About

I’m Michael Pusateri, and I’ve been blogging at Cruftbox.com since 2000, sharing my thoughts on the interwebs, technology, video games, food, and life in Los Angeles.

I’ve been married to Michele for over 30 years and is my partner in this life. I am blessed that she puts up with my nonsense.

My online presence goes back to the days of teletypes, 300 baud modems, and BBSs in the 80s. After all this time, I still learn new things daily and try to keep an open mind. It’s hard not be a grumpy old man, but I do my best to understand the latest trends and memes.

If you’re wondering about the name “cruftbox,” it comes from the engineering term “cruft” – the accumulation of technical debris and outdated elements.

This blog is my cruftbox, collecting various bits of information and experience I’ve gathered over the years.

Professional Life

I’m a digital media technology executive with over three decades of experience in the television industry. I’ve helped build the technical infrastructure that delivers your favorite shows and movies to your screens.

My career has been dedicated to solving complex technical problems and helping organizations adapt to rapid technological change. I’ve been fortunate to work at the intersection of entertainment and technology, witnessing and participating in the transformation of how we consume media.

I’ve seen the tech hype cycle from the front row, seeing amazing innovation and costly failures.

Beyond Work

When I’m not thinking about media technology, you’ll find me:

  • Keeping bees in my backyard apiary
  • Smoking and grilling various meats
  • Playing video games and pwning newbs
  • Riding bicycles
  • Experimenting with new recipes and cooking techniques
  • Building and tinkering on a variety of tech projects
  • Yelling at clouds like all old men

Speaking and Writing

I occasionally speak at technology conferences and industry events about digital media, technology leadership, and the future of entertainment distribution. I’ve spoken about leadership in video games, which is increasingly a place to learn management skills useful in the business world.

I write occasional essays as ideas bump around in my mind and finally get written down to clear the buffers in my head.

A Personal Note

I try to avoid a lot of controversial issues online, as I believe people’s beliefs are rarely changed by posting on the internet.

Some of my thinking can be seen in my list of Important Quotes that I try to keep in mind as I navigate the world.

Thank you for visiting my corner of the internet. Feel free to explore the archives or reach out if you’d like to connect.