August 2022 Newsletter
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This month’s musing covers:
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Why are you doing that?
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Grumpy Old Men
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Typing is not the same as Writing
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Online Reviews
Why are you doing that?
Trying something new
What challenges you? Me? It is meeting and talking to strangers.
Today I did something completely new.
I borrowed an e-cargo bike from and cycled over to Mainz to the offices of Stuz Magazine. I collected nearly 600 copies of their Summer Special to then ride back to home and begin distributing them. The bike was filled-to-the-gills and was really a tricky ride.
I told my wife about this idea of bringing out this magazine and she asked me “what are you thinking of?” and made a funny face. I told her that I want to get out and meet people I don’t normally meet, and basically in my own backyard. I walked into shops today I had never visited before, some I didn’t even know they were there. I spoke with many of the owners some more than briefly and shared a lot of “I wish you a good day”. I also got 3 “stay healthy” along the way. That was really nice.
I believe in serendipity, the by chance happening, if you expose yourself to enough people or opportunities something surprising might happen.
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What do you think?
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Do things just happen by chance?
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Have you ever had an experience which took you by surprise?
Grumpy Old Men
I filmed a series of videos years ago which I never published. The concept was I would talk to the camera and explain how the internet and computers work. The series was called “Grumpy Old Men”. I don’t remember exactly how many I made, possibly 6 or 8 and I would be traveling and set up my camera in a town somewhere and begin my rant. I would talk about YouTube, Hashtags those squiggly red lines under words when you are writing and more. You get the idea. I have probably spent more than enough time at a computer and am often amazed when I watch others trying to add a photo to an email or format a headline in a text file how little is understood.
If you think I should find those recordings and share them then leave me a comment.
Here’s the link to the entire article:
https://digital-done-right.com/newnormalblog/2022/7/1/grumpy-old-men
Typing is not Writing
.Coding = Typing // Programming = Writing
“Writing involves mental effort” // “Programs are built on ideas”
I just came across Leslie Lamport. Those of you who are into computer science or maths will likely know the name. I didn’t. There are many videos with him as he has been thinking, talking and sharing his brilliance for many decades. The quote above is from this video where he talks about the misunderstanding of getting young people to “code”. This has stuck with me for the last few weeks. Just being able to use a hammer doesn’t mean you can build a house. I am not a coder nor a programmer. I do use a few “no code” applications though. I always have the same challenge; how to make it? The blocks are all there. I have the idea. What order should the blocks be put in?
Developing those ideas into a story is the challenge. A program is like a story. It can be well written on not. Just being able to type these letters on the keyboard doesn’t mean this story will be interesting to anyone, right? Critical thinking and reflection are skills which need more attention. In today’s 15-second videos then swipe to the next world this is not going to get much airtime. That’s it. This has just been keeping my brain a bit busy this last week.
Online Reviews
When it came time to pay for dinner I was told that no credit cards were accepted. “It is a separate system” was the comment to the surprise on my face. I was a bit perplexed when I checked in and paid in advance and not was asked if I wanted to have dinner and pay it all together. Oh well, the remainder of my cash was enough to cover dinner but I was then confused. After I was lectured to by a 500+ word “I told you so” message now I should leave a review? What am I to say? Why was this not included in the diatribe with all the other details? Why? Why? Why?
Here’s the link to the entire article plus there is a 10 page PDF with tips on dealing with online reviews. Share it with someone who might be interested!
https://digital-done-right.com/newnormalblog/2022/7/17/online-reviews
Hey, if you made it this far then, thanks! I hope it was worth your time and if you have a comment please leave one below. I am on a journey to learn how people and organisations are coping in this New Normal. If you are interested in sharing your story or know of someone who might, just reach out. Use the contact form here and leave me a short note. I would love to hear your story.
Thank you for coming here and sharing your day with my stories.
/Andrew