Disqus - Latest Comments for Lynn from OrganicMania.com

Re: Aquafina’s New Eco-Fina Bottle: Greenwash or Progress?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 08:31:13 -0000

Chris, I thought your review was a lot more even-handed than you let on in your tweets. What you say here is HUGE: "If every manufacturer of bottled water adopted similar technology, the industry would save more plastic each year than is currently being conserved through recycling. Given the economic slowdown and reduction in demand for recycled materials, this seems like a pretty good deal. Sure, you’d be a lot better off filtering your own water and carrying it in a reusable, BPA-free container. But less plastic is less plastic."

I confess - and Beth will kill me - to buying this stuff sometimes. No, it's not a good idea. Yes, I have four reusable water bottles, but sometimes I forget them, and if my kids are DYING OF THIRST, well sometimes I have no alternative...because there are just not a many water fountains around as there used to be! (Or have we just gotten thirstier?)

Re: Green Halloween Costumes and Inspirations

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 22:18:46 -0000

Sommer,

It is so hard to believe Halloween is almost here, but sure enough, my son saw a bunch of "Halloween" stores today and is begging to go to them. Ever since he was a baby, I've managed to do second hand or home made, but this may be the year I cave and let him buy new...He's in second grade and I guess the way kids grow up so quickly, there won't be too many more Halloweens he's so excited about!

But I love your suggestions...I had never heard of Once Upon A Child or Nova Naturals...great to know about!

Lynn
.-= Lynn from Organicmania.com´s last blog ..Farmers, The First Lady & Me =-.

Re: Back to School and the Four Letter Word: GERM

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:52:13 -0000

Sommer, these are great points. I'm sure I don't even need to get you started on how they use Lysol around infants as well in daycare. And yes, at one point, none of us knew. I still have old bottles of chemically-based stuff hanging around the house. But now we need to spread the word. This was a great post, and I'm going to tweet it out now!
.-= Lynn from Organicmania.com´s last blog ..Farmers, The First Lady & Me =-.

Re: ABC Show, Motherhood and a New Partnership

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:15:39 -0000

Wow! You have been busy. And happy birthday- I can't believe you are only 32!

I love the picture of Jennifer and her daughter. So cute. Thanks for sharing!
.-= Lynn from Organicmania.com´s last blog ..Yes! I’ll Be at The Opening of the Farmers Market by The White House, Follow on Twitter! =-.

Re: Motherhood and Sacrifices

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:29:40 -0000

Sommer, this was a great post. Thanks for sharing. I was half way through it thinking, "Oh, I will never go camping! What have I been thinking?" and then I saw the pic of the spotted blue salamander. They are so rare now! How fabulous to get so close to nature. And btw, I love the black crunchy burnt marshmellows...although...dropped on the ground, well, you deserve a special reward for that one! :)
.-= Lynn from Organicmania.com´s last blog ..Green Giveaway: Waste-Free Lunch Box by Citizen Pip and 15% off Kids Konserve =-.

Re: New Balance Goes Eco-Friendly

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:04:45 -0000

Great shoes! I for one, thought you looked beautiful and dont' need to lose weight. But then again, I'm overweight myself, so maybe I'm not the person to ask. Anyway, I think it's amazing that you have stayed so slender without really working out. I'm sure you'll reach your goal now that you've got these shoes!

Re: Go Picnic Ready To Eat Meals: I’m Not Loving Them

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 21:12:27 -0000

I'm so sorry to hear about what happened to your son. Sounds like a very scary incident.

Re: BlogHer 2009 and More to Come

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:46:36 -0000

Nice recap, Sommer! Love the photos. It was great to see you again. I only wish we had more time there - but then it would have been too much time away from the kids! My husband told me three days was ENOUGH!

Re: BlogHer Countdown

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:41:27 -0000

Can't wait to see you! Love the pic - gives good memories of when we met at BlogHer DC. Can't believe that was the ONLY time we've seen each other in person. Remember that scream? It will be fun.

I'm also thrilled I landed three sponsors to help with the costs - otherwise I would not have gone either. It is a win-win all around. (And thanks for your encouragement with that!)

See you NEXT WEEK!

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..The “Unofficial” BlogHer Stay-at-Home Spouse Survival Manual: 10 Tips</abbr>

Re: 10 Must Have Eco-Friendly Green Products

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:40:04 -0000

Wow! Some great tips here - things I've never even heard of! Will definitely check these out. Thanks, Sommer!

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Greening the Red, White & Blue: Making Your 4th of July Celebration More Eco-Friendly: Ten Tips</abbr>

Re: Wow Green Product Review

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:42:27 -0000

Sommer, good for you for calling them out on ingredient disclosure. I think this was a very fair review.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Greening the Red, White & Blue: Making Your 4th of July Celebration More Eco-Friendly: Ten Tips</abbr>

Re: 5 Quotes on Going Green and Changing

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:43:33 -0000

Wow...some great quotes here, Sommer. Can't wait to talk to you live at BlogHER!

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Greening the Red, White & Blue: Making Your 4th of July Celebration More Eco-Friendly: Ten Tips</abbr>

Re: Green Tips for Local Inspiration

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:01:25 -0000

Sommer, you did a fabulous job with that presentation! I wish I could have seen it! Next time video it!

Congrats on all your success.

Local is where it's at - it all starts in our own backyards.

Lynn

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..The BPA Battle Heats Up: The Endocrine Society Takes a Stand</abbr>

Re: Eco-Confessions

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:58:01 -0000

Sommer, you made me laugh while reading this. Is the Diet Coke supposed to counteract the McDonald's fries? And you do know you're getting a daily dose of BPA with that Coke, right? :) That's why I hope the BPA lobby is right and BPA is perfectly safe! So we can keep enjoying our Diet Cokes! I like Diet Coke Lime, actually, and just bought a 12-pack at the Giant yesterday.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Thank You, Anonymous Leaker. Now What?</abbr>

Re: Diane MacEachern is One In a Million

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:42:41 -0000

What a lovely profile of Diane (and I liked yours on Diane's site, too, Sommer!)

Diane is a huge inspiration to all of us. She's been at this so long (although you'd never know it to look at her- she's still a babe!) She's like the "spiritual godmother" of all the Green Moms.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Thank You, Anonymous Leaker. Now What?</abbr>

Re: Talk to The Hand

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:45:15 -0000

Sommer, I love what you did with the twitter feeds, and just your passion shining through. When you see something, you jump on it...and I admire that about you.

You also raised an excellent point about how companies are very selective in how they view Moms..are we "Power Moms" or are we "Hysterical Moms?" Come to think of it, that's the old sexist stereotypes of women at work once again... some things never change.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Thank You, Anonymous Leaker. Now What?</abbr>

Re: Haven’t We Graduated From High School?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:39:09 -0000

Sommer - great post. I think we'll have more "fun" with this at the next Green Moms Carnival, because Jenn (The Green Parent) wants us to post about our "Eco-Confessions" - how we're all not so green.

There's a great quote about this in the Bible: Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

I agree, I never defined myself as a Mom blogger but rather as a Green blogger. A lot of my readers are male. However, since the "Power Mom" thing came out, I've felt I had to embrace the "Mom blogger" description a bit more. However, each niche within the vast "Mom blogging" community is vast. Just imagine if Hillary Clinton started a blog. Would she be a Mom blogger too?

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..Organic & Green Savings: CVS, Whole Foods & Bethesda’s Giant Food</abbr>

Re: More on the Toxic Tub Report

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 27 May 2009 13:39:28 -0000

Sommer, way to go with all of the helpful action links.

You did take some serious criticism with your first post on this subject, so I commend you for doing it again.

To Courtney's point, it can be REALLY awkward to bring this up to friends. DId you see the photo on my post? I snapped that at a playdate yesterday (with my friend's permission, of course). I am constantly confronted with
how much" of my "green activist" self to share with friends who are not as aware of these issues.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..The Toxic Tub Report: An Update</abbr>

Re: Having a Voice For Your Kids and Cause

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:13:40 -0000

Hey Sommer,

I'm so glad you liked my post so much that it inspired you to write this post! Unfortunately I can't pull up the sound on your video, so I'm watching it as a silent movie...!

I totally agree with you....an investment in early childhood education, nutrition, health, or what-have-you is an investment for all of our futures.

Good for you for rallying to the cause!

Lynn

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..To Be an Advocate for Your Child</abbr>

Re: The Green Teen: Help Me Win and Donate 10 of These Books

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:45:30 -0000

Sommer, I love that you will donate the $100 to get more copies of the book.

We are all so excited for Jenn. She's yet another wonderful woman I met on line and we all wish her so much success with this book!

I'll throw something else out here too - Jenn's Green Teen Tips are also available on kajeet phones. (Disclosure: kajeet is a client of mine and I arranged to have Jenn's Green Teen tips put on the phone!)

Re: Roller Coaster of Emotions: Kindergarten, Green School Research and Melasma

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:49:44 -0000

Sommer, sorry to hear about the melasma but I'm glad it wasn't worse...you had me a little worried...I want to read your other info about the cleaning products and schools more carefully...that's a huge area of interest for me.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..To Be an Advocate for Your Child</abbr>

Re: Gardening with the Green Moms

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 28 May 2009 14:36:41 -0000

Sommer, a belated thank you for organizing another great Green Moms Carnival! - Lynn

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..The Toxic Tub Report: An Update</abbr>

Re: I Worship the Sun and Now I’m Paying for It

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sun, 17 May 2009 13:54:01 -0000

I hope everything goes well tomorrow, too, Sommer. Everyone should have a baseline skin check with a dermotologist - it's very easy - the doctor just notes the existing moles on your body and the sizes. That way if you suspect a change in color or pigmentation, there is a baseline to check it against.

Re: I Use Toxic Bath Products on My Kids! Do You?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 23:29:40 -0000

Sommer, you know we've spoken about this post but I still feel like I had to come by and give you some "comment love." It's ironic how once we really get to know other bloggers, we start emailing and calling instead of always leaving comments, isn't it?

I called J&J to give them an opportunity to comment before I published my blog post. However, their Director of Communications could not answer these three questions:

- What is J&J’s stance on the Kid Safe Chemical Act?
- What does J&J think about the adverse affects of long term exposure to the thousands of chemicals used in personal care products?
- Is this issue being discussed at the industry level, through groups like the Personal Products Council?

I also called the Personal Products Council, but no one responded to my message.

Isn't it ironic that J&J spends significant sums of money courting bloggers, inviting them to sessions at HQ, mounting expensive social media campaigns like the Bubblin Stars campaign, and flying people out to BlogHer, yet when a blogger contacts them to ask some questions, they aren't eager to engage in a dialogue?

I called out of a real desire to get J&J's perspective. I grew up in New Jersey, where they are headquartered. I have friends who have worked for J&J and other large multinational personal care companies. As an MBA, a marketing professional, and a former reporter, I'm skeptical of one-sided stories. I really wanted to get J&J's perspective. I think I wrote a very even-handed post that raised questions but did not come out fully on the side of the Kid-Safe Act. (I'm afraid this legislation may have unintended consequences).

However, the way I was treated by J&J leaves me feeling very skeptical of the company and their transparency. Yes, they did offer to have their "Mommy blogger person" contact me. What was she going to say? If the Director of Communications couldn't address my concerns, how could a "Mom blogger person?" Then, to make matters worse, she asked me to email her my questions. Seriously...after I had spent 20 minutes giving her background on the Green Moms Carnival, the controversy, and finally, my three questions! I'm not paid to do this...I'm doing this as a concerned Mother. I told her I did not have time to draft an email that afternoon, but that I would go ahead and publish my blog post and that perhaps J&J could just leave a comment addressing my questions, which would be repeated in the blog post. However, there has been no response from J&J.

As I said, I'm very disappointed in the way they have handled this and it makes me think they are hiding something.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.coms last blog post..It May Be April Fool’s Day, But Toxins in Baby Bath are No Joke</abbr>

Re: Spring Cleaning with a Twist

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:44:34 -0000

Sommer, these are great tips - especially the reminder about the medicine cabinet, which too often people forget about. And of course, our Green Moms know not to flush those old Rxs down the toilet - an unfortunate practice that has contaminated the water supply in many municipalities.

You have inspired me to clean out my closets too!

Happy Spring!

Thanks for your great contribution to the Green Moms Carnival!

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.coms last blog post..Spring Cleaning</abbr>

Re: BlogHer o9′ in Chicago and Dirt

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:28:03 -0000

Sommer,

Congrats on your speaking engagement! Very well deserved and I know you will do a knock-out job! I hope I make it there to see you again and to hear your great insights about blogging!

And this "get dirty with me" promo sounds great! I might join in!

Re: I Believe in Twitter, Facebook and Blogs

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:17:29 -0000

Great post, Sommer, and well worth the wait. You put it out there And your fave tools are mine too...give a Green Mom a blog, a Twitter account, and Facebook and watch her go...!

Enjoy the rest of your vacation and hope the little one is on the mend!

Re: What is Green?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 23:42:14 -0000

Hi Sommer,

This is a great post. I really loved your honesty about the confusion and doubt that can plague us as we go green. And thanks for mentioning OrganicMania and the Green Moms Carnival!

But just remember what I told you - at least you're sexy, sassy, and fun! A lot of Green Moms get angry, frustrated, and discouraged!

Lynn

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.coms last blog post..Blended Holiday Parties</abbr>

Re: Organic Kids Drinks

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 00:43:40 -0000

Hey Sommer, I'm so glad you have Honest Tea in Michigan now. This company is super cool - I met the Tea-EO 10 years ago when he was stocking the shelves at Fresh Fields (now Whole Foods!)

Honest Tea is headquartered in right in my neighborhood, and they are very active supporting our local green initiative, Bethesda Green. They do all kinds of things to help us - everything from web support in the beginning to bringing free drinks to our gatherings - like this weekend's e-cycling.

I interviewed Seth Goldman, the Tea-EO, for OrganicMania a while back - I hope you don't mind me sharing the link but I bet you and your readers would be interested - I often think of that interview as I learned so much about organic tea and sustainability issues in packaging. Here it is: http://tinyurl.com/6ds42v

By the way, have you tried their regular teas? I am a Moroccan Mint gal myself. Just love it - not too sweet.

Sorry to go on and on, but I just get so excited when you find companies that really walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Lynn

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.coms last blog post..Blended Holiday Parties</abbr>

Re: If A Turkey Could Blog

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 22:06:14 -0000

Sommer, Thanks for including me in your post of Thanksgiving! I had a big "aww..." when I read it... :)

And I'm sure all those women, myself included, have a lot to be thankful to you for...For starters, your inclusiveness around the documentary and your idea to bring so many of us together in DC. We will need to reunite to watch it together!

Lynn

Re: Green Women Mean Business

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:19:25 -0000

Sommer, what a nice job you did explaining the concept behind the carnival. Yes, it is really amazing to think how we've all hit it off and genuine friendships are forming. And it's not just email - I know many of us talk by phone (even late at night, right Sommer?)

I think if I were single I'd be a believer in Internet dating! :)

Re: Green & Clean Mom reads what, uses those and drinks boxed wine?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:28:13 -0000

Yes, but does boxed wine taste any good? My DH would turn up his nose!

No, for those tough days, I reach for a frosty cold bottle of DogFish Head or an organic beer that goes on sale every once in a while at WF.

Re: A green vaccination debate, tears, sympathy and hope

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 14:45:04 -0000

Did you see the cover story in Time magazine this week?

I think there is a big difference between spacing out shots with your doctor's approval and skipping them altogether. Those people who opt to skip them altogether are endangering the rest of us.

I'm sorry it was so painful for your son. I remember my lactation consultant telling me to nurse my baby, but the doctors wouldn't let me....so I just nursed right afterwards.

Re: To My Son: Confessions, Apologies & Many Eco-Friendly Wishes

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:43:47 -0000

Sommer, no wonder this is a favorite post. How touching. I loved it too.

<abbr>Lynn from Organicmania.com’s last blog post..SeeJaneDo? Hear Lynn ( OrganicMania), Jennifer ( The Smart Mama), and Lisa (@enviroblog) Talk!</abbr>

Re: Five Reasons Why Whole Foods Gets Facebook

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 11:40:49 -0000

They are doing a great job with social media. Do you know who they use for outside help and who manages the program internally at Whole Foods?

Re: Why is MC Hammer Suddenly All Over Social Media?

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:29:00 -0000

I met MC Hammer at the Shortys. The reason he's all over social media is because he recognizes the value of it and invests in it. He's got a lot going on in social media...it's a major business focus of his. And other smart people would do well to do the same...

Re: A New Day

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:39:37 -0000

Sounds like a great campaign. I love the fact that you (obviously) did your research to come up with a short, highly targeted list instead of trying to reach out in a scattershot fashion.

Can't wait to learn more about the green cars. Escape Hybrids are already big in my crowd!

Re: Win a Brita Faucet Filter from EcoTech Daily!

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:59:49 -0000

Do you know that in the US, Brita filters are not recyclable? But in Europe they are... Hmmm...

Check out this campaign website to learn more: http://www.takebackthefilter.org/

Re: http://ecotechdaily.com/2009/05/29/solio_classic_hybrid_charger/

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:54:25 -0000

Wow. What an exchange.

On the subject of price, let me just say this. All new tech gadgets cost more at the beginning of the product life cycle. If the early adopters purchase solar chargers en masse, the price will come down. This is also first gen technology. I think the real issue here is the potential for this. It's cool. I would have never thought that a portable solar device was available today to charge my phone.

There will be more like this, at a lower cost and with more features and longer charging cycles. That's the nature of tech product innovation.

Nice job. I like coming here and finding out about new green tech gadgets!

Re: Top 20 Health, Green, Organic, Raw Tweeters You Should Follow on Twitter

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 00:45:26 -0000

Thanks so much for including me in this list! Can't wait to check out everyone on the list! (A few are new to me!)

Re: Kirtsy Back in Business

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:02:43 -0000

The new name and logo are great! They also did a fantastic job of tapping into their community for help with the name change. After all, a lot of the women putting up content are writers, independent consultants, marketing folks and the like.

Re: Advertising and Trust

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 00:20:59 -0000

There are a lot of people on Twitter who thrive on controversy. Nothing better to do on a Saturday morning?

Your original post was very clearly disclosed - in fact, you gave far more disclosure than most bloggers.

I appreciated you sharing your rationale for doing this ...very interesting to hear.

Re: When Should Kids Have Cell Phones

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:33:51 -0000

If you're thinking of buying a cell phone for your child, you might want to check out Kajeet.com It's a cell phone just for kids, designed with parental controls. The company was started by a local Dad here in Bethesda, MD, and he's got plenty of other parents onboard (like their great VP of Marketing) making sure that the phone appeals to parents for all the right reasons.

As for me, I'm trying to hold off as long as I can...

But with my toddler already picking up my phone, it's going to be increasingly hard...

Love the new blog and would love to see some green parenting tips from the Dads! You should check out dcurbanmom.com as well - it's run by a great Dad, Jeff Steele - very plugged into online parenting and communities.

Re: Reader Poll: Influence Marketing with Social Networks

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:53:46 -0000

Surprised you didn't include Naymz.

Re: A Masters Degree in Conservation Makes Your Green Cred Legit

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:28:36 -0000

Wow! This is amazing. Here I am a Georgetown grad, headed off to an event on campus tonight, and I had no idea about this program. This sure will make for good cocktail chatter! Thanks so much for the news. Very very exciting - can't wait to find out more about the new conservation program at Georgetown!

Re: Organic Food: Healthier for You and the Planet

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:13:52 -0000

Re the comments about soil magically becoming "organic" overnight (9/14 comment), you should look at biodynamic agriculture. Its founder, Rudolph Steiner, talked about "healing" the soil. Now I understand why biodynamic tastes even better than organic.

Lynn

http://www.organicmania.com

Re: "Waiter...There's A Fly In My Plastic Soup"

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 08:39:22 -0000

That stat of 48 parts plastic to one part plankton is amazing and depressing.

Plastic is so insidious....We could do so much with simple changes & requests of others, although some may find change hard or even annoying! But I'm the type to risk waiters' aggravated glances by asking for no straws or asking hotel staff at the breakfast buffet for china rather than plastic! `

=== author's response follows ===

Glad you saw the metaphor:- 'we are the fly in our own soup'

Agree that this is the cost externality that is ignored in the debate over recycling, use of re-usable vs non-returnable utensils, plastic shrink wrap, added expenses of biodegradable plastics in general, and so on.

Where this needs to go next is to partition some of these plastics to see what is degrading and what is lasting for a near eternity, by type.

Re: A Masters Degree in Conservation Makes Your Green Cred Legit

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Fri, 29 May 2009 09:28:36 -0000

Re: Twitter: Show Me Added Value if You Want Me to Pay

Lynn from OrganicMania.com — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:23:41 -0000

What your post - and the ensuing comments - dramatically illustrate is that you can't TAKE SOMETHING AWAY from customers, even non-paying "users" like we Tweeters - and not expect an uproar.

This is a basic markeitng truism, but it's also backed up by a lot of research from the smart folks at HBS.