Today marks a big blog milestone—21 years of "Between the Lines Blog." What started as a simple idea has grown into a fun and trusted source for those in the AEC and manufacturing design technology industry. It’s wild to look back and see how much has changed, not just in the technology itself but also in how we communicate and share ideas. Staying connected has never been more important.
Twenty-one years ago, I started this blog as a fun side project after a couple of fellow Autodesk employees, Bill Johnson and Eric Wright, approached me about this new thing called blogs and how I could provide more help and information that would be indexed by search engines and shared in social than I ever could in a discussion forum post that gets lost in the threads. Since then, I’ve been throwing words and photos up here ever since.
Over the last 21 years, this blog has tracked the evolution of technology in our industry. From the early days of 2D/3D CAD to the rise of BIM and digital twins, Between the Lines Blog has been there, exploring every twist and turn. We’ve dived into AI, machine learning, digital twins, and cloud-based solutions.
One of the highlights for me has been sharing firsthand experiences and insights from my time at Autodesk. I’ve had the privilege of working with so many great customers and colleagues over the years, many whom I consider life long friends. I even posted live blog posts from around the world including the Amazon, Swiss Alps, remote Northern Turkana Kenya, Burning Man, and many other amazing places I could wrestle up a connection whether cell, Wi-Fi, or a satellite connection.
What really makes Between the Lines Blog special to me is the community that’s developed from and grown around it. The interactions, comments, and shared experiences from readers have been invaluable, especially when we’ve had the chance to meet in person—whether at Autodesk University or just crossing paths in a random city. Over the years, this blog has connected professionals worldwide, creating a network of experts and enthusiasts who are passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and having some fun too. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see how the blog has helped not only myself, but many others in their careers. Whether it’s solving a technical problem, sparking inspiration for a project, helping connect someone to a new opportunity, or just staying informed about the latest industry trends, the stories of readers who’ve used insights from "Between the Lines" to innovate and succeed are what keep me motivated to keep writing and sharing.
In the spirit of collaboration and community, I have always invited guest posts. If you’re a professional, enthusiast, or thought leader in the design and technology space, I’d love to hear your insights. Whether you want to share innovative solutions, industry trends, or personal experiences, your voice can help keep the conversation going and inspire others in our community.
Thank you to everyone who stumbles upon or reads the blog regularly. I'm truly grateful and always available for feedback, suggestions, ideas, collaborations, and guest authors regarding helpful tips and tricks. Whether you’ve been reading for years or you’re new here, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to the next chapter of "Between the Lines"—may it be as exciting, innovative, and impactful as the last 21 years have been.
Today is special for another reason as well—it's the 3rd birthday of my best furry friend and adventure buddy, inspector of all packages and people that visit our house, Coho the Silver Labrador!
My Between the Lines Blog is turning 21 today, and so is my dog Coho (3 x 7 = 21 dog years). Coincidence? I think not! Looks like we’re both ready to celebrate with a legal drink—though Coho might have to stick to the water bowl. Coho has been an integral part of my life, bringing laughs, companionship, and endless adventures. Whether we're exploring the outdoors, spinning circles with a case of the zoomies, or simply enjoying quiet moments at home, Coho's presence has enriched my life in so many ways. Here's to many more years of wagging tails, muddy paws, wake up sniffs, and shared memories with this amazing dog.
Update:
We had a party for Coho after taking him swimming at the river, one of his favorite summer activities. We used a dog pupcake mix with bacon and cheese with peanut butter frosting and then stuck 3 dried anchovies in the top for him.
Cheers to 21 years of blogging and barking!
-Shaan
