Practical idealism
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
where does one go to share ideas and make a difference?
I think more and more, the Internet is becoming a part of people's daily lives. Personally, I'm 27 and I don't read many magazines anymore; I use Google. I would think the Internet has the most diverse crowd of any people actually. But then again, a lot of people don't know about too much of it. If it's not AOL or MySpace that is. I dunno, but I fully believe we moving into the digital age even more so than we are now. Jeremy Falcon
The worst thing about Google and the internet in general is that many people have come to believe that all the information they need is accessible that way. It's not. Not even close. Most of the really good stuff is still hidden away on paper, microfiche, in private databases etc. I'm lucky - my brother is a librarian for a large metropolitan library system. He has access to fee-based information and databases that aren't publicly available and hold an astounding amount of stuff. Librarians are still the best people for accessing information. Cheers, Drew.
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
where does one go to share ideas and make a difference?
The only viable answer at this point is Canada.
"Why don't you tie a kerosene-soaked rag around your ankles so the ants won't climb up and eat your candy ass..." - Dale Earnhardt, 1997
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"...the staggering layers of obscenity in your statement make it a work of art on so many levels." - Jason Jystad, 10/26/2001 -
Given that my perspective spans many decades at this point, I remember a time when American society was fascinated with the pursuit of higher ideals, and people on the streets sought out a more benevolent and fun atmosphere in their lives. It was cool and trendy to be happy, fun loving, silly, a bit irreverent. It was by no means a perfect period in our history, and a lot of the idealism was hopelessly naive and unrealistic. Nonetheless, people wanted to be positive and happy, not angry, edgy and fatalistic, and that was reflected in our culture as a whole. I'm not content to accept the current pop culture "dark and dismal" assessment of the future and present. I think to a large degree you pretty much find what you look for in life. Not surprisingly, I prefer to look for something better, and I usually find it. I think American culture has become morose, apathetic, cynical and pessimistic, which isn’t likely to bring about anything beneficial to those who think that way. I just don't think that's the way it has to be. So, in my writing and speaking, I've decided to do something about it. And here's where I could really use some insights, particularly from those of you who are under 40. It's my personal conviction that pretty much anyone would be interested in things that would lead to a happier and more enjoyable life, they just don’t know where to look or what to do. I also suspect that many in these last couple of generations aren't wild about the whole "dark and dismal" thing. I think we can be far greater than what we are, both as individuals and as a society, and I have specific ideas on how to do just that. Not 60s / 70s, hippie dippie, "all you need is love, yeah, yeah, yeah" platitudes that sound great but don't work in the real world. Practical stuff that anyone can put into practice. The problem is reaching the people. These days, all media, including the Internet, is massively segmented. My intention is to reach a broad range of people, because I think most folks really wish things could be better. However, there are no "everyone" radio stations to do interviews on, no "everyone" magazines to write for, or "everyone" web sites to hang out on. It’s all special interest groups who only want to talk about that one thing. In our current society, there aren’t much in the way of special interest groups for what I’m trying to do. That stuff faded out with the hippies. How then does one go about getting something useful in front of a diverse American audience? And especially those 20 and 30 somethin
Christopher Duncan wrote:
How then does one go about getting something useful in front of a diverse American audience?
I think you just did. ;)
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I agree, the Internet is a great place to provide information. However, it's just as fragmented, or more so, than the traditional media. Where on the Internet would a person go to read about or discuss this kind of thing? I'm at a loss for what the appropriate "special interest groups" would be. Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Christopher Duncan wrote:
Where on the Internet would a person go to read about or discuss this kind of thing?
www.happy.com ;) "...a photo album is like Life, but flat and stuck to pages." - Shog9
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Given that my perspective spans many decades at this point, I remember a time when American society was fascinated with the pursuit of higher ideals, and people on the streets sought out a more benevolent and fun atmosphere in their lives. It was cool and trendy to be happy, fun loving, silly, a bit irreverent. It was by no means a perfect period in our history, and a lot of the idealism was hopelessly naive and unrealistic. Nonetheless, people wanted to be positive and happy, not angry, edgy and fatalistic, and that was reflected in our culture as a whole. I'm not content to accept the current pop culture "dark and dismal" assessment of the future and present. I think to a large degree you pretty much find what you look for in life. Not surprisingly, I prefer to look for something better, and I usually find it. I think American culture has become morose, apathetic, cynical and pessimistic, which isn’t likely to bring about anything beneficial to those who think that way. I just don't think that's the way it has to be. So, in my writing and speaking, I've decided to do something about it. And here's where I could really use some insights, particularly from those of you who are under 40. It's my personal conviction that pretty much anyone would be interested in things that would lead to a happier and more enjoyable life, they just don’t know where to look or what to do. I also suspect that many in these last couple of generations aren't wild about the whole "dark and dismal" thing. I think we can be far greater than what we are, both as individuals and as a society, and I have specific ideas on how to do just that. Not 60s / 70s, hippie dippie, "all you need is love, yeah, yeah, yeah" platitudes that sound great but don't work in the real world. Practical stuff that anyone can put into practice. The problem is reaching the people. These days, all media, including the Internet, is massively segmented. My intention is to reach a broad range of people, because I think most folks really wish things could be better. However, there are no "everyone" radio stations to do interviews on, no "everyone" magazines to write for, or "everyone" web sites to hang out on. It’s all special interest groups who only want to talk about that one thing. In our current society, there aren’t much in the way of special interest groups for what I’m trying to do. That stuff faded out with the hippies. How then does one go about getting something useful in front of a diverse American audience? And especially those 20 and 30 somethin
Hi Christopher, I'll offer my humble suggestions for reaching audiences of varying taret ages (didn't have time to read all of the responses you received- only spot checked a few, so sorry if any of this is repetitive): I suggest a multi-prong approach. Write a book. No I'm not kidding. That exposure would lead you to the Barnes And Noble and Borders crowds. And if the title/topic is catchy enough, the morning talk show crowds might pull you in (Good Morning America, the Today Show, erc, always seem to have the "latest" author on) You'd catch the I-don't-want-to-leave-for-work-yet crowd (me ;) and the housewife/househusband crowd (pls don't judge me for watching those shows- my brain is just too sleepy at that time for hard core news) Become a part-time motivational speaker. High schools are always looking for inexpensive speakers. If you are charismatic, the teens may actually listen instead of text msging one another. This is easier if you have a published paper or book to show the school's guidance counsellor, in order to give your message validity (so (s)he can easily see what msg you will be providing to the students). Start a web site. Might catch on, if the keywords eventually bubble up into something google would display. Coffee Houses- discussions often take place there, or sometimes authors/poets may read their stuff. Offer some gimmick (not sure how this would be done)... a podcast that could be downloaded from your website, or first fifty to respond (in a positive manner) to some chat or bb on your website receives a pencil/mug/t-shirt with your catch phrase (that I'm sure you'll come up with soon) ;) on it. And as another poster said, your positive msg may not be well received by the goth crowd for instance... they want to be pessimistic as their schtick. The goth fad may fade but there will probably be another similar one to replace it. I think your idea is a lovely one, and I hope you pursue your idea of spreading optimism. Best of luck. blueSprite:rose:
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Some very good points.
Mircea Grelus wrote:
As someone before said this is happenning not only in US, but in the rest of the world as well.
Very true. However, there are so many different countries in the world I couldn't possibly begin to suggest change that would be appropriate for every culture. Consequently, I decided long ago that the best way for me to promote positive change globally is to improve the only society that I have any understanding of - my own. I figure that a more benevolent America benefits not only Americans but is a better thing from a global perspective as well. Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Christopher Duncan wrote:
I decided long ago that the best way for me to promote positive change globally is to improve the only society that I have any understanding of - my own.
I agree with you. And I'm sure that there's lots of people you can influence in better. What I was trying to point out was that people didn't choose this way. They were forced into it. Of course you will be able to reach to many people and that would be good, but there are some that you don't have any chance unless others get involved. Everything has a start so I wish you best of luck in your efforts.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
I figure that a more benevolent America benefits not only Americans but is a better thing from a global perspective as well
Sure can. Role models we need. (The good ones that is) regards, Mircea Many people spend their life going to sleep when they’re not sleepy and waking up while they still are.
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Hi Christopher, I'll offer my humble suggestions for reaching audiences of varying taret ages (didn't have time to read all of the responses you received- only spot checked a few, so sorry if any of this is repetitive): I suggest a multi-prong approach. Write a book. No I'm not kidding. That exposure would lead you to the Barnes And Noble and Borders crowds. And if the title/topic is catchy enough, the morning talk show crowds might pull you in (Good Morning America, the Today Show, erc, always seem to have the "latest" author on) You'd catch the I-don't-want-to-leave-for-work-yet crowd (me ;) and the housewife/househusband crowd (pls don't judge me for watching those shows- my brain is just too sleepy at that time for hard core news) Become a part-time motivational speaker. High schools are always looking for inexpensive speakers. If you are charismatic, the teens may actually listen instead of text msging one another. This is easier if you have a published paper or book to show the school's guidance counsellor, in order to give your message validity (so (s)he can easily see what msg you will be providing to the students). Start a web site. Might catch on, if the keywords eventually bubble up into something google would display. Coffee Houses- discussions often take place there, or sometimes authors/poets may read their stuff. Offer some gimmick (not sure how this would be done)... a podcast that could be downloaded from your website, or first fifty to respond (in a positive manner) to some chat or bb on your website receives a pencil/mug/t-shirt with your catch phrase (that I'm sure you'll come up with soon) ;) on it. And as another poster said, your positive msg may not be well received by the goth crowd for instance... they want to be pessimistic as their schtick. The goth fad may fade but there will probably be another similar one to replace it. I think your idea is a lovely one, and I hope you pursue your idea of spreading optimism. Best of luck. blueSprite:rose:
Thanks for all of the in depth ideas. You're right about the books, speaking, podcasts, etc., and in fact much of this conversation is preparation in conjunction with the next book I'm working on. My first two books were tech / business oriented, and the demographics on that are more obvious. The demographics for this book and speaking campaign are a bit more difficult to pin down. When you write a book, by and large the publishers and bookstores don't promote it for you. That falls to the author, as does things like booking talk shows, the radio interviews I've done, etc. Publishers will do press releases and send review copies, but in depth promotion is the responsibility of the author. In short, when you write a book, it's important to know who your market is and how to get in front of them, which is the groundwork I'm doing now. This would have been much easier in the 60s. :) Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Hi Christopher, I'll offer my humble suggestions for reaching audiences of varying taret ages (didn't have time to read all of the responses you received- only spot checked a few, so sorry if any of this is repetitive): I suggest a multi-prong approach. Write a book. No I'm not kidding. That exposure would lead you to the Barnes And Noble and Borders crowds. And if the title/topic is catchy enough, the morning talk show crowds might pull you in (Good Morning America, the Today Show, erc, always seem to have the "latest" author on) You'd catch the I-don't-want-to-leave-for-work-yet crowd (me ;) and the housewife/househusband crowd (pls don't judge me for watching those shows- my brain is just too sleepy at that time for hard core news) Become a part-time motivational speaker. High schools are always looking for inexpensive speakers. If you are charismatic, the teens may actually listen instead of text msging one another. This is easier if you have a published paper or book to show the school's guidance counsellor, in order to give your message validity (so (s)he can easily see what msg you will be providing to the students). Start a web site. Might catch on, if the keywords eventually bubble up into something google would display. Coffee Houses- discussions often take place there, or sometimes authors/poets may read their stuff. Offer some gimmick (not sure how this would be done)... a podcast that could be downloaded from your website, or first fifty to respond (in a positive manner) to some chat or bb on your website receives a pencil/mug/t-shirt with your catch phrase (that I'm sure you'll come up with soon) ;) on it. And as another poster said, your positive msg may not be well received by the goth crowd for instance... they want to be pessimistic as their schtick. The goth fad may fade but there will probably be another similar one to replace it. I think your idea is a lovely one, and I hope you pursue your idea of spreading optimism. Best of luck. blueSprite:rose:
blueSprite wrote:
Write a book. No I'm not kidding
He did - Look at his signature. I'm half way through "Unite the Tribes" and it is excellent. Some of it I think is so obvious I'm wondering why I didn't think of it already. Other parts I'm not so sure of, but I'm keeping an open mind (because so many people have told me that TV shows like The Office reflect reality to perfection, yet I'm lucky enough not to have experienced any office like that, so what do I know - So, I'm guessing he has a point but I just don't have a clear frame of reference to pin it against.)
Scottish Developers events: * .NET debugging, tracing and instrumentation by Duncan Edwards Jones and Code Coverage in .NET by Craig Murphy * Developer Day Scotland: are you interested in speaking or attending? My: Website | Blog
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
I decided long ago that the best way for me to promote positive change globally is to improve the only society that I have any understanding of - my own.
I agree with you. And I'm sure that there's lots of people you can influence in better. What I was trying to point out was that people didn't choose this way. They were forced into it. Of course you will be able to reach to many people and that would be good, but there are some that you don't have any chance unless others get involved. Everything has a start so I wish you best of luck in your efforts.
Christopher Duncan wrote:
I figure that a more benevolent America benefits not only Americans but is a better thing from a global perspective as well
Sure can. Role models we need. (The good ones that is) regards, Mircea Many people spend their life going to sleep when they’re not sleepy and waking up while they still are.
Well I'm certainly no saint, but I guess every little bit helps. :) Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
How then does one go about getting something useful in front of a diverse American audience?
I think you just did. ;)
Programmers? Are you kidding??? :-D Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Hi Christopher, I'll offer my humble suggestions for reaching audiences of varying taret ages (didn't have time to read all of the responses you received- only spot checked a few, so sorry if any of this is repetitive): I suggest a multi-prong approach. Write a book. No I'm not kidding. That exposure would lead you to the Barnes And Noble and Borders crowds. And if the title/topic is catchy enough, the morning talk show crowds might pull you in (Good Morning America, the Today Show, erc, always seem to have the "latest" author on) You'd catch the I-don't-want-to-leave-for-work-yet crowd (me ;) and the housewife/househusband crowd (pls don't judge me for watching those shows- my brain is just too sleepy at that time for hard core news) Become a part-time motivational speaker. High schools are always looking for inexpensive speakers. If you are charismatic, the teens may actually listen instead of text msging one another. This is easier if you have a published paper or book to show the school's guidance counsellor, in order to give your message validity (so (s)he can easily see what msg you will be providing to the students). Start a web site. Might catch on, if the keywords eventually bubble up into something google would display. Coffee Houses- discussions often take place there, or sometimes authors/poets may read their stuff. Offer some gimmick (not sure how this would be done)... a podcast that could be downloaded from your website, or first fifty to respond (in a positive manner) to some chat or bb on your website receives a pencil/mug/t-shirt with your catch phrase (that I'm sure you'll come up with soon) ;) on it. And as another poster said, your positive msg may not be well received by the goth crowd for instance... they want to be pessimistic as their schtick. The goth fad may fade but there will probably be another similar one to replace it. I think your idea is a lovely one, and I hope you pursue your idea of spreading optimism. Best of luck. blueSprite:rose:
Now, I'm reading the rest of your post....
blueSprite wrote:
Become a part-time motivational speaker.
blueSprite wrote:
Start a web site.
He's done that: http://www.practicalstrategyconsulting.com/[^]
blueSprite wrote:
a podcast that could be downloaded from your website
There are many here[^] :-D Great minds think alike and all that.
Scottish Developers events: * .NET debugging, tracing and instrumentation by Duncan Edwards Jones and Code Coverage in .NET by Craig Murphy * Developer Day Scotland: are you interested in speaking or attending? My: Website | Blog
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Given that my perspective spans many decades at this point, I remember a time when American society was fascinated with the pursuit of higher ideals, and people on the streets sought out a more benevolent and fun atmosphere in their lives. It was cool and trendy to be happy, fun loving, silly, a bit irreverent. It was by no means a perfect period in our history, and a lot of the idealism was hopelessly naive and unrealistic. Nonetheless, people wanted to be positive and happy, not angry, edgy and fatalistic, and that was reflected in our culture as a whole. I'm not content to accept the current pop culture "dark and dismal" assessment of the future and present. I think to a large degree you pretty much find what you look for in life. Not surprisingly, I prefer to look for something better, and I usually find it. I think American culture has become morose, apathetic, cynical and pessimistic, which isn’t likely to bring about anything beneficial to those who think that way. I just don't think that's the way it has to be. So, in my writing and speaking, I've decided to do something about it. And here's where I could really use some insights, particularly from those of you who are under 40. It's my personal conviction that pretty much anyone would be interested in things that would lead to a happier and more enjoyable life, they just don’t know where to look or what to do. I also suspect that many in these last couple of generations aren't wild about the whole "dark and dismal" thing. I think we can be far greater than what we are, both as individuals and as a society, and I have specific ideas on how to do just that. Not 60s / 70s, hippie dippie, "all you need is love, yeah, yeah, yeah" platitudes that sound great but don't work in the real world. Practical stuff that anyone can put into practice. The problem is reaching the people. These days, all media, including the Internet, is massively segmented. My intention is to reach a broad range of people, because I think most folks really wish things could be better. However, there are no "everyone" radio stations to do interviews on, no "everyone" magazines to write for, or "everyone" web sites to hang out on. It’s all special interest groups who only want to talk about that one thing. In our current society, there aren’t much in the way of special interest groups for what I’m trying to do. That stuff faded out with the hippies. How then does one go about getting something useful in front of a diverse American audience? And especially those 20 and 30 somethin
Late night info-mercials? Todd Smith
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Well I'm certainly no saint, but I guess every little bit helps. :) Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Christopher Duncan wrote:
I'm certainly no saint
Your profile doesn't do much for you in this direction neither.:laugh: regards, Mircea Many people spend their life going to sleep when they’re not sleepy and waking up while they still are.
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Late night info-mercials? Todd Smith
It slices, it dices, it makes Julianne fries in minutes! Only $19.95! :-D Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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It slices, it dices, it makes Julianne fries in minutes! Only $19.95! :-D Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
Set it and forget it! Todd Smith
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blueSprite wrote:
Write a book. No I'm not kidding
He did - Look at his signature. I'm half way through "Unite the Tribes" and it is excellent. Some of it I think is so obvious I'm wondering why I didn't think of it already. Other parts I'm not so sure of, but I'm keeping an open mind (because so many people have told me that TV shows like The Office reflect reality to perfection, yet I'm lucky enough not to have experienced any office like that, so what do I know - So, I'm guessing he has a point but I just don't have a clear frame of reference to pin it against.)
Scottish Developers events: * .NET debugging, tracing and instrumentation by Duncan Edwards Jones and Code Coverage in .NET by Craig Murphy * Developer Day Scotland: are you interested in speaking or attending? My: Website | Blog
Thanks for the kind words, man. As for the parts you're not sure of, remember, I live in America, so you may not have to wade through the degree of corporate BS in Scotland that we do here. :-D In fact, Unite the Tribes is where I learned some things the hard way that prompted this thread. The concepts in Tribes apply to an extremely wide range of careers, and I intentionally wrote it so that the reader could put them to work in any industry, including software. So, I wrote a book that applies to virtually every industry and career type. I thought that would be a really good thing from a marketing point of view since it would mean a really wide market. In fact, surprisingly, it was a huge mistake and created a marketing nightmare. Why? For the same reasons that I mentioned in this thread. There's no "everyone" sites or magazines. CPAs have to deal with this stuff, but their trade magazines want you to write articles about numbers. Programmers have to deal with this stuff, but techies want to hear about code. Basically, limiting my audience would have improved the market, while expanding the audience limited it. I still haven't been able to get my pocket calculator to believe me. :rolleyes: Consequently, before I repeat the mistake and begin writing and speaking about practical strategies that improve people's lives and careers while making the world a better place, I need fo figure out which niches actually want to hear this stuff. Live & learn. :-D Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
I'm certainly no saint
Your profile doesn't do much for you in this direction neither.:laugh: regards, Mircea Many people spend their life going to sleep when they’re not sleepy and waking up while they still are.
:laugh: Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Set it and forget it! Todd Smith
Clearly, there are business opportunities for the two of us... :) Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
Where on the Internet would a person go to read about or discuss this kind of thing?
www.happy.com ;) "...a photo album is like Life, but flat and stuck to pages." - Shog9
Roger Wright wrote:
If it only was not already in use for other gains. :sigh: "Yes I know the voices are not real. But they have some pretty good ideas."
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Christopher Duncan wrote:
where does one go to share ideas and make a difference?
I think more and more, the Internet is becoming a part of people's daily lives. Personally, I'm 27 and I don't read many magazines anymore; I use Google. I would think the Internet has the most diverse crowd of any people actually. But then again, a lot of people don't know about too much of it. If it's not AOL or MySpace that is. I dunno, but I fully believe we moving into the digital age even more so than we are now. Jeremy Falcon
Jeremy Falcon wrote:
Personally, I'm 27 and I don't read many magazines anymore; I use Google.
Maybe this is where information breaks down, and truth gets muddled up with 'popularity' in the omnipotent PageRank scheme of things. Personally, I'm quite suspect of Google, and other information-delivery schemes that just keep pooping out a very 'unnatural' bend on the selection of information. I read an interesting article titled 'How Google is Making us Dumb'. It had some interesting points. The crux of it being 'how' people are going to learn to find information in the present and future. The problem is we're rapidly junking very 'trusted' sources and opting for the ease and speed of Fast sources, who's agendas aren't known, and are fairly impossible to find out.
