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Posts Tagged ‘Seth Godin’
Thursday, January 17th, 2013
All of us as creatives, are storytellers.
That is worth something.
So the integrity, skill and life experience of a creator, matters very much.
We function within a socio-economic system that is quite leery of the increasingly open source access to “their market”.
In a conversation with two sage colleagues in Photography today, I had to point out something. Basically it was this.
Just because surf publishing has deigned to not let you play, does not mean your voice is not valid. In fact, it is the opposite. Established fiscal entities do not necessarily WANT the broad market to know of you. Because then the market will look at you, and being fear based, that bothers many surviving publishers, whose park between the lines mentality is enforced each day by Corporate rule.
We laughingly refer to this mentality today as the “Race to the Bottom”. Seth Godin nails it here.
This may not be in anyone’s best interests. I am going to illustrate in a couple quick stories.
I met Ed Lu at Opus Novum’s Sea-Space Initiative Summit at Google last year. Ed is a water guy. He is also a Scientist and Astronaut. He had a question. So did many of the amazingly talented people there. The question was one of funding. At the end of the two day series of derivative workshops, we all sat in a circle. Three people sought answers to traction based funding questions. Absolutely the least educationally qualified in the room, the answer to their dilemma was crystal clear to me. In short, this is what I said.
“I know how you guys can solve this. The answer is you. No one knows who you are. You operate in agencies anonymously. You all simply need to tell your story”
Here is Dr. Ed Lu, telling his story. I am a huge fan of Ed and his work. Indeed, of everyone who cares, and is good at what they do. We all should be!
Here is Tom Waits telling a story in Hell Broke Luce. I will leave it to you to discover the grace which exists within his Art. STORY. It is an excellent example of collaboration in the Arts.
At Ocean Lovers, our new collaborative organization, a vital aspect is to get the story tellers together, all those which create. Our intention is to give them traction in our Socio-Economic system, and do it culturally. In so doing we affect culture and perception with a Philosophically accurate, Science based message that promotes community via Social and Economic sustainability.
This could work.
Tell your story.
Tags: Corbis Images, creativity, Ed Lu, Hell Broke Luce, Ocean Lovers, Ocean Lovers Collective, Opus Novum, photography, Race to the bottom, Sea Space Initiative, Seth Godin, story, surf photography, Surf Story, Tedx Marin, Tom Waits
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Friday, November 23rd, 2012
For?
We all know what the Holidays in North America typically are significant of: the prior sacrifices and services of the forbearers of the Nation and Christianity. Of course aside from those, at the core, it should be about the inception of gratitude.
Traditions are funny things. Over time the embeds get, well… buried.
Seth Godin has this to say about it today.
Black Friday. Really? I hate the name. Black, the absence of light, love, or gratitude.
My wife, Donna had to explain it to me. Keep in mind, such has been my own transformation, that she was tutoring a man with approximately 20 years of product manufacturing and retail experience. This is what she told me last night as my sons, and two of my colleagues were sharing some Thanksgiving time together.
“David, Black Friday is about putting retailers back in the black on their balance sheets. You know, as opposed to being in the red! ”
“Oh, I see.” And I did. But likely not what she thought.
We are so wrapped up in the day to day struggles here in this country that we are easily sold out, and that personal resolve, it sometimes becomes an unwitting and yes, even unwilling participant in something we ought to refrain from.
Well why should we resist? I mean, isn’t this supposed to be about giving? What are we to do?
Easy. Never stop doing what we can, and do it for no other purpose as to act in an expression of what is in our heart. Better make sure what is in there is not Black. It really needs to be white.
This weekend, Donna is having a company sale at her retail and online stores. But her take is a little bit different. Hurricane Sandy gutted the East Coast. There is no way existing Govt programs are going to be able to do much to alleviate suffering as Winter descends.
All week long, while I had been wrestling with issues regarding Blue Ocean Sciences and OceanLovers tech project for radiation remediation in Japan, Donna had been studying up on the problem of the East Coast. I had given her little in the way of hard advice, but had explained what to look for.
I do work in affiliation with K38 Rescue. We are tutored and trained in disaster response. I know a bit about the process, especially after witnessing what Shawn Alladio did during Katrina, and more.
So here is what Donna found. On the East Coast is a group Called Clean Ocean Action. For many years they have coordinated social and environmental programs on the East Coast. On Dec 8th they have a projects call, were they want everyone to contact them and will act as a liason to put resources where they need to go. As a trained first responder, I have to state and underscore, that this is VERY smart.
So instead of a Black Friday push, Donna and Betty B will donate 25% of all sales both online and in her store all weekend long, to Clean Ocean Action, and write a check and send it on Monday. NOT black. Green. Understand?
That is how we all ought to think: reach out, connect, and do so intelligently.
Giving is really about the beneficiary and not us, as the givers. That gets buried, much as one would think that it does not.
My brilliant friend Pete Ippel, left me a note on Facebook which I found this morning. A youtube piece called Buy NOTHING Day.
“Gratitude. It is a response to the gifts that are given to us in life. And when we commit to a life of gratitude, life becomes a complete gift of receiving and giving. It brings peace and contentment as a result. “-Â Dr. Ed Brenegar
I unfortunately do not sell much, but I do have affiliates who carry some of my work.
This weekend, Solitary Exposure is doing a promotional sale. Donna also has a bit of my framed Artwork that she sells in her Fir St Store here in Ventura. So let’s do this. I will take 25% of my royalty payments from all sales via Betty B and Solitary Exposure from today till Christmas, and write a check to Clean Ocean Action in their mission to alleviate suffering from Hurricane Sandy.
But what I want any one you to do is this: say or write to Larry Beard or Donna, that you are grateful for what they are doing. Express gratitude in word and deed.
That matters.
Here is a little gift.
It is what is in my own heart, after much study about what goes on in Japan right now. I will write on that when I have a bit more time.
Aloha oe, a hui ho.
Tags: benefit, Betty B, black friday, BOS, Clean Ocean Action, disaster remediation, Donna Von Hoesslin, ed brenegar, Hurricane Sandy Relief, K38 Rescue, nuclear disaster, Ocean Lovers Collective, playing for change, Seth Godin, Shawn Alladio, social change, social responsibility, Solitary Exposure, Sustainable business, sustainable change
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Sunday, August 26th, 2012
Amongst my friends and colleagues, who I see as being people of sound, educated mind, and of exceptional intelligence and compassion, I have observed something.
They appear to be stuck.
Why is it, that some people prefer to confer the authority and tenets of Leadership, on Politicians?
The reason I find this perplexing is due to a recurrent result that is obvious.
By repetitively supporting a Red or Blue, Left and Right divisive philosophy, they have jettisoned their own power as individuals, who are for the most part, in possession of greater intelligence and connectedness, than those leading the factions. My dear friends follow an idea they were sold by a marketer.
Ever read this? All Marketers are Liars. Great book. Or this one? The Tipping Point. Responsible empowering reads. If ever one wanted to own their power as an individual, these would be great books to engage.
Politicians are liars of convenience. In order for most of them to stay in office, they must be re-elected. So getting that done is job one. Telling people what they want to hear, is frequently a good interim solution. The short term cycle of Politics and daily Media, which feeds upon it economically, in much the same manner as American Retail does on the concept of Christmas, is designed to survive via consumerism. It needs the public to feed on it’s messages, in order to complete the advertising cycle and show profit.
Now why would it bother me that my friends would do this? Well, it does so for selfish reasons. I like my friends, and see them as high value contributors to society potentially, and it is really embarrassing to see grown, educated people, cuddling a Red or Blue blankie, asking a Politician to feed them nurturing leadership. The obvious fact is that with many Politicians, the Ethics Deficit has left their Moral Bank Account without funds and their Pantry is inhabited only by the cobwebs of desire: to succeed in Politics.
So here is what I propose. Ignore them. Take the reins of your life, act right where you are. Think about what you do which makes you feel happy, engaged and fulfilled, and do that. We become what we lend attention and heart to. If you read the National Enquirer, well then, that becomes your foundational knowledge and philosophy base. Partisanship is sort of like that, and a choice.
But those of us who care about you, will really miss having you in on the conversations we are inspired to engage and the solutions which we endeavor to ferret out.
You could matter. But first it must become all about you. Once you are in place, then it can be about helping others to thrive. Let’s make it about you, rather than those waving false flags, who don’t care about humanity or your family, or you, beyond seizing our attention when they need it.
Oh and by the way. The White? Those white stripes on the American flag? They signify liberty and equality, and some say, purity of intention. Hint: choose White over Red or Blue. We will all be happier as a result.
Nurture and thrive.
It starts with you.
Do it.
“When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: “I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn’t like.” I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die, so it can be carved”. -Will Rogers
Tags: journalism, Malcolm Gladwell, nature, Ocean Lovers, Ocean Lovers Collective, Seth Godin, Social Commentary, Social consciousness, social sustainability, Sustainability, will rogers
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Friday, June 29th, 2012
While both the Democratic and Republican camps spend an incomprehensible amount of money, the country suffers as a result of their awful mismanagement and extremely deep corruption.
Several years ago, I began to notice, as I returned from travel around the world, and would fly into LAX, that it was beginning to feel increasingly more like a Third World Nation, here in the US.
I am not saying that I was not grateful to be home. I always am, and thank the Customs Officers as they welcome me back. Some of them have been at their post for as long as I can recall. (I have been working as a photographer, film maker and writer since 1998. It seems like one or two of the guys have been there, each time that I return)
It had proceeded to become increasingly obvious to me, that what we know as being trappings of the American Dream, were going away. I could see our affluence of Spirit, ebbing.
Our system is under attack from within, via it’s leadership. Being here and witnessing the demise-change is interesting. In a Nation known for it’s affluence, great poverty of spirit is being exhibited, and a level of selfishness that I seldom see in my travels, has come to roost here. Like a vulture, it picks at the still bloody, bones of the remnants of freedom.
 City on a Hill
All I can really do, is endeavor to be a light. As we see these men and women, many of them lost souls, take words and ideals sacred to us, and dash them to the ground, it is important to recognize that our Country does indeed have a responsibility to be that often quoted description of the “City on a Hill”.
The real task is to make sure that the light comes from each one of us, and not the Polyarchy, as they burn the structure of the Republic, to the ground.
Seth Godin poses a question. Do we have to pander?
The Fourth of July is right around the corner. Many cherish the Holiday as Independence Day. Increasingly rare commodity, independence. I hope the country takes a good look around, in this time. Remember that someone died for your independence, your freedom. I hope that we all honor that, and live for it.
Fireworks are significant.
 Independence Day, Santa Barbara, California
Tags: 4th of July, American Way, corruption in government, Election year, honor, Independence Day, Politics, Polyarchy, Prosperity, Seth Godin, Truth
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Friday, June 1st, 2012
Sometimes waking moments are comprised of a tap on the shoulder regarding someone I care about. The note below, is as a result of one of those mornings. The person I sent it to, is someone who I respect as a visionary human being.
The images here, are what occurred when the ocean reined over first consciousness, and I rose to meet it.
“Found myself thinking about you today.
Just a note to say hi, and that I hope everything is going well, where ever you are, when this finds you.
Been dealing with incredibly smart and compassionate human beings lately, as well as some amazing donkeys with heels dug into the sod of the past.
I am constantly surprised at how people still feed at the pig trough of Political slop, which seems to be helping send this country down a dark alley.
Makes me appreciate the ocean’s singleness of purpose.
  Aloha oe.”
A sea of light will always overcome the heart of darkness.
 “Is more always better?
Sometimes, only better is better.” Seth Godin
Here is a unique and beautiful piece of music by Nahko, called Medicine for the People. Sent along by Jeff Parker
You can see and purchase my Art based work here, at Solitary Exposure. At Corbis Images, if you have a Commercial request, and in various publications world wide. It is my plan to connect as many people as possible to the sea. In that is a unification of heart and purpose, as well as harmony.
Our world needs that. More than ever.
Tags: compassion, Corbis Images, Medicine for the People, Nahko, nature photography, ocean, ocean art, Seth Godin, social change, Solitary Exposure, surf photography, waves
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Red White and You
Sunday, August 26th, 2012Amongst my friends and colleagues, who I see as being people of sound, educated mind, and of exceptional intelligence and compassion, I have observed something.
They appear to be stuck.
Why is it, that some people prefer to confer the authority and tenets of Leadership, on Politicians?
The reason I find this perplexing is due to a recurrent result that is obvious.
By repetitively supporting a Red or Blue, Left and Right divisive philosophy, they have jettisoned their own power as individuals, who are for the most part, in possession of greater intelligence and connectedness, than those leading the factions. My dear friends follow an idea they were sold by a marketer.
Ever read this? All Marketers are Liars. Great book. Or this one? The Tipping Point. Responsible empowering reads. If ever one wanted to own their power as an individual, these would be great books to engage.
Politicians are liars of convenience. In order for most of them to stay in office, they must be re-elected. So getting that done is job one. Telling people what they want to hear, is frequently a good interim solution. The short term cycle of Politics and daily Media, which feeds upon it economically, in much the same manner as American Retail does on the concept of Christmas, is designed to survive via consumerism. It needs the public to feed on it’s messages, in order to complete the advertising cycle and show profit.
Now why would it bother me that my friends would do this? Well, it does so for selfish reasons. I like my friends, and see them as high value contributors to society potentially, and it is really embarrassing to see grown, educated people, cuddling a Red or Blue blankie, asking a Politician to feed them nurturing leadership. The obvious fact is that with many Politicians, the Ethics Deficit has left their Moral Bank Account without funds and their Pantry is inhabited only by the cobwebs of desire: to succeed in Politics.
So here is what I propose. Ignore them. Take the reins of your life, act right where you are. Think about what you do which makes you feel happy, engaged and fulfilled, and do that. We become what we lend attention and heart to. If you read the National Enquirer, well then, that becomes your foundational knowledge and philosophy base. Partisanship is sort of like that, and a choice.
But those of us who care about you, will really miss having you in on the conversations we are inspired to engage and the solutions which we endeavor to ferret out.
You could matter. But first it must become all about you. Once you are in place, then it can be about helping others to thrive. Let’s make it about you, rather than those waving false flags, who don’t care about humanity or your family, or you, beyond seizing our attention when they need it.
Oh and by the way. The White? Those white stripes on the American flag? They signify liberty and equality, and some say, purity of intention. Hint: choose White over Red or Blue. We will all be happier as a result.
Nurture and thrive.
It starts with you.
Do it.
“When I die, my epitaph, or whatever you call those signs on gravestones, is going to read: “I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn’t like.” I am so proud of that, I can hardly wait to die, so it can be carved”. -Will Rogers
Tags: journalism, Malcolm Gladwell, nature, Ocean Lovers, Ocean Lovers Collective, Seth Godin, Social Commentary, Social consciousness, social sustainability, Sustainability, will rogers
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »