most infectious. Chernobyl fungi metabolizing gamma rays. Punchline ("Aaaaand cue the radioactive zombies!") is pure R4NT tone.
- jPod Cancelled… — Passionate rant defending a CBC series. Rare emotional register; advocates action (provides phone number for complaints).
- Calgary, World's Cleanest? — Local surprise masquerading as environmental news. Skeptical framing leads into data-rich ranking.
- Off to Sunshine! — The outlier: pure leisure post recruiting ski buddies. Captures grfxguy as community member, not just analyst.
Throughlines & fun details
Consistently pro-technology but skeptical of hype. Champions cheaper access (DJ gear, cell portability, music licensing compromise) over gatekeeping. Canadian focus is strong — CRTC decisions, CBC policy, Alberta sports and infrastructure all matter here. The charm is how little personal brand-building goes on: these posts feel like a curious generalist dropping observations at a community table — show up, share what you noticed, head out.
