Disqus - Latest Comments for EdsNextInstinct

Re: Newspapers: Stop Hiding Behind The First Amendment

EdsNextInstinct — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:10:13 -0000

"Anonymous" "free speech" is for cowards.

Re: This could be very cool…

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:12:04 -0000

They've also got decent TOS

Re: BingTweets – Fusing Search and Twitter

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 01:10:53 -0000

Honestly?

What's going to get me to BingTweets to begin with?

Re: How TO Influence Me

EdsNextInstinct — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:53:56 -0000

This is a copy & paste of the comment I just left at Seth's post:
http://is.gd/1xRAt

Why-(especially my last ¶), I agree with Chris' frustration in post 1

This was my MO forever. It still is- to a degree.
I offer a taste of feedback that someone with
a desire for deeper understanding will recognize.
But- it is nearly always a waste of precious time.
Irretrievable time.
I put it out there, those who care can come to me.

Reality:
If someone is willing to buy a list and spam on the fly with a
half-assed blast, they are very unlikely to heed wise counsel.

Sure, everyone needs a job on the way up,
and one action may not define the person.
But people who want to operate with integrity and vision are usually
lucid, quality individuals who will not put their name on garbage.

The real problem:
That unsolicited email (with or without typos),
screams "We're willing to interrupt you out of nowhere for
OUR benefit. What's best for you couldn't mean less!!"

Re: Responding to Badly Written Promo Emails

EdsNextInstinct — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:40:14 -0000

This was my MO forever. It still is- to a degree.
I offer a taste of feedback that someone with
a desire for deeper understanding will recognize.
But- it is nearly always a waste of precious time.
Irretrievable time.
I put it out there, and those who care can come to me.

Reality:
If someone is willing to buy a list and spam on the fly with a
half-assed blast, they are very unlikely to heed wise counsel.

Sure, everyone needs a job on the way up,
and one action may not define the person.
But people who want to operate with integrity and vision are usually
lucid, quality individuals who will not put their name on garbage.

The real problem:
That unsolicited email (with or without typos),
screams "We're willing to interrupt you out of nowhere for
OUR benefit. What's best for you couldn't mean less!!"

Re: What You Might Not Know About Personal Branding

EdsNextInstinct — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:08:48 -0000

The other day, @SethSimonds asked something like 'what do you think of personal branding, in 5 words or less'

I answered "Personal branding is inevitable"
But you are correct. A shingle on a building was successful 50 and100 years ago.
Heck my aunt had a tiny 1 x 3 sign 'Dr A G Israelian'
But she had been distributed.
People came to her from everywhere till she was past 85 and said "no".

Re: Fred Wilson Dot VC

EdsNextInstinct — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 13:33:05 -0000

It's hard to see when we're 'in' an era, watching the daily events. But there are subtle drifts of acceptable behavior for modern mankind, globally. Taking a 'God's eye view' [the abstract], of man over say, an hundred years from 100 miles up, we see evidence that Edmund Burke was brutally correct "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." In modern times it began with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcJjxOqgANM to which Hitler, in preparation for what we now recognize as Holocaust remarked to his generals and planners "We can do this. After all, who today speaks of the Armenians?". He said that just a decade after nearly 2,000,000 were killed by the Turkish *government*.
As a species, averting our eyes, becoming numb to atrocity, allows completely warped structures like the current Iranian governance to be a commonality.

We're up in arms this week, then what?

"As President, I WILL recognize..."

Re: Whats Not In a Name

EdsNextInstinct — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:09:50 -0000

PS- What a bunch of lemmings the commenters were this time!

Re: Social media’s defining factor

EdsNextInstinct — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 22:28:26 -0000

Anti-social media http://twitpic.com/6stgk/full Greed above gratitude

Re: The upside of rejection

EdsNextInstinct — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 15:24:29 -0000

Wonderful story. This should help the young to believe. [There is one related inverse though; sometimes the right dot comes through persistence. Some give up too soon, and some execs today don't realize that person knocking over and over makes them the right hire].

Charming history Bijan. Glad you were holding the map right side up :)

Re: Is Twitter A Substitute For Set Top Box Data?

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 19:22:37 -0000

I Tweeted @RichardBranson 3 times, and replied on his blog 3 times.
If he had listened to me once, he would have had a stunning
opportunity. Every major player I've asked has responded
"Most brilliant move I've heard in years".
But he did not. He keeps paying millions for mediocre instead.

Re: Is Twitter A Substitute For Set Top Box Data?

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:29:48 -0000

Precisely. I suppose Facebook also, but Twitter is a particularly tremendous listening tool.

Let's assume for a minute we're talking about the CEO [or ANY employee] of a single
entity [although it is equally effective for a VC like Fred with several interests to track,
but inherently more time consuming].

This CEO will hear an instream of sophisticated data, packaged in pretty
presentations from his/her immediate staff and vendors.

It is irrelevant whether we're considering Tony Hsieh, Richard Branson, or Evan Williams,
Twitter CEO himself. This applies to ANY corporation large enough to be discussed on line.
[Because soon, all will be on Twitter, and local will be as relevant as global]

In the course of reading reports from your VP, or Forrester, or accessing in-house
analytics directly, there is an opportunity, and no replacement for, one on one with your customers.

We didn't have this before Twitter.
Yes, there were blog comments, forums, live events, etc.
But now, even the isolated billionaire can plug in directly to the sentiment of those
whom she wants to understand.

It seems so obvious. But most are just not good at it.
Envision a Richard Branson on his laptop on the couch,
using http://search.twitter.com to monitor the discussion about Virgin's next launch.

He reads many comments over a few days. Some surprising, and/or confirming themes
appear. Perspectives and perceptions which he and his illustrious team never considered
are a window into the consumer, peers, competition, and themselves.

But- He takes note of the most thoughtful. Whether passionate, deeply analytical,
personal, or simply original; if he has insight, he's got a million-dollar compass.
If they get hung up on "I don't know this name. No formal analyst", they missed the whole point.

I'm fortunate enough to have several successful business people follow me on twitter.
I could offer advice to these accomplished men and women because twitter exists.
Here's the key: some have rebuked my observations [remember this isn't about me],
because they're not used to listening. Many come back later with "you were right", once
the masses displayed the direction forewarned.
Others don't admit it, but you can observe
implementation of the ideas, or further engagement in the discussion.

I do not mean to hijack Fred's post, but I have put hours of thought and observation into this.
Even the excellent, aware 'new school' managers who engage, could glean far more
if they knew how to listen to one or some deeply, by following up and asking,
rather than only skimming the top OF 1,000.
[Thank you for space on your blog Fred. I appreciate the opportunity for conversation].

Re: Is Twitter A Substitute For Set Top Box Data?

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:00:11 -0000

Not with each and every user, no. But a deep understanding of some passionate users
is enlightening. In fact we can grow and accelerate our discernment this way.

The CEO with his ear to the ground during a stampede hears only thunderous noise.
However-the one who accepts dm's from [listens to] the passionate "nobody" understands himself and his product better than he ever could alone,
[or through only staff and "consultants"].
I know of the existence of such relationships.
I've seen the early fruits. It's worth budgeting time and money for when you find a giving tree.

Re: GET FAMOUS: Thirty Day Challenge Theme Song 2009 #30dc

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:17:02 -0000

There is nothing wrong with the glorious 70's and 80's ;-)
Where'd ya think @PhillMason [L]earned his chops?

But seriously, another great TDC example of
"We walk the talk; our community matters"

Re: Is Twitter A Substitute For Set Top Box Data?

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:30:11 -0000

I fear that as market readers, we are too fixated on one metric; the market.
Much wisdom can be gained for a deep look into the individual, passionate user.
(And they deserve to be understood. They are not the crowd. They are simply in it. Driving.)

Re: Spread Your Wings- Get More Retweet Action Today

EdsNextInstinct — Thu, 21 May 2009 13:15:58 -0000

You're wrong. Or painting with a broad brush (perhaps you've witnessed those who end every one of *their own* tweets that way.

I have personally connected thousands of people on twitter through retweeting other people's tweets.

More than ever with the change to twitter's @ replies,
retweets are a great way to bring awareness to someone, some link they're sharing, a time sensitive event, the fact that someone is on twitter, etc.

(Thanks again Chris)

- @Ed

Re: More Fun Than Talking About Insurance

EdsNextInstinct — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:59:33 -0000

I hope they do become a client Chris. They seem to 'get it'.

Perfect match for them learn from you,
and create a healthy, prosperous path forward.

Re: Twitter Link Page

EdsNextInstinct — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:54:54 -0000

Thank you for addressing this Fred. You certainly know how to
recognize a need, invite information and SHARE it.

I appreciate that because everyday I see folks being discrete (selfish)
in solving needs.

Your thinking is the real 'open web' :)

Good health,
@Ed

(Hi Ivan)

Re: http://blog.louisgray.com/2009/05/adobe-support-our-products-are.html

EdsNextInstinct — Tue, 05 May 2009 10:53:14 -0000

No I don't mean it makes it more important.
When I went dealt with this corporate apathy over the years,
Gateway computer, Microsoft, Dell, there was no social media.

Folks had no voice unless they were lucky enough to have their horror story blogged.

(And in reality Louis, both your knowledge of broadcast platforms,
readers who give the post leverage, and high profile folks in the tech industry,
DO give you much more voice than the average consumer. Glad you used yours!)

Re: http://blog.louisgray.com/2009/05/adobe-support-our-products-are.html

EdsNextInstinct — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:20:55 -0000

That is horrendous. I know that frustration from other companies.
Ridiculous experience for 2009. No excuses.
(Hell it was ridiculous putting folks
through this all along).

At least you have a voice with today's available user media.

Adobe should be listening on Twitter etc

Re: Decided to make my kids photos private by default

EdsNextInstinct — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:01:27 -0000

I believe this is smart. Anyone close enough to care about seeing them will be glad you did.

Re: Molly Is Five Today !

EdsNextInstinct — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 20:57:57 -0000

We wish you another 95 healthy, happy years Molly! :-)

Re: http://blog.louisgray.com/2009/02/is-twitter-broken-or-are-we-looking-at.html

EdsNextInstinct — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:06:00 -0000

It's you.

Re: The Newest Way To Game Twitter - Fake Followers

EdsNextInstinct — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:58:20 -0000

Here's an example: @Ev Has increased followers by ~60,000 in the past 26 days.

Also, we should all help the terrific @Spam folk {and be nice- there is a terrific person back there :)}

Re: louisgray.com: I Just Marked All Facebook Ads as Offensive. So Should You.

EdsNextInstinct — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 12:24:10 -0000

I can't tell you how many times I've thumbed down ads, only to get more garbage.
They're completely detached from reality, insulting the intelligence of every user.

They're giddy with the thought of hyper-targeting data, as user
tell them what's okay.

Facebook- I hate that I can't get an ugly off my page with going through
your stupid multi-click poll each time. How's that for data?

Try putting 'single' in your personal bio and see what happens.
I have clicked offensive, irrelevant, uninteresting, and the same ilk
continues over and over.

Business Ads?
Worse. I tested an ad last summer to a friends course.
It was as no-strings, freemium as you can get.
I used no graphic (I know, poor advertising), but I was trying to keep it
dry.
What happened? They took my money for a month, then suspended it.
On manual review, they apologized.
BUT- I kept seeing get rich quick scams, er, I mean schemes,
with pic of wads of cash during and after.
Who's running things over there?
Only deaf people?