Aleen 🦖 @aleen@zeppelin.flights

When I moved, I lost my #introductions post.

Hi! My name is Aleen [uh-lean], not Alan. I live in Seattle with my husband, J (@VioletPixel) and two cats, Fate and Raven.

I help indie iOS and Mac developers with the non-code side of launching their apps as well as some UX writing at https://applaunchmap.com. I'm also writing a Field Guide to help first-timers make sure they have their ducks in a row before they launch.

I podcast about creating and creativity on Originality (https://www.relay.fm/originality). I also sometimes talk about pop culture and books on The Incomparable (https://www.theincomparable.com) and play Dungeons and Dragons (https://www.theincomparable.com/tpk/).

I occasionally write on my blog: https://www.aleenmean.com

I like reading, fountain pens, and Splatoon 2. Yes, that's absolutely a comprehensive list of things I like. Yes, my sense of humor is sarcastic and dry.

#introductions

Happy 2019, everyone 💙

Hi I'm mostly on Twitter again 😕

‪1. J 🥰‬
‪2. Buckled down, got a solid outline finished for the App Launch Map Field Guide.‬
‪3. Bubble tea.‬
‪#DeailyGratitude‬

‪1. Squeaky clean, slightly reorganized desk.‬
‪2. Cool weather.‬
‪3. Audiobook recommendations from @mikah.‬
‪#DailyGratitude‬

‪1. I think I've finally figured out how to organize the bathroom.‬
‪2. There were literally zero people waiting before me when I went to get my blood drawn this morning.‬
‪3. We didn't get rid of the jug of Nature's Miracle like I thought we had.‬
‪#DailyGratitude‬

‪1. Flexibility in my schedule.‬
‪2. Cuddly Raven-cat, even though it means she doesn't feel well.‬
‪3. It's bedtime and I'm actually tired.‬
‪#DailyGratitude‬

‪1. Splatoon!‬
‪2. Understanding that when I feel overwhelmed, I need to step back. Or sleep. Or eat‬
‪3. A strong relationship with my mom.‬
‪#DailyGratitude‬

1. My desk is finally unburied.
2. I have a plan on how I'll start the day tomorrow.
3. We have an in-unit washer and dryer.
#dailygratitude

1. Chaos to remind me of calm.
2. New iPad to help me get work done.
3. Public transportation to get me from place to place without driving.
#dailygratitude

(Even if you're a big fish in the app pond, you may still be leaving reviews on the table if you don't have a press kit. I didn't think they were important until I started asking around. I was wrong.)

If you have a lot of cachet? Sure. Fuck the press kit. You're awesome. People will write about your app(s) no matter what.

Little devs? Invest the time.

Oh, I know! [App1] will have a great press kit! ...oh. It's zipped and can't be viewed on iOS.

What about [App2]? ...no press kit.

The folks at [App3] have a great eye for detail! ...hasn't been updated since iOS 9.

Y'all are killing me.

I'm going to die looking for good examples of press kits.

Update: they were out of cinnamon rolls. Instead, we got chicken! Which is probably a better choice anyway.

"The Internet's on my side today!"