I was almost excited when I heard that the Sydney Opera House would be hosting a Festival of Dangerous Ideas. (October 3-4 2009) Some of the ideas to be discussed include 'Religion Poisons Everything', 'People with Flat Screen TV's Should Stop Whingeing About Capitalism' and a debate 'Democracy Is Not for Everyone'. Being an atheist, rationalist, sort-of-socialist and free market capitalist I already accept a world without god. I see the tangible benefits of capitalism and the short falls of democracy. If these ideas are dangerous then so am I!
The Festival of Dangerous Ideas started me thinking about attending the sessions that reinforce my world view. Of course I'll feel good about myself and superior to the majority of people. What's the point in that? I wouldn't really learn anything. Sure, there is a session by Cardinal George Pell 'Without Religion We Are Nothing'. I'm quite sure I will disagree with his hypothesis. I know, whatever he says I'm not going to change my mind about god. As far as I'm concerned god is well and truly dead. Look, I haven't got time to read Richard Dawkins. I made up my mind about this many years back and I'm not going to revisit it. I certainly don't want to preech my world view. You can believe in whatever you want. I'm not writing this blog to change your mind you know. But it did start me thinking. I do have a world view. What is it. What do I actually believe in?
Here we go. I reserve the right to add or retract some of these ideas as ill-conceived at any time in the future, based on the benefit of hind-sight or enlightenment. In no particular order, here is a quick list;
Market driven capitalism is the best way to change society.
Capitalism can help us take practical steps to address climate change and other big-issues like getting rid of poverty: where it has made tremendous steps over the last 200 years. Yes it has. Consumers just need to play the game a bit smarter to get the outcomes they want.
Corporations are dumb. They will respond to market demand.
You buy water in plastic bottles that's what they'll sell you. You buy solar panels that's what they'll sell you. I'm saying to the Gen Y G20 protestors, it's not the government or corporations fault. It's your fault.
Democrarcy. Sounds good in theory but in practice...
Unfortunately we only have defacto democracies. Real democracy would see no parliamentary debates, parliaments disolved, all decisions (even minor ones) made by citizens digital referendums and outcomes implemented by non-arguing government departments of managers. That's real democracy. In the mean time we live in denial.
Violently forcing democracy on the rest of the world is not a good thing to do (and trade sanctions are a form of violence against poor people in my opinion).
Pacifism where possible. Diplomacy is the best way to change peoples minds.
Defence budgets should be for defence not attack.
(You'll probably start to build a picture that I'm still harbouring a grudge about Australia's defence budget being used to invade Iraq without a peoples-digital-referendum to give the go ahead). You'd be right.
I'd like to see some advocacy for atheism that isn't so anti-religion.
Like I already know there isn't a god. Stop arguing with religious people about it. It's doubtful they will change their minds. And I don't care if they do. Let them stay in Plato's cave for all I care. Let's get on with the job of living a positive atheism. Atheists should spruik humanities great achievements: umm, mainly this list of achievements boils down to science (and reason).
Religion could be a powerful force for societal change.
I know it's hard to believe but apparently most of the worlds population are religious. Especially in third world countries. How about religious leaders getting their followers to stop using plastic bags and fish all the plastic bottles out of the ocean. For example. Or maybe some groups could give up eating tuna as well as pork? It's gods will you know.
And the most dangerous idea of all? There is no such thing as Mac or PC. Mac is just a brand of PC.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Fwd: Orpheum
We found the perfect cinema to watch the Coco Chanel movie this afternoon: The Orpheum, in the suburb of Cremorne in Sydney. Classic deco design. Classic designer!
The movie is pretty good too.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Fwd: these are difficult times
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Another funny photograph from my camera phone
Well I think it's funny. Like someone was in such a hurry to get an ice cream that their shoe fell off. They got their ice cream and just left the shoe?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Here are some more found items of clothing in public spaces
Gloves, underwear and toupee. Yes, a toupee!
Two Sundays in Sydney
The roof of Cook + Phillip swimming pool near the domain: St Patricks day celebrations on the left, posing for Asian wedding photographs on the right.
Judy feeds roti to an ibis at the domain while overlooking the Art Gallery of NSW
A Surry Hills coconut. What the?
Umbrellas mimic Utzon's Opera House
The Opera House seen from the domain. This is a less photographed aspect that illustrates the importance of the base and walk up to the building. This demonstrates the influence of ancient Mayan architecture on the architects thinking.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
An interesting take on the stimulus packages
If you are interested in the economy, and who isn't at the moment, read the transcript of this interview. Or better still, watch the video. It's a beaut!
http://news.kontentkonsult.com/2009/03/interview-with-jim-rogers-dateline-sbs.html
http://news.kontentkonsult.com/2009/03/interview-with-jim-rogers-dateline-sbs.html
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It was one of those days
It was one of those days. Judy got really upset with Snapfish about a $6.95 transaction. Bruce got really upset with Jetstar about plane tickets worth $1500. One of my customers got a little upset with me about a value-added free service that they haven't got yet.
I thought it was really interesting that Judy got just as upset about her $6.95 transaction as Bruce did about his $1500 transaction. When expectations are not met - no matter what the financial value of the transaction - damage is done. It turns out that customers expect you to do what you say you are going to do and they get upset when you don't.
It's alarming how often service is delivered badly. Long wait times calling in to contact centres and unprofessional face to face experiences are standard fare for Australian businesses. If you experience bad customer service my advice is to either adjust your expectations accordingly - let it go - or tell the companies management that you are about to take your business to a competitor and why. Preferably tell them in writing. Faxes and posted letters are far more effective than emails for this purpose.
If you have provided the poor customer experience and receive a complaint here are some guidelines on how to handle it.
Whatever the details of the issue it's important to listen to your customers story. Never talk while the upset customer is talking. That really winds them up. Keep quiet. When they have finished telling you their story empathise with them. Acknowledge the customers concerns. Then apologise for not meeting their expectations. Ask them what you can do to provide resolution and most importantly make the customer feel important. It's basic customer service and sales. In fact, if we put on our sales hat, overcoming issues the right way is an opportunity to deepen the relationship with your customer by building trust. Deal with the problem professionally and you build a bond that may even see that dissatisfied customer become an advocate of you and your business.
"hmmm true dat. Do you subscribe to seth godin's blog?
Liked yr tuna entry too. Food for thought indeed!"
February 18, 2009. 20:04 PM
I thought it was really interesting that Judy got just as upset about her $6.95 transaction as Bruce did about his $1500 transaction. When expectations are not met - no matter what the financial value of the transaction - damage is done. It turns out that customers expect you to do what you say you are going to do and they get upset when you don't.
It's alarming how often service is delivered badly. Long wait times calling in to contact centres and unprofessional face to face experiences are standard fare for Australian businesses. If you experience bad customer service my advice is to either adjust your expectations accordingly - let it go - or tell the companies management that you are about to take your business to a competitor and why. Preferably tell them in writing. Faxes and posted letters are far more effective than emails for this purpose.
If you have provided the poor customer experience and receive a complaint here are some guidelines on how to handle it.
Whatever the details of the issue it's important to listen to your customers story. Never talk while the upset customer is talking. That really winds them up. Keep quiet. When they have finished telling you their story empathise with them. Acknowledge the customers concerns. Then apologise for not meeting their expectations. Ask them what you can do to provide resolution and most importantly make the customer feel important. It's basic customer service and sales. In fact, if we put on our sales hat, overcoming issues the right way is an opportunity to deepen the relationship with your customer by building trust. Deal with the problem professionally and you build a bond that may even see that dissatisfied customer become an advocate of you and your business.
1 comments:
Steve Willis said..."hmmm true dat. Do you subscribe to seth godin's blog?
Liked yr tuna entry too. Food for thought indeed!"
February 18, 2009. 20:04 PM
Fwd: gnome
---------- Forwarded message ----------
OK. Yes it is.
A lot of controversy recently about graffiti artists/ taggers. A few comments flying around the office. It seems an Australian first offender, 18yo woman, was jailed for 3 months for a graffiti attack. While in NZ a 40 yo man stabbed a 15yo kid to death for tagging his garage door! This greatly upset his parents. (The 15yo's ones). It seems that graffiti is a very emotional topic for some people. OK ok I hear you protest. It's actually a property issue.
Meanwhile in Surry Hills this little gnome appeared in a door way. No one was killed or jailed (as far as I know) but I did receive a glaring look from Judy for delaying the next coffee by 3 minutes to photograph him. Cute I say!
Mike Ringdahl posted a photo:
"liked yr blog on Graffiti - heres one of my favs - taken in High Street a few years back - always been a fan of good street art - this was just too cute"
February 18, 2009. 20:21PM
.......................................................................................................................................
OK. Yes it is.
A lot of controversy recently about graffiti artists/ taggers. A few comments flying around the office. It seems an Australian first offender, 18yo woman, was jailed for 3 months for a graffiti attack. While in NZ a 40 yo man stabbed a 15yo kid to death for tagging his garage door! This greatly upset his parents. (The 15yo's ones). It seems that graffiti is a very emotional topic for some people. OK ok I hear you protest. It's actually a property issue.
Meanwhile in Surry Hills this little gnome appeared in a door way. No one was killed or jailed (as far as I know) but I did receive a glaring look from Judy for delaying the next coffee by 3 minutes to photograph him. Cute I say!
2 comments:
Mike Ringdahl posted a photo:
"liked yr blog on Graffiti - heres one of my favs - taken in High Street a few years back - always been a fan of good street art - this was just too cute"
February 18, 2009. 20:21PM
.......................................................................................................................................
Friday, January 30, 2009
Save the tuna
Save the whales, sure. How about the tuna?
The Economist recently ran a feature on the state of the world's oceans. They reported on the diminishing stocks of tuna. Apparently, among other things, the growing taste for sushi and sashimi in the west and protein in the east is contributing to over fishing of tuna. Some species of tuna are now endangered.
This photo shows 185gram cans of tuna selling for 50c at Coles supermarkets in Australia. The low price point is clearly stimulating demand as these empty shelves show. Surely this is unethical retail behaviour?
It is interesting to me how there is general sympathy with the save the whales campaign, and consumers would probably not buy and eat ocean mammals like whales & dolphins, yet tuna is purchased and eaten with a seemingly ever increasing appetite. Canned tuna is particularly offensive, being the stored outcome of over-fishing which could not be consumed fresh, it is preserved stored and ultimately sold for next to nothing. I wonder why the tuna issue hasn't caught on with the environmentalists, vegetarians, Greenpeace and the like?
Maybe it is time for legislation to target canned tuna with some sort of sustainability tax to slow demand?
1 comments:
-
yep, so true... and I bet that 99.9% of the members of that facebook group 'Fuck off Japan leave the whales alone!' will happily chow through tins of tuna without any conflicted feelings whatsoever.
I fear though that the only way we can save them is by making them taste disgusting. Mass hypnotherapy?
Monday, January 26, 2009
School boy errror
I had to laugh. I almost walked into this bus stop advertisement. Can you see what's wrong with it?
There are so many schools teaching graphic design and 'visual communications' these days and yet simple errors, like the relationship between text and image, are often overlooked. The team that designed and proofed this ad should have noticed that the names of the actors are clearly misplaced. Kate is on the left, Leonardo is on the right. I had to remark "school boy error!".
1 comments:
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unfortunately it's more common than you'd think
It used to annoy me until i realised that the poster designers didn't really care about the relationship of the the position of the stars names to their pictures
Here's a few i found doing a quick scan
http://sorenz.dk/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/124.jpg
http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Deception/deception_movie_poster_version_2_onesheet.jpg
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgB2O9LXaLA_DfXYRoXe3DgCoOYwEmvZNNVQ4bjjU6HNbEr9RlLxzPrY_AWhWWtNaG54OUIjX3hviCsBe1GLK_cLmvwxyD4KvDcNpWH_5qbBns6O3IRfm3EWzshBHeUr1bWSC41Rm-2w/s400/WildHogsMoviePoster.jpg
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I have an explanation for the supposed logic used here. I think it's in order of fame/importance from left to right?
Friday, January 2, 2009
International marketing
I read recently that aspirational businesses will need to invest more in developing multi-lingual web content. This is of course a fairly obvious aspect of international marketing, and not a striking observation, yet an important one. Today I noticed a sign in a Sydney foodcourt where the translation from chinese to english wouldn't drive the sales of "Spicy Pork Bowel in Szechaun Style' or "Cellophane" with Ground Pork. What the?
Customer service today
If today is any indication I'll have plenty to blog about this year. I've nominated my interest area as sales and marketing. Today I went shopping and I found many noteworthy items to discuss. Thinking of sales, I have always said how closely connected sales is to customer service. As a customer, I don't want to be sold to. I want to be serviced. When customer service expectations are not met then sales are lost.
Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to build a companies brand identity. The value of a strong brand is measured in sales revenue. The retail experience, the customer facing aspect, is perhaps more important than above the line and below the line advertising in building and positioning a brand and therefore generating sales. Or put that another way, when the customer experience is bad, no amount of spending on advertising or PR will work to turn around a customers negative perceptions. Their business is lost.
Every interaction with a customer is an opportunity to build a companies brand identity. The value of a strong brand is measured in sales revenue. The retail experience, the customer facing aspect, is perhaps more important than above the line and below the line advertising in building and positioning a brand and therefore generating sales. Or put that another way, when the customer experience is bad, no amount of spending on advertising or PR will work to turn around a customers negative perceptions. Their business is lost.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy new year
Oh, OK it's 2009 already. As I look back on 2008 I realise that I didn't write very many blogs. This is partly because I've been so busy with actual work. In 2009 I will try to be less busy (good luck to me) and write some more.
I'll keep uploading photographs of clothing in unusual contexts but I'll also start blogging about media sales and marketing which is where I ply my skills during the day. There is a lot of talk, especially in media & advertising circles, about digital media and how it is usurping traditional print media. I have some thoughts on this, and where the publishing media are heading, so I'll share them here during the year. Basically though, the argument goes that audiences and advertising revenues are migrating organically from print to digital. I'll claim that, while this is true, another important consideration is the behavioural change from mass media to niche media. This is an important strategic point which has been largely over-looked by media companies themselves. There is also a strain of thought that says audiences are choosing to move from print to digital media because digital media is more environmentally friendly. Given that sustainable forestry practices now exist, and the increasing amounts of electricity needed to power the world's PC's, much of which is generated by burning fossil fuels, this is a claim that needs further investigation. So plenty to talk about.
I'll keep uploading photographs of clothing in unusual contexts but I'll also start blogging about media sales and marketing which is where I ply my skills during the day. There is a lot of talk, especially in media & advertising circles, about digital media and how it is usurping traditional print media. I have some thoughts on this, and where the publishing media are heading, so I'll share them here during the year. Basically though, the argument goes that audiences and advertising revenues are migrating organically from print to digital. I'll claim that, while this is true, another important consideration is the behavioural change from mass media to niche media. This is an important strategic point which has been largely over-looked by media companies themselves. There is also a strain of thought that says audiences are choosing to move from print to digital media because digital media is more environmentally friendly. Given that sustainable forestry practices now exist, and the increasing amounts of electricity needed to power the world's PC's, much of which is generated by burning fossil fuels, this is a claim that needs further investigation. So plenty to talk about.
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Graffiti or vandalism is indeed about property. One person's right to free expression ends where someone else's right to their property starts. It's all about respecting someone else's property rights.