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Penelope Trunk
I am starting to think that we can have only one goal at a time. We have the things we do to keep our life going -- to keep the status quo. And we have one goal that is a game changer. Hard to handle more than one game changer. And maybe we shouldn't be bogged down by calling stuff a goal that is really maintenance. What do you guys think? Or maybe I'm just toying with the idea of being an underachiever.
Kenji Crosland and Rebecca Thorman recommended this
Kenji Crosland:
Having one big goal or project at a time is great for focus. Instead of having one's attention diluted by too many commitments, you have your ...MoreHaving one big goal or project at a time is great for focus. Instead of having one's attention diluted by too many commitments, you have your mental resources focused on just one. I've done this my self on a big project I've worked on and I don't regret not doing the things I didn't do for a minute. It gave me plenty of time and energy to focus on the big things that really matter.
102 weeks ago
102 weeks ago
Scott Keegan:
I agree Penelope. Too many goals is like trying to multi-task, and our brains are just not wired that way. Also, many people confuse tasks for goals.
102 weeks ago
102 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
I've really been enjoying posting my goals and reading about all of yours, and I had a post mostly ready to go for this month's goals, but now I'm considering completely changing my blog, and possibly some of my professional goals as well. This is prompted by finishing my first year of grad school and realizing how much my course has shifted over the past year - not necessarily a bad thing, but very different from what I expected. How do you do course correction? or decide if its necessary?
Mariel McKone Leonard
My blog started as a professional outlet since I wasn't working in my field. Since I'm in grad school, I don't need that outlet, so I started exploring some personal issues, but this was supposed to be temporary. Now, my personal posts get far more questions and comments than the professional ones. I love that I have an engaged audience now, so do I make the topic switch permanent and give up having a work-related blog? Find a better way to relate my professional work to my personal life?
103 weeks ago from Blogging Ideas and Work/Life Blur
Rebecca Thorman:
If you feel uncomfortable, I don't see a need to mix the two unless you have a good reason. I always think of the lessons of my personal life ...MoreIf you feel uncomfortable, I don't see a need to mix the two unless you have a good reason. I always think of the lessons of my personal life applying to my professional life and vice versa. I think your personal and professional lives run in parallel and there a lot of synapses that connect the two so that while they are different, they are not separate.
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Vickie Elmer:
Decide what goals you have for the blog and then those will help inform what you write. Personally I think a blog needs a mix of topics and tones ...More Decide what goals you have for the blog and then those will help inform what you write. Personally I think a blog needs a mix of topics and tones or it can get repetitive (for the writer as well as the readers).
103 weeks ago
103 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
I'm hoping someone can help me: I'm looking for a post/article about how college students are using Facebook photos - including the ones showing them drinking beer - to create the impression of living the perfect college life. I thought I saw it on Penelope Trunk's blog, but I can't seem to find it. Does anyone know the article or seen something similar? I'm considering using it in a paper on social media standards, so would love the help. Thanks!!
107 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter and Blogging Ideas
Tariq West:
I don't know the particular article, but I have thought a lot about the fb/photo phenomenon. It seems that fb photos have become an important part ...MoreI don't know the particular article, but I have thought a lot about the fb/photo phenomenon. It seems that fb photos have become an important part of college sub-cultures built around drinking because they somehow "prove" (to yourself and others) how good a time you had (in part because memory loss is a standard in the drinking culture as well).
I suspect that most ppl don't have a great time when they go out and binge, but the pictures (where ppl pose looking like they're having a good time because who doesn't put on their best face for a picture?) let us live a collective myth, the myth of the "epic night". It's also odd that FB photos are almost more real than experienced reality in the "if there isn't a picture of it on fb it didn't happen" sense.
Both FB and mass market digital photography have changed the way we experience social reality - we can construct stories around powerful linchpins (photos) that augment or even replace some lived experiences (e.g. the photo of you smiling with friends becomes a "truer" part of the story of your evening than you vomiting everywhere because the former has been recorded)
107 weeks ago
I suspect that most ppl don't have a great time when they go out and binge, but the pictures (where ppl pose looking like they're having a good time because who doesn't put on their best face for a picture?) let us live a collective myth, the myth of the "epic night". It's also odd that FB photos are almost more real than experienced reality in the "if there isn't a picture of it on fb it didn't happen" sense.
Both FB and mass market digital photography have changed the way we experience social reality - we can construct stories around powerful linchpins (photos) that augment or even replace some lived experiences (e.g. the photo of you smiling with friends becomes a "truer" part of the story of your evening than you vomiting everywhere because the former has been recorded)
107 weeks ago
Kelly Tanner:
That article doesn't ring familiar to me, so it's probably not PT. As an employer, though, I expect anyone with photos of that nature to have ...MoreThat article doesn't ring familiar to me, so it's probably not PT. As an employer, though, I expect anyone with photos of that nature to have their profile set to friends-only, and if they don't, I;d be concerned about their level of technical ability on the computer.
106 weeks ago
106 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
Here are mine http://everydayidealist.wordpress.com/2010/05/02/may-goals/. School's the important thing right now. Looking forward to next month when exams are done and I can do some serious work!
Mariel McKone Leonard
ok, April goals are posted! http://everydayidealist.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/lessons-from-march/. will comment on every one else's soon!
Mariel McKone Leonard
I just joined so didn't have Feb goals, but here's my post for March: http://everydayidealist.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/march-goals/
Mariel McKone Leonard
question: when managing a twitter account (for work or an organization), is it necessary to thank everyone for retweets? if should, should they be @ replies, DMs, or can they be bunched into lists? what about for #FF? I'm working to build a relatively new 'brand' for my grad program and hopefully a community around our subject matter (democracy and governance), and I see different organizations doing different things. advice would be great!
116 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter and Community Managers
Kade Dworkin:
Mariel,
If you beat me on the execution side send me a link so I can show my company's top brass how it can be done. ;)
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Stephen Spector:
I like #followfriday for calling out some of the people who do the most RT of my tweets. This will connect you to them and make them a reliable ...MoreI like #followfriday for calling out some of the people who do the most RT of my tweets. This will connect you to them and make them a reliable source to help spread your information.
116 weeks ago
116 weeks ago
Ty Unglebower
I'm still giving it my best shot, but I have to say first of all that I am struggling sometimes with the netspeak on Twitter. I don't know what all of the abbreviations are for, since I refuse to use them. Secondly, with everyone posting links and retweets, (and rerererereretweets) I admit I am finding it hard to have any conversation, or pick up any useful information, or network with anybody, via the feed. It all does seem like noise, as I had feared, and I am only following 12 people so far.
JenG:
So glad you are doing this before me, Ty. By the time I get there, you can show me the ropes. Hang in there until July and you'll have your ...MoreSo glad you are doing this before me, Ty. By the time I get there, you can show me the ropes. Hang in there until July and you'll have your first newbie follower! :)
112 weeks ago
112 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
This post is about how to write fiction, but I think many of the tips are helpful for those of us who blog. http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/feb/20/ten-rules-for-writing-fictio...
Jay Hepner and Emily Moore recommended this
Cameron Plommer
I have ideas for blog posts popping up all the time. I get them from conversations, reading and noticing the world around me. I have a good log going of half written drafts that just need some polishing before publishing. But I wonder, if you are not bursting with ideas, will your blog be sustainable over time? If you need to sit down and think, brainstorming about ideas, maybe you shouldn't blog. Maybe its too hard. Or maybe you don't have the right subject matter. What do you think?
Cameron Plommer:
Mariel really is getting what I'm saying here. Of course I brainstorm and can't write a post in one sitting. Not saying that anyone should. I ...MoreMariel really is getting what I'm saying here. Of course I brainstorm and can't write a post in one sitting. Not saying that anyone should. I just see a lot of down and out bloggers saying that they don't know what to write about. I just say that if your day to day experiences can't conjure up something, well then maybe you should re-evaluate why you blog in the first place
117 weeks ago
117 weeks ago
Penelope Trunk:
Do you know what makes blogging extra difficult? If you write half a post and don't finish. Because you succeed in forcing yourself to sit down ...MoreDo you know what makes blogging extra difficult? If you write half a post and don't finish. Because you succeed in forcing yourself to sit down and write, and you succeed in finding a topic, but you don't have a blog post from that success. So not finishing what you start, the same time you start it, is not a good practice for blogging. Force yourself to finish it whatever way possible. You'll be surprised how good it looks when you come back to it later.
117 weeks ago
117 weeks ago
Jason H. Parker
I'm in the process of starting a blog as I write this. I've blogged before, but never seriously enough to feel 100% confident in the process. What has helped you create, start, and maintain your blog? Your help is appreciated.
Penelope Trunk:
The best way to get yourself to blog is to keep the bar low at first. Just post anything. Don't worry about traffic, or topic, or genius. Just get ...MoreThe best way to get yourself to blog is to keep the bar low at first. Just post anything. Don't worry about traffic, or topic, or genius. Just get something up there. Invariably, no one is reading anyway, right? The more you post the more confidence you get, and then you can give yourself the advice you're looking for now :)
117 weeks ago
117 weeks ago
Mehul Kar:
The best way to blog is to get involved in real life. After that, it gets ridiculously easy and natural to want to share/reflect on experiences. ...MoreThe best way to blog is to get involved in real life. After that, it gets ridiculously easy and natural to want to share/reflect on experiences. easy to let yourself get lost in the blogging and forget what drives it though...
-a newb blogger.
117 weeks ago
-a newb blogger.
117 weeks ago
Timothy Johnson III
I've been thinking about blogging about my interests, mainly discussing marketing as it relates to science/technology/sex. I'm curious on your thoughts on mixing those ideas in with my personal blog, which will feature thoughts on books I'm reading or developments on my job search, etc. Would it make sense to separate the two? Or can they be one and the same? Any advice would be appreciated!
Ryan Healy recommended this
Timothy Johnson III:
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I think the simplest course of action would be to use one blog and blog about everything, and when ...MoreThanks for all of your suggestions. I think the simplest course of action would be to use one blog and blog about everything, and when appropriate, tie it into my personal life. Keeps things simple!
117 weeks ago
117 weeks ago
Kim N. Campbell
Hello all,
For those of you whose blogs are about your field or whose content draws on what's going on regarding your topic, how do you aggregate and stay on top of everything you have to read. I would really like to find a way to systematically stay current. Thoughts?
Elisabeth Ericson:
I also follow people of interest in Twitter and Google Reader, and use Socialite (MoreI also follow people of interest in Twitter and Google Reader, and use Socialite (http://realmacsoftware.com/) to read both of them in one interface. The free version lets you follow two services, which is all I really need; otherwise you can pay for the full version to add Facebook, Flickr, and whatever else.
118 weeks ago
118 weeks ago
Elisabeth Ericson:
I've also subscribed to the RSS feeds of the main academic journals in my field (Development Policy Review, Economica, Professional Geographer, ...MoreI've also subscribed to the RSS feeds of the main academic journals in my field (Development Policy Review, Economica, Professional Geographer, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Contemporary Economic Policy) that I have access to through my university library. Some of it can be dense, but it lets me stay on top of the current research.
118 weeks ago
118 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
I've been just following this network for a while, but you all seem amazing, so I want to ask for some advice. I've been blogging for over 2 years now, but have gone thru so many changes I'm not sure exactly where I am. One thing is always constant: I need to write, so I've kept at the blog. My question is, where do I take it from here? A post that sort of explains where I am is http://everydayidealist.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/lessons-from-other-blogs/. I'd really like some help. THANKS!
paulmacp:
People surf the net for 3 reasons:
1) Information: to solve a problem immediately.
2) Curiosity: to learn something.
3) Entertainment: self ...MorePeople surf the net for 3 reasons:
1) Information: to solve a problem immediately.
2) Curiosity: to learn something.
3) Entertainment: self explanatory.
Your blog does not seem to fit into any of these categories at first blush unless you’re writing for your mother.
What do you want out of your blog?
If what you want is a place to put your writing, well then you’re done.
If you want someone to read your stuff, you need to fit into one of these three criteria.
118 weeks ago
1) Information: to solve a problem immediately.
2) Curiosity: to learn something.
3) Entertainment: self ...MorePeople surf the net for 3 reasons:
1) Information: to solve a problem immediately.
2) Curiosity: to learn something.
3) Entertainment: self explanatory.
Your blog does not seem to fit into any of these categories at first blush unless you’re writing for your mother.
What do you want out of your blog?
If what you want is a place to put your writing, well then you’re done.
If you want someone to read your stuff, you need to fit into one of these three criteria.
118 weeks ago
Vincent:
I've been struggling with similar issues. I left a comment to your post. In commenting on your post, I think I've found my own answers. Thank you.
117 weeks ago
117 weeks ago
Mariel McKone Leonard
I'm a grad student at Georgetown University, and a staff member at Young Professionals in Foreign Policy. I help manage social media for my program and for YPFP. My personal twitter profile http://twitter.com/mmckone
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