Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 10:25 PM in Ink 
I really don't know how this will turn out. I miss inkblogging, however. If you like it, please let me know.
handwriting, ink, inkblogging, ipad, tablet Monday, November 16, 2009 at 10:30 AM in Thoughts I’ve been looking for a full website sponsor — that search still continues as smaller donations and contributions trickle in (of course, it’s all appreciated!) — meanwhile, life goes on. Sometimes “real life” responsibilities get in the way of artistic and intellectual pursuits; I would like to be able to write more, sketch more and blog more, but bills have to get paid somehow, and I have responsibilities to my family.
About four years ago, I purchased XBOX 360. The system hadn’t been out long; it was hard to find, and several reports of the “red ring of death” had tainted the system’s reputation. Still, I took the plunge, getting the most basic edition imaginable. I’m glad that I did.
XBOX LIVE is an absolute treat. Although the initial shock of the Gold Membership fee made me initially hesitant, even skeptical — as if I were paying for online “adult entertainment” (what does “Gold Membership” sound like to you?) — I wanted online play. Bare, the service was worth it.
With Netflix Watch Instantly and Party viewing, wireless controllers with chatboard attachments and integrated Windows Live chat, the 360 is a social entertainment hub. To add to that, Microsoft is integrating Facebook and Twitter. Social networking and gaming are being made even more accessible.
I have the Elite system now, with an Ace Combat 6 faceplate and 120gb hard drive. When I’m not working, resting, eating, writing or drawing… I can be found playing some LIVE ARCADE game, or recently, Borderlands, DJ Hero, Forza Motorsport 3 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (COD6).
Gaming together would be fun. During a nice jam session or first-person shoot-em-up (FPS, or “RPS,” role-playing shooter — Borderlands), pain has less of a hold on me. Got 360 LIVE GOLD? You can help… we can play!
The first post should appear later today. I’ve already started it, but I’m having some technical issues with my current tablet and netbook. Both are slowing me down. I’ve added a few pick-me-ups here, at Thinkgeek. Some of my friends and contacts have some cool things going; I’ll share more on that later, and try to review several of their projects.
Maybe I can even convince them to give some free products and/or goodies away as presents to lucky readers!
Until then… I have some work to do and things to straighten out. It’s way too hot here in Oakland; my southern-view collects sunlight from rise to set, and the temperature in my unit becomes unbearable without AC — due in-part to screens and computers. I try to rest during the heat (and light) of the day. I’m more awake from twilight to sunrise.
cod4, inkblogging, live arcade, mw2, netflix, videogames, windows, xbox live Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 9:09 AM in Ink 
[INK POST HTML TEXT VERSION, with LINKS]
First, thank you for visiting my new blog! It means a lot to me that you take the time to read my handwriting — I know that it’s more time-consuming. I’ve spent almost two years developing this style.
Cult of Ink
There are other inkbloggers out there, and I’m going to add some to my links. My thought is — I’d like to create a colloborative ink project — multiple inkers at one site! At a minimum, I’m going to create a special ink section here, with an “about” and some tips — “how to start ink-blogging.” Which brings me to the next matter at hand…
I’d mentioned at Twitter (@bradtastic) — I’m looking for an inkblog super-sponsor! I can ink more-frequently with a little support, and cover more-serious topics.
Last year, I won an Ink Blot Award. Gottabemobile.com is down with my style, plus — I’m Bradtastic — all kinds of cool stuff is coming. 2010 is going to be BIG!
Please let me know if you’re interested — I’ll send to you, your brand or business, the details and all of the information. Future topics include — psychology, deception detection, relationships, business, art, criminology, tech-stuff… fiction and more!
Please subscribe to my RSS FEED — I’m going to post information on new Bradtastic Projects and websites, plus more on the future of Superfloo.us and my new “business” site. I’ve been working on some really cool stuff and I am currently talking to some new, very-interesting people. I’m also putting together new things — super-top-secret (not really) — with longtime associates.
Hugs & Kisses, Love plus high-fives!
Bradtastic
Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 6:53 AM in About 
In a better world, I’d simply post my email address, boldly… proudly.
Unfortunately, that’s asking for spam and fraud… and worse.
For messages unfit for public comment or guestbook posts, I can be reached with ease from this page. (A direct link also exits under “Navigation” on the sidebar.)
Several people have contacted me through my Retaggr widget or Facebook because my email address isn’t clearly available. (It can be found, if you dig!) I do my best to respond to all legitimate messages, however they come. If you’ve tried to contact me and haven’t received a reply, please leave a comment here (with valid email — don’t worry, it’s not displayed to the public), or try my new email form.
Thanks again for all your support. I’m having a blast with this blog.
I’ve added several things to my sidebar after some rearranging, including a direct RSS FEED link. I’ve also increased the number of entries displayed per page, from five to nine. I’m blogging more, and it’s great; in-part, because of this platform. Squarespace feels extremely powerful… its UI and customer support has handled everything I’ve wanted and asked for, and I’ve barely dabbled.
I know that I can do so much more here, and I’m happily experimenting somewhat, in preparation for my rerelease of the Bradtastic Premier business website. In-tandem with “Superfluous,” it’ll represent the online-epitome and essence of Brad Chin — and that’s thrilling.
New content will appear frequently — I’m shifting gears for 2010. This isn’t about “get rich, quick” — my business associates and friends create classy, responsible, quality content. If you’re working on something that coincides with my endeavors and would like to contribute or collaborate, please let me know — no guarantees, but I’m open to many possibilities.
If you have a feature-request, please don’t keep it to yourself. This UI allows for many additions and modifications without extreme-coding — perfect for me at the moment, as I’d rather spend spare-time focussing on writing and typography. Squarespace would likely make a great host for your website (not just “the blog”) — click here to get started with a 14-day free trial. [Using that link with my affiliate ID will help to offset some of the costs here, and it’s a nice way to boldly state: “I like your blogging, Brad.”]
If you can design and/or code and are looking for new projects, let me know. I can offer many opportunities and commissions to serious people almost immediately. I’m more interested in dedication and work-ethic than talent; if you’re new to design, but you’re willing to work, don’t be shy just because your portfolio isn’t perfect.
If you have a friend who may be interested — and qualified — let them know that Bradtastic is looking. Help your buddy find quality work!
In a few hours, I’ll post my next ink blog entry. Articles in-progress include: a Canteo Classeur A5 lined notebook review (a Swiss-made journal previously-unavailable in the US… and still incredibly rare!), and an “art of impression” recap — a culmination of my experiences with relationships, marketing, sales pitches, pickups and presentations… so if you’re not subscribing to my feed, you should follow @bradtastic at Twitter or my Facebook!
code, design, inkblogging, job opportunities, sponsor, work 
©2009 Bradtastic™ Brad Chin. Please don’t steal art — it’s not a victimless crime.
I’ve been working with my newly-reformatted Tablet PC for several days now, but I’ve been sketching designs, doodles and graphics since my knee-high-to-duck days. “Superfloo” is a relatively new idea; I’ve been thinking about a logo since the beginning, but until recently, my plan was to create it in Adobe Illustrator, 100% vector.
Threw that idea aside, this is the result — or “version two,” anyway. I’m not easily sated — the design still needs work… I’ll likely create a few more logos, using symbols instead of the full-title.
A few days ago, I emailed Sumocat (the “Father of Inkblogging”) about my plight — inkblogging inability. Reformatting my Tablet took away the older version of Live Writer, so I replaced it with Live Writer 2009.
Mark (Sumocat) is like Ink’s Superman — able to save the day and bring hope to Metropolis. Through him, I was able to get the older Live Writer install, and with that, I was able to fix inkblogging. Here at Superfluous, I’ve demonstrated the result — two ink posts — and more to come!
If you like it, please leave a note and tell your friends about it — inkblogging needs more fans and contributors!
You might’ve seen my announcements — like this one — within days from now, I will receive Behance Action Method “offline” paper products, a Rhodia webnotebook, and most important, Canteo A5 notebooks!
I’m particularly thrilled because originally, I was expecting that the Canteo and Rhodia products — from Nota Bene — would take two weeks (or longer) to arrive. Fortunately, I took a moment to email them. I’d mentioned my intent to review the Canteo notebooks and share my findings, and conveyed my earnest excitement because — amongst many other things — Canteo can replace Moleskine for me.
Their website doesn’t list a US distributor… I got lucky finding Canteo at Nota Bene. It wasn’t the first time that I’d been to their website, but this is my first order. I’d been told about their site by a pen collector I’d met at Montblanc because of another paper-product that they stock — Whitelines. I’m always looking for a great notebook — I need them, and my students need them.
Thanks again for taking time to read/look at my website. Over the past several days, the number of unique visitors to my site has surged. This is a good sign! Moreover, this blog is fun… I enjoy posting here. The process of writing here has brought me discoveries — I’m grateful — and I intend to continue this upward spiral.
Inasmuch as this blog has thus far been the ultimate blogging thrill-ride, this site — I hope — may contribute to the success of my other endeavors.
Fortunately, I’m having a blast; writing furiously, designing, illustrating, sketching and doodling again. I’m sure someone out there needs a new logo or graphics for something… or perhaps a new slogan, website text or brochure — you might even know someone. They’re probably worthy.
Who knows (not I), perchance something entirely unexpected makes an appearance here — gasp — a serious article about real, important things?! A totally edge-of-your-seat moment approaches… maybe!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 8:24 PM in Ink [INK POST: “Inkblogging Again!” TEXT VERSION]
Bradtastic “Superfloo.us” — First Ink Attempt.
Much thanks to Sumocat for his help; perhaps I could even get the updated Live Writer to work with the inkblog plugin!
Well, Bradtastic is back in inkblogging action! I think that I’m going to setup a separate “journal” (at this site… don’t worry) for my inkposts, but I’m back!
Thanks for your patience and support! I ordered a few Canteo A5 notebooks and a Rhodia webnotebook, hopefully they’ll arrive in two weeks. I’ll write a review and share my findings here. Stay tuned — I have more artwork and Designwork to post, including another “Superfloo.us” logo design… this time, it’s high quality and Bradtasticool. Hope you like it — please let me know what you think, it only takes a minute to leave a comment. Once again, thanks! It’s good to be inking once again, with an updated style, too!
brad chin, handwriting, ink, inkblogging, pens, tablet pc Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 11:05 PM in Design 
©2009 Bradtastic Brad Chin. All rights reserved — if you want something, just ask!
Actually, I think that everyone can benefit from Tablet technology — whether or not people know it, or will admit it. The iPhone has proven that touch technology can be truly inspiring and life-changing; and to think, Tablet PCs could have multi-touch and Penabled technology in the same device. That would allow a computer to have all the pinch-zoom goodness of multi-touch and the pressure-sensitivity of Wacom’s pens — the best of both worlds, productivity and art — in harmony.
I wish I could get a new slate; the note-taking benefits from software such as OneNote, illustration with Autodesk’s Sketchbook Pro, and of course, Adobe Creative Suite… all in a sleek, easy to carry/use (for a semi-crippled vampire) form-factor… even if I can’t get inkblogging to work, there’s more than enough work to do to keep me busy. Satisfied.
And to think, if I could get inkblogging to work (possibly with some help!), I could change the world! Well, okay, maybe that’s overstating things just a tad… but right now, that’s how it feels. I’m severely limited at the moment, restrained — tethered, really — by the power cord, because my Fujitsu convertible’s battery (fully charged) runs dry within 25 minutes. In practical terms, I can’t risk using the device unplugged, making it no more mobile than my iMac.
But I can still create art — illustrations, designs — such as the one above. That logo concept is rough, but it brought me to the realization that… I want a logo. A logo designed by me, and probably not vectored. I like the sketched look… so I created another, after coloring the “rough.”
©2009 Bradtastic Brad Chin. “Superfloo.us” Logo, (Superfluous) Colored Version 001, draft.
After coloring the logo concept, I realized that I didn’t like the design… fundamentally. The style and colors are close, but not exactly what I want. Obviously, this draft is undeveloped — emphasis on rough — so the final version would be shaded more deeply, with richer colors and a presentation much more bold.
Inkblog or not, expect more art. It might be unrelated to the post, but hey, it livens up the entry, yea? I’d really like to inkblog again, however.
Initially I was going to use Bradtastic Premier for art and design, and blog here about superfluous — perhaps superficial — things… but now, I’m having fun being serious. Seriously. When I went to the Apple Store several days ago to get my iPhone 3GS and Snow Leopard, I met a new sales associate, Armont, and we spoke about my writings and thoughts regarding criminology and the DOC — he was intrigued, naturally.
Conversation is a powerful tool; each time I discuss my thoughts about recidivism and psychology, I think of something new… generally, a stronger, more-direct way to deliver my information or express my opinions. Ultimately, I believe that “discussing” — blogging — about the things that I write about will make for better books.
Hope you enjoy it! Please leave comments or feedback; some people have been generous, getting me things from my Amazon Wishlist (link and widget located on my sidebar), and I’ve been thinking about paying it forward… by giving away some gifts of my own, to lucky website contributors!
I’ll post another Superfluous logo design soon. Stay tuned!
Art, criminology, design, iPhone, inkblogging, logo, tablet pc, writing Sunday, September 27, 2009 at 8:36 PM in Thoughts 
I’ve mentioned at Facebook and my Twitter (@bradtastic) that I’m trying to inkblog again, like I did at my first decent inkblog, bradchin.com. My progress was halted — incidentally after winning an Ink Blot Award — because my Tablet PC, bloated with viruses and junkware, stopped connecting to the Internet… and then stopped functioning altogether.
Work and recovery stood in the way of progress — but I never stopped writing. I never stopped dreaming about books and blogging — changing the world by changing one mind — contributing to the ever-growing collective…
With ink, I wanted to share what Montblanc calls the art of writing; with computers and typesetting so available, handwriting has become a dying art. People neglect it — it’s not being taught in schools, and it’s as if it’s just not that important. True — no one is openly graded on it, graphology is a pseudo-science, but I believe in its importance — the importance of the image of writing.
I look at classic documents of incalculable value — The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution and Bill of Rights — I look at the penmanship displayed on these documents and think, “would these documents hold so much value if they were chicken-scratched?”
Of course, these documents will always be important — crappy handwriting wouldn’t change that — but I think that if they weren’t written so beautifully, with a combination of perfect word and perfect handwriting, we’d look today at reprints… rewritten or typed.
The abundance and availability of free fonts and the ease of stealing fonts makes almost every computer user an amateur typesetter. Software such as Microsoft Word allows an untrained, unskilled user to create beautifully organized and set documents — legible documents.
In defiance of this trend, I’d decided to share my art, illustrations, design and writing. I try to keep my personality vibrant and loud, but paradoxically, I prefer to keep much of my “art” private — including my handwriting styles — but shortly after I started inkblogging, I received positive feedback, genuine comments and interest.
I was contacted by other inkbloggers, enthusiastic and energetic. Their comments were positive, their words —
encouraging. I felt that I could represent the format in a strong way, drawing fresh eyes and attention to Tablet PCs and WACOM Penabled technologies.
Tablet PCs have generally been thought of as the business tools for doctors, contractors, engineers and the military… but this is changing. For consumers, “the pen” has been a nuisance; with Palm devices and PDAs, it’s just another piece to misplace or break. The iPhone has bridged the gap in a beautiful way; integrating multi-touch technology with incredible usability and consumer-friendliness.
New devices are looming. Apple might release a Tablet-type computer next year. Many netbook manufacturers are adding touch-screen technology to their lineups.
Devices like the Livescribe Pulse Pen make evident the convenience and occasional necessity of writing by hand. To “jot” something down — a phone number, address, take-out order — it’s much easier (and quicker) writing with a pen… especially compared to thumb-typing on a handheld or worse — stylus keyboard input.
The tech-world is changing, and I’m part of it. Perhaps I can inspire more people to enhance their lives. I’ve already done so with tools like HighriseHQ, BackpackIT and products like Moleskine notebooks and websites like jetpens.com.
Hopefully I can continue changing the game and setting trends. For more information on the Bradtastic Approved© — check out bradloves.us/links or contact me or one of my associates. You can also just leave a comment or message at my guestbook.
Please let me know if you can help with inkblogging — you can also help by simply spreading the word, “Superfloo.us!”
