About

Not everyone needs a weblog, but just about everybody needs some presence on the Web -- a place where friends, associates, and family can find you.

I call this a Personal Information Page, or Pip.

A weblog can be a Pip, but a Pip can be smaller, simpler, and requires less work. At a minimum, you need

The essence of Pip is politeness and convenience. You meet and work with dozens, probably hundreds, of people. Some might not know how to find you again; the Pip helps them. Some might not quite remember who you are; Pip saves them embarrassment and helps them keep their promises.

News

A small weblog (1 Jun 2005)

The Pip can include a small news section, perhaps containing only a handful of items.

Tinderbox keeps things organized (14 Sep 2004)

Tinderbox can automatically keep your news organized. Pip news doesn't need to be preserved forever; when an item is out of date, you can delete it or move it to a private archive.

Calendar

Jane's Wedding (14 Sep 2004)

Tinderbox can automatically format and organize a simple list of upcoming events. if you travel much, a calendar helps people know when you'll be home -- or when they'll have an opportunity to meet you on the road.

Contact

The most important part of the Personal Information Page is your contact information.

Spam has led many people to worry about making their contact information available, but it's absolutely vital that people know how to reach you. Give them several ways to contact you -- and tell people how (and when) you prefer to be reached. If you prefer phone calls in the morning, say so! If you reserve Friday afternoons for staff meetings and planning sessions, tell people that Friday afternoon is off limits.

Suppose an acquaintance or business associate is mildly annoyed with you, and wants to tell you why. Nothing will turn irritation to enmity faster than appearing to hide your contact information. Not only have you irritated, and then inconvenience, this person, but in their eyes you seem to be deliberately avoiding them.