Back to Normal...

It was quite a week in Toronto! Hosting the G20 Summit was exactly as advertised… a huge inconvenience to anyone who lives or works in the south end of the city. For most of the week leading up to the event, it was actually nice - quiet and easy to get around downtown with no traffic issues and easy parking. Not so much on the weekend.

I found it disturbing to watch TV and see “protesters” burning police cars and breaking shop windows in Toronto. We see it often enough in world news but never in our own backyard.
It is clearly the kind of thing we are not used to however, listening to talk radio this morning made it sound like half the city was destroyed – like it was some kind of violent war zone and that somehow the police did not do thier jobs. I know the media sensationalize everything but is it really necessary to create controversy where non exist? The truth is that despite the inconvenience, the conference went off safely, the delegates were protected (which was clearly the first priority) and the small amount of violence while unnecessary was relatively minor. In fact our friends in Montreal do more damage to their own city every time the Habs win a big hockey game.

Whether the summit should have been held in Toronto is a separate debate but I think the police did a good job keeping the order.
What I don’t understand is what the protesters hope to gain by breaking windows at a Starbucks. Reasonable people listen to rational arguments and protests. Rational people lose interest in protests that are violent or destructive.
In the end, the irony is that most of the reporting ends up being about the protest itself and not the actual reason for the protest.

In the end, it was a few strange days and now that its over, we return to normal. The Leafs did not make a deal on draft day, the Raptors are going to lose Bosh, the Jays continue to chase the Yankees and Red Sox and there is road construction everywhere. Summertime in Toronto!
Time to kick back and enjoy the Canada day weekend and the finish of the world cup.

Cheers and have a great day.
George

PS to my Dutch friends – go orange go!

Back on Monday

As you might have noticed, I have taken a bit of an unscheduled blog break. Sometimes things just get too busy… sometimes I just don’t feel like I have anything of value to say. On this day after Father’s Day, I should credit my father who taught me (among other things) that it is OK to say nothing. In fact, sometimes its preferable.
It so happens that there are so many things going on in the world that silence is bound to end.

The disaster in the Gulf of Mexico remains top of mind. Previous to the current chaos, one of the worst oil spills in history was the Exxon Valdez – a tanker that spilled 250,000 barrels of crude (10.8 million U.S. gallons) into Prince William Sound, Alaska in 1989. The effects of that disaster are still felt more then 20 years later. To put it in perspective, it is now estimated that the Deepwater Horizon collapse is spilling 60,000 U.S. gallons per day – meaning each 4 days is the equivalent of the Exxon Valdez. That’s 15 tanker loads and counting with the only apparent end in sight not coming until August… maybe! How sadly ironic it is that the rig causing all this collapsed on Earth Day (April 22).
I can’t imagine the impact of this on the eco system and the lives and livelihoods of the people who live around the Gulf of Mexico.
Obama blames BP – with cause - but where are all the regulators hiding? No company should have the ability to cause such disaster.

Changing gears, I had to smile last week when I received a petition to stop the HST. This proposal was originally tabled in the September 2009 Provincial budget and is set to launch on July 1st. Does anyone really think it can be stopped now?
I was reading the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants paper on the budget and Sales Tax Reform and find it hard to believe there is any benefit to businesses or taxpayers other then a single reporting system. I am afraid to find out but would be interested to know what % of our income actually goes to tax including all the hidden taxes, the sales taxes, income taxes.

The FIFA World Cup is in full swing and almost every car I pass has a flag flying from the window. In addition, many an afternoon is interrupted by loud horns honking in celebration of a country's victory. I am admittedly a marginal soccer fan and have had difficulty getting interested in the 2010 tournament. I'm not entirely sure but think that the horn (vuvuzela) buzzing in the stadium is not helping. In the past I have gotten really interested – perhaps I can turn down the sound, rededicate myself and that passion will return! However, maybe not - the NBA finals just wrapped up and despite the fact that the Lakers were playing the Celtics, every time I turned it on it just seemed boring.


Cheers and have a great day!
George

Brownfields

About 5 years ago, I became very interested in environmental issues particularly as they pertained to industry. I did a great deal of reading on the subject and as a company we embarked on a program of evaluation and change. In the end, I think we have done most everything possible to ensure that we are as environmentally responsible as possible. This has included a laundry list of significant changes including the soon to be installation of 4 windmills at our main plant – a process that has taken more then 2 years to source the right equipment and get necessary approvals. After a great many delays it should be completed in the next few weeks.
Funny thing is that I continue to read a great deal about environmental issues and the politics that surround them. One of my first personal conclusions related to “Offset Credits” which I view as simply paying a fine to allow your company to pollute. Our windmills are an attempt to make a difference directly.
Related, as I mentioned in my last post, I have recently become interested in a 75 acre parcel of land on the far west side of the Village of Port Credit where we live. The land is considered a “Brownfield site” – which, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency “means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” It does not include heavily polluted or severely contaminated with hazardous waste.
Its property that has been polluted enough that the potential environmental liability cost is higher then the potential value of the land!

According to the information I read, there are some 30,000 Brownfield sites in Canada and range from abandoned gas stations to dry-cleaning sites. The property I am referring to was a Texaco refinery until sometime in the mid 1980’s and has been vacant ever since. Presently, Imperial Oil owns the property and though it appears that there have been many meetings, discussions and documents written on the remediation of the land, nothing has been successful.

As a follow up to the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, I read an interesting HBR article that clearly paints BP as villains in this tragedy.

Cheers and have a great day.
George

Too Little Too Late

I apologize in advance but today I am on a bit of a rant. Like most people I know, for the past several weeks (43 days to be exact) I have watched the daily reports on the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster with horror and disbelief. What is astounding to me is that these drilling platforms are able to exist in such a fragile environment without some kind of failsafe mechanism. Some way to shut them off deeper in the well.

With so much focus over the past several years on environmental issues and ozone depletion and greenhouse gases how is it possible that something with this kind of potential for destruction is allowed? Even more, how is it possible that Obama is talking about ensuring laws are in place now to prevent such an issue in the future. I read on MSNBC a story that contained these two paragraphs –
Obama said the independent commission investigating the Gulf oil spill will thoroughly examine the disaster and its causes to ensure that the nation never faces such a catastrophe again.
The president said that if laws are insufficient, they'll be changed. He said that if government oversight wasn't tough enough, that will change too. And Obama said if laws were broken, those who were responsible will be prosecuted.

President Obama is clearly not to blame for the oil spill but to me, sometimes it’s simply not good enough to ensure that accidents like this don’t happen again – they should never happen in the first place!
That it happened at all is troubling enough…that it is still going on without any resolution in sight is a disgrace. The devastation to the environment and the lives of people is unfathomable and I suspect will be felt for generations to come.

Not to draw any parallels but, on a somewhat related subject, this past Saturday I was walking along the lake close to my home. About a kilometer west of our house is a parcel of vacant land that is likely about 75 acres. It is prime lakefront property a few blocks west of the town of Port Credit. I knew that this was land that housed large oil storage tanks - long since out of use and I wondered when it would be released for development. After some web research time, it appears that the property is still owned by an oil company but the cost to clean it up for development is more then the value of the land… and so it sits. A few years ago the city of Mississauga negotiated a deal that allowed them to lease a strip of the land along the lake on the south side of the property in order to continue the Waterfront Trail. The vacant land (now seen from all sides) looks like a greenbelt with a fence around it and despite the fact that it is causing no environmental danger, I find it unbelievable that a company can pollute a piece of property and just leave it because the cost of restitution it is too high. All this oil business has motivated me to find out more.


George

Friday Bytes

A few weeks ago, I decided that it might be a good idea to get up early to watch the sunrise occasionally. Despite best intentions, I have yet to haul myself out of bed to actually do that but I am determined -maybe next week.

Sorry for the additional London picture. There were so many landmarks and iconic images to see, I could not resist showing one more – this one of the Tower Bridge. I understand that this bridge is often mistaken for the London Bridge. In fact London Bridge is not terribly interesting to look at.

While I was away Jessica Watson completed her historic sail. If you have been following this blog you will know that I have been fascinated by this journey. I am not sure specifically why but suppose it is a combination of the adventure, the solitude, and the freedom. On May 15th Jessica became the youngest person to sail solo, non stop and unassisted around the world. This is a link to a http://tinyurl.com/2exrsyx, sailing into Sydney harbour. Now I have to find something else of interest to follow. There is an American teen (Abby Sunderland) attempting to sail around the world but, since I just finished the one, this does not seem as interesting.

Today looks like another glorious day in Toronto and the weekend forecast is great. We have had a tremendous end to May and overall a great spring – lets hope this is a prelude to a great summer.

Technology fans are all abuzz today as the iPad goes on sale in Canada. As much as people have anticipated this latest gadget, I still don’t understand waiting in line for hours to get one. I think you will be able to pick one up in a couple of weeks without all the fuss. As an interesting side bar, I heard a news report yesterday that Apple Corp. is now worth more then Microsoft.

Cheers and enjoy a great weekend.
George

London Calling

Over the past few years my travel habits have changed greatly. I still pack too much and still enjoy many of the same types of sites and activities as always but when away, I have become more disconnected. It was not too long ago that I went everywhere (including vacation) with my blackberry and before that my cell phone. I was afraid to be out of contact for any amount of time and where technology has allowed me to be more in touch, it has added the burden of always being connected. I’m not sure if it’s just me getting more relaxed with age or if the culture has changed but it seems that clients and colleagues are more understanding when I am away and completely unavailable.

As mobile technology continues to mature, maybe our expectations of people’s availability are maturing as well.

Last week I was away in London and Birmingham to visit the IPEX graphic trade show and had the opportunity to spend some great time in London enjoying the city. It has always been on the top of my list of places I would like to visit and it did not disappoint. I found it to be a city of opposites – the blend of buildings hundreds of years old with the latest glass towers, the fact that everyone working in an office wears a suit and tie but it is also a very casual city. I love that it seemed so proper but at the same time so much fun and I love that every second corner has a pub that is packed at the end of the workday with regulars having a pint and conversation. That London is so pedestrian makes it work…like Manhattan, it seems to be a city of neighborhoods and I love that!

As for IPEX – it was a great show. Without doubt, the largest tradeshow I have attended and I found it to be quite overwhelming – too much information to absorb and totally exhausting. In the end however, a very worthwhile trip – it is interesting see what’s going on in our industry in different parts of the world and to talk to and learn from others experiences. For me, I find it inspires creative thought and motivates at the same time. Overall a very positive experience.

Cheers and have a great day.
George

Travels

As an addendum to my last post about mornings, yesterday I left for work without my blackberry. I didn’t realize until I got to the office and immediately concluded that it would not be a big deal. As a matter of fact, I felt kind of calm…a calm that lasted about 20 minutes and then panic set in! I realized I could not survive the day without it so I was forced to drive home to pick it up – I didn’t even last an hour. How tied to this Blackberry am I?

Last night I decided that it might be a fun change to get up a bit earlier and watch the sun rise. I checked the weather network and found that sunrise was at 5:56am. I was awake at 5, looked out the window at the rain and howling wind and went back to bed…so much for changing mornings. Maybe I’ll focus on something else.

A few days ago, I was speaking with Janine – a business colleague and friend who travels extensively. I don’t see Janine often but when I do our conversation always tends towards who’s been where, who’s going where and “goal” destinations. We are clearly not in the same league though as Janine has been on 5 trips in the first 4 months of 2010 – halfway to her goal of 10 vacations for the year. To share and document the adventures she has created a blog called The Tipsy Gypsy (now added to my favorites). Reading it for the first time I loved the intro titled “My project for 2010…” where she speaks about people resolving to lose things from their lives while her goal is to add. It’s fun and worth a read.

On personal travel notes, we are off to London at the end of this week to do a bit of touring and attend IPEX – one of the largest graphic trade shows in the world. Having never been to London I have my requisite list of things not to be missed. Of course there are the normal tourist traps but I am most looking forward to simply walking around, soaking up the history and what I am expecting to describe as the “style” of it all. That and of course, finding a pub to watch some footy on Sunday with the locals. Dirty Dick’s has been recommended – I will dress in neutral colours and hope for the best!
Cheers and have a great day,
George

Mornings

I sometimes think of my life and routine and try to adopt a more disciplined way of living. By that I mean a more formal routine – a more orderly life.
Take for example the mornings. I think most people start every one of their workdays in virtually the same manner – for me, I get up at basically the same time each day, shower and dress, eat basically the same thing and head to the office.
Perhaps I have been too influenced by unreal images in my life but I sometimes think that it would be nice to have that classic “movie like” morning routine. You know the one where the well dressed guy, white shirt and tie, sitting at a small table reading the paper (likely the business section) drinking coffee from a white cup (with saucer) eating fresh fruit and perhaps a piece of toast. All this is seen taking place in front of an oversized window with sun glistening in.
The thought seems so civilized and interestingly – kind of old fashioned.
Many years ago I had a very successful client who was at the gym each morning at 5am, ran and worked out, was in the office by 7am, read several business papers and publications while drinking tea and by 9am was ready to begin his “work day”. I was amazed at his discipline and it was clear that his success was tied to it.
Over the years I have tried to make my mornings more “civilized” but with marginal success. True, the days of running downstairs with hellos and goodbyes compressed around a quick conversation about schedules are over, however my morning routine falls well short of the classic or the disciplined. Mostly it consists of listening to the news and sport headlines on the TV while I dress, having a quick bite to eat and, on my way to the office, driving through Tim Hortons for my daily caffeine fix. Interestingly, as part of my routine and before I reach the office, I have checked my schedule for the day, read my overnight emails (of which there are usually only a few as I have checked before going to bed), and responded to most. All this and, on most days, I’m sitting at my desk by 8am…ready to start my day.
As I think about the whole thing, it occurs to me that I really could change my mornings dramatically – with spring in full bloom, maybe it’s time to revisit the mornings.
Cheers and have a great day.
George

Sync

There are some ideas that seem so simple and obvious that it is difficult to believe they have not already been thought of. I don’t mean clever technological inventions like the iPod or the internal combustion engine. These types of inventions require a totally different level of thought and understanding and are truly amazing.

I am referring to the simple extensions of existing technology. For example, I still can’t understand why a company like Logitech has not made and marketed a docking station for a Blackberry or iPhone that has a keyboard and larger screen display. Am I the only one that thinks this would be useful?

I read an article recently in Fast Company titled Ford’s Big Reveal that speaks in detail about their new Sync technology and the soon to be released MyFord Touch. Among other things, this hardware and software integrate your smart phone to your car with a touch less and very user friendly interface. I love the fact that my car is blue tooth equipped but making a phone call using the voice activation is slow and painful. The new Ford technology allows for a simple command like “call Jennifer at home” to activate a call. It also allows you to change your displays, internal temperature etc all using simple voice commands.
Ford thinks that these advances, developed in conjunction with Microsoft, take them from being a simple car manufacturer to being a consumer electronics player. If share price is any indicator, they are clearly on the right track.

The thing is, this all seems so simple. The technologies exist so it’s only logical they should be integrated to be used in your car. After all, computing is not new, smart phones and cars are pretty commonplace. I don’t think it takes a great visionary to realize that consumers will want their vehicles equipped with this type of technology. Having said that, I don’t know anyone who would not like to have a GPS built into his or her car. You can buy a hand held unit with complete functionality, a battery and charger for $200 and yet, as an option when buying a car the price is around $3000. Hopefully, the car manufacturers will find a way to make this technology accessible financially.
Cheers and have a great day.
George

Personal Taste

I really have sworn off lists of “how to” or “the lessons of” anything to do with the internet, twitter or blogs…so I am really not sure why I read this but I did find it interesting.

Moving on to more important issues, we were having a conversation recently with some friends about TV and viewing habits. I was (and remain) shocked at how many of my friends watch reality shows - regularly! So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, Survivor, Intervention, etc… I laughed and chirped that I had no interest - that was met with a comment about me being a snob. Honestly, I’m not really sure how my lack of interest in so called “reality shows” makes me a snob but…

In fairness, I have seen bits of some reality TV and, while not horrid, they simply did not appeal to me. This in the same way that overly gruesome horror films are of no interest.

The whole conversation has made me wonder if our entertainment choices are a reflection of our personality or of our mood.

The truth is that while I don’t watch a lot of television I can and do get involved in certain programs. Currently I look forward to watching Parenthood on Tuesday nights and Treme on Sundays. Most shows I lose interest in fairly quickly – since both of these are new, I am still involved and both seem to have some staying power. They may be my new Sopranos, or Entourage.

I have recently written about my current “go to” blogs. Some of my current “other” entertainment choices: I am reading Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey (which, 25% in I am liking), and the previously referred to 10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace by Wayne Dwyer (which was recommended to me and I am struggling through). My current leisure magazine of choice is Vanity Fair (current issue not as good as the last) and in my car I have been listening to David Sedaris (reality listening at its funniest) as well as my iPod on shuffle (almost always the case)
.
Maybe the choices are a reflection of both personality and mood.
Cheers and have a great day,
George

Spring Resolutions

Resolutions have become a New Years Eve tradition over the years. I am not sure when or where the practice started but I suppose it makes sense - a look back at the year past, a look forward to a new year, a new start, a fresh outlook on the future. Interesting to me is that spring seems to be an equally popular time for new beginnings without the same formal approach and without the retrospective analysis. I think people are generally more motivated – tossing off the winter coats and hats and embracing the outdoors. We are outside, getting gardens prepared for planting, cleaning out the clutter and reorganizing life. I think most people resolve to make change in the spring.

For me, the change of seasons also brings renewed business vigor of sorts. I’ve found in the last few years that the winter season is broken up more then it used to be. Business seems to wind down in early December and really does not start to reawaken until mid or even late January. Only then to be followed by a lapse caused by spring school break. I suppose the long cold winter and lack of sunshine leads to this winter “snooze” – perhaps it’s a lack of vitamin D.

Speaking of spring and new starts, one of my favourite links is the Springwise monthly newsletter. If you haven’t checked it out, I strongly recommend it to anyone with an entrepreneurial or creative streak. The publication focuses on business ideas being launched around the world and many of them are, in a word, great. I saw an article a few weeks ago that fits nicely with the topic of social media and linking people though an on-line resource to real capital and real opportunities. It happens that the “crowdsourcing” referred to in the article is one of those great ideas born out of the social media revolution and there are lots.

Unfortunately, as I grow bored with Twitter and Facebook I need reassurance that there are people out there doing more with the offering then writing about how to do social media better. This just seems more interesting and to me, motivating.
Embrace the season and make a sober spring resolution.
Cheers and have a great day.
George

Overwhelmed

I had written an entire post about technology and how an initial idea and application often gets morphed into something entirely different. I used the GPS as an example. When I reread and edited the post, it just seemed boring and without any real purpose. I was speaking to the question of whether a particular technological advancement was seeking to solve a problem or address a need. Or conversely, was it simply another piece of fluff?

As technology evolves, so does the way it is used. Twitter for example was designed to be a social networking tool. For me, I see it used mostly as a networking tool for business. I did a quick summary of activity and have found that 90% of the tweets I get are links to articles on business, media and social networking. I know it has much to do with the people I chose to follow but I haven’t found a lot more opportunities. As for the business links, I do want to keep up but am frankly overwhelmed. I was in meetings for most of the afternoon yesterday and returned to over 100 Tweets. And I only follow 43 people! Most of those messages are from people who in some way earn a living related to social media. Add that to a slew of telephone messages (yes I still get a few) and emails and the challenge is on.

For me, I may have reached a point where trying to keep up is an impossible task. How many articles can be written about the same basic things? I thought that I had an “aha” moment with Twitter a couple of months ago but now I am not so sure. Maybe, it’s a novelty that is little more then fluff!

I am turning off Twitter and Facebook and heading home to read a book and maybe a good magazine article. There was a time when I could have totally zoned out but my Blackberry keeps me constantly connected – clearly technology can be great but…

Cheers and have a great day!
George

Milestones and Inner Peace

For me, 2010 is quickly becoming the year of the milestone birthday. I cannot keep count of the number of people I know who are turning either 40 or 50 this year and in the last 2 weeks I spoken to 3 acquaintances who just had 30th birthday bashes. I am not entirely sure why but decades are often marked with introspection. I guess it is simply that we are given cause to evaluate our lives at momentous times and I suppose, adding a decade counts as such.
In my parents generation, the angst of life in your 40’s and 50’s was called a mid life crisis and was something that was fed with a sports car or largely ignored as a passing feeling. Something not to be concerned with or fussed about. Our generation seems determined to evaluate and look at potential ways to change.
Of course, our parents also grew up in a world where loyalty to a company was admired and rewarded, where you were defined not by who you were as a person but what you did for a job. It was a time of security with good health care benefits and pension plans, available jobs and all sorts of potential for anyone interested in working hard.
I was speaking with a friend of mine last week about this issue and he told me about a book that helped him called “10 Secrets for Success and Inner Peace” by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Like many people I know, he is concerned about his life going forward, about job security and long-term finances, about happiness. I laughed and commented on how times had changed, wondering what our fathers would think about us having a beer and discussing happiness and “inner peace” – they would never have done it… or would they?
As an addendum to my last post and as part of this post, I want to add a blog/ site called Escaping Mediocrity to the list of sites that I follow regularly. I suppose I am attracted to it as part of my self-evaluation – my own attempt to find inner peace. It’s kind of a life-coaching site and interesting enough that I keep going back.
Cheers and have a great day.
George
PS – I saw this today (tweeted by Allan Ward) and thought it an appropriate quote to end this post…
"It is never too late to be what you might have been" - George Eliot

Other Blogs

Well, as promised, no more talk of that “i” thing! And, I’m not going to link an article today – mainly because I really don’t know if anyone reads the links. Ok, truth is I really don’t know if anyone actually reads the blog at all. Oh well, I actually find it an oddly therapeutic process – even if I am only sending thoughts into thin air. I was told recently by an acquaintance that they had read one of my posts and wanted to leave a comment but could not – some technical issue. I am still trying to find out what that might be.
Of all my experiences since I started this, the best is some of the blogs that I have found and now follow. I read some business related ones (I have renewed my insane love of the Harvard Business Review), and I follow a bunch of tweeters on a regular basis as well as following their threads and some of the comment links to some interesting places. But the truth is, the blogs I really love are the ones that have little to do with business or “social media” and a lot to do with “life”.
In no particular order here are three of my current favourites:
Jessica Watson Official Blog
I have referred to Jessica in the past. She is an Australian teenager who is attempting to sail solo and unassisted around the world and she is close to completing that goal. I have been following her journey since the beginning and will miss reading her observations when here trip is finished.
My Life in Key West
I stumbled across this site quite accidentally and have read it almost every day since. Lou is a retired lawyer living in Key West, Florida. I happen to love that island and town so I find it fun to read about his life and social interactions. I suppose it helps that I know most of the places he writes about and reading him makes me want to get back to my favourite get away.
Our Little Apartment
I found this site recently and love it. It kind of reminds me of Julie in the movie Julie and Julia with out the cooking. It’s the honest story of a young couples life from the wife’s perspective. It is somehow endearing although I suspect it would be of interest mainly to women, I find it refreshing.
Cheers and have a great day,
George

Game Changer

Ugh! And here I thought that spring had arrived in Toronto. I am reminded this morning that it is still early April, however still optimistic for a nice weekend and my first rounds of golf!

I know that I have been focused on the iPad lately but I simply can’t help myself. I was at a local mall last weekend and happened to walk past an Apple store – they had no iPad on display but the store was packed – as usual. Rounding the corner, I passed an HMV store – which was virtually empty. A few years ago, the HMV store would have been packed on a Saturday but times have changed. The front of the store was merchandised with books and video games, the middle with movies and TV shows on DVD and finally, at the very back, almost hidden away, music. I am guessing that the books are a short-term strategy …

Back to the iPad…I have read that opening day sales were somewhere between 500,000 and 700,000 units. The reviews have been great and if momentum continues then the technology will clearly be a game changer.
Here are links to few short articles that I found interesting (all from Harvard Business Review).

The first is about the Time announcement that it will charge a weekly subscription fee of $5 to get the iPad edition . It will be interesting to see who follows suit!

The second (and related article) focuses on how the publishing industry doesn’t understand that simply redressing content for the technology is not enough “to save the publishing industry”. It is a great article that could be related to many industries and companies attempting to integrate into the new media.

Lastly, is an article that suggested the true value of the iPad would come from the quality of the apps and innovations that come as a result of the technology. The iPod spawned the 99-cent download and iTunes while the iPhone was followed by 150,000 easily downloaded apps. The true innovation of the iPad will be seen in what follows.
With huge opening day sales, it is not a stretch to expect some major “twist” to be just around the corner.

There … I think I have said everything I need to about the iPad. Next time some actual original thoughts.
Cheers and have a great day.
George

Lessons and Revolutions

Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
Then you better start swimmin’ or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’


I hate to start with a 46 year old song reference but I think that in many ways the Dylan lyrics that spoke of cultural change, and a generation demanding that they be heard are as relevant today as they were in 1964. I understand the intent of the song and that there are fundamental differences in attitude and society today. In no way do I discount the profound nature of change in the 60’s and early 70’s. That time was clearly revolutionary, very political and unique in breaking barriers between generations. Without doubt the context of change as it relates to 2010 is different however, there is no doubt that we are in the midst of significant cultural upheaval aided largely by technological changes and advancements. How we function daily, how much information we have available to us, how we shop, how we entertain ourselves, where and how we work and where and how we live – all changing. Is it all too much?

Not only can we now know happenings around the world, we also hear opinions on impacts locally and globally and we are able to view or hear how people feel about those developments. All this information, seen instantly from our personal 9” x 1” screen at a local coffee shop.
In a way, we have become both voyeurs and participants in the world. Our voice and opinions can be heard and the platforms easily accessible for both contributor and observer.

I can’t help but question if it’s all too much and uncontrollable. Does all this information lead to too much discourse, debate and discussion that ultimately bogs down our ability to make change? Case in point, the U.S. health care reform legislation. Is there too much input and will the level of information derail the process so much so that we will never really know if the plan was reasonable? Is anyone capable of disseminating the information and diverse opinions in any reasonable way and, how do we know which opinions to trust? Alternately, maybe we’ll simply tune out due to overload

In a recent Washington Post article the writer tells us that in a given month, there are around 320,000 comments made in response to Post articles and blogs. He further suggests a new filtering system they are developing to categorize commentaries into degrees of trustworthiness. Not exactly limiting free expression but clearly differentiating based on their predetermined criteria.

Is there a line to be drawn in terms of information? Is it possible? More importantly, is there a chance that the age of information will lead to more secrecy and ultimately back to the pre-Revolutionary 60’s age where people knew only what they “needed to know” as determined by some unknown power?

The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast

In the end, I’m not suggesting, only wondering.

Cheers and have a great day.
George

The Future of Reading

I have become increasingly interested in publishing and the changing landscape as it pertains to technology. I have written about the e-book evolution, the “almost launched” iPad, the push in magazine sales, and the struggle of daily newspapers.
I don't know how this will all turn out but my guess is that daily newspapers will be the first real casualty of our “i” world. Not an earth shattering prediction and certainly not a revolutionary thought however, will magazines be the next to go. And short of simply swapping traditional print for an electronic screen what else will happen.

I admit to being a fan of novels…black print on some variation of a whitish paper with a hard cover and dust jacket or great soft cover. While I was impressed with the confidence of the woman I saw recently, who brought her Kindle to the beach, I’m not sold. It just seems like there is not enough to it. On the other hand, the iPad or some similar technology will most certainly take us further. Although I would argue that the iPad is not advancement but simply a reworking of what exists, I can see it being the new newspaper, the new reference book, and the new magazine. I found the Vook interesting and one of many applications to come. It is not difficult to see the value in having a Food Network chef walking you though a recipe at your pace but as I have mentioned before, I don’t need pictures or video to make my fiction reading more enjoyable.

I also admit to being a fan of magazines. Glossy, colourful, packed with too many ads, and home to all sorts of hidden stories waiting to be found. I leaf through a magazine, pick out a few articles that I am interested in, and start by reading those. Then I dig a bit deeper, reading the “in between” stories, the side bar stories. Then I look through page by page to make sure I haven’t missed something interesting.

OK – so I don’t do this with every magazine I buy, but I do it with a few each month. I’m afraid that scrolling through the headlines on my iPad will render the experience less of a discovery and much more like reading a newspaper. And, will a Vanity Fair or Esquire interview become more like a cross between 60 Minutes and Entertainment Tonight? If we integrate the technology, how can it not?

With all this in mind, I throw out my third admission. I am starting to feel the need for an iPad. I am not sure if it is simply the lure of a new gadget or not wanting to be the only one in Starbucks with my $6 latte using a laptop but…I can’t help it. I want one and they are not even available yet!

Cheers and have a great day!
George

Return to the North

I would like to begin with an apology. I usually try to write and post a blog twice a week. Some weeks this is easier then others but to date I have been faithful to the schedule. This past 2 weeks I was on holiday – a much longer vacation then I have had in many years. Usually, I go “dark” for my time away, forwarding my cell phone, rerouting my emails so they don’t forward to my blackberry and never bringing a computer. For the first time however, I brought my laptop along, intent to keep up the blog schedule. Clearly, it did not quite work out that way.

While the truth is that I did think about writing… and did actually fire up the laptop once… procrastination got the better of me. So, since it has been 2 weeks since my last post, I thought I would start with some random observations from my time in the southern U.S. (Florida to be exact).

The big political topic on everyone's mind was the new health care reform bill. In reading the papers and watching the news, it is not surprising that it’s mired in controversy. The political rhetoric and the poor and often biased reporting is nothing if not confusing. I really don’t think that anyone really understands the legislation and news outlets have done little to help the matter. Having said that, it amazes me how adamant peoples opinions are based primarily on their political leanings.

Another big topic was the weather – virtually every greeting was followed by some weather related thought. Everyone insisted it was the coldest winter on record and though it was definitely cooler then expected it was still sunny and the beaches were busy.

Speaking of sand, I have to admit that I was amazed to see a woman on the beach with a Kindle exactly as I have lamented in a previous post. She read for some time, put it in a beach bag, then proceeded to toss it onto a chair while she toddled off for a swim. And here I thought sand and electronics didn't mix. I have trouble keeping my paperback sand free.

I am not sure how some of the retailers in Florida exist. I was in a store where the prices were already marked down 40 – 50%. Most of the items had signs advertising an additional 40% off the lowest marked price and when we walked in the store, we were handed an additional 20% off voucher valid for one day only. This made a $70 item $20.

I have celebrated my share of St. Patrick’s Days over the years. Toronto has some great parties. A few years ago we ended up in Savannah Georgia for the parade and I was informed that it was the largest annual St. Patty’s celebration in the U.S. (not Boston or Chicago?). Quite a party for sure. For the past 2 years, we have found ourselves in Key West Florida. Far be it from me to compare but I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better celebration (although it is tough to find a good Guinness pour in South Florida). It was ironic however, that we spent a good part of the day in an Irish pub listening to a band from Toronto.

Lastly, March Madness is everywhere. I am not a big NBA fan but I do love the NCAA Tournament. I am sad to say that as we look forward to Final Four weekend my pool results were a personal worst. I am officially out with none of my final four (Tennessee, Syracuse, Kentucky or Villanova) still playing.
Cheers and have a great day.
George

Recap Regroup, Reload

For anyone reading this blog for the first time, I should point out that it was originally meant to be a chronicle of my experience investigating how various forms of social media could be used as a business tool (I know - it sounds really boring). I have strayed off course a bit as I have read and learned and weighed out the differences between traditional communication vehicles and the latest in electronic communications. It has also morphed into part social commentary, news of the day that I find interesting and a kind of overview of the current state of print. I hope it has been at least somewhat interesting. Personally, I have learned a great deal and continue to push forward.

To be completely honest however, I have participated in the social media arena mostly from the sidelines – mostly an observer and contributing little. This is part a result of having little experience and part concern that anyone would be interested to hear what I have to say.

As I continue, I do know that there is a lot more to learn and know. As it is still the Wild West when it comes to on line content and analytics, it is hard to measure real value. As a colleague said recently, there is a great deal of information available about who's looking at what but still no clear line between hits and sales.

I have recently opened a Facebook account - which is still odd to me as did Twitter when I first started. I think that I now understand Twitter and have found it to be a great resource tool. I have read more great articles that I never would have seen if someone I follow hadn’t retweeted the links. I am still not sold on the minute by minute type updates from people but I will keep an open mind.

Importantly for me, I have also learned that print is still alive and, while it is critical that traditional media companies change and embrace the newest technologies, there is a case to be made that print is “the new black”. Ok – so that may be an exaggeration but there is clearly a need to blend the new with the old in order to have a complete strategy.

I was forwarded this link for an ADDY Awards promo recently… I thought it was an appropriate (and funny) ending to this post.

Cheers and have a great day.
George

Facebook Newbie

Finally, after weeks and perhaps months of procrastinating, today I joined Facebook! My first 'friend post' suggested, “Hell had finally frozen over”. In fairness, I have been ignoring invitations to join for some time for no other reason then it just seemed like another thing to update, another thing to check.
Of course, my little social media experiment could never be complete without Facebook but, as mentioned in previous postings, time is the big issue. Between this blog, my twitter account and followings, hundreds of emails, texts and PINs every day I might be running out of time to do my job! I guess it is time to start exploring some of these other programs – there must be one built to consolidate the messaging. Well, we will see how this all works out but it leads me to wonder how many of the reported hundreds of millions of Facebook and Twitter users are active and how many grew bored and simply abandoned accounts without deleting them from the system.
In the meantime, some news items continue to amuse me. I read a Paid Content article recently that reported several large magazine publishers (the same ones who have been selling their online content) are launching an ad campaign aimed at getting more readers to buy the printed versions. One ad proclaims, “The Internet is fleeting. Magazines are immersive”. And so the wheel continues to turn. That I happen to love printed magazines aside, I think the line is terrific! The article suggests a potential conflict between the publishers and their digital units but there is an old saying “everything old is new again”. I believe the origin was meant for fashion but could printed magazines be the next nouveau frontier? Again I might suggest that it’s a lot easier to toss a magazine or paperback on my beach chair then risk getting sand or water in my IPad.
Cheers and have a great day.
George
P.S. I should update on the sailing blog I have been following. Our young Aussie sailor recently passed the southern tip of Africa (Cape of Good Hope or as Jessica points out actually Cape Agulhas) and is headed towards Madagascar on the last leg of her round the globe journey.