Pomposity 101: Write Your Own Bio

Writing one’s own bio is a pain. I have to produce one for the upcoming Desktop Linux Summit in San Diego because I have a 20 minute keynote. I also have to have a head shot. A head shot! How embarrassing.

The part I really hate is that I have always had a problem balancing reasonable humility with rampant egomania. If you don’t tout your strengths and make yourself sound interesting, then why should people care about your keynote? On the other hand, most speakers at smaller conferences write their own bios, and who really wants to hear some self-imprtant fat-head?

You see the problem?

Ted Haeger is Director of Marketing for Novell’s Desktop and Collaboration product lines, where he is currently responsible for leading Novell’s effort to produce the industry’s best open source desktop offering for business use. Over the years, Ted has developed a reputation for being very hands-on–actually implementing and using the software he markets, making him equally comfortable in technical and business discussions about Novell software. Ted’s characteristically enthusiastic speaking style has earned him the moniker “Reverend Ted”, or “Rev”. He keeps a personal blog of his adventures in marketing open source products at http://reverendted.blogspot.com.