BigBlueBall began back in 1998 as a sandbox for web development projects I was working on. In 2001, I relaunched BigBlueBall with a focus on instant messaging and the introduction of the forums. It evolved in that form for many years, taking on new topics like social media and mobile technology.
And now it’s time for BigBlueBall to pivot once again.
If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu
From the beginning, I’ve shared my passion for collaboration, communication and helping people make the most of technology. But that’s not enough. Over and over again people ask me similar questions. What’s the best smartphone? Which app should I use for GPS navigation? How can be more productive? How can I set — and hit — the big goals in my life?
In short, how do I put the community, technology, and the myriad of tools available to work for me?
And so, out with the old BigBlueBall. And in with the new.
What kind of changes can you expect to see?
First, the old forums and content are not going away — at least not yet. I have, however made some structural changes to the site that make it easier to read on any device. Yes, now you can view BigBlueBall on your iPad, iPhone or Android and it’ll look and work great — even in the forums.
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Next, the site itself looks different. I’m using HTML5, so it’ll render faster. Leaner. Meaner. Better.
The biggest change will be in the content. And this is where I need your help.
One of my pet peeves on the web these days is the ubiquity of lists. You know the kind, the Top 100 Music Apps for your iPhone. The 50 Best Mobile Phones. The Top Million Things That You Really Don’t Care About. I don’t know what it is, but lists are popular. Lists have become a “technique” used by websites to pull people in, without really helping them.
What I really want to know is the ONE app that will really do what I need. I don’t need ten. Just one. THE one. The best.
I really want to know the ONE smartphone that I should own. Not five that are all kinda sorta good. Just the one that’s going to make my life easier.
I really want to know how I can live healthier… build stronger relationships… meet my personal and professional goals. And I don’t want platitudes. I want practical, actionable steps that I can start taking now. Seriously, I don’t ever really need to know the top 100 of anything. Give me the best. The rest is just noise.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. – Albert Einstein
The New BigBlueBall is about lifehacking and lifestyle design. It’s about eliminating the bullshit from your life, getting to the stuff that helps, and ignoring the noise. It’s going to be a little dusty as we shift the focus, but I think you’ll like the results.
Where do you come in?
Tell me what you want to know. What questions do you have about designing the life you really want? Tell me.
And tell me when I’m wrong. Sometimes I am.
But whatever you do, speak up, leave a comment or post a note in the forum and make your voice heard. And welcome to the new BigBlueBall.
Out with the old and in with the new!
Hello Jeff, been a long time. Good to see the site is still kicking. Methinks I will check things out again.
What’s happened to the forums? Why am I now getting a 404 page not found error?
The forums are still there, but the URLs have changed. If you get a 404 error, try using the search box.
I’ve tried to put in redirects for many of the most popular forums, but couldn’t catch them all.
EDIT: The forums were temporarily turned off while the site moved to a new (faster) server today.
Happened to search on Google for “Big Blue Ball” and after sorting past all of the Peter Gabriel rip-off links (I KNOW you were first) I discover BigBlueBall ReBorn! Much continued success, my friend. Keep me geeky.
I just wanted to express my sincere thanks for your wonderful content.
Your eloquent and thought-provoking insights always inspire and resonate with me.
Keep up the great work – I eagerly await your next piece! By the way, I would be very happy if you get a chance to check out my page!
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I just wanted to express my sincere thanks for your wonderful content.
Your eloquent and thought-provoking insights always inspire and resonate with me.
Keep up the great work – I eagerly await your next piece! By the way, I would be very happy if you get a chance to check out my page!
Professional steel foreign trader, lowest price, highest quality!
I just wanted to express my sincere thanks for your wonderful content.
Your eloquent and thought-provoking insights always inspire and resonate with me.
Keep up the great work – I eagerly await your next piece! By the way, I would be very happy if you get a chance to check out my page!
Professional steel foreign trader, lowest price, highest quality!