Last year, when we moved into our place, I picked up a Scott Classic reel mower. It seemed like a quiet, environmentally conscious, energy efficient solution. It was the wrong tool for a number of reasons: the Siberian Elm that sheds its branches like a cat, the odd divets perfect for twisting ankles, and dandelions …
Author Archives: Garrick van Buren
The Guthrie’s ‘She Loves Me’ From the Cheap Seats
On a whim this morning, Jen and I caught the Guthrie’s She Loves Me matinee performance. This isn’t the first time we’ve hit the Guthrie rush line, definitely won’t be the last. Getting decent seats (or seats at all) is always a gamble. Last time, excellent seats – front and center. This time, front and …
Continue reading “The Guthrie’s ‘She Loves Me’ From the Cheap Seats”
Star Wars III: Unsafe at Humanscale
Jen and I caught an early showing of Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith tonight. Kraig Larson warned I should bring earplugs to avoid the dialog and try to look past the robotic direction. He was right and I appreciated the tip. Unfortunately, that was just the half of it. Lucas’ best work is …
“Because of” Not “With” in Traditional Media Also?
Last night, I was chatting with a copywriter about some story ideas. She mentioned how tough it is to get a story in free ad-subsidized weekly newspapers. Even when you get the by-line, the monetary compensation isn’t all that. Over in the music industry, Steve Albini reminds us how record companies put artists in the …
Continue reading ““Because of” Not “With” in Traditional Media Also?”
The Economics of Podcasting
First off, this post defines podcasting is an effective way to deliver highly niche audio to a very enthusiastic audience (the World English Bible translated into Klingon or Tips for Triathletes in the Southwestern US for example). Secondly, the numbers used here are rough and make for easy math. Let’s say you’re making one show …
On being Seth-dotted
I want to thank Seth Godin for linking to the Work Better Weblog yesterday. As expected, I saw it in the server logs. Work Better saw quadruple the traffic of just 24 hrs earlier. It didn’t take down my server (slashdotted) but it did make my afternoon (seth-dotted ?). Plus, I got a great email …
If You’re a Guru, You Need a Podcast
There are a handful of vocations ideally positioned for connecting with customers on a regular basis via audio (podcasting): Politicians Motivational Speakers Professional Consultants Musicians Poet, Author, or other Professional Writers If your vocation is in that list, find a speech or presentation and hit record. Then send it to your most passionate customers. It’s …
I missed another 1-on-1 Bike Swap
The 1-on-1 Bike Swaps are a great way to celebrate spring and autumn, clean out your garage, and race un-ride-able bikes around a track bordered with empty PBR cans. The May 22 bash was the second one I missed. Gene, Hurl, if you’re listening – add an RSS feed to the 117 blog. Thanks.
How Netflix Could Use Recommendations To Increase Subscriptions
One of the challenges of highly customer-driven systems like the iPod, Tivo, and Netflix is the keeping it fresh. I wrote about my experience with this problem last fall (New, Unexpected Music on Your iPod). I’m sensing the same “2,000 songs and nothing’s on” wall with Netflix. Sure, there are 50 discs in our queue …
Continue reading “How Netflix Could Use Recommendations To Increase Subscriptions”
Business Casual Saves Energy
In an effort to dramatically reduce the heat pollution caused by Tokyo’s air conditioners, Japanese businessmen will be dressing business casual this summer. No jackets and ties after June 1. Read the full story at the New York Times: Is a Salaryman Without a Suit Like Sushi Without the Rice?