Let's start from the basics: can you introduce yourself?

I’m from Stockholm, Sweden, and these days I make a living doing home inspections. It’s a job I really enjoy, mostly because it takes me to places I’d never otherwise see and lets me meet all kinds of people along the way.

Before this, I’ve tried quite a few different things: bricklayer (that’s what I actually went to school for), musician (yes, that’s me behind the drums), full-time blogger, digital marketing consultant, and janitor – just to name a few.

I ended up in my current line of work after realizing I wasn’t too keen on spending my life in front of a computer screen. So I took a year off and moved to Thailand. When I came back, it felt like the right time for a change.

Now I feel lucky to have a job that’s both satisfying and flexible enough to leave time for one of my greatest interests: blogging.

What's the story behind your blog?

I started blogging around 2002 using Movable Type, which was pretty much the only tool available at the time. After about a year, I switched to WordPress.

My first blog was called Smidigt (Swedish for “easy/handy”). It didn’t have a particular focus at first, but over time it evolved into a blog about geeky tech stuff: cool USB sticks (yes, that was a thing back then), Star Wars-inspired computer accessories, toys, and other fun finds.

Eventually, major tech sites like Engadget and Gizmodo started linking to the blog, even though it was in Swedish, whenever I posted something interesting that hadn’t been picked up elsewhere yet. That exposure led me to start an English version of the blog called GeekAlerts.

After a few years as a full-time blogger, I hit the (in)famous wall and quit. But the interest never really left. A couple of years ago, I felt it was time to return, so I started fresh with a new English blog. This time hosted on Bear, one of the cool indie platforms that had appeared during my absence.

Since then, I’ve tried a few other platforms. There are so many wonderful options available today, and I love experimenting. But I’ve also realized that I can’t hop around forever, so for now I’m sticking with what I currently use: Micro.blog

What does your creative process look like when it comes to blogging?

Most of my writing comes from personal experiences: people I meet, places I visit, or situations that made me stop and reflect. That’s usually where the inspiration begins.

Since I write about recent events, I rarely keep drafts. I just sit down and pour it all out. After that, I run the text through ChatGPT with a strict prompt to only “fix any grammar and spelling mistakes” and still leave room for my Swenglish style (I recently blogged about how I use AI and added a dedicated /ai page).

Once I’ve double-checked that no sneaky AI rewrites slipped in, I hit publish.

Do you have an ideal creative environment? Also do you believe the physical space influences your creativity?

On days when I have the freedom to choose, I prefer sitting in a café with my laptop. I like the atmosphere and the change of scenery.

Sometimes I listen to music, sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I prefer silence, other times it feels inspiring to be surrounded by the everyday noise and commotion.

At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter where I blog. I just adapt to the situation I’m in. With my long blogging experience, I’ve even mastered the skill of blogging while taking a... what’s the word again... bath.

A question for the techie readers: can you run us through your tech stack?

All my posts are written in iA Writer and published straight from the editor to Micro.blog. And that’s all there is to it. No Shoobaboo or Snarfus involved. I prefer to keep things simple.

Given your experience, if you were to start a blog today, would you do anything differently?

Honestly, I still have no idea what the hell I’m doing. And maybe that’s the point. Blogging has always felt more like an ongoing, joyful experiment than a plan. And I like it that way.

Financial question since the Web is obsessed with money: how much does it cost to run your blog? Is it just a cost, or does it generate some revenue? And what's your position on people monetizing personal blogs?

I pay $5/month for Micro.blog. I started on the very affordable $1/month Micro.one plan, which would still cover my needs, but I like the idea of contributing a little extra to support the ongoing development of this great platform Manton is building.

My domain name is registered with a Swedish company for about $15/year.

I don’t make any money from blogging and I don’t have any “buy me a coffee” buttons, but if you’re ever in Sweden and feel like treating me to a real cup of coffee, I’ll gladly accept your “Swedish fika” invitation any day of the week.

That said, I don’t mind at all when other creators encourage support. They bring personality and beauty into the world, so why not let people show their appreciation? For some makers, it can even be a way to motivate themselves to keep showing up and creating.

I also like supporting other creators when our paths cross. A fresh example is Jim Mitchell, the creator of the theme I’m using. When he puts out a new version, I usually buy him a coffee or two. Sometimes those updates even include requests from me, so it almost feels like I’m paying myself. A true win-win.

Time for some recommendations: any blog you think is worth checking out? And also, who do you think I should be interviewing next?

I love where personal blogging is today. There’s such a wide variety of voices, and I keep discovering fantastic writers every week.

Here are a few I’d love to see in a future People & Blogs edition:

• Alexandra Wolfe
• R. Scott Jones
• Sacha Chua
• mgx
• Darren Hester
• Sylvia
• Ruben Verweij

Final question: is there anything you want to share with us?

I always have a lot of ideas, but these days (given my past experience) I try to let them sit a bit before acting on them. There’s no rush, and I already feel my creative urge is fulfilled with what I have.

Instead, I’d like to share someone else’s fresh project: Crucial Tracks. It’s a place to ”share the important songs in your life”, and I’ve been hooked ever since I found it. I even got the T-shirt. For real.

Thank you so much for inviting me as a guest for People & Blogs. I’ve been a reader for a long time and have discovered plenty of marvelous makers through it.

“Tack och hej, leverpastej!” That’s the Swedish equivalent of “See you later, alligator!” The problem is that ours translates to “Thanks and bye, liver paste.” Not quite as cool. And I don’t even like liver paste.

PS. Some might find my Blogging Tips & Tools page useful.