Years ago I was the admin for a married couples online forum. There were always lively discussions and because people came from different backgrounds things could often get heated. We didn't really moderate per se but when things got out of hand we would often step in to cool the conversation.

One time we had someone get on their high horse about the discussion topic. It was risque in nature but, hey, we were grown married people and the person was asking for advice. This person made a point of talking down to the person asking the question and judging them for sharing such "private" information on the forum. After some back and forth with other members this person continued to double down and say what a terrible spouse this person must be and how horrible it was to put their information out there. Who knows how her information could be used. For Shame...

The conversation was getting to heated for us and we felt this person was really out of line. When we asked folks to calm the discussion this person decided that we were not doing our jobs as unpaid admins to keep users information safe. This person believed that this thread should not have been created. Now mind you this was a free, public forum. We had threads about all manner of things that pertain to marrieds. This includes sex, which is a part of married life. Or it should be. This person made a point to say that they would never share such information.

It didn't take us long to realize that this was not true. For some reason this person didn't realize that EVERYTHING that they posted on our site was searchable. It was also not restricted to just admins. ANY user could search for them. We made one additional post to the thread before locking comments. We explained that, yes, one should be careful about what one posts online. *We also shared that one shouldn't throw stones when one's house is made out of glass. * Included in the post was every thread that his person had created within our forum. We also linked to several comments that this person had made that was as risque if not more so then the OP. We got several PMs from this person asking to remove the thread or at least our comment.

Now why do I share this story? We use social media in such a haphazard way now. I love the internet and enjoyed growing up with modems, BBS, usenet and such. I remember when there was "anonymity" online. People would create whole alternate personas online, myself included. Here is the thing. It was a lie. It was possible, even then, to determine someone's identity. It was hard, but it was possible. Most of the time things were all in good fun. What we have to realize now that our online life is intertwined with our offline life. I try to advise some folks in my circle when I see stuff that they may want to be cautious about.

There is a story in my circle today about someone whose public posts have derailed what was to be the opportunity of a lifetime. Don't mess around and find out like my friend did. I am not telling you that you shouldn't express yourself online. I think that we should be free to express ourselves. However, it is TOTALLY appropriate for a corporation to read your words and decide that you are not a good fit for their organization. Let that sink in.

As always this is a lesson that I have learned the hard way. If you want to hear one of my stories let me know. I'll share it with you... offline.

On this episode, we talk about many things, one of them being sex. Most importantly we discuss being an advocate for your marriage. Life in the Clouds is a twice-monthly podcast where we discuss marriage, family and everything in between.

Twitter: @gods_man @inthecloudspod

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Blog: https://www.lifeinthecloudspod.com/

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On this episode of The Minute I am joined by my 5th grader. She shares her thoughts on the importance of school. #dadlife #minute #silly

Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

As we slide into day 4 of Who Am I week I’m going to shift gears a bit. The last 2 days were about important roles that I fill in life. Being a father and husband are 2 of the most rewarding aspects of who I am. Today tho, let’s talk about how I am a big NERD.

Computers, comic books, video games, sci-fi, and fantasy. I can still remember the first time I ever used a computer, the boxes of comic books I horded and my still growing collection of video games.

I was able to parlay my nerdiness into my professional life. I’ve worked across industries, from the federal government to video games, desiging/building technical solutions.

What about you? Are you a nerd like me? How would you classify yourself?

No matter what, this is The Minute, now go out there and get started.

Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

Building on yesterday’s who am I about being a husband today let’s talk fatherhood. I am a proud, yet tired father of 4. 3 girls and one boy.

Their ages range from 15 years old down to 7 weeks. Yes, that is quite the range in ages. Yes you can find it humorous.

I love being a Dad like my Father and his father before him. #Dadlife is real. I tell anyone worries about being a Dad not to worry. Just know that being a Dad is great, and act accordingly.

Any Fathers in the house? How many and what ages?

This has been The Minute. Now go out there and get started.

Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

So to flesh out The Who am I statement from yesterday, I want to start with my most important role, husband. My wife and I will be starting our 17th year of marriage in April, though we have been together for 21. We met online before it was cool. In fact there was a concern that I was at best some internet weirdo and at worst an ace murderer.

Together we live in the whirlwind of life holding onto each other.

What is your primary relationship? How did it come about?

This has been The Minute, now go get started.

Good Morning, my name is Carlton Matthews and this is the Minute. 60 seconds, something interesting... Just enough to get you started.

Now that we are back for Season 2, I figure I should reintroduce myself. Let me start here.

I am a married, father of 4, who solves problems using technology and devotes “free” time encouraging people to get started.

Now it’s your turn. Who are you?

Over the next week ill go into a bit more detail but for today, that’s The Minute.

That was the goal that I had given myself last year. I had never consistently written ever. Outside of NaNaWriMo's craziness I had never taken on such a challenge before. So there I was, committed to writing something everyday. It was the first time that I had ever done a 30 day trial.

I was teaching at the time and life was "super busy". As an aside, that Carlton had NO IDEA what it meant to be busy. I cranked out words everyday. I posted those gems along with a silly number of cat pictures. I had several posts that didn't hit until 11:59pm but I refused to give up.

"Create Something Awesome Today" - Roberto Blake

Mr. Blake tells his audience the qbove quite every video. In order to grow our audience we have to have something to show. Whether it is written words like this, audio, or video you need to be putting yourself out to be discovered. Garyvee says to document not create. This means to documetn your process. It is hard to consistenly crank out creative works. However if you are documenting the process of creating.

Not only des it help you to create more content it also gives your audience insight into who you are. Being transparent with your audience is beneficial to community growth. You also need to post your creative works as well but this essentially doubles your content.

• Create things your audience wants to see
• Create things that excite you
• Create things that are complete nonsence

Whatever you do, keep creating.

Your content is the funnel that your audience comes through. Whether they enjoy your content, your nonsence or your process, keep them engaged. Fresh content will keep them coming back.

What will you creat today?

Tomorrow we will talk about connecting with your audience.

One of the processes that I help teams adopt is the Agile Development Methodology.  This process is cyclical and iterative.  This means that activities done every day and every sprint.  These actions build momentum towards success.  Having consistent actions for everyone on the team also creates a culture of accountability.

Are you willing to not just create repeatable tasks but to establish relationships that will hold you accountable?

• Now IS NOT the time for critique
• Now IS NOT the time for negative self-talk
• Now IS the time to execute
• Now IS the time to reinforce positive habits

In order to do that you will have to learn to take it easy on yourself.  Depending on the size of the change will determine how much grace you need to give to yourself.  A significant change will require more time for mistakes and missteps.  This doesn't mean that we overlook these missteps.  It just means that we need to recognize that change takes time.  Highlight the positive moments and move past the negative ones.

When I started participating in National Novel Writers Month this was my biggest issue.  I couldn't silence my inner critic.  This internal editor kept me revising the same paragraphs.  It also made me restart writing projects thus loosing any forward momentum I might have gained.  The first year I tried NaNoWriMo I don't think I made it to 500 words.  It took me several years of attempts before I could silence this voice and make it though.  As one of my mentors says 1 is always greater than zero.

It is better for you to get your multiple reps in consistently than it is for one perfect rep done sporadically.  Plus, as I have said before perfection doesn't exist anyway.  If you get started and take steps in the right direction you'll always beat the perfectionist.  You'll be so far down the road that the perfectionist will never catch up.

The name of the game is execution.  Execute consistently and give yourself space to learn and grow.

• What are you trying to accomplish?
• What are the next steps to get you closer to your goal?n

Commit to giving yourself the grace to take the clumsy first steps.

In an effort to illustrate what I am talking about, here is one of my early videos.

Stink First

You got this! I believe in you!

Another theme that comes up in conversation is timing. We are always looking for a perfect moment. We want to strike at just the right time. We wait, and wait and wait until finally... nothing.

• We'll start that new diet on Jan 1
• Kick off that new habit on Monday
• Implement the new process next quarter

Honestly this search for the perfect moment is stifling. It quenches the fires of productivity and keeps us from moving forward. It is also based on an incorrect assumption. We feel that if we do strike at the right moment we'll hit a home run. This is wrong and will leave you frustrated. If you want to find success and implement that new habit the most important thing you can do is Start Now.

Not tomorrow
Not Monday
Nor for the New Year

Do It Now!

What can you do right now that will get you one step closer?

• If you've got something in mind, DO IT NOW
• If not then your task is to determine the next step and DO IT NOW

Either way get started now

Here are three videos that tackling this very issue.

Roberto Blake

GaryVee

Dr. Eric Thomas

I think I am suffering from new baby brain now so I am short cutting this train of thought

The same thing happens with me. Now it is not as dramatic as it is for little me but I recognize that change is coming. I get inside my own head which can be very disruptive to my family. ;-)

While I might be able to push it off and hold it back, eventually the Change Gone Come

So what does that mean? As I mention frequently in The Minute you have to plan/prepare for change. It is inevitable. You cannot hold it back for very long. There really is no stopping it. Like with our new baby it is going to arrive, causing a big splash changing the landscape.

The question is, will you be ready when the change comes?

I have been asked to share some tips and tricks on starting a podcast. This question has come up in a couple of different forums so I thought I would share some of our podcasting journey. Luckily for me I had access to a full mixer board in the early days of recording. Our church had a lot of equipment along with a full stage so I was able to practice with a lot of different setups.

This doesn't translate into the world of podcasting now, especially if you don't have the budget. The good news is that getting started as a podcaster can be as simple or as complex as you want.

So what do you need to get started in podcasting?

1. An Idea
2. Equipment
3. Host
4. Distribution

Idea

When I say you need an idea I do not mean that you have to have a full show complete with format and outlines for each week. I mean that you need to have something to talk about. You need something that you are passionate about enough that you will stay interested. Podcasting, depending on the format, can have you talking to yourself a lot so you'll need something that matters to you.

Questions to ask yourself

1. What am I passionate about?
2. What do I enjoy doing?
3. What irritates me?
4. Who would I like to talk to if I can get access?

Equipment

I'll split this section up into beginner and intermediate. I am by no means a pro so I will defer to others on pro setups. I want to get you up and recording as soon as possible.

Beginner

If you are just getting started and are not even sure that this is for you I would recommend against spending a bunch of money up front. most of us carry around a full audio rig in our pockets in the form of a phone. Whether an iPhone or Android you can use your phones mic to get started in podcasting. Here are 2 apps that can be used for creating, hosting and distributing your podcasts.

• SoundCloud
• Anchor.fm

The process for both of these is to install the app on your device and record your content. New episode will be pushed out to users of their platforms and other podcast players as you configure them. I think Anchor distributes to more systems than soundcloud natively.

• Voice Record Pro

Lastly I also use an app called Voice Record Pro when I need to record a quick snippet. Here is an exple from series over on Youtube called The Minute Podcast over on YouTube.

Intermediate

If you want to invest some money into your podcast setup than you will need the following:

1. Mic(s)
2. Computer with editing software
3. Optional: Mixer

Here are some example setups depending on how you plan to record your podcast.

Single Desk Reporter

• Mic: Blue Yeti
• Computer: Windows or Mac dependant on software choice
• Software: Audacity or Garageband

Nice and easy for recording a single voice or multiple voices that do not need individual leveling.

Traveling Reporter

• Recorder: Zoom H4N Pro Recorder
• Computer: Windows or Mac dependant on software choice
• Software: Audacity or Garageband
• Optional: Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic USB/XLR

The Zoom is a recorder with the ability to attach multiple mics as well as a single built in mic for use in a roving interviewing setup.

Questions to ask yourself

1. What style of show am I doing?
2. Do I need my recocrder to be portable?

Hosting

If you are going with the Anchor or SoundCloud options than this section is not as relevant for you. Make sure you research the payment tiers for each. Hosting is expensive so there will be a charge for using either of these sites.

If you are recording/editing using your computer than you will need to host your podcast online. Here are some sites that can host your podcasts.

1. Podbean
2. Libsyn
3. PodOmatic

Our podcast Life in the Clouds Podcast is currently hosted on PodOmatic.

Once you have selected your hosts, signed up and uploaded some episodes you can move onto the last step. Distribution.

Questions to ask yourself

1. How much do I want to spend for hosting?
2. Do I need web streaming for my podcast?
3. How much support do I need?

Distribution

Once you have picked your host you will be given a RSS feed link which is what you will need to submit to the platforms where you want your podcast to be found. For our podcast we distribute through:

1. LITC on Apple Podcasts
2. LITC on Stitcher Radio
3. LITC on Google Play Podcasts

Depending on your host you may have to submit yourself to each platform individually. I know that Anchor provides you a way to submit yourself to different platforms. Here are the links where you can submit your podcasts:

1. Submit to Apple Podcasts
2. Submit to Stitcher Radio
3. Submit to Google Play Podcasts

Once you have been approved each time you post new episodes you episode will publish to each of the platforms.

Hopefully this will help you get started on your podcast journey.

Happy Recording

Email: matthews.carlton@gmail.com
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbmatthews
Github: https://github.com/cbmatthews

Carlton Matthews is a full-stack software and systems engineer with 20 years of software development experience. He is an experienced developer, team lead, and facilitator who has guided clients through problem identification and requirements gathering and has designed and developed solutions as a hands-on developer and technical lead. Mr. Matthews holds a Masters in Data Analytics, and is also an effective analyst who can study business processes to identify bottlenecks and develop solutions;
and an experienced communicator with proven experience helping clients to make software and technology decisions.

Work Experience

Principal Software Engineer - Masterpeace Solutions Ltd - Annapolis Junction, MD

June 2016 to Present
Perform mostly middleware, but additional backend and front-end development in an Agile environment using Java, JavaScript, Python, and other technologies in Linux CENTOS via an Eclipse IDE. Use a confidence interval model to develop a web application that performs anomaly detection within data streams. App consists of EXTJS/JS front end, REST middle tier with Java, Apache Tomcat, and Spring that communicate with ElasticSearch and MySQL databases.Review code for cloud analytics jobs based on HDFS and MapReduce. Utilize JSON for data transfer.

Senior Systems Engineer/Consultant - CACI NSS - Annapolis Junction, MD

May 2015 to Present
Serves as the liaison between the business customer and the technical staff.

Technologies: Develops documentation, using IBM System Architect, while assessing new services to integrate with our main application. Trains junior staff on our implementation of the agile software development methodology. Maintaining our requirements repository within VersionOne and JIRA.

Systems Engineer - Lyteworx Automation Systems - Washington, DC

April 2013 to May 2015
Engaged in the Design and Development of geospatial applications and interfaces in support of Remotely Piloted Vehicle operations.

Technologies: Initially tasked to develop an API using the PHP language and the Codeigniter framework. Migrated the API from Codeigniter to Laravel 4. The system utilized MySQL as its primary database. All development work was built through sprints as part of the agile development methodology. Created reproducible development environments using Vagrant and Puppet for Configuration Management.

Project Lead - Department of Defense - Fort Meade, MD

January 2012 to April 2013
Agile Project Manager leading a team of developers and system administrators.

Technologies: Mentored junior development staff providing training in Java using Google Web Toolkit.

Maintaining and documenting the data structures for our MS SQL Server and MySQL databases. Providing Windows Server administration and disaster recovery for our users. Building multiple agile sprint teams within our organization.

Senior IT Lead - Citigroup - Baltimore, MD

February 2008 to December 2011
Lead teams developing a enterprise level application ($125M budget) that will be utilized across all 2000+ Citifinancial branches in the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Changing the current architecture from a decentralized to centralized approach. Certified Agile Scrum-master/Team Lead tasked with ensuring on time deliveries of production ready code within 4 week cycles. Lead two 15 member teams that are located in Baltimore MD, USA, Delhi and Hyderabad in India. Communicate team status to management as well as business stakeholders. Presents technical information to groups of varying different technical background. Assist team members in growing their professional skill sets as well as identifying areas of improvement. Motivate team to remain focused on our program goals in an ever changing environment. Facilitated requirements gathering with business subject matter experts as well as cross functional retrospectives.

Technical Lead - GP Strategies formerly General Physics Corporation - Elkridge, MD

October 2007 to February 2008
Replaced a client’s, internally developed, LMS with a custom configured Plateau instance. Analyzed the client’s existing data to ensure data integrity would not be lost. Completed data migration from their existing system into Plateau using custom SQL scripts. Facilitated meetings with the client to clarify requirements, share progress, and resolve issues. Configured and deployed the Plateau LMS for a client in the government contracting industry. This included the setup and configuration of ORACLE, WebSphere, and the Plateau LMS. Analyzed the client’s existing LMS system to determine integration points. Worked with third-party vendors to connect our system with their tools.

Systems Administrator - Stevenson University formerly Villa Julie College - Stevenson, MD

August 2006 to October 2007
Upgraded Blackboard LMS and integrated it with Datatel information system. Implemented online student satisfaction survey. Completed the Media Shout online streaming media server setup for the Graduate School pilot. Maintained entire client-facing online infrastructure for the University’s 2600 students with 95% uptime. Installed, integrated, and secured disparate systems needed to provide our students with toptier educational tools. Provided support for faculty and staff initiatives to integrate technology into their courses.

Technologies – Developed a website using PHP/MySQL to assist transfer students in determining course equivalency. Maintaining a JavaScript web application utilized by the IT helpdesk with a SQL Server database. Creating a web forum using Ruby. Maintaining and updating the Blackboard LMS. Supporting users using windows, MacOS and Solaris systems.

Program Chair/Academic Instructor - ITT Technical Institute - Houston, TX

June 2001 to June 2006
Program Chair for the IT program, responsible for 5 full time and 3 adjunct professors. Academic Instructor teaching students across all 4 IT programs, Network Design, Software Development, Multimedia, and Web Development. Created a framework for student success both in and outside of the classroom. Provided instructors with clear expectations and measures for success. Developed Curriculum for the Multimedia Program.

Software Engineer - SEGA of America - San Francisco, CA

June 2000 to March 2001
Managed client relationships with 3rd party development teams while maintaining the software development kit. Developed primarily in C and C++ Configured the Phantasy Star Online servers. Supported the network code optimization for Quake III Arena. This included recommending development strategies, improving programming code and creating applications for 3rd party developers.

Software Consultant - Xpedior, Inc - Landover, MD

June 1999 to June 2000
Trained new developers and facilitated requirements gathering sessions with clients. Responsible for on time deliveries of web based applications using the Silverstream application server. Developed code primarily in JAVA programming language. Maintained and administered the network infrastructure for the satellite office that I worked out of as well as the client systems deployed at their facilities.

Database Developer - NetCert Education Centers LLC - Lorton, VA

May 1997 to May 1999
Developed the Student Registration System used by the company to track students from initial contact to graduation. Helped to grow the student population through sales presentations and excellent customer service. Taught portions of the A+ desktop technician courses.

Crypto logic Material Aide - Department of Defense - Fort Meade, MD

October 1994 to August 1995

Education

MS in Data Analytics

University of Maryland-University College - Adelphi, MD

September 2015 to December 2017

BS in Computer Information Systems

Stevenson University - Stevenson, MD

August 1995 to May 1999

Recognition / Awards

National Novel Writing Month - Speed Novelist

November 2017

Awarded by the Offices of Letter and Light for the successful completion of National Novel Writers Month (NaNoWriMo)

Also awarded in 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2009.

Citigroup Process Improvement Specialist

September 2010
Awarded by Citigroup North American Operations and Technology

Citigroup Corporate Culture Champion

October 2011

Certifications

Certified Agile Scrum Master

June 2008 to Present
Awarded by the Scrum Alliance