From the March issue of Inc. Magazine's "How Hard Could It Be?" column...
Let's Take This Offline
A decade ago, I started Joel on Software, a blog
that put my company on the map. But as the
business matures, I've come to realize that
blogging is holding me back.
Later in the article:
So having become an Internet celebrity in the
narrow, niche world of programming, I've decided
that it's time to retire from blogging. March
17, the 10th anniversary of Joel on Software,
will mark my last major post. This also will be
my last column for Inc. For the most part, I
will also quit podcasting and public speaking.
The article also has some good insights into why most startup blogs are awful and boring. JoelOnSoftware, on the other hand, was by accident an effective blog for the niche of readers who might use Fog Creek products. Short answer: blog about topics interesting to people who haven't yet heard of your startup, but who might be customers one day.
I haven't been able to find the text online, possibly because Inc wants the print edition to circulate first?
I'm a little surprised that he will stop speaking and podcasting as well, but it make sense for similar reasons. Bands get tired of doing all their greatest hits all the time, I'm sure it's the same for public speakers.
It will be interesting to see where he goes next. The hg init site is really nice. Perhaps he will focus on larger projects like that. Or maybe he'll focus on vacationing in the Hamptons.
I feel like I've learned a lot for Joel over the years, so bon voyage.