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                        <id>https://selvinortiz.com/feed</id>
                                <link href="https://selvinortiz.com/feed" rel="self"></link>
                                <title><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></title>
                                <logo>https://selvinortiz.com/static/selvinortiz.jpg</logo>
                                <subtitle>I’m Selvin, a Software Engineer and Content Creator. I help entrepreneurs like you turn your expertise into lucrative revenue streams through digital products, online courses, and  upskilling.</subtitle>
                                                    <updated>2025-10-16T02:33:23+00:00</updated>
                        <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Rediscovering Guatemala After 25 Years]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/rediscovering-guatemala-after-25-years" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/25</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[After 25 years, I returned to Guatemala with my family. Between embassy meetings, coding sessions, and long overdue hugs, I rediscovered the place I still call home with a few surprises along the way.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2025-10-16T02:33:23+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[3 Common Sales Mistakes Small Businesses Make]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/3-common-sales-mistakes-small-businesses-make" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/24</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Learn how to boost your small business sales by avoiding three common marketing mistakes: overcomplicated messaging, choice overload, and generic branding. Practical fixes included.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2025-02-07T18:40:53+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Reflecting on 2024]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/reflecting-on-2024" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/22</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[2024 was a year of challenges and growth. Despite setbacks, I prioritized family, health, and career while pursuing two passion projects: Parchaser, a networking app for golfers, and Raw Milk App, a platform for coordinating raw milk pickups. Both projects are launching in 2025, with a focus on sustainable growth alongside my full-time job. Read on for insights into personal growth, faith, and building innovative tools.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2025-01-03T04:56:28+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[How to Write Effective Code Comments]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/how-to-write-effective-code-comments" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/19</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Writing clear and effective code comments is a crucial aspect of software development. This article explores the anatomy of great code comments, providing insights into when to write comments, common mistakes to avoid, and the lasting benefits of well-documented code.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-06T18:25:38+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[5 Practical and Easy Tips to Shine on Camera]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/5-practical-and-easy-tips-to-shine-on-camera" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/1</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Five practical and easy tips to improve your on-camera presence and create must-watch videos. Whether you're a seasoned YouTuber or just starting out on LinkedIn or TikTok, these actionable techniques will help you communicate more effectively and engage your audience like never before!]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T05:26:57+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[From Janky to Buttery Smooth Scrolling]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/from-janky-to-buttery-smooth-scrolling" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/2</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Learn how to make scrolling on your computer smooth and enjoyable, whether you're using a Mac or Windows. This blog post breaks down simple steps to get that silky scroll with Logitech Options+ for Logitech device users and introduces SmoothScroll, a free, easy-to-customize tool that works wonders. For website owners, I share quick fixes to ensure your site scrolls nicely, making visits better for everyone.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T05:32:41+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[BEST Microphones for YouTube Creators and Podcasters]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/best-microphones-for-youtube-creators-and-podcasters" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/3</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[This article serves as an essential guide for YouTube creators seeking to enhance their audio quality with the best microphones available. It covers a range of microphones suitable for various content creation needs, from vlogging and podcasting to interviews and cinematic filmmaking. Notable mentions include the compact Rode VideoMicro, the studio-quality Rode NT1, the broadcast-standard Shure SM7B, and the versatile Audio-Technica AT875R. Also highlighted is the Blue Yeti, renowned for its popularity among ASMR artists due to its exceptional sound quality. Whether you're recording in a studio, outdoors, or on the move, this guide helps you select the perfect microphone to elevate your YouTube content.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T05:37:24+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[A Developer’s Guide to Bouncing Back After a Layoff]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/a-developers-guide-to-bouncing-back-after-a-layoff" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/4</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Explore effective strategies for navigating the emotional and practical challenges of a layoff in the tech industry. Learn how to manage your finances, enhance your skills with online resources, and use personal branding to bounce back stronger. This guide provides actionable advice for developers facing uncertain times.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T06:18:42+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Passwordless Authentication]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/passwordless-authentication" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/5</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Ditch the password fatigue with our deep dive into the world of passwordless authentication! Discover how cutting-edge technologies like biometrics and cryptographic keys are setting the stage for a future where remembering complex passwords is obsolete. Learn about the dramatic impact on cybersecurity, the seamless user experience it promises, and the potential pitfalls you should be aware of. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or concerned about online security, this guide illuminates the path towards a safer, simpler digital life.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T05:30:19+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[How Web Development Will Change in 2024 and Why Your Personal Brand Matters]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/how-web-development-will-change-in-2024-and-why-your-personal-brand-matters" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/6</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Explore how web development is set to change in 2024 with emerging trends like AI, low-code/no-code platforms, and the growing emphasis on personal branding. This post offers actionable insights for developers and tech enthusiasts to navigate the future landscape, enhance their skills, and build a strong personal brand for career growth and entrepreneurial success.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T06:24:43+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Tax Tips for Content Creators and Social Media Influencers]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/tax-tips-for-content-creators-and-social-media-influencers" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/7</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Discover essential tax tips tailored for digital creators and influencers. Learn how to navigate self-employment taxes, maximize deductions, and organize your finances to save money and avoid penalties. Perfect for anyone earning through content creation, this guide demystifies tax season with practical advice and professional insights.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T06:27:52+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Essential Guide to Crafting a UGC Contract for Content Creators]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/essential-guide-to-crafting-a-ugc-contract-for-content-creators" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/8</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[This guide provides a detailed overview of the essential components of a User-Generated Content (UGC) contract, offering insights into what content creators should include to protect their rights and interests when collaborating with brands.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T06:29:43+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Character Consistency in Visual Storytelling with ChatGPT]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/character-consistency-in-visual-storytelling-with-chatgpt" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/9</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[This article presents a simple technique to achieve character consistency across various scenes in your books or illustrations using ChatGPT. This guide zeroes in on common hurdles of visual storytelling—like maintaining uniformity in character depiction—and introduces a streamlined technique for crafting vivid, consistent characters through AI-generated imagery. And yes, it also works with Midjourney.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T05:35:28+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Effective AI Prompt Writing Using the ROCSE Framework]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/effective-ai-prompt-writing-using-the-rocse-framework" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/10</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Discover the power of the ROCSE framework in AI prompt writing, bridging human creativity with AI's generative capabilities. This article delves into the intricacies of crafting effective prompts to guide AI models efficiently. Learn how to define roles, objectives, context, style, and extras to optimize AI-generated content across various domains, from storytelling to educational content and digital art.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T05:38:57+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[A Gentle Introduction to Generative AI]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/a-gentle-introduction-to-generative-ai" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/11</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[This article offers an in-depth look into generative artificial intelligence (AI), starting from its inception to its current capabilities, including the groundbreaking GPT architecture. It introduces readers to ChatGPT, showcasing its practical applications through real-world examples and provides a curated list of resources and communities for those looking to dive deeper into AI and prompt writing. This guide aims to empower readers with knowledge and tools to explore the possibilities of generative AI.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-04-30T06:34:50+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Providing Great Feedback with Clarity, Timeliness, and Empathy]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/providing-great-feedback-with-clarity-timeliness-and-empathy" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/12</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Feedback is a crucial element in personal and professional growth. This article explores the importance of providing feedback that is clear, timely, and empathetic. By mastering these elements, you can contribute significantly to others' development and create a positive, productive environment.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T03:52:08+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[7 Essential Strategies for Boosting Productivity When Working from Home]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/7-essential-strategies-for-boosting-productivity-when-working-from-home" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/13</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[This article provides seven practical strategies, drawn from 12 years of experience, for enhancing productivity and maintaining a healthy work-life balance when working from home. It covers aspects from setting up a dedicated workspace to the importance of well-structured routines and communication.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T03:57:20+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[A Proven Strategy for Fostering Team Health and Efficiency]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/a-proven-strategy-for-fostering-team-health-and-efficiency" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/14</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Let's explore effective practices for nurturing a healthy team dynamic. Discover how focusing on individual well-being, clear communication, and strategic collaboration can significantly impact team morale, efficiency, and overall performance.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T03:59:17+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Avoiding Timezone Headaches in Laravel]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/avoiding-timezone-headaches-in-laravel" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/15</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Tired of timezone issues in your Laravel projects? This article cuts through the complexity, offering straightforward strategies for managing timezones with Laravel's Carbon library. Learn to easily navigate daylight savings time and user timezone ambiguities, ensuring your app runs smoothly across all regions.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T04:01:04+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Demystifying Array Traversal with Dot Notation in PHP]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/demystifying-array-traversal-with-dot-notation-in-php" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/16</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Explore a fun way to do PHP array traversal using dot notation. This guide 'Demystifying Array Traversal with Dot Notation in PHP' delves into the art of accessing array elements more intuitively. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned developers, this article shows the simplicity and efficiency of dot notation in PHP.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T04:02:50+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[7 Underutilized Features in Modern PHP that Can Elevate Your Coding Game]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/7-underutilized-features-in-modern-php-that-can-elevate-your-coding-game" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/17</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Discover the hidden potential of modern PHP in this article where we explore five underutilized features that can enhance your coding game. Dive into the world of Generators, the Null Coalescing Operator, Typed Properties, Anonymous Classes, and Attributes to enhance efficiency, readability, and functionality in PHP development. Perfect for PHP developers looking to level up thei skills.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T04:04:40+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
            <entry>
            <title><![CDATA[Embarking on a New Journey Exploring the Depths of Software Development]]></title>
            <link rel="alternate" href="https://selvinortiz.com/blog/embarking-on-a-new-journey-exploring-the-depths-of-software-development" />
            <id>https://selvinortiz.com/18</id>
            <author>
                <name><![CDATA[Selvin Ortiz]]></name>
                <email><![CDATA[heyselvin@gmail.com]]></email>

            </author>
            <summary type="html">
                <![CDATA[Join me on a new blogging journey as I dive into Laravel, Craft CMS, and the dynamic world of software development, with a focus on AI. With over two decades of experience, I'm excited to share insights, explore Generative AI advancements, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at my latest projects in AI-powered guest services.]]>
            </summary>
                                    <updated>2024-05-01T04:05:44+00:00</updated>
        </entry>
    </feed>
