Through some futile effort to preserve whatever online privacy we have left, I’ve observed unwritten rules that control which networks we’re permitted to refer from in polite conversation. These rules are especially heightened when talking to a new acquaintance.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joanna Goddard, mother, writer, and blogger, at a CreativeMornings lecture in April 2011. She has a hefty following on Twitter, and her blog A Cup of Jo covers a wide array of pertinent subjects for stylish New Yorkers and busy parents. Yes, it’s probably geared more towards women, but I suppose I’m keeping the “good catch” status I’ve been assigned by a number of middle-aged family friends.

Just as the lecture was about to begin, I told Joanna that I enjoyed her writing and it was fun to meet her. Typical friendly conversation that people have during an introductory meeting.

But thanks to Joanna’s own writing, I could have introduced myself by saying…

• How was growing up in France as a little girl?
• I saw you have a twin sister, Lucy. I’m also a twin! Are you the same age? (sorry, twin joke)
• I wish I had more first dates like yours
• Were you worried your engagement ring was going to fall into the Hudson?
• How was your honeymoon in Greece?
• or, most impactful of all, How’s Toby?

Imagine meeting someone for the first time, not knowing in the slightest who they are, and they ask you about your (at the time) almost 1-year-old son. I’m creeped out just by the thought, yet part of me thinks if you put it out there it’s fair game.

When it comes to meeting someone for the first time, there’s a distinct difference between referencing an interesting tweet or common alma mater found on LinkedIn and asking someone how their honeymoon was. But in the eyes of the Internet, each piece of data is treated exactly the same: out in the open for all to observe, capitalize, and possibly exploit.

Why is it so taboo to mention to you in person something you wrote on your public Facebook page but not your public Twitter account? Both lack a business context (that’s what LinkedIn and Zerply are for), yet Twitter seems to be more acceptable as reference material.

Same goes for Instagram versus Flickr. Though I’ve never put this into practice, I bet I could get away with bringing up someone’s Instagram account before their Flickr account.  (Or could I? Are photos and videos the last sacred media of our Internet acquaintances?) Is it because Instagram shows one photo at a time instead of Flickr’s entire albums? Do photo albums symbolize significant events, many of which are private to the extent of you can see the visual proof but not the memories.

All I can say is good luck to future presidential candidates. Hopefully by the time today’s toddlers run for President we’ll be well beyond caring what they did in a photograph taken 35 years ago. And you know there will be plenty of photographs since today’s parents increasingly like to name their children based on whether a matching domain name and Twitter handle are available.

With so much of my friends’ public data available at my fingertips, I’ll never have to go to a high school reunion, and those are people I’ve known my entire life. There would be no reason to ask any questions because my news feed gives me all the answers.

Well, all of them except one. If you’re posting something for the entire world to see, why am I not allowed to talk to you about it?

I finished my previous complete redesign in mid-2009 at a time when 11 point type was the norm and you needed Flash replacement hacks to use your preferred type family. I barely knew jQuery, didn’t know WordPress, and still used Flash to achieve alpha opacity transitions for images. Responsive web design wasn’t a part of my arsenal, and I had never coded an email template.

It’s remarkable to see how dramatically web design has changed over the past three years. Large typography, responsive designs, no need for Flash! It’s stunning to see these design and technology advancements; it’s thrilling to be a part of it. Below you’ll find what’s changed with this new design.

Technology

The site is built on WordPress using the Starkers theme as a starting point. I use Less to write my styles (which is something I should have done a long time ago! It’s amazing.), and thanks to CodeKit I can compile it without having to fuss around with Terminal. I’ve also introduced responsive web design for an experience tailored to whatever device you browse with. Typekit serves up CamingoDos Web, and Symbolset serves up the font icons that you see throughout.

Work

I’ve significantly reduced my portfolio, launching with only three projects and removing photography altogether. I originally fretted only having three projects at launch, but I’ve been told on every interview I’ve ever been on to only show your best work, so that’s my best work at the moment. I might reintroduce some of my photography in blog posts, but I don’t have any plans to make it a centerpiece of my portfolios as with the last site version.

Words

My last site had a short-lived blog, but I’ve committed myself to writing more actively. I’ve developed a lot of thoughts over the past three years, and I’d love to hear your feedback on them. Look out for more active and thoughtful blog posts.

That’s about it. Welcome to my new site.

Cheers