Getting Jiggy with CEan Biggie- an interview
Continuing the "Know your CEan" interview series, here is the KYC part 2. Here is a guy who needs no introduction. The man behind every thing that you see here, good or bad. The man behind CE, our very own The Big K. I have known Biggie for many years now. An electrical engineer by qualification and a passionate CEan by profession, it has always been a challenge for one too many to match his zeal and electrifying energy.
Here is a small tete-a-tete with our Good ol' administrator.
Mayur: You are the Founder and administrator of CE. Tell us more about your Job
The Big K: Ever since starting CE, I've been involved in everything that happens on CE. The job of an administrator is not easy. I'm responsible for maintaining the website, its security, introducing new features, keeping backups, moderating the forum, posting on forum, interviewing people from the industry… the list is endless.
Couple of months we formed an editorial team & I'm a part of it. The editorial team now works on lot of activities such as creating CE Bulletin, writing articles, advertising CE & handling queries put forth by CEans. It might look like 'lot of work', but I really enjoy what I do. Its lot of fun & I get to interact with crazy engineers from all over the world who are full of ideas & actions
Mayur: So what inspired you to start CE?
The Big K: I am fascinated by the engineers who built big ships, giant buildings, super fast cars, tiny watches. Just have a look around & you will see something that is a creation of an Engineer. I also enjoyed posting on newsgroups & forums. I remember the day when I searched on the internet for a community of engineers & surprisingly couldn't find any. So I decided to start one myself. CE was thus born on 26th of November 2005.
Mayur: And how far do you think you have come along in 1 and half years?
The Big K: We have survived. There is a long way to go. I'm happy that we didn't shut down our shop when times were bad. With 2500 members, I think our growth is good & we have a long way to go.
Mayur: Indeed. Passion and perseverance should drive any start ups. So where do you think CE is heading?
The Big K: Right now, the aim is to grow. CE can make a huge difference to people's lives. We, the engineers, have been turning the screws since ages and therefore it makes perfect sense to interact with each other. We have big plans for the future, but I'd not disclose them right now. Rather, we, the CEans, would love to present the world with surprises.
Mayur: We will wait for them. So what is your passion in life? (Apart from CE of course)
The Big K: I'm passionate about music & I'm a Guitarist. There are lots of thing I'd like to do. Be it playing TT or singing or travelling. I'm also passionate about reading & I'm fanatic about Super Bikes & Supercars. - All engineering marvels, you see.
Mayur: I have known you for long and have been a big fan of your guitar myself. You are an avid music lover and a no nonsense guy. How hard do you think is to make CE survive in the flood of online forums?
The Big K: First of all, something that should have been done, was not done. Although there are tons of online forums & social networking sites, CE is exclusively for Engineers. We will make our own path & we won't compete with anyone. CE will survive as long as the world keeps on producing Crazy Engineers like you & me.
Mayur: So you want to say that innovative thinking drives CE?
The Big K: CE is about "Engineering" - Who do you think is responsible for the buildings that we live in? The Cars we drive? the electric shavers we use? The electricity and what not. Innovation has driven the world and brought it to a place where it is today. We, the engineers, have played a major role in 'constructing' the world and that's why Engineers community is also driven by Innovation.
Mayur: Good to hear that. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. This will be indeed beneficial.
The Big K: Thanks for choosing me to be a part of your initiative. I'm sure we have lot to learn from our team mates on CE. I'll look forward to interviews of our own CEans. Cheers!
{P.S.: this interview has been taken online}