tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81358573360126230442024-03-05T23:40:26.519-08:00AREAS OF INTERESTWelcome to my smorgasboard of conceptualisations. Bring your glasses / spectacles, if required. S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-54441735657424625652022-04-18T04:57:00.000-07:002022-04-18T04:57:04.500-07:00Everything is connected to something and someone else; the age of ultra connectivity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<i>We're now more interlinked than ever, with the swipe of a
phone or the click of a mouse allowing us to see, hear and hence speak
to each other ANYWHERE in the world at any given moment; quite
literally, on a whim. Does this mean we can solve more problems faster,
better and more easily? More importantly, do we now have a better
understanding of each other, in a global context? </i><br />
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Getting
older usually means getting wiser. Invariably some things never change
as rapidly or at all, but it’s a given yet unknown quantity that
innovation, progress and change are an inevitability of life. Either you
embrace change, or in some way or fashion, you’ll feel a little
sidelined and confused at the rapid pace with which the future arrives at
your doorstep. Or so it seems.<br />
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For all the rapidity with which innovativeness is thrown at us in a maelstrom of sound, smell, colour, texture and taste on an almost daily basis, it’s also a relief to know that there are constants in our daily lives. The sky is always in the
same place, and our nearest & dearest are also people
that aren’t as transitory as a bullet train; that's a comfort & a relief.<br />
<br />
And as you get older, you
can end up realising other things with pristine clarity. The obvious one being that nearly <b>everyone</b> & everything is connected to everything and
everyone else, by a marginal degree of separation.<br />
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The
most obvious example lies within our social circle. The classic
“friend of a friend” concept which is better known as the <b>six degrees of seperation</b>, was coined by the Hungarian author <a data-mce-href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigyes_Karinthy" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frigyes_Karinthy" rel="" target="_blank" title="Frigyes Karinthy">Frigyes Karinthy</a>,
almost 100 years ago, in a short story he wrote called 'Chains'. <br />
<br />
In
essence, this refers to the idea that everyone is approximately six steps away, by way of introduction, from any other
person on Earth. There have been various iterations of
this theory, with a more popular one being a play on words called
'Six Degrees Of Kevin Bacon'. This has the intent of illustrating
how everyone in Hollywood is supposedly connected to the aforementioned
actor, by six identifiable people ( the steps in question). On
a more readily relatable note, the social networking website Facebook (or Meta), is a more obvious modern day iteration of this concept.<br />
<br />
If
you have a Facebook account and have 6 friends or more, note how many
different people come up in the “people you may know” suggestion box. If
you selected every suggestion and carried on in this vein, you may
eventually be able to propagate to everyone else on there. <br />
<br />
Think about it.
That’s only 6 steps away from almost three billion other people with accounts
on there; that's almost 18 billion ways to communicate and connect with each other. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0bnbpnPw34D77w_Wo70tMN0gx11KE9LlnSK2cpWlFQrGHe7HQKVXYfuO7GOGtSGOq6uTPxi5Ek4Ivh9WudMFoBT67B_G5qThKh5dkaLvKj4bkXLPManrQYfcsxUXfzliR3N3mCSqY8Za/s590/six+degs+of+kevin+bacon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM0bnbpnPw34D77w_Wo70tMN0gx11KE9LlnSK2cpWlFQrGHe7HQKVXYfuO7GOGtSGOq6uTPxi5Ek4Ivh9WudMFoBT67B_G5qThKh5dkaLvKj4bkXLPManrQYfcsxUXfzliR3N3mCSqY8Za/s320/six+degs+of+kevin+bacon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The six degrees of kevin bacon, is a humourous way to illustrate the 6 degrees concept</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>In theory, it's great to have the potential to be connected this way, as it
rekindles our innate need to connect with each other. It has the added
emphasis of <i>belonging</i> to something and <i>grouping</i> together, even if in a superficial manner; after all, we do want and need to feel liked, loved and accepted at some level. </div><div><br /></div><div>Furthermore, in our communication
oriented world, it becomes much easier than before to spread a message
quicker (and also cheaper),than using the traditional & standardised methods of communication that have prevailed for centuries.<br />
<br />
But there are downsides. What about those, for instance, who need to
innovate and want to prevent early leakage of their 'eureka moment'?
What about those whose livelihoods depend on the next version of a
product or service being kept under wraps for as long as possible; an accidental ( or otherwise) leak on the web, can be detrimental with time and money sometimes being spent to revamp the product or service from
the same sort of 'early reveal'<br />
<br />
More importantly, think of the effect on our personal lives, when literally anything and everything we type/say on
the world wide web can be held up to scrutiny like never before. Can
this level of connectivity be used to <i>prevent </i>rather than propagate frredoms & innovation? In order to answer this, the behavioural changes
in the real world due to such all encompassing connectivity need to
be examined more closely.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Think
of how a newer generation has a social skill that my generation (and older), doesn’t take for granted. That is, to talk to
complete strangers via social media apps & sites, and to then extend that
cyber-relationship into the real world with the minimum of fuss. This has even extended to dating
and matrimonial sites, where if you spend enough time using them effectively ( there's a learning curve), you're likely to not only find someone to date, but also to find someone you’ve either <i>already</i> dated or are acquainted with via the aforementioned six degrees of separation concept. <br />
<br />
It's as if the world has shrunk into the palms of our hands. With the
aid of technology we can now see, hear and
say what we want to, with whoever we want, at any <i>time</i> we want. It's an almost limitless and permanently switched-on experience. </div><div><br /></div><div>And this has consequences. Some of which we can see & experience immediately, others are less obvious and cannot be ascertained with immediate effect. In essence, we're all subjects to a myriad of side- effects of using the internet so freely. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhGgP0Geo_fiCe_74vbVoU6GkLNM1XYQ7yZzdK5s31XjbzLu-8prKcIFcNmwY0JTEGkqowk7ztTpaj3PrpON4kSBbI_9WbgEeLfdRr_uqS1mCi8oh552-9flHfnhHzPJs2BXAGUVJZH7/s450/six+seperate.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNhGgP0Geo_fiCe_74vbVoU6GkLNM1XYQ7yZzdK5s31XjbzLu-8prKcIFcNmwY0JTEGkqowk7ztTpaj3PrpON4kSBbI_9WbgEeLfdRr_uqS1mCi8oh552-9flHfnhHzPJs2BXAGUVJZH7/s320/six+seperate.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The six degrees of seperation is more prevalent than ever, due to modern technology</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<div>In order to deal with what an older generation would probably
have deemed an almost irreversible carving into the invasion of privacy, there has been a gradual but noticeable self re-education of
sociological and psychological norms. In effect, we’re all becoming
participants in a huge cross-pollinated, self-regulating diary, where
those of us who use social networking sites are systematically listing
our lives in the form of audio-visual sound bites.<br />
<br />
And all of
this is for the world at large to potentially see, hear and read. Most people who use social networking sites ( including myself), are
probably well versed in auto-censoring themselves without too much thought. This
in itself isn’t a bad thing per se, as we all understand and hopefully
accept the various levels of netiquette (online etiquette), in order to get
along together and share our experiences and lives too.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
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<div>
However,
it’s not just about learning (and realising), that behind any number of online identities (both real and imagined), there are <i>actual</i> people responding and
engaging. It is also about the awareness of a newer, faster, near Boolean logic-style of cognitive operation. </div><div><br /></div><div>In other words, everything starts to become more calculated, with less spontaneity. There's a constant computational effect of if/then style coding statements ; “what would happen
if i...so then i should/should not...” becomes the <i>instinctive</i> response.
And as this increases in frequency, the time to think through a reply
and then respond, for example, becomes quicker. It's a calculated micro-hesitancy, because we're looking at ourselves online, comparing it to other responses and then responding accordingly. <br />
<br />
Just
as in the physical world we inhabit, this “world within a world” also
carries some level of consequence for responses in activities taken and
participated in. For every person out there constructively using the
internet, with all its ever evolving tools, there is also the
darker side to internet use.<br />
<br />
“Trolling” for example, is a form of
internet stalking which is tantamount to abusive and unacceptable
behaviour. This has resulted in people (and organisations) being charged and arrested, thereby mirroring the
consequences of similar actions in the physical world. </div>
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<tr><td><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZdiKzBpQvLAyhnCCwA8vG53xHQyIysGr6mF5dIi6tfWfrvxcZ3uD0LrRXsUFYG5ruvd_Q0K7NPS0u9DiGcgg9qLIxjSRWpHMFI-gXZz5O6x_OvdQIhb3wABtuCiDeZLz4iwOCzLLYa3H/s425/cyber+harrasment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ZdiKzBpQvLAyhnCCwA8vG53xHQyIysGr6mF5dIi6tfWfrvxcZ3uD0LrRXsUFYG5ruvd_Q0K7NPS0u9DiGcgg9qLIxjSRWpHMFI-gXZz5O6x_OvdQIhb3wABtuCiDeZLz4iwOCzLLYa3H/s320/cyber+harrasment.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"trolling" or cyber harrasment and bullying, is the unpleasant side of internet use. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div>Many people, including high profile celebrities and public figures, have enteried into the
realms of lawsuits, because the fingers have acted too quickly for the mind to self-check both the spelling <i>and</i> the content; that's why (and how), the instantaneous nature of social media can sometimes be a weapon, rather than a tool . <br />
<br />
But the key
point here, is that it's truly up to the individual as to how they
conduct themselves at large, amongst an increasing gamut of online communication portals. In effect, it’s not dissimilar to the
real world, where effective communication skills are <b>essential</b> to progress (and even survival), on a multitude of levels.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
In essence, those who are better adopters to a more instinctively rapid
rhetorical ( combined with other media), expressivity
on the internet, stand a better chance of reaching into areas not everyone else can easily reach. Not just online, but by consequence (and luck), in the real world too; a positive chain of side effects ensues. </div><div><br /></div><div>For instance, this
would not only increase their knowledge and broaden their horizons <i>per
se</i>, but also allow the internet (and indeed the world wide web), to reach their fuller, newer and better potential. Remember, the internet & the world wide web were designed to share information effectively
and efficiently. To believe that the original remit would have led to newer industries and jobs at the scale we currently have (and hopefully still growing)..it's hard to imagine how anyone would have reacted over 30 years ago to the size, potential, complexity and abundance of what that experience is today. <br />
<br />
Again, as in the physical world, there are websites/ portals and
groups of individuals who organise this information sharing, on a profit
and non-profit basis, in order to ensure that anyone (from a novice
to a heavy 'net user), can find what they need with ease. Of
course, as in the physical world, there are barriers to entry and even
exit, too.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>In effect, the internet, the world wide web and technological innovations such as smartphones and social media have made
the six degrees of separation concept an absolute inevitability from
here on in.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, this has propagated into a newer level of
communicative skill that a younger generation have been born into,
whilst the rest of us have adapted to this open-ended sociological
restructuring, with varying levels of skill and finesse. Inarguably,
because we're now more aware that we truly <i>are</i> more connected
than we thought possible, it’s an opportunity to remind ourselves of
the importance of understanding our inner selves, as well as knowing and
understanding the world around us. Self-regulating has also become more de rigeur. In fact, it's <i>essential</i> for a good online experience <br />
<br />In amongst all the millions of
potential friends, faces and data that is available to access, share,
and collude over, there can also be an overwhelming amount of 'net noise'. It's analogous to being in the physical world, only the barriers to entry and exit are far easier to navigate. As already mentioned, you're self-regulating to prevent getting lost and even overwhelmed by it. For example, heavy internet usegse can create patterns of aimless 'net surfing, which can lead to disrupted sleep, anxiety disorders and mood swings, with their own knock-on effects. </div><div><br /></div><div>And it’s not just about keeping an eye on your useage away from work, but during work hours too. For example, many workplaces either ban or limit the use of social networking sites, due
to the potential for distraction and taking energy away from the productivity required for the job. </div><div><br /></div><div>Conversely, others thrive on
it and even <i>need</i> it, as part of the workflow. The design & marketing department of a multinational company, for example, that has it's workforce scattered across the globe, with different timezones and languages; they're pulling together using slack & zoom for competitive advantages at <i>all</i> hours of the day.</div><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>To conclude, it’s better to know what <b>you</b> want out of
your online experience, rather than be lost in
the myriad of words, sounds and pictures for a lot longer than you intended to be. </div><div><br /></div><div>As in real life, discipline and focus are the keys to a healthy internet experience. Having fun online is essential, but in a similar vein, the world we live in isn't a 24 hour, 7 day a week, lawless & freeloading experience. You work, rest, play and pay your dues accordingly. </div><div><br /></div><div>At its core, the online experience is similar to who we are at that moment in time; after all we're the ones using it, nurturing it & (re)creating it. It's still a healthy way to learn, connect, grow and thrive, both individually and collectively. Let's keep it that way. </div><div>
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(c) S R DHAIN (revised & updated). <br />
<br /></div>
<span data-mce-style="font-size: medium;" style="font-size: small;"><i>The original version of this article was available via The American Chronicle publication & website. </i></span><br />
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S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-31329356114426289092022-04-18T04:56:00.014-07:002022-04-18T05:04:02.704-07:00What Is Art In Today's Digital Age? <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A few years ago, I took a break from my creative endeavours, which included
writing, programming & composing music, and spent the extra time on
catching up with everything (and everyone) else. This involved a hefty amount of travel, which allowed me to reassess and re-evaluate
many things in life. Especially my attitude to work, and the challenges that would present on a regular basis. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In essence, I was prone to a rendering of the workaholic’s dilemma;
you do more & more, because in the back of the mind you're convinced that you're not
doing enough. In effect, you're constantly stockpiling unfinished (and finished) ideas for a hypothetical ‘rainy day’ in the
future. </span></span></span></span><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the process, work seems to become everything in your life, and you're becoming increasingly detached from other important things and people; family, friends and partners eventually become secondary to the workflow. It’s not healthy in my
opinion, and I've learned to step back and take a balanced approach ever since.</span></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Yet in all honesty, you don't actually take a complete break; there’s always some little creative “twiddling and
fiddling” that you’re engaged in. But it's for fun, rather than the bottom line, which makes it the mental equivalent of a a palette cleanser. <br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>
</span></span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">Toward the end of this much-needed sabbatical, an artist friend enthusiastically told me about an opportunity to submit
photographs for inclusion in an art installation project. In effect, he was positive about the whole thing. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">C</span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">oincidentally, I went across town to catch up with another friend, and he owned a photographic studio. Before my arrival, he was
snapping a four piece band, and he was rearranging things to clear the area. He took a break and showed me his workstation area, and I noticed that the entire </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">rendering</span> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">process was digital; all editing steps were done in software. Yet there was still a
warmth and a natural quality to the finished pictures. The level of alteration available due to the plethora of manipulation options, was remarkable. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
Now more than ever, the once sacred tools of creative alchemy and fusion are
available in near infinitesimal abundance, and technology has spearheaded this development. Like most people, I´ve never hesitated to
take pictures when feeling inspired, as technology allows you to do
this at anytime and quite literally, anywhere. More importantly, modern smartphones, with their built-in processing and photo
sharing applications, as well as their higher quality picture resolution and rendering, allow instant feedback. Holidays are an obvious
source of visual enlightenment, simply because you´re coming across a slew of
new surroundings. You've got the potential to capture an abundance of new images, all to create happy memories and use in upcoming & current projects. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">We can now take thousands of
pictures and not have to worry about rolls of film, or light conditions
and aperture etc, because technology has made it much easier to literally point
and click. This, to a degree, also extends to other technolgy-enhanced art outlets such as music, video and film too. You can literally "fix it in
the mix" now, and start to work on things whilst recording.
The easy availability of previously unimaginable memory sizes and lighting fast processing
speeds, have allowed the rectification/corrective functionality in software ( i.e. the undo
function), to go far beyond our everyday usage levels. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
So if the tools </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">available allow us to create hundreds and even thousands of
takes of something to attain newer levels of near-perfection, then what does this
mean for works of art? </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">Perhaps now that we are closer to reaching an absolute apex
in terms of A.I (artificial intelligence), and auto-assistive / corrective procedures when using technology, is
there a growing hankering for a smidgeon of imperfection? This
is not to be confused with malfunction, but is the recognisable flavour of a skew in the man-machine interface, which hints at an analogue or “real world” ad-hoc inconsistency. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br />
In terms of music, I can vouch for being more aurally pleased when I can
hear some random warmth and movement here and there in a track or song. This
can be anything from the slight but unavoidable drift of tuning in an
electronic or organic instrument, to a voice that hasn't had the life and
passion inherent in it, auto-corrected into a near-sterile facsimile of the
original performance(s). I´m not alone in this and I've yet to see someone look
mortified at a live concert where these little flecks of humanity in the performances, are part and
parcel of the experience. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
In effect, art can be seen as human expression, with an emphasis on the
qualities of being human. That is, the output is more organic and coming from our less than one hundred percent
accurate selves. By nature, there is always something not quite perfect with our modes of expression; that's what gives us character and identity. More importantly, groups of us can relate to similar modes of expression, which <i>feels</i> natural and real.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">As already mentioned, this isn't to be confused with a mistake, which is so off-track that it can be
potentially ruinous to the end product. It's about leaving in enough of an emotive moment or set of emotive moments, which are akin to letting go of<b> </b>yourself somewhere. You're in control, whilst operating from a subconscious part of the thought process. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Vocalists and guitarists are good examples of this; the warm-ups, the ad libs, the tricky guitar solos with daring note bends and the studio chat before, during and after a take, all encompass a swathe of humanity trying to go further and higher out of their comfort zones. Next time you're listening to an album, look out for</span></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> things such as count-in's left on the tape (the</span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZ8Bc6jz-W8" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">‘1, 2,3,4’</a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">often heard at the beginning of a song) <a href="https://youtu.be/0bcIjILqORM" target="_blank">coughing</a> , </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">and the pre-roll </span><a href="https://youtu.be/1cVuETI4Pl0" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;" target="_blank">snippets of conversion </a><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> , for evidence.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">If you're a fan of the art, the artists and the processes, you'll find most of it to be enjoyable and fun. All things said, it’s not there to mess up the final product and has been left in out of an artistic choice; a </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">human</i><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> choice.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">And it's <i>that</i> organic connection to the work which allows the artist to reach out further, because
he or she has allowed a part of themselves to be expressed that way, without eradicating those leaps into the unknown during the final edit.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
So in today's digital age, good art can be thought of as leaving most of the
original feeling and intention behind it (sometimes replete with a<i> </i>few warts and blemishes), into the final product. And technology has made it easier for everyone to create and put their work out in the world, leaving as much (or as little), of that human quality, as preferred.</span></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">And the individuals who shine (or at least stand
out), are those who allow their personality to come through without removal of their unique blend of originality. Leaving in those sweet, smart and sly little idiosyncrasies<b>,</b> is all part of the charm. Leaving something of ourselves in the
<i>process</i> of creating the work, is part of the art. As a consumer, this is what draws you in, even if it's at a
level you may not consciously recognise. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span>
</span></span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the same vein, I edited
this article myself. Not too much, but hopefully enough to make it a crisper and cleaner read. I pondered over some of the construction and syntax, but kept to most of my original intention and flavour in the final edit. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span></span>Obviously<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, I’ve chosen to leave this bit of
information at the end of the process; the irony isn’t lost on me. Like most people, I’m
always striving to improve my work. But I’ll never be an anodyne and soullessly ultra-efficient automaton. I’m happier having the option of an opinion, which means I’ll be imperfect here and there. Our experiences are the bedrock of our creativity. They're like snapshots of so many moments in our lives and souls. This can spur us onto anything unique, from simple rhetorical jigsaws to complex sonic mosaics and visual masterpieces. </span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In effect, we’re all
works of art; constantly changing, reshaping and evolving, always trying to improve ourselves. Like unfinished works in
progress, there are countless real-world interactive 'downloads' and updates to constantly process, analyse, accept and/or reject. We'll wash, rinse and repeat this, until we fade to grey. </span></span></span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The important point, is that we can be paradoxically perfect in our imperfections And that's a fine and humanely wonderful thing to be. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;"><br />
(c), S R DHAIN, (revised & updated)</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The original article was published on the American Chronicle website and publication. </span></span></i></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span></span></span></span><br />
</span><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span>For writing / consultancy </span></span>related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@hotmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b><a href="mailto:shekhardhain@hotmail.com" rel="nofollow"> </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-83999379621071589282022-04-07T03:38:00.000-07:002022-04-07T03:38:41.967-07:00'Washing machine' Syndrome; Adding value or extraneous functionality?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span data-mce-style="font-weight: normal;" style="font-weight: normal;">As newer concepts and
innovatory practices continue to stem outwards from the design labs and
onto the marketplace, why is it that there are still a plethora of
devices, both hard and soft, that are filled to the brim with multi-functionality? Are these extra options and functions useable and valuable? Or is it all 'gizmo-ing'? </span></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had to buy a new washing machine this year, to replace the sturdy workhorse that had finally given up the ghost after a decade of usage. It'd had two repair visits, one of which was under warranty. I ended up buying the same brand again, not out of ludditism, but more because I knew from prior experience (and web based research), that it delivered high-quality functionality, and this took precedence over form. This matters when choosing what is essentially a "white good" in our lives. But what is this 'syndrome' I´m referring to?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In effect, I´ve noticed on hundreds of occasions in the past, that when you look at a washing machine front panel, there are a swathe of buttons (and dial notches), offering combinations/permutations of wash, rinse and dry cycles for you to choose from. In actual use, however, I´m confident that I´m not alone in using less than a fifth of those, over the course of owning the machine. So why are all the extra options still there? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYbpe5FGk4kT9FLbgBKuYnUhKVeklm5LFYMk72U98oCwy3Am-3Rhsg5nKIpZQPUikegfyLnT5pFsLN_Fo3RLZOdHuV8wFuFVRa0TnjX6McLqqR7iSv-mjbMsER7R8PZk5-A_La9KgSXwF/s1600/washing+machine.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYbpe5FGk4kT9FLbgBKuYnUhKVeklm5LFYMk72U98oCwy3Am-3Rhsg5nKIpZQPUikegfyLnT5pFsLN_Fo3RLZOdHuV8wFuFVRa0TnjX6McLqqR7iSv-mjbMsER7R8PZk5-A_La9KgSXwF/s320/washing+machine.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All washing machines are festooned with a myriad of wash, spin and dry cycles..how many do YOU use? </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It´s a relatively straightforward question but consider this: would you
feel happier or more satisfied with owning the same machine if they <i>wern't</i>
there? And it´s this level of rationale, which can explain why so much extra ‘gizmo-ing’,
as I like to call it, is built into so many products on both a macro and micro
level. In effect, it´s all about adding value to the main concept or design
remit that the item purports to fulfil. <br />
<br />
A classic example is the functionality on even the cheapest mp3 or music players. Nearly
all of them have some sort of random/ shuffle option (some with sub-options),
playlist features, and some kind of sound enhancement processing. However, as
you go into the mid range in terms of pricing, you´ll find that some are now
heading into the realms of becoming PDA´s (personal digital assistant type
devices), with document reading/creation et al, all built into the same device. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And to think, most people would buy the said device for mainly <b>one</b> purpose
only, for which the marketing/ advertising budget has most likely been
allocated. My theory here, can apply to anything; from steam irons to even
electrical rechargeable razors. Next time you´re at an electrical retailer or
even browsing an online e-tailer, have a look at the product range for your
particular interest, and notice the increase in features designed into the
product, as you go further up the price range. <br />
<br />
Up to a point, the aforementioned theory steadfastly applies. However, I
have noticed that in certain specialist markets, such as top end audio/ hi-fi,
the feature set starts to follow an inversion of this rule; you pay more for <i>less</i> available options. It can be argued
that in such instances, you´re paying for the privilege of potentially premium
product quality and service delivery, and hence all the other gizmo-ing and
dressage becomes surplus to requirements. <br /><br />In essence, it could be argued that
this applies to a number of premium price/ quality products in general. There
is an exponential concept that comes into effect, with regards to
features vs. price for that customer, because quality is very
rarely (if indeed ever), sacrificed to bring the item to the marketplace at
that price point. The idea being that these types of products do one thing <i>far better</i> than anyone else, so there isn't a specific need to add/ remove
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcXvwximON2dacFFpChgb7vsjaWHe-8-E4wyoT9Mh7DtgabyQEXYOOTkXNHnFlcuOrWLa8_kOBizwhQNiYJqPS2PMTRLbBxB3qcf3tsFuTuqnXTyh7Hx21kMylbBlYqOyU-dzKl4j4qnH/s1600/bang-olufsen_image_small.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHcXvwximON2dacFFpChgb7vsjaWHe-8-E4wyoT9Mh7DtgabyQEXYOOTkXNHnFlcuOrWLa8_kOBizwhQNiYJqPS2PMTRLbBxB3qcf3tsFuTuqnXTyh7Hx21kMylbBlYqOyU-dzKl4j4qnH/s320/bang-olufsen_image_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">An aesthetically simple, yet bold and beautiful top end A/V entertainment system, any day of the year. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">In effect, it could be argued that apart from adding value, the need to add far more bells and whistles than is necessary to a product, may potentially be disguising what may have been left out in the final production concept for budgetary reasons. This is evidenced by online firmware updates, which carry on into the first few years of the product. They add longevity and crystallise the user base too; all good for brand loyalty & future sales. </span></span><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This isn't as obtuse as it sounds, when you consider that some devices are great all-rounders, rather than the pinnacle of design and engineering. The aforementioned theory about top-end hi-fi, is a great illustrator of how less truly can be more. Or maybe it´s just to give the product some extra USP´s (unique selling points), when trying to position themselves as ‘the best game in town’? <br /> <br /> It´s more likely a combination of both of these, together with manufacturers and designers appealing to our sense of looking for ‘marginal utility’, which is the economic concept of having extra of something and gauging the satisfaction derived as a result. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In effect, if you <i>feel</i> you're getting a lot for your money, then you'll <i>feel</i> more eager to hand over the cash and buy the product. This was best exemplified in the 1980s when many home entertainment audio systems ( known as "tower" systems), would fulfil all remits you´d need in such a concept. They'd have record player, cassette tape player, an amplifier, a radio, speakers, and the components were all built into a stand with a glass panelled door. The glass itself would sometimes be darkly smoked, to give a chic & upmarket appearance. The whole ensemble looked great and served a useful function, insofar that minimal wiring was needed; you literally plugged in the speakers, then plugged into the mains and switched on to sweet music. The cabinet also protected the system, which had the appearance of separate components stacked on top of each other. As a result of all this clever design thinking, they shifted in huge numbers world wide. <br /> <br />Since time immemorial, price is the key factor for most people when making a purchase decision and the washing machine syndrome may not be as important as it used to be. Potential buyers are better informed than before, due to the power and obvious ease of information dissemination via the internet. <br /><br />It´s noticeable that even audio and media devices on the marketplace, have a cleaner and slicker appearance, with most functionality tucked away in the software, only to be revealed on power on or "boot up" of the device. Of course, this serves another important purpose. It aids the preventiing (or at least stalls), of reverse engineering; if a competitor is trying to grab your share of the market with a rival product, you wouldn't want them to be able to replicate all of your functionality with ease. <br /><br />Inarguably, as long as the consumer wants more value for their money, then manufacturers (& design teams), will continue to look for new and innovative ways to add extra functionality to all goods & services. And the key word here, is <i>balance</i>. Providing generous delivery of concept functionality at a high quality level, can be enough to negate the other need to add extra ‘gizmo-ing’, which was done to potentially pull in another newer sector of the customer base, who may not have previously considered that product or the brand. So getting it right once, can be like the gift that keeps on giving in that respect ,as people trust the brand and will be more willing to buy other products and services from them. <br /> <br /> I'm very satisfied with my washing machine. Not only does it do what it says it should do and with a level of excellence, it also doesn't try to make my toast for me, or offer me a cup of tea. At least not yet.<span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(c) S R DHAIN (revised & updated)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"><i>The
original article was available via The American Chronicle publication
& website</i></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><i><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><br /></span></i><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy </span></span>related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@hotmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br />
</span></span></span></div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-20787426981815733112022-04-07T03:00:00.001-07:002022-04-08T07:03:14.046-07:00The Unpredictable Results Of Predictable Thinking. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> <span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">For all our organising, scheduling, conc<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">eptualised <span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">formulae and systemi<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">c approaches</span>, we sometimes don't quite get the results we're after. </span></span></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">In es<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">sence</span></span>, not everything tends to go as planned. John Lennon was
famously quoted as saying that '<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=life+is+what+happens+to+you+john+lennon&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjLtO2nq4bMAhXDuhQKHa5rDiUQ_AUICCgC&biw=1138&bih=521">life
is what happens to you whilst you're busy making other plans</a>' . </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
So in effect, there is something else going on whilst you're trying to figure
out what you're going to do right now <i>and</i> in the future; like a cosmic 'please wait' process. And no matter what we do, we're at the mercy of 'that' as
well. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Think about that. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
On a basic level, it's the whole concept of living and co-exisiting, as well as
working with other people. Even those of us who spend more time working alone (
I go through phases of that), still have connectivity to the world at large via
a smartphone and an internet connection. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Beyond that, it's what can be called fate, karma, luck, blessings and so on. Or
'force majeure' spread out to varying de<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">grees,</span> over a lifespan. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
I mention all of this as innovation is also subject to the same forces. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Consider the evolution of technology in the last decade. More specifically,
let's look at the development of smaller form technology, such as smartphones
and tablets. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Could anyone at Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, HTC, Motorola, Blackberry and many
other companies whose names escape me right now, have imagined even seven years
ago as to how big the customer/ user base for this technology would become? </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
I'll hedge my bets and say no. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
At some point, all of the aforementioned companies have innovated. That is a
risk. No matter how many pre release surveys you do and even with multi level
UX/UI design teams feeding back into themselves <i>and </i>each other, it's a calculated gamble as to whether your product will take off and have a
lifecycle which allows successive development. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
However, if any of these companies had played continually safe, then where
would we be today? </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Exactly. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
The innovator's mindset is about risk and failiure. Success <i>is </i>the end
goal, for obvious reasons, but it's in the stumbles along the way that the <i>real
learning</i> and <i>growth</i> take place. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
And it's bearing that in mind, that I always hope for someone somewhere to take
a chance and not seem so predictable in their conceptualisation, in order to
allow the alchemy of 'force majeure' to do its work even more effectively. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
It could be someone like you or me. Or numbers of us, in teams. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Maybe we're already doing that in a smaller way, by using the products on a
regular basis, and then occasionally sharing our findings, tips and gripes on the internet & via social media. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
But more could be done. That requires trust. And that in itself could be a
risk. Risks carry costs, and the opportunity cost of taking each risk, is
money saved for further R&D for newer products and/or profit marg<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">in.</span> </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Playing safe is necessary to earn a living. But playing safe doesn't create the
husks of innovation that drive forward change and even create new industries,
with the offshoots occasionally becoming bigger than the original idea. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
I'll be in the market for a new smartphone later this year. I'm hoping it'll
have something quirky in the design. Refreshingly different, yet recognisable.
Even the oddball and 'eh? What's <i>that</i> all about' handsets, would be worth investigating. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">Rightly or wrongly , they will
make a handful of people sit up and take notice. And someone somewhere will carry the uniqueness forward, to create something else. That's progress, and <i>that's</i> innovation. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
The devil may be in the details, but there's also genius within the quirks & oddities; it
can sometimes take longer to see the latter. Then it's a question of
following those up, in order to change and improve upon them <i>or </i>discarding the concepts, maybe keeping a few ideas for another round of creativity. It'd be nice
to have a b<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">lend of</span> both options, but I may be </span><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">in a minority on that front. </span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br />
Here's to innovation and great design; both with or without the alchemy generated by <span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"">the </span>
unpredictable results, which stemmed from a predictable mode of thinking. </span><div><br /></div><div><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""></span><i>Revised & Updated</i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "sans-serif"" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-91583378055393856652022-04-07T02:46:00.001-07:002022-04-07T02:46:57.677-07:00Emotional Intelligence - Our Technology Needs It With Care. Many years ago when I had a hairstyle that needed a comb, my parents ran a manufacturing plant, and a wholesale front end was integrated into the building. It followed the usual arc of 3 or so years of hit and miss ( i.e. losses to break-even) income, which was subsidised by my father still holding his job down at an engineering plant. He'd finish his work at 5pm, and go into the business until late at night. I'd usually be asleep before they came home. <br />
<br />
The older generation had a work ethic that defies what my definition of hard work is, because they must have worked about 70 hours a week <i>as a norm</i>, with 90 hours seeming more likely. This isn't an exaggeration, as I can remember as a boy that they'd be out there 7 days a week to get the business going. They left home from 7am and came home as late as 11pm (sometimes later), so the maths aren't unrealistic. I don't know how they did it in those years, either physically, mentally or emotionally.<br />
<br />
Moving forward, the business eventually flourished and as the product line grew, so did the staff levels. At one point, they had 100 people on two floors making garments for them. Looking back, they never used 'in the field' sales people, but went out there to trade shows and customers themselves. So they gradually had a slew of clients who were happy to travel or send couriers to pick up the goods from considerable distances. This included customers in foreign countries too. <br />
<br />
A lot of this was down to the earlier days when I can remember going with my father in his ford transit van, doing the drop offs in various parts of the UK . It saved the customers money and helped build a loyal customer base. The incentive for me, was a motorway cafe/service stop meal, and I'd help load & unload the van with him. My sister would occasionally make the trip, too. Looking back, they were fun times, even on the long cold winter nights driving up to scotland, sheffield and so on. <br />
<br />
Before I become too nostalgic, the issue here isn't necessarily a retrospective look at my family's business; they sold it on back in 2008 to a business partner who worked with them, and my father has since been retired.<br />
<br />
The crux here is about figuring out how they managed to deal with all the comings and goings of staff over the 26 years they were in business. I was with them for several of those years, and I found it fascinating to observe.<br />
<br />
The answer is partially encapsulated in the <i>emotional quotient</i> that applies when dealing with people.<br />
<br />
My mother had a very soft touch when dealing with everyone. On closer inspection however, (and of course this is all based on my personal recollection, so there may be an emotive quotient in the recalling of events), she was 'an iron fist in a velvet glove'. My father was more pragmatic, but yet naturally calm and polite.<br />
<br />
In effect, the aforementioned backstory of a segment of my familial life, was to illustrate the prelude to a question :- <br />
<br />
<i>Are we building these emotive qualities into the technology of today and tomorrow? </i><br />
<br />
More specifically, if the software and hardware is embedding these qualities using the finest (and continually being refined ) coding and development processes, then what or whom (plural) is governing the sensibilities by which these facsimilies of our personalities are being replicated?<br />
<br />
Consider all smart/ IOT technology today, and how it learns our habits, and essentially stores snapshots of our individual living and functioning styles. Ultimately, a slew of code and programming ( both nested and individual for different measurements and metrics) will analyse this data, and offer suggestions or even make decisions on our behalf. That's both refreshing, illuminating and also a little bit scary. <br />
<br />
Why scary?<br />
<br />
Because we're getting ever closer to approaching an apex as to where the synergy between man and machine is increasingly pronounced. The effect that will have in terms of our usefulness and sense of purpose as individuals, and as collective, functional groups in society, is up for considerable change. <br />
<br />
From the basic premise of the person getting up early in the morning to go to work, to the server / waiter and barista who is eventually made redundant, to the uncertain existence of the corner shop and boutique store, there are issues of balance, together with a slew of limitations that haven't yet been fully addressed.<br />
<br />
Not everyone will be able to perpetually upgrade to the next best electronic necessity; that's a lengthier and subjective topic for another time. And those that do, will have more time on their hands, which once you have savoured at length , (e.g:- a lengthier vacaton or 'clock off' from the daily treadmill of life), will ironically be spent figuring out what to do next. <br />
<br />
<i>Time</i> is the keyword here. We hanker for an abundance of it and yet too much free time potentially means constructive development towards a better now or future, or benign yet wasteful frippery. Hopefully it'll be a more towards the former, with a smidgeon of the latter. <br />
<br />
Ultimately only time will tell us as to how we deal with each successive intertwining round of technological innovation, coupled with human needs and wants. But it's not too early or too late to use our emotional intelligence to try and best govern how we can steer the ships of innovation towards a <i>better</i> future, rather than a more random and potentially chaotic future, which occured because all we did was chase the bottom line of more ( or extra) profit. <br />
<br />
I'd rather we have a clearer idea of where we're going and a better future, because chasing the latter will mean more time spent fixing and reimagining what we <i>didn't</i> think or do with care 'back then' , in order to make that current time a brighter place. Profit isn't a dirty word, but it's not the only word when moving forward towards growth and innovation. Especially at a time where resource allocation and productivity, as well as production methods, cannot be as lasseiz-faire as they used to be. <i>Accountability</i> isn't a dirty word either. <br />
<br />
We've already built the tools, the materials are there to harness and so is the manpower. All we need to do is make sure we add <i>care</i> and mindfulness in the processes, along each step of the way towards a brighter future.<div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Revised & Updated</i> <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span></span></div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-7987374140421212822022-04-05T02:06:00.001-07:002022-04-05T02:06:40.015-07:00Please Lord, Don’t Let The Album Die. <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><i>Music is now playing (and available), everywhere. From the lounge, to the
hall, to the mall, to the lift, to our cars, and last but not least, out of our our smartphones into Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones.
This level of availability is great, cause we can all dip in and out of
our collections or some archive somewhere in the electronic ether, as
and when we want to. Invariably, this has changed the </i></span><i>listening experience forever. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i><br /></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>Does listening to an album of
music still have some meaning attached to it? And will the album survive? </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">On the way into town, I walked past a girl at a bus stop who was singing along
to something on her smartphone . Nothing unusual in that, but I actually slowed
down as I walked past her and stopped for a few seconds, because it dawned on me that she was
singing along in an "auto tune" style. I
couldn´t place the song, but I wondered whether she was singing along in
emulation of the actual song, or whether she was just putting that on as an
effect, in order to make it totally her own and put her personal stamp of approval on it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
I´ve got over 500 c.d.´s, which should actually be closer to 700, but
over the last 20 or so years, I´ve had people borrow them and not return them. Of course, some of them have broken, become damaged or been mislaid and weren´t replaced for whatever reason.
Other than make my c.d. rack sound like some kind of warzone ( it isn´t, I
promise you), I also have over 300 slabs of vinyl in 7 and 12 inch form. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Why am
I sharing this? Well, it dawned on me that each time I go to the gym, I
must be a bit of a luddite, insofar that I end up listening to a lot of
albums in 'as originally intended' track listing order from my smartphone, whilst working out. And maybe I'll skip an occasional track, depending on the energy of the session . Does <i>anyone else</i> do this or something approximately like this ? </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">No, Not the 'going to the gym' part, which is a
long, relatively pleasant drive there and back. What I mean is, does anyone else
still listen to an album worth of music as the artist intended it to
be heard? </span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLYfRlZOdofn1Td0F0wqmp1CW3k3DAKPysav1DZ2Wwwzp_KrVvF4kjXxOSpCXOEduHqMbVFoGUNb5MBXeCWfcXJ5Ow_RgLWHLLEsUcx2QFcBYhT-Q3SmBSlvGUzrgt9Qp8ZcMk3rFVv-D/s1600/my+cd+collection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinLYfRlZOdofn1Td0F0wqmp1CW3k3DAKPysav1DZ2Wwwzp_KrVvF4kjXxOSpCXOEduHqMbVFoGUNb5MBXeCWfcXJ5Ow_RgLWHLLEsUcx2QFcBYhT-Q3SmBSlvGUzrgt9Qp8ZcMk3rFVv-D/s320/my+cd+collection.jpg" width="175" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Some of my CD collection. There are currently over 100 or so that are "missing in action" ( i.e. borrowed and not returned, misplaced, etc) </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />
Naturally, I do this in the car as well. Obviously, one has the same option of
skipping tracks with CD'</span>s & downloaded albums, but my point remains the same; I don't think so many people bother with the album 'experience' anymore.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />Recently, I saw
Johnny Marr in a snippet of a documentary called LAST SHOP STANDING on YouTube,
talk about how an album is an experience in itself. For those who don´t know who
he is, Johnny Marr is one of the greatest guitar players to have come
out of the UK in the last 30 years (have a search on the internet for further details), with a multi-faceted career. In effect, he made a very valid point, in that an album has a start and a finish & is effectively a body of collective work. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This was more applicable in the days of vinyl, where you had no choice but to flip the disc
over after approximately 22 minutes ( or less), in order to listen to the rest of the songs and <i>conclude</i> that body of work, as a listening experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Furthermore, you'd repeat the aforementioned if it was a double, triple or even quadruple album. In effect, your attention span, the ability to concentrate and your resultant enjoyment
would be based in and around this style of listening experience. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZSRP2Ta0kSu2_LfpUH1v0ThggK2HkLHDipJt67D5i3Vwb_tDOJjWM6XVSiFFl7SFUPWlbT78w0JpCoP5Y6qfQPgt7so4QkpmZdhS4vMvkyfsm1cYgPFyXMbaXtVFJdGsHlBPtYWKEfgX/s1600/vinyl+album.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZSRP2Ta0kSu2_LfpUH1v0ThggK2HkLHDipJt67D5i3Vwb_tDOJjWM6XVSiFFl7SFUPWlbT78w0JpCoP5Y6qfQPgt7so4QkpmZdhS4vMvkyfsm1cYgPFyXMbaXtVFJdGsHlBPtYWKEfgX/s320/vinyl+album.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> Some prefer the sound of a vinyl album to a CD. Nonetheless, the intent is the same; you're embarking on a sonic journey. </span></td></tr>
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Now that music has become so transient, it follows suit that we can literally press a button on our smartphones and instantly grab a slice of aural goodness whenever we want it. This is literally irrespective of time, day, location and more importantly, the album <i>or</i> genre it's originated from. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Some might
say that´s a great choice to have and up to a point, I agree. Those moments when
you're waiting for a plane, bus or train, or you're stuck in a long queue for something else, now mean that all you need to do is
stick a pair of headphones on. You can now soothe (or gently sway) away some of those minutes in waiting , with a
quick blast of your favourite track(s). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This level of listening freedom also extends to everyone being able to make
their own playlists, which wasn´t uncommon in the days of cassette, portable CD player and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiniDisc" target="_blank">mini-disc</a>. However, as there are no similarly immediate physical storage issues and limitations (e.g. extra costs of the storage medium, limits on running times & the physical bulk), then umpteen playlists can be made within minutes of each other, which more
importantly can also be shared en masse over the internet, using the various social
media tools available. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">it´s the availability of complete freedom to chop and change, which I feel has taken away from the importance of an album, as it used to exist. There's simply no hard-wired consumer stipulation, to keep it as it was originally pressed, burned & track-listed. </div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The album as a product, has little to do with an artist exercising any kind of alleged pseudo-dictatorship over the consumer. I.e the cynical. 'I'm putting out a body of work, and you'll buy it even if it isn't choc full of music you'll like and grow to love' routine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Even for arguments sake that wouldn't work anymore, as consumers are more well informed & can listen to most (if not all), of the album before buying it, via the various social media portals. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Bearing all the above in mind, why <i>does</i> an album exist?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">In effect, it's about giving
the listener an extended experience that they can savour (and cherish), more fully. It's akin to taking a long trip or journey into the artist's thoughts & feelings at that period of time, whilst looking for (or picking up on), correlations into your own state of being. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And t</span>hat's why I still buy albums on
physical CD and download formats, simply because I want to get into the whole 'arc', so to speak, that the artist intended for me
to listen to his/her/their work in. On a personal note, this also extends to artwork & packaging design, but that's a different conversation for another time. </div><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It goes without saying that the record label ( if one is
involved), may have had something to do with the track choice, artwork/photography selection and even the producer (i.e. the finished product & its marketing),
but I cant imagine listening to Oasis ´ 'Definitely Maybe', for example, on random
or shuffle play the first and every successive time I listened to it. </span>And I
cannot ever imagine listening to Brian Eno´s 'Music For Airports' on shuffle
either. Although some may argue that it would be a good idea, i'd find it defeatist
and almost sacrilegious, in terms of retaining the artistic merit of the work, as it was intended to be presented </div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And yet there is an entire generation, whom for various reasons will pick & choose their favourites and download them from various albums (or even just one album), as they want/need that full flexibility to listen to their own playlists, all the time. I'm just not one of them, although as mentioned earlier, I may skip the occasional track. </span><br />
<br /><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I´d rather buy the album and listen to it in the
order in which it was arranged on the final released product, because I think (or at least i'd rather believe), that the artist(s) involved wanted it that way. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">It may not cure any illnesses
or ailments, it may not fix the world´s ills and socio-economic problems, but some things are best to be left 'as is'. It´s almost the equivalent
of viewing a monet or mona lisa via looking at snippets of them to get an
idea of what was going on in the concepts, as well as having access
to the complete pictures themsleves and making your own versions. That renders the whole thing into a makeshift sliding puzzle ;why would you want to do that to a finished piece of art? </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMvsE8ocPmxJfiyco1diav7G3q6ZIO9lmO4yFOI6N8lFvGC7klD1lFuFVYGzPy1rsH1a2JYDVFd4RMnB1PNHnsWqSGEXFbELgzNTA4EyDjUnQym8A8PH0_JbIeT3-PymiJ1f1R-3fY2B2/s1600/road-journey-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAMvsE8ocPmxJfiyco1diav7G3q6ZIO9lmO4yFOI6N8lFvGC7klD1lFuFVYGzPy1rsH1a2JYDVFd4RMnB1PNHnsWqSGEXFbELgzNTA4EyDjUnQym8A8PH0_JbIeT3-PymiJ1f1R-3fY2B2/s320/road-journey-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Listening to an album in full sequence, as the artist intended, can be like taking an audio journey that represents the artistic intention behind the work. </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br />Maybe I´m in a minority who feels that the musician
should always have the opportunity to present a fuller, richer experience to
the listener, so that the listener has a greater ( and relatable) idea of the vision
behind the product. </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Because if the same musician <i>isn't </i>going to have the
reciprocation of that, which can be evidenced by a lack of album sales ( I'm not including the loss of sales due to piracy and illegal downloading, as that's an entirely different issue altogether), then why
bother to compile several songs for an album? Is it solely to propel sales
for yet another tour? </span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Surely not, as groups such as The Rolling Stones have
proved for countless years that you can tour without releasing a new batch of songs each time.
Furthermore, established artists seldom play every selection off a new album
in concert, as its usually the hits and favourites that get first dibs. </span></div>
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The album is, in my humble opinion, like a sonic book. It's a musical series of chapters of
intent, bound together as a cohesive, sequential whole. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And as already mentioned, It´s akin to a collection of aural snapshots of the artist(s)
life/lives at that point in time. That´s a <i>reassuringly</i> <i>human</i> thing to have in this
technology-driven world we're living in.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">And that's what makes it essential. Music is a universal language that negates so many social barriers and boundaries. You might not always speak the language being sung, but you just <i>know</i> what the intention is, by the feelings evoked in the tracks themselves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Even when listening on headphones, you're taken somewhere else, to a place that is usually easier to feel than describe; now <i>that's</i> powerful. And the cover art, with the inner sleeve booklet(s) with lyrics and credits..it's all part of the picture. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">I hope the album survives as a format, for as long as possible. It's already been around for over 70 years, and countless collections of albums show up at auctions, as historical artefacts. That's a snapshot of artistic lives, lived <i>within</i> the context of another human life that cherished them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Wouldn't <i>you</i> want a collection of albums to be part of your life's story? </span></div>
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(c) S R DHAIN (revised & updated)</span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The original article was available via The American
Chronicles website </i></span></span></span><br />
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<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy </span></span>related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span><b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-12446722544932937142022-04-04T14:10:00.001-07:002022-04-04T14:10:58.519-07:00The Peter Principle: Is Failing Upwards Still Feasible? The Peter principle, so named after <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_principle?wprov=sfla1" target="_blank">Lawrence J. Peter</a>, is directly adherant to the concept of 'failing upwards'. <div><br /></div><div>It works on the premise that in a working environment, you're promoted due to outstanding performance in one particular area within a group or function; ergo, you've been sent further up into the organisational structure, with a commensurate salary increase & other benefits. But you've actually been put into a new position where you'll restfully spend the remainder of your tenure growing into a blissful state of benign incompetence. </div><div><br /></div><div>In effect, you're now in a position that doesn't necessarily reflect your best attributes within your skillset. It's akin to a brilliant footballer being pushed to become a manager, without having the full gamut of people skills to do the job properly. At best, it's a misstep. At worst, it's the end of the road.</div><div>
<br />So why does this happen?<br />
<br />There could be a multitude of reasons, and sometimes it involves a variety of subtexts. For example, the promotion of Jean or John into the realms of middle management, so that the rest of the team can have the scope to work harder and prove themselves. Or the current manager not wanting to leave their comfortable niche which Jean or John could be better suited to, so promoting them into a no-man's land role instead to save one's own seat. But that's not the primary rationale here.</div><div>
<br />
In effect, the assumption made is that we're great at doing something until we've reached the
pinnacle of that skillset. Beyond that, we'll become less effective, because our motivations and
drivers to reach that peak or summit have now disappeared or been satiated with more money & a (sometimes perceived) greater sense of power. As a result, ennui will start to set in due to the cosy and warm, 'slippers-by-the-fire' feeling of having made it to the highest level of achievement. </div><div><br /></div><div>And unless we're absolutely terrible at the role, we'll be stuck there for a long time (the 'no-man's land' scenario). Wealthier, mildly happier (subjectively; it depends upon the length of time & psychological drivers), and yet not as brilliant (or outstanding), as we once were, or perceived to be. <br />
<br />
But is it really that simple?<br />
<br />
No. Think of a multitude of careers where you've seen growth and adaptability go together more synchronistically. For example, the studio tea person, who has worked their way up to become a producer and even become an owner of their own recording facility. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course there are pitfalls. The noticeable things causing ennui here, are excessive hearing loss & a slowdown in physical & cognitive abilities. Nonetheless, it could be argued that it's a heart-lead business & a recording studio can be an intense and challenging workplace due to ever changing external situations ( e.g. technological advances), and the unpredictable nature of the clientele & the business model(s) utilised. All the aforementioned help prevent the Peter Principle from taking flight. </div><div><br /></div><div>Market forces also play a role here (a lack of artists or projects to record, for instance), but there's still a smaller liklihood of failing upwards, as it's likely to be driven by a greater personal investment on every level. I say this, as I've seen studios keep on running, with their owners reducing rates and diversifying into other areas (e.g. voiceovers, adverts, jingles ,etc), in order to keep the company (and their dream job), alive. </div><div><br /></div><div>This isn't uncommon. Owners of businesses tend to slog at it for longer than their employees as there is a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_cost" target="_blank">sunk cost</a> for them, which isn't shared in full by anyone else. This can also give rise to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunk_cost#Fallacy_effect" target="_blank">sunk cost fallacy effect</a>, too. <div><br /></div><div>On a tangent, getting fired whilst at one company, can sometimes drive people to pursue something completely different and make good in that direction, too. Many entrepreneurs (history is abundant with them, and the internet can help you find some), have started new careers this way.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, some people may start at the bottom of an organisation and work their way to the middle, then move between departments and eventually reach board level. They then take voluntary retirement ( or semi-retirement) and set up an independent organisation, which is the culmination of all the skills they've learned and refined over the years at the aforementioned organisation. That's <i>not</i> failing upwards, but is taking a chance in the same pond, but from a different seat by the river. <div>
<br />
The other examples of the Peter Principle <i>not</i> working, is within other creative media fields. Actors, Musicians, Painters and Directors, for instance, aren't encumbered by this, simply because of the more open-ended nature of their professions. The level of chance and inconsistency built into their working lives ensures that it's more difficult for 'failing upwards' to occur here. In effect, you have to keep practicing your craft(s) and honing your skillset(s) for the entire duration of your working life. </div><div><br /></div><div>And some actors have turned into successful producers and/or directors, which supports the aforementioned position. You're essentially working from scratch per project, as even with the same technicians & crew, some of the other incumbents (actors, writers, music and f/x departments, for instance), will have changed. So even if you know what you're doing, you still don't know exactly what to do or how to go about it.</div><div><div><br /></div><div>The aforementioned also goes some way to explaining why creativity based workplaces pay so well. The advertising & marketing industries/ businesses are also prime examples of a constant need & reliance upon heavy-duty creative thinking; the end result of a successful implementation of work projects here, can be remarkably lucrative. </div><div><br /></div></div><div>
<br />Where the Peter Principle <i>can</i> apply, is in areas of linear, structured work environments. The thinking being that if you're not required to do something that consistently pushes you to think creatively to find solutions in your work, you'll eventually peak & then stagnate . The emphasis isn't on doing this all the time, but some of the time; no one's going to be required to be continuously innovative & original, every day of the week. </div><div><br /></div><div>In essence, prevention is better than cure. And to that end, the involvement of technology in our everyday lives, at work, rest & play, keeps us all on our toes to a healthy extent. Even the Jean or John who's sat at a dozen senior management meetings struggling to keep awake during half of them, is pushed to stay abreast of software & hardware developments, in order to prevent being left behind or even be overtaken by subordinates who are quicker to adapt, adjust & innovate with technology. Newer staff may be better versed in interoperability and smoother cross- platform integration & workflow, but that's due to using these technologies on a regular basis <i>before</i> entering the corporate environment. </div><div><br /></div><div>To conclude, the solution lies in identifying core competencies at regular intervals, and adapting or changing the work given to that individual, according to the results of the review. Furthermore, training & upskilling can be offered (or recommended) to keep the individual within the organisation, yet able to move around departments with less stress. But that's an <i>ideal</i> solution. And we live in a working world, where textbook type solutions can't be adhered to all the time or even at all. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nonetheless, if we're quicker to identify strengths, and can work to improve (or at least work around) weaknesses, then we can remain more sure-footed in our work. And in our rapidly moving technology laden world, the work environment will change to follow suit, or become anachronistic. Automation can take a lot of the pragmatic/systemic processes out of the equation, leaving us to deal with the creative, innovative and more unpredictable aspects. </div><div><br /></div><div>Focusing on creativity can (and likely will), eventually lead to many more self-employed people. That's a good thing in many ways, because there's zero ability to hide behind the large, corporate veneer of a successful organisation; you'll literally only have yourself to thank or blame for the success or failiure of your career. The current pandemic has created an influx of remote working situations. <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/d/digital-nomad.asp" target="_blank">Digital nomads </a>also fit the aforementioned bill. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not being able to fail upwards will eventually become more difficult as assessment & accountability become a more regular scenario. Again, the use of technology (e.g. zoom based reviews with continual improvements in metrics & analytics for performance), will facilitate this. </div><div><br /></div><div>As already discussed, our current work environment makes it more difficult to pass the buck. The pandemic and it's side effect of lengthier online working (and co-working) environments has put paid to that. Whilst it's been stressful at times, as it can strangely feel more unintentionally intimate due to everyone being in their own comfort zones at home during working hours, it's a stepping stone to prevent the wrong people going up the corporate ladder, and staying there until they become a part of the furniture. That makes it more difficult for the Peter Principle to take effect. </div><div><br /></div><div>And that means that no one can rot at the top, forever. Amen to that. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" target="_blank">here</a></span></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">LINKS TO MY :- <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN?t=cfZn2BXdgmg3FUDhx5xDWg&s=09" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></span></b></div><div>
<br />
<br /></div></div></div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-36320329916045694452022-04-04T02:15:00.000-07:002022-04-05T02:16:51.183-07:00It's Only Rain, At The End Of The Day<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=miracles+are+god%27s+way+of+remaining+anonymous&client=firefox-b&tbm=isch&imgil=MtHPWhAokK98DM%253A%253BX5NnVjU0TFRApM%253Bhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.quotesvalley.com%25252Fquotes%25252Fgod%25252Fpage%25252F233%25252F&source=iu&pf=m&fir=MtHPWhAokK98DM%253A%252CX5NnVjU0TFRApM%252C_&usg=__66AqIjHYSRosQllAvOtXDJ908gA%3D&biw=1366&bih=599&ved=0ahUKEwjdtvCq_dfNAhVpIMAKHa5cBmEQyjcIMw&ei=zWB5V52cMOnAgAauuZmIBg#tbm=isch&q=coincidences+are+god%27s+way+of+remaining+anonymous">'coincidence
is god's way of remaining anonymous' </a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">I'm sure that's what I heard him
say.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">That one line made more sense to
me as a fantastic day at the <a href="https://www.thecrystal.org/" target="_blank">Siemens Crystal</a> building drew to a
close.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Last saturday, I attended the <span style="color: black;">'<a href="https://www.peacepartners.co.uk/waves-of-change-forum.html" target="_blank">Waves of Change Peace and Sustainability
Forum</a>' at the aforementioned building, and the event itself was an
enjoyable day packed with eye-opening presentations, workshops and heartfelt
plea's about moving things forward in the name of inner peace and
socio-economic sustainability. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
But that's only half the story I want to share here. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
In effect, it started a few days earlier when I'd been sitting on the invite in
my email inbox, and couldn't decide wether to go or not. After all, it meant
wrapping up whatever I needed to do in my office earlier on a friday, in order
to hit the road in good time for the drive to london. It also meant having to
book a hotel, and pack a small overnight..etc. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
In essence I was procrastinating, and I sort of 'knew' I had to go. I couldn't
explain it, but I just 'knew' . </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I have a healthy amount of cynicism towards one-day workshops and travelling
for them, with the related overnight palavers, because quite a number of them
have <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">seemed to be</span> more effort to attend, than the value of the day ( and the
experiences gained) itself. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
But some strange things happened here. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
Some of them are little things, such as m<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">y</span> getting a room far above the busy
roadside( and its noise<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">..</span>essential to a good night's sleep) without having to ask for it
, as well as realising that i'd forgotten my phone charger, yet the
receptionist ha<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">d</span> a veritable smorgasboard of plugs and cables for me to
choose from. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";">She was also very polite and accomodating. I can
remember saying to her as I was checking out, that she had a lot of
peace about her, and a lot of light in her eyes. I also remember apologising to her as I was
leaving , as I didn't want it look as if I was needlessly gawping at her, because I
wasn't. I was just <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">kind</span> of struck by her energy or aura. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
But the biggest oddity of the day, happened on the way back. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
As I left the building,<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> I</span> strolled for a while near the docks<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">.</span> I then started
walking back towards the hotel to pick up my car and hit the road for the
journey home. I stopped halfway and thought 'hang on...I'm sure i wanted to
talk to so<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">-</span>and<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">-</span>so about the music<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">-</span>related<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">-</span>gig idea that was brought up for <a href="http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/" target="_blank">world peace day</a>?'. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">And</span> as I stood there, a loud inner-voice literally said to me 'keep walking and
don't worry about that!'</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I sto<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">pped in my tracks<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">,</span></span> thinking 'what was that?!' for a few seconds and <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">walked onwards </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">at a<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> brisk pace</span></span>. <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Besides, t</span>he sun
was shining, the sky was a clear<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">, azure-like blue</span> and I thought that it was such a perfect end to a great day. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
As <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">I</span> got closer to my car, I plipped the central locking button, opened the door
and got inside. My usual modus operandi, is to reach for the seatbelt and press the console to select a cd or radio station as <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">accompaniment for the journey. <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">It's <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">almost automat<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">ic; like a set of movements<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> and motion sequences. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
But <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">w</span>ithin 15 to 20 seconds, there was a complete change of weather. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";">I literally
sat back in astonishment and laughed. The downpour was torrential. I didn't
even see it start, and it was like a blast from the heavens at full velocity. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";">It was as if someone
somewhere was sitting there with their finger on a button, and I was akin to
some sort of computer game character who was being nudged along ( think late 80's / early 90's sideways scrolling arcade adventure type games<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">), </span></span></span>and the minute
I was under cover and safe, the rain-machine was switched on to full
pelt. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I felt like I'd witnessed and been a part of some sort of miracle and <b><i>learning.</i></b> <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">I guess I</span> needed it most at that partic<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">ular</span> time. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I'd been in a bit of a funk for <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">a number of days</span>, with all sorts of delays and obstacles
in my personal & professional life just getting me down. But as usual I
kept soldiering onwards, cause that's how it is; the age old belief that if you keep ploughing on,
you'll get there. <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">However, sometimes it can also feel like w<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">ading through an obstacle course, <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">sapping your inner strength and resolve in the process of trying to finish the work. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I guess I'd forgotten to take a breather<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> for long</span> enough to take stock and reassess a
few things. And my motivation was drifiting along in some <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">odd, random <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">fits and starts; akin to <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=brownian+motion&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=C1l6V_zoHqqN8QeyhJOICw" target="_blank">brownian motion. </a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
And that was the miracle for me. The fact that due to some odd quirk of fate or
chance I ended up going to the event, then <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">had an <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">unusually smooth hotel experience</span></span>, the journey
there ( and back) was fine, <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">the day itself was fantastic</span> <i>and</i> I was finally mysteriously 'shunted along' to get to my car, which
protected me from an allmighty soaking. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
In essence, there may well have been other strange occourances that happened
during the day that I may not have picked up on as yet; I'll know with time, if they were important and part of the whole experience. <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">In e<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">ffect,</span></span> I felt remakably revitalised and refreshed all the way home, and well into
sunday afternoon. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
I'm sharing this because I think we all get so wrapped up in our daily lives,
with their minutiae and complexities, that anything which can break the flow
and is away from our normal run of choices should be seen as a tonic, rather
than a disruption to our schedules and routines. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">Looki<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">ng back,</span></span> I felt the rain <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">at the end</span> <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">struck a powerful chord </span>. Like most people, I'm
not a huge fan of the rain, which I see as a short-cut to getting needlessly unfurled and sodden<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">. It can be</span>
one step away from a miserable<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">, head<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">-</span>hunkering</span> cold or flu. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
But <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">the rain</span> matters. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";">It helps cool things down. It gives life and nourishment to
flora and fauna. And the rain is also nature's way of washing the grime and
patina of life away. It refreshes us to<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">o, in it's own way, and jolts us out of complacency. </span> </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
That's certainly what it felt like to me. It was one of <span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";">a</span> handful of
occasions where I sat and laughed at the rain. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times" , "serif";"><br />
And I'm still laughing at the memory<span style="font-family: "times" , "serif";"> right now. </span></span><br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-59208334954221979042022-03-17T06:19:00.109-07:002022-03-17T07:04:19.294-07:00How Much Technology Is Too Much? I've seen more emails in my inbox in the last three months alone, for remote controlled drones, bike and car cams, apps, app programming courses and all kinds of newly invented ( and it must be said, quite ingenious) MFD'S (multi function devices) , than in the last three years put together. Wow, wow, & wow indeed.<br />
<br />
As a volte-face reaction to this swathe of gadgets and gizmos, with app upon app (and more apps for dessert), I've found myself hankering for some retrospective action with simpler devices and gadgets.<br />
<br />
Does anyone remember any of <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=1980%27s+devices&biw=1348&bih=581&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiEvcKShL_LAhVnQZoKHWSXAL4Q_AUIBygB#tbm=isch&q=best+1980%27s+devices" target="_blank">these</a>? <br />
<br />
It's analogous to going back to the womb of a more analog world and sucking on the thumb of your retrospective electronic nostalgia, whilst feeding on the milk of the comparitive simplicity of the experience.<br />
<br />
Take for example, your pre-smartphone mobile phone or cellphone handset experience. How long did the battery last between charges? <br />
<br />
And were you concerned with having extra battery backup packs? Or screen protectors? Or cases that double up as a ..<br />
<br />
No, you wern't.<br />
<br />
By comparison, will you have enough charge left by 4pm on any working day this week, to ensure you can use all of your social media apps, whilst being able to get your email and web browsing experiences into the rest of the day? More importantly, will you still have enough juice left to listen to about five or six songs ( because no one has to the time to listen to an entire albums worth of music more than once, which is closer to the day it's been downloaded), in the process? <br />
<br />
It's a difficult question to answer without 'uhmming' and 'aahing', so for ease of choice, coupled with a relatively solid reality check, it's safer to say that NO is probably the likely answer.<br />
<br />
But why?<br />
<br />
Because we've travelled far away from the convenience and simplicity ( which surely was the original point), of having a mobile phone, into the realms of carrying a close facsimile of our desktop or (more likely these days), laptop on the move.<br />
<br />
And as much as I love the convenience of <i>potentially</i> being able to more or less replicate some of what I do at 'desktop' level whilst away from a stationary place of work, it begs the question as to why I should feel the need to supposedly do so all the time. <br />
<br />
I guess it's because like many others, I was told it was the best way forward. In essence, you're never too far away from being able to 'get on with it'.<div><br /></div><div>Because my life is now busier than ever, i'll love how all these features make my life easier. The exoskeleton of my daily, weekly and monthly life, will be effortless to synergise (and manage), using my smartphone. <br />
<br />
Okay, so it <i>has</i> made my life somewhat easier in some areas, but its complicated it, too. And how. <br />
<br />
Firstly, I have to ensure I'm carrying a charge cable in the car (no wait..the <i>right type of charge cable, </i>as one size doesn't fit all)<i>. A</i>nd if I'm away for most of the day, i might need the actual plug-in charger with me in a bag or in a pocket, with perhaps its own charge cable; not everywhere has convenient usb charging ports. The horror, the horror.. unsightly bulges ahoy. <div><br /></div><div>A converter plug may also be required for foreign travel. A useful tool, as not all hotels have the required adaptors or even the cables you need, in case of mishap. I still keep a euro plug adapter in each of my weekend cases, for this eventuality, because its a reality I've dealt with many a time. <div>
<br />Then there's always a powerbank or two (it's a lovely looking rechargeable battery pack). And that in itself has to be kept topped up as well, in case you use it and blast all the juice at the moment when you<i> most </i>need it. </div><div><br /></div><div>This will be when you're watching something on YouTube, and are only half an hour away from your car or train arriving, with the cable and/or aforementioned charger which was in your pocket, now stuffed into a spare corner of your luggage due to the discomfort ( let's be honest, it's acute pain), it was causing you after being in your pocket(s) for so long. In effect, the irony, the agony and (not quite) ecstacy all made manifest in one fleeting moment.<br />
<br />
Wahey. <br />
<br />
Secondly, unless I carry a wireless keyboard around, then typing anything beyond a few lines in an email ( I won't get into the realms of producing a spreadsheet or an article using my smartphone with the built-in touch keyboard interface...does anyone do that? And <i>regularly</i> ? If so, I bow to your tenacity, skill, craftsmanship and bonsai-gardner like dexterity) using the smartphone, is about as easy as milking a plastic cow. <br />
<br />
Thirdly, I cannot physically print anything out without carrying a printer around with me (not everyone still accepts or uses e-sign). So that's even more bulk and bulging pockets. And that's one more step along the slippery road of 'this is too much'. It ultimately facilitates carrying a large briefcase around which is..</div><div>
<br />
No.<br />
<br />
And finally, why is it that most people (including myself) , don't actually like to <i>talk</i> a lot ( or at all?) on the phone anymore? Is it because of the multitude of ways you can now communicate using your phone <i>without</i> actually talking? <br />
<br />
We now schedule time to meet for a drink in a pub or coffee shop using our smartphones, whilst we're ironically then sitting there staring ( and swiping), into our phones. In effect, giving each other our time and energy has become the <i>secondary</i> activity. We occasionally look up at each other to acknowledge our presences, but the main retinal focus point is the smartphone screen. There's a myriad of expressions and facial <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=gurning&biw=1138&bih=521&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiGze-_svzLAhWL1xQKHRoEApoQ_AUIBigB" target="_blank">contortions</a> that are also part of this experience, but that's an 'each to their own' scenario. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, it appears to be that the <b>device itself</b> seems to be the only real friend we now trully have.<br />
<br />
And all of our actual, flesh & bone composite friends have become similarly lost in a myriad of swiping, tapping & taking bad selfies ( the good ones are out there somewhere too), on social media websites as well. <br />
<br />
It's true, you know. But it's also funny in an unironic way.<br />
<br />
As is losing your smartphone.<br />
<br />
For instance, many years ago I left behind my then new smartphone at St Pancras station on the concourse, and only realised my boo-boo when I got onto the train. I shrugged my shoulders and was relieved that I hadn't stored any critical information on the device. But when I narrated my situation to others (i.e. chatty fellow travellers and my friends when I got home), I recieved looks of terror and surpisingly, even horror.<br />
<br />
These reactions wern't out of sympathy that I'd lost my phone ( there was some of that, but it wasn't the prevalent emotion), but more the sort of reaction I'd expect to have gotten If I'd told them that I'd almost died or lost an appendage. I found this odd and quite disturbing.<br />
<br />
I was also met with blank and quizzical looks when I genuinely said that if i'd have lost my phone , I wouldn't have lost much sleep. That's true, because I'm all too aware that most people ( if not all), whose numbers I have, are also in my email lists on various email accounts which originated long before my soujourn into smartphone land. If all else fails, I still have a good old fashioned paper diary (actually, there's more than one), to fall back on. </div><div><br /></div><div>I got the phone back from St Pancras lost property ( remarkably, someone had handed it in, which <i>did</i> make my jaw drop), after a perfunctory phone call explaining my situation. I was relieved as the aforementioned notwithstanding, smartphones aren't cheap to replace as a device, even using ebay & other used goods portals.<br />
<br />
Hmm..<br />
<br />
Reading the above, maybe I'm wibbling about nothing really, because there are<i> </i>solutions available.<br />
<br />
For instance, I could downgrade to an older handset, such as a nokia 3650 type. But then I wouldn't get full value of service from my network provider.That'd then mean no more clips of youtube, music on tap, emails, WhatsApp..<br />
<br />
Oh. The very things I've just said we're doing too much of. <br />
<br />
We're fighting a losing battle..no, I'm fighting a losing battle. I spend two hours a day during my 'downtime' just idily tapping on the smartphone, checking emails and doing nothing of note, but burning new cellular tracks into my retinas in the process, whilst gurning occasionally. And now there's V.R. to contend with too. <br />
<br />
I don't want V.R..at least not yet. Not until someone convinces me that i need it more than I need lobster thermidor, and a bottle of good wine to go with it.<br />
<br />
I'd much rather have one of these, instead :-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RuJWpl7W6mc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RuJWpl7W6mc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I won't need to carry it around, it'll do one thing in it's own way, and I <i>know</i> it'll be around long after four generations of my current phone will cease to do what they all do, in any shape or form. Problem solved.<br />
<br />
Not quite.<br />
<br />
But it's all part of my own quest to not become too sucked into the halo-effect of new technology and innovation.<br />
<br />
Make no mistake, I <i>love</i> technology and am always pleased when I read about and discover some new innovation somewhere. Even more so when I find it is serving a function or purpose which has a <i>genuine</i> need or problem that needs resolving & solving. <br />
<br />
And that's the point. It's there to <i>serve </i>us, entertain us, help us and <i>not</i> enslaven us to it.<br />
<br />
So as long as we can remember that, and<i> </i>remind ourselves of the boundaries between healthy useage and over-consumption ( a zombified expression is one sign of needing a time-out) , we're going to be just fine. <br />
<br />
Just one more thing.. <br />
<br />
My birthday's in August, in case anyone's interested in buying me a teasmade.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span><br />
<br /></div></div></div>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-57112440626782758172016-04-26T14:48:00.003-07:002020-09-23T13:45:06.286-07:00Technology Is Eating Itself, But We Won't Follow It'Out with the old & In with the new' is the thought that crossed my mind earlier today, as I struggled to get my now ageing 'laptop 1', multitasking as efficiently as it would have even a year or so ago. I've known for a while that it needs to be cleaned, stripped and taken to the recycling centre nearby, but that slight luddite mentality of 'nah..it's got a few more months left in it yet' has kept me using it as a tandem workhorse.<br />
<br />
But the reality is that it's knackered. It overheats quite quickly, as I can hear from the internal fan kicking into action within five to fifteen minutes of it being turned on. If it was actually worked on whilst being sat on a physical lap, it'd probably burn the user's legs somewhat in the process. All in all , I'll give it until the end of this month and then it's time to do the 'last rites' on it and that's the end of another era in my working environment. <br />
<br />
We've quite recently also seen the end of another <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/01/25/the-best-and-weirdest-gadgets-of-2016/" target="_blank">CES </a>, and looking back it was the usual tantalising mixture of <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/01/25/the-best-and-weirdest-gadgets-of-2016/ehang-184/" target="_blank">brilliant</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/2016/01/25/the-best-and-weirdest-gadgets-of-2016/haier-ubot/" target="_blank">good</a>, <a href="http://cdn.geekwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/20160106_CES_871.jpg" target="_blank">bad</a> ( the grillbot...an automated grill cleaner) and even <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/pictures/ces-2016-meet-this-years-weirdest-and-worst-tech/6/" target="_blank">ugly</a>.<br />
<br />
In essence the above smattering is only a drop in the ocean of silicon, sweat, brainpower and brilliance. But what struck me about some of the better ones, were that they wern't anything groundbreaking in the conventional sense.<br />
<br />
In other words, they were brilliant redesigns being improved upon, or simply revived. The <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/articles/9747160361/ces-2016-kodak-8mm-movie-camera" target="_blank">'new' super-8 camera by kodak</a> and <a href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/3/10706180/lg-rollable-display-flexible-screen-announced-ces-2016" target="_blank">the flexi-thin screen by LG</a>, for example, are great reiteratons of existing and now defunct ( in the case of the super-8) devices. <br />
<br />
And the same can be said of our current generation of smart-tech devices, such as the tablets, laptops and all of our smartphones. Each successive release is a combination of :- <br />
<br />
* faster, lighter, brighter (both the screen AND in the choice of aesthetic casing) <br />
<br />
* more or less complex<br />
<br />
and <br />
<br />
*either more or less expensive than the previous generation device range/set. <br />
<br />
The same ruling can be applied to ancillary devices such as smartwatches and V.R. ( virtual reality) headsets, too. Although as these are still very new to the marketplace, the development and innovation cycles will have their own curve and skew. However, it must be noted that the watches haven't yet taken off saleswise with the same gusto as the smartphones that they were ( and are) designed to be a counterpart to, even though they've been around for almost two years.<br />
<br />
All the aforementioned is something I've been bearing in mind somewhat, whilst working through the clean, strip and backup processes involved before disposing of a laptop. And there was a cluster of conclusions I reached, which became further enchanced when I realised that a lot of the software I used regularly, was effectively next generational addendums and 'vitamin enriched', welcome reiterations of previous versions. In effect :- <br />
<br />
* We're reaching near superflous levels of development in technology . e.g. - how smart can a smartphone now be? how is (or will) V.R. be <i>improving</i> your life on a day to day basis?<br />
<br />
* the rate of change is now slowing down..the growth is exponential. <br />
<br />
* People's jobs are now starting to be superceeded by technology<br />
<br />
More importantly in such uncertain times, (in terms of resources, public and political unrest) , whilst technology <i>is</i> helping us to make connections around the globe quickly, and potentially help each other more efficiently and succinctly in times of crisis, what about the rest of the time? Are people still as inclined to spend time with and even help each other?<br />
<br />
Can technology be blamed for our slightly odd 'so near, yet so far' way of relating to each other? Or is there another endemic issue with regards ambition, survival, and the last burning embers of the industrial age, which we've remarkably kept blazing hot in their near charcoaled state , even though we're aware they have reached that near-carbon level because we didn't know when to stop?<br />
<br />
Is that a cynical viewpoint? At the least, it's food for thought. At the most, there is some truth in there.<br />
<br />
More importantly, maybe we've almost forgotten when to <i>slow down</i> and tend to ourselves <i>internally</i> like we used to. In essence, we're accelerating our lives at a previously unheard of rate, yet we're not self regulating like we used to. <br />
<br />
The irony is, in wanting more control of our lives at a day to day level, we've relinquished a lot of it to devices and gadgets both hard and soft, which we're now more dependant upon than ever before.<br />
<br />
Is that the right thing to do? Only time will tell. But somewhere the balance seems to be tipping over to excess. And if that is the case, then nature will act to correct this.<br />
<br />
In other words, our biological make up will prevent a loss of control beyond a certain level, so we can continue to grow, learn and expand both inwards and outwards. <br />
<br />
I was originally going to call this article 'technology is eating itself out of existence'. But my optimistic side doesn't believe that's true. At least not yet.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's time we slowed down, so that we can see the roses. Then we can think about stopping for a bit to smell them.<br />
<br />
And then we can decide how to cultivate and nurture our gardens for the future, so others can learn by example.<br />
<br />
Like most romantics, I always have faith in mankind, in that things will eventually work themselves out for the better. That's because as complex as we are, we created the technology, <i>not</i> the other way around.We created our own shovels, trowels and wheelbarrows, too.<br />
<br />
It looks like now's the time to get the gloves & tools out of the shed. It's always good to cultivate the ground when it's soft.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email<a href="mailto:shekhardhain@hotmail.com" target="_blank"> here</a></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"></span></span></span></span>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-65616309427126573442016-04-14T04:09:00.001-07:002020-09-23T13:48:37.264-07:00The Gordian Knot; Cut Through The Mess In Your Social Media Life. The Gordian Knot is the stuff of legend. And to write about it in depth would take up a paragraph (and beyond), so in brief..<br />
<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gordian+knot" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Gordian+knot" target="_blank">A quick definition of the gordian knot</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://identitylovefaith.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/gordian_knot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://identitylovefaith.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/gordian_knot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That looks complicated, doesn't it? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Alexander the great was the one to break it. There just seemed to be no other way to get around (or over) it. That sounds like a pretty drastic piece of action to take, but he had the confidence, the willpower and more importantly the <b>sense of purpose</b> that the action he would take would solve the problem. He didn't think about the damage (potential or otherwise), or any associated cost of doing things this way. He just 'knew' this would work. And in life, sometimes that's the only way to do things.<br />
<br />
Most intelligent people with a rational mind and balanced point of view, wouldn't want to take any sort of action where they haven't had the time to weigh up the pros and cons sufficiently enough to ascertain the risks versus the gains or losses.<br />
<br />
However, there are times when hitting the metaphorical (and proverbial) 'delete button' is not only a relief, but <i>easier to do </i>because it forces you to take stock and start again, should you so desire.<br />
<br />
I did that recently on a social media platform. It was my linked-in profile that became 'cyber-vapour'*, which is why I no longer put it up at the end of each post as a clickable link.<br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because it had a lot of information on it which was generating some odd responses. For starters, I was getting confusing requests, which wern't correlated to what I wanted workwise. <br />
<br />
Over time I'd built up a contact list of over 500 people, but the reality was I'd only interacted with 100 or so of them over many years of use. In essence, I'd kept it up there as a super-C.V , which itself is a showcase for your skillset. <br />
<br />
However, it was a mess. There was lots of qualifications listed ( im grateful and blessed for being able to do those), with different skillsets and work bio info et al all mixed into various types and sections, and the whole thing had multiple focus points to look through. <br />
<br />
Ultimately, it wasn't getting me a productive
return anymore. For me, this was and still is the point of linked-in ,
which I see as a professional networking and communications
portal.<br />
<br />
So although I've saved the profile in document form on a backup drive, It may be some time before I make another one. The reasons are simply geared around time and energy, with the cost-to-benefit ratio of both being prioritised in other areas right now. But I'll have a fresher look at things in that regard, at some point in the future. <br />
<br />
So why have I gone into length about this?<br />
<br />
Simple. If there's a gordian knot in your social media and internet presence, then I hope <b>you</b> have the courage to cut through it. It's not that difficult, and you can always start again on a clean profile ( or page) if you have to. <br />
<br />
Why not get the sword out and hack through the weeds in your 'net presence right now? Putting it off for too long, will mean less energy and less motivation to do it. If it can be fixed without a 'complete-delete'*, then do that. In fact, the latter option is usually the<i> first</i> option and rightly so.<br />
<br />
Of course, some of you will have that perfect set of social media presences, so you don't need to do a thing (at least not right now). I bow graciously to all of you for keeping on top of it so proficiently.<br />
<br />
Speaking of change, it looks like we're getting some consistently sunnier and warmer weather in my area. It's time to check on the state of the garden.<br />
<br />
From the looks of things, that could do with a major overhaul, too.<br />
<br />
* <i>(c) S R DHAIN, 2016. </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span> </span><span> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span></span>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-37729476396093160302016-01-09T07:05:00.005-08:002020-09-23T11:27:16.935-07:00Change / Switch & Focus ; Saying No to 99% Of thingsI've always found the start of a new year a bit odd. Why?<br />
<br />
Because as hard as I try, there's always unfinished business from the previous year. Literally, as it happens. Either there'll be a project or assignment that has been delayed or there's some domestic or other renovation project that couldn't be completed on time. In any event, it usually takes until the end of the first month of the new year for me to wrap it all up , and so the year begins on a 'fresh' practical level somewhere between the end of january or (sometimes) even the middle of march.<br />
<br />
Sounds odd, doesn't it? But it's not unusual for many of us to be in that position. It could be argued that we could have organised things better, but no..it's one of those things where one of the oft-quoted laws ( <a href="http://davetgc.com/murphy__s_law_pannel_by_lone_preacher.jpg" target="_blank">murphy's</a> is the common one) is the reason behind the situation(s) or scenario(s) that we end up finding ourselves in.<br />
<br />
At least that's what <i>we convince ourselves</i> of, regardless of the actual nature of the scenario(s). <br />
<br />
To overcome this, requires a skill that many of us tend to find a bit trying in our modern, hyperspeed-like world. In short, if you learn to SAY NO to situations that may be siphoning off your energy and time without recourse to any real productive value and result, you'll be better able to keep on with the business at hand more effectively and get it completed in a timely fashion . Tenacity and grit are also part of that equation in my opinion, but that's a discussion for another time. <br />
<br />
So a part of that skillset facilitates that you FOCUS in the moment and the task at hand, with clarity and DEDICATION. . For example,<a href="http://www.inc.com/business-insider/steve-jobs-jony-ive-the-satisfaction-of-now.html" target="_blank"> Jony Ive has said that steve jobs could focus in a laser like way</a>, and say no to 99% of things.<br />
<br />
Most people don't like saying no, and even less of us like hearing the word. It seems to carry more weight than it should sometimes, but as already mentioned above, it's in the<i> refusal of committing to more</i> <i>things than necessary</i>, that you can be more productive<br />
<br />
In effect, overcommitting is the<b> </b><i>death knell of productivity</i>, and this knocks on into our social and personal situations as well. <br />
<br />
And yet we all do it. I've done it many a time in the past, but as time moves onward, I value my energy and ability to get things done more efficiently and want to ENJOY the process(es) more. Work <i>should be enjoyable</i> as much as possible, otherwise you'll be less effective than if you didn't enjoy the process. No one wins in that situation, neither the client nor the vendor.<br />
<br />
Assuming the work is mostly enjoyable ( we all have our cul-de-sacs from time to time, and they're HEALTHY as they push us to go beyond our normal methodologies and skillsets), what can be done to maintain the laser-like focus required to get something done to the best of your abilities?<br />
<br />
The obvious ones are :-<br />
<br />
* <b><i>Switch the phone off</i></b> or at the very least, switch it to silent AND put it outside of your line of reach or sight for at least an hour on your desk or workstation.<br />
<br />
* <b><i>Don't check emails</i></b> more than once an hour. Do it even less if you and your work style can manage it.<br />
<br />
* <i><b>Close off any windows/tabs</b></i> that have social media applications running and use or check them less often. As much as I love twitter, I know that if I keep the application tab open, I'll go to it every fifteen or so minutes in the pretext of refreshing my synapses.<br />
<br />
The reality is that I'm cowarding out of keeping going to finish the task at hand, and hence using it to NOT deal with any potential stumbling block (e.g. writers block, creative block, cul-de-sac and so on), that would force me to think outside of my usual paradigms and methods.<br />
<br />
And finally..<br />
<br />
* <b><i>Schedule comfort breaks every few hours</i></b> of no more than ten or fifteen minutes. You can always catch up with social media and phonecalls then, if necessary.<br />
<br />
Bar an emergency situation (which can happen but are rarer than we think), it's not necessary to keep looking at the phone every 5 minutes. Bar a batch manufacturing fault, I think it's fair to say that it won't vapourise or self-destruct if you ignore it for a while ( see first tip)<br />
<br />
In essence, unless your environment is becoming too risky or dangerous to work in, or some other life based crisis (god forbid) is occuring, keep on going until you can get the job or task at hand done.<br />
<br />
Because once you've finished what you're doing, you may find that :-<br />
<br />
a) <b><i>you've got it done much quicker </i></b><br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
b) <b><i>The result is better than you thought possible </i></b><br />
<br />
which leads to<br />
<br />
c) <b><i>A greater feeling of satisfaction</i></b> when you DO take your break(s). <br />
<br />
In effect, what is the point of being so readily available that you're not actually getting the work YOU need doing, done? How does that help the client or your boss ( or both) ? And ultimately, how does that help you?<br />
<br />
Exactly, so let's get on with it.<br />
<br />
Ah..I'm almost done. <br />
<br />
I had a coffee break planned about now, but it can wait a little while longer, whilst I edit and refine a little more. That's fine, as I know i'll savour every drop when I do have it. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing/ consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> </i></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> <span> </span><span> </span><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-40286210976822490522015-07-27T02:52:00.001-07:002020-09-23T14:06:38.248-07:00Sunk Costs; let them be<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]-->In life as in business, we make crucial decisions on a
regular basis. These decisions affect the way in which we can maximise our
time, energy and profit. But we don’t always make the right decisions for the
right reasons.<br />
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<br /></div>
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Sunk costs are about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">value</i>
we place on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">decisions made in the past</i>,
which <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">affect</i> the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">decisions </i>we make <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">today</i>.
The argument being that our decisions are skewed by the emotional investments
we stockpile; the larger the total retrospective investment, the harder it
becomes to abandon it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To make effective decisions, we need to ignore the
accumulated value and consider other options, such as replacement and
abandonment. To exemplify:-<br />
<br />
<b>Three problems, three solutions </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Your current Smartphone cost you £159 two years
ago as an upgrade and can no longer support any new apps or o/s upgrades. It’s
in great condition. You have all the contacts backed up to your laptop and can
transfer them with a bit of head-scratching work to any other phone. You use
this phone daily, for business and pleasure. A new improved version is £250 as
an upgrade, plus you get a year’s warranty and a cheapo, faux leatherette case
in the bargain.</li>
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<br />
Do you buy the upgrade or stick with the old phone until you can no longer use it? </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
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<i>You should take the upgrade and put the old
one in a box. It could always be an heirloom or similar one day (or not). </i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Your current car has 83000 miles on the clock, two
worn tires and a dodgy gearbox. You use it for your daily commute to your
office and for recreational purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
major service interval is also looming on the horizon. Your friend offers you
£4500 for the car, but you know it’s worth at least £6000. He knows about the
car’s history.<br />
<br />
A newer version of the car is £10000. It’s
six months old and comes with a year’s warranty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the exact spec as your current car,
but is in mint condition with 12000 miles on the clock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have the money to buy the car.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
Do you keep your car or buy a new one? </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<i>You should buy the new one and sell the old
one to your friend at his value. You could ask for more, but in the light of
its problems, he must be an optimist to want it. Don’t forget to empty all door
bins and the boot before passing it on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<ul>
<li>Your executive leather briefcase is worn out.
You use it daily for business and it’s the first thing on your desk in any
meeting. The locks are failing, the inner pockets are tearing at the seams and
the exterior is now in need of some patching and retouching. It was given to
you as a gift on your birthday by your family eight years ago. It cost them
£450. The cost of repairs will come to £135.<br />
<br />
You walk past a newer version on display at
the local shop. This also has a USB charging provision and waterproofing. It
costs £750. The internet returns the same price deal. It has a two year
warranty.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br />
Do you get the briefcase repaired and keep it or do you replace it? </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<i>
</i><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<i>Buy the newer version of the briefcase. Ask the family to wrap the old one up
in bandages, and place it in storage. </i><br />
<br />
In effect, once you get past the fact that hanging on to an item or even entire business beyond it's useful life can be detrimental to you, it makes the decision making process to dispose of it, considerably easier to implement. As already iterated at the<i> </i>start, it is our <i>emotional</i> investment in something that can be harder to let go of. But that doesn't compensate for losses we may then suffer now and moving forward, where rationality is a better paradigm to adapt in order to survive and thrive.<br />
<br />
So the next time <b>you</b> face a decision that involves dealing with something that has reached the end of it's useful life in a business context, remember that the value you place on it now, is based entirely on the value it has accumulated for you based on <i>emotional</i> as well as <i>financial</i> metric. The former isn't as easily quantifyable as the latter, but it's the one thing that needs to be assessed with care, when growing and moving forward in a business capacity.<br />
<br />
(c) S R DHAIN<br />
<br />
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S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-23765511806907677302015-07-22T06:22:00.001-07:002020-09-23T14:07:47.046-07:00Running Through My Head, Secretly ; Ice Bubble Magic, Next generation Virtual Reality & More classic arcade games than you can play in a weekendI'm a big fan of great presentation. From terrific packaging, which includes intricate boxes which are surprisingly easy to open, to the slightly hidden details on things, such as inscriptions on the soles of shoes and coloured stripe trims on the inside of a jacket, which the wearer will see more often than anyone else. It shows that someone cares enough to not only validate and enhance the product that they're trying to sell and market, but also add a little extra personalisation, beyond de-facto branding. <br />
<br />
Sometimes this isn't immediately appreciated, but if it's within the bounds of the price rang and point, then it can be a standout which clinches the deal. In essence, it's all part of the feelgood factor. This can be a fine line to tread, and as long as it's not just trying to 'garnish up' a poor product, with what I've previously referred to as '<a href="http://www.shekhardhain.com/2013/06/washing-machine-syndrome-adding-value.html" target="_blank">gizmo-ing</a>', then let it all play onwards and upwards into the product lifecycle.<br />
<br />
And it's bearing this in mind that the next item came into view :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcocreate.com/3037609/take-a-wintry-holiday-from-reality-with-sonys-ice-bubbles-ad" target="_blank">Take A Wintry Holiday From Reality With Sony's "Ice Bubbles" Ad</a><br />
<br />
A lot of work went into this ad campaign by sony for the Bravia 4K T.V. range, and it clearly shows. Sony have gone for an approach that reflects the power of their brand and the product, which clearly is a stunning looking piece of audio-visual engineering. <br />
<br />
In a way, they've gone in the opposite direction to what I thought they might have, which could have been loud, brash road racing bits intertwinned with action film sonics and f/x. But the delicacy of the visuals and the music are just beautiful to watch.<br />
<br />
Speaking of beautiful..<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3037345/fast-feed/so-bad-ass-you-cant-believe-it-magic-leap-raises-542-million-to-launch-the-future-" target="_blank">"So Badass You Can't Believe It" Magic Leap Raises $542 Million To Launch The Future Of Computing</a><br />
<br />
At first glance and to be honest, even after reading it through twice, I'm still not exactly sure what this is. However, I will hazard an educated guess that it is something <i>beyond</i> our current paradigm of virtual reality and 3D based technologies used to render visuals. If this is the case, and it looks very much like it is, then the need for headsets, and glasses may be done away with entirely. Almost like a nintendo 3DS effect, but writ larger, which sounds fantastic.<br />
<br />
And finally, from the future to the past :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://mashable.com/2014/11/02/internet-archive-arcade/?utm_cid=mash-prod-email-velocity-alert&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=velocity&utm_emailalert=viral" target="_blank">Internet Archive now lets you play 900 classic arcade games</a><br />
<br />
If you're over a certain age ( let's say 30, to be polite and fair on everyone, including myself), then this will mean something to you. It may even mean a lot. It does to me. I've still got a working commodore 64 <i>and</i> a working Amiga A600 in storage. But I haven't got the time and the werewithal to dig them out, set them up and get them going. This could well be all you need. <br />
<br />
And all I need right now, is a little time. Just to go over the words, sentances and rhetorical musings I've written up here. Just a tweak there, a highlight and removal of a few words here. <br />
<br />
After all, the way you convey information, matters a great deal. Content may well be king, but presentation is the crown.<br />
<br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-64665177924122813902015-07-22T06:19:00.002-07:002020-09-23T15:05:47.348-07:00Very Softly Catch The Monkey; influencing your social networking behaviour, millions for ello & a large lunchbox is a place to eat. Are you a nice person? A daft start to this, right? <br />
<br />
Wrong. Not when the doyen of social networking, facebook is involved :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3037480/this-is-how-facebook-is-secretly-trying-to-make-you-a-nicer-person" target="_blank">This Is How Facebook Is Secretly Trying To Make You A Nicer Person</a><br />
<br />
As if allegations of news feed manipulation, content vamooshing ( I couldn't think of a word more hyperbolic to represent the deletion or disappearance of user post content) and all sorts of other fun and frolic isn't enough, facebook are here to now provide some respite in the form of secret reportage for cyberbullying. <br />
<br />
The irony isn't lost on me here, but in all fairness they've allowed you to report incumbent nastiness on there, for quite some time using the system itself. I've not had a chance to verify this new algorithim, as my main machine ( a laptop) had to be system restored and ultimately rebuilt in software terms ( ie. reinstallation of lots of programs etc). In the process I've lost my logins for a lot of applications online When I'm more free timewise, I'll request my logins and check things out.<br />
<br />
Notwithstanding some of the articles available online about every move it makes and the consequential knock on effects to everything else ( i.e. some of it is quite doom laden), I think facebook is well into it's maturity phase, and quite possibly entering into it's decline phase. I've written about this elsewhere on other posts, so this in itself isn't news to me. I'm not basing this on absolute fact, but on a more measured sense of analysis; this is more about the natural order of things, and although they are now close to 1.3 billion users, the main user base, is the <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/2014-social-media-demographics-update-2014-9?r=US" target="_blank">under 30's</a> (in the USA) . <br />
<br />
And the rest of them? They may well be going over to here :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3037518/fast-feed/investors-give-ello-55-million-even-after-it-bans-its-most-obvious-revenue-source" target="_blank">Investors Give Ello $5.5 Million Even After It Bans Its Most Obvious Revenue Source</a><br />
<br />
Ello has been around a short while, but long enough to make an impact. In short, it could be looked upon as a 'facebook lite', with the exclusivity ( you have to request an invitation to join up) and the pseudo anonymity factor in comparison to facebook, is part of the appeal. But if you look at their homepage and read the manifesto, then that's where the difference lies :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/23/ello-s-charter-makes-it-legally-impossible-for-it-to-display-ads/" target="_blank">Ello's charter makes it legally impossible for it to display ads</a><br />
<br />
This is commendable for now, and a brave move. Obviously it remains to be seen what happens in the future, but where other social networking tools are all trying to maximise <b>ROI</b> ( return on investment), Ello are bucking the trend. It'll be interesting to see what they do for revenue, in the months or even years ahead.<br />
<br />
Speaking of the future, when was the last time you opened up an actual retro-style lunchbox to have your lunch? More to the point, when did you last walk into a place that looked like one? :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://designtaxi.com/news/370252/McDonald-s-Sets-Up-Huge-Lunch-Box-Shaped-Restaurant-To-Promote-New-Items/?interstital_shown=1" target="_blank">McDonald’s Sets Up Huge Lunch Box-Shaped Restaurant To Promote New Items</a><br />
<br />
Now that's what I call brave, bold and smart marketing. I hope this works out, as it looks magnificent. I can already hear the odd voice of dissent due to their supposed food quality and practices, of which I have to admit I'm not much of a fan either. <br />
<br />
However, they have made recent moves to disprove some of this, via reportage and videos, which are available online. As already stated, this is such a bold move that I commend them on the courage to do this. It'd also be interesting to see how something like this would be recieved in the larger american towns and also in the UK. Let's wait and see.<br />
<br />
On a related note, I'm waiting for a call. It's odd how when you know someone's supposed to call you, the phone can become an object of anticipatory suspense and excitement. <br />
<br />
It's just like waiting for your food or friend ( or both) to arrive at a restaurant. The smell hits you immediately, and the sensory encapsulation goes into a higher gear. <br />
<br />
Time out. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span><br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-26346986924271078282015-07-22T06:15:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:06:54.863-07:00From The Station To Location ; Largest cities expand , The paradox of meditation & Career advice from a lovely ladyI've lived in a number of places in the last decade. And with that comes all manner of readjustments. It has to be said, that if I had the means ( i.e. the money) to do so, I'd rather be semi-nomadic and only stay in the UK during the summer and stay anywhere else that's not so cold and wet for the rest of the year. <br />
<br />
There's a restlessness in me that even after years of yoga, hasn't quite abated. I'm glad it's there, cause it's what drives me to achieve and learn more , as well as try newer things. It's all about flow, momentum and change, which is also better known as 'growing'.That in itself is essential to living a fuller life, in my opinion. <br />
<br />
Our environments are changing, too. In their own way, they also evolve and grow outwards. Which is why the following makes sense :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcoexist.com/3037572/visualized/watch-as-the-worlds-biggest-cities-explode-in-size-over-the-last-200-years" target="_blank">Watch As The World's Biggest Cities Explode In Size Over The Last 200 Years</a><br />
<br />
Overcrowding has become a problem in the bigger cities, and I've noticed this in London many a time, as well as in New York ( or more specifically, Manhattan), and San Francisco ( or SFC Bay Area). The prices have followed suit and yet I know a lot of people who want to live in all the aforementioned places. I've lived and stayed at all of them, and naturally concur. But there does need to be something put in place to redress thre ever increasing cost of living in these places, and the gap it creates for the rest of the surrounding areas. <br />
<br />
Socio-economic tension isn't something you really see at a glance, but more or less 'feel' via the incumbent populace and the emotional tonality of a place . It's a combination of the increased pace of life, which is driven by the need to meet extra costs, and all the knock on effects it brings with it. For example, people can become emotionally colder, or at the other extreme, more anxiety ridden and stress prone, as a result of living in that environment within a certain period of time. <br />
<br />
Of course, some acclimatize better to certain environments ( e.g. a big city dweller moving to a similar metropolis style environment will feel less jolted and disconnected). It's swings and roundabouts and you do have to be pretty 'street smart' to survive ( and thrive) in 'the big smoke', which is what all big cities are.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, there is a real sense of pulse and a living, breathing, almost fizzy energy in these places, that you can just pick up on. That's not an unhealthy tension, but is more of a 'let's get on with it!' vibe, coupled with 'why not try this?'. In my experience, people tend to take more risks and are more willing to work harder in a more driven environment, than anywhere else. It requires a strong nervous system over the long run and you have to find your own rythym and pace to suit you. <br />
<br />
But it's good to be there if you want to be where it's all happening beyond the confines of a drawing board or endless hopeful conversations in a bar or local pub. You can always chill out or de-stress via methods such as yoga and meditation, if you're so inclined. Speaking of which :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/09/29/sam-harris-waking-up-meditation/?utm_content=buffer51b85&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">Sam Harris on the Paradox of Meditation and How to Stretch Our Capacity for Everyday Self-Transcendence</a><br />
<br />
The form of yoga I do daily, is in effect a meditation. It's silent and there's no chanting or difficult postures involved. And over the last three years, I have felt gradual, shifting changes in the way I view the world, how I deal with things, what I say and do and so on. I'm more mindful of things, but without having to think about it. That's a paradox in itself, but it's like any habitual practice. As the saying goes, you become what you do the most. So if you're chilled out or at peace more often than not, then that's your preferred state of being. <br />
<br />
I'll also add that, at least for me, I've not reneged on alcohol and switched to a vegetarian diet as a result, and I don't sit there thinking or dwelling about that either. In effect, the one thing I have learned, is that if it works for you at some level, then there must be something in it. And that's what it's all about for me. Life should be about learning and more importantly, about <i>experiencing</i> and <i>feeling</i> a wide spectrum of things, both good and bad.<br />
<br />
There is a lot more that can be discussed on this, but that's for another time. For now, there are plenty of websites, both for local events and more generalised information on the internet, if you want to delve further.<br />
<br />
Speaking of experiences and feelings, here are some great nuggets of wisdom from a lady I have a soft spot for. She's brilliant. She's also beautiful, articulate, sensitive and intelligent :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://nypost.com/2014/10/27/5-career-secrets-from-amy-poehlers-new-memoir/?utm_campaign=SocialFlow&utm_source=NYPTwitter&utm_medium=SocialFlow" target="_blank">5 career secrets from Amy Poehler’s new memoir</a><br />
<br />
And on that note, I'm off to find some apples to eat. No, I'm not going to go <a href="http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/scrump" target="_blank">scrumping</a>, I'll just buy a batch. And then open the bag, wash a few under the tap, dry them..<br />
<br />
Time out.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br /> </span></span></span>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-56375002379005759172015-07-22T06:10:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:08:27.480-07:00It Really Doesn't Matter In The Long Run ; The self conscious Suit, The pursuit of being well rounded & Propaganda flavoured poster art As you get older, certain things matter less. For some, the peer group gets older with them and they can all grow older together, with similar tastes etc. For others, who tend to be more mobile and have more transitory lifestyles, for example, they're more inclined to have clusters of friends in different places, with more emphasis placed on giving each other different experiences and still managing to connect at some shared core level. <br />
<br />
Both the aforementioned are simplified versions of social groupings, but the concept remains the same. You tend to gravitate and look for people with whom you share some conscious ( or subconscious) connection with. I tend to fall into the latter camp more than the first, which is a culmination of a lot of travel which lead to newer experiences and lifestyle changes in the last five years. <br />
<br />
It's ironic in a way, as on some level I'm a private person, and yet I'm always open to new people, and am usually the first to strike up a conversation with someone, cause you learn more from newer situations and surroundings than you do from the tried and true. I'll stand by that, as it's served me well for years on end. <br />
<br />
In our more transitory times, being yourself is important in my opinion, because it makes life easier on many levels. It helps you to feel and be less tired and be more authentic in many areas of your life, including your work. And that concept, brings me onto this :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.brainpickings.org/2013/03/27/the-it-doesnt-matter-suit-sylvia-plath/?utm_content=buffer3d22f&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">The It-Doesn’t-Matter Suit: Sylvia Plath’s Lovely, Little-Known Vintage Children’s Book</a><br />
<br />
A wonderful way to educate children about the importance of retaining a sense of self. Would it be out of place today? No, I don't think it would. In fact, with more kids growing up much faster in our hyper connected age of selfies, self promotion and getting ahead as fast as possible, I think this would in some ways be a complimentary dose of goodness. <br />
<br />
It would also be a good way to ironically remind them to perhaps slow down, stop and smell the benefits of being so young, rather than rushing ahead and wanting to be an adult so fast. I could go on in the manner of a wisened, slightly world weary uncle, but I'm not ( the world weary part), so I won't. <br />
<br />
'Have fun and be yourself, whilst you still can, for as long as possible' is what I'd rather say..so I've said it. (sticks tongue out and blows raspberry) <br />
<br />
And in her own way <span class="blue"></span>Daniellle Laporte has addressed a similar vibe :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.positivelypositive.com/2014/10/29/the-ridiculous-pursuit-of-being-well-rounded/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+positivelypositive%2Fpositive+%28Positively+Positive%29" target="_blank">The Ridiculous Pursuit of Being Well-Rounded</a><br />
<br />
What more can I say, other than that I wholeheartedly agree with her. ( nods head sagely)<br />
<br />
Just like this blog, which is a collection of my own areas of interest, the use of social media itself, is all about 'putting yourself out there', so to speak. Some might see the use of social media as tantamount to constantly feasting on a diet of multi-level propaganda and adding to it with your own brand of shouts and chants, but that's a harsh take on the zeitgeist. <br />
<br />
After all, as I've stated on here many a time, you can always take it or leave it. The level of control is as simple is switching the tab out of the browser, and for the really militant, you can reach for the 'power off' button on your device. But don't throw the gadget you're using out of the window. At least not yet :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://inspirationfeed.com/inspiration/print-inspiration/social-media-propaganda-posters-by-aaron-wood/" target="_blank">Social Media Propaganda Posters by Aaron Wood</a><br />
<br />
I think they look beautifully rendered, and are tongue in cheek enough to raise more than one smile to the face.<br />
<br />
And that's that. No mess, no fuss, just juice. Hang on, wasn't that a slogan for a drink?<br />
<br />
Time out.<br />
<br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-49158806821211689722015-07-22T05:47:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:11:19.359-07:00I've Got A Heart Full Of Soul; The ideal length of all online activity, When you should and shouldn't work for free & Four places to find ideasI spend more time in the morning on social media, than I do in the afternoon. The reasons for that are simple; I'm mentally more alert then, and the distractionary internet 'twitch switch', as it were, hasn't been activated yet. <br />
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By mid-afternoon I'm sometimes ready to call it a day , but finishing what has been started, plus chasing up and readjusting are left for then. And going for too long ( i.e. past 7pm) just leaves me too frazzled to relax for the rest of the evening. So it pays to take breaks and keep productivity in phases of a few hours.<br />
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The length of an online interaction, particularly with regards to social media, can have similar rules applied to it :- <br />
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<a href="http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/infographic-ideal-length-everything-online-tweets-youtube-videos-160972?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=AW_Adfreak&utm_campaign=Adweek%20Newsletter%20Template%20-%20adfreak%20-%20july%2012" target="_blank">Infographic: The Ideal Length of Everything Online, From Tweets to YouTube Videos</a><br />
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Ultimately, whatever you do online is in effect a time/money scenario. In other words, it's your time and someone else's money which is being spent or your own time and money that has been ( and still) is being spent in creating the content. Wether it's in the name of entertainment, fun and/or work ( because work can be fun..discuss), it pays ( pun intended), to know what's going on and why :-<br />
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<a href="http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/flowchart-when-you-should-and-when-you-shouldnt-work-free-160981" target="_blank">Flowchart: When You Should (and When You Shouldn't) Work for Free </a><br />
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Clicking on the link within the article will take you to a fuller version of the flowchart. Eye opening, informative and enjoyable. Three in one. Just like this post ( hopefully). <br />
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And speaking of finding ideas, you need to find the time, space and place to let them in :- <br />
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<a href="http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/4-places-to-find-big-ideas.html?utm_content=bufferb965b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank">4 Places to Find Big Ideas</a><br />
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Indeed. I wish I had a dog to walk. Having said that, I've seen some of the dogs in the neighbourhood and I somehow get the impression I'd spend more time waiting around them, rather than walking. It gives you the opportunity to talk to other dog owners, connect with them, exchange ideas, numbers and so on. All the while, your dogs are trying to figure out wether they want to connect, too.<br />
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Time out. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span> </span><span> </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></span><br /> </span></span></span><br />
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<![endif]-->S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-14493005058101151882015-07-21T15:49:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:12:25.975-07:00There's Always More Than One Way To Do It ;The best time to drink your coffee, 10 Weeks of procrastination & The only interview question that matters. Tea is my preferred beverage of choice as a 'get me started in the morning' drink. It's either yorkshire gold, or earl grey. Sometimes it's lady grey, depending on what mood I'm in when I hit the supermarket to pick up refills. Coffee comes later on, in accordance with how much of a pick-up I need at the time. Any more than two cups of java in a day, and I tend to feel a bit jittery and slightly edgy. So one cup can hit the spot and keep it sustained for hours on end. <br />
<br />
But is there a best time in the day to get your caffeine fix? :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/3020911/work-smart/this-is-the-best-time-to-drink-your-coffee-according-to-science" target="_blank">This Is The Best Time To Drink Your Coffee, According To Science</a><br />
<br />
Interesting stuff. The mid-morning coffee seems to be the one for me, unless I'm in need of a boost before going to the gym, later on in the day. I was aware of the effects of cortisol, and that explains a lot of other things too. I tend to avoid any heavy sugar consumption later on in the day as a rule, and it's rapidly becoming de rigeur to decrease our consumption of processed sugars per se.<br />
<br />
Fruit tends to carry some sugars ( fructose is the main one), but these are broken down faster. Processed sugars tend to be of the 'empty calories' variety, and they provide you with a lifting effect which is temporary. In any event, I do wonder what It'd be like to <i>not</i> have any caffeine, and may well attempt that at some point, over the course of a week. <br />
<br />
Coffee and tea breaks, with or without snacks, are part of the working day. They're an essential part of the 'downtime' we allocate ourselves , as a reward or a break from detailed work. However, they can also be part of a procrastination process :-<br />
<br />
<a href="https://magazine.dashburst.com/procrastination-writers-course-comic/" target="_blank">Procrastination For Creative Writers. </a><br />
<br />
Hilarious and true, which makes it an essential double-whammy in my opinion. There's nothing overly wrong with a smidgeon of procrastination. After all, we're human and not on perpetual motion, like a well programmed android. <br />
<br />
But the reasons listed within, are an easy 'black hole in space and time' to fall into. Before you know it, it's 4pm and you've justified half a day ( and more) of web browsing/ internet surfing, as research and development. The reality of course, is that after 25 to 30 minutes, you're window shopping and/or flicking back and forth between youtube and some social media networking site(s).<br />
<br />
If you're working for yourself, then that's a day gone in a form of pseudo-absentia, which you may or may not recover down the line. But if you're working for someone else, you've brought yourself one step closer to getting a P45 ( that's the form you're given when you leave or are fired from a job in the UK).<br />
<br />
And if you are on the verge of losing your job or are in between different work situations, spare a thought for the boss who has to make a decision on wether to hire or reject the next person who comes in for interview :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.inc.com/lou-adler/best-interview-question-ever.html?cid=sf01001" target="_blank">The Only Interview Question That Matters</a><br />
<br />
That's certainly a very in-depth question. More importantly, the question itself is one that has the potential to go deep within the person's character, if approached from both sides with passion.<br />
<br />
There's always an alternative way to solve a problem. Even when we think that there isn't a solution, an answer can present itself in the most unexpected of ways. That's where a different sort of procrastination comes into play. It's akin to keeping still and keeping schtum at the same time. I've noticed it happen on a number of occasions, and it's literally like 'what happened there?' and 'why didn't I see that before?' .<br />
<br />
Sometimes you have to just wait things out. Other times, you have to keep on digging, and get through a few false edges and corners along the way. In any case, unless you come up with nothing after digging the entire trench or area, then keep on going at a steady pace. Luck, wether of the lord or lady variety, will be there to help you deliver the goods. And you won't need an extra cup of coffee to get there either.<br />
<br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-49907945315060084982015-07-21T15:44:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:13:47.300-07:00Take The Floor; Add A Wild Card, The million dollar pipe organ & The grocery of the future. Getting new ideas and concepts across to others, can require levels of patience and tenacity that you never knew you possessed. There are countless stories of accidental proposals turning into winners, and the flipside concept ideas which the individual never intended to push at all, becoming the winning concepts.<br />
<br />
Expecting the unexpected and even trying something different, can sometimes pay handsome dividends :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://99u.com/workbook/35087/want-to-sell-an-idea-add-a-wild-card" target="_blank">Want to Sell an Idea? Add a Wild Card</a><br />
<br />
Some of the key inventions of the last century were discovered in a similar manner. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slinky" target="_blank">The Slinky</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percy_Spencer" target="_blank">The microwave oven</a> were a case of something not quite going according to plan.<br />
<br />
I've always loved the concept of 'the happy accident' because it proves that there is room in nature for things not being part of any ordered system we try to create. Looking at us as a species, it is remarkable to see how different we each are, not only on a gender basis, but also right down to minutae that are the result of billions, if not trillions of different combinations and permutations of genetic mutation.<br />
<br />
Im not a biologist so the grander and more complex theories about how we are made and have evolved would require me to get more books on the subject. Then I'd disappear ( ideally to a wonderful, well stocked wood cabin in idaho, for instance) for a while to soak it all up. Of course, I'd split my time between soaking up all the local life and scenery too, as all work and no play makes for a dry existence. <br />
<br />
Joyless isn't a word you'd use to describe the owner of this particular property :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://keyboardmag.com/gear/1183/updated-video-tour-of-129k-house-that-has-million-dollar-pipe-organ/49277" target="_blank">video tour of $129K house that has million-dollar pipe organ!</a><br />
<br />
Magnificent. A part of me is<i> very</i> tempted to put a down payment on this, just to keep the organ intact. It sounds so rich, powerful and sweet, that the eccentricity of the house which has two bedrooms just to house all the pipes, is equally as fascinating. hopefully the new owner(s) will ensure the organ is preserved and maintained, as it's such a one-off instrument in this day and age. Maybe the smithsonian could work something out for their archives. <br />
<br />
Going from an amazing historic item and structure of interest, to the unseen and unchartered course of the future can be a haphapzard experience. Especially when the future predicted is 50 years from now <i>and</i> it wants to somehow blend into today :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://collectively.org/en/article/this-futuristic-grocery-store-is-selling-products-you-might-buy-50-years-from-now?utm_source=collectivelytwitterus" target="_blank"> This Futuristic Grocery Store Is Selling Products You Might Buy 50 Years From Now</a><br />
<br />
Credit must go to Mike Lee for doing this, as it's one of the most ambitious future based plans I've ever seen. As he's already been in the industry for a number of years, it's not as far fetched as it seems.<br />
<br />
Future prediction can generally be a minefield, as all sorts of predictions from the last century have proven. But nowadays we're better equiped to make more accurate systemic assessments due to the vast increase in computational power. This in itself allows simulations and forecasting to be far more accurate based upon current trending data. <br />
<br />
Taking chances with a view to tomorrow is something we do on a daily basis. The only thing that really matters, is that whatever we sow as the seeds of today, we then go on to cultivate and nurture with care.<br />
<br />
Our capacity to innovate isn't in doubt, as hundreds of years worth of progress has proven. It's our capacity to be considerate beyond our own lifespans, that needs to be kept in check. Otherwise the only legacy we'll leave is a large amount of progress at the cost of socioeconomic wastefulness.<br />
<br />
There's still time to slow down and remedy that, and if the scribes are to be believed then changes are being made . And that's important so we can have a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Win-win_game" target="_blank">win-win</a> situation; for the environment and for ourselves. <br />
<br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-89195795205725594082015-07-21T15:41:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:15:19.462-07:00Add your voice ; Don't be proud to be a workaholic, Productivity advice from smart people & Poo bus Up until a few years ago, I was constantly working. I'll rephrase that to make it more realistic. I was 'switched on' in work mode, even when I wasn't actually working. So the disparity between being 'on' and 'off' becomes non-existant. From the moment you get up, to the moment your body, and then mind ( in my case, at least), winds down, your brain is either solving, collating, analysing or looking ahead to the future.<br />
<br />
All in all, it's not good for you in the long run :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/why-you-shouldn-t-be-proud-to-be-a-workaholic.html?cid=sf01001" target="_blank">Why You Shouldn't Be Proud to Be a Workaholic</a><br />
<br />
A sobering read and a reminder to myself that I (thankfully), reorganised my life at the right time, as I was perpetually starting to feel tired. And that level of tired is beyond a 'happy tired' you get from going to the gym or going for a swim or run. It's like a constant feeling of walking uphill, and it started to increase in intensity. That was the warning sign for me.<br />
<br />
Fortunately, as already mentioned here and in many previous posts, I reasessed, rejigged and slotted yoga/meditation into my life. Over time, that changed me enough ( it's an ongoing process) to then change other aspects of my life, from work style all the way to interpersonal scenarios and situations. <br />
<br />
Working smarter is the way forward, and allows you more time to actually get on with it, rather than trudge through piles of not necessarily relevant stuff :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://thenextweb.com/lifehacks/2014/11/21/productivity-advice-learned-people-smarter/?awesm=tnw.to_s3MpS&utm_source=t.co&utm_campaign=share%20button&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=Productivity%20advice%20I%20learned%20from%20people%20smarter%20than%20me" target="_blank">Productivity advice I learned from people smarter than me</a><br />
<br />
I confess to doing quite a few of these already ( replace the 'to do list' card with a large post it every other day, keeping a moleskine style notebook, etc) , and deleting a lot of emails frequently, is a guilt-free experience. I can always sense or more comically, 'smell' the unecessary ones that slip past the spam folder, just by looking at the sender name and subject title. That's the result of over 15 years of sending and recieving far more correspondence electronically than I've ever recieved in physical form. <br />
<br />
Not everything that can be called waste, is consigned to the bin :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2014/11/20/uk-first-poo-bus/" target="_blank">Britain's first 'poo bus' hits the streets</a><br />
<br />
My initial reaction to this was to squirm, but having grasped how this all works, it's a sustainable and workable solution. Furthermore, it's better for the air quality and hence the environment too.<br />
<br />
As i reflected on earlier, change is an inevitability of life. Wether you like it or not, the days pass by, to become weeks and then months. Before you know it, another year has gone, and with it, have the good times and bad times of the previous 12 months. The way I see it, if you can change one thing about yourself within a year, you've achieved more than those who are resistant to it. In effect, if you can 'go with your inner flow' more often than not, you may get to where you're going faster than you thought. With or without a train, boat or plane.<br />
<br />
Dont' forget to stop and smell the roses along the way. <br />
<br />
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<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-13600656117824023012015-07-17T03:50:00.003-07:002020-09-23T15:20:40.875-07:00Using The Power Of Silence; Knowing when to hold back<!--[if !mso]>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes,
there’s a lot to be said for ‘keeping it all in’. No, I don’t mean like </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC-6giBM_fM"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">this</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What I’m
referring to is the moment when you’re trying to emphasise a point by <b>not</b>
doing or saying anything, because you have a strong feeling (or hunch) that
it’s the right thing to do. It could be anything from trying to explain a valid
and alternative viewpoint to someone who is heading for trouble, to trying to
get the best customer service in a situation that is potentially tenuous at
best or already strained at worst. In effect, by not saying anything more than
has already been said, you can turn the tide in your favour.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
‘Express Raider’ approach to customer service (not a good idea) </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Earlier
this week, I had to make a number of phone calls to various customer service
departments in different companies in order to get updates on situations, and
also to renew subscriptions. Only one of them delivered what I could call a
timely and praiseworthy service, with a warm telephone manner. In effect, they
went the extra mile and I was given extra discount on the renewal with next to
no fuss. As a thank you, I asked that person to send me an email or give me an
email address of a manager or superior so I could feed this back, for them
going the extra distance meant a lot to me. I do this as I’ve always felt that
great service should be given precedence and hopefully, rewarded in some way.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But I
only do this occasionally.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Why?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Because
in the main, my experiences of customer service on the phone, varies from good
to diabolical. Or more pointedly, it can be like playing the 1986 arcade game, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3mYyfS1egI"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">Express Raider</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">As you
may have surmised from the short premise above, our hero (or heroine) has to
battle their way from one side of the train to the other, in order to get to
the loot at the end. There are various villains, thwarters and other incumbents
on the train, who are resolute in stopping you from doing this.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But
ultimately, persistence pays off at the end. Providing of course, that you can
be smart, resilient and patient enough to reach the end of the game.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">That’s
what it feels like when you’re going through a bad customer service experience.
It’s like you’re fighting to be heard, whilst being switched around various
levels and scenarios. It’s painful, potentially embarrassing and unpleasant.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
embarrassment can come from somehow feeling like you’ve done something wrong by
staying on the phone for so long whilst being seemingly ignored, and also by
repeatedly ringing back and feeling the same, only it’s more amplified with
each successive call. In effect, it’s akin to feeling rejected.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For the
record, I’ve never shouted at anyone when ringing these departments, cause I’ve
worked in a similar role myself (more on that later). But it can become a test
of endurance, when it should be as smooth as hypothetically driving to a branch
of the place (or a storefront) and talking it over in person.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bend Me,
Shape Me, Anyway You Want Me</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In
particular, one of the aforementioned occasions had me switched <b>four times</b>
in 20 minutes, and I repeated the details I gave before the phone was picked up
by a human operator (the automated voice system prompts are easy to follow in
most instances, and that’s what i initially had to deal with each time) <b>twice</b>.
After this, I then asked the <b>third </b>and <b>fourth </b>person i dealt
with, to read the notes that the previous people had left on the screen, back
to me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I was
told that there were no notes left on the system. No one had bothered to make
any notes of any previous calls and it was effectively a time wasted scenario
both for the company and me.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’ve
worked in a call centre in my younger days, and I wouldn’t be able to do to a
customer what I’d been through here. I don’t understand how that level of
interaction is allowed, or even deemed acceptable.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In any
event, I laughed (half-heartedly) and then said I will ring back in 40 minutes
and if my original call hasn’t been monitored or found anywhere in note form, I
will file a complaint and no longer use this company’s services. I also added
that this really isn’t what I wanted to do but I will do it nonetheless. I then
said nothing more, and stayed on the phone.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
silence on the other end was akin to listening to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4%E2%80%B233%E2%80%B3"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">John Cage’s 4′ 33″</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">, only it wasn’t as atmospheric
and nor did it last as long. It was the longest 15 seconds (approximately) of
dead air I’ve heard in a while. There was some paper shuffled, but I can’t be
sure it was paper. It could even have been the operator’s soul.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The ‘</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zLfCnGVeL4"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">sound of silence</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">’ approach above did the trick.
The operator told me that someone from management would call me back, so I took
a name and team details, and pithily (but politely) said thanks. Not only did I
receive a call-back within 20 minutes, but I received a lengthy apology and
details on the person who was responsible for taking my original call. I was
also told that action would be taken against this person, and that I was entitled
to file a complaint if I still wished and that it would be deemed actionable.
And to think that all I did was to stop talking, and keep hanging on in silence
for a little longer than usual, twenty minutes earlier.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">End Of
The Line</span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></u><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
plethora of conclusions one can draw, are that there are potential problems
either/or in the training, monitoring and ultimately the managing of staff and
their output, as well as their <b>expectations </b>of the job at the call
centre. For instance, if you’re feeling like ‘</span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hamster+wheel"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">the hamster on a wheel</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">’ and there is not enough
personal satisfaction in the role, it’s likely you won’t care enough to deal
with a slew of queries, no matter how simple, time and time again. You may
start to bristle at work, and look for shortcuts within the system. And
eventually you just won’t care at all.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">But the
other main conclusion to draw is one I’ve long suspected is the real ‘fuel to
the fire’ in these sorts of situations, which is saying too much. But having to
courage to not talk as much and even <b>keeping silent at the right moment for
longer than you think is possible</b> can yield a remarkable turnaround.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">However,
it’s a challenging thing to do, and can be difficult to gauge. The tension <b>you
</b>can feel, is palpable. But it can mean the difference between getting a
positive, affirmative result and missing the mark by a fraction, all because it
felt too hard to keep quiet for just that little while longer. All it requires,
is a smidgeon of extra self-restraint..</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_1rapnR5B1QxTzAMVMPWraNeuQWu67Dz2s9k6yWiC547D0-6Rt3d7e6nWJcnEYZ4ccpGv1eHd-dbYWjFYCdCLAYUK5E-ppOE7mtwMHQhd3uTtbEtA_pILpHU69Ys0W2c0SqKCGz3VZL7/s1600/proud-to-be-a-beefeater-tracy-bornkessel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_1rapnR5B1QxTzAMVMPWraNeuQWu67Dz2s9k6yWiC547D0-6Rt3d7e6nWJcnEYZ4ccpGv1eHd-dbYWjFYCdCLAYUK5E-ppOE7mtwMHQhd3uTtbEtA_pILpHU69Ys0W2c0SqKCGz3VZL7/s320/proud-to-be-a-beefeater-tracy-bornkessel.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beefeater, any day of the year</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">If </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeomen_Warders" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;">he</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> can do it, then I can do it.</span></span></div>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And so
can <b>you. </b></span></span><br />
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>(c) S R DHAIN </i><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> For Writing & Consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here </a></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :- </i><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><i> </i><u><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></u></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><b> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br /></b></span></div>
S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-9037429152178935972015-07-14T16:09:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:23:50.483-07:00My Name Is NOT Mary-Ann ; A Creative Space That Bans Technology, 11 Signs You Need A Mental Nap & From A Bedroom to 20 Stores ( and counting) Assuming you carry a smartphone ( it's okay if you don't), do you always have it at hand? If not, then perhaps you know what this feels like :- <br />
<br />
<a href="http://designtaxi.com/news/374533/In-Paris-A-Creative-Space-That-Bans-Technology-To-Let-You-Really-Think/" target="_blank">A Creative Space That Bans Technology To Let You Really Think</a><br />
<br />
Fascinating. On the surface it appears to be comically obvious. But the reality is that a lot of us have some sort of link to technology, readily at hand on our person, which we think ( or feel..or both) we cannot live without. I don't take my phone into the shower or bathroom with me and don't stare at it every five or ten minutes either. That's a start, right?<br />
<br />
On a more serious note, I think that going without technology for some part of your day is good for your mental wellbeing. Taking a nap, helps too :-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.inc.com/chris-heivly/11-simple-but-profound-signs-you-need-a-mental-nap.html?cid=sf01001" target="_blank">11 simple but profound signs you need a mental nap.</a><br />
<br />
The last few, although serious, made me giggle. In all earnestness, if you're smashing yourself into the ground on an energy level for your work, and it feels like this for a long period of time, then something somewhere needs to be recitfied or stopped. More importantly, the knackered state and sensation you'll feel as a result, will make it incredibly difficult to then get anything done, on any level, in every area of your life. Getting to a bedroom and staying there for as long as possible, will then seem like heaven. Not a good way to rebalance things when it all gets out of hand. Continual, gradual (re)assesment and correction should help matters along the way, enormously. <br />
<br />
Strangely enough, it was in a bedroom, that Kendra Scott started her business :- <br />
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<a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/244921" target="_blank">From an Extra Bedroom to 20 Stores and Counting: How Kendra Scott Created a Multimillion-Dollar Jewelry Empire </a><br />
<br />
Kudos to Kendra, and her will, determination and tenacity to make it work. She literally made her own luck and didn't let her circumstances impede on her business idea and it's execution. Furthermore, she's giving back by letting other mothers work for her, by opening up a larger corporate headquarter space with provisions and facilities to enable them to make the transition more smoothly. The fact that it's in her hometown ( Austin, Texas), puts the icing on her cake. <br />
<br />
Speaking of which, I think a slice of madeira should put a stop-gap into my day, just about now. With yorkshire gold, and a splash of milk. Perfect.<br />
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What's <b>your </b>perfect moment during the day? Do you have one? Maybe you have one, but don't acknowledge it as it's something that's become a ritual. In a strange way, so has mine, but I occasionally stop to remind myself and feel <b>gratitude</b> for it. It reminds me that life isn't an endless sea of hours and days that just knit themselves into a tapestry of another year.<br />
<br />
It also reminds me not to take too much for granted. Wether it's the first time you've visited my blog, or the second or even the last, thank you for coming here and stopping by. Maybe we'll meet one day, and I can thank you in person..<br />
<br />
.. in which case, I'll let you buy the tea and I'll buy the cake! ;-)<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy </span></span>related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span><b><br /></b>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <br /> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<br />S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-26666601768865109742015-05-06T06:49:00.001-07:002020-09-23T15:24:43.525-07:00Holding Back vs Moving Onwards Recently, I spent a total of six weeks relentlessly pursuing something , in order to get 'the gig'. This meant that I was zealously spending up to eight hours a day just chopping, tailoring and re-evaluating scenarios and presenting them and passing them onwards, in various media related forms to potential clients. I stopped all this the other day, cause my inner drive just literally put the brakes on, as if to say 'time out..you need a break and NOW!'.<br />
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Sooner or later, if I have gone in the right direction regards this scenario, it'll bear fruit. If not, then it was time well spent, or creatively wasted in the process. I like to keep to the former school of thought, because I'm not wasteful by nature and everything can be a learning experience if you allow it to be. There are, however, occasions when you cannot go through with something, even when you want to. It could be anything from a practical reason (e.g. not enough money, time or energy) to a more emotional situation; this can include ( and involve) family and friends. <br />
<br />
But sometimes, it's our own inertia that stops us from going through with
something. And that inertia can be borne out of fear. Conquering our
own fears is the biggest challenge of our lives, because they're the
ones that can be the hardest to beat. We can take on the world, and yet
still not be able to take apart or forget about something we've done, or even something we've
not done. That's a choice, and that's one we make everyday. I include
myself in this, as I haven't had a cookie-cutter life and can
still hold onto scenarios and events at an emotional level, for longer than I need to or should have. <br />
<br />
But
I do my best to let go and keep moving onwards. In the main, I live for today and
tomorrow and only dip into the past when I need to reference something in regards to the present.
I don't swim in the seas or rivers of nostalgia, and keep paddling in them. And that's what keeps me strong and motivated, even when the going gets
tough, cause I know it won't last forever. And If I get ill, it means I
needed a break at some level, and as much as I don't like it ( does anyone?), I accept it as a slowdown measure.<br />
<br />
Life's
all about moving forward, and taking stock so we can enjoy the fruits
of our labour. Keeping things in balance isn't easy, but then if life
were too easy to deal with, we wouldn't learn and grow. And the last two
are an essential part of life's journey, too. No one teaches us the
exact rules, but then no one can because we're all different in the way we go through life. <br />
<br />
In essence, our lives are
the sum total of our experiences, thoughts and feelings, which in themselves are married to the decisions we make ( or don't make) along the journey. Sifting
through all of the aforementioned in one short timeframe, in order to make an informed choice moving forward, isn't realistically possible. You'd effectively be whipping through a biography of your own life, which unless you're specifically writting one, is counter-productive .<br />
<br />
Furthermore, decisions made in the past aren't necessarily made in the same circumstances as today ( they rarely ever are). So keeping on, lets us
do the evaluation process in a natural way; it effectively allows us to adjust things in the <b>here and now</b>, as we move towards our goals. The rest is all about luck, karma and
blessings.<br />
<br />
Ultimately, you'll be leaving your own
story behind, so make your story matter to <b>you</b> first. Are you living the
life you want? If so, you're on the right track. If not, then have a
rethink, dust yourself off, and take steps, wether big or small, to go in the right
direction.<br />
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Don't forget to go easy on yourself along
the way, for there'll be times you're not always going to be getting it right. But eventually, you'll
get there. It may well be exactly where you envisaged you'd be, wether this is geographically, financially, and so on. It could also just be a mental and emotional journey, too.<br />
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Whatever happens and as long as the sun rises each morning, and you're breathing and living to make a difference in life, you'll get there. This is irrespective of wherever your 'there' is.<br />
<br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy </span></span>related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> </span></span></span><br />
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<a name='more'></a>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8135857336012623044.post-28302378897816935592015-04-29T09:03:00.002-07:002020-09-23T15:27:03.943-07:00Learn & Share As You Go; You Are Capable Of Eventual MasteryTwo questions :-<br />
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1) Do you know it all?<br />
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& <br />
<br />
2) Do you share any of what you do know?<br />
<br />
For those of you who think I'm close to losing the plot due to the aforementioned questions, I'm being sarcastic with regards to the first one. However, irrespective of wether you actually do indeed feel you know it all ( I salute you, if you do), it's likely you are sharing some of it at any given moment. That's unavoidable. <br />
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Even if you're not contributing to a discussion, by your very presence as a listener you are contributing via your presence. You're listening, observing and absorbing ( to some degree), what's going on around you. So in effect, you're also learning something, even though you may not be consciously doing so.<br />
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That's how a lot of behaviours, tastes, styles and paradigms are formed. It's also how they're <a href="http://www.shekhardhain.com/2015/04/doing-nothing-is-that-actually-choice.html" target="_blank">changed</a>. Subtle, smaller shifts and seemingly random morcels of information, can create rapid movements sociologically. This knocks onto fashion, technology, business, politics, music, and ultimately spearheads innovatory concepts that create even greater changes.<br />
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In effect, you're learning as you go along. Even a harvard MBA learns as he or she goes along. I've yet to meet someone who doesn't need to learn anything anymore. That's not the same as being unwilling to learn , for we all reach those points in life where for a myriad of reasons, we can't or won't want to absorb anything else anymore. <br />
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Otherwise, we learn and we grow, and the best part is that we can <b>master</b> what we know. You don't always need a certification to prove this, and it won't necessarily put you on to the fortune 500 list. But it <b>will</b> improve your understanding of something in your life, and permeate into the rest of your life, per se. Your environment and the way you see it and react to it, will be the proof of this. Think about it. <br />
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Learning and being open to learn, helps you master things quickly. Even when you think you've done it all and seen it all, being open to learning about alternatives or even something completely different, can lead you to greatness. It can also save you from feeling stuck in a well-worn thought train or thinking loop, in order to find solutions. <br />
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Now just in case you do know it all, I better get a metaphorical pad of paper and a pen. Cause I'm all for learning more than I already know. You'll be surprised as to when a seemingly random piece of information can come in handy, wether in or out of it's original context.<br />
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I'm all for it. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><!--more--><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For writing / consultancy related enquiries , email <a href="mailto:shekhardhain@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">here</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><i>LINKS TO MY :-</i></b> <a href="https://twitter.com/SRDHAIN" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><u><a href="https://srdmusic2.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Bandcamp</a></u></span></span></span></span>S Rhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09207024612374698027noreply@blogger.com0