http://pmvazquez.posterous.com Most recent posts at pmvazquez's posterous posterous.com Thu, 13 May 2010 08:41:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/kOg3weiyQPU/apples-new-ipad-spot-teeters-between-confiden http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/apples-new-ipad-spot-teeters-between-confiden <p> <p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: medium;"> <div style=""> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fihOmQY-JxY&amp;feature=player_embedded">New iPad Spot</a></p> <p>Apple's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fihOmQY-JxY&amp;feature=player_embedded">new iPad spot</a> touts some of the functional and emotional benefits of the product, with a visual focus on the product itself being used in a variety of everyday situations - on a commute, held while on the back of a scooter, at work, on the couch with children, at a cafe, etc. While there is nothing remarkable about the spot other than the eye candy of the iPad itself, it did strike us how hard-hitting the spot's voice felt for Apple, whom has historically relied on an arguably softer approach in its communication.</p> <p>The "I'm a Mac" ads relied on the humorous interaction between two sharply contrasting personalities to illustrate the competitive functional differences between Apple and other platforms. This new iPad campaign forgoes the use of  personification entirely and goes straight for the hard-sell, with Apple touting the products benefits - from "fun", "beautiful", "goes anywhere and lasts all day" - to "crazy powerful" and even "magical".</p> <p>It's tough to argue the product's fast impact on the digital landscape - and perhaps even in the daily lives of those who own one. But the tone of the spot feels a bit too hard for Apple, whom could have relied on a softer approach, leaving consumers to come to their own conclusions after seeing, touching, feeling and using the product. Apple closes the spot with the claim that the iPad is "a revolution that has only just begun".  Feels like one of those thoughts that - although true - sounds pretty arrogant when actually stated out loud.</p> </div> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/apples-new-ipad-spot-teeters-between-confiden">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/apples-new-ipad-spot-teeters-between-confiden#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/kOg3weiyQPU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/apples-new-ipad-spot-teeters-between-confiden Sun, 18 Apr 2010 18:10:00 -0700 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/cDfBHdx8HCg/notes-from-the-psfk-conference-in-nyc-albeit http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/notes-from-the-psfk-conference-in-nyc-albeit <p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The PSFK “Good Ideas” NYC Conference took place on Friday, April 9^th. Speakers across a variety of industries and roles – from graffiti artists to technology researchers, to environmental activists and former NASA residents – provided inspiration for brands and businesses – and for everyone working on/in them.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">This summary recaps the key, most inspiring notions from my personal experience of the Conference – as well as where I see some applicability for the Agency side of the business, and how we can impact the brands we work on.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">- Paloma</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">At a 30,000 foot level, the key recurring ideas at the PSFK Conference were:</span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Collaboration</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> – don’t be too protective or defensive – share across disciplines and categories</span> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Think &amp; Act Small (&amp; Local) – </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">even if you’re a behemoth, reach and talk to your customer as if you’re their local establishment </span> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Be Yourself</strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> – Know Your strengths and weaknesses – and use this for differentiation</span> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Make Life Better – </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">use your DNA and position in the world – be it as a web/mobile property, a product, a retailer, or a media property to make life better &amp; easier - and to deliver a positive experience to your customers. Engage their emotions. Design and work towards a consumer experience.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Conference speakers were categorized into four “big opportunities”, or themes identified by PSFK:</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://twitter.com/pmvazquez##" title="delete this tweet"></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">1) Storytelling:</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Rob Walker, Significant Objects: <a href="http://significantobjects.com/2009/07/13/project-update-the-first-significant-objects-auctions-have-ended-much-more-to-come/">http://significantobjects.com/2009/07/13/project-update-the-first-significant-objects-auctions-have-ended-much-more-to-come/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key idea: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">create value via storytelling – even when fictional</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The value of meaningless objects was created (and the price increased) purely via storytelling</span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">If what you're doing is interesting and unique enough, the process, or project itself can become the story.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Tell a story.<span style="">  </span>Create value in your merchandise or offering by creating a story around what that object/experience means, or where it came from.<span style="color: #3e4415;"> </span></span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Steve Powers, Graffiti Artist <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.aloveletterforyou.com/">http://www.aloveletterforyou.com</a></span></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key idea: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Create a culture of giving - “gifts” to your customers and source of inspiration</span> </li> </ul> <p style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt Times New Roman;">       </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Powers made the source of his inspiration better by volunteering time back to it. Graffiti embodies Godin's notion of "gifts". </span></p> <p style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt Times New Roman;">       </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Graffiti is advertising for what artists want to promote, which is style</span></p> <p style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt Times New Roman;">       </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">"Giving away my talent was a no brainer" - talk about collaboration</span></p> <p style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Symbol; color: black;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt Times New Roman;">       </span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;"><strong><em>Brand implications: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Sometimes you have to give in order to get back.<span style="">  </span>Try giving something of value to your customers, without asking for anything back.<span style="">  </span>A coupon or percent off is not a gift, nor is a “gift with purchase”.<span style="">  </span>But a free iPhone app that will turn your photos into b&amp;w, or sepia, might be. It will build good will, and initiate a relationship.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Ouigi Theodore, Brooklyn Circus: <a href="http://thebkcircus.com/bkc/">http://thebkcircus.com/bkc/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">resilience, reinvention, know yourself and figure out your particular talent, strength and place in the world</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Some of us create beautiful things, and others can turn the world onto it. Find your talent, "dip into your bucket where you stand".</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Talent can be found in connecting with people and pulling them in. Not just in creating a product, but spreading it. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Inspired by mistakes and their ability to teach. Resilience itself is reenergizing, inspiring.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Know your brand, how you’re perceived and what you stand for.<span style="">  </span>Own it, use that knowledge of your strengths and weaknesses to differentiate yourself, and stand for something with your customers.<span style="">  </span>Don’t try to be your competition.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma; color: black;">Nick Feltron: <a href="http://feltron.com/about.html"><span style="color: black;">http://feltron.com/about.html</span></a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>Key ideas: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">keep data simple and concise, maintaining focus on looking for its meaning</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Inspired by Nick Feltron's ability to simplify and beautify complex data</span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Infographics, data visualization</span></li> <li style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">You don't have to show ALL the data to demonstrate its meaning.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style="color: black;"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications: </em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Don’t get bogged down in data.<span style="">  </span>Maintain laser focus on what that data means, what it says about your customers and business, and what you can use to impact your business.<span style="">  </span>Find the meaning…and file the rest away for later. </span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Partners &amp; Spade: <a href="http://partnersandspade.com/studio">http://partnersandspade.com/studio</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: think and act smaller than what you are in order to stay nimble, local and relatable – even when you’re huge</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Small design studio and advertising agency working on some big brands</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Acting small is a continuous change of mind - because no one likes big. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Changing perception by placing yourself in an unexpected environment. JCrew mens shop at a former liquor store. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Individuals don’t want to feel they’re being “talked at” by a giant corporation – in these days of educated customers, they’re turned off by it.<span style="">  </span>Even when you’re huge (like J.Crew), you can try to act like an individual store/location – evaluate your surroundings, take calculated risks, and act as if you’re a single location catering to a particular neighborhood’s customers. Design your experience for people – not departments. </span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2) Creative Refocus:</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"> Tina Roth Eisenberg, Designer and Blogger: <a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/">http://www.swiss-miss.com/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong>: </strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Content curation and employment of a personal, single voice connection to readers</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">As a designer, she also helps spread other designers’ good ideas; not just her own. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Impressed by “Helvetica on garbage bags!" Ah, the impact of clean, simple Swiss design</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Share; don’t be selfish with content.<span style="">  </span>If you want to draw people in, you’re going to have to feature other content, not just your own.<span style="">  </span>Help spread good ideas; you’ll be perceived as the go-to curator and expert in a subject matter. And again, think and act small.<span style="">  </span>Tina has millions of readers, but she’s the only voice that speaks to them.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Eric Proulx, former ad copywriter and filmmaker: <a href="http://www.pleasefeedtheanimals.com/">http://www.pleasefeedtheanimals.com/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Passion.<span style="">  </span>Reinvention, not defining yourself by work, making lemonade out of lemons and collaboration</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Proulx found his success by helping others tell their own stories</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">If it doesn't feel like work anymore, you know you have it right.  </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Eric Proulx of Lemonade exemplifies how you can find success by helping others tell and spread their own stories. Collaboration. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications:</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><em> </em></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Reinvention.<span style="">  </span>If you lose one battle, reinvent yourself and start a new one.<span style="">  </span>A competitor owns the lion’s share of one product segment?<span style="">  </span>Identify a smaller one where you can focus your attention, and own/exceed.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Adam Wells, Design Director, Incubator of New Ventures &amp; Experiences at Virgin: <a href="http://www.psfk.com/2010/03/psfk-conference-speaker-interview-adam-wells.html">http://www.psfk.com/2010/03/psfk-conference-speaker-interview-adam-wells.html</a><a href="http://twitter.com/pmvazquez##" title="delete this tweet"></a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Brands and agencies alike need to take on the challenge of identifying the emotion experienced by an individual using a brand's product. Only by adopting this culture can a brand truly deliver this experience from a product’s inception, across all touch points.</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Products deliver a service &amp; experience – emotional experience, not just a functional one</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Focus of industrial design is on how it feels to use products.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Organize your business around 1 single focus: the consumer’s experience of your product/service.<span style="">  </span>Not departmental priorities or agendas – sales can only be generated and maintained long-term by an engaged, satisfied customer. Bring design thinking into the organization as a way of “humanizing” the design and marketing process.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">3) Change-Making:</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Colin Beavan, “No Impact Man” and environmental activist: <a href="http://noimpactman.typepad.com/">http://noimpactman.typepad.com/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Maintaining a focus on doing good/well for others long-term – including your customers; also, redefining how we use the term “progress”</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Real progress is a better life, not just improvement - cooler mobile phones each year is just more of the same. </span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Think about what's good for your customers - not just riding the sustainably green wave. </span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Andrew Hoppin, New York State Senate CIO and formerly of NASA: <a href="http://globehoppin.com/about/">http://globehoppin.com/about/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Technology, and social media in particular, facilitate education, involvement and dialogue</span> </li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Digital transparency clearly empowers consumers by making them smarter than ever – particularly if they chose to get involved</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Social media facilitates our participating in establishing the laws that will govern us. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Get involved: nysenate.org</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">John Dimatos, Resident Researcher at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program: <a href="http://hindsight.su/">http://hindsight.su/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Resourcefulness, decisiveness – and not getting too caught up in the details (and sometimes overwhelming data)</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">It doesn't matter what you have; what matters is making sure you can get it done (designing for UNICEF requires quick response)</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Maintain focus on finding actionable meaning in data.<span style="">  </span>Act. Avoid data paralysis.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Zach Lieberman, Creative Technologist: <a href="http://www.thesystemis.com/bio/index.html">http://www.thesystemis.com/bio/index.html</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Working to inspire awe; collaboration; do it together instead of do it yourself</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">An open mouth as an aesthetic is a pathway to someone's heart. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Using tech to help others - the Eye Writer to help those with paralysis continue to create art</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Artistic practice is a form of research - R&amp;D for humanity </span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Design and work towards a consumer experience – creating delight and awe is what will engage a customer for the short and long term.<span style="">  </span>Make life better for others – elevate and expand your focus beyond the obvious (i.e., make a profit).<span style="">  </span></span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">4) Disruption:</span></strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Grant McCracken, MIT affiliate and anthropologist: <a href="http://chiefcultureofficer.ning.com/profile/GrantMcCracken">http://chiefcultureofficer.ning.com/profile/GrantMcCracken</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Diversity within our overall culture; ideas spreading from even the most niche interests; if an idea is relevant, it will grow/spread – it just might take time to “take”</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Notion of studying slow culture, not just fast (trends). </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">I'm drawing a parallel to think before you Tweet; creating value trumps buzz &amp; quantity. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">More &amp; louder is not always better, stronger nor more enduring</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Don’t be afraid to specialize, identify what makes you different from your competitors and own your brand personality.<span style="">  </span>Slow down; don’t jump on every trend and try to be all things to every customer segment.<span style="">  </span>Determine what specifically you want your culture to embody and cultivate it - start from within your company and brand before you try to spread it.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Avner Ronen, Founder of Boxee; TV &amp; Entertainment change maker: <a href="http://blog.boxee.tv/2010/03/18/the-future-of-tv/">http://blog.boxee.tv/2010/03/18/the-future-of-tv/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Yes, the media &amp; entertainment content landscape is changing.<span style="">  </span>But it is not dying – nor will advertising</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Consumers will still want entertainment program – but what is changing is where and how they consume it (role of TV vs. mobile tablet vs. laptop)</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">The future of TV might not involve a TV at all, but a cloud, where Freemium will be the most common model. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">That said, consumers’ total spend on entertainment content won’t change – just where they’re allocating that spend (i.e., cable subscription vs. high-speed wireless internet vs. Netflix)</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">There is no TV - just diff screen sizes. Think of programming as content across touchpoints. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Passions will be fullfilled, niche content will thrive: users will be even more fragmented and new mechanisms to find the content will be created.</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Stay close to changes in media consumption, and adapt your approach to speak to consumers in context of where and how they’re engaging with each platform.<span style="">  </span>Designing content for interaction on the iPad is different than for the iPhone, than for a computer than for TV or Print.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Naveen Selvadurai: Co-founder of Foursquare (and social agitator): <a href="http://naveenium.com/">http://naveenium.com/</a></span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Key ideas</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: A mobile and digital platform with a higher-level mission, beyond the mere space in which it plays.</span> <ul type="circle" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Mission: Our goal is to help people get better at living in cities.</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">I love that @<a href="http://twitter.com/foursquare">foursquare</a>'s mission doesn't mention tech or mobile. Simply the end benefit of helping people live better in their cities. </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Personal data – helps people better track how and where they’re spending their time in their city</span></li> </ul> </li> <li style=""> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><em>Brand implications</em></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Elevate and expand your mission and objectives beyond the obvious, to how you can help your customers live better lives.<span style="">  </span>Focus on creating and engaging an emotional experience via your product/service.<span style="">  </span>Foursquare demonstrates that even an intangible mobile application can help elevate their purpose in order to accomplish this.</span> </li> </ul> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><a href="http://twitter.com/pmvazquez##" title="delete this tweet"></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Conclusion</span></strong></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">: Screening of Banksy’s “Exit Through the Gift Shop” – the world’s first street art disaster movie. <a href="http://www.banksyfilm.com/">http://www.banksyfilm.com/</a> </span></p> <ul type="disc" style="margin-top: 0in;"> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">A brilliant satire from a brilliantly satirical street artist</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Question what people say and why</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">A reminder of how gullible and easily led by group-think and hype people can be</span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Stay sincere to your own “art” – whatever form it may take; </span></li> <li style=""><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Tahoma;">Reinvention – not imitation - in order to stay relevant</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/notes-from-the-psfk-conference-in-nyc-albeit">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/notes-from-the-psfk-conference-in-nyc-albeit#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/cDfBHdx8HCg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/notes-from-the-psfk-conference-in-nyc-albeit Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:02:10 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/wdSyNJOPPgk/eek-a-mouse-fp-passport http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/eek-a-mouse-fp-passport <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote><div> <p>These <a href="http://www.clioawards.com/shortlist/index.cfm?medium_id=2" target="_blank">Clio Award-winning</a> posters for the<a href="http://www.ishr.org/"> International Society for Human Rights </a>are brilliantly done:</p> <p align="justify">&nbsp;</p><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/images/090521_ahmadinejad.jpg" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/images/090521_castro.jpg" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.foreignpolicy.com/images/090521_chavez.jpg" /></div><p>&nbsp;</p> </div></blockquote><div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2009/05/21/eek_a_mouse">blog.foreignpolicy.com</a></div> <p>These really aren't new. But I just now stumbled onto them and was fascinated. Brilliant point.</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/eek-a-mouse-fp-passport">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/eek-a-mouse-fp-passport#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/wdSyNJOPPgk" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/eek-a-mouse-fp-passport Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:38:02 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/IFkUkk1OUwU/the-city-sage-photography-from-unusually-fine http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-city-sage-photography-from-unusually-fine <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpwwwannesage_ymgdg" height="344" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/JmtqjJhHFwBrIpjrszJHDorhDxlhmHoesGcelrqAwdeEeGHkDaEsfvaAwlaB/media_httpwwwannesage_ymgdG.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="478" /> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.annesage.com/blog/2010/02/stop-the-presses-meet-unusually-fine-photography.html?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+annesage+%28The+City+Sage%29">annesage.com</a></div> <p>Beautiful photography from Unusually Fine Photography. So natural and fun - looks like the subjects are having a ball...</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-city-sage-photography-from-unusually-fine">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-city-sage-photography-from-unusually-fine#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/IFkUkk1OUwU" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-city-sage-photography-from-unusually-fine Sat, 13 Feb 2010 21:25:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/jkuOWxZKIS8/juan-felipe-rubio-reflectionofme http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/juan-felipe-rubio-reflectionofme <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"><a href="http://reflectionof.me/juan-felipe-rubio"><img class="posterous_download_image" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/clementine/tRxteN8DHyasdHcClgt60bS46JR88g6m7WiHu6q7VY5pl1nYjevtQvRer3oA/1.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" border="0" height="546" alt="" width="500" /></a> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://reflectionof.me/juan-felipe-rubio">reflectionof.me</a></div> <p>Love these beautiful shots - via Reflectionof.me</p> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/juan-felipe-rubio-reflectionofme">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/juan-felipe-rubio-reflectionofme#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/jkuOWxZKIS8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/juan-felipe-rubio-reflectionofme Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:01:04 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/Jd4cbqQMycw/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-prepo http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-prepo <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <a href="http://lenkendall.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-1#comment"><img class="posterous_download_image" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/lenkendall/rJjIhFrIllEertlhDaJkuoBtmzqpbEpubvfewmBBhyjxfIdDulHpksloncDB/media_httpblogmakezin_uDoBc.jpg.scaled500.jpg" border="0" height="491" width="500" /></a> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://lenkendall.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-1#comment">lenkendall.posterous.com</a></div> <p>I love this!!!! (From Len)</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-prepo">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-prepo#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/Jd4cbqQMycw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/lego-steampunk-voyage-to-the-moon-model-prepo Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:29:53 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/E_MM4vuvEyc/if-i-could-be-anywhere http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/if-i-could-be-anywhere <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpfarm5static_ujrqg" height="333" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/zezyBCkpsjdAyqhwhBIfboseqhqsjAwuEqhyxGEiqijfmxhFCGzbkxicbovt/media_httpfarm5static_ujrqG.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/palomamv/4341921611/in/set-72157623384628230/">flickr.com</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/if-i-could-be-anywhere">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/if-i-could-be-anywhere#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/E_MM4vuvEyc" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/if-i-could-be-anywhere Mon, 08 Feb 2010 19:28:33 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/c_sRJRH6ACw/just-outside-of-mexico-city http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/just-outside-of-mexico-city <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4341920031_2a4278b4cc.jpg" /> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/palomamv/4341920031/in/set-72157623384628230/">flickr.com</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/just-outside-of-mexico-city">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/just-outside-of-mexico-city#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/c_sRJRH6ACw" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/just-outside-of-mexico-city Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:56:40 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/lpRc9g0eMss/edge-perspectives-with-john-hagel-reshaping-r http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/edge-perspectives-with-john-hagel-reshaping-r <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote><div> <p> <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/from-research-monographs-to-story-telling-new-forms-of-communication-in-the-big-shift.html">« From Research Monographs to Story-Telling: New Forms of Communication in the Big Shift</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/">Main</a> </p> <div> <h3>Reshaping Relationships through Passion</h3> <div> <div> <p><strong>I have always been shy.</strong> As a child, I learned to turn inward as a way to protect myself against an environment that I perceived to be very threatening.&nbsp; I saw relationships as temporary at best and full of turmoil at worst, and would frequently retreat into a personal world with a good book rather than interact with new people.&nbsp;I had such a severe reaction&nbsp;to my first day at kindergarten, for example, that my parents decided to give me a reprieve until first grade. Shyness is a survival mechanism and it helped me to navigate through some very challenging times.</p> <p><strong>For shy people like me, the </strong><a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2009/08/defining-the-big-shift.html"><strong>Big Shift</strong></a><strong> can be deeply challenging.</strong> The Big Shift suggests we are moving away from a world where stocks of knowledge and short-lived transactions are the key to success. In its place, we find a world where participation in many, diverse flows of knowledge and long-term, trust-based relationships determine success. In this new world, shy people can be at a significant disadvantage. We run the risk of becoming increasingly stressed and marginalized by the extroverts who welcome the opportunity to broaden and deepen relationships. They thrive in crowded rooms while we are deeply uncomfortable with exposing and sharing.</p> <p><strong>The need to reshape relationships</strong></p> <p><strong>For everyone, whether shy or not, the Big Shift poses other challenges.</strong>&nbsp; We generally treat relationships as sources of stability in a confusing, complicated and rapidly changing world.&nbsp; We seek out people who share our backgrounds and experiences, those who can make us comfortable and reassure us that our ways of viewing the world are valid and enduring. Once we find these people and connect with them, we develop relationships that comfort us rather than challenge us to achieve our full potential.</p> <p><strong>The strength of these relationships also becomes a vulnerability.</strong> Lulling us into complacency, they insulate us from new perspectives and practices far more appropriate to the changing world around us.&nbsp; </p> <p>In sharp contrast, <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2009/11/pursuing-passion.html"><strong>passion</strong></a><strong> holds the key to creating and shaping relationships that will help us thrive in a rapidly changing world.</strong> It motivates even the shyest of us to reach out and connect with others in ways that become catalysts for creativity and growth. <strong>Passion fosters a uniquely strong and productive bond that provides both the stability and stimulus needed to continue to grow and succeed in a constantly changing world.</strong></p> <p><strong>1. Overcoming inhibitions</strong> </p> <p><strong>Though passionate people may be socially awkward or shy, their passion compels them to step outside of their social comfort zones</strong> to find others who share their passion and who may be able to help them reach new levels of performance. </p> <p>Passion is a powerful driving force. The internal momentum it fosters gives passionate people the will and enthusiasm needed to overcome social inhibitions that otherwise discourage them from connecting with new people. </p> <p>If there is any doubt about this, consider the area where the force of passion is best understood: love. The archetypal “laying it on the line” in pursuit of romantic connection is understood by even the shyest or most conservative of people. An uncomfortable or risky overture of some sort is necessary to the formation of virtually every new relationship. Each one of us has experienced the drive of passion in this way, which makes the analogy—while limited—a powerful illustration of how passion enables connection irrespective of social ability. </p> <p>However, the key difference is a very important one: the relationship sought by a <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2009/09/a-labor-day-manifesto-for-a-new-world.html">passionate creative</a> (as opposed to a passionate romantic) is a means to a common end, and not an end in itself. <strong>When creatives form a productive connection based on shared passion, they feed each other’s energy and build momentum toward greater achievements than would have been possible independently—something that all talented individuals intuitively understand. </strong></p> <p><strong>Passion plays another role here as well.</strong>&nbsp; In addition to motivating us to seek out others who share our passion, <strong>it becomes a beacon attracting others to us.</strong>&nbsp; Passionate people speak and write about their passion.&nbsp; They share their passion with others. They can’t help it – it is their passion after all.&nbsp; This makes others aware of our passion.&nbsp; We soon find others approaching us because of something that we wrote or said.&nbsp; Before we know it, even more connections are established and relationships built around these shared passions.</p> <p>I found intriguing evidence of the role of passions in expanding our relationships in the <a href="http://www.deloitte.com/assets/Dcom-UnitedStates/Local%20Assets/Documents/us_tmt_ce_ShiftIndex_072109ecm.pdf">Shift Index</a>&nbsp;(pdf) that the Deloitte Center for the Edge published last year.&nbsp; This research discovered a striking correlation between the degree of passion that employees have in their work and their participation in knowledge flows of various types – measured by such proxies as participation in conferences, professional associations or social media.&nbsp; <strong>Passionate people are much more connected than those who indicate little passion in their work</strong></p> <p><strong>Shy people can experience a virtuous cycle.</strong>&nbsp; In overcoming their inhibitions to forge these energetic connections, they find that they are indeed able to pursue their passions more effectively than if they remain isolated in their own shells.&nbsp; As they experience this success, they are&nbsp;motivated to reach out even more broadly to build expanding networks in search of new relationships with people who share their passion. Though their instincts may still encourage isolation, they yield instead to the much more powerful force of passion.</p> <p><strong>2. Come together, right now: The diversity of passionate communities</strong></p> <p><strong>Through passion, the kind of people we connect with changes as well.</strong> Whether shy or not, we all have a tendency form bonds with people who look, believe and act as we do. Rather than helping us to overcome conventional geographic, demographic, ethnic and professional boundaries, our relationships often serve to harden and strengthen these boundaries.&nbsp; Romeo and Juliet’s love was so taboo because it compelled them to transcend conventional social boundaries (note that, even here, it was romantic passion that gave rise to this inspiring exception). </p> <p>In times of rapid change, this tendency becomes even more pronounced.&nbsp; In a <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2008/09/the-bigger-cons.html">previous posting</a>, I discussed the research of&nbsp;Bill Bishop, in his recent book, The Big Sort.&nbsp; He documented a sustained and significant population shift in the United States as people increasingly congregate in neighborhoods with others who share their demographic attributes, lifestyles and values. Many have worried about the polarization of society occurring in the virtual world of the Internet, while remaining relatively oblivious to the much deeper polarization occurring in the physical world.</p> <p><strong>Passion, however, is blind to social background, political beliefs (unless the passion is related to politics), experiences or lifestyles.</strong>&nbsp; As long as someone shares our passion and is actively engaged in pursuing it, we seek them out and welcome them into our fold. Passion brings together unlikely groupings and these communities have a tendency to create dynamic and innovative “creative spaces” not in spite of their member’s diversity, but because of it. </p> <p>In Susan Sontag’s 1965 essay “On Culture and the New Sensibility,” she associates genius with the “<em>personalities</em> and music of the Beatles” (emphasis mine). Sontag is right in placing the cultural significance of John, Paul, George and Ringo’s personalities beside the music they made together. The individual characteristics and inter-group relations of these four passionate creatives are seared into cultural memory because of the dynamism of their distinction. </p> <p><strong>Relationships built on passion are extremely strong and often defy the incentives of traditional bond formation.</strong>&nbsp; When they traveled to Hamburg Germany for one of their first big gigs, The Beatles’ line-up was John, Paul, George, Stewart and Pete. With a grueling performance schedule to maintain, only the most passionate—not necessarily the most popular—would remain. Stewart quit to follow new passions, Pete was replaced by the more talented and enthusiastic Ringo, and The Beatles, as we know them, were formed. </p> <p><strong>As an exemplary passionate community, The Beatles continued to seek edges.</strong> They constantly reinvented themselves through the influence and collaboration with other passionate creatives on the edge, people as diverse as Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Ravi Shankar and Yoko Ono. Though these influences had discernable impact on The Beatles as an artistic team, the most significant key to their success was the unlikely partnership between John Lennon and Paul McCartney—whose personalities, talents and sensibilities are extremely divergent and even at-odds. Yet together, they became one of the most important artistic teams of the twentieth century.</p> <p><strong>3. Growing through sustained relationships</strong></p> <p>Shared passion helps the relationships we build to strengthen and grow. While reaching out to others in expanding networks can be fruitful, one of the most important fixtures of a passion-based relationship is its want to become a rooted, stabilizing force, while at the same time challenging each of its members to “keep their end of the bargain” as an innovative contributor to the creative momentum of the bond. <br />In this way, <strong>passion-based relationships are not just resistant to the status quo—they are incompatible with it. </strong></p> <p>The Lennon-McCartney partnership held strong at the height of innovation throughout the tumultuous Sixties in large part because of the continuous challenge John and Paul posed to one another to grow as artists. This quasi-competitive dynamic is a fixture of most cultural, social, artistic, political and intellectual movements throughout history—where <strong>talented individuals continually set the bar higher for one another, making these relationships a source of forward-moving momentum for their passions and creativity.</strong> </p> <p><strong>But “movements” have another important characteristic: they are highly community oriented.</strong> Passionate creatives gather physically in neighborhoods, cities or districts (what Richard Florida calls <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2005/10/the_world_is_sp.html">“spikes”</a> ), or maintain connection through correspondence in some form, to fortify connections with one another as community members. Think of the Harlem Renaissance, the High-Modernist Ex-Pats, the Berkeley New Left, Greenwich Village Beats and today, Silicon Valley’s digerati. </p> <p>It had been the case up to very recently that this rootedness was typically imposed from without (as is the experience of many people “pushed” into the religious communities of their parents), which can be a stifling and repressive force. Conversely, <strong>passion provides a pull-based foundation for community building that liberates, for those who may feel alienated or different in traditional community settings.</strong> </p> <p>In a constantly changing world of shift and flows, finding (or founding) a passion-based community may be one of the most significant factors to staying oriented, rooted, and poised to grow.&nbsp; </p> <p>The dynamics of passionate relationships are powerful elements of success in an era of continuous instability. <strong>Passion trumps inhibition in the service of new connections; shared passion provides a foundation for diverse relationships; and these relationships provide both stability and inspire growth for its members.</strong></p> <p><strong>Lessons learned</strong>&nbsp; </p> <p><strong>This is not just theory. This perspective is deeply informed by my own personal experience.</strong>&nbsp; Connecting with my passion has helped me to overcome my shyness and to build a rapidly expanding network of deeply rewarding personal relationships, especially with people on a variety of edges, who have helped me to learn and grow continuously. </p> <p><strong>Over the years, I have learned that my shyness was a coping mechanism. It is not who I really am.&nbsp; I have come to believe that we are all passionate and social beings, but we learn to become otherwise as a result of childhood experiences.</strong> Connecting with our passion can help us to recover our natural sociability, inspire us to connect with others and grow as individuals within the dynamic and nurturing bonds of passion-based relationships. <br /></p> </div> </div> <div> <p> <span>Posted by John Hagel on January 29, 2010</span> <span>|</span> <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html">Permalink</a> </p> </div> </div> <div> <a></a> <h3>TrackBack</h3> <div> <p>TrackBack URL for this entry:<br /><span><a href="http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451954769e20120a82b8686970b">http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451954769e20120a82b8686970b</a></span></p> <p>Listed below are links to weblogs that reference <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html">Reshaping Relationships through Passion</a>:</p> </div> <p> </p></div> <a></a> <div> <h3>Comments</h3> <div> <a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-13-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="John Hagel" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>Russell—I like the idea of universal awareness and self-acceptance. Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Also, I’d argue that there are some personality traits that are more helpful professionally than others. For instance (as I explore in this post), shyness often has a detrimental effect on one’s ability to network, which will put shy people at a disadvantage in a world of shift. Passion helps us to “just be” in the most authentic and productive way.</p> <p>Anna, James, Rebecca, Roxanne and Ron—thanks for your comments!</p> <p>Martin: Great questions. I will do my best to answer them on this blog in the weeks to come. </p> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://www.johnhagel.com" title="http://www.johnhagel.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John Hagel</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a8572cba970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a8572cba970b">February 03, 2010 at 05:53 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/511391407/Avatar1_normal.jpg" height="50" alt="Wheelyweb" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>Passion is definitely not an illness nor is it fixation to exclude all others.</p> <p>Glad well talks about the 10000 hour rule, that it takes 10000 hours of study/work/attention/passion, to be an expert. The beatles spent that playing three shifts a day and several on the weekend in hamburg, working on knowing as much as they could and working and experimenting hard. They still had time to do other things, but their passion kept them keen and excited about their art.<br /> </p> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://profile.typepad.com/wheelyweb" title="http://profile.typepad.com/wheelyweb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wheelyweb</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a83e2224970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a83e2224970b">February 01, 2010 at 12:44 PM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-10-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="Christa" width="50" /> </div> <div> <div><p>Not passionate about currency; passion is currency.</p></div> </div> <p> Posted by: Christa | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20128773ff907970c#comment-6a00d83451954769e20128773ff907970c">February 01, 2010 at 11:02 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-03-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="Anna Pollock" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>I've believed for some time if an organization's people shared a common sense of PURPOSE that ignited and harnessed their individual PASSIONS, then PROFITS would follow. <br /> Great post - thank you<br /> </p> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://desticorp.typepad.com/desticorp/2009/10/uk-tour-operators-lead-in-thinking-about-the-future.html" title="http://desticorp.typepad.com/desticorp/2009/10/uk-tour-operators-lead-in-thinking-about-the-future.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Anna Pollock</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20128773e31db970c#comment-6a00d83451954769e20128773e31db970c">February 01, 2010 at 04:46 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-09-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="Russell Hinds" width="50" /> </div> <div> <div><p>people are insecure generally in one way or another, so what about just being, and accepting one another, giving feedback, help when one can, and accepting oneself, shy, shallow, aware, unaware, passionate, ambivalent, etc. and perhaps learn what your strenghts and weaknesses (or traits, tendencies) are and be aware and mindful of those and their impact on you and others. or in the simplest case, just be.</p></div> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://twitter.com/rhfocus" title="http://twitter.com/rhfocus" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Russell Hinds</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a8364329970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a8364329970b">January 31, 2010 at 09:01 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://up7.typepad.com/6a00e008c857af8834011571df779e970b-50si" height="50" alt="James Strock" width="50" /> </div> <div> <div><p>Terrific post!</p></div> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://profile.typepad.com/jmstrock" title="http://profile.typepad.com/jmstrock" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">James Strock</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a8314fdc970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a8314fdc970b">January 30, 2010 at 08:32 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-01-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="Rebecca" width="50" /> </div> <div> <div><p>I see passion as the engine for human evolution, the fuel for expanding consciousness. Why else would it be part of who we are?</p></div> </div> <p> Posted by: Rebecca | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a830cd79970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a830cd79970b">January 30, 2010 at 06:44 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-18-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="roxanne duchini" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>I personally think that passion is a "basic instinct"(like love)...fundamental for all livings ways;even more is a surviving tool-<br /> Lucky the ones that find it,and happy the ones that have it:)<br /> thanks for sharing.<br /> </p> </div> <p> Posted by: roxanne duchini | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a830b716970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a830b716970b">January 30, 2010 at 06:24 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://a3.twimg.com/profile_images/416228719/RCdW100x70_normal.jpg" height="50" alt="RonCdeWeijze" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>All passions have shown to be tending towards integration into one, eg, "Matthew's Passion" or "John's Passion". This is what shaped our Western culture, providing us with basic identity. Connecting with others is seeking, finding and following that basic passion and where it came from. I believe it is like confirmation, especially when it is independent: there is a thrill in independent confirmation of the sort that inspired Karl Popper to come up with his theory of falsification. As long as what we believe about the other or our environment, and ourselves, is challenged but not falsified, we can passionately hold and keep it as our Truth. This is especially true for intimate relationships. Almost thirty years ago, I believed that we all lived in our own world and were only connected through behavior. Now, I think we must always be connected to our significant other, by independent confirmation of the forms we recollect and construct, from the depths of our being to the utmost periphery, believing them to fit our one and common world intuitively yet precisely, until we realize our dream, or we realize our mistake.<br /> </p> </div> <p> Posted by: <a href="http://profile.typepad.com/roncdeweijze" title="http://profile.typepad.com/roncdeweijze" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RonCdeWeijze</a> | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e20120a8308d49970b#comment-6a00d83451954769e20120a8308d49970b">January 30, 2010 at 05:22 AM</a> </p> </div><a></a> <div> <div> <img src="http://static.typepad.com/.shared/images/default-avatars/avatar-04-50x50.gif" height="50" alt="Martin" width="50" /> </div> <div> <span /><p>I hear a lot about passion. But what is it? I don't consider myself passionate about anything, but other people tell me they hear it when I speak about some things. <br /> Is passion actually a form of mental illness where a person fixates on one thing to the exclusion of other considerations, meaning that a 360-degree view of something is incompatible with passion?</p> </div> <p> Posted by: Martin | <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html?cid=6a00d83451954769e201287733dbf6970c#comment-6a00d83451954769e201287733dbf6970c">January 30, 2010 at 04:40 AM</a> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <h3>Verify your Comment</h3> <h3>Previewing your Comment</h3> <div> <div> <p> </p><p> Posted by: <span></span>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<span></span> </p> </div> </div> </div> <div> <p>This is only a preview. Your comment has not yet been posted.</p> </div> <div> Your comment could not be posted. Error type: <span></span> </div> <div> Your comment has been posted. <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html#">Post another comment</a> </div> <div> <div> <p>The letters and numbers you entered did not match the image. Please try again.</p> <p>As a final step before posting your comment, enter the letters and numbers you see in the image below. This prevents automated programs from posting comments.</p> <p><span>Having trouble reading this image? <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html#comment-captcha">View an alternate.</a></span></p> </div> <p><img /></p> </div> <p> </p></div> </div></blockquote> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://edgeperspectives.typepad.com/edge_perspectives/2010/01/reshaping-relationships-through-passion.html">edgeperspectives.typepad.com</a></div> <p>This post is just straight-up fascinating. Passion is so difficult to define. It feels like a fire burning inside you, your face lights up when you're engaged with someone or in something you're passionate about, time is irrelevant when you're feeling it and you feel restless when you're not actively engaging in it. Passion for someone else binds you together, as does a shared passion over a common interest. Passion can blind you - but a life without it is half lived.</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/edge-perspectives-with-john-hagel-reshaping-r">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/edge-perspectives-with-john-hagel-reshaping-r#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/lpRc9g0eMss" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/edge-perspectives-with-john-hagel-reshaping-r Thu, 04 Feb 2010 14:59:44 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/TAR2xnkaNtg/seth-godin-on-being-indispensable-businesswee http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/seth-godin-on-being-indispensable-businesswee <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote><div> <h3>Seth Godin on being indispensable</h3> <p>Posted by: Helen Walters on February 04, 2010</p> <p>This morning, I headed to Soho House in Manhattan to hear <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin</a> talk to an assembled audience of 100 or so ad/brand/marketing/design folks. The $195 a ticket event, organized by hip trendwatchers, <a href="http://www.psfk.com">PSFK</a>, was a way for Godin to tout his latest book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Linchpin-Are-Indispensable-Seth-Godin/dp/1591843162/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1265315364&amp;sr=8-1">Linchpin</a>, the subtitle of which asks the question, “are you indispensable?” Godin, who is clearly in his element in this type of scenario and whose shtick blends just the right amounts of self-deprecation, flattery of his audience and nimble wit, had some stern words for anyone whose instant response to the question was less than flag-wavingly affirmative. In fact, he offered four main calls to action for those within branding and marketing who are looking not merely to exist in the modern world but to thrive in it and shape it for themselves: </p> <p>1. “If there is a map or a set of rules, reject it. You will not get paid fairly if all you do is follow the rules.” </p> <p>2. “What you must do is [create] generous art, gifts that change people, connect with people, lead with people, make change that matters.”</p> <p>3. “Ship it.”</p> <p>[This referred to the tendency we all have to talk ourselves out of doing something, instead convincing ourselves that it’s too soon/not ready/not a good time/we’ll be laughed out of town if we try it now, clearly we should delay. From the nodding heads and murmured approval around the room as Godin described this concept it seemed like a familiar problem. And, of course, the idea of shipping something that might not be perfect isn’t just creatively liberating, it’s really the only way to exist in a world where if you <cite>don’t</cite> launch your great idea, you’ll miss your moment altogether.] </p> <p>4. “Treat the platform as an opportunity to give gifts and make change, not something to survive to get to tomorrow.”</p> <p>Smart food for thought, as well as a copy of the book that all attendees left clutching. I’m looking forward to reading more.</p> <p>Oh, and in case you missed it, do check out our <a href="http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/09/0925_seth_godin/index.htm">interactive, talking Seth Godin action figure</a>. Makes me laugh every time.</p> </div></blockquote> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/brandnewday/archives/2010/02/seth_godin_on_b.html">businessweek.com</a></div> <p>I had to miss the event today because of some other work commitments, and am sorry I did. I particularly appreciate the notion of "ship it" - if you wait until something is perfect, you may never do it, and the most opportune moment may pass you by. Nothing in business or life is perfect - sometimes you just have to act, put a stake in the ground and adjust as you proceed. It's now or never. Love it!</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/seth-godin-on-being-indispensable-businesswee">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/seth-godin-on-being-indispensable-businesswee#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/TAR2xnkaNtg" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/seth-godin-on-being-indispensable-businesswee Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:59:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/Got8J99jt9I/thoughts-on-becoming-a-lynchpin-a-change-make http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/thoughts-on-becoming-a-lynchpin-a-change-make <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <object height="281" width="500"> <param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /> <param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8779866&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=1&amp;color=00ADEF&amp;fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8779866&amp;server=vimeo.com&amp;show_title=1&amp;show_byline=1&amp;show_portrait=1&amp;color=00ADEF&amp;fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="281" width="500"></embed> </object> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://vimeo.com/8779866">vimeo.com</a></div> <p>I'm quickly adding <a href="http://sethgodin.typepad.com/">Seth Godin</a>'s "<a href="http://sethgodin.com/sg/books.asp">Linchpin: Are You Indispensable</a>?" to my reading list after catching onto some of the notions he covers in this interview with <a href="http://www.davidmeermanscott.com/">David Meerman Scott</a>. It would appear that questioning the status quo - while being at the heart of what Godin discusses in Linchpin - might also be a gross oversimplification of his perspective on what makes someone indispensable in today's economy and business landscape.</p> <p>Judging from this interview, I'm not sure how many other thinkers can bring the notion of challenging the status quo to life the way Godin does. The anecdotes he offers here seem pretty actionable - and will definitely get me to buy the book to get the full story. Godin begins the interview by challenging the notion of compliance as a means to success. There will always be someone more compliant and obedient than you - so why use this to gain any sort of advantage, or preference in an organization? We've all seen this happen in companies and other collectives - compliance often breeds inertia.</p> <p>Godin goes onto propose the idea of an individual or employee as an artist, and defines an artist as someone capable of creating an emotional change in another individual. An artist creates something - an idea, product, experience, material or conversation - that allows them to connect with someone and make a difference in their life - be they consumers, patrons, co-workers or individuals. Because artists are scarce, that ability to create and engage creates value in your career. &nbsp;Seriously, how many of us have invested the time to cultivate this level of emotional, change-inspiring engagement with our co-workers or customers in our daily lives? You might know you've nailed it and are creating some sort of change and art in your profession when you give people something they can ultimately criticize you for. The compliant rarely give others enough material to react to - they're too busy following the rules to risk standing out and potentially be criticized.</p> <p>So how exactly does an artist's work create change? Godin suggests the change begins at the inception of an imbalance. When an artist creates something, he or she gives it to the public - or recipient - as a gift, expecting nothing in return. A blog post, insightful thought piece, whitepaper, or ebook are examples of a "gift" that an artist might offer with no action or response required from the recipient - but which might get people thinking, questioning, talking - and potentially disagreeing with you. Gordon emphasizes that when it's a gift it can be art, when it's art it can make a change - and making change is our opportunity going forward, and where real value is created.</p> <p>Godin concludes the interview with the notion that a true artist thinks at the edges of the box - and not necessarily outside of it. Contrary to the popular cliche, "outside the box", there are no constraints. But at the edges, you're working with preexisting rules, standards and expectations - and are faced with surprising people by offering them something that might work better, just outside of what they're used to. A subtle evolution might be enough to challenge inertia.</p> <p>Godin's theory of "gifts" will likely be proven to be effective in me, as this video interview has definitely inspired me to pick up the book to get the full perspective - and better understand how I can be more of a change-maker, creator and artist in my current role. In the meantime, I'll relish in the idea that some criticism and disagreement on my philosophies and approach in my current role (among others' encouragement and support) may imply that I'm already starting to do that.</p> <p>Cheers to all unconventional thinkers, skeptics, and doubters of the status quo imposed by "phonies" (and RIP, JD Salinger).</p> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/thoughts-on-becoming-a-lynchpin-a-change-make">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/thoughts-on-becoming-a-lynchpin-a-change-make#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/Got8J99jt9I" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/thoughts-on-becoming-a-lynchpin-a-change-make Sat, 23 Jan 2010 17:49:46 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/18LvY-um44M/be-stupid-walking-through-the-east-village http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/be-stupid-walking-through-the-east-village <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpfarm5static_baewn" height="368" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/CqogHIFHBelkljqfxJFndJIGohJjDklGipBtmpzvlexxmIssgbHDnhtJgHxH/media_httpfarm5static_baEwn.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/palomamv/4298581181/">flickr.com</a></div> <p></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/be-stupid-walking-through-the-east-village">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/be-stupid-walking-through-the-east-village#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/18LvY-um44M" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/be-stupid-walking-through-the-east-village Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:28:59 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/4jTmv6L_8p4/hierarchydistractions960gif-9601019 http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/hierarchydistractions960gif-9601019 <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/unaCpCllqcpjEajDqeCEpxCrlwiboordvJBBnHszuIlrwrBcBjhieqhkDFro/media_https3amazonaws_BuBeD.gif.scaled1000.gif"><img alt="Media_https3amazonaws_bubed" height="531" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/unaCpCllqcpjEajDqeCEpxCrlwiboordvJBBnHszuIlrwrBcBjhieqhkDFro/media_https3amazonaws_BuBeD.gif.scaled500.gif" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/infobeautiful/hierarchy_distractions_960.gif">s3.amazonaws.com</a></div> <p>Funny, and true. Via <a href="http://twitter.com/juliaroy">http://twitter.com/juliaroy</a></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/hierarchydistractions960gif-9601019">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/hierarchydistractions960gif-9601019#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/4jTmv6L_8p4" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/hierarchydistractions960gif-9601019 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:18:00 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/F6WUyLUOL5U/adverblog-be-stupid http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/adverblog-be-stupid <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <object height="385" width="480"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y4h8uOUConE&amp;hl=it_IT&amp;fs=1&amp;" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Y4h8uOUConE&amp;hl=it_IT&amp;fs=1&amp;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="385" width="480"></embed> </object> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.adverblog.com/archives/004166.htm">adverblog.com</a></div> <p>Seriously? Because who doesn't love a battle cry to take risks, fall on your face, pick yourself up and dust yourself off. And try again. Shamelessly. Brazenly.</p> <p>At first glance, this doesn't seem to reveal much in the way of a new approach, nor an insight - multiple brands, including Levi's, American Apparel, etc. have tugged at the heart strings of young Millenials by appealing to their inner Holden Caulfields. Regardless, it feels a bit energizing, and&nbsp;irreverence&nbsp;is easy to celebrate. &nbsp;I love/hate this. &nbsp;Some of the print ad visuals are fun. &nbsp;Cliche, but fun.&nbsp;The integrated call to action seems to scream for young creatives looking to submit their work in the hopes of it generating some awareness through Diesel's media.&nbsp;And I'll probably hear the song playing at a Diesel store, American Apparel, or H&amp;M.</p> <p>Am I being too harsh?</p> </div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/adverblog-be-stupid">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/adverblog-be-stupid#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/F6WUyLUOL5U" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/adverblog-be-stupid Wed, 20 Jan 2010 20:51:59 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/S_vngMgVUas/molsekines-msk-offers-a-post-digital-solution http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/molsekines-msk-offers-a-post-digital-solution <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <blockquote class="posterous_long_quote"><strong>MSK is a printable version for Moleskine</strong> of digital content like contacts, events or original associations of images and text. You can use the <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/msk.php?display=wizard">Wizard</a> to create your own page, or use the <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/msk.php?display=events">Events</a> pacompge to upload the events you'll be attending, or the <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/msk.php?display=contacts">Contacts</a> page to upload your contacts. <br /> You also can share with others your content creating MSK formats.</blockquote> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.moleskine.com/mymoleskine/msk_help.php#blogprint">moleskine.com</a></div> <p>Speaking of Russell Davies' perspective on a post digital industry (<a href="http://bit.ly/6V5OHy)">http://bit.ly/6V5OHy)</a> ; I just stumbled onto Moleskine's MSK application - a printable version of digital content that can be added to your Moleskine journal. The application allows you to bridge the best of both worlds - the satisfaction of a portable, iconic Moleskine journal that you can write and store ideas, mementos, and actual printed items in - and the ease of being able to print and add digital content, without having to duplicate the entry. Cool, and seems like a solid example of what Davies was referring to (without the datastream, of course). A YouTube video uses some cool animation to demonstrate how it would work. <br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/cJpVt0E4Bxk?wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen frameborder="0" height="417" width="500"></iframe></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/molsekines-msk-offers-a-post-digital-solution">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/molsekines-msk-offers-a-post-digital-solution#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/S_vngMgVUas" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/molsekines-msk-offers-a-post-digital-solution Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:07:49 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/lFvdhlop5bI/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down-0 http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down-0 <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <a href="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/piECCmJaBGlocrkgHhAvJurqoDnIhIEBcsnxwpJcGaxbFnilhrpbDGBilvwy/media_httpusercloudfr_ddEEF.jpg.scaled1000.jpg"><img alt="Media_httpusercloudfr_ddeef" height="567" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/piECCmJaBGlocrkgHhAvJurqoDnIhIEBcsnxwpJcGaxbFnilhrpbDGBilvwy/media_httpusercloudfr_ddEEF.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /></a> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://www.good.is/post/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down/">good.is</a></div> <p>I find myself vowing to slow down almost daily. Slow down and enjoy the moment, instead of immediately jumping into the future. Be conscious of the beautiful details that surround us daily, if we only stop to admire and be grateful for them. Don't always jump at every deadline - question what's driving them, and if its truly that necessary. Alas, it's not easy. But GOOD's guide inspires some ideas for slowing down. My personal favorite? Move to Europe. Or at least take more vacations...</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down-0">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down-0#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/lFvdhlop5bI" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-good-and-readymade-guide-to-slowing-down-0 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:37:03 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/VeMggUxkGTY/flavorwire-in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/flavorwire-in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <div class='p_embed p_image_embed'> <img alt="Media_httpflavorwirec_vhgcp" height="667" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/pmvazquez/tcFJEyDtjbEFgbgArAtgsagcethyczAGmytAaHDhbwxosaBmHGhzjrxsyFAb/media_httpflavorwirec_vhGCp.jpg.scaled500.jpg" width="500" /> </div> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://flavorwire.com/46782/in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na-the-beatle">flavorwire.com</a></div> <p>Most of you may have seen this by now, I'm a bit late on stumbling onto it. Cutest. Infographic. Ever.</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/flavorwire-in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/flavorwire-in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/VeMggUxkGTY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/flavorwire-in-hey-jude-all-roads-lead-to-na Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:31:55 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/sVwqEBijSUs/russell-davies-products-as-communications-cha http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/russell-davies-products-as-communications-cha <p> <p><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 14px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 22px;"> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;"><img src="http://www.psfk.com/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/9a9196d8ef053c5f917607b5b1eab4ae.jpg" alt="" /></p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">Recently posted on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.psfk.com/2010/01/russell-davies-products-as-communications-channels-in-a-post-digital-world.html#">PSFK</a>:</p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;"><span style="border-collapse: separate; font-size: 14px;"> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; border-collapse: collapse;"> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/2009/01/meet-the-new-schtick.html" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">Russell Davies</a>, renowned in the Account Planning and advertising communities, recently did a presentation for the UK&rsquo;s Guardian, in which he provided some perspective on&nbsp;<a href="http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/2009/01/meet-the-new-schtick.html" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">post-digital thinking</a>. &nbsp;Davies&rsquo; subsequent blog post elaborated on where he sees the industry moving as the digital conversation shifts from how brands should engage with consumers on a computer screen &ndash; and how agencies should build their business model around this &ndash; to how brands should engage consumers when the communications medium becomes the brand&rsquo;s product itself.</p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">To elaborate; while humorously pointing out how unimpressed we&rsquo;ve grown by mostly anything delivered on a PC screen, Davies proposes that &ldquo;digital&rdquo; communication will evolve into the real world space, perhaps by using physical objects/products as their medium, and not just the computer screen. &nbsp;According to Davies,</p> <blockquote style="padding-top: 1px; padding-right: 20px; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 20px; color: #333333; background-color: #eeeeee; margin: 0px;"> <p style="margin-top: 16px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">The stuff that digital technologies have catalysed online and on screens is starting to migrate into the real world of objects. Ideas and possibilities to do with community, conversation, collaboration and creativity are turning out real things, real events, real places, real objects. I&rsquo;m not saying that this means that these things are therefore inately better, or that the internet has &lsquo;come of age&rsquo; or any of that nonsense. I just mean that there are new, interesting things going on IRL (in real life) and that they have some advantages (and penalties) that don&rsquo;t apply online.</p> </blockquote> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">Davies cites several examples of products with datastreams built into them (like Nike+), and technologies that are helping bridge the analog and digital worlds with a product as the medium &ndash; from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.botanicalls.com/about/" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">botanicalls</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.pachube.com/" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">pachube</a>,&nbsp;&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.violet.net/" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">violet</a>.</p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">Davies&rsquo; ultimate challenge is for the advertising and marketing community to figure out how to communicate with consumers when products become the medium of choice &ndash; and not just a social media profile or Twitter stream on a computer screen, for instance. &nbsp;The web-based challenges that the industry is still mulling over will soon become the question of how to build a business and communications model around products with a built-in communications channel. &nbsp;This when many brands are still figuring out how to best monetize their efforts on the iPhone&hellip;</p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">Via&nbsp;<a href="http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/2009/01/meet-the-new-schtick.html" target="_blank" style="color: #663399; text-decoration: none;">Russell Davies&rsquo; Blog</a></p> </span></p> </span></p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="margin-top: 18px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px; padding: 0px;">&nbsp;</p> </span></p> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/russell-davies-products-as-communications-cha">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/russell-davies-products-as-communications-cha#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/sVwqEBijSUs" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/russell-davies-products-as-communications-cha Sun, 17 Jan 2010 10:34:07 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/qCFfMZAS6bY/the-beatles-in-1957-reflectionofme-0 http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-beatles-in-1957-reflectionofme-0 <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <a href="http://reflectionof.me/the-beatles-in-1957"><img class="posterous_download_image" src="http://posterous.com/getfile/files.posterous.com/clementine/tFURPqBBZ5y02f2shRKdSiEBLE4sEhJ0bUtsdwo5Qw7EgnxVFiFWQf6DaEwP/1.jpg.scaled.500.jpg" border="0" height="335" width="500" /></a> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://reflectionof.me/the-beatles-in-1957">reflectionof.me</a></div> <p>From <a href="http://reflectionof.me/the-beatles-in-1957.</p">http://reflectionof.me/the-beatles-in-1957.</p</a>></p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-beatles-in-1957-reflectionofme-0">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-beatles-in-1957-reflectionofme-0#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/qCFfMZAS6bY" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/the-beatles-in-1957-reflectionofme-0 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:30:29 -0800 http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~3/Bb8osCmHTe8/clck-a-lego-short-film-12 http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/clck-a-lego-short-film-12 <p> <div class="posterous_bookmarklet_entry"> <object height="281" width="500"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8702718&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=8702718&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=1&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" allowfullscreen="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" height="281" width="500"></embed></object> <div class="posterous_quote_citation">via <a href="http://vimeo.com/8702718">vimeo.com</a></div> <p>A charming representation of the big idea...</p></div> </p> <p><a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/clck-a-lego-short-film-12">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/clck-a-lego-short-film-12#comment">Leave a comment&nbsp;&nbsp;&raquo;</a> </p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/PmvazquezPosterous/~4/Bb8osCmHTe8" height="1" width="1"/> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/460984/Self_Portrait.bmp http://posterous.com/users/3sTycxosc169 Paloma Vazquez pmvazquez Paloma Vazquez http://pmvazquez.posterous.com/clck-a-lego-short-film-12