Tag Archive for ‘inspiration’ at one little cog

Tag Archive for 'inspiration'

Three Movies to Inspire a Weekend

Published

on November 10, 2008

in Aspirations, Mentions, Unthinkables, fun and weekly inspiration

. 1 Comment

I’m not necessarily talking about really big movies that play a significant role in cinema. I’m just talking about the movies that were likely pretty well known to most kids growing up during the 80s but are probably well-forgotten nowadays. Of course this post isn’t about that but more so just focusing on a thought that crossed my mind the other day about what movies would provoke memories and aspirations of the past — not just a feeling of nostalgia. Sometimes it’s just good to look at how film was imagined then compared to today and how certain movies had an impact on your creativity.

Nothing like The Last Starfighter to focus those aspirations. Sure the movie isn’t that well scripted and the action is not that great — but the idea that one can beat a video game and then end up saving the world? Classic. Yes I know there is Tron as well, but that’s older and well — more like a subtle political commentary.

Of course, who could grow up in the 80s without watching The Goonies? Forget Indiana Jones … this film probably summed up for a generation what it felt like imagining ourselves with friends stepping out on an adventure. Funny thing is that when I watched this as a kid, I always thought the adventure was so much grander. I must’ve been thinking of a totally different movie or my perspective was messed up. Either way — whether it’s your time, my time, their time — this is a good waste of an hour or so.

Lastly for the weekend, I’d say *batteries not included where an old diner manages to survive the redevelopment of an area with the help of the tenants of the building and some extraterrestrial beings — no E.T. was not here.

**********

Okay okay, so if inspiration isn’t what you seek and fighting back is more to your style then I’d recommend The Warriors. A gang in New York has to fight their way back home after being framed for the murder of the leader of another much more powerful gang. It’s all about survival.

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This Week’s Dose of Inspiration - 20080928

Published

Ehren

on September 28, 2008

in Mentions, Ponderings and weekly inspiration

. 1 Comment

Of all the week’s that have come and gone — the past week could probably be ranked as one of the most turbulent and toughest for me simply because of daily circumstances that are beyond my control. My week just wouldn’t be fulfilled without a few drops (or waves) of inspiration.

I use a lot of different content management systems these days. However, I use Wordpress … a lot. I remember my first step into publishing a webpage, oh … way back when HTML pages with everything centered on to the page were prominent. One of the things I always wanted was an online publishing system that would be simple enough for anyone to make use of (without requiring a substantial amount of technical expertise) but also allow for people to customize the way it worked and presented content. Over 10 years or so, I’ve had the opportunity to see so many types of content management systems spring up but it has really been the idea of a blog and the Wordpress platform that has had such an enormous impact on the way we communicate. I was just surfing around and happened to notice a video that Matt Mullenweg had posted on his blog.

I like Wordpress

Going off topic for a second — I often remind friends and family that everyone’s selling something out there whether it may be an idea or a more tangible item like a product. What I like to ask myself is whether or not the idea or product has created a ripple effect in the world that will help others. It’s easy to believe that something we create will change the world, but what’s the impact of that change? How does that genuinely help others?

Back to the video that Matt had posted — an introduction to Glenda Watson Hyatt, The Left Thumb Blogger. It’s good to see the genuine impact of those many small yet substantial steps that the many people involved with Open Source initiatives and Wordpress, have made. It’s inspiring to see the opportunities that people around the world have created together for others.

Could My Spine Tell a Story Like That?

Nina Katchadourian’s storytelling via book spines was quite a fascinating discovery via twitter. I know of book covers for series tend to carry a design that cross references the different individual titles but I wonder if marketing departments will ever try to tie together the copy on book spines in a manner that can summarize the plot or topic? The different

I’ll have to try one myself sometime when I can figure out how to work in the overwhelming number of books I own by Gordon Korman and John Steinbeck.

Everyone can be a Hero

I grew up watching cartoons (like many kids in North America have) and the idea of heroism. Although one of my favourites continues to be Osmosis Jones, a white blood cell.

Fun and humour aside, a very important talk that everyone should really watch is one by Philip Zimbardo who led the Stanford Prison Experiment. I should warn that there are some pretty graphic scenes in this talk (below) so it may not be suitable for everyone. While Zimbardo emphasizes that it is the “system” that is flawed and that to prevent future atrocities, we need to inspire future generations to strive to become the everyday hero sans the super abilities and power; I think we need to accept the fact that what we do isn’t always good or bad but rather can often be both good and bad depending on how we look at the consequences and impact. Sometimes we are being influenced and other times we are influencing — I think the following quote summarizes how we should potentially make a decision:

“Do not accept anything by mere tradition. Do not accept anything just because it accords with your scriptures. Do not accept anything because it agrees with your opinions or because it is socially acceptable. Do not accept anything because it comes from the mouth of a respected person. Rather, observe closely and if it is to the benefit of all, accept and abide by it.” - The Buddha to the Kalama People

One of the possible outcomes of inspiring children to become everyday heroes is potentially an eventual change in the way we do business. There are still so many products out there and the goal has always continued to be sell, sell and sell. In my opinion, we need to do better than that — something greater.

Another Commencement Speech

I had no idea who David Foster Wallace was until Avinash Kaushik pointed out Wallace’s commencement speech at Kenyon College in 2005 on learning not just how to think, but learning how to control how you think.

“The really important kind of freedom involves attention and awareness and discipline, and being able truly to care about other people and to sacrifice for them over and over in myriad petty, unsexy ways every day.” — David Foster Wallace

Whew! That was quite a bit, but I guess makes up for the past couple of weeks when I wasn’t around.

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This Week’s Worth of Inspiration

Published

Ehren

on August 19, 2008

in Interests, blogging, fun and weekly inspiration

. 0 Comments

I’m back from my vacation — sort of. For two weeks on the road, I’ve had plenty of time to ponder and take photographs. In fact, I took over 3000 photographs and now I’m sorting them out so I won’t talk about my adventure on the road yet.

In the meanwhile, I thought I’d post a few things that have really inspired me this week as I struggle to catch up with the two weeks worth of work and decision making that I have on my desk and the top of my mind respectively.

Know Your Math … or not

My dad used to tell me that no matter what you do, where you go, and how you live; you will need math. It was decided then that he would teach me algebra while I was in grade one while all my peers were out playing outdoors. I sucked at math. I still suck at math. But only closer examination, I am primarily bad at arithmetic. Algebra and word problems are no problem! Thank you calculator! Nevertheless as I got further into coding, I gained a greater appreciation for mathematics and the beauty of the mathematical equation and formula. Actually I probably prefer them over chemical formulas. This talk by Robert Lang was stunning and as a fan of origami myself (I enjoy folding action origami frogs), Lang’s illustration of the intimate connection between mathematics, design and origami is brilliant.

Living life in a Carnival

I’ve been to a few carnivals — typically big city ones. I’ve never been to small town carnivals and I’ve never thought about joining the carnival and working the circuit but Globe and Mail’s feature, The Long Summer by Charla Jones, on life in the Carnival, a fading way of life, brought me that much closer to it. It wasn’t the typical article in the newspaper — it was much more than that and for that, I have to applaud Jones and the G&M.

Actions vs. Politics

If it’s one thing that reminds me of working in government, it is the lack of action. There’s nothing bad about it because that is the nature of government, civil service, and hammering out a policy that works for as many stakeholders as possible. But you need patience and a heck of a lot of it. Other times you have to tip toe around sensitive issues — even in businesses. George Ayittey reminds me of how bureaucracy and the reluctance to leap into action — sometimes even corruption, can create disillusion and discontent.

I am reminded of what a number of my friends and colleagues strive for: Get the job done and get it done right.

Connect the Pics

Lastly I had just had to share this because I love photography. David Griffin talks about how photography connects us to our world and how photos can help resolve or identify issues. I particularly liked how he pointed out that amateur photography is now playing a greater role.

Lastly this week, I am inspired by Blog Action Day — coming October 15th when bloggers all around the world are encouraged to examine the issue of poverty from their own perspective. What better way is there for individuals to attempt to tackle a problem that affects so many people, than to begin with looking at the world around themselves and each other.

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This Week’s Dose of Inspiration

Published

Ehren

on July 26, 2008

in Interests, fun and weekly inspiration

. 1 Comment

I believe that we all strive to achieve something on a greater (not necessarily higher) level every day. Whether we are on vacation, dragging ourselves to work, or contemplating why we find ourselves in class every day — there is a common goal. We all want to do something else … something greater.

The unfortunate aspect of this daily life is that it’s tough to see the end of the path or the finish line. That’s because one path typically leads right into another. I think I still wonder every so often how I went from studying bio-medical science to developing online marketing strategy for a book publisher. Everything else is pretty much a blur. If you had asked me what I’d be doing 9 years ago when I was a university student, I never would have guessed that this is where I’d end up. I guess I just fell into it — and I am quite happy about it.

With the exception of my addiction to IRC (Internet Relay Chat) back in high school, never have I felt so connected to so many people around the world until a few years ago — and never have I felt so strongly about challenging the way we live our daily lives and do business from day-to-day — and I am quite happy about that too.

Over the past two years, I’ve had a great friend who works in the same area as I do. We typically share ideas and thoughts on overcoming the problems and issues we face — in addition to simply venting frustration at times. Unfortunately for me, she’ll be going back to school — yesterday was her last day. The funny thing about the connection between my friend and I was that our problems were shared. Similarly, my approach to work in the office is that everything is technically a “shared responsibility”. If my colleagues have a problem — that’s my problem too.

When the people around you who work become less optimistic, enthusiastic, and energetic than you are — then it’s up to you pull them back up if you can. Just try. It happened a couple of days ago to me. What I discovered was that there are two types of optimism:

Those who wield an optimistic energy about life from day to day.

And those who are hopeful.

I think I’m the latter type because I go into work everyday grumbling — but I see the horizon. To work, I need inspiration. I don’t wait for something to inspire me — I seek them out. This week was jam-packed with people and projects that provide me with inspiration. My friends and colleagues really liked what I sent around so I figure I’ll try and provide a weekly compilation of what has inspired me from now on. Maybe it’ll provide that necessary dose of inspiration to someone else in the world.

Don’t worry — next time, I’ll do less talking (or writing).

Unfortunately until I read the Globe and Mail the other day, I did not know who Randy Pausch was — but after watching his Last Lecture — I got a glimpse into what he believed in. It’s a long lecture but very worthwhile to watch — especially with references to the Alice project and “head fakes”.

Chris Abani’s stories revolving around the topic of humanity are immensely powerful and touching.

And Jonathan Harris’ work with stories is purely inspirational and soulful. But you definitely should see WeFeelFine.org for yourself.

Lastly, I am inspired by twitter. I know the conversations are tiny — heck we’re limited by 140 characters, but it really helps to force us to be as concise and to-the-point as ever when we talk with one another. To read these concise statements, questions or exclamations from so many people around the world continues to inspire me — this includes those who permit me to listen to them and those who are listening and responding to me. I would not learn the tremendous amount of what I learn on a daily basis without you.

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Ditch That Same Old Plan

Published

Ehren

on July 24, 2008

in Aspirations, Ponderings and marketing

. 2 Comments

I’ve noticed that a growing number of companies are seeking online marketers — and generally, they are looking for someone who will lead them in the right direction. Funny thing is that they’ll ask for an assistant or coordinator to take them in the direction. After speaking with some fellow online marketers, we came to the conclusion that there is a consistent battle between online marketing initiatives and the ironically persistent perception that traditional marketing creates more progress and sales.

The Problem

This mistake in perception is caused by the poor awareness and misunderstanding of the fact that online marketing requires time and patience more than anything to develop for success. It is the act of reaching out to the customer as opposed to trying to shout at them via an advertisement.

Photograph by Cosmic Kitty

The Circumstances

One of the biggest obstacles to adopting a new approach to marketing is the fact that the traditional business model is still running. What’s more of a challenge is the fact that employees tend to receive double to quadruple the workload because the company is in transition.

The problem with this approach is that unless a business is willing to take on more employees, the workload exponentially increases. Unlike traditional marketing is generally where you promote, advertise and forget, online marketing is about listening and changing. This requires employees to constantly monitor the campaign and make the appropriate changes that suit the visitors or potential customer. Take this idea and multiply that by the number of products or marketing campaigns you are launching. There’s that looming pile of work that will crush your employees.

Forgetting about Tie-Ins or Letting them Pass

The more amusing aspect to marketing departments is that despite the awareness and understanding that print advertising no longer works the way it used to, we continue to pour money into it with no way of measuring some form of success and return. Online marketing very often gets the snubbed because it is viewed as the “new” way of doing things and since it is still “growing up”, traditional advertising is still the best way to get the word out there about the product. Let’s put it this way with some simple context:

If you set up an ad, how do you know if it is effective?

Set up an ad that contains a URL to your product, you can then determine some level of response to your ad by measuring your website statistics. No one is claiming this is 100% accurate, but it does provide an idea. The larger companies definitely grasp this, but it appears there are still too many medium-sized and small businesses that don’t. The concept is so simple, yet marketing departments let it fall through their grasp.

Don’t sell, Just Inspire

Selling will not sell anymore. As I’ve said to clients, my employer, authors, friends, colleagues, and so many others:

Why should I care about your product? Why would I take two minutes of my life to look at what you have to offer? Would I even find this worthwhile enough to share with friends and family? What am I going to do once I look at it?

One problem with so many products are that they simply exist for people to consume. They don’t offer something greater — simple inspiration. Products just aren’t prepared with inspiration in mind and when the time arrives to prepare a marketing campaign for it, there just isn’t anything to inspire with.

As an example: Check out what this guy thinks of Koodo Mobile.

What Happens?

That same old plan. Promotions with retailers. Flyers mailed out. Press releases sent out. Mass emails sent off. Include in newsletters. Pitch to television station producers. Corporate sales. Government contracts. I can keep going.

Why?

Because we are comfortable with what is here and now. We like to believe and feel that when we buy advertising space in a newspaper, that people actually pay attention to it; remember it; and will potentially go out and buy it. When we think about how many thoughts go through someone’s mind per day, let alone per minute — that is an incredibly selfish perspective. If we want people to think about the product we’re trying to promote, we better damn well have something worthwhile to say about it.

Show some respect! Do you like it when someone’s yelling into your ear constantly about nothing worthwhile?

Photograph by gwaar

How?

Michael T. Kanazawa stated in the best manner possible in his recent manifesto on change. Do more on less. NOT do more with less. Focus on marketing fewer products. Ditch the rest that just aren’t up to par.

To businesses, managers, and leaders who are reluctant in putting resources into online marketing initiatives or continue to perpetuate that same old plan, I challenge you to let go of it and develop a unique, innovative, and inspiring campaign for each of your products. If you or your staff aren’t inspired by your products to inspire others, then I’d say you need a new product.

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Drawing Direction from We the Robots

Published

Ehren

on March 16, 2008

in Ponderings, fun, philosophy and politics

. 0 Comments

I thought I’d share this little strip from an excellent comic — We the Robots — that I ran across during my occasional visit to the Animation Show website. I’ve been eager to check out Animation Show 3 (still in progress…)!

Art is a funny thing and from art we draw expression, inspiration, emotion, and ideas. Has there ever been such a thing as art that was wrong or right?

Similarly do we all have a right or wrong way to learn? I think we’re still stuck in a hole when it comes to education. Still stuck on grades. Still stuck on how things we think should be done rather than how things can be done. The common argument that grades are the only effective method of measuring success is overused and out of date.

The amount of information and knowledge out there continues to increase at an insanely exponential rate yet we insist that children follow a rigid method of learning that is based off of the major section of a bell curve whom receive the excellent marks. The smaller sections outside of majority manage to keep up somewhat but are they able to utilize their potential? We are not helping generation after generation of kids by defining them through IQ, EQ or whatever measurement we like to apply on to a person. You may refer to my belief as too holistic but I think in order to really determine the potential of a person, don’t we have to really get to know them?

Chris Harding the creator of We the Robots had posted this on a recent blog post that I wanted to share. I’d recommend reading the introduction to We the Robots for more fun!

By Chris Harding

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