About
The Daily Ping was created on January 6, 2000, when Ryan MacMichael and Paul McAleer – two friends who met online in 1991 but then had yet to meet in person – had an idea. What if there was a site where one could see a daily update, rant, story, or Oreo-related piece of content? At the time blogs weren’t quite around, not to mention Twitter nor Facebook, so it’d have to be something a little different. Would it work? Could it?
The Yearly Ping, on the other hand, debuted in January 2014, when Paul and Ryan got really lazy and decided they could only manage to write a post once a year.
Ryan and Paul take turns writing entries and tend to stick to the pattern of Paul writing on even-numbered years and Ryan writing on odd-numbered years.
We invite you to look through the site, comment at will on the many, many entires, and enjoy. (And maybe check out the Daily Ping archives.)
About The Authors
Ryan MacMichael‘s wardrobe is provided by Botany 500. He works as a web guy, but at night drinks tea while watching reruns of Hoarders. He used to bowl a lot and doesn’t much anymore, but still does pretty well when he makes it to the lanes. Though all but one Golden Girl has passed on, he still tries to glean as many life lessons from the ladies as possible. Ryan lives in northern Virginia with his wife, daughter, son, and basset hound/German shepherd/bloodhound dog.
Paul McAleer is a grizzled veteran of technology, having been an accomplished software author at the age of 12 and burned out hippie by 22. In his day job he specializes in user experience. His hobbies include photography, music, writing, and reading. Paul lives in Denver with his lovely wife, adorable son, and 2 pooches.
Intermittently Asked Questions
So, is this right? You two met online before the web existed and only met in person a handful of times?
True. We first got in touch on GEnie’s Education RoundTable back in 1991ish. We’ve met in person only four times: at Ryan’s wedding, at Paul’s wedding, at the 2005 Webvisions conference in Portland, Oregon, and for dinner in 2013.
Do you two ever plan entries together?
Given this happens once a year? Not really. One of us basically nudges the other one. “Hey! It’s your year!”
Have any entries been missed or skipped?
On the Yearly Ping? Not yet! That would be embarrassing.
What neat-o things have happened, thanks to the Ping?
In the (Daily) Ping’s first year, Ryan wrote about his favorite childhood game show and the host he idolized. Before long, the host’s wife joined in the conversation and a long back-and-forth ensued. Ten years later, Ryan sat on Jim and June Perry’s front porch and talked about Card Sharks. Four-year-old Ryan’s head would have exploded at this thought.
Similarly, the late Fred “Rerun” Barry commented on our What’s Happening!!! Ping. Not quite like being on the Perrys’ porch, but pretty amazing nonetheless.
Think you’ll go back to writing daily?
When our children are old enough, say 2028, the Ping may be resurrected with them as co-authors.
