December 2010
8 posts
7 tags
Pics or it didn't happen Culture.
If a tree falls in the forest, and it isn’t captured, can we be sure it happened? ‘Pics or it didn’t happen’ started as an IRC in-joke, but it’s quickly becoming a cultural norm; it is so difficult for something be completely unobserved, we’re starting to demand visual ‘proof’ of any claim. If you meet a celebrity, you take a picture.  If you see...
Dec 29th
13 notes
5 tags
Dec 26th
2 notes
5 tags
how to take a tv network online, today, for cheap.
Television sells two things: collected content (DVD box sets) and eyeballs.  The eyeballs are generally sold through a series of half-truths and guesses, known collectively as ‘Nielsen Ratings’. What I don’t understand, is the inability of television to monetize ‘piracy’, because they aren’t selling content, primarily.  They sell eyeballs and packaged collections.  Those things can’t be ‘stolen’...
Dec 24th
6 notes
4 tags
Redefining Computer.
I’m writing this on my iPhone, using a bluetooth keyboard. I’ve used the tumblr application hundreds of times to create blog posts, but never with a keyboard. It’s just a tactile difference, but it’s a notable one - This feels more like using a computer than it does a phone, specifically because of the input method. It’s helping me realize that the vast majority...
Dec 24th
2 notes
7 tags
The myth of "lines".
As everyone interprets things differently, the myth of a brand pushing the limits, or toeing the line, is problematic. Everyone interacting with your brand has different limitations and acceptance levels. Therefore, toeing the line usually means crossing it for a significant percentage of your customer base. When Eric Schmidt recently said that “Google is willing to go right up to the...
Dec 18th
3 notes
6 tags
Lego thinkers and Play-Doh thinkers.
Some people are Play-Doh thinkers: they like to create from unformed raw materials.  Sculpting something to their own vision, and creating something from nothing.  This is the same kind of thinking that leads to a Big Idea, or a truly new concept.  Play-Doh doesn’t offer you anything beyond a base substance with which to express your creativity. I’ve realized recently, I’m a...
Dec 17th
22 notes
7 tags
digital vs physical media: purchase drivers
Why I buy digital media (books, music, movies) the content instant gratification searchability zero physical storage needed ‘feels’ less like acquiring something device portability ease of use minimal barriers to purchase Why I buy physical media (books, music, movies) the content ‘feels’ more like I own something physical enjoyment of the packaging beautiful...
Dec 15th
24 notes
4 tags
Digital Strategy is Transportation Planning.
[This post was inspired mostly by a KMDI event that I rambled at - while attempting to explain digital strategy via magic the gathering, I realized that example wasn’t meaningfully accessible (my social circle has a very high geek quotient).  This is my attempt to explain it in a more direct manner.] I essentially have the same job as my father.  He’s a transportation planner, and I...
Dec 9th
16 notes