Claude Sonnet 3.5:
Looking back at 2007, it was quite a transformative year for me, with 136 blog posts spanning across several main categories: technology purchases (42 posts), entertainment and events (38 posts), dining and drinks (28 posts), travel (15 posts), and technology commentary (13 posts).
The Tech Enthusiast’s Journey #
My blog clearly reflected my passion for technology and gadgets. Throughout the year, I documented numerous hardware purchases, from essential networking equipment like the Asus 1108N 8 Port Gigabit Switch to creative tools like the Alesis Multimix 12FX Mixer. A significant portion of my posts centered around building and upgrading my tech setup, with particular attention to storage solutions (multiple SATA drives and RAID configurations) and peripheral devices.
What’s particularly interesting is how these purchases reflect the state of technology in 2007: the transition to SATA2 was in full swing, gigabit networking was becoming standard for home users, and HD DVD was still a contender in the format wars (as evidenced by my V for Vendetta HD DVD purchase).
Social Media’s Early Days #
One of the most fascinating aspects of reading through these posts is watching my documentation of Facebook’s early platform days. I attended multiple Facebook Developer Garage events in London, witnessing firsthand the platform’s growth as it approached its first million London users. This was a pivotal moment in social media history - Facebook had just opened its platform to developers in May 2007, and I was there watching the ecosystem take shape.
A Tale of Two Cities #
My life in 2007 straddled two major cities: London and Sydney. The year began with me primarily based in London but making significant trips to Sydney, including an extended stay in May for a friend’s wedding. My posts capture the vibrant restaurant scene in both cities, from the Empress of India in London’s Victoria Park to Sumalee Thai in Sydney’s Newtown.
Festival Culture #
The summer of 2007 was particularly memorable for music festivals. I attended several significant events:
- Lovebox in Victoria Park (literally 10 minutes from my flat)
- SW4 and SW More
- Wild in the Country at Knebworth Park (where I saw Underworld perform)
- Bestival on the Isle of Wight, which I described as “the best UK festival I’ve attended in terms of organisation and atmosphere”
Aviation Enthusiasm #
A surprising amount of my content centered around aviation, particularly my coverage of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2007. I shared numerous videos of various aircraft, from modern fighters like the F-15C Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon to historic warbirds. This interest in aviation was a consistent theme throughout the year.
The Tech Transition #
By the end of the year, my blog itself was in transition. In September, I wrote about wanting to redesign the site, noting plans to streamline content to “just about me, videos on YouTube, photos on Flickr, and the blog.” This reflected the broader shift happening online - the move toward platform specialization rather than personal websites trying to do everything.
Professional Growth #
The year was marked by significant professional experiences, including attending eBay DevCon in Boston and speaking at the London Facebook Developers Garage. These events positioned me at the intersection of e-commerce and social media during a transformative period for both industries.
Personal Evolution #
It’s fascinating to see how my online presence evolved throughout the year. In July, I wrote about moving more of my updates to Facebook, preferring “the privacy of Facebook for sharing updates with a select circle of friends and acquaintances.” This shift from public blogging to more private social media sharing was emblematic of a broader trend that would continue in the following years.
Looking Back #
2007 was clearly a year of transition - both technologically and personally. From the emergence of social platforms to the evolution of home computing, from professional speaking engagements to festival adventures, it was a year that set the stage for many changes to come. The posts paint a picture of someone deeply engaged with technology while maintaining a rich social life and diverse interests in music, aviation, and travel.
What stands out most is how many of the technological changes I documented would go on to shape the next decade: Facebook’s platform expansion, the shift toward social media, and the increasing sophistication of home technology setups. Reading these posts now, it’s like watching the future take shape in real-time.
Statistical Summary:
- Total Posts: 136
- Top Categories:
- Technology Purchases: 42 posts (31%)
- Entertainment & Events: 38 posts (28%)
- Dining & Drinks: 28 posts (21%)
- Travel: 15 posts (11%)
- Tech Commentary: 13 posts (9%)
- Most Active Months: June, July, August
- Most Frequent Locations: London, Sydney, Boston