Developer. Philosophy. Neurodivergence.

John C. Derrick

Writer, Artist, & Systems Thinker

I write about systems, AI, philosophy, and neurodivergence - the patterns underneath the patterns. I think in architecture and build in public. This site is a digital lab notebook from someone who's spent 25+ years building platforms serving 15M+ annual visitors and can't stop pulling threads.

I also work as a Fractional CTO and web developer for small businesses navigating AI adoption and systems architecture. But the writing is the main thing. Neurodivergent builder, solo practitioner, AI-amplified - writing from Oak Haven, 35 acres in rural South Carolina.

Headshot Photo by: Aly Dove

What I Do

I write about complex systems and the people who build them. I also help small businesses navigate technology, AI, and architecture decisions.

The Logs

Deep dives into AI, philosophy, neurodivergence, and systems architecture. I write the way I think - in patterns, metaphors, and first principles. A digital lab notebook from 25+ years of building.

Fractional CTO

Strategic technical leadership for small teams navigating AI adoption, architecture decisions, and technology roadmaps. I've sat in the CEO, COO, and CMO chairs.

Web Development

Legacy modernization, custom platforms, email marketing systems, and affiliate monetization strategies.

Browse The Logs FCTO & Business Services Developer Services See Transparent Pricing

Proven Results

23+

Years Leading HawaiiGuide

15M

Annual Visitors

200K+

Email Subscribers Built

3M+

Software Downloads

Our Ventures

The businesses Victoria and I build and operate full-time

HawaiiGuide

Editor-in-Chief • Est. 2002

Hawaii's top independent travel guide. 15M+ annual visitors, 200K+ subscribers.

hawaiiguide.com →

GuideofUS

President • Parent Company

Parent entity managing our family of digital publications and platforms.

guideofus.com →

Garden & Bloom

Co-Founder (with Victoria)

Gardening and home lifestyle publication. Growing techniques, garden design, and sustainable practices.

gardenandbloom.com →

GroveTop Studio

Founder • Creative Studio

Photography, design, and digital media production across all our ventures.

grovetop.com →

SoilWrangler

Co-Founder • Regenerative Gardening

Family-run regenerative gardening shop. Soil amendments and pure red wigglers, shipped nationwide.

soilwrangler.com →

CritterCute

Co-Founder • Art & Animals

Creative work celebrating the unique personalities of every creature, born from a lifelong love of animals.

crittercute.com →

See All Ventures →

New Guide

Escape Your Legacy CMS

Stop paying $300-$5,000+/year for hosting and plugins. My step-by-step guide walks you through migrating to a free, lightning-fast static site - no coding required.

Read the Full Guide - Free

Keep Reading, or Let's Work Together

The Logs are where the thinking happens. If you're a business that needs a Fractional CTO or web developer, I do that too - reach out to Victoria below.

Read The Logs

Victoria is my business partner and wife. She handles client coordination so I can focus on delivering exceptional results.