“A beginning is a very delicate time.”
- Frank Herbert, Dune
Even years are better than odd years. I was born in an even year, and therefore know this to be true. But I was born on an odd day. Seriously, an actual Friday the 13th, and so, I carry with me some modicum of malchance. It is just unavoidable, unfortunately, try as I might to exorcize the malady.
And so, with the start of this 2022, and in keeping with “Words that begin with ‘X’”, I have vowed to exhume from the grave of the deep inter webs an old project, and in the process exonerate myself as a failed blogger while ex-tablishing myself once again as an expert in all things design professional related. How, curious reader, might you ask, do I intend to accomplish all these many things at once? Well, let me assure you the answer should be coming clearer as you read this re-introductory posting on my new and improved writing project: NavDaedLab!
“NavDaedLab,” you ask? Indeed. Short for Navigating Daedalus’ Labyrinth, or NDL, for even shorter. It is an exploration of the intersection of the design professions and the law. A coming together of two skilled professions that, while not always great together, are interdependent and interconnected to the point they cannot do without the other, as we will discover in my many periodic musings and missives. One might say they are inextricably intertwined.
Why Daedalus? Well, fearless reader, more on that to come I promise, but suffice to say he was a trailblazer. In Greek mythology, Daedalus was the designer of the befuddling, twisting and turning Labyrinth, which served as a challenge to the ancient world’s superhero Theseus. Navigating through Daedalus’ creation was a fate many could not fathom. In fact, Daedalus almost became trapped himself in its winding expanse. The name then is a reference to the challenges faced by designers navigating through arduous obstacles and unexpected occurrences of the daily practice, and hopefully providing some tips on how to emerge unscathed.
This space will feature articles with a focus on issues of interest to the design professional and legal professionals who serve them. I will discuss recent case law and statutes and attempt to forecast future trends. I will have features on contract negotiation and best practices. I will discuss real world situations design professionals find themselves in and how best to handle those issues. And of course I will try to include some light hearted commentary from time to time.
I promise to be informative and will endeavor to be entertaining, but cannot make any warranties that I will always be amusing. Sometimes I have to be serious. Hopefully, you will enjoy this effort and together we can build a community of folks who share this common ground – two noble professions trying to get along in this great big world of ours. Please reach out and let me know what you think, I can always use the input.
Until next time, take care, stay safe and thank you for reading!