Seth Godin writes Why ask why? and calls “Why?” “the most important question”. I think Seth Godin is an insightful marketer and I love reading anything by him, but on this I disagree. “Why?” is quicksand. The word has inertia built-in to it; it lacks its own forward momentum. It focuses attention on the problem; focus… Continue reading Avoid "Why?"
Stars Have No Minds?
An article by Matthew Francis over at Ars Techica contains one idea so seemingly self-evident as to be boringly uncontroversial: “stars have no minds”. … Science has given us scientific method, a terrific protocol to ferret out fact from fiction when describing our physical universe. Problems arise, however, when scientists throw around statements that scientific… Continue reading Stars Have No Minds?
Time to Retire "Hypocrite"
I bet you never called someone a hypocrite and ended that exchange with an increased closeness and respect for each other; the word is filled more with smugness than utility. Accusing another that way gives us a feeling of superiority, but what a hollow feeling. If someone claims to be a certain way, and you… Continue reading Time to Retire "Hypocrite"
Upgrading "Role Model"
The term role model is lacking. It fails to convey its own potency… it sounds passive, belying its real nature. It fails to convey its scope… as if there is a limited number of things one could role model. It comes with a sense of burden: if you are a role model today but not… Continue reading Upgrading "Role Model"
Technologists Need to be Less Satisfied with Technology
Dr. David Gelerntner A lot of convenience and power could be gained, and a lot of unhappiness, irritation and missed opportunities avoided, if the industry thought about design, instead of always making it the last thing on the list. We need more people who are at home in the worlds of art and the humanities… Continue reading Technologists Need to be Less Satisfied with Technology
That skill you don't want to take on is scarce
A quote from Seth Godin’s Blog is stuck with me [emphasis mine]: Learn to produce extraordinary video and multimedia. This is just like writing, but for people who don’t like to read. Even better, be sure to mix this skill with significant tech skills. Yes, you can learn to code. The fact that you don’t… Continue reading That skill you don't want to take on is scarce