Blogs I Love to Read

I’ve been writing this blog for a while now, and while I’ve developed my own voice and style, I’ve been heavily influenced by the blogs I read regularly. There’s something special about finding writers who consistently put out thoughtful, engaging content that makes you think differently about the world. These are the blogs I keep coming back to, the ones that have shaped my own writing and thinking.

Greg Poirier - grepmeetsworld.blog

Greg’s writing is a masterclass in technical storytelling. Whether he’s diving into the intricacies of software engineering or sharing insights about leadership, his posts always strike a perfect balance between technical depth and accessibility. His recent series on engineering management and technical leadership has been particularly insightful.

Vicki Boykis - vickiboykis.com

Vicki’s blog is a fascinating blend of technical deep-dives and cultural commentary. She has a unique ability to connect seemingly disparate topics - from machine learning to Soviet-era programming - in ways that always leave me with new perspectives. Her writing style is both analytical and personal, making complex topics feel approachable.

Patrick McKenzie - Bits about Money

Patrick’s writing about financial infrastructure and systems thinking is consistently eye-opening. His ability to explain complex financial systems and their implications for technology (and vice versa) is unmatched. Each post feels like a masterclass in systems thinking, delivered with his characteristic wit and clarity.

Simon Willison - simonwillison.net

Simon’s blog is a treasure trove of technical insights and practical wisdom. His “TIL” (Today I Learned) series is particularly valuable, offering bite-sized technical knowledge that’s always well-researched and clearly explained. His writing about AI, open source, and web development has been hugely influential in shaping my own technical journey.

Jon Birdsong - jonbirdsong.com

Jon’s writing strikes a perfect balance between thoughtful reflection and practical insights. His blog covers a fascinating mix of entrepreneurship, real estate development in Atlanta, and personal observations about work and life. What I appreciate most about Jon’s writing is his ability to distill complex business and life lessons into clear, relatable narratives. His perspective as both an entrepreneur and investor brings a unique lens to topics that might otherwise feel inaccessible.

Ned Batchelder - nedbatchelder.com

Ned’s blog is a long-running mix of deep dives into Python (like his work on coverage.py), insightful commentary on software development, and personal reflections. His writing is clear, direct, and often touches on the human side of coding, making complex topics accessible and engaging. Source

Ben Kuhn - benkuhn.net

Ben’s blog dives deep into topics like productivity, project management, startups, and simply understanding how things work. His writing is incredibly clear, thoughtful, and often challenges conventional thinking with a directness and intellectual honesty that’s both refreshing and inspiring. His posts on topics like project management (“How I’ve run major projects”) and focus (“Attention is your scarcest resource”) are must-reads. Source

Ian Witherspoon - substack.com/@ianwitherspoon

Ian’s series “I Know a Place” is a captivating collection of stories dedicated to local businesses and the people behind them. His writing brings to life the unique character of each place and person he features, blending personal narratives with a deep appreciation for community. I find his storytelling approach both inspiring and a reminder of the importance of local connections.

Conclusion

These blogs have not only informed my thinking but have also helped shape my own writing style. They demonstrate the power of personal voice in technical writing and the importance of connecting technical topics to broader themes and human experiences.