There’s a new topic category here at mneptok.com, Ubuntu. Why the change? For a couple of reasons.
First, I’ve been a user of (and fanatic for) the Ubuntu distribution of Linux for about a year. I use Ubuntu more than any other alternative OS, and so perhaps that merits a special category.
However, the big reason is that I am now not only a user and fan, but also an employee of Canonical, Ltd, the parent company of the Ubuntu project. They have presented me with an offer which I have accepted. Please, no comments on who got the better end of the deal. Don’t scare Canonical off. 🙂
I’ll be working for them as Senior Ubuntu Systems Support Analyst starting May 1. I’ll be one of the senior staff overseeing worldwide support operations. This means training, mentoring, and managing junior staff, designing and implementing support options, and yes, answering requests for support via phone and e-mail. In a young, dynamic company no one gets to sit on a “that’s not in my job description” throne. I expect I’ll be doing a lot of work I don’t even have on my radar right now. And that’s exciting.
The support offices are in Montreal, Canada, and we’ll be moving there in the next few months. Must renew my passport, get a work permit and visa, pack up the house, sell the house, and drive back across the continent. Oh, and get two cats and three cockatiels across that continent, too. Whew! This is going to be … hectic.
Canonical has been a pleasure, no, a joy to work with thus far. Jeff Bailey (to whom I will report) and I have had long phone conversations that basically tell me I’ll be working for someone whom I both respect and genuinely like. Speaking with Jane Silber, Canonical’s COO, was every bit as reassuring. It’s nice to find employment with a company that meshes nicely with your own personal ethics and character traits.
I’ll report what I can about what it’s like to work for the company responsible for the best Linux distro on the planet, and give the morbidly curious a peek inside the sausage factory; however, don’t expect NDA violations from this quarter. If you want rumors about what’s going to be in Edgy Eft, go read Slashdot.
Now, I’m off for a dinner on the town with Kristine, and to start explaining to my body that it is going to have to re-acquaint itself with what winter really is. Good thing I kept all my winter garb when I moved to Oregon!
Viva los Ubuntistas! Viva la revolucion!