Disqus - Latest Comments for Whitney

Re: How Twitter is Like the Bible

Whitney — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:47:40 -0000

Hi Leesa! If you are concerned that your comments were taken out of context, I have the audio from the session available. Let me know if you want me to post a link here.

Whitney

Re: Top 10 Savvy Women in Podcasting for 2006, Final List

Whitney — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:37:11 -0000

I feel fortunate to have mat, virtually and in person, some of these women, and they are simply amazing. I started out listening to Mommycast and Mur, and now have my own show; I met Leesa at Podcamp, and my show is also part of Dr. King's iLearn radio- (can't wait to meet her at Podcamp NYC in person!) It's a time when anyone with energy and vision can get their voices heard in a way that didn't seem possible only a few years ago. People that were simply "moms" now can have an (inter)national audience and be appreciated for their vision and voice like never before. Hurray!

Re: Lessons Learned from PodCamp

Whitney — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:00:23 -0000

Dear Leesa-
I enjoyed your sessions at podcamp, especially the information regarding length, format, etc. I agree with your assessment about podcamp and the message. It is all about finding your voicem, and then fine-tuning the platform you use to express yourselves- Watch out- The Creative types will now take over the world, as we can all pitch ourselves potentially everywhere!
Whitney- the LD Podcast

Re: Izea: Where Is That Line Again?

Whitney — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 15:09:33 -0000

Hi Stowe- I think your fundamental premise that Chris sold out the Dad-o-Matic community is wrong. I might have felt the piece was out of place on Chris Brogan dot com, but it fit in perfectly for Dad-o-Matic, and was really about KMart trying to get people to give them a try again- a slice of what's going on there, a field report, if you will, of their store. I think Chris did a great job of that.

I frankly think this controversy says more about everyone's prejudice against KMart and their doubt that it has redeeming value than it actually does about anything Chris had to say.

Re: Podcast things I need help with

Whitney — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 19:29:46 -0000

Why don't you drop me an email or call. I taught podcasting to middle schoolers over at Kennett Middle School last year; might be able to help.

Whitney

Re: Tools I use on my Mac

Whitney — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 10:55:16 -0000

One of the reasons I am such a big Chris Penn fan is that not only does he come to the rescue with great advice, he shares with everyone. Thanks again Chris! It's going to be a busy and fun time getting this new member of the family "tricked out".

Whit

Re: Pay Per Action : Podcasting’s Payday is Arriving

Whitney — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 08:05:27 -0000

the conversion through one site and/or attribution is going to be tricky I think for some niches like mine- I am flogging knowledge and books and authors, but have no idea who buys online or who goes to the local bookstore and picks it up at borders, or what.

But then again, I didn't get into this niche to make money.

I think it's going to end up being a blend to be honest.

We just don't have all the metrics worked out in a meaningful way, let alone having everyone understand what a podcast is. I think Leah's project about engagement is going to be important.

Re: US Airways Customer Service Sucks

Whitney — Sat, 26 May 2007 09:45:22 -0000

I had this happen once with Christmas reservations,(whole family in tow, etc.) and as a result, I am always double and triple checking things in advance, as stupid as it is for this to be "my" job.
I have to say, I mainly fly US Airways because it is the major carrier out of Philly. General service has been going downhill everywhere, from gate people to flight attendants, etc. I try to "self-serve" as much as possible to avoid needing customer service as a result- is this a good thing, though? It also means I am choosing to drive and take the train more often as a result of the poor experiences.
I really wish Virgin Airlines flew more places. I took a bunch of Virgin Trains in the UK on my last trip, and the customer service and amenities were so wonderful- Mr. Branson really gets it.
I've also realized it doesn't take much to upgrade an experience from humdrum to special. It is often not even expensive to do cost-wise, but the impact on perception is huge.

Re: Here is what is wrong with Podshow (and maybe how to fix it)

Whitney — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 14:32:47 -0000

The problem is the "stick it to the man" people have become "the man" in some respects. For example, I spoke with a podshow person at a conference, who said all sorts of nice platitudes, and how we should talk after, yet they never returned my email following up afterwards, even as a general contact. This just led me to believe that as much as I enjoy the content producers, the official reps may not be as sincere- all talk, no action. Nice words, content free speech. No there there. If that's my experience, I am sure many others have had similar.
I am not nor have I ever been looking for a podcasting sugar daddy to come and take me away from all of this....I expect that I have my own creative control and therefore, I am also solely responsible for my success or failure, and this covers web design, promotion, scheduling interviews- you name it.
However, even on a shoestring, I live by this motto- If you say you are going to do something- do it. No empty promises.
The problem with podshow is one of credibility. That's really hard to fix, but even the small things, like returning emails and phone calls, would go a long way to making people feel like Podshow cares- besides- it's just common courtesy.

Re: This is the New Media Fishbowl

Whitney — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 06:39:39 -0000

Hey Chris-
I think this app is interesting- I did the friendship wheel http://thomas-fletcher.com/facebook/friendwheel... and through that graphic, I was interested at the nodes created by the hyperconnected, versus those that were not connected.
The different graphs give you a different feeling on how you are connected and to whom.

I would argue with you, however, that Facebook in and of itself is a fishbowl. The reaching out is done with all the folks, say, in the Philly blogging community who aren't facebook users. Or my next door neighbor. Or the guy at the Apple Store, who never heard of PodCamp. Really cracking the fishbowl requires reaching out beyond the screen and interacting and sharing in person- and that won;t be reflective in the graph.

Re: Everybody Needs A Ninja

Whitney — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:25:20 -0000

This is by far and away my kid's new favorite song. And it was great to tell them that my friend, the Ninja was the inspiration!

Re: Happy Valentine’s Day!

Whitney — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 07:13:57 -0000

Thanks for this post, Chris! I am raising money for a school for autistic children in China-

http://ldpodcast.chipin.com/ma-chen-autism-scho...

Thanks for the opportunity to post this here, and I hope people will consider giving. At the end of the month, we'll make our first wire to Ma Chen, and we'll close out the whole campaign in 60 days. Any and all money goes directly to Ma Chen- I pay all transfer fees and costs!

Whitney

Re: Why Keynote Speakers Violate PodCamp Rules

Whitney — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:40:52 -0000

I totally understand the temptation any conference organizer faces, to get someone with a "name" to generate excitement and attendance at an event. But the most important part of Podcamp is that this is a community-based unconference, with heavy emphasis on community. The "opening" session, so to speak, should be about setting the tone for the conference, and a keynote sets more of an "us vs them" tone than one of colleagues getting together to share and create. Someone has to ring the opening bell, I suppose, but there are lots of ways to accomplish this. We did this in Philly by showing a quick History of Podcamp Video done by Larry Lawfer, which let anyone new to get a real feel for what Podcamp is about. While it featured Chris Penn and Chris Brogan, it was *by no way* a keynote.

There's such a temptation to try to make an opening seem special and magical, and getting someone who is a great presenter and a "big deal" seems like a great idea. But it undermines the community collaboration aspect of Podcamp, and that's why I think it's generally a bad idea, in any form. You can have the organizers speak, talk about the day, talk about the goals, whatever, but it's not a platform designed to enhance any one person over another.

Re: Andrew Baron Selling Twitter Account, Database For Sale?

Whitney — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:32:06 -0000

I just look at it not only for what you can do with the data, but how people could damage Andrew's brand if they were so inclined. Send messages that seriously annoy his audience, and people on twitter (messages go to friends and all followers and the public stream as well....)all start to develop a very different sense of what the man behind rocketboom might be like. And what if I work at a VC where Andrew is looking for money? That creates a very different perspective all together. And how long could this go on before "everyone" knew the twitter account wasn't "really" Andrew himself? Would everyone remember that when reading the tweets? Would that really mitigate the damage to Andrew and his brand?

This is all about whether you can sell your reputation with others on the open market for a "profit". But I think you'll find that some things, like trust and reputation, can't be measured well in currency (although it is measured in opportunities that come your way every day).

If someone has become so jaded as to assume trust and reputation can be commidified, perhaps social media is no longer a good place for them to be hanging out. And I don't mean this in a snide way, but sincerely- if someone is only looking to collect and sell their social contacts to others, the value in those relationships- the strength of the chemical bonds, so to speak, must be pretty low. Or it will be, shortly, once the commodity relationships begin to fracture.

Re: Why PodCamp Boston 3 asks you to sponsor it for $50

Whitney — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:59:54 -0000

My largest problem with Steve's comment is that it says "If I can't afford to attend PCB I can't afford to go elsewhere"
Podcamp is not a god given right. It should be treated as a privilege. It is not sunshine. It is not a public park (that you support through your tax dollars, even if you think it's free). If you want to learn, you pay for school through tuition or through taxes or by buying a book, or using your library card (which you pay for through your tax dollars...) Very few things beside oxygen have a zero marginal cost. For Podcamp Boston, we're essential asking people who want to attend to pay their marginal cost. Call it an unconference tax if that makes you feel any better. :)

I have never been to any other conference that was free to attend- even small education conferences around here cost at least $25-$100 minimum to attend. Podcamp has never been free- we've all just worked really hard to get the costs underwritten by individuals and companies in the community. now we're asking the community to bear some of that burden itself. I think that evens the playing field and makes it even more fair. I am sorry if $50 seems way too expensive- but it also tells me you don't think the experience is worth $50, and that's fine. That's your value set. Since it costs me about $50 (with tip) to take my family out to dinner at a moderately priced restaurant like TGI Friday's, I really don't think this dollar amount is too high.

Try a chip in account. get a friend to sponsor you. If it's important to you to go to podcamp, you'll make it a priority in your budgetary process and you'll mske it hsppen. It's a strict opportunity cost, ala Adam Smith.

Re: The Dual Mandate of PodCamp

Whitney — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:14:29 -0000

I agreed that Podcamp is a social media matchmaker, an in person, face to face connector of people from disparate backgrounds and interests- i always find amazing connections through podcamp that generates more new and exciting ideas than any other conference I've attended.

That being said, I think we also need to find a way to get the people already involved in the community to become less complacent about what it means to be active in a community. ideally, one should give more than one takes, leading to net community growth.

I worry from time to time, since a relatively small number of people make these great events happen, that we are fostering an environment where people expect there to be another podcamp waiting for them, like dinner on the table, whenever they want one, with no real requirement of contribution on their part. A taking from the pot, but not necessarily contributing anything in return model.

While I certainly benefit being an organizer of Podcamp in terms of the people I get to meet and the reputation I am developing, I cannot carry the whole community by myself, with the help of a handful of committed others, like you, Chris. So what I'd love to explore further with the community is what can we do to make people care/engage/contribute to the larger community once you've "joined", rather than using the community as simply a place from which to derive resources.

Re: The Dual Mandate of PodCamp

Whitney — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:52:49 -0000

Ozzie- That is awesome! Hearing how much Podcamp NYC meant to you this year makes all the time and energy that went into putting it on worth while. And of course, as we look towards what will happen next year, having enthusiastic people who want to put on a Podcamp is the ver first thing that is needed. After all, it was attending the first Podcamp in Boston, and the transformative effect it had on me, that turned me in to the person who has helped organize the most Podcamps to date, so far.

Sometimes, when a lot of people sign up and then don't show up to the event, as an organizer, it's tempting to feel a little bitter about all the time and effort that went into the event. Why do people sign up and then never actually bother to attend? Why would speakers sign up and never show up? But then hearing about how much it meant to you, it lets all of us who spent so much time and effort on the event feel that we created something magical regardless of the "metrics".
I am really proud of how Podcamp went this year, and the quality of the sessions I attended- I know the only "losers" were the people who missed this special experience.

Re: Watch this Justin.tv video from PodCamp NYC

Whitney — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 21:05:36 -0000

I want to say a big heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support. It's so hard to know what to do when something like this happens- it's like acknowledging the hurt could just encourage the bullies even more.
But the important point here is that the community can't be complacent or a door mat for bad behavior. We chose not to make a huge scene at the time to keep things cool and try to handle it after the event quietly. We could have chosen to call security, and if he really wanted to see bitchiness, I could have chosen many other tacks of action that would have been considerably more harsh.

Steve chose to post the video advertising his bad behavior and contempt for Podcamp, which saddens me, but it opens the door for this community discussion, which is an important one to have. How do we self-police? When should things like this become public during an event, and when is it more appropriate to try to handle things as adults after the event?

John Havens and I spoke, and what we'd really like to see Steve and Justin.tv to do is either to become legitimate sponsors of Podcamps in the future, or give the same value it would have cost them in community service- teach kids to podcast at a local school, work at a Podcamp or community event, or otherwise do something to give back rather than just take from the community. That's the whole point of having community events, anyway, and maybe by having them go through the hassle and time commitment of putting n an event, they would appreciate them a little more.

Re: On PodCamp, Epic Parties, and Brand in Flames

Whitney — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:16:46 -0000

For those of you who may be going to Amazon, the book is Public Assembly Facility Law; I am second author after Turner Madden, my former boss who is chief lobbyist for the International Association of Assembly Managers.

There is a trick in throwing parties and maintaining fun. We're looking into (not finalized, so don't kill me if it doesn't work out) trying a Geek Bowling Night for Podcamp Philly on Friday Night, followed by a return to Triumph Brewing for Sat Night and if we get sponsors, we'll look into providing food and the like, but it depends on the finances.

Other conferences have evening parties that come with a cover; sometimes the cover goes to charity and the sponsor pays for the party; other times the money goes to pay for prizes and the like. But these conferences also cost considerably more to attend than Podcamp.

I'm really curious though- if you were running Podcamp or the conference of your dreams, what would you want the evening events to look like? What would make you want to attend? What are your expectations, and why? Do you want dancing? Guitar Hero Tournament? Fancy Dinner? What would you pay out of pocket for? And would you pay more for the conference if it also covered the parties? Because all of this stuff comes at a cost, and as an organizer, if this is what the community wants, it can be had, but the price to come to Podcamp will have to escalate accordingly.

And the more money Podcamp has to charge to cover expenses, the more it costs to go, and the less and less it resembles the barcamp unconference model, and the more it becomes a conference with a more publicly accessible speaker's list. If this is what the community wants, it can be done, but there seem to be just as many people who want the conference to be more lightweight, less prepaid benefits, more organic.

You kinda can't have it all ways- we all have champagne tastes, but you can't accomplish this on a beer budget. Please- let us know- what is your idea of a perfect new media Conference?

Re: Why do we take unnecessary risks?

Whitney — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 10:21:18 -0000

Predictably Irrational is a great book that looks at some of this- one of the best books around.
The problem is we always feel it will happen to someone else, it can't be that bad....we get ourselves boxed into a corner like a gambler who is down at Vegas, but is absolutely sure he can "win all that back" and more, only to sink deeper and deeper into a hole.

Unless, or course, you have had that experience before, or someone very close to you has. Then, you "know" the danger and the risk becomes more emotionally real to you.

For people who are faithful, they often think their faith will protect them. That God will save them. It is impossible for them to factor in that storms and damage and pain and death may have a randomness factor, and you are at risk , too. For example, It may not be "my time" to go, but if it's the pilot's time, and I am on that plane, I get caught up in the devastation, all the same.

The bottom line is that avoiding trouble requires adequate risk assessment, and a tolerance of risk. If things get bad, and I could be seriously hurt or die, is that okay with me? If the answer is yes, stay put. If the answer is no, evacuate.

But rarely do we act logically; rarely do we put things in that black and white viewpoint- What's the worst thing that could happen if I evacuate? What's the worst thing that could happen if I stay? Balance those two , and you get a reasonable course of action.

Re: Game over

Whitney — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:20:52 -0000

So what can we do to stop it? I think giving him a blank check is a disaster- any blank check is a disaster.
There are some amazing testimony given before Congress this week, available over on CSPAN radio- Lots of problems, and the finger in the dike approach is just worse than letting some things implode and clean up afterwards.

Re: Why Pixelated is brilliant and wrong

Whitney — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:18:55 -0000

Totally 100% agree.

I did a pixelated Podcamp to try to give people a flavor of what a podcamp is about- but nothing will ever replace attending one. (Or for that matter, what you can learn by putting one on.)

This is why when people ask why we don't put all of the content from podcamps online, or stream all the sessions, is not so much that we couldn't, if we chose to put the resources in that bucket, but because I think it kind of encourages a view from afar approach, when if there's anything unconferences are about, it's participation, mixing it up, and making new friends and contacts.

It's more than the difference between Cliff Notes and the real Book- any online version of any conference, or concert for that matter, will never be the same experience as being there. But maybe from time to time, those virtual experiences will be enough to get people to engage in the real thing.

Re: Social media marketing is not cheaper

Whitney — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:15:32 -0000

In an interview I did recently, the expert said "Sometimes, quality of life is important, beyond simple ROI" and I think we have to keep this in mind with social media as well- there are metrics, but building networks and communities is a long term strategy, like building realtionships on the golf course- not always about closing the sale, but more about getting to know each other and developing business.

Re: New Year’s Resolute

Whitney — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:28:49 -0000

The other step to add to make it a firm commitment is make yourself accountable to someone else- declaring your goals publicly can help, but making yourself accountable to another party often externalizes the goal and gives you more motivation to accomplish it- so you don't disappoint someone else. This is the same reason why support groups like weight watchers or alcoholics anonymous work; it's why making a firm time and date for things like exercise with a personal trainer works; specificity is important; accountability it the other half of the equation.

Re: Social media as an agent of corporate change

Whitney — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:28:41 -0000

Thanks for another great post I can easily spread around!

Re: The problem with premium

Whitney — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:47:39 -0000

There's a great book out there called Buy-ology that talks about some of this- like the difference in feel and value for a Bang & Olafson remote is all about the additional weight (literally, a hunk of metal) they put in it to add "substance" to its feel.

Sometimes perceived value is just perceived- we've drunk the koolaid. Other times, there are real and substantial differences that make sense to some consumers. For example, we bought a real wood dining table rather than the one made out of MDF with veneer, because we wanted real wood that would last through the ages. The people trying to sell us the cheaper, MDF and Veneer table pitched "made from space-age materials" at which point I said- "I want to feed my grandchildren Thanksgiving dinner at some point in the future at this table, not send it up in the space shuttle." The difference in quality was important for something I want as a possible heirloom. It's not as important, per se, in a flash drive, which is easily and cheaply replaceable.

It all depends on your metrics and whether the quality and the service that backs up the alleged quality work for you.

Re: What’s all the stuff in the early morning tweet about?

Whitney — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 07:02:57 -0000

OK, so what is today's 30 yr rate? Missing that one.

Re: Micro?

Whitney — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:25:39 -0000

Ah yes, and after the recovery (ha) it will become Macro everything.

Too narrow a focus, you lose the big picture. Too Broad a focus, you lose the detail. We all have to master the art of nuance and shifting focus to maintain clarity of perspective.

Re: Micro?

Whitney — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 10:27:01 -0000

@Ari- what about just economics- micro and macro are part of a larger picture, and you can't have one without the other.

Re: Turning this economic ship around

Whitney — Tue, 12 May 2009 07:46:03 -0000

While I think this is probably a plateau before the other sections of the forest have their turn to reset and contract, I think the things we will get out of this recession is a re-establishment of base priorities. People are figuring out what is really important, and what is just silly in their lives, and have to come to terms with the difference between want and need, which is a good lesson for all of us.

Re: Will social media burn conferences to the ground?

Whitney — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:29:29 -0000

Podcamp started as a series of conversations, in many ways, over time, we've sometimes drifted more towards the presenter/audience model than necessary.

I find that I may learn a thing or two in sessions, but that by far, it's the opportunity to see friends and meet new people, to talk about stuff I care about with others who can add perspective and challenge my assumptions- that's where the value is extracted. I often think I just have to find a way to get my friends together without the "excuse" of a conference.

But I think there's an evolution here. Conferences may work best if we look at them as concentrated college coursework- you can go to class or skip class, but in the end, it's who you met there and what you do with the knowledge you gained that's important.

Podcamp Boston One was like freshman year- I learned a lot about honing my craft and I didn't know enough at that point to really ask or formulate the best questions. I formed great friendships with those I met there, and they are part of my daily life now, regardless of location. Now, the conference sessions I get the most out of are the more nuanced discussions, and sitting down with a few of my friends and comparing notes provides the greatest education.

Personally, I see Podcamp as my laboratory for trying new ideas. Speaking at them has not only gotten me paid speaking gigs, but it's where I got a ton of experience speaking before an audience of peers and learned what worked and what didn't. (That's also the reason I love adding things like "Battledecks" and Ignite/Pecha Kucha like sessions- it's like presentation boot camp.)

But that's me.

Re: I missed the boat on the philly podcamp | My Philly Network

Whitney — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 06:37:14 -0000

Well, of course, as lead organizer, I'll praise the event regardless. But this year, we introduced SearchCamp, a whole section of the schedule devoted to understanding search engine optimization and search engine marketing- how to make your web-based projects- blogs, podcasts, websites- anything- more easily found on the web. I think this was agreat addition to the schedule, and helped people who were already familiar with web-based projects take their stuff to the next level.

Podcamp has become an eclectic mix of sessions, ranging from production, to how to present better, to understanding new media marketing and monitization. We charged a $20 admission this year, and every $ of admission is going to the Science Leadership Academy, a Philadelphia public high school with a focus on science, technology and entrepreneurship. We've raised just over $6,000 for SLA, and that makes it not only a great tech conference, but a great community conference, supporting the local community as well.

Re: Twitter Grader- What’s your Score?

Whitney — Sun, 03 May 2009 12:15:05 -0000

I don't know what algorythm they use, but I can tell you I have been using twitter since Oct/Nov 2006, if tht helps.Whitney

Re: Creepy Sleepy Show 149 - Backstage at the RNC

Whitney — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:41:40 -0000

Loved the video- gives one pause of what the whole Country could become if the Republicans remain in control- are we looking at riot police and separating the media from the protesters at every turn, to try to deny the fact that people might be unhappy or dissatisfied with the government? That is one of my biggest concerns. Public safety I understand- refusing to acknowledge dissent? Another issue altogether.

Re: Happy Thanksgiving!

Whitney — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 21:12:07 -0000

Thank you! I am so thankful we've become friends- it's gonna be even better this next year!

Re: Label your equipment

Whitney — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 20:27:08 -0000

The Brother label maker is awesome for this, and I use it to label all my gear, especially when I attend conferences. It's helped us out many times- great advice, Chel!

Re: Wood USB Flash Drive

Whitney — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 10:57:11 -0000

The problem is for the first luddite who tries to bookmark the site with the post it.

Re: Advice For Social Media Consultants: Escape The Echo Chamber

Whitney — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 06:37:41 -0000

One of the things I love about Podcamp is that it is a low-cost "intro" conference that lets people from different professions- marketing, PR, Education, Traditional Media- all get together and explore new media and social media together. While Podcamp started out as a "podcasting" conference, the truth is if you have a Podcast, you need to understand everything from blogging to PR to Marketing to SEO to do it well, so the core mission of Podcamp expanded to meet those needs. And the cross-pollination that happens there is the most important part.

After being in this field for over two years now, I am not just a "blogger" or an "interactive media specialist" or a "producer of online content" but all of those things and more. And this means my clients also need to understand that social media is more than just a blog, or podcast or video online, but it is the strategic use of these mediums for effective communication.

As long as Social Media and conferences continue to sub-divide the world by the "toy"- ie blog, podcast, etc. and not by the goal, effectively communicating your message to others, we'll continue to get the fishbowl effect at conferences.

Re: The future of getting a return on giving away your content.

Whitney — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 09:03:13 -0000

Hi Bill-
While I think we are building a culture of free, the honest truth is people won't do everything for free forever. People also don't always appreciate what they don't have to pay for, either.
Ultimately, you have to find the price point where the basic economics of supply and demand meet. Is your stuff worth $9.99 per song? More? Less? Why or why not? If your music is a product you want to move, would you rather sell 2 at 9.99 or more at $1.99?

Is your goal just "to get your music out there" and have other people enjoy your work? How many people is that? Can you give them a sample for free that tempts them to want more, like selling cheese at the mall? (The first taste is free....the rest costs you).

So ultimately, whether it's music or cars or anything else, the evaluation on whether you should buy something depends on whether you "value" it enough to plunk down money for it, or not. Money keeps score. Just think- you may like a lot of artists, but there's a point where the cost of a concert ticket becomes too much for you, or the thrill of following a group around the world becomes financially untenable, and that line is not uniform for everyone.

And if what you have to sell is special and remarkable enough to catch on, then price becomes less of a sensitive feature- everyone will want one, even if it gets more expensive later on. They're hooked.

Re: 5 Lessons Learned as a Podcasting Newbie

Whitney — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 21:01:52 -0000

I am a newbie, too, although I am a little father down the pike, with 22 shows done and more in the works. I think you have identified one of the important things- have an outline or script to guide any conversation; but we also need to have some overarching storyline or arc- hooking the podcasts together in mini-groups so there's a reason to tune in next time, while letting them stand on their own enough to enable new listeners to tune in and not be overwhelmed by too much "inside baseball". I think it's tricky. If you haven't heard Julian Smith talking about how to maximize your audience using social networking, you should give it a listen- it's a few episodes back on the Canadian Podcast Buffet. Thanks for the mention, and I can't wait to talk further about Grasshopper!

Re: Get Rid of Your Dud Business Partners

Whitney — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:15:18 -0000

Boy! Isn't this the case! I started the infamous book project with a partner who acted more as an obstacle to progress than as a partner, andbecause we were close friends, it took a long time, and numerous conversations of "This is working for me... You don't seem to be committed to the project... This isn't a priority for you... etc." until it finally got to a point where I said- I think you need to wrok on your own project and I'll work on mine. I started podcasting and having a bit of success, and she's still running in circles and getting nothing done, but I don't have to watch or be slowed down, waiting for her to do SOMETHING. Best thing I ever did; I waited WAAAY too long to do it, and it was hard. But being realistic, even if it did cause our friendship to change, we did it before I ended up really destroying the relationship with my frustrations and growing anger at her for not doing what she said she would. She really just wasn;t capable of doing it, and it just took me way to long to realize that was the case.
Whitney

Re: My Top 4 Mistakes as an Entrepreneur

Whitney — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 08:27:49 -0000

I think it's only when you can accept that you're not perfect that you can learn- just look at the US president and how far in the hole denial will get you.
I think the web 2.0 bubble is similar to that previously- innovation at a apce that you wonder where the sustainability is. This is why I am constantly interested in fundamentals. Why do people like the internet? Why is this powerful? What is a user's end experience? Why is something engaging? And this is the same thing that affects my interest in learning and education-How are we wired, as people- what do we need to satisfy our fundamental needs? And in these siple, yet complex questions lies the answer to what will and what will not succeed on the internet. Biology has to interface with technology- one does not replace the other. More insights later on.
Whitney

Re: 5 Reasons Committees Suck

Whitney — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 07:41:02 -0000

Hey Ben- I totally agree- Have your read the Marcus Buckingham Books on management? I think he gets it right when he talks about the fundamental things that motivate us as employees (and employers) and that we have to play to our employees strengths and give them support in their weak areas. Sometimes it takes a while, though, to identify these things.
So in Committees, you've got a bunch of equal players each trying to make sure their agenda is the most important- it is competitive for "air time" where a team is organized specifically to get something done. Everyone acts in concert towards one goal. Yeah you need a leader, but the competition should be external, not internal to the organization as it is with committees. I think this is the fundamental difference. What do you think?
Whitney

Re: Achieve Your Goals With 3 Types of Visualization

Whitney — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 17:48:38 -0000

This is interesting- I just wrote about women's fear of success on my Parent's Eye View blog- seems we're thinking along the same lines!

Re: Where’s The Wisdom In Crowds?

Whitney — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 19:22:45 -0000

Well, here's the problem. People like company, and don't like to be alone. But two's company, three's a crowd, etc. are "proverbs" because they are true. We relate better to each other in small groups, but as the groups enlarge, it's harder to get genuine reaction versus "piling on" where people become less individualistic and more concerned with fitting in to perceived expectations.
If communities are too small, they become insular and inbred- you are only preaching to the converted. If they are reaching outside, more people can join, but not everyone knows the culture and etiquette of the space.
There was a great story about WL Gore, of Gore-tex fame, a local company from my neck of the woods. After any one office site grows beyond a certain size, they get a new one, like mushrooms.
Why? Because they believe in the power of small, and that more actually gets accomplished when everyone knows each other. Yes, this means things can be a little "Peyton Place-y" from time to time, but this creates a sense of group responsibility for success and failure.
Crowds are ameobas- unorganized cells that can easily be split off into something totally new and different (and often ugly) but you put a little structure to the crowd, and you have something with alot of potential.

Re: Where’s The Wisdom In Crowds?

Whitney — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 20:57:31 -0000

I can get a little preachy, so I apologize for that, but again, we can "hang together or hang separately"- we can do better together, but you just have to have parameters on why you are together, and keep everyone working towards similar goals.

Re: Do a Better Job of Giving Constructive Criticism

Whitney — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:57:53 -0000

There's a basic rule to critique- start positive, get your hands dirty in the middle, and then end on a positive note. This works great with co-workers, employees, students, and kids, not to mention spouses.
Example: "Hey Hon- great job with dinner tonight. It was awesome. I thought you were going to take care of the lawn after work- when do you think you could get to that? Okay, that works for me... and I know that by getting that done we'll have the whole weekend to spend together, and maybe go to the movies."
"Hey, kiddo- Great job keeping your stuff organized this week. It seems like you had a problem on on that test- what do you think we should do so you can be better prepared next time? Super- sounds like a plan- let's go play a few rounds of hoops outside, what do you say?"
Works to help soften bad news, solve the problemorconflict, construct a plan forward, and ending on apositive note let's people know what to expect going forward.

Works like a charm!

Re: Web 2.0 Beautifully Explained

Whitney — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 07:34:00 -0000

wow.

I always find it amazing how the web is linking people together; how a conversation starts and then takes off, benefiting from each additional voice and perspective. It's what keeps us hooked, and exploring this new digital world, where ground up organization and democracy work in a way they don't always do as well in the corpus world.

Re: 10 Things They Need To Teach In Highschool

Whitney — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:07:53 -0000

Thanks for the mentions!

I think we also fail to teach kids "how" to learn- we tell them they need to study, to "work harder", but never really tell them how to use their brain most efficiently. For example, we don't teach kids about how short term and long term memory work, and how to best use that hardware we carry around in our heads. And this is a travesty, because it leads to so much wasted time- for everyone.

Re: 5 Phrases You Never Want To Hear In A Presentation

Whitney — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:12:26 -0000

I'd add "Like, um you know" to the list.

In fact, after I started podcasting, and editing those podcasts, I realized all the little verbal tics and tricks I use in every day speech, and which ones drive me crazy. It has changed the way I talk and present in every day life, as a result. So don't overlook the power of taping your presentations, even during practice, and look out for those personal verbal tics that are somewhat lazy speech and don't help you articulate your points clearly.

Re: 5 signs your event is web 1.0

Whitney — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:19:20 -0000

I also have problems with the webcasting thing. To get a whole event like Podcamp online, requires organizing a group of people who want to do nothing but film the live event for those players at home. (Side note: Since the bandwidth needed to stream live can crash the wifi for people actually participating in the conference, the wifi ustream option also causes hassles for organizers).

Live Streaming is also time intensive- to try to organize having people stream the rooms live all day, and we've found few people wanting to commit to that, since they want to experience the event itself. We had a hard enough time at one podcamp to get people to commit to checking dedicated audio recorders for batteries and time left on the SD cards, let alone film all the sessions live.

I suspect it while it's convenient for many at home, it also provides an excuse not to attend in person. If there's a cost to the event, the home players get to stay home and get content for free, which is not exactly fair for everyone else- so I bet it's unlikely that many pro-conferences, or SXSW for example, will be using Ustream in an organized manner for all its content any time soon.

Now, all of that said, I have tuned into sessions from Podcamp Ohio, Startup Camp, and Indyhall events from my home, especially when I haven't been able to go because of child care issues. I do love it when I can access events I can't get to otherwise, but I also realize I am missing out on the most important part of the event- the face to face meeting and hanging out with my peers.

So I agree- there's plenty of ways to make events, especially tech oriented events more interactive and fun, in advance as well as during the event. But sometimes, event planners are making choices about where to spend the most valuable and scarce resource- volunteer manpower- on making the engine of the conference run, and the concerns of those attending outweigh the needs of the publicity/community building/people who may have attended but decided not to for time/money/personal reasons.

What do you think?

Can you achieve the same impact but recording sessions for later - podcast or video podcast? We've had suprisingly few people actually go back and watch/listen to old Podcamp sessions, so demand seems slim unless perhaps it's in real time.

I guess I would want a little more proof of demand/impact before dedicating scarce resources to make this happen.

<abbr>Whitney Hoffmans last blog post..Here We Go Again</abbr>

Re: How Do You Use Your Social Network Sites?

Whitney — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 20:23:31 -0000

Hi! This caught my attention because of a twitter by Chris Brogan, and that my kids were at a camp last summer. I really appreciated the idea of Bunk notes and getting to see pictures of my kids almost daily; in fact, I figured out one of my kids broke their glasses at camp through the pictures, and sent a replacement pair up to camp as a result.
However, I was very disappointed by our camp's lack of follow through on the faxed bunk note reports; I sent my kids notes every day, but they received them in clumps, and this was particularly VERY bad for my youngest, who was away at camp for the very first time, and was homesick- by not hearing from us in a timely fashion and by not sending us notes back as a result, I paid for a service i did not get, and my child now refuses to even talk about going to camp again this year without crying, because he feels he was lied to by the camp. I would like to but now really can't send him back there, without losing his trust in me.

So my message to you and the ACA, is that these new media tools are wonderful, but you have to execute on them just like traditional correspondance. Failure to do so can really have an effect on kids and parents who trust you, and I beg of you to take this part seriously.

Hopefully we'll be able to get John to try a different camp this year, but it's going to be a challenge. If a camp decides to promote, sell and rely on a new media strategy, all parts need to be in place in advance of the first session of camp. It's important to parents and kids alike.

Re: 2009/02/04/six-versions-of-windows-7/

Whitney — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:59:15 -0000

Some people are slow learners. My husband's office took away his XP machine and "upgraded" him to VISTA and the thing is having all sorts of issues- which is why I bought an imc to join the Mac Book Pro as my computers at home.

Re: 2009/02/04/six-versions-of-windows-7/

Whitney — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 08:38:14 -0000

Actually- the PC is vintage 2006, one of the last available XP machines plus upgraded memory and graphics card. Bought Macbook pro because of ilife and iwork applications; makes creating PDF's much less of a hassle and multimedia production both for podcasts and kid projects so much easier. When we were looking at an additional, not replacement desktop, the iMac 24" tricked out was a natural choice. Making handouts that look professionally typeset is infinitely easier on Mac than PC.
I think PC's still are created for those who want ultimately customizable, personally engineered machines, for people with tons of technical experience and know how; Macs are created with the end user first and foremost in mind.

Re: Mashable’s Upcoming East Coast Events: NYC, Philly and Atlanta

Whitney — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:18:44 -0000

So glad you are coming to Philly! And Alex @Indy Hall is simply fantastic. If you guys need any help, let me know and I'll get the Podcamp people together to lend a hand.

Re: Homestie: Sell Your Empty Rooms as Storage Space

Whitney — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:55:52 -0000

The problem here is not only the trust issue, but what happens if people don't pay? Do you get to pawn their stuff? Is it covered by your homeowner's and renter's insurance? What happens if your water heater breaks and ruins their stuff? What happens if your stuff is damaged at their place? Maybe we should consider having a garage sale and downsizing rather than park our stash all over the place.

Re: Mashable Mixer Philly: RSVP Today!

Whitney — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 15:20:56 -0000

I will be out of town...kicking myself. Would love to be there.

Re: Gfail, and Some Thoughts About Twitter’s Upcoming Ranking System

Whitney — Sat, 09 May 2009 14:13:13 -0000

I certainly think retweets can be a great way to spread information within your network, but it's like playing postoffice- it's merely repeating information, rather than creating it on your own. If your reputation is going to be ranked by whether or not anyone ever retweets information, we could all easily end up with a twitter stream full of nothing other than other people's regurgitated ideas. Relevancy is more than whether or not something is passed along the chain.

Re: PodCamp Philly!

Whitney — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 06:16:33 -0000

I am so glad you came down, and to meet you in person- i'm just sorry I was running around and didn;t meet nearly as many people as i wanted to.

I miss the Twittervan when I'm driving around - that was fun, and I think we only violated one or two traffic laws.

Hope you'll be at Podcamp Boston!

Re: Talking Politics on Twitter?

Whitney — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:55:22 -0000

I like hearing other people's views, and it's hard to keep things in check when the situation tends to lead to black & white opinions rather than thought out shades of grey.

This got me thinking- what would I limit myself from saying, or resist responding to?

What I would love to see happen in the whole democratic field to unify and divide up positions prior to election day- put the best and the brightest in position in advance, and hit the ground running- Biden as Sec of State, Edwards as head of Health and Human Services or Dept of Ed, etc. We need people working together, not looking for self-aggrandizement. This is my fondest dream- and what a new political campaign it would be! And it would save money- instead of competing, all the resources go into one pot; more people speaking all over, from the same team, with a more unified message- this would be change.

I know- I know- just wake me on election day.

Re: Or maybe the answer will just drop out of the sky…

Whitney — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 21:59:53 -0000

Try taking a strengths assessment (ie strengthsfinder 2.0), figure out what you;re best at, and do the thing that maximizes your natural talents the most!

Whit

Re: Stay Hungry. Learn Fast. Grow Big. Change Brilliantly.

Whitney — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:14:07 -0000

This is exactly what I needed today. I had a long discussion with my husband about what happens when your dreams and goals start coming true- the scariest part is "What's next?" and how to stay hungry and motivated to kep the path moving forward. Thanks!

Re: Philadelphia Jelly = Cream Cheese Sessions?

Whitney — Sat, 26 May 2007 07:16:00 -0000

Keep me in the loop- this sounds great!

Whit

Re: Brain Dump 7/07

Whitney — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 06:18:53 -0000

Great post!
We've got such a great community here in Philly, and even better, more people interested in becoming a part of it. Through Indy.org, you make it possible for people to meet up reularly and kep the conversation going. Through BlogPhiladelphia and hopefully PodCamp Philly, we'll bring new people into the fold, and introduce our local community to others, widening our impact.
I'm thrilled to see Philly really coming into its own in the rhelm of New Media, and I'm glad we're getting over the "Don't talk to strangers" thing Phila seems so good at- the Main Line manners that can get in the way of exploring what's new and exciting.

Re: How Are YOU Going to Embrace New Marketing in 2007?

Whitney — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 08:50:56 -0000

My goal is to step out of my comfort zone and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I just started listening to an audio book "Blown to Bits: How the new economics of information transforms strategy" by Philip Evans and Thomas Wurster- This is a keystone, I think, for the new year- how to look at economic and market fundamentals to help businesses succeed in a rapidly changing marketplace- This is the year to find a flexible business paradigm for new media companies, and assert our value. The core questions are going to be brand management and what can be bundled or unbundled from traditional business lines and succeed? At the core, however, is that information and originality with passion will triumph long term over the "flash" and hype. Let's hope the money pouring into the space doesn't lead to bubble and bust very soon- we have to keep the silly ideas at bay and keep value add at the top of the list.

Re: Most Important Conferences

Whitney — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 15:20:32 -0000

Of course, I am a big podcamp fan. I went to SVG which was enlightening, but again, you have to figure out whether the money and travel expenses are worth it on your budget- Podcamp is always a great bet.
Whit

Re: CBS is “Getting It” More and More

Whitney — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 07:32:33 -0000

Thanks for the mention, CC! It's all about friendsourcing and sharing info about all the great things changing in the media!

Re: What I learned at Podcamp Philly 2007

Whitney — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 06:50:35 -0000

I am so glad you had a great time at Podcamp and got some great take-aways. I've been so impressed by your company and the people in it from when I first met you guys at BlogPhiladelphia.

We used Viddler for our pre-Podcamp video, and it was the easiest site to use for my team. Your help in getting the word out about Podcamp, the sponsorship, and the great donation of an iphone was simply amazing for us, and I'd like to thank you and your whole team for coming down and being so supportive.

Most of all, I'm glad you sensed the energy and passion Podcamp brings out- the first one in Boston changed my life, and I feel fortunate to have been involved in bringing this event to Philly.

Thanks Colin! I am a Viddler fan on all fronts, and let me know what I can do to help, anytime, anywhere.

Re: Audio Moblog

Whitney — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 08:34:25 -0000

Chris- Love the instant updates, but I hope you get some sleep as well! Enjoy the PME- I can't wait to hear all about it!
Whitney

Re: Almost Back

Whitney — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:18:31 -0000

I'm glad you've had a safe trip- it's sounds like it was another exciting time and I can't wait to hear all about it!

Re: Live from JFK

Whitney — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:19:39 -0000

we just can't help it- so many ideas- so little space to put them in.....

Re: Man in a Suit

Whitney — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 06:36:40 -0000

You look great! And Like a Grown-up! It also sounds like you're having fun - is there still a dream like quality to the new gig?

Re: Watching TV on the Plane

Whitney — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 06:38:15 -0000

This is wehre we get into the discusssion that there's a difference between voyeurism and storytelling, but not everyone sees the line, or knows it exists.

Re: Our First Sponsor

Whitney — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 07:26:09 -0000

Terrific news!

Re: Julien Smith

Whitney — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 06:37:15 -0000

I totally agree, Julien knows I am a fan- he has got to be frightened that his demographic is now skewing older and to parents with kids, but he is so freakin' smart, direct, and insightful, it's impossible not to love his show!

Re: Putting my Organizing Skills to the Test

Whitney — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 06:39:03 -0000

Chris- Im so happy for you, and I know how overwhelmed you must feel, but it couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Re: Drinking Beer and Eating Whoopie Pies

Whitney — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 08:33:40 -0000

Sounds like a great weekend with the Hatches! What kind of camera do you use?
To show you how far I've come in a short time, I've helped Matt set up not one but 2 wikis (which I had not heard of before I started getting involved in Podcamp) for his projects with people from across the country- so much easier than coordinating emails and playing the he said, she said game.
About to run out for bagels, coffee, and if the kids are lucky, Donuts before returning home- what we call the Sunday Morning Ritual!

Re: Proving He Loves Me

Whitney — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 07:06:10 -0000

Chris-
I guess the real trick is convincing the wife that "It's all just for work, Honey!" Don't worry- An Uncle of mine is a Judge in Orange County, and my cousin and her husband are attorneys- we'll find a way to bail you out!

Whit

Re: One Month Later

Whitney — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 06:31:59 -0000

Just think- This is one month in- and what will the next 2, not to mention 6 months bring? I am so glad you have found a way to do what you love and are so good at professionally- whenever I talk to someone about maximizing your strengths and going for it, I use you as an example. I am so happy for you Chris- you are the best!

Re: Squealing in Public

Whitney — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 06:35:50 -0000

I think the problem is parents who are not attending to the needs of their children. When my kids screamed, I responded- that is the way babies talk, and are trying to tell you something is wrong. If the child is sick, get them to a doctor. Change them. Feed them. Respond. Without responding, think how mad and frustrated that child is! Especially if Mom thinks a triple latte is more important than their child for 30 minutes! I feel sorry for the baby, even more than the other customers.
Here's where moms have an advantage. Moms can approach another mom less confrontationally sometimes and say- "Wow- they seem upset- is there anything I can do to help? My little guy was colicky at that age, and I know how hard it can be for you...." Even if you are lying, it gets the point across, the other mom feels someone understands, and the situation can get dealt with or diffused. Works like a charm. So fellas- your wife might be able to handle this one better than you can, at least with moms.

Re: Small Boxes - Teaser 4

Whitney — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:11:00 -0000

And, you used one of my favorite songs by the Biddies!
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving, Chris!

Re: Usability

Whitney — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 07:47:04 -0000

It was amazing how difficult it was to contact some people, or figure out who, in group projects, the contact people should be. Even after googling some people an dtracking them down, I received a response to "preferred contact emails" from only about half. Seems to me we can make it REALLY hard for people to get in contact, like, potential sponsors.....or we can make it easy. I redesigned my homepage after this experience to make contact easier- now I have to make sure I do the same for the blog. This is advice all of us can use!

Re: My Life Planning Model

Whitney — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:04:02 -0000

It takes a long time learning lessons before you believe them, and then act on them and make them part of your life.
I am a firm believer that we should all discover our strengths (whether you believe in the positive psychology movement a la Don Clifton and Marcus Buckingham or not) and then once you know them, it becomes easier to implement them. Now that I have my strengths articulated to myself, it becomes so much easier to use them in day to day life. Doing the things we're good at and that matter to us- that give us that rush we get from "cognitive activation"- when our brains are running at 60 mph or higher with no signs of slowing down, ideas spinning off the flywheel.... This is what makes life fun. Doing things that make us feel like we are drowning in frustration, bureaucracy, or other non-productive situations are the ones that cause burn-out. Burn-out is hitting your head against a brick wall going no where, not working "too hard" or "too long"- When we do the things we're good at, it doesn;t really feel like work!
Finding your center can be tricky, and finding balance equally so. Sometimes it requires recognizing that in the short run,things may be crazy for long term gains.
The only other trick is the locus of control- what can you outsource? We need to have people we trust in our lives, (work and home) and be willing to ask for help, while giving the people we trust the opportunity to help us, without keeping a hold over all the petty details. Micromanaging is not the same thing as quality control- many a housewife has screwed herself out of help from her husband by insisting he "can't do it right..." and many a workplace is unproductive because the boss just can't seem to trust the loyal people working for him, and they gradually lose their loyalty and respect for the boss.... bad news for everyone involved.
So the best advice I can give on these life topics is to trust others, ask for help, and give help generously- do unto others, really. Along with a general WYSIWYG policy, works for me.

Re: Small Boxes 02 - New York Minute

Whitney — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 19:48:06 -0000

Thank YOU, CB- I am so glad I've met you this year.
Whitney

Re: Holiday Wishes

Whitney — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 15:47:05 -0000

I'm in as well!

Re: New Colonies

Whitney — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:03:07 -0000

Where to start...
I agree that this is an evolution, at a pace we don't see in the natural world, but one where darwinian principals still apply. It will be survival of the fittest, with Chris Penn's issues as deciding factors- How long will a hobbyist bear their own costs before they "podfade" and die out or burn out? How many people will have sufficient time and capital to see this thing grow and expand? How many people (including "old media" ) will be unable to adapt, at sufficient speed, to stay competitive?

Although it's a few years old, I highly recommend Douglas Adam's BBC Radio 4 series, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Future. Around 2000, beofre DA passed away, he did this series looking at how media was evolving and how the internet was impacting things- and you can see how much he has predicted correctly- that once the internet was willing to allow payments of "pocketchange" amounts, ie. $0.99 per song on iTunes, then ecommerce was off to the races. Likewise, the point of new media is largely the community and the interactivity, because this is how humans are wired- we want to connect with others like ourselves.

This means we risk playing too much "inside baseball" and not getting others to join the conversation. Some people can't join the conversation because of technical issues or knowledge based issues that make the technology prohibitive, but this will rapidly change with more wi-fi access and cheaper broadband connections, as well as more powerful computing machines, capable of easily handling video and audio in the amounts we generate and demand.

We may be Darwin's finches on our own little island in the ocean, but as long as we can continue to feed ourselves, adapt to an ever changing environment, and send out scouts to other colonies to spread our "species", things will grow and blossom- being fruitful and multiplying, so to speak.

Each new species can threaten the old ones as they move into the ecosystem, but many also find their niche, however large or small, and thrive well; some will outcompete native species and steal their resources. Others won't survive the competition as it stands and won't gain a foothold. Maybe the answer is a mix- a political and social evolution, made possible by connecting like minds and souls over distance and moving together to a new future, where survival and success is not yet certain, but the vigorous nature of the new colonists is such that they will be difficult to ignore or stamp out.
Am I stretching this analogy too far? Maybe ths belongs on Ze's - That makes me think of...list.
Whit

Re: New Colonies

Whitney — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 16:00:13 -0000

I like Justin's analogy.
I've been listening to Tom Friedman's book- The World is Flat- and it talks alot about outsourcing and globalization. The main thing people need to be successful is to be the "value add" - if you are not adding any value, you won't get any in return.

Likewise, we need to think about what people have done locally (I can't get a sandwich by email) and what can be done outside of the boundaries of space/locale and time. Programmers in India are working hours opposite of ours; doing work while we sleep is a benefit; even accountants are outsourcing tax prep work, because the "grunt" work can be done elsewhere, cheaper, and then concentrate on providing the intellectual property, such as advice, tax implications, and the like that is more satisfying work than the number crunching, and adds significant value.

IS what we do a necessity? My husband is a doctor- people can't have their babies on the internet- he is a site specific provider that is not easily outsourced. But doing my podcast can be done by anyone with my level of knowledge and experience, but it will only be valued by people who need this niche information. And that's okay with me- I don't need to feed my family on my new media income, so I can be patient for growth, see where it goes. Bill Gates told Friedman he wasn't too worried about the people providing tools for free on the net- as far as we was concerned, the hippie mentality would eventually die out as people needed to find real jobs, and businesses would want real customer support, not trying to track down some guy who did this program on his vacation.
But I think Gates misreads the community- both because it is a many headed hydra, where there is always someone, seemingly, willing to do stuff at low or no cost (freeware; shareware; google front page, etc.) and also because a business model should emerge - once we can really get a handle on accurate data collection and have a handle on how to build traffic, and what the convertion of traffic to commerce is- the Maven factor, for example, from the Tipping Point.

I'd rather take advice on something to buy from you all rather than the newspaper, TV magazine, or some random website- ultimately it's about the trust and the dialogue.

Re: Disruptions and Flow

Whitney — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 06:47:31 -0000

What's fascinating to me about any of this is how it grows and why. Come check out the LD Podcast blog and I'll do a quick post this AM about the fundamentals of motivation and meeting needs- it may be more productive than putting another long post here.

Re: Disruptions and Flow

Whitney — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 10:11:15 -0000

How do you motivate someone?

1. The Goal must be attractive.
What do we want and why? How badly do we want it?

2. The goal must take a realistic amount of effort to achieve. This is why people get frustrated with the web sometimes. Some websites are horrible and non-intuitive, making them time wasters and business losers. I had this recent experience with trying to use a website for Prometric testing, to sign my kid up for a testing date. It was very difficult to negotiate- I ended up calling, and even then, they could not tell me when appointments were available- I had to "guess " a date and time, and then they could tell me if anything was available then. A costly mistake to be making, business wise.
If it takes too long to navigate, people go elsewhere.

3. The person must be confident they can attain the goal.
The goal has to be worthwhile, and to keep people in the game, they have to see that they are making progress, and believe it can happen to them. Think slot machines in Vegas. Payouts occur in varying amounts every so often, to get you to believe that just 3 more coins and you'll hit it big. (let's not talk about the overall math being against you.)

But what the root motivator is, psychologically is based on the biggies:
food, clothing and shelter
Then:
Status, Inquisitiveness (learning), affiliation, gregariousness, autonomy, achievement, aggression and power.

The balance and blend of these neurologically hard wired motivators gives us our own personality. Some people, for example, are solely motivated by money; others are motivated by fame and notoriety; others by a sense of community; others by a sense of getting something accomplished and moving forward.

Podfade is about losing motivation- you don't feel the love...You don't have the patience, interest or knowledge to connect and grow; the real world hasn't caught up with us yet. All risks.

Sparks are intrinsic and extrinsic- some start from outside, but what keeps us going is that inner spark and fire. Keep it alive!

Re: From PodCamp Pittsburgh

Whitney — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 06:19:16 -0000

Thanks for the mention (sideways plug for the podcast!)
Whit

Re: Community in December

Whitney — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 06:57:21 -0000

I understand the Xmas blues, and I would imagine they might be a bit more rough this year since your grandfather passed away this fall. I know the hardest part for me sometimes is missing my dad and grandma, and knowing what a kick they would have gotten out of the kids at christmas.
For adults, I think the "you have to go buy stuff for people" part of the season feels false and forced, rather than a genuine sense of wanting to make someone happy and surprised. I had more fun making cookies this weekend for the kids, and their sneaking a bit a dough, than I ever get shopping for anything. I had a blast putting together a care package for a new media friend- the general theme of which is "Remember what Christmas was like as a child". To me, the fun of the season is in the silly- the stocking stuffers designed to make someone laugh; like atomic fireballs and lemonheads. If we can at least visit our inner child, maybe even take them out to lunch over the holidays- we can get a bit of the joy back. My favorite t-shirt of the season is "disguised as a responsible adult".

We started making donations to Heifer international for adult gifts to co-workers and the like- giving in lieu of stuff. They give chickens, sheep, etc. to people in third world countries, to help raise their standard of living. We also like Habitat for Humanity, and the idea of providing homes for those who can't afford one otherwise.
I also do a couple things around Xmas- besides the can drives at the kids schools, and helping specific families through the school programs, At least once during the season, we try to take kids down to the Sunday Breakfast Mission in town- the Soup Kitchen, with a donation of food and/or cash. They are a little young to volunteer in prep or serving, but they need to know how lucky they are, too. And if you don't have a visual demonstration of need, you don't understand. We can talk about it all day, but something closer at hand is needed.
Yeah, I occassionally get caught up in the search for the Wii for the kids, (lined up at 8:45 yesterday morning at the EB Games to find out none were received...) but we've also gone for experience over things as a general rule. One year we took them to Discovery Cove in FL as their gift, and they got to swim with the dolphins. The "making memories" is much more important than any 'thing' we could ever give them.
I'm now trying to think of how we should capture this on video- demonstrate what matters to others, as well as how to count our blessings. Maybe a twelve days of christmas, the way we want it to be.... interacting and helping others. Coming together and finding our blessings are our friends.

Re: Raw Goods Craftspeople and Merchants

Whitney — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 06:12:40 -0000

Is this aimed at me?
It hit home for me, for sure- with new, surprising opportunities exploding, and trying to have the courage to latch on and go for it.
I know that the new media space has a learning curve attached, and it takes concentrated effort to get good at it, and that creates the value add for folks in the real world. But how much is that value add worth? Do you charge hourly, or by the project? How do you judge how slick the client wants something in your pitch, versus known time constraints? Why do I feel like I'm on "Project New Media" hosted by (choose your new media star here) where we have a limited amount of time in which to perform miracles?
As Heidi Klum says, it's "The opportunity of a lifetime" wrapped up with "God, don't let me blow it, this cold be huge" with "Don't let me undersell, either" because I don't want to feel like an amateur in a professional world, and I want things done well- things we can be proud of.
I guess it's time to put the proverbial money where the mouth is, realize there is value add here that starts with a foot in the door and the sky is the limit, depending on what the client wants. WOW.

Re: Small Boxes 05 - It's Not all Bad

Whitney — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 18:27:47 -0000

I love the "Sister in the Cupboard" and the giggles-It made me laugh and feel warm inside- I miss when my kids were that little. That is the stuff that makes life worth while. The spontaneous joy of children.

Re: Critics of an Alien Race

Whitney — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 20:42:06 -0000

I think sometimes it just requires you to say to yourself "Self Doubt is for sissies." And F*&^$! them if they can't take a joke. A close friend has gotten alot of weird criticism lately, and I know it's just insecurity and jealousy from others, but it can still hurt. Ben has an interesting post on his Instigator blog about committees- I think committees are all about competition and criticism in the name of protecting your own turf, where teams are about moving that ball forward towards a common goal.
And if you never try something new, where is the fun in that????
Whit

Re: Doing Business in a Community-Driven Environment

Whitney — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 07:18:53 -0000

If you think these three types exist in our world, you should've seen the big boys at the Sports and Video Group conference in NY. This is predator central, from the guys selling HD cameras to the different networks, to people from the sports leagues. These guys are nervous about what "our guys" subtract from their world; some are entering it in a good and professional way, maximizing their assets; others are trying to test the waters and wait to figure out what the heck is going on. This is spawning some pretty silly ideas that is wasting alot of money in my book. I think you can never take away the- So what Does my Mom, or What does a regular person think about this stuff perspective. Ultimately, the regular people are your market, and you better figure out whether you are necessary or window dressing.
And these guys are seriously into clear cutting, and we are sustainable, so there is clearly a competitive ecosystem in the works. But like everyone who wants to grab all they can now and not seriously and soberly look into the changes that are happening almost too fast to adapt to effectively, alot of the revenue they depend on is already starting to look for new and fresher eyes and is seeping away the harder they squeeze.

Re: New Media and Business

Whitney — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 16:09:59 -0000

This is a thorny issue. In part, the creative content may not pay the way we might want it to; people are already being "discovered" online and making a jump to traditional media, as well as old media types making a new space for themselves online. This is why Podcamp NYC is critical- old and new media meeting and talking about what we share and where we differ.

Re: New Media and Business

Whitney — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 17:16:47 -0000

I like the idea of the theatre stuff, even in a Second run, or film festival mode- Could we have a best of the Vlogs film festival? Why not? (I do know some people left over from the days when I went to DC occassionally with my boss for lobbying issues with the National Association of Theatre Owners.....)
Pixar has a huge digital cinema in their studio outside San Francisco- I bet some museums might as well......... I think this idea could have some merit, even if it was a serial one off in different towns, say in conjunction with the tribeca film festival in NYC, for example.
Anybody up for it?
Whitney

Re: Save the Internet

Whitney — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 17:30:03 -0000

You know, the thing the Elivvlog people missed is the time and effort Jeff spends in DC lobbying for net neutrality- not just for his own reasons, but for everyone, and his voice as a business person is louder; his voice as representing networks of independent content producers is louder than each of ours individually- I don't know of any Podcasters and Videobloggers Trade Associations in DC- do you?

Re: To My Friends - Thanks.

Whitney — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 07:46:36 -0000

Chris- you are my new media mentor, simply put. Always there with some good advice and willing to bring me back to basics when needed. Thank YOU for everything this past year-Pod Camp and all the people I met there have changed my life and how I look at things. I feel very lucky to know you, and the energy is easily spent on things I care about- There's nothing better than feeling like all cylinders are firing on projects and you are making headway. And I know 2007 will be even more exciting than 2006. You've got so much to be proud of this past year, I hope you will get some time to be able to appreciate what wonderful things you have done for so many people. The passion and caring you have is genuine, and felt by anyone who has been fortunate enough to shake your hand.
(And for better or worse, you now understand ADHD!)

Re: To My Friends - Thanks.

Whitney — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 12:30:43 -0000

Please tell Kat we all really appreciate her as well. Balancing work and life can really be hard, and having someone who loves you and loves seeing you do what you love is a really special thing. It means still understanding even when you want to throw a toaster at your spouse- trust me on this one. I'm married to an OB-GYN and this means understanding that babies will be born when they are good and ready, not one minute before. Missed kid events. Last minute change in plans. Flexibility becomes the name of the game, and when Matt promises "It'll get better after x,y,z" I know that he means it, but I also know that I need to accept that this is just part of how we live right now. So thank you, Kat, for keeping Chris together, for lending him to us from time to time, and for the laughter of those gorgeous kiddos. You are fanatastic, and I hope we get to meet in 2007!

Re: Five Stories Everyone Wants to Hear

Whitney — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 20:05:51 -0000

I thought about this long and hard. I think great story telling requires a story arc, and characters that fit certain archetypes.

In addition to the stories you outline, there are the chick flick subgenres:

"What I wanted was always within my reach and often right in front of me." The Wizard of Oz, When Harry Met Sally, While You Were Sleeping"- I have to admit I like these stories.

Love against difficult odds with mixed results- Casablanca; Pride and Prejudice; Serendipity; Sabrina, etc.
Mothers, sisters, and women: The Joy Luck Club, In Her Shoes- these are ok stories, but I don't find them as compelling as others.
One of the most interesting films I've ever seen has been "The Story of Us" by Rob Reiner. This film spoke to me as one of the best portraits of married life once kids come along-that unless you keep some grown up time and the fun in the relationship, it all becomes about the business of having a family, not about the closeness and sharing. And that can be a recipe for growing apart. I've seen it happen to alot of people, and I certainly don't want to become a statistic, so this held a lot of "cinema verite" to it for me.
I think we all tell stories using certain cultural threads- some resonate better than others, and these story lines are incorporated in all sorts of weird ways throughout life.

For example, most successful campaigns for politicians have an overarching story arc- Rags to Riches, Born to privilege, but still one of the little people, etc.
People love to read the tabloids because it is installment melodrama about people we think we know through their work in the media. We want to root for the good guys, and cry for the victims; we want the underdog to win against impossible odds, and the bad guys to get their due. We want Tom Cruise to suffer for treating Nicole Kidman badly, but we love Katie and the new baby; We want Jennifer Aniston to continue being the tragic girl next door; women want Oprah to succeed, but we also liked her when she was heavy and just like the rest of us. All of these stories fit into our stereotypes and prejudgments about people. What is the story arc, though?
One of the main tabloid media arcs is "fame does weird things to people and makes them go crazy" or "Women will go to any length to remain young and beautiful". One magazine goes to lengths to show Stars are just like us! showing them grocery shopping and having a life. What I hate about these things is the violations of privacy; the other is the absolute unnecessary voyeurism they involve. I have gone beyond the point where I need to see others suffering to make myself feel good- I want to see everyone do well.
I guess I go back to Calvin Trillin, who said that every family has a theme or subtheme- He says his was "You might as well be a mensch" and hoped his message to his kids was "Make sure your snowsuit is zippered" or something similar. I hope the theme or story arc for my family is something along the lines of "It's really important to lighten up and have some fun" and I hope the kids don't misread this as "My folks were really just big kids" although I could live with that, too.

Re: Planning for 2007

Whitney — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 20:14:59 -0000

I started reading Wikinomics- I think some of the principals are the same as the Spider and the Starfish. I think many of us see a tipping point coming, where things will either do great or totally implode. The point is not to make the mistakes of the last dot com boom where sillier and sillier ideas were funded out the ying yang- (If one of your ideas does get funded- put your money into a very safe place- don;t suffer the fate of Enron employees and leave it all in stock options.) Look for things that meet the value add rationale- who is making a difference and truly meeting a need- and who is only meeting a want, a fad, a passing fancy. In my opinion, there are a bunch of these things making some headway, but they are destined for the fate of the pet rock. Other tools really make a substantial difference in how information is processed or communicated. And again- it's not about just copying someone else's idea and trying to be the next (fill in your example here- You tube, Digg, etc.) but it's about originality and value add- how are you improving someone's life in a tangible way?
And use the mom and dad test- if your relatives can't understand what you are talking about or why they need this new thing, then it probably won't be around that long.

Re: Small Boxes 09 - Holiday Stuff

Whitney — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 10:00:32 -0000

And he sleeps! On the couch! Passed out like the baby!

Re: Make Your 2007 Goals Work

Whitney — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 21:28:20 -0000

I second the Artist's Way- this defiitely put me on the road to greater creativity and helping me get out of my own way. I love the marcus Buckingham Don Clifton Discover Your Strengths books, and for finance books, Motley Fool is good, Neale Godfrey, and frankly, asking anyone you know and trust who is doing ok about how to get out of the mess. After I took a bankruptcy course in law school, the importance of finances and being creative with how you manage your money to optimize it's outcome was really brought home.
I'm enjoying Wikinomics; Tom Friedman's book, "The World is Flat" along with The Long Tail were great for giving me a sense of what is coming in the near future, but the slam dunk is the discovering your strengths book, by far.

Re: Answering Jeff

Whitney — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 16:00:32 -0000

Add me to the list with the Parent's Eye View Blog!

http://ldpodcast.wordpress.com/

Re: Seek Frame Build Bridge - Explained

Whitney — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 12:48:40 -0000

I love these. I've taken to keeping a small moleskein journal with me everywhere, jotting down ideas as they occur. You never know which ones are really going to connect and change the way you think.
And framing is so important- without context and a good foundation, there really can't be any building.
Happy New Year, and here's to a really exciting 2007!

Re: Yougle

Whitney — Mon, 01 Jan 2007 22:00:27 -0000

the PS2 games I'd recommend are 1) any of the spongebob games 2) get an eye toy and let hey play the interactive bowling and other games - there's a nicktoons one and a sponge bob one- they're fun! And for you - there are sets ofall the old video games I spent small fortunes in quarters for- qbert, klax, bubbles, joust, etc. those are a blast!
(the disney games are pretty good, too.)

Re: Yougle

Whitney — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 06:57:53 -0000

I guess I just look at Google as a first step in a research process, like Ebay gives me an idea of what the going market rate for some item should be. If I'm thinking about a new microphone for example, I can get an idea of what the ebay price is and the range of selection before heading out to the local store.
Google points you in a general direction, but rarely do I find the best info at the top of the list. This said, I rarely go past page 3, either. And alot depends on how good you are with boolean search strings. Law school was great for this- to find the key info, you gotta be good at identifying exactly what you need.
But just like the tagline for my podcast, where the best advice you'll ever get is from other parents, the best advice you'll usually get is going to be that "field tested" advice from friends.

Re: Different Maps and Guides

Whitney — Tue, 02 Jan 2007 15:23:56 -0000

Dear Chris P-
I hate to be a know it all, but the quote is Einstein not Ben Franklin.

Re: Wishing Versus Doing

Whitney — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 19:20:24 -0000

This is just what I needed today. Had the B-day yesterday, and now needing to set the goals and move forward today. I know I am the "master" of my own destiny (mistress sounds a little...S & M) and this is the motivator I needed to tell the small doubts to take a hike. Thanks again, CB :)

Re: Interview with Drew of Pluggd In Podcast

Whitney — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 06:13:36 -0000

So, You are officially the Mayor of Podcasting! Let me know when I can begin your campaign for Governor!

Re: Pulver to Jobs: Do More

Whitney — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 19:01:00 -0000

Interesting! As an Apple stock holder, I'm glad everyone seems to think it's cool, and I am looking forward to giving it the once over-it's gotta be better than what my choices are now.
I think the problem with most of the smart phones and the interfaces is that they seem to want to be a PDA, or a phone, or an mp3 player- but not always doing all tasks well. We'll see how Apple manages it- early reviews seem positive, but the proof is when they are field tested.
I want to know battery life, for example- how do they run the fancy stuff and let me roam around without supplemental power every 6 feet...This is a question, because I know the battery life is pretty short on many smart phones- any news on this front yet?

Re: Heidi Miller Professional Spokesperson

Whitney — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:52:44 -0000

I thought this was really interesting. I've been to so many trade shows- home shows, car shows, yarn and knitting shows, for goodness sake, where people do not make very much effort to show off their products to their best advantage, and miss alot of potential business by letting it walk down the aisle unengaged.
Now, I don't like being attacked by people in the aisles either, but the best booths are those with knowledgable and outgoing people-probably because I am a woman, I just can't stand the "perky but stupid" approach- I need brains regardless of the gender of the host. I can't imagine a tech trade show with clueless people in the booth- when it's all about the new cutting edge stuff, you better have people that show you why you can't live without it.

Re: Dazed

Whitney — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 16:39:55 -0000

Like the way the beard is coming in, but you look beat, baby! I'm telling you from personal experience- you can't replace sleep with caffiene for long. I got eye twitches you wouldn't believe! And I think I already told you about the hospital resident who went into v-fib and needed to be shocked back into rhythm- they gave him a Starbucks t-shirt at the end of the year with burn marks where the paddles would have been used. Take care of yourself!

Re: The Importance of Being Ready

Whitney — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:33:39 -0000

Knowing where the energy drains are is important. Dr. Robert Brooks, another brilliant Boston person, has written a bunch of books on resiliency, esp in kids- what helps some people bounce back from bad stuff, while others wallow?
One of the important things he talks about is surrounding yourself with people who you can draw energy from, rather than those that sap it from you. I always try to make time for those people who leave me more energized and excited after a meeting or phone call, than those who make me feel drained and exhausted afterwards.
Readiness is keeping the energy up, at least at neutral, even when you are tackling situations that just suck the mental juice right out of you.

Re: Icy Morning in Massachusetts

Whitney — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 06:06:25 -0000

And to think my kids are complaining there's no snow and they can't go sledding.
Glad I didn't drive to Rochester this past weekend- Ice Storm looks really bad!

You are the master communicator and community builder. It won't always be easy in this world of real and virtual and in between.

But you have an knack for picking talent, as I once again found out talking to Stu Marks last night on the phone. An Uncanny knack for bringing like minded people together. Once again, I am deeply impressed, Obi Wan.

Re: Silly Man Goes to NYC-Film at 6AM

Whitney — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 07:52:28 -0000

Be safe-I an a bit concerned about the dress though- Anna Sui? Vera Wang? Do you have the heels to carry off such an ensemble? The proper accessories? Ah, I forgot. A mac book pro and Crackberry Pearl are the perfect accessories for all occassions.

Re: Hillary Clinton Doesnt Share

Whitney — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 16:27:52 -0000

Because her advisors /media coordinator don't know how to use them. Betcha $10.
Whit

Re: Happy Birthday Harold

Whitney — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 10:37:46 -0000

It's always amazing that each kid has their own unique personality, and watching it come alive in those first few years is a special time, for us and for them.. Enjoy it! It goes so fast!

Re: Small Boxes 14 - Happy Birthday Harold

Whitney — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 19:43:47 -0000

I'm always struck by how hard it is for thoughtful parents to sum up their kids when they are small. I remember being asked on kindergarten applications to describe our child, and I always felt like I was still getting to know them. Like they were on loan, and I was just finally getting to try all the new features that were being added every day. Summing them up in a short essay seemed to be , well, pointless and besides the point, because it's impossible to judge or sum up someone who is just beginning to really be.
Happy Borthday, Harold. You've got great parents who are dedicated to making the world a better place. And tell your Dad he's crazy about the selfish thing- he is the most generous person I know.

Re: Commanders Intent

Whitney — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 06:20:45 -0000

I love Commander's Intent- I think in the virtual world, when you are communicating by email, sometimes the intent is not as clear as it can be if you simply have a quick phone exchange. My husband has made his new rule for email to be: If I can't say it in a paragraph, pick up the phone. This is smart because the subtle nuance we get from voice often tells us more than we can communicate through just words.
If I just do things through email, sometimes the intent is not as clear as when communicated through other modes-it's like the full import of the mission is lacking and needs a little clarification or tweeking. What do you guys think?

Re: Superheroes and Teams

Whitney — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:43:17 -0000

This is why virtual companies actually work. You get to work with like minded spirits on a project basis and get to avoid being forced to work with others who don't really even speak the same language.
In the Blown to Bits book I've been harping on about, it talks about how Silicon Valley had a pool of talent focused there, and everyone knew that if you were a worker today, you could be a boss tmmw and vice versa, causing everyone to work more cooperatively than competitively- everything was fluid, but it was the talent that really mattered in the end. I think the thought they put forth of "who knows where this might lead in the future, with people being more able to work with each other virtually with broadband, etc. is EXACTLY what we are experiencing now.
This, and add the "Make it Stick" principal of 'an original is hard to find but easy to recognize' and you have something we can really run with. We all do bring different talents to the table, and it's about combining those talents in the right proportions on the right project, and you have lightning in a bottle.
And the reason Podcamp is so important is to bring the face to face dimension, and realize people are more complicated and have more depth than you might hear from their podcasts, videoblogs, or blogs alone- There is a lot of there there, and you need to know where it is when you need it.

Re: Forget Fourth Wall Make it Fourth Actor

Whitney — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 12:51:17 -0000

I agree with you on this- it is the interactive experience that causes those neurons to fire- this is why the Wii is such a run-away hit- a truly interactive set of games in the true sense of the word- body movement and everything!

I know that the reasons I find certain shows or certain forms of entertainment compelling are those that involve an element of personal story telling- and I am really turned off, strongly, to stuff that doesn't resonate on a personal level. It's a cliche to say there has to be some there there, but that's the essence. I want authentic. I want personal. Like Meg Ryan said in "You've Got Mail"- "Why does everyone say "it's not personal- at the very least everything should begin by being personal." (or something to that effect.) I can only care if there's some investment of self into a project, and it's amazing how easy it is to tell if there's not that piece of personal essence in a project.- That is what is really shocking. It is so easy to tell when it's being phoned in.

Re: Use Real Words

Whitney — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:06:09 -0000

I think there's a difference between telling it to a six year old, and keeping it straight and direct, and here's why- I think people underestimate the intelligence of children, as well as the general american public. Politicians regularly try to "tell it to a six yr old" but they decide that therefore, nuance isn't important, and all we get are sound bites.
Robin Williams does a great riff in Mrs. Doubtfire about how a boring, educational show doesn't need to be that way, because no one needs to be talked down to. Nor does anyone need to hear a speech full of jargon and acronyms. You need to say what you mean, while stripping out the unnecessary fat.
So I agree that we need to "KISS"- 'keep it simple, stupid' as a goal, but we also have to avoid assuming our audience is therefore simple minded or stupid at the same time. respect your audience, but keep it tightened up, and you got something.

Re: What Do You Want

Whitney — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:11:05 -0000

This one is hard for me at times. "What is the desired result?"- sometimes the goals are long term, sometimes short term, sometimes hard to measure. Sometimes hard to articulate. But it is the most important question to ask, and can be the most profound.

Re: Existential Moment

Whitney — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:54:36 -0000

I dunno if I love this because I can see my kid doing this, or because we all need a little screaming in the face of life every day.

Re: Big Ideas Small on Time

Whitney — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:58:43 -0000

Can you boot strap your ideas with others? I feel like I have big, medium and small ideas every day that I write down, knowing they will have a time and place, and hope they won;t go find better homes before I get around to them. These days it's extra hard, because it seems like if you don't act or start to act, your idea will go find someone else who'll make it come true. So maybe the answer is to find people to work with on the idea, find it a good home just like a small puppy, with liberal visitation and care rights. Open Idea Adoption.

Re: Big Ideas Small on Time

Whitney — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 17:34:58 -0000

Jon- I love the reference. I think ideas are like embers and when you share them, you blow on them and can create a roaring fire; if you don't tend to them properly, they can die out. Sometimes it's hard to decide between self interest, sharing, and how to get people to work together in a world where there are not any hard and fast rules, and things move faster than we can ever possibly keep up. That said- I know I need "a little help from my friends" more than ever, and it's great to have so many on the net. I just have to get over my occasional "gut" reaction to keep things close to the vest, and be able to say "Hey everyone, have at this!" instead.

Re: Search Party

Whitney — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:22:37 -0000

The Mom Network works on this principal all the time. Mom A says she's been on the lookout for X item. By telling a few friends, she essentially deputizes them to look for said item as well. If the other moms don't have an immediate source, they will help Mom A find a source, or will call when they locate the item. Works like a charm all the time. I don;t think guys do this as much, but I may be wrong.

Re: Big Ideas Small on Time

Whitney — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 06:37:21 -0000

I like to think sometimes that money is just about keeping score (see my post at GNM Parents on Family ROI). Bill Gates has been ranting about 'If we give it away, there will be no way to pay for the new innovations that we need- no one will do them without a personal roi.' But what he faces is an infinite number of tinkerers who are pretty content with innovation for the sake of leveraging a job- plus, we are just at the very beginning of people working without a cube for real money- virtual employees all over the country.

But it is happening. It may not come with the same health insurance and traditional packages, but once work is based on value and is untethered from place, you can actually work with the brightest and most creative people around. It just requires a level of trust we aren't used to having without the face to face. And sometimes, you need that voice and handshake to form the bond you need to work closely with someone- the old banker's principal.
The good thing is the net is such a small place, your reputation is even more important than ever before, and if you do get screwed by someone, it would take very little time at all to air all your grievances in public, if you were so inclined. So perhaps the web being a "small" place in some ways is actually a good thing, and will lead to more trust rather than less.

Re: Big Ideas Small on Time

Whitney — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 06:22:19 -0000

I'm reading Seth Godin's "Small is the New Big" (well, I had to choose somethingdifferent since CC is reading Purple Cow...) and he states at one point in the entry "Later is not an option"- "The New Marketing requires less planning and more interaction, more now and less later. So Pick up the phone, write the copy or design the page in Photoshop. But waiting for later is pointless."
This book has a lot of great little points (well, it is based on his blog, so...) but I am enjoying digesting them a few at a time, leading me where I need to go, and how to further get a mental handle on this space.

Re: Remove Humans Add Humans

Whitney — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 06:52:48 -0000

Is the heart of the org chart really about job descriptions?
I've been in jobs where the boundaries of what we should do and should not have seemed fluid, and others where the boundaries are VERY rigid. And still others where the expectations weren't clear, so you could never figure out what to do to meet the expectations of the guy in charge at all. (And this goes for paid jobs, volunteer positions, etc.)
In the days of online communities, it may be less about strict hierarchy and more about accurate communication of expectations. Which is not always easy. But people do much better with constructive feedback than with micromanaging.
At the hospital, and I think in academia as well, the role of Chair or Division Head seems to be as much about setting a tone or creating a culture as it is about administration and telling people what to do. Everyone seems to make the job their own, based on their own personal viewpoint and vision.
And then I look at my friend, Dave, over at Pixar. There is a company where it is all about the creative, all about a culture where work hard, play, have fun, and we will do everything to support these things as our goals- It's a place where people work insane hours developing new software, new ways to do things, as well as the actual animation and story, but they LOVE it, because the company seems like a big family. Everyone may have their role, but they work together without a lot of rigid restrictions.
Forming a family, or forming a cultutre isn't easy, but I think it's the long term personal and group satisfaction ingredient most companies misunderstand.
So I am left with the underlying viewpoint that company culture is almost more important that the org chart.

Re: Small Boxes 16- Washington

Whitney — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 21:18:22 -0000

So which meeting was better? And I can never figure out why we clap for politicians- they managed to get elected, but they aren't royalty, and too often they are not the smartest person in the room. However, when voting, I put my money on smart over almost anything else.

Re: Make Movies for David Finch

Whitney — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:33:00 -0000

media is concentrated in a very few cities; talent is dispersed everywhere. Not everyone with talent wants to live in LA or NY. Firms do well to hear (or see) what their fans and customers think and feel about their brand- they can try to communicate whatever they want, but how the public ultimately interacts with the "brand" is what will drive the business.

Re: Same Great Taste

Whitney — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 18:12:54 -0000

I'm really enjoying Seth's new book, Small is the New Big, on these topics and more. I've been thinking about this a lot lately- that your brand is more about what people say it is than what you yourself intend. I just wrote a post over on Parent's Eye View about our experience this weekend at the Philadelphia Auto Show. So many of the vehicles look the same, have similar amenities, have almost identical gas mileage and even cost the same, or within a few thousand dollars of each other (when talking about cars, the difference between $33 and $31 K for example, may be negligable once you start talking options). So the difference almost becomes purely about brand and emotion, and whether you "see yourself as" a Toyota, a Volvo, a Nissan, an Acura, a BMW or a Mercedes. What used to be comparable the difference between a Timex and a Rolex is now a whole different discussion.

Re: Julien Smith at ChangeThis

Whitney — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 17:23:59 -0000

I am in total awe of Julien, and can't wait to talk to him again at Podcamp Toronto.

Re: Social Matters

Whitney — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 06:13:28 -0000

I always come away from events with inspiration on how to up my own game, a sense of having a new, larger family, and like we just dropped a boulder in the middle of the lake- the ripple effect may take some time to get to shore, but the waves get bigger and bigger as the ideas and connections spread outward.

Re: Friendsourcing and FriendHelp

Whitney — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 05:57:49 -0000

Thank you! I am sincerely flattered! And I think it is all about friendsourcing. We get to the point where there is so much to do, and time is becoming our most valuable resource. So learning (and trusting) to be able to outsource to friends becomes a necessity and a strategy to keep sane.
I took a lesson from some other podcasters and I am going to have an intern this summer to help me with the "I really should's" like filing and dealing with show archives, that I never seem to get to. This teenager will learn a bit about podcasting, web site management, and other things she wouldn't learn in school, and I get the free help I need for a few weeks this summer. I can't wait!

Re: Snowy Day is Massachusetts

Whitney — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:23:43 -0000

Same here with ice- will upload pictures to flickr later.

Re: Who Wins the Revolution

Whitney — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 23:36:09 -0000

I think evolution may be more appropriate. Is there not a survival of the fittest going on? I don't think this is as much about shaking the shackles of the elitist government as it is about finding better, faster, and simply better ways to do things. More compelling content. Like the chimp who discovered you could get insects out of a tree using a stick, we are using new tools to change the way business is done, the way ideas are communicated.
Maybe it's a bit of both. Lots to think about.
Whit

Re: Your Show Itself is NOT the Money Maker

Whitney — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:36:26 -0000

I think part of this is like Seth Godin's "Flip the Funnel"- we're moving from broadcasting to targetcasting. People who are specifically finding you and are interested in your message. I interview authors because I think my audience needs to know about their work, and need to hear what they have to say. And let's face it- not everyone is as interested in the learning process and how the brain works, and how to help kids learn better and more effectively as I am. And I think each of these people deserve more attention, deserve to sell more books, and if I can help them with my self-designed and financed soap box, then I am cool with that.
My issues with monetization have to do with the selectivity issue. Because of my topic area, there's a lot of trash that would be promoted by choosing something like Google Adsense, and I would have no control whatsoever over that, so I think that's right out for me.

Now what would happen in someone with a product I like and think my audience needs to know about offers to run a promotion.advertisement or whatever on my podcast? I can't say I would rule it out. I could see it being okay, in a PBS style format.

But I think controlling the message and pairing the messages together is important. If you don't look to the continuity, to how this fits into your overall thrust and audience, I think you are going to turn off a bunch of viewers/listeners, and not do the promoter any good, either. This is why people tivo in the first place. We are okay with targeted messages, even if sometimes they're wrong, but are becoming ever more less okay with the ads everywhere approach.
In my opinion, anyway.

Re: Dave Says We Dont Take Podcasting Seriously

Whitney — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 11:09:16 -0000

I just think we need to have a "Pod" "Camp"- Grab everyone, go to some camp in Maine, The Poconos- wherever- for a week ,with family, geek out during the day, as if it were TED, and sing songs (podsafe of course) and roast marshmallows at night. The only trick is getting wi-fi in the woods.

I understand what Dave is saying, but I also think that given the grass roots nature of things, the whole unconference nature where it's not about who the big fish are and who the little fish are, this makes weekdays more of a challenge.

Podcamp is an evolving thing. Its open source nature is its strength. And take it from me, the big kids are noticing what we're doing over here in the sandbox- not to worry.

Re: Communication and Community

Whitney — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 16:31:44 -0000

This is simply amazing. I am passing this one around. Gotta figure out how to imbed it in my site as well.

Wow.

Re: Things to Do After a Conference

Whitney — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:48:45 -0000

Always a good reminder. I've still got audio to post, and I'm working my way through the business cards/email stuff as well.
You are the best- you mentor us all!

Re: Your Car is a

Whitney — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 05:57:45 -0000

Are cars secretly the kryptonite that brings Superheroes back to earth?

Re: Friendsourcing Needs- Can We Work Together

Whitney — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 12:52:37 -0000

When they say Chris Brogan is the Mayor of Podcasting, people do so for many reasons. Most of them are based on Chris's ability to connect with people in a genuine way, and then know precisely the people they might also like to speak with, building more bridges, conversations, and ideas. He has the pulse of New Media in his hand, while being a genuine, caring guy. Chris is one of those rare people these days who does exactly what he says he's going to do, and you can take that to the bank. He is willing to go to bat for those he knows, and has developed an intensely loyal fanbase, by just being Chris.

Re: Use These New Media Tools

Whitney — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 06:33:24 -0000

This is terrific, Chris. For those who are feeling overwhelmed with all the options, there's always group blogging, like we do over at GNM Parents, which builds community even faster!

Re: PodCamp NYC Needs Your Support

Whitney — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 08:42:11 -0000

Thanks for the support!
NYC is full of exciting people, at equally exciting prices!
As a wise man once said, Nothing costs like free!

Re: Workstreaming - Virtual Busy Indicators via RSS

Whitney — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 08:16:00 -0000

I love the flexibility of web working. I can multi-task my home and work lives. But with web work, we give up the control aspect of work and get more down to the trust level. My boss gives me a deadline, or projected complete date. I do my very best to meet or exceed that expectation, so he is happy, and when he needs someone to get something done, he knows he can count on me to handle it for him. He trusts me to manage my own life, and I do just that.

In traditional work environments, there's a lot of "in loco parentis"- fancy latin for saying managers end up more like moms & dads that you have to answer to for everything you do. I don;t try to impress anyone by extra late or extra early emails- that's just how my web work life works. Get up, work for an hour, get kids to school. Get back to work, break to do something, come back, hack away on the project for a while, etc.

And the window dressing of face time is stupid and silly. But this happens in an office all the time. In the "real world", we have to manage expectations by the package, rather than managing expectations by the content. Yet, I'd much rather be evaluated by the quality of the work, than whether I'm doing it at a certain time of day, or wearing jammies while it's getting done.

And in the end, shouldn't work product speak for itself?

Re: Sing the Network2 Jingle With Me

Whitney — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 15:50:11 -0000

Love it!

Re: Touchpoints Boston

Whitney — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 15:33:01 -0000

I cannot tell you how totally jealous I am!!!

Re: My Office is a Coffeeshop

Whitney — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 21:26:46 -0000

You look really happy today- sincerely happy. Good to see.

Re: Small Boxes 19- PodCamp Toronto

Whitney — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 06:33:56 -0000

This was terrific!- We can now share our life moments, our "home movies" over the net, and want to watch, share, and remember. We're so far away from the time where someone would pull out their vacation slides and you'd groan- now we're all giddy and excited to share! Excellent.

Re: Contributing in the Snack Culture

Whitney — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 09:55:25 -0000

Gotta snack, but gotta make it clean and easy. Take from those of us with ADHD- if it's too much, too busy, we gloss over it. I agree with Matt- the article was hard to get through because it was too much.

The trick here is when to "bullet point" and when to explain. We get into so much short hand of communication, it can be difficult to always know who is on your same page.

Part of it is that I think we assume in new media that everyone we meet knows who we are, knows something about us beforehand- filling in the back story takes time- hence the reason podcamp is important.

Re: Twitter is the New Gate Jumper

Whitney — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 21:16:55 -0000

This is water cooler meets snacking. It's the update/gossip/what's up? conversations in small, finite doses, across the miles that separate us, yet it connects us. Easy to update, easy to connect, easy to help out friends. I like it because it makes me feel I'm hanging with my "peeps" even when I'm really picking up kids, doing projects, etc.

Re: One Thing To do Different Today

Whitney — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 14:57:11 -0000

Mine- I used to think I could sum it up best as "a Storehouse for all useless knowledge" but as I get older, the vast amount of stuff stored on my internal hard drive actually is pretty dang useful.

My favorite one, though, is having an innate sense about people and their feelings. It's harder to do this on the 'net. But being able to share and connect are super powers we can all have!

Oh, and for those of you still wondering what your power is, this might help: Tom Rath just came out with Strengthsfinder 2.0. It identifies your top 5 areas of talent. Mine are Ideation, connectedness, input, individualization and strategic. So these are the start of super strengths, anyway!

Re: How it Works Around Here

Whitney — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 10:31:23 -0000

What I found fascinating is the "control the message" section. When you relinquish control of the message, it puts a lot more pressure on constructing an event or experience that is truly excellent and valuable.

If you are the only story, the only message, the only broadcast, then opinion, interaction and feedback are irrelevant. (See most traditional corporations). Those that offer interactivity with the brand or message get the information they need to up their game so to speak, and some people can't take critique that well, so they refuse to hear any of it (does this ring a bell in the political sphere?)

So we're back at the heart of the matter- building an enthusiastic, evangelizing community that will spread your message, bring others into the fold, who will also spread it out further. Take a page from the Mormons.

New media is a religion, and it's catching on quick.

Re: Tags Are Your New Website

Whitney — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 17:17:40 -0000

I have this blog I need to host, so the tags are more doable- but in the meantime, I have a post over at Parent's Eye View about how we are all internet electricians, responsbile for hooking up the wires, making the connections, and letting people pull the switches to the stuff they find interesting.
Without the links, tags and the like, the wires don;t connect and the bigger lightbulbs caused by great ideas never get ignited.

Re: We Are Retro

Whitney — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 19:23:55 -0000

I interview high school seniors applying to my alma mater. I remember a particular candidate talking about wanting to go into PR or broadcast journalism, yet she spent high school on the cheerleading squad and doing the yearbook. I asked her is she spent anytime online, blogging, or the like, and she said no.
I couldn't help thinking that even by the time she hit the end of her freshman year, the fundamental changes in her field of interest would be so great, we would hardly even recognize them
As a parent, the pace of change frightens me a bit, but I think it means we need to place our emphasis. more thn ever, in producing creative, innovative thinkers- problem solvers and dreamers, more than those with more basic, traditional, marketable skills. This will be a waste of time and effort.

And it means that my friend who is a VP at a major bank is right: "Give me an english major over a business major any day. These are the folks with analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, developed from analyzing text, context, searching for broader meaning." The "perfect raining" for any job is not oing to be what we miay think it is, but born out of a variety of experiences over a lifetime.

Re: Leading a Community

Whitney — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 13:17:37 -0000

This post comes on the heels of a conversation I had this AM with a Podcasting rock star. And what was interesting, is she feels alientated from the community because people are now "afraid" to talk to her the same way they would before. I told her I would "link her up" via twitter and other sources- because this is the fun part of new media- the friends, the conversation, and being able to ask for help or suggestions no matter where you perceive yourself on the podcasting food chain.

Re: Play Your Own Music

Whitney — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:31:51 -0000

In some ways, this is also about everyone having their own talents and experiences. We each bring something different to the table, and I think even with those you might not immediately "get"- you can understand a little better as their back story fills in.

Because of the way my mind works, I totally get the train of thought thinkers, and can follow well- but I know it can be frustrating for others, who try to reign me in and steer things gently back on topic.

Re: Dont Forget The Basics

Whitney — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:24:25 -0000

I wish there was a way to virtually send cash easily- I am sure we'll get there soon. I'd have bought you b'fast in a heartbeat. Twittercash?

Re: One Day In New York City

Whitney — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 19:28:14 -0000

I met the guy from College Sports TV at the SVG conference in Decemeber! What a great idea that is!

Re: Personal Branding

Whitney — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 17:12:29 -0000

Being involved in New media, I see the lines between on stage and off stage blurring. In a lot of ways, this is a good thing- I have always been a WYSIWYG girl anyway.

This means you have to know who you are and try to be centered with that. Even when you have to make hard decisions, say No to someone, or break bad news, if you have a reputation for authenticity and honesty, people take what you say as perfectly acceptable- they aren't searching for subtext or subtitiles to decode your message, when there isn't any, anyway. If you always have a difference between your professional persona and your real self, then people rapidly start to look for the code.

I've been in meetings where people exchange looks or don't seem to say what they're thinking and feed you a party line, and I HATE this more than anything. Just say it. No matter how bad it is, I'd rather know than start making up my own version or guess at what the heck is really going on.

So maybe the message in personal branding is to ditch the subtitles.

Re: Memories of PodCamp Boston

Whitney — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 06:45:41 -0000

Way to go, CB. What everyone needs to know going into the biggest podcamp yet.

Re: Maintaining Community Spirit In Larger Communities

Whitney — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 08:23:51 -0000

I wrote a post over at Parent's Eye View on this, and it is about Podcamp NYC although I did not tag it such. When a community based on abundance meets scarcity of time and resources, you face real challenges. You can argue that "tracking" of sessions is segregation of communities, or maybe it just creates micro podcamps within the larger whole. A video podcamp. A newbie podcamp. A Marketing podcamp. And the ability to experience them all in the same day, as you see fit. You can be part of each community, or even none- and ultimately your podcamp NYC experience will be what you choose to make it. You, each individual, are really in control. We just are letting you know where people will be and when. the rest is up to you.

[update- Chris Brogan added a link to Whitney's site]

Re: Maintaining Community Spirit In Larger Communities

Whitney — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:54:43 -0000

We've tried. He comes by his enthusiasm naturally- no caffiene needed. And thank god it's infectious when the rest of us start to get tired or feel jaded. We can steal a little of John's energy and make it through the tough stuff.

Re: Steve Garfield Invents Twittermail

Whitney — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 06:02:37 -0000

trust me- short is good, esp after spendng a day texting from the older than dirt cell phon ein a car on the GA highways....

Re: I Am So Mad at My Mechanic

Whitney — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 05:35:54 -0000

If you have to, try a toyota, Less american (and I had a saturn- my grandma worked at a GM plant for years) but the reliability and problem factors went down preceipitously. Not that we had much problem with our saturn either, but there it is.

Re: Like a Sore in Your Mouth

Whitney — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:17:51 -0000

I think it may come down to a neurology thing. Either you're good at placing your whole self there as your avatar mentally, or not. I am not a big fan, because i think the learning curve is too steep, and I don't feel like I have the extra time to get good at it- and I thought the controls were clunky and non-intuitive.
I also feel like very smart people I respect have not yet found an explanation for it that makes me "get it", the same way i could really "get" podcasting and other aspects of social media, much more readily.

Re: Katrina Makes a Birthday Movie

Whitney — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 12:15:41 -0000

FANTASTIC job, Kat!

Happy Birthday, CB!

Congratualtins on the Foundation as well, and I glad you came to PC NYC!
Cheesesteaks on me in Philly! Bring the Fam!

Whit

Re: Happy Birthday to Me

Whitney — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 21:12:57 -0000

I can't believe I forgot to say Happy birthday to you on this post as well!
All the best for another awesome year!

Re: In One Year

Whitney — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 06:26:45 -0000

I think it's a semantic discussion- change sometimes implies a 180 degree shift; I think its more evolutionary change here- learning, refining, altering the course when things get totallo OOC; learning to do things better.
People in general are much more confortable with stasis than with constant change and new media, I am finding out, is largely about becoming comfortable with constant change and refinement. Like sharks, if you stop moving, you can die, or so it seems. It's not always comfortable; it's definitely exhausting; but it's a lot of fun too, and I think this is what keeps everyone going.
My children are watching the Magic School Bus in the background, and I think Ms Frizzle is onto something- Take Chances ! Get Dirty! Make Mistakes! Because these are keys to learning.

Re: 3 Quick Things to Do After an Event

Whitney — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 09:15:01 -0000

Jeff has great points. Reflection, after actionreports for those putting on the event are all important- you can never get any better until you're willing to look at what went really right and what went , well, wrong, or less right than you hoped.
I think the time invested in connecting with people afterwards is vital- and it should be fun, not a chore. And remember even in the non-online world, social and interactivity are what it's all about. So go have lunch with someone you met if they're local- have coffee- you'll get more out of that than any number of emails or phone calls.

Re: Reach Escape Velocity

Whitney — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 12:06:04 -0000

I think this is the best- have everyone you do know bring one new person into the fold and enlarge the conversation. Like Chris Penn's Mash Bowl- drop in three cards, take out two, and go find those people, or email them, or hatever- make new friends and stretch your boundaries.

Re: Why Do New Media Types Like Multiples

Whitney — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:31:22 -0000

My first thought about multiple projects is the ADHD factor- I work on multliple channels at once by nature. I sometimes lose focus if there's only one thing going on, but when the number of things on the to do list gets over 14, I can decompensate as well. (or 1,312 to be exact...)

When your plate is full, you are forced to manage your time better than when it's empty. Sometimes we need this sense of pressure, sometimes the ne new thing tips the whole balance in chaos.

I manage by only doing the things I love now- it makes it easy to give up the little stuff. I have a few things I need to get rid of ASAP, as they are non-value add to me on any level, and as soon as I can extricate myself from them, I will. But I did make commitments to some things a long time ago, before Podcamps came to rule my heart and mind.

If I had fewer projects, would I manage them better? Probably. The thing I miss most is the just hanging out doing nothing time; that has gotten rare and can leave me feeling a bit frantic. But I know it's also my fault for being compulsive about some things. Sometimes, managing things and projects better is more about friendsourcing and delegating than it is about control- what can you give to someone else and not make yourself crazy about at the same time?

I've long thought the women's lib promise that "You can have it all" was a lie of sorts- You may be able to have it all, but realistically, you can't have it all at the same time. This means looking at things on a time scale; what can you do now, and what must you put off to a slightly longer time frame?
I just have to be careful when I volunteer myself for something to know what it entails, and also be willing to outsource when I need to and without guilt.

Re: Left Behind

Whitney — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 11:39:43 -0000

I think there is a sense from time to time of not being left out, of not wanting to be an "uncool" kid again that factors into this. For example, I appreicate the number of people on myspace, but because I received a lewd solicitation in my first three minutes online, it is not a main source I use with any regularity. In second life, I spent a quiet afternoon trying to figure it out, and I found it slow and clunky in many ways. Lots of opeople smarter than me have talked about what it's good for and what it's not; I don't feel I have the calories to give to get good at it right now, or use it in anything but an adjunct manner.

We all come into this space with a different set of talents, and getting up to speed on everything, especially as things change so face from twitter to Jaiku to the next big thing, is frankly difficult. It means we are forced to make choices about how to spend our time and what gives you that value add.

I like twitter for keeping me up to date with my far flung friends. I like flickr for the same reason. But I still teach, have a podcast to get out, learn more about my new power book, manage the family, etc. Oh yea, and plan Podcamp Philly as well.

My workplace and friends are virtual in many ways- and in order to learn, you need to keep up, on some level, where the crowd is going and what they're doing. It's not all about being a sheep. It's about keeping abreast of a world that keeps changing by the keystroke, where time is the most precious commodity of all.

Re: Left Behind

Whitney — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:30:11 -0000

Is it really a question about assimilation into a new medium?

Re: Why Do New Media Types Like Multiples

Whitney — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 15:33:58 -0000

I think this is the crux of the issue right here- how do we measure success? And I wil post more over at The Parent's Eye View is anyone is interested....

Re: Reputation

Whitney — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:43:46 -0000

Amen. This is his major talent, and the reason why so manyof his friends and collegues are almost rabidly loyal. And thank goodness he uses his powers for good and not evil!

Re: My Best Networking Tips

Whitney — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 12:30:41 -0000

Julien and I (in your absence.. sniff...) spoke about this at PodCamp NYC. A business card is only a memory aid, a tool to prevent you from looking in your pockets for pencil and paper. You have to be authentic in order to build relationships; even if you have to move on for real reasons, like your ride is leaving or you'll miss your plane, just say so, excuse yourself politely, and then try to reconnect later.

Business cards are not baseball cards, where it's all about collecting them; it is only a tool, so rather than sticking a hammer into someone's face, wait until you get to a point in the conversation where exchange of information seems natural and important, and use them then to avoid digging for pens.

Re: Presentation or Conversation

Whitney — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 15:53:47 -0000

I sort of wish we could ban powerpoint slides, or minimize the reliance on them. What would happen if we banned projectors from a conference, and your slides just become notes to use for your talk? I'd even be all for calling sessions "show & tell" or "sharing time" if it didn't sound so pre-school.

I think pictures that form analogies and illustrate points can be more helpful than a list of stuff you expect people to copy down. Sure, at Podcamps there are websites and info everyone wants, and you need to give them that as well, but I hate the "too scripted" approach- it's the difference between show notes and reading a script aloud- the notes keep you on point, and keep the tone much more conversational.

Re: Small Boxes 26- Birthday Wishes 2

Whitney — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 16:08:43 -0000

I'm just so glad the cape got that much play, for a silly b-day present. You are a super hero!

Re: Jon Glassett Opens a Time Capsule

Whitney — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 17:01:58 -0000

Still working the mic after all these years....

Re: Thinking Blogger or Writing Blogger

Whitney — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 17:06:04 -0000

I think about what I'm going to write ahead of time- I collect a group of thouhts in a separate file for future posts- quotes I like, things I don;t have time to express fully at that moment; but when I sit down and write, I pretty much write with little editing. (Thankfully, Stu edits over at GNM to make sure I am not too scattered about anything). But many times, when I write about something I really care about, it's like a river that's hard to stop in the process. Sitting on some stuff before I post would probably be a good idea, though.

Re: YouTube Marketing 2- Kodak

Whitney — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:42:13 -0000

I love this because I grew up in Rochester, home of Kodak and George Eastman's house was at the end of my street; spent the better part of my childhood futsing with photos and developing. Know stories about the internal works at Kodak (Matt's Uncle managed Kodak Park for years) that would curl your hair. Nice to see the definition of stodgy is trying to move the equation forward. Boooyah!

Re: Live from the Apple Store

Whitney — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:44:12 -0000

This seesm to be the theme of the day- I had a procare appt at the Apple Store in Newark, DE this morning. But guess what? Chris Penn knows a heck of a lot more and can communicate it better and faster than the yoyo I dealt with. Go Podcamp!

Re: Media Makers Need to Climb the Value Chain

Whitney — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 15:58:22 -0000

I read this and I thought about my friends at Pixar. What makes Pixar different from Dreamworks is not the animation, but the storytelling and attention to detail. It may be a story about cars or bugs, but at the heart of it, there is a universal theme, well told. Fishtale is not Finding Nemo, Antz is not Bug's Life, Flushed Away is not going to be Ratatouille. Disney movies work because the story is the center- animation is just another way to tell the story. You could almost as easily tell it live action as well, but animation works. (How else can you translate The Lion King into a Broadway production if it isn't really about the story?)
The problem is that we are getting lazy about story telling. Reality television is telling stories of one sort or another through editing, but it isn't really crafting stories from the beginning- it's editing to stereotypes.
I was almost shocked at how good If Not Now is, produced by Kathryn Jones- the questions asked are poignant, and the front and back bumpers tie the show together well, but still leave you pondering the question at hand.
And, at the heart of it, people want interactivity. We are tired of being lied to and pandered to, and now that we can exercise control over our channels of entertainment as never before, we are eager to do so. (It's amazing how impatient I get with regular tv now, after a steady diet of internet TV, podcasts and NPR.) People love talk radio because it's interactive; people love video games and the Wii because they are interactive; we love watching other people because it's interactive. Just another form of broadcasting on a smaller format will nto get it done.

Re: Front Load Your Writing

Whitney — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:08:40 -0000

In journalism, they call this Burying the lead.
If there's anything I've learned from Chris, it's keep it short and relevant.
Prose is nice for leisure time, not business, not online.

Re: Wake Up

Whitney — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 06:40:27 -0000

Sometimes it is so easy to go with the flow of your life, rather than paddle your canoe where you really want to go. But sometimes sitting don and asking yourself the hard question of where your North Star is (or should be) is difficult, and means facing some hard truths, so we become very good at avoiding the question at all.

I was talking to a very dear friend recently, and they said they wanted to do something, but it felt like making a five year old eat their veggies- something they had to do, knew they should do, but the dread and the "not fun" side seemed to make the task impossible. Yet I know when I get those nagging, not fun things out of the way, I fell so much better and like I've accomplished so much more. Taxes come to mind; doctor's appointments; cleaning the office and cleaning out closets...all things that need to be done both physically and metaphorically, but getting the momentum is hard.

The trick, as you say, is snacks. You need to say "I am going to attack this project for twenty minutes, then I can quit." Set a timer. Get going. Once you start and the timer goes off, you have permission to stop. You can quit. Or set a new mini goal if things are going well. But you'll get so much more accomplished by facing the hard stuff and just starting, committing to do it in chunks, rather than look at the overwhelming whole, and never start at all.
Bite sized pieces, spread out over a few days, or a week, are much better than one huge meal. It's the starving man at the banquet story- too many choices, so he dies staring at the bounty rather than partaking freely. Give yourself permission to nibble, and see how it goes.

Re: Wake Up

Whitney — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 13:08:33 -0000

It's all about triage- Say Yes to new experiences, things that value add, and say no when you are over-extended or can't see the value add. As Chris said to me once, and I keep this in mind all the time now- check the calories in/calories out balance and decide accordingly.

Re: Why to Use RSS Readers and HOW

Whitney — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 12:42:13 -0000

How cool! And well produced! I love it!

Re: Extend the Conversation

Whitney — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:20:12 -0000

I got out of the bowl, and this is what's happening...

I recorded audio on my first ever "producing podcasts for others" consulting job this am. It went well. I am both happy, thrilled and scared out of my mind. The client is happy, even before the thing is edited. They have big plans, and if the trial version works well, this could be huge and consume all or most of my time. It could mean hiring other people and being a real business person.

And, this means no longer being an amateur. It's no longer hoping things will go well, but things are going well, indeed. And it means deciding where you fit into a project that could end up consuming you, in a good way, but consuming you nonetheless.

I only have so many hours in the day, and that is becoming tragically clear, as I figure out what obligations I can shed and which ones I want and need in my life. And part of social media means being social- something I'm good at, but where do you draw the line between real world and virtual?

Let's face it- put up or shut up is scary. If you go beyond your comfort zone and bring others into the fold, it means you take on responsibility as well. You need to mentor them. You need to show them the ropes and help them see the value, both personally and professionally. And then when they get excited and say- "Cool, let's do it!" you have to be willing to follow through, as part of that relationship.

In some ways, when you live outside the mainstream, you can become comfortable in that role. It is awesome beyond belief to find others like us, to form these great and vibrant communities, but you also need to participate, and this takes time and emotional effort if nothing else.

When you step off the cliff, or out of the bowl, is there any turning back?

I think our biggest risk is burning out before the potential really comes to fruition- Seth Godin talks about this when he talks about the Dip- can we weather the storm until the momentum carries us forward to true remarkability?

Re: Alignment Management Not Time Management

Whitney — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 07:28:14 -0000

Very Helpful! Very needed!

Whit

Re: Be Nice Today

Whitney — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 12:57:48 -0000

This is a great lesson-treat everyone not only the way you would want to be treated, but how you treat your favorite aunt. Even when I am getting ticked off at a customer service rep about a problem, I realize they did not personally cause my problem, they are in charge of helping. So express your frustration, sure, but remember that if you treat them like a person, they feel better, you feel better, and you might even find your problems solved a bit faster.
Trust me, I worked as a customer service rep for a student loan company during college. Getting yelled at for 6+ hours a day really sucks, and I would make extra efforts to help people who were kind on the phone.

Re: Reasons Why I LOVE JetBlue and not Continental

Whitney — Tue, 01 May 2007 09:14:24 -0000

Well, the head in the lap thing does give you to opportunity to know your fellow traveler perhaps more intimately than you anticipated....What i find ironic is how airlines are trying to cut costs AND build business- yet they are cutting corners that end up making air travel an unattractive option. This is why I often choose to drive rather than fly from Philly to Boston.

Re: Human Experiences

Whitney — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:21:11 -0000

This is what communication is all about at its heart- empathy. Not sympathy, but empathy- putting yourself into another's shoes- things that ring true. Hence a recent post on GNM Parents- My Life as Marsha Brady- we all have crazy moments, leaving us feeling like sit com characters, or at least I do.

Re: Connect With Your Audience

Whitney — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:45:21 -0000

I think Chris has it right- presentations should be about talking with your audience, not at them. This is what podcasting does well. It is a conversation, not a lecture.
Great speakers can use formulas, but the best link stories together like beads on a chain to form a beautiful necklace-
Malcolm Gladwell, Steven Levitt, Marcus Buckingham all manage to do this with thier books, in audio presentations and the like. Seth Godin is similar (Currently on tour with his new book-The Dip, don't miss it- I'm going in Philly on the 16th!)

Re: ONHollywood- Do We Need Editors?

Whitney — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:48:59 -0000

I agree with Kevin- we need curators.

We have an editor in chief of sorts over at GNM Parents, and this works great- someone else to give feedback and tweek posts, and form the story arcs we might not do on our own. It's helpful, it's terrific, and I absolutely love and appreciate the Editor to bits.

Sometimes I should remember to sit on my own blog posts and give them a second look before posting- I am certainly glad Stu does this at GNM.

Re: New Medias New Favorite Bad Guy

Whitney — Thu, 03 May 2007 17:20:58 -0000

I keep coming back to Douglas Adams's Hitchhiker's Guide to the Future series on BBC 4 (available streaming on the net- not mp3
: ( [http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/hhgttf/]
He says that every time a new medium comes forth, the others don't disappear (a few short moments for the 8 track tape...) they just move over and make more room. TV changed things but didn't eliminate radio; the internet is changing things but is not going to eliminate TV or radio. Likewise, blogs won't eliminate newspapers and journalists, but it will make them work harder in a competitive environment.

That's it- I need to start a curriculum for New Media School- we keep mulling over the same issues time and again, and it's time for everyone to realize that, like Enric said, it isn't either /or. Those insisting on this black/white dichotomy are seeing parts of their value add stripped away by those doing something similar, often in the "good enough" category for free. Just remember, Encyclopedia Brittanica was replaced by encarta and then wikipedia, folks. While the content is not as rich or well researched, it fits the good enough paradigm.

Re: Fishbowl

Whitney — Sun, 06 May 2007 08:44:27 -0000

I still think podcasting is still a new medium, and the adoption curve by the general public is still behind- what's sad, i we of little attention span are ready to change formats, try new things and do whatever we think will garner more attention, when it can be something as simple as Justin's BootCamp, or talkng to friends at lunch about how to get a podcast- reaching out to all those real world friends- the "wrinkly's"- make your parents and their friends your listeners as well- your evangelists. They have disposable income, smarts, but timidity about how to use new media tools, and haven't grasped the impact it can have on them- they assume its another teenage fad.
We need to use the "You Don't Need an ipod" song and video to maximum effect- anyone up for picking a day and we all do a Bum Rush sort of deal with "You Don't need an ipod"? Maybe no money allowed, but sure as heck might get some attention to that "ipod thing".
Just a thought.

Re: Unconferences in Business Week

Whitney — Mon, 07 May 2007 09:05:12 -0000

There's nothing that stops the "money" side of things from being authentic or being a conversation.
It requires a will to connect and mix it up with others.

Re: Five Personal Branding Tips

Whitney — Tue, 08 May 2007 12:28:11 -0000

Great pointers- But the most important point is always Mitch Joel's Be Yourself- You are the best You you can be, and be proud of that.
Actors may be able to slip into someone else's skin, but in this world, you need to have the core of yourself (or business or whatever) well defined before spreading the message out further.

Try Kevin Carroll's The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball- great little book, touching on this subject.

Re: Wanted- Your Podcasting Workflow

Whitney — Fri, 11 May 2007 11:47:55 -0000

This is an interesting question, because it touches on a sensitive area of mine- I feel like I do things not in the most efficient manner possible, but a workable manner. I would love to have someone critique my work flow, but I'm not sure I want to give the "workflow for dummies" ie. my idiosyncratic work flow, to everyone to emulate.

Ideas on how to receive "constructive critique" first and then post it? _ sounds like I need to post my flow on my blog and and ask for help, first from the podcasting ninjas.

Re: Anticipation and Calm

Whitney — Tue, 15 May 2007 19:52:13 -0000

There is a great book called Timeshifting- it's all about living in the moment and being present. So you are focused on what you are doing in the moment rather than always living in the future in your head. If you are in the moment, you notice others around you are testy. You notice you kid is rolling their eyes, or is quieter than usual; you listen to what people are saying, rather than think what you will say next the whole time.

I agree Being Prepared and not making others wait for you is a minimum courtesy. But being present in the moment and not mentally vacant creates the calm.

Re: What Exactly Do I Do

Whitney — Wed, 16 May 2007 11:19:32 -0000

Dale's question begs another- does it matter? Kevin Carroll, in The Red Rubber Ball, says the we should strive so that “the source of your play become[s] your life’s work so much so that no one- not even you- will be able to tell the difference between to two”. It's about the journey and playign along the way, it's not a destination in and of itself.

I saw Seth Godin speak this morning, and he was beyond fantastic. But more importantly, he talks a lot about being remarkable at what you do. Chris is emarkable at what he does, because he is the utlimate connector- an internet electrician, hooking people together to help them achieve wonderful things. And if that's not job satisfaction, I don't know what is.

Re: A New Time Budget

Whitney — Sat, 19 May 2007 10:03:45 -0000

An ADHD perspective:

We're really good with flitting from thing to thing or hyperfocus on something to the exclusion of everything else. As a result, I've found I can set a timer on my watch to spend a set time like 40 minutes shoveling out the office, and if I know I have permission to quit after that time, a whole lot more gets accomplished. (Playing music also helps stay on track and keeps you company during this boring stuff)
Having to account to someone else for your time- even just writing it down yourself, puts how you spend your time in perspective, just like food journals are effective for controlling eating. And you start managing it better as a result.

I like the idea of the breakdown, but I would chunk up a morning into 40 minute blocks with 15 minute breaks for email, nourishment and movement, and then settling back in. 20 minute blocks are hard for me- I like 40 min because it takes a good five minutes to get into making progress on a task, then at least 30 minutes can be devoted to quality work before easing off again.
The ADD friendly ways to organize your life book by Dr. Kathleen Nadeau and professional organizer Judith Kolberg, is good for anyone having organization and time management issues in any aspect of your life, whether you're ADD or not.
Keeps us sane here.

Re: Connecting People

Whitney — Mon, 21 May 2007 12:51:59 -0000

Connections: I find that you never know what other people know unless you're willing to strike up conversations. I was at a geek thing last week, and noticed someone's knitted purse; and found out three people in the vacinity were knitters, plus one had a blog about it- the Village Knitiot (and she's a video game programmer by day). This confirmed to me you have to be open and willing to talk about anything- you just never know.
You might share old friends, grown up in the same town, but never known it- Don't be afraid to talk about things off the subject at hand- that forms stronger connections than the surface "topical" things, anyway.

Re: Biz Stone on Twitter

Whitney — Mon, 21 May 2007 21:55:09 -0000

Why is the first question everyone asks about monetization?

This still irritates me. I would pay a membership to twitter if they would keep it ad free. In fact, I check out more stuff based on referral from twitter friends than from stumble these days. Doesn't this count for something?

Re: The Right Tool for the Job

Whitney — Mon, 28 May 2007 06:27:13 -0000

There's a proper tool for every job, and you outline them well. It's about using the right tool at the right time that is tricky for some- and as consultants, we need to make sure we're steering clients in the right direction. Blogs might not be the one sole tool for everyone, but perhaps an adjunct to audio or video; audio podcasts are good for audio learners- for example, I'm producing some podcasts for some medical folks. Whis material is best presented in audio-cliff notes style and wouldn't really play as well as video or a "how to" without looking like an episode from ER. These are also folks who don't need to blog, but the blog works well as an easy way to host and manipulate website.

So in the zeal to make money and maintain clients, let's also not make ourselves indispensible, but give our clients the tools to meet their endpoints and let them maintain it. Let's face it- they're going to need our help anyway, and best to give' em as much independence as possible so we can take on other clients as well. Right tool for the right person at the right time is the name of the game.

Re: The Right Tool for the Job

Whitney — Tue, 29 May 2007 08:27:53 -0000

Doesn't this all come down to the fact that some people are auditory learners, other visual, others kinesthetic and others a mix of these?

We all have this uniquely wired brain between our ears, and it receives information best through certain mediums. On the net, we can find information on just about whatever in whichever format works best for us! How cool is that?!
If you decide you are going to make media, however, then you should contribute what you do best, what you are most passionate about, what matters to you. And whether you have 50 listeners or 5 million, it shouldn't really matter.

If it's all about making a living at making media, then you need to parse whether you are in love with the subject matter or the process itself. This can be two very different things.

If it's the process, you can sell your abilities to others to produce their content and be very happy.

If it's the subject matter, you need to consider if you are selling this passion to others, and what is the price of this passion? Why does it matter to other people? Are you selling your point of view? Your personality? And how does this apply in a meaningful way to others- how does this generate capital?

There's no easy answers here, but the inquiry has to start with you. And that's not always easy.

Re: What Need Does This Site Fill

Whitney — Wed, 30 May 2007 06:15:23 -0000

You are a connector, and this blog is a like an airline hub for other interesting people as well. We all can sit in the "Chris Club Lounge" knowing we'll have a great conversation about something we care about- community, making a difference, upping our game, striving to be just a little better and remarkable....
Besides enjoying your content, I know I'll be pointed to other things that I find interesting, but wouldn't have found on my own. I read the NYT for news, and your site for the "New Media Times"- your editorials always prompt me to engage rather than just skim the surface, and that's what I need to do to try to be remarkable myself.

Re: Super Powers Must be Taught

Whitney — Thu, 31 May 2007 13:45:57 -0000

I have no problem sharing what I know- I do some times get embarrassed by what I view as holes in my knowledge.

For example- I can manage my website, I can do an RSS feed, I blog, I podcast, but I somehow missed the step learning about how to do trackbacks in blog comments or use xml/html in blog comment spaces. It's been like learning a foreign language. I can think in links while blogging, I can scan xml to figure out where to plug in a button, for example, but I am not fluent, and there seems to be only one way to figure this stuff out- ask what seem to be silly questions, prompting real geeks to roll their eyes in disgust while mumbling "They'll let anyone on the internet these days..." like a stuffy grandma in a country club.
Kidding, but seriously, I find that my biggest problem is figuring out who I can ask the "silly" questions to and not feel dumb or like I'm imposing. And this despite the fact that everyone is usually happy to help. I am my own worst enemy in this regard.

Re: Confidence

Whitney — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:05:19 -0000

I was getting long winded in my post here, so I took it over to my blog.

http://ldpodcast.wordpress.com/

Suffice it to say that I think confidence should start from trust and faith; It can be a social mask we use where others see us as confident long before we feel it ourselves- because it's a lot harder to declare yourself an expert (in a non-charlatan way) than to be seen as an expert by others.

Re: Confidence

Whitney — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 17:04:13 -0000

Additional thoughts- is confidence all about presence?
Attitude?your general approach to life?

Re: Audio Podcast-Confidence

Whitney — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 11:45:24 -0000

Just had a morning where I spoke to a listener of the show, and it gave me an energy and confidence I haven't felt in a while. I get energized from talking with friends and friends to be- we can't skip that "extending the conversation" part of the equation.

Re: Startups for Under 13K

Whitney — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 16:10:14 -0000

For me, the blog and podcast are about passion. They are about expressing myself and helping others. It's served as a portfolio of my work that's landed me a client where I'm making real money based on my demonstrated skills. The podcast and blogs are my "advertising" so to speak of who I am and what I'm about. The creation of capital, the marketplace, comes from talking to people about what I do and how these things might help them in their endeavors. And no ads involved. Amazing.

Re: Killing Jacks

Whitney — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 11:18:37 -0000

It's all about choosing the right hammer and right nail for the project at hand.

Some projects require a big picture- use all your talents and all your brain- like organizing PodCamp Philly (Shameless plug- Sept 7, 8 & 9), others require the detailed focus and not being distracted by outside tasks- audio editing my podcast, for example.
Juggling many projects leads to lots of shallow involvement and not enough of the deeper value that means so much more to me.

And in then end, I find that even if I get distracted by the shiny new project over on the side, life keeps giving me subtle hints about going back to the core things that use my strengths and give the most value back to others. You just have to recognize those messages when they are delivered.

Re: Free Your Inner Superhero

Whitney — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 08:58:34 -0000

Levenger has "personal cards" anyone can get, even moms. They contain whatever you want- your contact information. I keep these around in addition to my "business" cards, because they are handy when I run into someone and it becomes clear we need to exchange information- parents at PTA meetings, friends who I usually don't email, etc.

I look at cards somewhat like very old fashioned calling cards- they are memory aids that let you know you had some sort of meaningful exchange with someone, and the information is about the ability to continue and extend the conversation.

It also saves that pesky searching for a pen and paper, and is a tad more elegant than the back of a napkin.

Re: Adult Language-Coffee is For Closers

Whitney — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 14:44:51 -0000

And those with nothing to lose are the fearless people I love so much- Swing for the fences, or don;t swing at all......

Re: The Importance of Saying No

Whitney — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 06:35:39 -0000

A wise friend once taught me the secret to this triage -Yes, it's Chris- Look at Calories In, Calories Out as a metaphor.
Do the projects and deal with friends where it's mutual- the people who make you feel energized, not drained. I'm willing to help friends as much as possible, with no real thought of return, but I am not an endless supply of time and energy either- depends on the request, and when it's asked.
Not all returns will be immediate- I don't look at friendships in ROI terms. I do look at evaluating things carefully with people who are needy, though, and we all know people like that. And it's why my secret kryptonite, my anti-superpower, if you will, is being shy about asking questions sometimes and overtaxing my already busy new media friends.

There's a ton of stuff you can easily outsource- Get kids to help with the laundry and household chores- even fetching hangers or matching socks. They love helping, and less work for you. Figure out if having the kid down the street mow the yard for $20 saves you time, energy and grief making it really worth the investment. There are tons of ways to outsource time drainers that have little emotional or psychic return.

Re: Your Job as a New Media Artisan

Whitney — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 17:05:14 -0000

The hidden gift of twitter for me has been forced brevity. I want to use this to tighten up the audio and show notes- strip it down to the essentials as much as possible; be more ruthless at cutting out asides as need be.

Re: Give Away Your Best Stuff

Whitney — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:17:14 -0000

I view my blog and podcasts as a virtual resume; building my own audience, building a demonstration of my skills and POV, making the triage of whether or not my work is "worthy" a much easier yes or no decision for everyone concerned.
I find I am increasingly incapable of "holding out" my "best" stuff- even if I could judge what was best. Frankly, the judging of what's best is not really done by me, it's done by you and the whole community. So I've gone with the "put it all out there, and let the marketplace of ideas decide what's good and what's not"- isn't that simply intellectual capitalism?
Everyone will approach this from their own vantage point. But in the end, the free flow of ideas and insights help everyone, in big and small ways. It's ultimately about community and democracy for me- creating community, empowering individual voice, and making everyone realize we are all part of the same web of life- real and virtual.

Re: Weekend Jam

Whitney — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 06:52:47 -0000

Can we make you do this at every Podcamp now? We're looking at the World Cafe space (of NPR Fame) for a get together....

This is great fun. Hope you're getting over the jetlag and enjoyed your first trip across the pond.
Have a great weekend and a fantastic Father's Day. Hope my kids have that much fin at Summer Camp!

Re: Find the Best Shows for Me

Whitney — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 20:54:02 -0000

One of my all time favorites is the interview Mark and Bob did with Julien Smith on Social Media on the Canadian Podcast Buffet (I think it's #35).
There's an episode of Screaming Halibut, a comedy show, that features "Women's fantasy hotline" where a woman calls up and the guy offers, in a sexy voice, to do dishes or fold the laundry....
I still love the Regular TV/Internet TV ads Galacticast did for the Network2 commercials;
and I love the Jigsaw Fan Club episode #202 about scientific studies.

Those are the ones that pop immediately to mind above all else.

Re: Activated Communities

Whitney — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:37:12 -0000

It's all about engagement.

You can't always make people engage. Captivating attention can be hard. Rallying the troops behind something requires an appeal to motivating factors (happy to give you a list...) but also knowing people are motivated by very different things, in different proportions..

The "lightening in a bottle" created by PodCamp is hard to articulate to others, or how such magic can be replicated elsewhere. If you sit alone, you think you are fine- you have no way to measure or gauge how much meeting others in this community is going to mean to you if you are unwilling to engage and take that risk. You are isolated rather than connected.

Social media can be safe online, where meeting people in person can be hard and downright scary, if you lack a certain core of self-confidence and importance. Where it's easy to reach out on twitter, it can be challenging to think what'll happen if you meet someone you admire from afar and they think you are a no-nothing jerk-That's scary.

While that is so far from what happens at these "New Media Playdates", it can be the barrier to trying something new. The old may be boring, but it is predictable and safe.

That's really why I think there needs to be some serious thought to the new Media School and the section that is about personal empowerment- the "coursework" you need to do one your own, through things like The Artist's Way and Strengthsquest to know yourself a little better. It helps solve some of those "I don't know myself or my values, let alone my true talents" issues so many people have.

To have an activated community, you need engaged people. People are willing to engage when they feel not only welcome, but that they can be both a giver and a taker to the group.

Re: Activated Communities

Whitney — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 09:38:01 -0000

ps. Diva- call your own line and leave a message to stop it from expiring!

Re: Activated Communities

Whitney — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:17:20 -0000

Ok, so then back to the original purpose- Once you have an engaged community, what do you do with them?
1. Growth and expansion of the conversation
2. Start new fun projects; get help on existing ones
3. Change the world in big and small ways. It can be political organizing, fund raising for great projects and causes, it can be influencing the influencers.

Moving the engaged, those that will act towards some common goal requires some more "spider" than "starfish", go with the flow, kind of leadership.

A classic problem of "Now that I have you all here....What now?"
Answer- What do you want to do? New HD radio channel filled with our quality content? New cable channel where we take over public access with an hour show devoted to the best of Internet TV? You decide, and then we help you go for it.

Re: Day and Night

Whitney — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 10:49:52 -0000

I learned my event planning and logistic skills from all those years at the SuperBowl behind the scenes. It'll be interesting to see how these translate at PodCamp Philly!

Re: 100 Comments- Mojo for Video

Whitney — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 13:06:36 -0000

Video content- intelligent humor with reasonable production quality is key for me.

Re: Future Phone

Whitney — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 07:32:29 -0000

Need to add on the fly currency conversion. Actual budgeting of your travel expenses, business expenses and personal expenses as you make purchases. (No receipts to sort).

Update credit card companies that you are in a new country and it's not credit card fraud when its you going through customs at the border.

In terms of the "but everyone knows where you are" stuff- They already do. We have to make it okay for someone performing well on the job, for working long hours when needed, to also have the freedom to sneak out to the movies in the middle of a Tuesday afternoon- if only to recharge their batteries and come back to work refreshed and energized, not worried someone will find out and dock them for it.

We need to develop some rough boundary between work and play,(public and private) and work for employers who know you are the best employee when the line between work and play is not distinguishable. When your play- ie meeting people for dinner, seeing friends- also means talking about your work, and in this age of hyper-connectedness, it's easy for this to become a business opportunity or networking opportunity for the future.

Re: Find Your Strengths

Whitney — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:33:37 -0000

I am a HUGE believer in this. The Gallup people even have a version geared towards kids ages 10 to 14, -www.Strengthsexplorer.com and then www.strengthsquest.com for teens and college age people.

I have done both the Marcus Buckingham Version and the Strengths 2.0 version. My latest top 5 are Ideation, Connectedness, Input, Individualization, and Strategic. My "original" top 5 with the test I took about two years ago were Input, Learner, Empathy, Ideation and Relator. Clearly, there is consistency here, and I think anyone who has met me and knows me will think "well, that's not a surprise" but it was tremendously useful for me to hear this news.
Why?
Sometimes we have very little insight into what make us tick. This is why therapists make so much money. We see ourselves in an interactive sense with the world, but we rarely get an outside objective view on what makes us special, or annoying, for that matter. Even your best friends avoid taking an inventory of your faults and letting you know about it, in part for fear they'll get the same objective view back, and it can hurt.
Yet finding out what makes you special and valuable not only lets you concentrate on the good stuff, but it helps convince you that the good stuff, in that combination, is what makes you You. And it is "good enough". And you can then cop to outsourcing the stuff you're not especially good at with a reasonable excuse- This is hard for me, but easy for you- can you help me with this, and I can help you with that? That is the key to building an effective team.

And if no one knows their own strengths and failings, how do you capitalize on the talent you already have, as well as searching for the pieces you might be missing? How can you do what you do best if you have no idea what that means?

So clearly, I have a passion for this topic (and I'll stop now) but I believe to my bones that the cornerstone to success is knowing your own strengths and then capitalizing on them. And this is one of the 101 courses in the fantasy curriculum I keep playing with for a real new media school. But this is a subject for another day.

Perhaps the time for the New Media Book Club is now?

Re: Find Your Strengths

Whitney — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:38:30 -0000

The point of doing this data based assessment rather than just self-examination is the fact that it IS data driven, and describes strengths with 34 particular words, forming a common language about strengths we can all share. When Chris says his strength is Woo, I don't need a decoder ring to know what means, and it helps me to understand him better.

Hopefully, the reverse works as well. When Chris sees my list, he'll understand the reason why I tick. That taking all the shiny new ideas out and playing with them is what I like, along with then taking them and forming strategies to bring them into fruition. Knowing how to connect to individuals and deepen relationships is also a strength, meaning that on any hypothetical team, Chris might be better at making initial connections, but I might be better at using the connected and individualization talents to make sure those same people feel special and important, and not just one of the crowd. You need all these things is a larger organization, and you do best when you can maximize the talents of everyone on your team.

So from my POV, this is not some silly exercise or a waste of money on some other management book that will rot on your shelf. It's about getting to know how you and your brain are wired, and how to maximize your native potential.
Or not.
But this is the stuff that gets me really excited, because it is the key to SO much more.

Re: Organizing and Thinking

Whitney — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 01:21:47 -0000

I get this- it's wanting to think three dimensionally in a 2d world- how do track data about people that is "drill down-able" and move laterally through it at the same time?
Sometimes I need to drag out the white board and chart ideas in a large space, and then get frustrated because this doesn't have sufficient space for 3D either.
We need 3d search software and informational databases.

Re: Staying Energized

Whitney — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 06:01:20 -0000

Dr. Bob Brooks talks a lot about being resilient. he also has a concept of "significant adult"- there are those people in your life who make a real difference- those from whom you can draw energy and excitement, and others who suck it out of you like a leech. There are some people who just make you tired and depressed, while others seem to act like a generator of good will and support.
I've found, over time,the best strategy is to try to minimize my time with the energy drainers, and maximize it with the energy creators. Don't let the negative people get you down, the drama creators- just gradually remove them from your list as you can, and things will get dramatically better.

Re: Vocabularly Lesson for Innovators

Whitney — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:14:19 -0000

How about "Grounded", as in grounded in reality...
One man's reality is another man's ridiculous limitations on the possible.
Eliminating as many "Toxic Avengers"- those people who are constantly throwing cold water on your dreams or ideas before they have a chance to flesh out or bloom, is a big goal of mine. It's one of the best lessons I learned going through The Artist's Way book.

In fact, I have an extra copy I picked up at a book sale recently- first person to email me at ldpodcast@gmail.com gets it sent to them, if they can promise to give it a try and report back on their progress.

Re: 5 Things to Do Thursday- Summer of Projects

Whitney — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:33:00 -0000

Great idea. I have a new media playdate tmmw with someone I've been dying to meet in person, so it promises to be a fantastic day already.

Re: 5 Things to Do Thursday- Summer of Projects

Whitney — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 07:39:34 -0000

I had an awesone Thursday, doing these things, and broadening my thinking about what's happening in the new media space. I had my first ichat with a friend; I met someone I had been dying to meet in person for at least 2 years; we wnt out for lunch and spoke more; Walk turned into a silent drive through DC and Baltimore Traffic, but it was great!

Getting out of the comfort zone is important. It's the only way to find that information that's going to become your inspiration for new ideas.

Re: Split Personality

Whitney — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:06:10 -0000

I find this interesting because I tried to do a flow chart recently of everyone who attended PodCamp Boston, where they are now, and how our paths overlapped, and it got so intertwined, only 3d modeling would work. It's a webbed world, with so many interconnections. Fascinating, but confusing since we can't know everything about everybody, yet many people assume you know more about them than you probably do.

Re: Should Your Small Business Use Community Tools

Whitney — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:08:12 -0000

The only thing I would add is that if your product/business is not particularly good or customer friendly, then this may be a risky strategy, because bad word of mouth will spread quickly as you noted- the first step is making sure you've got something worth promoting in the first place.

Re: The Matrix Lives Your Life

Whitney — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 09:26:51 -0000

You can see life as a giant funnel or filter, and at different stages, people get excluded from the "exudate" to get all science-y about it.

Let's look at people hoping to be doctors. Filter #1 is graduating from high-school and getting into college. Filter #2 is the pre-med classwork, and famously, Organic Chemistry. Filter #3- The MCAT's and getting into a decent Med School. Filter #4- Getting through Gross Anatomy... and on it goes until you reach your destination. After each filter, fewer and fewer people remain. Each filter is there to wean the talented, serious and dedicated out from the rest. The filters aren't perfect, and can seem arbitrary, but they've been set up as checkpoints along the road to "Doctorville".

Sometimes I think we fail to do the cost/benefit analysis when we approach these filter points, to figure out whether we want what lies on the opposite side of this wall, and what will happen if we get there? This is the "being equally prepared for success as for failure" question, and so many times, we get caught up in the getting to the location we forget about the Why part of the question, or the "What if".

I'm currently confounded by setting a 2 year goal because I made so much progress this past year, two years out seems very difficult to predict. Yet if I don't choose a direction or goal, I could end up anywhere. I have several things I would like to see happen, and perhaps the point of all of this is to start focusing in a more single minded way towards a unified goal, rather than on many shorter term goals.
Much to think about- Thanks, CB.

Re: Considering Social Network Etiquette

Whitney — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 06:15:21 -0000

It's sometimes hard to get the lay of the digital land, and this is why posts like this are so important. I belong to a few parenting-centric social networks, and it's interesting to me how those Community norms are somewhat different than those elsewhere.
What strikes me is that we need to understand that there should be fundamentally little difference between what you would do online or offline. If you wouldn't tell someone to their face you want to break up with them, but instead would casually back out of the friendship, then do the same online. Remember, you are talking to real people with real feelings, and being kind and considerate of others is always better than being rude, or nasty or simply callous.
I use twitter as my virtual water cooler for my online "associates" - like work friends. Some people I feel closer to than others, but it's like a work environment. You might not love everyone, but everyone is unique, has their own world view, and there can be surprising little treasures in even the darkest corners. So while we may all feel a little overwhelmed by the vast amount of communication online, don't take your frustration out on others- manage your own channels and engagement in them instead.
You control your own actions and emotions- other people won't make you mad unless you let them, and that seems to be giving up a lot of personal power to strangers, if you ask me.

Re: Questions for You and Me

Whitney — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:00:26 -0000

Hey there!

Okay- here's my attempt:

Between last July and now, has your life improved? How about your free time?

My life has radically changed in large part because of PodCamp; I've taken charge of my own creativity and found out that people are actually willing to listen to and read what I have to say, which has been a brilliant surprise and revelation. I've found a community much larger and more interactive than the one I'm limited to by geography and happenstance.
I've learned that trying new things and giving up being afraid all the time can be a bit scary, but the rewards are fantastic, and I've gained much more by leaving my comfort zone than remaining in it.
The work has become play and vic versa.
Free time is illusive- with young kids, free time is often family time; other aspects of "free time" work better for me when I have them a bit more planned - working on your own means keeping lists and self-imposed deadlines to remain productive.

2. What is your next move for your career? How will you get there?
This is happening in small and big ways. I would love to finish my book project- especially now that I know so much more about how to consolidate things down into shorter sound bites. What started out as one massive book really maybe several smaller ones.
Getting there will involve doing more of what I am already doing, in part; There's also two large opportunities looming on the horizon- it'll be interesting to see what pans out.

What can you teach me?
Life is largely still highschool- same cast of characters. Makes dealing with new people a bit easier, when you realize you've met their counterparts before (and you can finally learn to avoid the jerks, because you see them coming this time around).
While much of what we do may be based on our neurology, if you understand the basics of what motivates a lot of people, you can understand individuals better than before.
And of course, there's knitting, cooking a mean chocolate cheesecake, and the fine points of logistics for managing large crowds of people. Maybe a bit about that pesky legal stuff, when it's necessary.

While it doesn't show here, thanks for teaching me that brevity works, too.

Re: Flee The Fishbowl and Re-EMBED in Reality

Whitney — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:57:48 -0000

I have always looked at my podcasts and my blogging as a teaching and education tool, not for new media types, but for parents and people looking for a channel of information that can be very hard to find and triage quality information from the crap. The Consumer Reports model, as I'm fond of saying.
What can I add to the conversation? My Voice, my real world experiences, my discussions with experts in the field.
The conversations within the new media fishbowl are attempts to promote my activities with other people who are creating channels of content, to get better at what I do as a media producer, and to hang out with my collegues, so to speak, with similar interests and passions.
And I find when I get more fascinated with the "toys" than the content, something is always bringing me back to the cor message-Stick to the topic, and your best outreach is a passionate listener who you can help.
This shouldn't be about doing things to amuse ourselves, only- it should be about making a bigger diference in the world- that gives people something they both need and want, rather than something that just passes the time. And as a result, a revenue model follows.
Simple things like the downloadable magazine we're trying to put together for GNM Parents is yet another example of how you can take online offline. We'll see how the experiement works, but I'm hoping it helps online people share why they should care about our blog to their offline friends. That's community outreach as well.
What do you think, CB? Will/can/should it work?

Re: Help Me Connect You All Together

Whitney — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 19:04:20 -0000

url- www.ldpodcast.com

RSS for show- The LD Podcast, all about learning and learning disabilities, is http://www.feeds.feedburner.com/blogspot/zccr

Thanks Chris- this helps connect us all even better.

Re: Platform Platform Platform

Whitney — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 06:27:30 -0000

Hey CB- the Barbie link is dead.
I go back to what Douglas Adams said in his radio 4 programs on the Hitchhiker's guide to the Future: It's all about interactivity.
We are social creatures and we are dying to interact with the people that create things that excite us. There are authors I'd love to talk to, but many sit behind the wall created by their publishers, preventing any conversation.
But then, there's blogs. I was never so thrilled as the day when I wrote about Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big Life" book on my blog, and the next comment was from her. We emailed back and forth, and I realized that we all have a voice. We are all responsible for knowing what is said about us, and to make an effort to interact and reach out. To form communities without feeling hampered by having to ask permission first.
It's all about the community and interactivity.

Re: What Gen Y Wants from Work

Whitney — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 06:09:07 -0000

And yet, we still need things in our life that happen on a schedule. The garbage needs collecting. You need to see your doctor not at 2 am ,when he might feel like seeing you, but when you're actually sick.

The tension comes from all of us who are happy as clams working on our passion projects whenever and perhaps even all the time (probably much longer than a 40 hr work week, since we are our work), interacting with a larger world that operates on a fixed schedule for many logical and reasonable reasons. Infrastructure. Governmental functions. Things we can't do by telecommuting.

So how do we create a world that is happening more and more 24 x 7 with golbalization, with our need to sleep and not miss anything? Our circadian rythms that say a regular sleep wake cycle keeps us healthy and sane? Do we let our kids of -gen whatever we are calling it now- eschew all schedules all together?

I don't know the answer, but I do know it's about more than old vs. new. It's about work creep beyond 9 to 5, doing what you love so there is no boundary between work and play, yet making sure some sort of understanding exists where companies support your boundless enthusiasm for work and compensate you accordingly for work done.

And some things, we'll always want to happen during daylight hours- like trials- do you want Jury duty on the weekend? How about 2 am to 6 am? Do you want the only available pediatric appointment to be at 4 am on Thursday?

We've just got to find a way this all works logially and together, and where the entrepreneurial don't feel needlessly constrained by what they see as outdated rules, and the traditional work hours don't totally go away so we still have sleep and work/free time boundaries.

Re: Weaving Communities

Whitney — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:38:46 -0000

I've learned to shorten it up a good deal.
I've learned community is what matters most.
It's the people, not the app.
And to go ahead and try and not ask for permission

Thanks CB

Re: 8 Random Things

Whitney — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:15:57 -0000

I have both the print version and audio version of Wikinomics now, finding that I also absorb more listening to the audio. What I love about Wikinomics is the emphasis on group collaboration and why it doesn't necessarily limit profitability, but can actually enhance it. The "basic research" and basic knowledge is communal and what we share- the novel applications of the knowledge is where the value add and profit lies, and this is what becomes proprietary, so to speak.

Re: Improve Your Social Network

Whitney — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:04:44 -0000

As I read this, I am in the depths of planning Podcamp Philly- a face to face meeting and community building event.

The first Podcamp was so powerful because of the face to face meetings that occurred- there are more than 30 people I met there, or directly related to people I met there- that I now consdier close personal friends. People I would put up in my house, call and have coffee with if I'm in town, and that circle keeps expanding with each new PodCamp I attend.

These contacts have lead to real business, and to me, more importantly, simple human socialization and friendships. I know the circle will continue to expand. It enriches my life tremedously, even if it is easier to sit quietly and ignore life.

We all have many different communities we belong to; many people within different circles of closeness. yet by reaching out and including more people in the circle- not just collecting them like trading cards, but using things like twitter to keep in touch, even passively- it helps strengthen that bond.

It may seem silly and unprofessional to hear about my kids going off to camp, or About Mrs. B's dog, or Chris's trip to the beach, but Twitter keeps all of us in touch through it's social network, in an efficient way, that helps make those passive bonds easier to deepen and expand when you add the face to face.

You can look at it as building a network for some purpose, or you can get real about it, and let it also just be about making new friends and helping each other out in small and big ways. It is forming a virtual town, a community where we can all live and propser.

Re: Records and Miniseries

Whitney — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:10:03 -0000

How about a short series of five minute/10 minute podcasts about creating community? You could even talk to other people who are community developers about best preactices....

Re: Happy Birthday Mom

Whitney — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:40:06 -0000

Dear Mrs. Brogan-
I had the pleasure of having dinner with your son and his family recently- what great people! I know you're really proud of them- and you have raised a really phenomenal human being- I hope I have the same luck with my two boys.
Happy Birthday and best Wishes-

Whitney Hoffman

Re: Seattle Bound

Whitney — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 06:44:02 -0000

My sister n law is a massage therapist in Seattle- let me know if you need a tune up while out there!

Re: If Communities are Just Marketing Pools

Whitney — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 07:02:37 -0000

I don't ever look at myself as a salesperson. I look at myself as someone interested in helping other people, and if there's something I can do to to throw a lifering to a friend, that's what I'm going to do.

As someone organizing an unconference, I want to be successful, I am going to reach out to everyone I know and beyond, to essentially invite them to my party. Hopefully, it's just like a dinner party at my house- some people can make it, some people can't, and hopefully friends will want to come because it's going to be a good time and they trust me to make it so. Or not, in the reverse.

At the heart of it, I think Kevin Carroll got it right in his book, The Red Rubber Ball, when he said we need to get to the point where"the source of your play become[s] your life’s work so much so that no one- not even you- will be able to tell the difference between to two”.

While it can be confusing when there's no longer any boundary between work and play, you also don't feel like an actor in your life anymore- there are no more costumes or game face- it's all just you. And what's left is not marketing hype, or trying to twist someone's arm- just people with passions and opinions and interests that can open up so many new doors. You don't have to try so hard, because it's not about selling, it's about exploring new things.

Re: If Communities are Just Marketing Pools

Whitney — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:40:00 -0000

If we were being paid by a University, this would be called "research". Since many of us aren't academics, it may be called "exploring" or "testing the waters". It also may be building an audience or interest or proof of concept- but in the end, isn't all just about the interactivity? The sharing and the making the world a slightly better place than it was before?

Re: The Long Tail of Community

Whitney — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 07:15:27 -0000

This is an amazing post.

I had lunch with an amazing guy yesterday, Doug Taylor, from Podcast People. We spoke about many things, but the personal interaction, the "I'm here in the moment and interested in finding out about you, how I can help You today and in the future" rather than "What can I get from you?" makes all the difference in the conversation.

This is part of the shift that's happening, I think- a bit of a rebellion against rapacious capitalism, and more thinking about planting seeds for long term, not just quarterly results. It's hard to think long term when you're worried about tommorrow, but if you can''t keep an eye on both, all you have is short term results and nothing in the end.

Re: Corporations Control and Conversations

Whitney — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:21:05 -0000

I think what's happened is people are wrestling with the fact that there is no control. And becoming comfortable with this is difficult for everyone.

The "old" way, there was an illusion that the company controlled the message it sent through press relases and the like. A one way megaphone. Now that there's someone on the other end, not only listening, but responding, and not always positively, Companies feel they can't control the message anymore. It's not enough to say you are the best- you have to objectively be the best, and now hear all the things you never heard before about your shortcomings and how your product or service could be even better.
No one can hide now behind substandard work, because everyone can talk about what's good and what's bad. Everyone's accountable.

It's going to take some time for this to shake out- where people feel they have to get things out to market quickly, yet be willing to take a few hits for things that aren't perfect yet. Once we all realize we are going to be accountable for our actions, 24 x 7, there is no more "off stage"-we just need to accept it and act accordingly- don't be a jerk, because it will come to haunt you later. Count on anything you say in public forums to be something you wouldn't mind anyone- your mom, your kids, your boss, future employers- anyone -reading.

Eventually, people will realize they have to do the right thing because they are accountable to do the right thing all the time. We can make mistakes, but untimately, people who are rude or nasty or inappropriate will be called on to explain themselves. This ultimate accountability won't be easy, but it will make the world a better place. eventually.

For more on this- see the new sections of Thomas Friedman's the World is Flat 3.0. Puts into words what all of us in this space already know- All the world's a stage all all of us are merely players....

Re: On NOT Being Me

Whitney — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 07:25:37 -0000

I trhink when you do what you love and are good at, it seems as natural as breathing. I feel the same, CB- always willing to take the time to help someone else if I can. But people have to be willing to take the hand you offer and run with it, so to speak, not want you to do whatever for them- the old "teaching a man to fish" rather than just feeding him dinner for one day parable.

Re: Bacn- A New Internet Term

Whitney — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:43:09 -0000

Is scrapple next? Guess not- that's a PA only weirdness!

Re: Becoming chrisbrogan

Whitney — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:09:48 -0000

I love this post- because it goes to the heart of everything. If you are authentically yourself, for good, for bad, for whatever- you don't have to try on the metaphorical clothes of other people or brands. You are authentically yourself and your own brand. Brands you choose to wear or use are associated brands, so to speak. And moreover, you never have to worry about being anyone else other than yourself. And that is very hard for some people- maintaining different public/private/online/offline personas.

Re: Local Social Media- Applications

Whitney — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:48:12 -0000

The trick is relevance. I met some people at a conference from a Chamber of Commerce, thinking about adding a blog- an attempt to try anything to make themselves more relevant to the non-grey haired crowd. A blog might work, but a wiki for posting special events for local businesses might work better. They should want members to come to their site, but also everyday people, and use it as a hub for what's happening, big and small. Members might be the only ones able to post events on the wiki, to encourage membership.
If there's no value add, don't do it. If you can do outreach, widen your appeal, and appeal to the already content insiders, you have a winner.

Re: Local Social Media- Applications

Whitney — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 10:49:38 -0000

@Max Web- that's why the commoncraft videos are so great- they explain all these "new media" topics in layman's terms- even my kids get them, as well as my mom and mother in law- the 60+ set.

Re: How Opportunity Really Works

Whitney — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 10:44:44 -0000

This journey all starts with knowing who you are, what your talents and "value-add" is or can be, and then be willing to step in, lend a hand to anyone, anytime, if you think you can be of any help, and never asuume that "I bet they have that covered".

I'd rather be known for being too helpful and perhaps overly enthusiastic about adding ideas and concepts than as someone who never participates and sits on the sidelines.

Re: Five Ways to Be Ready

Whitney — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:39:36 -0000

there is ambient attention and then just making sure you can be found- they are different things and take different levels of attention and maintenance.

Chris once told me when a door opens, I walk on through- I think this is a good strategy- but you've got to learn to recognize the opportunities when they come your way and engage. Sometimes it's more like panting seeds- the benefit may not be immediately apparent, but the long term benefits to being authentic, available, and engaged are priceless.

Re: Deeper Twitter- Tuning Twitter for Value

Whitney — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 05:52:01 -0000

For me, Twitter is my water cooler. I know so many people from Podcamp(s) now all over the country, twitter is a way to maintain and extend those conversations in small ways- to keep in touch with many people at once without sending out "christmas letter" style emails to stay current with people I care about.

When our dog died recently, I felt pretty low and twittered about it. My twitter friends, through twitter and in response, longer emails, were incredibly supportive and I felt real friendship and care when I needed a virtual hug- I got it from great friends at long distance.

Twitter deepens my connections with others through the real life information; it connects me to blog posts and new information I might have missed otherwise; it lets me keep friends and others informed of things like the latest happeings in the run up to Podcamp Philly; I can help others and get answers to questions and friendsource faster than sorting through pages of google answers- It's my consumer reports meets newswire meets water cooler for a virtual workspace.

I guess while some people find the small chats about cooking or kids silly, I love them because it makes people real and accessible. And for me, the personal tidbits are as much a part of me as my tech side- these things make us human, not just a one note voice in the darkness

Re: Scrabulous on Facebook

Whitney — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:39:54 -0000

We're scrabble people. The kids are getting good, and playing cooperatively with them and letting them kick your butt in the process is great fun, too.

I miss Ze too. A lot.

Re: Your Blog This Weekend

Whitney — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 16:17:14 -0000

How Not to use Social Media

Today, I received an invite to a new social media site from a close friend. So I went to check it out. I trust this person, so must be something new and cool, right?

This site, Quetchup, proceeded to spam my whole email list of over 800 people. I am embarrassed and have been fielding emails all day about this thing.

In an economy of trust, these things will occasionally happen. You get taken advantage of, and in contagion fashion, most of your friends and colleagues become unwitting victims of the same problem.

I handled it by twittering and sending out "sorry" emails to my list. I feel like I accidentally betrayed a trust others put in me, and I feel ashamed about it.

However, I also think the backlash against this company will be swift and painful. Rather than inviting people to come check out the site and see if this tool is better than any other, it has succeeded in turning on and off every switch in my email list, and the lists of many others. If this site gets beyond a start up after this, I will be seriously surprised.

The lesson learned is that in trust economies, we can occasionally be led astray, just like in the real world. Unlike the real world, the explosion can be quicker, and may be harder to contain.

Plus, those who may not know us well may assume that we actually advocate for this company, when just the opposite is true. And I don't know how long it may take to re-earn the trust of others, but I hope it is quick and people will just chalk this up to being a bit too trusting on a Saturday morning.

I really object to a company putting me in a position of apologizing to over 800 people for their stupid software, but there it is. And this is the one cautionary note about trust economies- when we go astray, we have to be concerned whether trust on a broader sense will derail pretty quickly.

Re: Your Blog This Weekend

Whitney — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:29:42 -0000

I was intrigued by Jonny Goldstein's concern about digital identities. I think we have to realize that we aren't people with multiple identity disorder.
You have to be comfortable with your digital footprint, and that everything you say and do may be used against you, and handle yourself accordingly online.
I make it a point to conduct myself professionally online. To say what I believe in, to tell the truth, and to quote Richard Bach "Live never to be ashamed if anything you say or do is published around the world, even if what is said is not true." Because that is what can happen on the net.

And lastly:
Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.
Richard Bach

Re: Become a Valued Twitter User

Whitney — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 07:15:44 -0000

I think it depends what you think is useful, and the constraints of 140 characters.
You can use Twitter to let people know of jobs- a "mini linked in"
You can use twitter to let poeple know of issues as they come up, refer to news stories.

But I think by implying that twitter might not be "useful", you short-change the usefulness of the connectedness twitter brings.

Twitter's not going to do my dishes or laundry, but maybe through my friends I might find a cleaning lady.

Twitter may not run my errands, but by asking friends what kind of video camera they use, I get instand product reviews which dramatically decreases running to every store in town to cpmare features and prices.

Twitter's not going to help me move, but might help me find a reliable moving service recommended by friends.

Twitter helps friends meet up on short notice.
Twitter has helped friends at a distance source hotels and other things they've needed when they aren't fully connected to a computer.

By keeping me in touch with friends at a distance, it has maintained and deepened connections that might have otherwise floated away.
Twitter allows you to be connected in an ambient but meaningful way with your friends, and collect information from multiple resources, often in a very short period of time, which otherwise would have aken you hours, between making calls, sending emails, and guessing which person you know might have the info you need. instead, you broadcast a question, and "proof" an answer or many answers appear.

I think these are extremely useful things about twitter.

Do you mean something else by "useful" that I don't understand?

Re: My Social Media Toolkit

Whitney — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 14:58:40 -0000

Just got a quick question- what advantage does the second step into Garage band offer over doing the whole editing process in audacity? Is it just the ID3 tagging, or is it something else? Just curious.

Re: How Big Companies Could Use Social Media

Whitney — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 05:54:44 -0000

MINI is a great car company from this regard. Not only is the car fun, but the company is always surprising us. Every once in a while we get a mystery package in the mail. Sometimes it's been a "Motoring journal". Or a pen. Or a coffee mug. Out of the blue.
It made owning the car fun and surprising. Our MINI is a 2003- (replacing a Saturn, actually) one of the first ones available in our area, and it's been a blast talking to people about it at gas pumps, in parking lots and the like.

It also taught me a fundamental rule about marketing- if you have a great product, your customers will be your best advertising ever- because they will be passionate about your product and do more spontaneous pitching to friends and stangers than you could ever do in a commercial of any sort.

Re: Personal Scalability

Whitney — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 07:20:54 -0000

The more on your plate, the more it comes down to triage. Prioritizing as best you can, and concentrating on one thing until it's done.

While planning a conference, as I am learning from Podcamp Philly, pulling all the threads together makes this easily an overwhelming proposition.
Sometimes you just have to go for the value add and let some other stuff lay for a bit, or simply decide that it would've been nice, but it's not gonna happen.

Closing loops is really important, and I agree with the "if it's gonna take more than a paragraph, pick up the phone" philosophy. It eliminates misunderstandings, and a quick phone call is a better personal connection than a long, complicated email that can confuse.

I check in with twitter online only, so I can "catch up" with folks, and I don't use IM at all. Someone can always get me by my cell or SMS, or gmail chat, for that matter. IM is simply too distracting for me with my ADHD issues.

My husband jokes I need a 12 step program for volunteers and he's probably right. No is the most powerful word in the english language, and I know I need to be better at deploying it.

The definition of stress for me is when my brain is screaming "NO!" and my mouth somehow says "Sure, no problem." I need to stop that.

Re: The Importance of a Human Social network

Whitney — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 08:18:35 -0000

What a perfect way to start what's already been a little bit of a crazy day. We'll miss you terribly- You'll miss the birthday party, but we'll just have to tape it for you. Maybe let you stop by virtually. There's wifi at Triumph.

I heard an NPR report about Bill Clinton's new book this morning- and it drove home the point that we can do just about anything if we are passionate and engaged and willing to lend a hand. And that's the heart of what Podcamp and this online community is about. Passionate engagement and willing to see beyond ourselves.

It's all about the people.

Re: Use Social Media for YOUR Needs

Whitney — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 05:50:55 -0000

One of the things I took away from Podcamp Boson, when I first met you, is that ultimately, you get out of social media what you put into it. A year later, I'm lead organizer for Podcamp Philly- it's been a tremendous year. You and Chris Penn created something wonderful- remarkable- with Podcamp, and I am honored to be able to share its magic with my community down here in Philly.

And you know what? The rules have remained the same as they were a year ago. Social Media is what you make it. You get out of it what you put in, and if you make it easy to connect with others, those connections can flourish- if you make it tough, then you won't nurture those connections into something more.

Thank you again for opening a door into a whole new world and experience for me, and I hope someday to be able to repay the favor.

Re: The Foundations of Your Power

Whitney — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 08:46:20 -0000

What I have learned about "power" in the past year can be summed up as:

"It all starts at home"- click those ruby slippers together and realize you have in inside you- you just have to find it and make good choices as to where to unleash it.

You need to show up. This means engaging, taking risks, letting go of fear of failure, and just put your all into everything. When you hold back, it shows; when you're passionate, it shows as well.

While we all have to learn to say No more and make sure we have energy and time reserves (the run over in the "my cup runneth over" parable) you also need to learn when to say yes and recognize opportunity when it crosses your path.

Like may be like a box of chocolates with many varieties and many unpredictable flavors, but in the end, it's still sweet, it's an adventure, and you learn from the taste of each one about what you like and don't like. (I guess it's being sleep deprived that I am now channeling Forrest Gump.)

Re: Bridge Strategies for Social Media Adoption

Whitney — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:00:25 -0000

Maybe this is too simplistic, but I think social media for companies is about being part of a larger conversation about your market/product/ideas that is taking place anyway, allowing you to refine your strategies and crowd source ideas without large expensive "focus groups" that may not give you the same honest opinions you'll find online.

Two great examples-

Steve Garfield's Mom's video blog about "I Can't Open It"- http://icantopenit.blogspot.com/ - all about products that make it difficult for people to get at their products. And as more and more people get to Millie's age group, this is something companies need to be aware of- otherwise people will simply stop buying their products.

Another- the Doritos X-13 secret flavor experiment. This is a cool, interactive, and even fun website, but it doesn't change the fact that cheeseburger flavored doritos are disgusting and not good. All the attractive bells and whistles won't change the fact your product stinks. Yet I fear that the message Frito Lay might get from this online experience is that "on line didn't work for us" rather than "We used this for the wrong product, and our product was not good."

We are all walking consumer reporters, willing to share our opinions of what has worked for us and what has not, what we love and what we hate. And we'd love to have companies listen to what we have to say. And frankly if they don't engage in the conversation, they will fall behind and never know the real reason why their sales drop. It's not necessarily the lack of ads, the "effectiveness" of the ads, product placement, etc. but an evaluation of the need and are you the best fit to meet that need.
I know I never have needed cheeseburger doritos and never will.

Re: I am a Marketer

Whitney — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 07:02:02 -0000

Completely Amazing Post!

The "Be Your Own Brand" and "Market your own brand" message is important, because I think everything I do says something about my brand. It doesn't have to be loud in everyone's face or spotlight seeking, it is what it is. That's why sometimes it's hard to realize that you are still "marketing your own brand" even when you think you're doing nothing at all.

The things I admire about you most is your ability to be just totally Chris. I trust you because you always point me to interesting stuff and ideas, and then I go off and spread the word elsewhere, or take the idea and spin it off into something new and useful.

I guess I don't understand why it's hard for some people/companies to just be themselves and know that's more than just good enough. It's the genuineness and honesty that always show through. And that's what makes a difference in the end- you don't need subtitles, or feel someone is always looking for the win rather than looking for the solution to the problem at hand.

Re: Choices

Whitney — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 15:00:06 -0000

Totally agree. there's always a choice to be made. Sometimes the phrase "I had no choice" really means that there was a balance between the easy way or passive way to go, and the difficult and potentially irreversible way to go. The Burning the Bridge choice versus some other option.

When I use the phrase "I had little choice" or "have no choice" usually means I'm backed into an uncomfortable corner and need to be a hard ass about something. I need to draw a line or a boundary. I've reached some limit of feasible options. And this is saying something, because I am famous for lateral solutions to problems.

If you really think you are out of options, you're not looking hard enough.

Re: The Myth of Evil Corporations in Social Media

Whitney — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 10:18:27 -0000

Dani Diaz from the local Microsoft Developer's den came to Podcamp Philly and generously donated a fully tricked out XBox with Guitar Hero that lots of pople had fun playing with, and someone was lucky enough to walk home with as well. And poor Dani did get some Mac vs Microsoft heat from the crowd. No one pretended to be fan.

I have a PC and a Mac; and I am glad to have had people from Apple come teach a Garageband class, and to have Dani from Microsoft coming and looking to see what was happening and who might be dying to create new and better apps for his company. Where better to look than in our midst?

I want every company to get it; to look beyond a sliver of focus groups telling you what you want to hear, to looking to what we want, think, feel, need, and how "we" interact with "your" product.

Corporations, businesses of all sizes and shapes, want it to be an outstanding success- their product or service needs to be fantastic. I want them to release thngs that simply make me say _WOW! and I need that/want that.

But they can't read my mind, and their best chance to "get it" is to engage us and ask us, and that's what we all want anyway, right?

Let's all be people and friends helping each other; let's get away from the battle zone mentality, the us vs them that is so destructive.

Re: The Myth of Evil Corporations in Social Media

Whitney — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 13:05:22 -0000

I think we can be hard on individuals as "representatives" for their whole companies. For example, if you've had a bad experience with a product, and you meet someone who works for that company, most people are not too shy about saying "You know, I had one of those, but it never worked right." or a simple "That sucks."

And often the person you talk to has no power to change a thing, making you seem like an ass, and leaves them feeling like htey need to apologize or do something to make you feel better, but there's nothing they can do.

Making constructive comments and critiques helps others get it "right." I just did this for a Verizon sponsored event for its new FIOS service on my blog, http://ldpodcast.wordpress.com/ and I was not paid a thing nor am I affiliated in any way to this event.

But I sure want the people over at Verizon to know how to approach geeks like me to crave FIOS if only to get it in my neighborhood faster.

The point here is this- it's about talkng about a company and their products with them, if possible, and perhaps picking up little things that can help them up their game. Everyone wins in that situation. Offer solutions, not just critique.

Re: Facebook-Let Me See My Friends

Whitney — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 06:45:30 -0000

I have this same problem- I have a three dimensional map of friends and relationships in my head that's hard to translate into the 2-d online world.

And it's sometimes hard to always remember our annotated internal map of friends- the layers of who also knows who, facts about them, like their companies, business, personal interests- the stuff we want to be able to remember- like who's Grandma is sick, birthdays, anniversaries-and maybe even find other connections.

It just seems like so much of that information about inter-relationship is dark, or requires me to try to remember that subtle stuff that I feel badly about forgetting- not that I don't care, but there's just so much to keep track of, it's overwhelming.

I think we're trying to create 2-d maps in a 3 and 4 d world.

Re: Brand Stories

Whitney — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 07:06:29 -0000

This reminds me of an exercise Dr. Robert Brooks asks parents to do- How would you like to have your kids describe you? (One parent chose "calm") and then Hhow do you think they see you? (Let's just say it was close to the opposite). He then recommends not only do you ask your kids to find how far reality and fantasy differ, but that you make the changes in yourself to get to how you want to be seen.
Brand stories for parents.

In order to make a brand story or change the story, you have to ask those hard questions and try to be objective about yourself. This is not always easy. You also have to have frieds who are willing to tell you the unvarnished truth, if there is asuc a thing, about your brand.

And everyone you meet will have a different story to tell about your personal brand, based on experience.

I want mine to be about integrity and honesty and caring. I hope that's true to some or most, but I know to others it may be abrasive or argumentative or unyielding. And doesn't it all come down to perception in the moment, and through which set of lenses we are currently viewing the world?

The more I learn about my friends and their backgrounds, the better I can see the world through their lenses, and understand their world view. And hopefully, over time, I'll get better at communicating to individuals using language and metaphors that will resonate with them on a deeper level.

Re: Slicing Time in a Face to Face Environment

Whitney — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 06:16:07 -0000

It's a love-hate thing with conferences- wanting to hang with old friends, wanting to meet new and interesting people. It's a tough balance. In some ways, I found having some friends stay with me at Podcamp Philly made this nice- I got to hang with friends while driving to the airport, driving home, at breakfast early- all those normal "alone" moments were filled with fun and support.
I think this is in part what business cards are ofr- to say, "Let me grab your contact information, and I'll send you a note as soon as I get back..." and then follow through, or hand your card and ask them to email you more.

I know in some ways we got to know each other because I asked you a question after Podcamp Boston 1- and things evolved from there. In a year since, we've become great friends. But relationships build over time, and people just have to trust that you are good to your word and will respond (having them email you is probably simplier) and that your time is limited at a confeence per se.

Re: Meeting People at Events

Whitney — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:58:42 -0000

The thing that always strikes me about people in new media is that many of us were geeks in high school. Not the Big Man On Campus- alot of us don't know how to deal with popularity, no matter how much we have always craved being the "cool kids".

A year ago, I was overwhelmed by getting to meet CC in person; now we're good friends in real life. That to me is why this space is awesome. We all do have something to contribute.

The biggest barrier to all of this is a sense of self-confidence, and the ability to read subtle body language social cues. If you feel unworthy and timid, that shows. But also being too aggressive with other people shows as well. Just be you- and that's easily good enough.

Re: Social Technologies I Want

Whitney — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:21:38 -0000

The reason I love having switched to a mac is it has made social functions, like uploading photos to flickr, so much easier. I press a button, enter a few tags, and voila! Taking things in and out of different formats, like PDF is seemless on the mac and a royal pain in the tuckus on the PC.

I'm starting to believe a PC is for engineers and people who want "security" over function. The mac is much more friendly and inviting- the software is designed for humans to use to figure out on the fly, yet there are also videos and great customer support people available, too.

I recently lent someone an old apple laptop we had, just to play with, and they were TOTALLY amazed. They were confirmed PC people, but are the types who are always calling me up to fix virus problems or networking issues...the PC doesn;t allow them to do self-help as readily. The Mac lets you solve your problems and move on.

I say this not to evangelize Apple, but to show how important user friendliness and good customer service is in the equation. Mac gives you something that's ready to fly out of the box; PC's are like toys at xmas wthat come without batteries included.

We have to make the next generation of social networking tools things that are intuitive and user friendly, something that scales with the size of a social network, works on the fly, solves the constant power recharging problems, and simply works without a steep learning curve.

(Someone else said the reason why gaming is so much bigger on the pC than the Mac is that there are so many other cool creative things to do on the mac, you don;t really need the games....and I've found this is true. For a machine that is not seen as "serious", I get a heck of a lot more done.

Re: Take Responsibility and Fire THEY

Whitney — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 05:49:03 -0000

For anyone still feeling stifled or as if they're drowning- I strongly recommend "The Artist's Way"- doing that exerxise and identifying people who were "not helpful" in my life helped me get into the fast lane as well; either "Now discover your strengths" by Marcus Buckingham and SDon Clifton or "Strengthinder 2.0" by Tom Rath will help you identify your strengths. once you start focusing on strengths, things get better VERY quickly.

Re: The Future of Microcontent and Hyperlocal Media

Whitney — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 06:22:20 -0000

Niche and local will all work- it's about filling neds not already being filled elsewhere, and expanding information.

On intros, I have heard someone I respect in broadcasting mention a 20 sec rule. This caused me to get out a stopwatch and time the intros on public radio before interviews. Interestingly enough, most "intros" before the conversation and meat starts are between 20 and 40 sec. max. Maybe this will help people as they look at the header/footer/bumper issues.

Re: Education In a Digital World

Whitney — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:27:22 -0000

Last year, I attended a conference at the Univ of DE where they were looking at bringing tech of all sorts into the classroom, from gameshow-like clickers (you can even take a gradable quiz this way) giving a prof real time feedback as to where the class is on their understanding, to using wikis, podcasts and more to extend the learning conversation.
Many of the professors found the occassional unreliability of the systems to be a deterrent- they did not want to look "stupid" while on stage in front of students- the tech had to be fail safe before they would adopt it, was the overarching attitude.

The best remarks were from the kenote speaker from Penn State's Schreyer Institute for Innovation in Learning, who has a great article here [http://www.isat.jmu.edu/cuttinged/winter0304/article7_teaching_bad_idea.htm] about what colleges should be teaching, and how they should go about it... School needs to be about critical thinking and reward that over memorizing.

Technology can help even dull subjects to become more interesting- it's all in the presentation and talent of the teacher.

I spoke with Rick LaVoie on a recent LD Podcast, and asked about the very scripted curriculums in teaching these days, and he agreed that most of the joys of teaching come from those "side roads" in the classroom over the scripted moments of Chapter 5. What we also have to do is reward the creative and invested teachers over those who drone on and have more difficulty in making their students care about the subject matter at hand.

Teaching is a talent, and should not be left up to those who go into it because they don't know what else to do.

Re: Education In a Digital World

Whitney — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:55:38 -0000

Well, and I think it will soon become a cost/benefit analysis more than ever, but College is still a ticket in many circles to bigger and better salaries, etc.

I say this as someone with an Ivy League education and a JD, that the education was important to make me an informed, critical thinker, and helped me discover things I would not have otherwise. But I do not think it is the only pathway for critical thinking, and I do not think professors need to spoon feed students, but we have to make th education contextual and meaningful.

However, at 17 & 18 yrs old, you have no real perspective on what that will meanlater on in your life, either. That's why being made to take electives in other course areas is important- you need to know what else is out there, and what else might interest you.

If a single minded approach was the only way to go, I would either be a doctor or a biologist, or have given up on both of those dreams from high school when organic chem did me in.

Re: Glenda Watson Hyatt Rocks

Whitney — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:34:26 -0000

It just goes to show that disabilities are often external, not internal issues. Even learning disabilities are only a speed bump along the path to doing what you want, if you are motivated to do something and make a difference every day.

Re: The Circle Story

Whitney — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 07:52:52 -0000

I had to leave to go home to Philly, and wasn't able to participate, but I am really glad I asked mark & bob to record it.

I think these round table/floor discussions are at the heart of what many of us want out of podcamp and unconferences. I know we started out by using the wiki and a more chaotic scheduling format, dependent on anyone wanting to know what's happening to bring a laptop.

I think I'd like to see rooms set up like "conference tables" or even people on the floor. Smaller sessions- no more than say 30 people. You can schedule topics, but I say- let's go luddite. you can bring a paper and writing tool and that's it. Use white boards and pads. We can record the sessions, but let's get away from projectors and twitter and chat rooms and the distractions. Cut the cord and get back to the human interface.

If we need to give tech examples, maybe on projector and computer is ok, but that's it. the more we are all wired every minute of the day, the less time we are spending doing what we're really there to do- talk to each other, and get to know each other better as a community.

Re: Why I Failed Math- Calculating

Whitney — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:13:03 -0000

Nik- get the macbook- you'll never regret it. I got mine in march and I am a new woman because of it!

This makes me think about the balance between looking for the next step and going with the flow- it's always a dance between the two. Everything that's happened in the past year makes me think that the military has it right- no plan survives contact with the enemy- meaning that all plans are at best jumping off points for the on the spot improvising we all have to do.

In law school, I took a course in Bankruptcy law, and it was all about creative problem solving, including pre-bankruptcy planning. Likewise, many people plan for their eventual divorce long before the other party even has a clue. While not always "nice", if you do know the other shoe is going to drop, sometimes, planning in advance can have its advantages. Similarly, if you were looking for a new job or new career, you might want to have something "in pocket" before telling your boss you quit, so you can still pay the rent in the meantime.

So in the end, I think you have to balance when to calculate and plan and when to go with the flow- and the wisdom is knowing the difference between the two.

Re: 400 Bucks Can Change The World

Whitney — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 21:04:23 -0000

Went ahead and ordered today. Perhaps better than Heifer International this year for our giving.

Re: Do I Need a Book Reader

Whitney — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 06:32:25 -0000

Here's my take.

Electronic books are audio books for me- I put them on my ipod and listen while I'm driving, waiting, or other down time.

Can you imagine saying- I can't read that book, I forgot the batteries/recharge?

But I won't get this because the way I use books is different than the way I use audio books or electronics. Do you take your laptop into the bath with you? Do you have to turn off your book when the airplane is taking off?

Search is something I can do more quickly by hand than think of the proper search time to find a select passage that I may have a better "feel" for the content than exact words.

We also tend to read books "cover to cover". We have a sense of our progress through them, how much is left, and that we're getting something accomplished. We can skim through chapters. And usually, I am working on only one or two books at a time, not a dozen, so having something else, about the weight of a book I'd carry around anyway doesn't really save me any hassle, time, or anything else for that matter.

As someone who does a lot of research online and in libraries, sometimes you find the best stuff by going to that "section" of the library and seeing what else is there, what's next to what you thought you wanted on the shelf, and you have a small neighborhood of other interesting things on that subject. This is why we love Borders- you have electronic search, but you also have small neighborhoods of content to browse.

While online tools of lawyers such as LEXIS help you do research, the "getting up to speed" process usually involves a library and skimming a whole section of books as you try to narrow down the topic. This kind of "swimming" in information doesn't work as well electronically.

My best "mixed media" story is hanging out at the University of Pennsylvania library, and finding a series of books in the research section called the Handbook of Parenting- a five volume set of books, condensing the latest research about raising kids of all types. I coveted these books immediately, and xeroxed a bunch of chapters to take home. Each volume was over $150 to buy online- and then I found an electronic version of all 5 volumes on CD for $150. I bought the 5 volume CD immediately for my home use. Yet, I would never have known about this set, never had it come up on any of my Amazon searches before, unless I had seen the hard copies in the library.

Re: Passion Drives Personal Brand

Whitney — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 16:37:39 -0000

Thanks Chris!
I think it's about taking what CC Chapman and Mitch Joel said about Personal Branding at the very first Podcamp- "There's only one you- so instead of trying to be someone else, be the best you you can be."

The hard sell for some people is convincing them that being themselves is enough.

And it's hard when you want to be "better" to know what that means, but ultimately it's about going with your talents and listening to what the world is telling you, what your gut is telling you. I hardly ever go wrong this way- I go wrong plenty when I ignore the gut and try to overthink things. You can talk yourself out of plenty of good ideas- if you are unsure- sleep on it- and the clarity of a new day will help.

I love that no matter what, I know you are doing your best and have a good, kind, generous heart. It's great to see you pursuing what makes you happy!

Re: Thanks for the Influence

Whitney — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:00:35 -0000

I am really honored to be in this company. It's been an amazing year, with highs and lows, and the best part of all has been watching a total evolution of a community as a whole and the people within it.

We can look at the internet of being composed of individuals, but that's like saying my hand is composed of atoms. True, but it's the way everything works together than tells a bigger story.

There's many more chapters to be written here, and I hope we have fun scribbling on the pages together!

Re: Third Place in Cyberspace

Whitney — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 21:40:21 -0000

The weird thing is Podcamp feels like that third space as well- the likemind center of the universe, a weekend at a time.

Twitter is my watercooler- my virtual starbucks way of chatting with dispersed friends. But it is a place I just go and grab a "fix" rather than hang out there.

If there was a way to have a group ichat sort of place....but is that Ustream/Blog TV, if it allowed multiple people to participate at once independent of where they were located? Screen flipping to the person talking at any particular time, automatically, like a changing slide on keynote?

I know I find the learning curve on second life daunting, but maybe after FiOS it will improve enough to cease being so frustrating for me.

What I want is a way to hang out with my friends, online, that feels just like hanging out in my house, or at a restaurant- a virtual experience that feels as great as the real thing.

That's my idea of a virtual third space, anyway. Great post, Chris!

Re: One Laptop Program Extended Until Dec 31st

Whitney — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:43:38 -0000

I did this a few weeks ago- awaiting the arrival- my brother, the tech guru from Buffalo did as well. We're both excited to kick the tires on this thing, as well as pass it on to those in need.

I still wish there was a program to get these things in the hands of kinds in inner city schools, or the immigrant families around here. But I am very glad to be able to give a child somewhere else this experience as well. It's an ambitious project, but certainly worth every penny.

Re: Consider Your Media-as-Business Strategy

Whitney — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:53:11 -0000

Seth Godin has some interesting things to say about Souvenirs. People buy books, t-shirts, mugs and other stuff as souvenirs, or reminders, of a good experience. Whether it's a collection of shot glasses from places you've been, books by a favorite author, or a twitter t-shirt- all act as memory prompts of positive ideas and experiences. We surround ourselves with these things because they make us feel good, and recreate small bits of these experiences for us.

I think this goes back to having something remarkable and worth remembering in the first place. And that requires authenticity, and knowing yourself as Matt said above. You can be that something remarkable, you can "monetize" it through the selling of souvenirs of the experience, with a book, or a speech, or a tshirt- whatever "it" is, but the "gift" of the thing is really a memory and how it touched someone enough to want to remember it and have a reminder hanging around in the first place.

Re: Social Media as Personal Power

Whitney — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:27:40 -0000

AsI read your post, I saw the word "recreating" and thought about the difference between creating something new in a new medium and its overlap with recreation- free time and goofing off.

Many new media projects sort of start in the overlap of this space- creating a new project, a new means of expression in your free time; hoping that it becomes a full time enterprise, but not always being certain how the skills translate, an at what cost to give someone return on investment.

The power of the 'net lives in the ability to build engaged and passionate communities around topics and interests. In marketing parlance, this would be the "targeted market" around interests and ideas- people who would be open to your messages and promotions, perhaps. But because communities are based on trust, any approaches towards them can't be as big and as crass as they are on TV for example, where you look to capture attention from your target audience and beyond. They can be subtle.

In the end, even if you are selling Widget A, you probably will sell more widgets if you engage people who already own Widget A or like it, because these people will become the influencers and evangelists for Widget A- a community based marketing department you don't have to convince, because they are already on your side.

And isn't that what we all are looking for, in the end? People that love us and what to carry our messages and ideas beyond us, into the world? This means the results of community builders and community evangelists isn't a quarter by quarter return, it's a longer term relationship building exercise that will pay off more than any magazine ad ever could.

Re: Marketing is NOT Social Media-Social Media is NOT Marketing

Whitney — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 06:19:39 -0000

Great post, Chris. The toolbox is filled with all sort of things, but the art will be the finely tuned application of tools to form something new and remarkable, (Michaelangelo ) versus something more shotgun (for lack of better example, Jackson Pollock- throw it all at the canvas and see what sticks.)
Communities that form on the web form the niche marketing opportunities, the focus groups, or just Focus that I think most companies would like to find to publicize, test and "broadcast" their goods and services. The trouble traditional marketing gets into is finding a receptive community, and co-opting it rather than exploiting it. That can be a finely tuned dance that isn't easy to do.

Re: The Power of Comments

Whitney — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 06:51:22 -0000

For my various blog projects, I often don't comment back, if the post is sort of a "Thanks for this!" or "Enjoyed the post" type of thing- if the comment extends the conversation, then it's natural to respond.

I am not shy about leaving comments, but I try to wait until I have something meaningful to add, or something I feel passionate about before dropping my two cents into the mix.

I love this conversation about comments, and the ability to foster them by just out and out asking people to contribute- that is a great way to break the ice, so to speak.

Re: Happy Birthday Katrina

Whitney — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:08:18 -0000

Happy Birthday Kat! My birthday is a week after Christmas, so I feel your pain- this is why we got married in August- any "holiday" date I could plan was going to be as far away from my birthday/Christmas as possible!

Never forget managing other people, even if they are small, is a challenging job, and doing it well takes great strength of character! Kat has that in spades!

Re: Social Media for Your Career

Whitney — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 21:14:04 -0000

I started podcasting and blogging to provide an online resume- an interactive sample of my writing, thoughts, beliefs and point of view. It's been a wonderful experience, and I am always amazed at who finds me and from where. I have an international audience, people I would have never run across in real life, or perhaps never spoken about these topics in depth, yet online we create a meaningful connection.

I think the next topic that goes along with this one is managing your digital footprint and transparency- how you decide what to put out there for all the world to see, and what to keep closer to the vest.

Re: Be Effective in Meetings and Use Social Media Tools

Whitney — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 14:54:42 -0000

In organizing many podcamps, we have weekly conference call meetings. They are often status meeting, assigning To-Do's and brain storming all in one. As a result, I have gone to the default old fashioned solution - The Agenda.

A day or two before the meeting, everyone gets agenda for the call by email- they can add things if they want, but at the meeting, we scroll through the topics, hit each one, and take any needed discussion to other channels. Meetings can get sidetracked, and aren't perfect, but the Agenda sets a purpose and goals ahead of time, and helps keep things running smoothly.

Re: Programming for the Masses- Social Computing

Whitney — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 08:33:32 -0000

What fascinates me is how all of this applies to basic learning theory- how much information people can process at one; what the buffer limits are; what the keys to motivation are; How can we help motivate other people, when part of that calculus always requires understanding their personal payoff.

The learning curve is one of the cornerstones for understanding what will and will not work in this space, and I think if you don't really get how the brain processes information, it's going to be hard to design a conference, a website, or a business, for that matter, that is going to have long term success.

Digital can make acquiring information easier, but what happens once it enters the biological soup between our ears is where magic can happen.

Re: Dinosaurs.

Whitney — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 21:39:52 -0000

You can make the mundane remarkable by making it fun. If you had the money to invest, how about having Video Night at the Video Store? Show old movies in HD on a 60 in flat screen and sell cheap refreshments, making it a party? Kids parties on the weekends in a similar mode, rather than at the house. Video games on the 60 in as well- how about the Wii?

All of this would make the movie store a destination and not a drive through. It would provide something beyond the "pick up a movie" and library mash up most video stores are, and turn it into a place that would be fun, even if it was to check out what else was happening.

Re: 5 Starter Moves- Should Blogging Go Next

Whitney — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 09:23:34 -0000

A friend of mine is a editor on a small newspaper in upstate NY. His company told him he needed to start blogging, so he writes small pieces online. It's actually been a convenient way for me to keep up with him, more so than particularly "useful" for the paper.
However, I think blogs are a long term strategy not a short term one. They put a human face on any organization; they require regular updating with meaningful information. They need to be authentic, and as much time needs to be spent looking for other similar information on the web, creating valuable hyperlinks, and commenting on other blogs to make the blog more popular. With 70 mill+ blogs, this rise in popularity might only happen with consistent effort over a year or more. It's not a short term strategy, but a consistent one that becomes part of the online presence of the organization.

Blogs are planting a flag in the sand, and signal that a business is interested in communicating. But unless the blog is active, and interactive (and we all have slow to no comment days), it may not be seen as providing all that much value. That's when we have to remember this is narrowcasting, not broadcasting, and the people who do come, comment and read are really interested in what you have to say- just the people you want to be talking to. That's the value.

Re: 5 Starter Moves - Audio and Video

Whitney — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 17:04:30 -0000

I think this gets into choosing the right tool for the job. Video is a great way to get the sense of a person, as is audio- it adds layers you don't get in text, which is more thoughtful, edited, and less immediate in most cases.

Audio and video are the next best thing to being there in person, yet, the tools to search audio and video aren't there unless you are specifically looking for something in audio or video. (ie. you can tag and search video with viddler, audio with everyzing and pluggd, but google is optimized for text search.)

I find that tools like utterz and seesmic are social tools to communicate with friends, more than something I think about in terms of business, although they could certainly be used in that way- but if the rest of the content on those sites is largely social only, so to speak, does it make it more difficult for businesses to adopt because it's not hanging around in the right "neighborhood" for them?

It totally depends on the message being sent and the content, making have a toolbox full of tools, to be used strategically as needed, even more important.

Re: Social in Real Space vs Social Networking

Whitney — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 06:40:32 -0000

This is awesome. We're also using eventbrite for Podcamp NYC, and it allows you to see who's coming in advance. I think this is critical, because who else is attending is becoming an important factor to me in deciding what events I am going to attend in the first place. Sure, I know there's fun in the surprise, but if I have no idea what's happening at your event in advance, nor who else is coming, really- why should I show up????

Re: Creatives and Your Secret Mission

Whitney — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 07:52:00 -0000

I guess I look at it with this lame baseball analogy- It takes just about as much effort to swing for the fences as for a single, so why not go for it? If it works out, you have a home run. If you fall short of your goal, you're still in the park, and even if you strike out, you can hold your head up, knowing you gave it your all.

Why not try out your secret mission? Will you recognize it when it crosses your path? Opportunity comes in many shapes and sizes- try just one- make a difference.

I'm trying one this week- raising money for a chinese woman, struggling to help her own daughter and other children with autism. When the article crossed my desk from the Wall Street Journal, I could have said "I wish her luck, I can't help." But it occurred to me I knew someone in China who could make sure any money raised would go directly to Ma Chen's school. I have a close friend who works in the Embassy in Beijing. This makes it easier to think an email, a little leg work, and maybe something is possible. And it is possible, so we're off and running to see if we can make a difference.

This is what being a "superhero" is about- understanding when you may have the tools at your fingertips to help change the world, and then deciding to take the risk to do it. It may not be all that much, but it's the small things that cumulatively change the world.

And all it requires is saying "Yeah- I think I can do that- it's worth a try."

Re: Macbook Air is Great if You Like Clouds

Whitney — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:22:25 -0000

I honestly think this computer is like concept cars at the Detroit Auto Show. Steve is envisioning a world where there are no wires, where you'll be able to do everything in the cloud, and local storage will be for Oliver Stone paranoid types. This is a real computer, but it's much more significant as a hint of what's to come, and what's becoming possible.

Except for writing longer emails and blog posts, I can actually have what I "need" most days on my iphone.

When I'm producing a podcast, or dealing with larger media, I need the bigger computer. But when traveling, a dinky, lightweight machine could appeal. I just haven't reached the point yet where the money it costs traded off on the travel I do, requires this machine.

Re: Twitter Packs Goes off the Rails Quick

Whitney — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:15:36 -0000

It's funny- I tried to get on a few times yesterday, to edit, but could never get a lock to do it, so I gave up, figuring I would try today or tommorrow.

This past weekend I was at a wonderful conference, and I found a whole new subset of twitters to follow i never knew existed. I love the mash up nature of twitter for me- I have marketing friends, "real life" friends, associates, education types, creative types,people I barely know, and others I have a great relationship building over time, because of what their interests are and what they share on twitter.

What the brou haha here tells me from a sociology POV is that people take their self-identity with different communities and subsets very personally, but some other people may see them as part of larger groups or categories.

And let's face it- tweeterboard, twitterposter and other things like that are essentially doing the same thing as Twitter packs, but with less information on the outset.

The internet never ceases to amaze me with its ability to connect, and it's ability to alienate. The speed at which we can build and destroy something. The reactionary nature, and people's lack of patience to see how something develops over time before making blanket declarations of Good or Evil. Time does cure a lot, and we can't expect something to be instantaneously perfect, (especially on a wiki). So before getting on your judicial robes, sleep on it, and see if what was true yesterday is still true today.

Patience is a virtue. Acting like children who don't get their way and having a tantrum is not. If you decide to take all your toys and go home, and let something this silly drive you away from all the good of twitter, that's your choice.

And above all, the conversation of how things evolve over a short period of time may be the most interesting part of this in the end.

Re: Twitter Packs Goes off the Rails Quick

Whitney — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:16:25 -0000

even if someone "mis- categorizes" me, i think it may lead to interesting conversations and of course you have no obligation to follow them back.

Re: Performance and Your Audience- Blogging Tips

Whitney — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:28:55 -0000

I find blog writing is making me a better writer (in that the more you do it, the better you get vein.) But I have to keep things in mind like "Don't bury the lead" to make sure I don't fall into the vanity trap of using my blog just as a journal, and instead, try to make it about something more meaningful- the performance, as you stated so well.

Re: Why PodCamp Toronto Will Be Cool

Whitney — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:52:33 -0000

Looking forward to seeing you @Podcamp Toronto again- I know you won't miss the Buffalo airport and the kids at "The Spot" this year!
Whit

Re: Five Levels of Social Conversation

Whitney — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:28:02 -0000

i think sometimes conversations start at one level and often can go into deeper territory over time- you can't jump into "life changing dialogue" without starting out at a slightly more superficial level.
The levels may be useful; ultimately it's about being able to have multilevel conversations, and willing to hear people as they drill down deeper.

Re: Thoughts for Future PodCamps

Whitney — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 08:17:44 -0000

It's such a tricky balance. More attendees means potentially more people to interact with. But after we hit Dunbar's number (150), the intimacy of the experience declines, and people start to naturally act like it's a traditional conference. This means not talking, listening but not interacting, not leaving the room if they need to, more conformity and less individuality. People look for a few "birds of a feather" or "wingmen" to hang out with, and the 'open social' declines.

Yet with something like Podcamp NYC, there are simply tons of people in the area who want to attend, both to be mentors, to interact, to pick up new tricks, and to move ideas forward. Podcamps in major metro areas may always end up being a bit bigger, but I think we also need to emphasize that bigger is not always better.

Before I totally hijack Chris's blog going on and on about the interaction between group psychology, conference planning, logistics and the like, I want to say the most important reason to hold a Podcamp is to grow your local community and bring them together. This means considering your event local not national; looking at sponsors as community participants, not as wallets; and treating everyone- speakers, attendees, sponsors, venues, vendors- EVERYONE- as special, important, and as part of your extended family/community.

I think the time is rapidly coming where we have to get over the "oooh, Shiny!" aspect of all the tech toys, and look into the application of the tools to the right job. Tell meaningful stories. Make an impact. Change the World. Take risks. Remember you make a contribution by your point of view, and whatever it is, it's worthy and worth talking about with others!

Re: The Ten Words That Define You

Whitney — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:04:35 -0000

This is interesting, but can I say I really hope email does not define you???

Re: The Community Play

Whitney — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 12:53:28 -0000

There are some of these things for the Harry Potter Crowd- interactive stuff on JK Rowlings website, fan forums, podcasts, fan fiction on those sites- all user generated content, which the author often participates in to some extent.

I've actually pitched the idea of Superblog and Supertube to the NFL (I own the domain names already...) but they aren't really getting it and listening yet. They are still a broadcast only, non-interactive organization, to their detriment.

Re: Why Reinvent the Wheel

Whitney — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 06:33:56 -0000

This is the beauty of the iphone for me. I type in an address, or a search for a business, get the address, and then the google maps feature will both locate me and the place and give me directions. No fuss. Used it this weekend on my drive to Toronto both for overall directions and to monitor how close I was to the goal.

I agree, don't spend time , money and effort duplicating what's been done and done well. Instead figure out what is a big plus for you and your company and put your efforts into that. Remarkability is where the success will lie- doing what's been done will not. And if you are going to "improve" on someone else's thing, it should be a substantial improvement- tiny things won't allow you to win in the marketplace.

Things are volatile out there, and the most vulnerable place to be is on the cutting edge- it's exciting, but if you plan to make your first billion trying to undercut someone else's business model, expect that the same will also happen to you in turn.

Re: Device Mesh And Location Brokering

Whitney — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:32:34 -0000

People have this weird relationship with "security" and "Big Brother". We want to have stuff like OnStar, so if we're in an accident, people can send help automatically. We want lojack to find our stolen cars, and cell phones to help find us lost in the woods. However, then others worry that the Government or anybody who wants to find, can and will. Well, that's true as well. But you can't have it both ways. You can either be found, or not be found, for good and for ill.

Once you accept the fact that people can ping you anywhere if they really want to find you, through credit cards, through cell phones, through just about any means possible,

That also means you can take advantage of all the local information available to you, to find some special spots- yet somehow, the human filter aspect is never going to go away entirely.

Just as everyone in Philly has their favorite cheesesteak place, what would particularly suit you will depend on a local guide, in the flesh or not. heck, I have gone to school and lived in the Philly area for years, yet I just saw a special on TV about Philly foods like Pepper Pot Soup I never knew was a local "thing", as well as a hoagie shop I've never head of before. So the version of hyper-local will always depend on locals, and on people deciding to be "Mayor of their own Zip Codes" as Seth Godin has put it.

Re: Social Media Starter Moves for Freelancers

Whitney — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:13:14 -0000

Another fantastic post and great reminders about keeping our selves prepared for doing business. The more professional you are from the beginning, the easier it is to scale should a hobby become more of a business.

I think the one thing we always have to remember is that the internet is a small town, and reputation matters. This means assuming people have the best intentions; trust others to a reasonable extent; be open and helpful, but don't feel you have to give away the store; don't jump on every small critique or slight, and when leaving comments for others, think about how it would feel if someone were leaving this comment on your blog. Chris Penn reminds us Google is always watching, and this means that you should treat the information you put out there as something you would like your mom, spouse, best friends, third grade teacher, FBI- ANYONE- see and read.

This could make some people feel inhibited, and for others, the "anonymity in public" actually creates a sense of heightened freedom of speech. In the end, think of your blog and social media musings as an extension of yourself and what you're known for, and you'll do fine as you build your personal brand.

Your blog is you- as you said so well- it is your storefront, and a primary source these days of what you are about, so make sure it reflects you well, and then you never have to worry about what anyone will say about you- it will always be true, accurate and something you can be proud of. Reputation matters, so make yours a great one.

Re: Using Social Networking and Media Offline

Whitney — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 22:07:02 -0000

I agree with Arpan- Online allows you to replicate the message out to more people in a low-cost fashion- no postage with email, no need to send a CD if you have a podcast, etc.

Offline communication seems to command a little more effort and energy, and demand more direct attention, where online communication can be episodic, less "demanding" of attention- but it also has a longevity and archiving feature offline does not. For example, blog posts can live forever, but I end up tossing christmas cards, short notes people send, etc. Then there's the search feature to online communication,less time sensitivity - it goes on and on.

I've been listening to the audio version of The Ten Faces of Innovation- and it's fascinating to me how much cultural anthropology goes into innovation. You have to study the people and the problem in order to pose solutions that might work for them.

For example, In order to show people why online works, you have to show them that the offline tasks they do can be done differently, and perhaps more efficiently online. Online vs. offline depends on the circumstances and content of messages- Sometimes, offline works better or is much simplier than online; sometimes online just aggregates information better. Ultimately, it's about the understanding of the person and the problem,and finding the best solution, on or offline to meet the need.

Re: Credit Cards for Reputation

Whitney — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:15:13 -0000

I love this conversation.

To me, reputation is your most powerful but also most fragile asset. If you develop a reputation for being good to your word in all circumstances, you gain easier access to new people through friends you already know.

For example, I knew and had a good relationship with person A. When I met person B who was also friends with person A, Person B and I started out on firmer ground with each other, and had more inherent trust, because we both knew, liked and trusted person A. This is where the relationships you build with others store value.

Your reputation opens doors for you, and if you connect your friends to others, for them as well. What the "secondary beneficiaries" need to understand, however, is that if I recommend one of my connections to you, I have in some ways, insured the connection with my social and reputation currency as well.

So if I say to Business A- "you are looking for someone in this field. I really like person C, and hopefully they'll be able to help you out and you'll have a good relationship", I am essentially betting or insuring a positive experience with my reputation. If things work out, I gain reputation as a good person who points people in a great direction. Both parties think I'm swell.

If it doesn't work out, I gain no reputation points, so to speak, but I probably don't lose any, either. If it turns out to be a hideous experience for both parties, or even one side of the equation, I lose reputation points, and people are unlikely to look at people I recommend in the future ( bad for everyone in my social network) People will think "What was she thinking? That was a rotten experience! She must be crazy!" And the "stink" of bad experiences and bad connections, broken trusts spreads fast and his hard to get rid of.

It only takes a few public or private mistakes to damage your reputation, and a lot of work to make it shine. So everyone should keep in mind that reputation, while more of a currency than a credit system, also has very little flex when it comes down to it, and needs to be treated as a precious and hard earned item. We need to be cautious with ours, and we should make it a point not to trash others' reputation either, without due cause and personal experience rather than just second hand information.

The social web is a place where good things about you and bad propogate like rabbits, so reputation is vulnerable, but in the end, we need to treat it a serious thing.

Re: Conquering Fear of Blogging

Whitney — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:08:23 -0000

I think if you have some of these fears, the best thing you can do is go through something like The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. Going through the process she describes which involve a bit of writing every day plus some self-discovery about the barriers we put in our way, helped me get rid of the negative "im not good enough" inner critic and move on to beginning to believe I was good enough. People actually reading what I've written on the 'net and responding positively has taken care of the rest!

Re: Inspirations and Origins

Whitney — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:23:54 -0000

It's easy to take a bunch of things going on in emails, different blogs, mull them over and then need to brain dump on your blog. My policy is usually to start out a post with "I was talking to X and this came up...." "I read this post over here, and I wanted to say more "- that way, you are crediting your friends, whether they're online or not, you extend the thought and ideas further, and everyone is happy.
Part of it is a timing thing- you say one thing, and within a day or two, someone is repeating the same thing- you get a sense of deja vu when you read their stuff. While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, there's a line there that is intensely personal about the creative process.
I'm sorry this has happened to you, because it doesn't feel great when it happens. Knowing what to do when it happens is even harder. But posts like this, letting everyone know this isn't really okay, helps make it happen a whole lot less frequently. And I imagine any stress over this issue in the past has actually, in the end, made you better and more honest friends. Dealing with tough stuff lets you find out more about a person and their character, and I imagine you handled everything just perfectly.

Re: Is Your Community For Sale

Whitney — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 07:18:17 -0000

I assume this is Andrew's personal account. If it were Rocketboom's, a competitor could buy it and use it to malign the company's reputation; frankly, anyone buying a twitter account could do the same thing- which is why it may be important, like with domain names, to register yourself on certain social networks, before someone takes your name and uses it for purposes other than which you intend. Imagine someone grabbing Robert Scoble's name on Mahalo, for example, and posting their information as his.....it could happen.

So we all have to agree that there is a general social norm or contract that we are who we are online and offline- hopefully the same person. Not everyone abides by this rule (and it's why I find second life so confusing- relearning who I already know with different names and clothing...) Otherwise, it will be hard to forge online relationships that carryover to any trust relationship offline.

Re: Alert Thingy Helps Make FriendFeed Indispensible

Whitney — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:08:18 -0000

In the old days, there was something called a secretary. You told her what you wanted to read out of the newspaper, and she created a clip- file for you of those stories vital your life, to give you the "presidential briefing" of what's most important.
we've automated this system and created filters, but the human nuanced tough is missing, which is the reason for things like Mahalo.

My husband and I were talking about the changing nature of libraries, and whether printed journals will eventually be passe. As much as I like being able to search for books and source material in automated databases, or ordering them online from Amazon, nothing has the same "person feel" as wandering the stacks at a library or bookshop, and finding that the neighboring books around our target may be even more interesting or on point than the target. The neighborhood/company you keep factors are as important as the laser targeted computer one when doing research.

(and frankly I always find things that surprise me in good ways in this search method, taking me well beyond the boolean information search alone).

For some things, the human brain, making connections (and intuitive leaps) factor shouldn't become totally absolete.

Re: Why PodCamp Boston 3 Costs 50 Bucks

Whitney — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 21:45:51 -0000

@Douglas- With all due respect, how is 700 people saying they are attending and no showing punishing the majority for the actions of a few? And why is the punishment term being used at all? Why isn't attending Podcamp seen as being a privilege- something worth a pretty minimal investment? People pay a lot more to attend SXSW, PME and other conferences. And moreover, Podcamp has been a great way to try new ways to run a conference- we mash up a broader audience than many conferences, and thats' the strength at the core.

Moreover, life is not free. Work is hard. Without knowing that the community actually cares, that attendance is predictable- do you really expect organizers to put the event together, year after year, for your convenience, without some small investment from the community in terms of showing thatthey value the experience?

Re: What Were Your First Steps

Whitney — Sat, 03 May 2008 06:36:16 -0000

First steps? I started out by listening to podcasts, and then deciding that was a great way to get my own message across. Then after just about three months into actually putting a show out there, I attended this event called Podcamp Boston, which has totally changed my life as I know it.

Who were your early people you admired and followed? I had listened to Mommycast and CC Chapman's Accident Hash, and after meeting CC at Podcamp,the connection between online and offline became more real. From Podcamp Boston, I met a ton of people, including Chris Brogan, Chris Penn, Mark Blevis, Larry Lawfer, Julien Smith, Eric Skiff, CC Chapman, Dave LaMorte, Jay Moonah, John Havens, Mitch Joel, Rob & Megin Hatch, Drew Olanoff, Adam Plante and the Best Damn Tech Show guys, and others, that gave me not only a core of people who still are part of my internet family, who have in turn expanded my horizons to other people I've met online and off, creating really great friendships, including Linda Mills, Chel Wolverton, Matthew Ebel, Todd & Sage Tyrtle, Bob & Cat Goyetche, Dave Beaudolin, Tammy Munson, Joel Mark Witt, Andycaster, Vivian Vasquez, and more. Each podcamp I attend expands my network more so than any other online presence in a meaningful way. Other social networks like facebook, twitter, etc. have merely become ways to keep in contact and extend that in person meeting to a gradual way to really get to know people and what happens in their lives.

If you were going to give advice to someone starting out, what would you tell them? You can start by getting your feet wet on any number of social networking sites, but taking the time and effort to attend an event like Podcamp, especially with the fact that Podcamp attracts not only people creating new media, but PR and marketing types looking for different ways to get the message out, this is a perfect way to get the lay of the land and meet people that can truly transform what you do and how you think about new media.

What will you do in the next few months with social media? More blogging, podcasting and Podcamps are in my future, and hopefully we'll get the book about Community building and unconferences finished.

Re: Saying No

Whitney — Tue, 06 May 2008 10:17:52 -0000

Great Post, Chris, and I know how hard this is, juggling my blog, podcast, family, teaching, Podcamp, and everything else I want to/need to do. And I'm learning it's okay to take a break an recharge the batteries too. The problem with being able to be connected 24 by 7 is also learning when NOT to be connected as well. (And differentiating the needs and wants is important.)

My mom always used the "my cup runneth over" analogy with me- the abundance is what you can share with others- you cannot share if your own cup is empty, so you need to make sure you take care of yourself first.

Re: Bloggers Need Errors and Omissions Insurance

Whitney — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:10:32 -0000

Just as an experiment, I did a little research on this topic. I went to NetQuote and figured I'd find out what such insurance would cost at this point in time for my blogging and podcasting business. I will now have the joy of being contacted by several insurance agents, and I'll let you know the results, but it seems to me getting some competitive quotes and getting referrals here on Chris's blog for possible solutions is a good first start.

As a lawyer, it's important to understand that the law is always a few years behind tech and tech revolution. Laws are not created pro-actively, but in response to problems as they arise; as a result, since these areas are pretty new, there's not a lot of guidance yet- but I will do some more reearch on this as well, and let you know if I find anything interesting or relevant.

Re: Jon Udell Explains FeedSync and How It Might Benefit You

Whitney — Sat, 31 May 2008 08:19:07 -0000

I read about the new iPhone gps, but I am using the existing phone that way already. While it doesn't always pinpoint my location through the cell tower method with amazing accuracy, it gives me my "neighborhood; I can type things like "Pizza" into the locator, and it gives me the local pizza places, with pins; I can pick the one I want, hit the flag, pull up the location's address, website and phone, touch the phone number and order take out or make reservations. I uae this feature all the time. And that's even on EDGE. Not always brilliantly fast, but having the info available is simply amazing and I love it.

Re: Whats Your Take on Word of Mouth

Whitney — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 12:57:14 -0000

I've dealt with this with books and interviews on my podcast. I won't recommend a book I haven't read and don't personally like- that has to do with only recommending or advertising things that I honestly like and/or use regularly, and that my audience (hopefully) looks to me as a reference/referral source for the good stuff to save them doing all the research on their own. - For me, that means being a cross between Terry Gross and Consumer Reports for the Learning and Learning Disabilities community.

I do blog separately about good experiences I've had, and bad ones- that's part of being a blogger.

I think if anyone/company is sending stuff out, they need to know and hopefully expect an honest review. You are choosing bloggers, a highly particular bunch, and when the news is good, it can be great for you; when the news is bad, it can be really bad; but wouldn't you rather know early in the product cycle than later? Wouldn't you like to know what works in field tests and what doesn't? It can help generate buzz, that's for sure; it gets you exposure,and I think if bloggers want to be taken seriously, even if we aren't journalists, we need to be as honest and forthright as possible about our biases. otherwise, your half-life as a trusted source in this community will be limited.

Re: Writing Email That Gets Answered

Whitney — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 07:34:48 -0000

I think the other thing people need to consider is "how badly" do they need an answer or response? Is this just a way of saying "hi" and garnering some attention, or is it important?

I think the point you made at PAB about considering "What's in it for me", ie. what would you think if you got this email yourself, is an important one. When you are asking someone for their attention and mindspace, be considerate, and only take up the cycles that you really NEED. To that end, also separate out NEED and WANT and know the difference.

Re: Strip Malls for Personal Brands

Whitney — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:23:50 -0000

There's a great book I am reading called Obsessive Branding Disorder. Seeing how the process works, and how many times it becomes a substitute for the much harder task of research and development, or actual innovation is concerning in many ways.

Likewise, with personal branding,the different sites are all about displaying your personal "book" well at the bookstore. Is it included in those front tables, where everyone stops to take a look and read the jacket covers? Is it in the right section of the store? Did you somehow get stuck with the kid books when you wanted to be in Popular Fiction, Business and Management, Parenting, or even Technology? If you are in the right section, are you n the "end cap" as a featured author, or are you somewhere in the mix? Is you book jacket relevant to the contents inside?

In the end, the substance of what's between the covers, what you are all about and how much personal development of yourself you have done, will determine the quality of the book. You may not always have the best seller on your hands immediately, but you'll have work that you're proud of, that will stand the test of time, and prepare you to continue to write fantastic work that will be significant.

Now, I am not suggesting we're all Jane Austen or even Carl Haaisen or Dave Barry, but I do still believe that quality is more important for real engagement than just quantity. And to use Mr. Penn's analogy, you might get better success depending on where you decide to put your billboards and be a bit strategic about the placement and how you decorate them for maximum traffic draw.

Re: Social Media Does Not Replace Marketing Strategy

Whitney — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:34:21 -0000

I'll point out two more facts:

Busy social networks with casual relationships are fantastic for sharing and finding out information- they are like that ticker at the bottom of the news screen- lots of information flashing by, and you can contribute your message to the stream if you so choose.

However, not everyone pays attention enough to that information floating by to think that they are engaged enough to bring that to the next level of relationship, that would lead to a sale or commitment of resources towards your project.

And talking to people in many different fields recently, from tech to teaching, the feeling of "what's next?" and "I don't find those old tools as useful as I used to" are very common.

So we have to be prepared at all times both for people wanting to engage us on the ground floor, and those that want to meet us up in the upper floors of our building...those who already have a basic or even advanced level of experience, and we have to be prepared to meet those needs as well- a continuity of customer care, so to speak. Always being ready for the net stage when it arrives.

Re: Is Your Blog For Rent

Whitney — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:45:04 -0000

Well, Nikon can count me as one of the people who was impressed by getting to play a bit with your D60 recently. It's not just Chris who has gotten to play with it, but his friends as well-Chris let a bunch of us test it out at PAB, and I now have my eye on one for my next big camera purchase. So there are downstream positives as well.

I've gotten a few publishers sending eval copies of books to me, and once, some additional copies to give away on the show. I am happy to interview the author after I read the book. For my show, the LD Podcast, the books are all about making life a bit easier for kids with learning disabilities, and it's a small market. If I really couldn't stand the book, it might be a problem. So far, it's worked out well, since the people who have come out with new books are people I wanted to interview anyway, and the books were great and helpful. If there was one I couldn't stand or disagreed with, I would have to be honest and let the author know. I did have one interview with someone whose viewpoint i wasn't sure I agreed with. It ended up being a fairly good conversation regardless, as by the end, I understood where he was coming from much better than before, even if I didn't totally agree with everything he recommended.
It's all about honesty in the end.

Re: What Does Your Audience Need

Whitney — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:21:52 -0000

this means a company needs to be willing to step out of the center of importance and be willing just to be a facilitator of the conversation. I don't think all companies are comfortable with this idea, but it also works. Apple's forums let people search and solve their own problems, just like amazon and bizrate let consuMer reviews help direct sales. But this is a scary proposition if you yourself aren't in love with your products and services.

Re: Am I Too Naked

Whitney — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:26:31 -0000

And in the end- it's what Kat says. Your talent is abundant; everyone can read a book, but not everyone will take those words and apply them - change them from adjectives into verbs- turning description into action.

In this life, we reward action. Many people need help getting those balls rolling, and there's plenty of work available for people like you who help make that happen.

Re: Support Teams

Whitney — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:55:30 -0000

I agree, Chris- the support team is everything.

One of the reasons I love having my social media friends crash at our house during Podcamp Philly, brought my kid with me to Podcamp Boston is to let everyone know I have a family, and to let my family know my friends are more than just words/people in the laptop box. For me, it is a wonderful closing of the loop, so to speak, where my world became somewhat more complete.

(and I was singularly proud and excited when I heard my 13 year old started presenting with Guido Stein in the Brain Torrent Room on how you should put together your podcast, based on what you care about most.)

Kat is truly wonderful-and you are a very lucky man.

Re: Be a Better Interviewer

Whitney — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 05:28:31 -0000

I've found that the tips I got from Larry lawfer and Mark Blevis at the first Podcamp Boston are the best:

1.Listen to interviews- Terry gross, Ira Glass, Larry King- the people who have a style you like, and take lessons from it.

2. Being a good interviewer is like being a good date- you should come prepared, ask questions that let people open up and run with it, and be a good listener.

3. I look at interviews as being guided conversations. I'll ask people in advance if they want questions in advance, so they can be prepared too, but I tell them these are only roadmaps/benchmarks for information i would like to cover.

4. If you are going to do these as a podcast, edit them, and give people a chance to correc t what they want to say- take out some of the ums, and uuuhhs and make both of you look good during the editing process. This puts interiewees at ease, knowing that your goal is to make them sound awesome, not play gotcha.

And, feel free to come to Podcamp Philly and we'll talk about interviews some more during a session!

Re: Video- From Cowpaths to Mastadons

Whitney — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:34:10 -0000

The awareness issue-

I got a copy of B & H's two volume professional video sourcebook the other day- 2 catalogs, each thicker than those old Sears catalogs, with varieties of equipment, ranging from lighting, to cameras, to microphones to software and beyond, that make online audio and video work, whether you are a TV station or an independent producer. And you could say, well, B & H already has a great website, why would I want all this paper taking up shelf space?

However, by flipping through the catalog, I was immediately struck by how many problems I didn't know I had; how many other solutions were out there to solve nagging issues I had, but wasn't sure how to solve, as well as ways to tweek, enhance and improve what I am doing well already.

This catalog brought much more awareness to me about ways to solve current and future problems than I would ever have just with google- why? Google works on a point to point search method- it escorts you into a neighborhood and lets you choose among those houses, or reformulate the search to be escorted into a new neighborhood. The catalog, in contrast, was like learning about architecture instead- it says- hey, you could choose an apartment, or a condo, or a single house or a duplex, or a yurt, and once you decide what kind of house you want, we'll take you to the neighborhoods that offer a selection of that sort of housing.
Ok, before I get too tortured in this analogy, the point is that sometimes, a broader awareness of solutions to problems, whether you have them right now, or even knew it was a problem, does more to educate your potential customers, than hoping they will be able to delineate and focus their problem enough and then hope they happen to find your solution in the neighborhood Google may direct them to.
SEO and SEM is all about putting up bigger billboards, directing Google into your neighborhood, but sometimes, the point to point search just isn't sufficient and awareness and knowing "stuff" is much more utilitarian and important.

Re: How Does The Web Define Authority

Whitney — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:11:01 -0000

The hallmark of credibility is follow-through.

In each and every transaction you have with someone, your ability to follow up and follow through says something. People even take clues and messages from "no response" as a response.

You can look at a resume, look at a blog, look at recommendations. You can factor in any personal knowledge you have, but basically, you have to put all this information in a blender (Will it blend??) and distill it, finding out what's left in the end, and whether or not it works for you. You trust a little at first, and then a little more, and finally, you have a relationship built on trust and trustworthiness.

I try to work very hard at making everything I do, real life and online, about follow-through. Sometimes projects get sidetracked- that's normal- but all in all, I try to cultivate a reputation based on honesty, fidelity and action. Life rewards action- you have to put verbs into your sentences and "do" as well as just think and chat. In the end that not only builds your reputation versus celebrity, but it gives you connections you can count on when the chips are down.

Re: Quick PodCamp Starter Kit

Whitney — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 19:38:27 -0000

Hey There Danny- There's a great community in Toronto, and Podcamp Toronto has "traditionally" been in January/February. Jay Monah, Eden Spodek, Adele McClear, and others are involved, so hopefully you can touch base with them!

I'm happy to answer questions or help anyone put on an unconference. There are some tricky bits about handling money and getting sponsors that require some planning ahead. But Podcamps come in many sizes and flavors.

My best piece of advice is to ask yourself- "What makes my community special?" and make sure your podcamp reflects aspects of your community. While people may attend from out of town, one of the purposes of having a Podcamp, in my mind at least, is to grow and bring your local community together, even after Podcamp is over. The magic is about meeting new people with similar interests, and using that as a jumping off place for further collaboration afterwards.

Re: Announcing the Pixelated Blog Conference Series

Whitney — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 09:53:17 -0000

I'm working on a Pixelated Podcamp- it'll be up over at www.whitneyhoffman.com by tonight- surprisingly a lot of work- almost as much as the real thing!

Re: Citizen Journalists Arent Evil

Whitney — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:42:08 -0000

Well, the deal here is that as citizen journalists, we can't be fired for being wrong. So reputation is the only currency that counts, and sometimes, whether you're right or wrong, reputation can grow and spread.

I think it's natural for main stream media and people who spent years in journalism school to feel threatened by citizen journalists, and therefore, jumping all over citizen journalists is easy. But consider also how many times main stream media relies on citizen journalists, because they no longer have enough of their own staff to cover every story that might be important.

Citizen journalism has become a force because people felt there was a need to be filled, but we're "unregulated" and too many people don't spend the time to source material or look into credentials and take everything on face value, making the mix of fact and fiction a whole lot harder to sort out than ever before.

But like everything else in life, it's Caveat Emptor- let the buyer beware- and that's true for all those main stream media people who are looking to rely on bloggers to help them with their jobs.

Re: Pixelated - The Online Conference About PLAY

Whitney — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:58:50 -0000

Pixelated Podcamp is up!

http://www.whitneyhoffman.com/?p=358

Re: The Beauty of Pirate Ships

Whitney — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 15:22:37 -0000

I still think the Pirate's Dilemma by Matt Mason does a great job at extending this analogy- don't miss it.

Re: Mistakes Were Made And How To Handle Whatever Comes Up

Whitney — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:41:52 -0000

I agree Ben- it comes down to resiliency. You have to be able to learn from inevitable mistakes and do better the next time. We all know we're going to have problems, but better to confront them and deal with them rather than pretend they belong to someone else.

Re: Mistakes Were Made And How To Handle Whatever Comes Up

Whitney — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 21:15:42 -0000

I just think we're always gonna mess up- that's a given. The trick is to develop a sense of resiliency, so you bounce back and make new mistakes next time- learn, correct, move on. Nothing is ever perfect, but the more you learn, the less likely you are to repeat the same mistakes over and over. And unless you own the mistakes, you're more likely to make 'em all over again.

Re: Mistakes Were Made And How To Handle Whatever Comes Up

Whitney — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:02:33 -0000

@Jonny- I like Back of the Napkin as well- great adjunct to Made to Stick as a way of learning to visualize concepts, and get points across visually as well as through writing/speaking.

@Soultravelers- You're absolutely right. It's tough sometimes to see where the puck is going- you don't always have all the information, but it's worse if you aren't even in the rink or don't have a stick...in other words- some base level of being ready, some base level of awareness is important, so you have the tools to choose a direction when needed.

Re: The Matter of Scale

Whitney — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:42:57 -0000

I think it's all about the team approach in order to scale.

Podcamp succeeds because someone from the epicenter need not attend a Podcamp elsewhere to make it a great Podcamp. It's great because it focuses on the local tribe and expands the idea and "trust circle".

For example, in a classic company, a secretary handles a bunch of communication for the boss. People know to respect him/her, and take the messages and correspondence as if it comes from the buy guy, or gal, directly. At home, I am CFO, so I manage all of our finances and interactions with businesses, because my husband doesn't have the time to do so.

We all need surrogates, if just for time management purposes! And people in the real world so understand that your surrogates are just as good, because you trust them and have vouched for them, as you are sometimes- that's where the trust agents come in. Scale by using surrogates, referrals, and the like, and you'll win.

Re: Dear Bank of America

Whitney — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 08:51:15 -0000

These bank issues are becoming more and more the norm; and as someone who lives on the border with DE and have tons of friends now working for Bank of America after they bought out MBNA, I can say their own employees aren't all that thrilled with how they are treated as part of the family- it's pretty bad even when you work for the home team.

The thing is, once you have money, you can set up your banking relationship so things like overdrafts are next to impossible to get charged for. Even in these changing times, I have a free safety deposit box, overdraft protection, link all my accounts together, etc. But you are required to have high minimums at the bank.

The point here is that banks are triaging their customers out, just like the health care insurers who want to drop the sick people-they want the people who are easy to deal with, who they never have to see at the branch, and get rid of high need and high use customers- and I bet you'll see more and more of this, opening up a real opportunity for banks willing to deal with people who occasionally bounce a check. I mean, even the way the banks are no clearing checks electronically removes any float, so people can't figure out exactly when to mail/clear/balance and this makes bouncing a check so much easier to do, by accident, churning fees and making money for the bank.
Bank fees in and of themselves are getting to the point where I think they are a class and civil rights issue- we penalize the poor and make those willing to leave big balances in the bank rewarded by freebies- when they probably don't need them as badly as the people with less money to in the first place.

Re: Dear Bank of America

Whitney — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 13:04:36 -0000

I have a great relationship with PNC- I have gotten some unwarranted charges, but I went into my local branch, talked to the manager, and they solved it right away. Likewise, in terms of security, they flagged a check my husband wrote, because his signature had deteriorated so much, it no longer matched the signature card! (I write all the checks here... I'm CFO!) It was a nuisance, but I felt like they were looking out for us, so I'm pretty happy.
The point here is that my local branch managers have made sure that any problems or unusual issues are resolved quickly and easily, and this customer service keeps me happy and keeps me from switching banks.
Good customer service and attention makes the mistakes just "cost of doing business" instead of a make or break issue. It smooths out the rough spots.

Re: Communications in a Post Media World

Whitney — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:18:33 -0000

I think of my web projects as being an architect- I am building myself, my curriculum, my work, brick by brick over time, like a house or a building I can be proud of and live in for the future. It's not instantly perfect, but it will become refined. But it takes patience to do this, which not everyone has when it comes to the 24/7 would we live in.

I'm in a stage where I am reflecting back on what's been accomplished over the past 2 years, and what I ned to do to take the next train forward. It's not perfectionism, but taking a moment to regroup and re-evaluate, with an eye towards the next jumping off point.

This is one of the reasons I love Chris Penn's work so much- he stays focused, involved, and takes all the data he currently has, with an eye towards how it might be useful or leveraged in the future. And I think you have done the same thing here- built a great platform for people to share ideas and communicate, and find other potential members of their larger tribe, even if we are all scattered geographically.

Re: Communications in a Post Media World

Whitney — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:40:06 -0000

Hi Shelli-

I think what we have in social media is the kids who were kinda geeky in high school, and were often overlooked, more than we have the captain of the football team. So I think it takes some getting used to that everyone does have something valuable to contribute to the mix. People who are "introverted" or shy by nature still have tons to offer- you just have to find a place and space where they feel comfortable doing so.
I interview a lot of people for my podcast, and at the heart of it, it's all about establishing a level of comfort and report, even with the shyest people- everyone loves to be understood and find birds of a feather- now we don;t have to live in the same town to find like-minded souls.

And take it from me- I thought I had the geekiest niche topic you could imagine- and more people than I thought possible actually think it's interesting, which gives me the courage to try more and more. So I think it's really less about extroverts and introverts than about willing to take some more chances and figure out what makes you unique and special, and how to share that with others.

I hope this makes some sort of sense....

Re: The Right Numbers

Whitney — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:32:24 -0000

I've started to look at the numbers as a zen concept. When I look at analytics, I try to look for the forest through the trees- what are the trends? What am I doing different? What seems to be valuable, and what doesn't?
If I get too focused in trying to move the needle versus just creating quality content, I don't think I can do as good a job as creating a solid website/podcast/product that delivers consistent value.
Right now, I have those large post-its 20 x 20, with ideas, categories, organization schema, and maps of where I'm going are posted all over my office. Taking the time to retread and regroup is important.
In terms of relationships, Dunbar's number and more, I think nothing will ever replace the close, trusting relationship you have with people you know-I can build new relationships with people, and those can lead to other connections and relationships, but the one on one interactions that move the value of the relationship needle don't scale. But that's really the connection that matters most.

Re: The Right Numbers

Whitney — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 09:50:13 -0000

@jessica- is the real problem here, then, that our relationships are no longer private, but transparent, and are being attached a value by companies?
Is it that our private interactions are now economic as well?
I think this gets into the interesting areas Dan Ariely talks about in Predictably Irrational, when the economic and personal relationships merge, awkwardness ensues.

Re: Own Your Store

Whitney — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 12:48:51 -0000

I would only add, make sure you understand economics and finances like a business owner, whether you are a business owner or not. Even as an individual or family, you should understand cash flow, float, growth, investment, and long term planning just like any business owner. I recommend The Knack by Norm Brodsky- a great book that lays out the economic laws of business better than any other I've read.

Re: The Myth About Batman

Whitney — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 20:20:28 -0000

I always have loved calling you Obi Wan because of your wise counsel and advice, and your unending belief in the best in all people. You have a way of connecting people together, knowing who they should speak to and hit it off with, and it's a wonder.
You've done so much in the past two years, when I take the time to sit back and enumerate everything that has been done and accomplished, it's truly impressive. To be even a small part of that, in any way, has been a privilege.

And at the risk of adding another pop culture reference, I think you have a bit of "Glenda the Good Witch" from Wizard of Oz in you as well- you help others see their own inner strengths and possibilities, and that they had the power with them all the time- they just needed to be reminded of it.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may this be a kickoff to a wonderful holiday season, full of everything you could hope for and more.

Re: Guest Post - Generation Y in the Workplace Explained

Whitney — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:34:11 -0000

This was a great, well written post, and has given me a lot to think about. As someone slightly older that the Y group, someone with children growing up as "millenials" this is an interesting perspective to consider.
I see my Gen Y friends as still young and restless, not sure of "who" they want to be or "where" they want to go. They have not all found a focus yet for their lives, and thats fine. It's not like it used to be for my parents- you would work for one company after graduating from high school or college, and you could expect to be there until you decided to leave or died, your choice. That kind of stability, security an perhaps sense of sameness, leading to a sense of basically phoning it in after years of the same old thing was not exactly a panacea. Markets changed. Pensions and healthcare changed. That stability and security is no longer there the way it used to be, and has actually lead to some big problems for some big companies.
Now people are expected to have many job over a lifetime- I have. But I do think you have to find some theme- your talents- things you can build on and maximize over time. If you believe the premise in Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, we really only get to be experts after about 10,000 worth of practice. That translates into 5- 10 years on a job for most people. If you keep job hopping, industry hopping and career hopping, you may not ever build up that serious expertise that makes you valuable to others. We never get to find out your unique contribution to a company or organization, because you are never around long enough to make it.
I think we have to nurture all parts of our lives and our creativity, but I think we also have to expect that work is just one part of our lives, and may not be able to involve all our passions directly. For example, I can enjoy playing squash, knitting, cooking, and scuba diving, but I probably cannot expect my career to necessarily play to all of these interests, as well as my strengths in writing and communication. And that's really okay.

Re: Search is Part of Social

Whitney — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 06:46:07 -0000

This is exactly why we added "Searchcamp" to Podcamp Philly this year; search is a vital part of new media and social media, and something we could all know more about. And Penn is right- it's a fundamental building block and shouldn't be an afterthought. I'm backfilling that issue on my own sites as we speak, now that I know more.

Re: Podcasting Isn't Exactly Dead

Whitney — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 16:53:44 -0000

Podcasting is a tool for delivering a message, just the same as a blog or a newspaper- it's just audio, like radio on demand. It's perfect for delivering niche content (like The Financial Aid Podcast, WineLibrary TV or even my own podcast about learning disabilities and learning in general, the LD Podcast) that might not have enough of a general audience to warrant a show on NPR or commercial radio. The question at the end of the day is- how long will this free content be around? How long will people continue to produce the content at no cost, based on their passion alone? Clearly, people have to eat, and while server space and hosting is relatively cheap, it's still not free.
Everyone just has to realize it's always going to be about the content- the snickers, as Chris put it, not the vending machine- the podcast is just another information delivery method. What it's worth, how to value it, and how to make it economically successful depends on your whole business model which as in any business, has to be about something more than "build it and they will come." Community is fantastic, but community is friends and not necessarily business. And if we want to get podcasting or any other tool out of the realm of a giant tupperware party where you are only trying to sell to your friends, you need to do what's necessary to become interesting to the mainstream. And that's going to have to be, by volume alone, about more than just a podcast.

Re: Podcasting Isn't Exactly Dead

Whitney — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 21:07:37 -0000

@JoelMarkWitt- Mignon has done a great job of co-branding the podcasts on her site- they hang together both visually and to an extent, topically. I think if we start thinking of podcasting networks as more like multimedia magazines, as logically put together, it will make both attracting advertisers and listeners easier. We have to start thinking of podcast networks as for like the Food Network, Bravo or DIY channel- things that have a fit, rather than a mishmash together because the producers all know each other. :)

Re: You are the President of Your Career

Whitney — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 06:35:30 -0000

2 New books that might help people- Relevance by Tim Manners and The Knack by Norm Brodsky. Relevance is case study after case study showing that in order for your product/service to be successful, it needs to be relevant, meaningful and solve a problem for someone. The Knack is a great handbook of business and economic skills everyone needs- whether it's dealing with your family income like a business, or knowing what's going on in the office/business. In hard economic times, you've got to know where you are and understand how to weather the vagaries of things like cash flow to keep your ship from being swamped.
As Chris might say, you've got to be the captain of your own ship, and not wait around hoping someone else will tell you what to do, where to go, or even how to do it. You have to be creative, look for opportunities, and take advantage of them when they come up. It's about building a strong foundation, and understanding that's a strategy for long term success rather than hoping for a miracle. And once you realize you are in charge of you, you become less of a deckhand and more of a captain of your own ship, each and every day.

Re: Be Realistic About Time

Whitney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:11:56 -0000

I worked in a law office for a few years before going to law school, and I remember that when we got a fax machine, people started everything faster because they could get it faster. Then we started using Fedex more frequently- again, increasing processing demands in our small office- you couldn't wait for the mail anymore.
With each new technology, here is a increase in demands for faster/now- to the point where there are jokes about people trying to master ESP and pre-anticipate needs to better manage time- that's simply crazy.
Even with ADHD, and a mind that naturally juggles multiple tasks, I am feeling the need to increasingly streamline and focus, to build resources to outsource jobs and in essence, accomplish by sharing rather than feeling the need to do it all myself, because there simply are not enough hours in the day.

Re: The Plastic Human Problem

Whitney — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:28:01 -0000

My concern is that online, we can hide behind personae, under the guise of developing new personalities, but we free ourselves of the social constraints we use to regulate our behavior in real life. I think if you wouldn't say the thing to someone's face, if you were at a dinner table with them , you should consider whether it needs to be said at all.

And you never go wrong considering people's feelings. This doesn't mean sparing the truth, but it means delivering it in a way where it might actually be heard. For example, if a woman ever asks you whether or not an outfit looks good on her, don't lie- if it is hideous or sub-optimal, just say something like "I'm not sure it's as flattering as (insert outfit/style/garment/thought here)." This way, you tell her how you feel without hurting anyone's feelings. Saying "that makes you look like a rhino" is not kind.
you can say everything you need to in life, but the way you deliver the message is as important as its content.

Re: Video- Find Your Voice in Business

Whitney — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:56:01 -0000

100% plus infinity agree.
I also think when we talk about passion, drive and motivation- these are things we can't fake or contain- they are where we draw our power from, and it's almost impossible to bottle this up inside.
I'm spending this weekend at Educon 2.1- an educational unconference made up of regular folk, but superstars are also here, as just regular folk. Jeff Hahn, who did a great TED talk on the multitouch screen was here, asking educators about how this technology might help them in the classroom- what did they think the implications were for them.
Gary Stager, from the school reform movement, is an amazing guy who just can't contain his passion for kids and teaching, but also for saying stuff like "This is stupid and why we continue to subject kids to this every day is beyond my ability to comprehend." Gary has gotten kids in a prison population in Maine to hand-make guitars- kids who never concentrated on anything in their life spent over 500 handcrafting guitars and now want to take the next step and learn how to play....It's all about authenticity and engagement. It's also about not underestimating other people and talking to them as people, not just an audience for a controlled performance.
There are educators here who are passionate about making schools work for their kids, looking to come away with new ideas and be inspired to become agents of change in their schools- to become the heretics of the "canon" as it stands where they are, and start making education something they can be passionate about so they can make a new generation of students passionate about learning as well.
But it starts here, Chris, with posts like yours, that remind us all how important finding your voice is, and helping others find theirs- in school this means recognizing that kids need to have a meaningful voice that's valued-(and that works for us at home, too, by the way)- in business, it's about being a good listener when others try to express their views and not drowning them out, assuming you know the only true way.

Re: How To Win In a Recession Like a Ninja

Whitney — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:26:01 -0000

I've been considering doing a visual diary of what's going on around here. I see a gradual increase in homes for sale, homes for sale for longer periods of time; farmers trying to sell off their open lots; businesses leaving one at a time out of smaller shopping centers, more and more desperate sale signs in the windows of those that remain. This is also telling since I live in an area heavily involved in the pharma, banking and corporate America.
You can see the bad stuff coming, and the ground signs of any recovery by driving around and talking to people- just like the folks who recommend management by walking around, you never have a real sense of what's happening unless you keep your eyes open and take a look at what's around you.
Once you build your awareness, you can then pick a place to begin your work, and make changes that are relevant to your community, based in reality, rather than just speculation. And unless you maintain a sense of relevance, filling a need- everything else is merely window dressing.

Re: Beating Dunbars Number

Whitney — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:04:43 -0000

I hate to go geek, but you know I can't help myself. Dunbar's number and the expanded Kennilworth number of about 300 (less famous because Malcolm Gladwell only talked about Dunbar in the Tipping Point) are based on the number of social relationships we can keep track of and their inter-related relationships as well. This is the theoretical limit based on the size of our neocortex in our brains, not something just pulled out of the air.
So you can have casual relationships with many more than 150 or 300 people. However, the intimacy of the relationships change after you reach these thresholds. It's why, as the pastor said, a different type of management comes into play when the number of parishioners tops 300- you can't reliably track, for example, that Mary is best friends with Sue, who married Gerald's brother in law, and they each have three kids; Mary's mother is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, etc. You start to lose those details that bond a group together and allow you to track their lives like you would in a family group.

Twitter, where we all post some of the more mundane day to day stuff, allows a greater insight through ambient attention into these details; I find I remember more than I thought I could about what Jay is doing in Toronto, and how his baby is doing; That Mike is a new Dad in NYC and has started writing for Dad-o-Matic; etc. This means even when I see people I don't know as well as others, they will ask how the kids liked summer camp, or if the dog is okay after her surgery- there's an extension of the social and intimate relationship that is created through these tools. And if you share, people do the same. You might not be able to keep up with everything, you might lose details, but it sure helps maintaining a sense of intimacy even if you don't talk as frequently as you'd like with your friends.
There are still connectors who are great hubs of information and know who to put together- Malcolm Gladwell writes about this phenomenon in another amazing piece called the "6 degrees of Lois Weisberg" you can find in the Kings of New Fiction edited by Ira Glass from This American Life.
Some time soon, I'll write a post about the 6 degrees of Podcamp Boston- that in and of itself would be fascinating.

Re: Beating Dunbars Number

Whitney — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 08:07:09 -0000

Sorry- that's kings of non-fiction- http://www.amazon.com/New-Kings-Nonfiction-Ira-...

Re: The Tricky Path of Brand Relationships

Whitney — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:58:52 -0000

I wrote a post over on my blog about "Why we should care about Attention" to answer this question. (www.whitneyhoffman.com)
Basically, what we have here is a classic case of mixing the metaphor, straight out of Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely. We have a social relationship, but when it gets financial, it muddies the water, as much as if you offered to pay your Mom for that fine Thanksgiving dinner. What we're doing in this new age of consumer-centered marketing is playing with this mixed message of when we can ask our "friends" for money and financial support in return for "x"- the idea/service/product we are trying to capitalize on.

Re: Make Better Presentations - The Anatomy of a Good Speech

Whitney — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 08:28:57 -0000

Fantastic post. I agree- there's no one framework that works, but I think merging structure and improv, making sure to deliver relevance to the audience at hand, is not a bad place to start.
One thing I learned this weekend at Podcamp Toronto was how Mark Blevis looks at pacing and attention. He does a refresh, so to speak, about every thee to five minutes- changing tempo, speed, or topic. It keeps the audience with you and keeps their attention focused. This, along with some pacing advice I got from an Ira Glass presentation about how he puts together This American Life, has me rethinking how I edit my audio and how I pace my writing. It's building my house of ideas, so the sum of the parts is cohesive, but the individual elements still shine and have their place in the overall structure without getting lost.

Re: Make Better Presentations - The Anatomy of a Good Speech

Whitney — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 10:29:32 -0000

re: visuals-
I use them to illustrate my talk, and keep me on track. I can bore you to death with all the reasons why this is a good idea, including how the brain processes language inputs- but at the heart of it, think of the slides as pictures in a book, and you are providing the captions and stories than link the pictures together into a unfied whole. The closing is the "and the moral of the story is:" when you hit people with the take home points. This also gives you free license to modify your presentation on the fly for the audience, change up your stories, but keep a structure, because you know what the "moral of the story" is supposed to be by the end.

Re: The Power of Apology

Whitney — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:54:20 -0000

Transparency works. We all mess up, and sorry helps. If you look at the doctors who get in the most trouble and accusations of malpractice, it's those with an arrogant, I can do no wrong attitudes, not the ones who treat their patients as people and end up getting the same treatment in return- people are wonderful, but not perfect.
And unfortunately in today's world, accidental "spam" can happen to anyone, and I think we all need to learn to practice a little forgiveness and be a little less reactionary to these small errors.

Re: The Small Talk of All Brands

Whitney — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 07:37:25 -0000

For what it's worth, I gave up Pepsi as a brand when they got rid of diet pepsi with lemon. The diet pepsi with lemon was fantastic and I come close to preferring it over my omnipresent Tab or diet coke. But alone, a la carte, I just think it's too sweet to bear. i could just buy lemons and put it in myself, but then the grab & go options are more limited.
I mention this to say that even though Pepsi has been a Super Bowl sponsor for years and I was exposed for a week or so at a time to free product as someone on staff, working as part of the Super Bowl on site staff, my opinion of the product still hasn't changed. No more exposure or reminders or the like are going to get me to change my mind.
Sometimes our opinions and preferences about brands get entrenched because of our experiences, and no additional opportunities for trials are going to overcome the fact that the product is okay, but not my first choice.

Let's not even mention how far out of my way I have gone to obtain Tab, or some of my other friends who have driven across the State of Pennsylvania to get their favorite soda...That's brand dedication. People will move mountains to obtain their favorite thing- it becomes an emotional connection they don't want to lose. There are websites that help women find discontinued colors of lipstick and the like, for example. People lobby Ben & Jerry's to bring back retired flavors. We may all be whack jobs, but sometimes, there is no substitute. That's to say, by way of example, that I don't know if all the dollars Pepsi spends trying to make inroads is worth while. The preference, the taste preference, is basic and elemental. I think Pepsi should be very happy with being Pepsi, and be Pepsi, rather than trying to be Coke or anyone else. And if they bring back the diet pepsi with lemon, I know many people in my family alone would be very happy.

Re: While Others Paint the Trim

Whitney — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:32:33 -0000

I've been giving more and more talks to groups of all sizes and different industries about what these tools are about and how to apply them. I tell them up front they're primary concern is doing something that has relevance to their target market. They have to be useful, they have to be able to tell their story and differentiate themselves from their competition- sometimes these tools can help. Talking to a group of physical therapists yesterday, we were talking not only about competitive advantage, how to listen and participate- but how to make sure their clients understood the progress they were making and why it was important. Especially in the health field, where progress is not instantaneous and people lose sight of goals, tracking information and sharing it with patients and therapists has the potential to make the process of PT more rewarding for both sides of the equation, just as an example.

We're past the Gee Whiz phase. Now it's time to connect the dots, and show how good content drives traffic, but also lets you tell your compelling story.

Re: We Need The Right Advertising

Whitney — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 09:42:15 -0000

I just don't really care about most advertising anymore unless it can capture my attention with value.
For example, I attended a promotion by Ocean Spray for their Cranenergy drink at Philly's 30th Street Station yesterday. But rather than just hand out bottles and bags of craisins, they had Richard Simmons there, dancing, singing, and making the morning commute something beyond fun. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was curious and it got me to go and cover it for Twittermoms.
This worked on many levels, not only because the product itself is actually great (I was skeptical about Cranberry and Green tea, but it's surprisingly good) but the event was different, memorable, and meaningful to everyone there. People were taking pictures, getting old Sweating to the Oldies music and videos signed, and I met several people just by taking pictures for them and emailing them to them afterward.

Silly can grab your attention and is more engaging than boring. You can maybe even get your message across, or gain permission at least for slipping in your message (try our new thing). The metric may be how much juice they sell, but the other metric is that people had fun, really enjoyed themselves, and that's as much a part of the brand relationship as the product. I won't forget it any time soon, that's for sure- we'll see if it changes by juice buying behavior :)

Re: The Real Meat of the Question

Whitney — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 08:19:49 -0000

I think the problem is with the "make you" language, to be honest. No one can "make" someone do anything. What advertising and social media should be about is making a case, building an argument that your product is relevant and solves someone's problem or fills their needs. Especially with large consumer items like cars, this is not gum at the cash register where Wrigley's is as happy with an impulse buy as a well-considered and fully weighed decision. People buy large ticket items (at least most of us...) with a fair amount of research, and the job of marketing and PR is to make sure when people are considering that decision, you are in their matrix of possibilities. You have provided enough background information, enough data, enough exposure that you are a contender. That's where social media is valuable- the conversation around cars for people who are in the market can help convert people on the fence on a more one on one basis, beyond the pressure of the dealership.

So when my minivan, a Toyota Sienna with 186,000 miles and still going strong, eventually gets sick and needs to be put out to pasture, the fact that I know Scott Monty and he talks to me about his companies vehicles that might meet my needs, or that GM is interested in engaging me makes them part of the matrix where I may have discounted them before. Who knows what we'll end up with in the end- that's an economic decision, matched up with the needs of our family, such as whether we need another minivan or can we reasonably go down to a 4 seat passenger car. Other things like whether it's a hybrid are significant in our matrix as well, but the sale is made from the researched contenders + dealership experience + price combined.
The advertising alone only gets my attention, it doesn't "make me" do anything.

Re: Give Me What I Want

Whitney — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:43:15 -0000

JJ Abrams, TED Talk, about the magic box, kept coming to mind all during the movie. He is a consummate story teller, and that is the one thing many movies overlook. Sure, visuals are fantastic, but if the storyline is weak, the end product will be as well.

John Lassiter, from Pixar and Disney Animation talks a lot about the Disney school of storytelling, and that there needs to be a tear for every laugh. Pixar movies, as a result, have the same sort of staying power that classic Disney movies have, and that many newer pictures like "The Ant Bully" or "Fish Tales" do not.

And this all applies to everything we talk about in new media, because if your baseline story and product are not compelling, no amount of window dressing will get you past the fact that the underlying product is just not delightful. It's not compelling. There's no reason to return, time and again, for second helpings.

Great stories and products, by contrast, invite revisits- Eoin Colfer once remarked that for kids, books were read and re-read so often, it's like they were drinking the ink off the page- that's what a compelling story does. And it's why stories like Pride and Prejudice can be retold in new formats and still succeed- because the underlying story and message speaks to us and is compelling, like fables and legends (or good jokes), no matter how many times or versions we see.

Re: Thoughts on Nowhere and Nowhen

Whitney — Mon, 25 May 2009 08:01:37 -0000

I think this is what causes most people's brain to hurt- how do I balance the immediacy of now, with time shifting, with creating an archive? How much of the content that we produce should have some restricted access, like an invite only country-club party, dealing with experiences that come with a certain cache and panache by being there in person- think attending TED in person rather than virtually? How much of it do we open up to others who will still pay to be part of the party, even if it happens remotely? How important is the person to person face time? Why is synchronous still important if everyone can also broadcast and let everybody share virtually in a version of the experience? How do we make the case for synchronous over virtual?
Part of this also goes back to things you've talked about in the past- how much un-mined data is out there? I know, for example, I got great travel recommendations from twitter, better advice than I got from just reading guide books (even though they were helpful , including historical information, etc.). Yet some of the best experiences for me were the person to person tours we got- where someone was showing me their favorite stuff and talking about it in a way only locals can do- the little stories that bring a place alive and make it more than just "blah blah Independence Hall, blah blah Liberty Bell" etc. (to pick on Philly for a moment).
What I am finding is the face to face experience adds value I would never otherwise get, but to stay connected, asynchronously information allows the ambient attention stuff- the background, side knowledge that lets us get to really know people more in depth, works pretty well virtually.

What do you think?

Re: The Next Media Company

Whitney — Tue, 26 May 2009 10:59:49 -0000

I agree entirely and wrote about that over on my blog http://www.whitneyhoffman.com/?p=642, knowing I'd take up too much space here. The new thing makes the old thing move over some, but doesn't destroy it entirely. I think, as Matt Mason might say, newspapers have to think about getting out of the paper and ink business and into the news business, as that's where their primary value is, just like music companies are in the music bsuiness, not the plastic disc business.

Re: Sleep, Sleep & NO SLEEP…

Whitney — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 21:53:45 -0000

congrats, Michael!
I remember coming home with our first son and just staring at him for hours, saying "Wow! Look what we made with what we had hanging around the house! A whole new person!" It's an amazing experience- enjoy!

Whit

Re: 5 Ways to Get More Sex from Your Wife

Whitney — Sat, 09 May 2009 09:07:14 -0000

Great Post! I would only add that foreplay happens long before the bedroom- things like helping to make sure all the forms are signed, lunches made, and the other things that hit moms as "Oh my god, I forgot to" in quiet moments will go a long way as well. Also, consider taking a weekend away, just the two of you, or maybe even a whole week, if you can, without the kids. I just got back from a great holiday with my husband, and it was about having fun and connecting as a couple. We didn't have to worry about being interrupted, we didn't have to worry about anything rather than where we wanted to eat or grab a coffee- and that ability to just be with each other and enjoy ourselves like we did before we had kids was worth every cent spent on it.

Re: The role of a University?

Whitney — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:22:34 -0000

Hi- There is a class at the Univ. of DE on new mobile technologies, designed by Mark Serva in the business school. I went and lectured on podcasting. Mark had the students using GPS, mobile devices, wikis, and other new technologies hands on, because frankly, they will need to know how to use these tools in the real world, and the implications of the tools.
UD also hosted a great seminar on redeveloping curriculum like Penn State has done in their Information Sciences and Learning (ISL) department. Dr. Larry Spence came and talked about how students learn best, and then the rest of the day was spent gettign faculty exposed to different ways to engage students in the curriculum and learn as much from each other as from the professor. As Dr. Spence said tot he group: "Most classrooms haven't changed their knowledge delivery methods since universities first came into existance. A mideval professor would feel quite at home in most of today's classrooms- a talking head, lecturing to a bunch of seated students, whose job it was to absorb and spit back knowledge" rather than absorb it and then transform it, work with it, to create something new.

Penn State has made a big impact with their programs, and it has caused UD to look at how to make their programming courses and the like more useful. When I spoke with Mark Serva about his programming class, I asked whether the students would have to do much of this out in the real world, since applications are becoming more and more user friendly, and coding is less vital in many jobs. But we both agreed that understanding the heirarchy of system and information design was important, not only to isolate and debug potential problems, but to understand the logic behind system design. What works, and what does not.
So perhaps, hands on mixed with skills on problem solving, structural heirarchy, deconstruction, logic, and the like are really the skills students need in college, rather than to be wedded to any one programming language, for example- they will need to be easily adaptable for the marketplace, and willing to change gears and solve problems in innovative ways. These are the value add skills they need for the new economy, in my humble opinion.
Whitney Hoffman
The LD Podcast
www.ldpodcast.com

Re: PodCamp email taken out of context…

Whitney — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:05:03 -0000

I have been keeping up with the Podcamp NYC google group, to see if I could help out, although I am not local to NYC. There have been alot of issues discussed there in "public", because, I believe, the group was intended as a place to hash out the many planning issues without getting into the emails round and round, missing some people who could help, etc. Podcamp is a new and young idea, and I believe the google group was created in the same open source vein. Many ideas, all shared.
I think whoever blogged about these issues in even more public forums than the google group did a hurtful thing to everyone involved- and nothing that was said when people were hashing things out, would have happened off the net, through phone calls, in person meetings, etc. Robert asked a question. John wanted to see how everyone felt. Different people had different opinions. Some feelings got hurt, because in part, podcamp is supposed to be a level playing field,and the payment issue got into whether or not it was equitable to other speakers and participants- does it turn an unconference into a conference?
I mean, people, let's have some perspective. We all love Robert, and want to have him there, because it's like meeting royalty to some of us who consider ourselves newbies in this world. And we want to be respected for trying this new world, even if we haven't the profile of people like Robert- a bit of the green eyed monster, perhaps. But we want to learn from him, because he is a leader and a guru here, and if he's there, it helps everyone be a little better at what they're trying to do with mew media. It's like learning from a jedi master.

I met John Havens at Podcamp Boston. He is a genuine guy, and very open, very what you see is what you get. I like him tremendously, and respect him professionally. I beleive there was no intent to hurt anyone here, and I think the magnification of the issue, this tempest in a teapot, is caused by the fact that there are no etiquette rules that are unviersally followed in cyberspace.

The freedom to say anything, at anytime, can be great, but the tone of what is written can often be misconstrued depending on such trivial things as punctuation, paragraphing, your state of mind when reading something- could you be reading more into a post because of your own personal biases? Can we really all afford to be so reactionary and so thin skinned?
If web 2.0 wants to be taken seriously, we have to start looking at the forest, as well as the individual trees, and keep a perspective on the two sides (at LEAST) to every story.

Re: Jon Udell’s value to Microsoft

Whitney — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 05:50:06 -0000

Ok, perhaps I am being stupid here.

Sometimes, if I'm in the mood to write a blog post but don't have wi-fi access to get to word press, I use my regular old Word (not 2007). Get to a wi-fi spot whenever, select all, cut and paste, add links and viola!
So I need to upgrade.....why?
This is perfectly functional.
It's amazing how much inside baseball is played in companies. Before spending time, money and resources on this type of project, might a chat with people who blog and are the target market, be an appropriate first step?
Whitney Hoffman

Re: My Parental Heroes

Whitney — Fri, 04 May 2007 15:18:46 -0000

Hi Robert-
I have a podcast focused on Learning disabilities called the LD Podcast (www.ldpodcast.com) While my kids have relatively garden variety issues, my friend and frequent contributor, Melody, has a 15 yr old son with Asperger's syndrome. The things parents of kids with issues go through is tough, and yet, most of us feel lucky that we don't have children with cancer, severe physical disabilities or other even more severe problems, that we see when taking our kids from one expert to another- it all depends on your perspective.
Demographics for autism are really skewed because good programs are scarce, forcing parents to move to areas where the services are available, causing artificially high concentrations of kids on the autism spectrum in certain areas. Also, as the number of kids with autism has risen, the number of kids diagnosed with "simple" mental retardation has decreased at about the same rate, so part of the increase can, in part, be attributed to better diagnosis.
I interviewed Dr. Perri Klass, the author of Quirky Kids on my podcast a few months ago, and she mentioned that as a pediatrician, she didn't receive training in medical school about things like Asperger's, so part of the problem is also in early identification and treatment of developmental problems.
Thank you so much for talking about this on your blog, and for supporting your friend-dealing with these issues is tough and very personal, and so many parents are quiet because it is so very hard to discuss.

Re: The Rise of New Media

Whitney — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 18:25:12 -0000

This is interesting. I think it is that companies are looking for any open channel,to any new eyes- something where people aren't just fast forwarding through going, "Yadda, yadda, yadda, blah, blah blah...."
We know it's really all about connecting- I always go back to basics- what are the basic human needs, and does this business/opportunity/space fill any of those needs in a meaningful way? If the answer is yes, you've got a chance. You've got a value addition. If the answer is no, it's just a luxury, just a thing, then you have a harder road to hoe.
See, I don't get the second life thing, primarily because when I tried it,it doesn't work well. The learning curve is too steep. I don't want a meeting with clients in second life, because I would rather talk to them on the phone. I don't need avatars and fake identities- I want them interacting with me, not a proto-me. Does anyone else feel this way? Am I missing something?
But blogs are interactive. Video is interactive. Flickr is interactive. Email and chats are interactive. The learning curve is like, nothing, and it works for grandma as well as supertechy. Tech speed bumps to getting access are minimal. It works. And you get that coonnection, that community, which fills our hard-wired needs as social creatures.

People like ipods because with itunes, they work. People have a love hate relationship with microsoft because things are not always intuitive, and when things break, they are a pain in the arse to get fixed. And you have to talk to someone in Bangalore to get it fixed, anyway. (Not a jab at outsourcing). We want stuff to work without needing to get the tin foil hat out.
Old media missed this interactivity, and it is the basic need- not only information, but information plus the ability to ask questions and move beyond that makes new media so compelling.

Re: If my life were a movie, this would be the soundtrack

Whitney — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:13:29 -0000

This is great- Chris Brogan tagged Megin who tagged everyone else over at GNM Parents. I have to say, it was hysterically funny and spooky what came up at random.
BTW- I was in a store today, and two workers were talking about working to try to save money to pay for college...and of course, what did I do- told them they needed to go listen to the Financial Aid Podcast. I am a walking advertisement for you, Chris!

Whit

Re: New Media 3.0: Social Currency as a Real Currency

Whitney — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 08:01:26 -0000

I think you're onto something about evolving a currency applicable to new media. What is a mention in Scoble's Blog, for example, or in Tech Crunch worth to someone? Moreover, do we create trust or diminish trust if the mentionee then pays for the uptick in business, and how do you account for that?
There's been a certain "race to the bottom" where things that once had tremendous value, like a set of encyclopedia brittancia, at $2,500+ a set, is now free. Encarta came along, and people got "good enough" for free, and now we even have wikipedia. Maybe not as excellent as the original, not as well written or researched, but good enough.
So are we also dealing with a time where good enough prevails?
I wrote a post about "Revenge of the Nice Guys" on the Parent's Eye View blog- in many ways, we're back to the '50's where getting things done online depends on trust and reputation n the same way getting business done used to require knowing the Banker and being in his continued good favor, or just forget about the loan. Being able to just "sign" for things is not just a "Yeah yeah" it is today when we sign for things from UPS, but it carried a lot of weight and import.

Re: New Media 3.0: Social Currency as a Real Currency

Whitney — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:42:46 -0000

Sometimes I think we play a little inside baseball with concepts like whuffie that make it hard for normal human beings to understand us. It's not just jargon, it's about trying to make meaning and communication clear.
And I think it is honestly hard to do that when we are dealing with something new. We're on the frontier, hacking away with our machetes and trying to find the new pathways while also wrapping our minds around all the new discoveries and the potential lying at our fingertips.
I am really enjoying this conversation, the exchange of the different paradigms, as we all figure out what we want the future to look like. And I am more than doubly grateful to be 'mates with you guys, because this type of conversation is much more worth while than who is on the latest reality show, that's for sure.

Re: Matrix 2.0 - What the Web Says About YOU

Whitney — Tue, 13 Mar 2007 15:20:31 -0000

Great Post, Chris!

I strongly recommend Strengthsquest and Strengthsfinder for students and adults- they even have one for kids age 10 and above, to start to hone in on their natural talents and how to turn them into real super powers. It'll surely be an integral part of the long awaited new media book club.

Whitney

Re: Initial Reflections on Bum Rush the Charts

Whitney — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 06:13:08 -0000

I think this was a grest statement, and a great experiment.
I thiunk Made to Stick might have it right that when you say three things, you say nothing- a centralized message is easier to rally people behind than a fragmented mesage. The other items, like where the money goes, may need to be sub-messages, or details that flesh out the main message, to make it easier to grasp.

Re: Sallie Mae Customer Service - a Podcast Listener Chat

Whitney — Wed, 02 May 2007 15:39:45 -0000

And in the - count 'em- over TWENTY years since I worked at Citibank Student Loans as a college student over the summer, they still can't get the grad dates and deferments right. 20 years- advances in technology, and it's still insane.
Not to mention the fact that interest rates are no longer fixed, so students are going to get screwed big time. Tine to sock more money away in the college fund for my kiddos.

Re: Late night food for thought

Whitney — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 06:53:11 -0000

I guess I have thought this way before after working for a Major Sporting Event- the money that goes into this thing is outrageous. Some of it does get spent to support causes like Second Harvest, The Food Bank, helping underprivileged kids, but much more gets spent on marketing and hype, which seems transient and just so much waste in the end.
Now the money creates jobs for all sorts of people, that's true. but in the end, is the good created far better than the waste and the silliness? I dunno.

Re: So close, yet so far away - cover letters revisited

Whitney — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 21:04:11 -0000

This is interesting- writing cover letters with gmail in mind... something people need to be aware of.

Re: Economic Armageddon: The Housing Bubble Bursts

Whitney — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 03:35:44 -0000

This actually reminds me of the late 80's to early 1990's when interest rates were 12% and houses were being foreclosed by people who got "upside down" on the mortgages, just like they can now with car loans- you owe more than it's worth.
There's an advanatge to some people in this market, but far too many are getting killed and squeezed. I agree- if you don;t have to sell a house- don't. Things that used to be on the market for minutes now around here now linger for months or longer.
Expect to see the rental market grow again, and the level of first time home ownership decline. Expect seniors getting ready to retire to be in dire straights.
And be smart with your money and hang on tight.

Re: PodCamp Philadelphia was an incredible conference!

Whitney — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:21:46 -0000

Thanks to everyone for coming- Podcamp is about the People- and I am so glad it came together. We're reaching outside of the echo chamber, and with each step, we get closer to our goals.
It's been an amazing experience, simply put.

Re: Top Holiday Gift Picks 2007

Whitney — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:55:44 -0000

oh, the High School Musical stuff is hot; webkins still for the 10 & under crowd; the new Mario games for the Wii; Guitar Hero 3 and Guitar Hero for the Wii; that's on our radar.

Re: Top Holiday Gift Picks 2007

Whitney — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:53:34 -0000

HD TV's, agreed- but keep in mind, 50% market penetration for them is not predicted for another 4 yrs or so. I hope they're wrong

Re: An Open Letter to Apple: Podcasts in the iTunes Wi-Fi Store, Please!

Whitney — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:43:36 -0000

Please, please Apple!

Whitney Hoffman the LD Podcast
Part of the Mommycast & Friends Podcast Channel

Re: Community Question: Where do you get your beer money?

Whitney — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 12:53:24 -0000

My "beer money" (for me- "gear money") comes from consulting, side projects, tutoring twice a week at the Middle School- money that my family doesn't depend on, and I can plow easily back into this social media venture. It pays for gear, conferences, and the like. Some small sums from Amazon affiliates..... I keep my new business operating on a budget neutral to budget positive basis, no credit required, and it paid for small xmas presents to internet collegues, so I am happy.

Re: How Important Is Your Undergraduate Degree Brand?

Whitney — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:46:37 -0000

I went to an Ivy for an undergrad degree, and a non brand name law school. I think for high school seniors, four years at a residential college rather than commuting, is an important experience in safely learning independence, time management skills, and some grown-up lessons about getting along with others, besides family (room-mates teach you this pretty quickly).

These life skills translate into the workplace and to life, by teaching you to pay rent on time, manage you work when no one's looking over your shoulder, taking care of laundry, meals, etc. on your own. sure, you may still be eating the meal plan, but you take care of getting yourself fed regularly- transition to the real world is not such a shock when meals are no longer available on demand... In the workplace, you have to essentially live with a variety of people, some of whom you might not even like very well, but still have to learn to get along and work productively together- not all that much different from dealing with a cantankerous roommate in college.

I met a lot of really smart people while at Penn, and some people who clearly have not set the world afire. This begs the question at the heart of this debate, which is how do we measure life success?

Some people see getting into a brand name school as one of these chips or tokens of success; I fully believe that success is much more accurately measured by going to a college that meets your interests and needs, where you fit in and feel successful. This might even mean transferring to another school that is a better fit, if the first one is not such a good match.

There is no one path to later job success or life success. The skills you learn in college are just as important as your major. I majored in biology but ended up in law school, yet skills I learned in both of these areas have helped me become who I am today. I can read detailed medical research articles, case law, contracts or novels with equal levels of understanding (if not enjoyment) and those are life skills that make managing almost anything as an adult easier than had I not had these experiences. So I am not the least bit sorry for any choice I made.
You have to look at college as one step along life's path, not the only step in one direction with no chance to choose again. If there's anything we're learning, it's that people have many jobs over their lifespan, and not always the job they thought they'd have when applying for college. so choose a school based on your itnerests, explore new ones, and don't get too hung up on brand names or anything else. The experience is what you make of it.

Re: FAP800: Stories from the Financial Aid Podcast

Whitney — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:26:13 -0000

Chris-
Thanks for everything you do, and for proving that doing well and doing good are not incompatible concepts every day. You are a true superhero, and congratulations on 800 shows- an incredible achievement.

Whitney

Re: Why Does College Cost So Much?

Whitney — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 07:24:21 -0000

Interesting- I never really thought of Financial Aid as being co-dependent with tuition and artificially inflating prices.

Re: FAP877: Wishful Presidential Address on the Economy

Whitney — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:53:27 -0000

I'll run your campaign. Done deal.

Re: What Moms Need to Know About Sarah Palin

Whitney — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:41:28 -0000

I started a Tumblr blog, with relevant information about Palin, including youtube videos, and news articles/reports where the facts are laid out, and people can mae up their own minds, but people have to know the truth about her, not just the Moose Myth. If anyone is interested, you can find it over at www.thePalinTruth.tumblr.com

Re: Lessons Learned from PodCamp

Whitney — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:00:23 -0000

Re: Top 10 Savvy Women in Podcasting for 2006, Final List

Whitney — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:37:11 -0000

Re: How Twitter is Like the Bible

Whitney — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:47:40 -0000

Hi Leesa! If you are concerned that your comments were taken out of context, I have the audio from the session available. Let me know if you want me to post a link here.

Whitney

Re: Why I Can’t Afford Free (Running the Numbers)

Whitney — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 08:53:39 -0000

I don't think anyone, least of call the Podcamp NYC Organizers (of which I am one) expected that the final registrants (as of this am- the late reg list is not on the wiki yet) tops 1200. Least of all me, who signed on as a volunteer to register people- I did not think my life would be consumed as it has been.

This Podcamp is definitely taking on Conference Proportions, whether we like it or not- it does show a hunger out there, a demand for this knowledge. For those willing to give up their free time to organize one, as I will do again with Podcamp Philly, it is the local flavor and community aspects that resonate.

I have long felt like I am not a "cool kid" because I haven't been able to make it to the PME or any of the West Coast events, and I hear you run a heck of a show. I hope it will be in the cards this year. But I think you need to look at Podcamp not at competition, but as a further building of interest and demand for this type of conference across the board. In such a naiscent industry, shouldn;t we all be playing on the same team?

Re: Why I Can’t Afford Free (Running the Numbers)

Whitney — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 16:48:44 -0000

ok money time

$200 per night hotel at PC NYC = $400

NJ Transit from Princeton junction to City $14 RT

Food " lunch @ wendy's across from hotel for family of four $16.75

(so far)

these are my expenses so far. And what I said is not that it's a conference, but that it has grown to conference like proportions. Please don't misquote me. That's dishonest.

Re: Things to think on

Whitney — Thu, 29 May 2008 06:08:56 -0000

I am constantly noodling on this thought as well- how can we spread the word that education and teaching is about teaching kids, not subjects; how we are trying to raise thinkers, not memorizers- and it would seem while being engaging rather than entertaining in the classroom might be harder, it's infinitely more satisfying for everyone on both sides of the blackboard.

I hope we can talk about this more.

Whit

Re: Is 18 the New 8?

Whitney — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 11:09:07 -0000

There's a great talk over at TED called 5 Dangerous Things you Should Let Your Kids do"- and I think we have to stop infantilizing kids so much and let them grow up, scaffolding independence and responsibility- if we never let them practice these skills, they'll never learn them.

Re: Lessons Learned from PodCamp

Whitney — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:00:23 -0000

Re: Top 10 Savvy Women in Podcasting for 2006, Final List

Whitney — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 09:37:11 -0000

Re: How Twitter is Like the Bible

Whitney — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:47:40 -0000

Hi Leesa! If you are concerned that your comments were taken out of context, I have the audio from the session available. Let me know if you want me to post a link here.

Whitney