The name “Origo” is derived from the Latin word for “origin” or “beginning.”

It is used here in the context of the restoration of my original diary/blog. I started writing my ideas and thoughts in a diary (pen and paper) when I was at school, then when the internet came about, and technology evolved moved to a blog.

I like reading and writing, mainly so that I can get clarity on topics that I care about. Most of my writings are on things that interest me and or observations of events through my life. I also find that when I write its easier for me to learn and understand certain topics better.

So, the idea is to share what I write on a regular basis in the hope that it provides value to someone at some point. Reading what others have written has inspired me in the past.

What is Project Origo about?

The (main) idea is to expand this blog with my past writings (largely unpublished online) and create a historically accurate representation of ideas and thoughts that have shaped my life.

How is content restored?

For Project Origo, I have extracted some of the content from backup files for both versions of my old blogs. I am extracting text via a Python script and reformatting the text to fit in with my new blog platform. I am also using historical email archives that I have (I used to write email memos), available XML files of content, RSS ATOM feeds etc where it’s needed to find content and preserve an authentically possible timeline.

Current status as of Aug 2024 / September 2024 / October 2024.

The content is being updated via multiple sources. For each extracted piece of content, I do a manual “is this fit for an audience” scan prior to that being published here.

Automated content extraction about 65% complete. (Oct 11th). There is a bit of manual work involved, plus I will curate what I think is good to publish.

What are the content sources?

Version 1 of my blog from 2004. I used “.Text” which became SubText an Open-source blog platform made possible by Phil Haack who I met at Mix06. It was under the domain name of ‘digitalmelon.com’.
Time period: August 2004 > February 2007. Wayback machine archive for the site.

Version 2 of my blog from 2007 to ~2011. I switched to WSS aka Windows SharePoint Services and used a community ‘skin’ which made it look nothing like ‘SharePoint’ – this was when I was “that SharePoint guy” – also a time period where I was in the weeds of technology, conference organiser, speaker and entrepreneur. I also purchased the domain ‘chandima.net’ which I have kept. See the Wayback machine archive for the site from around 2011.

I also downloaded my entire Twitter/X archive recently. I joined Twitter ~2007. My first “Tweet” was on May 8, 2007. Back in those days it used be a simple way to send an update to your followers. I will work on creating an entire story/timeline from the twitter archive.

Version 3 – This is Project Origo. Creating new content and publishing old content that I have curated to be included and create a living version of my career / life. For 2024 onwards my aim is to write one article/essay a month.
You can check the archives section for the latest 100 writings/posts.

This will also be used to train an AI agent representing me that will serve humanity for all eternity. (just kidding).🤖