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Have you ever wondered how BoingBoing came to be one of the most profitable and popular blogs in existence? If you could, would you duplicate the BoingBoing phenomenon on your site?

BoingBoing bills itself as a “directory of wonderful things.” This strategy in and of itself practically guarantees you an increase in your Internet foot print. If you devote your time to exhaustively crawling the Internet in search of unique and interesting “things” to collect and display on your site, your digital DNA will by default be displayed all over the Internet connected to each item you link to.

This works as a strategy for two reasons. One, people have an insatiable appetite for things that are unique, different and entertaining. Two (don’t get mad now) people are inherently lazy. They would much rather someone else go to all the work of gathering, sorting, displaying and updating all these interesting things than to take the trouble and time to do so themselves.

But, can you do it?

Of course you can. All you need to do is plug in a question to your favorite search engine designed to identify the most poplar search criteria for that day. Then you follow the links, read the material, write a two paragraph (sentence?) summary of the post. Add an interesting graphic then post your summary, graphic and their link.

The next thing you know you have become a jumping off point for anyone searching for that most popular topic.

Another of the major points of the BoingBoing popularity is free stuff. This is another element you can easily duplicate. Choose a niche (say free pencils, pens, downloads, mp3 files,T-Shirts) maintain a constantly updated set of links for the latest on (insert your item here) giveaways. People will come back to your site constantly to see who else is offering a free promotional item.

Next, solicit reader input. There is an old adage that goes, “Nothing is so sweet to the human ear as the sound of one’s own name.” The same goes for seeing your name cited as the source for a particularly clever post on a popular blog.

The remains, are you more driven by financial success for your site or do you feel compelled to maintain your site focus. Both answers are correct.

Mind Body Walking

Much has been written about mental exercise techniques that may increase your brain activity, and thus possibly your mental functioning. Not as much has been written about physical activity and increase of brain activity.

I am not sure how scientifically the research was done, but I found a fascinating article on the connection of moderate exercise, like walking, and the impact on your mental health.

Here are the bullets:

1. Improve your health.

The article notes several health benefits, spanning cholesterol reduction to heart disease.

2. Reduce stress.

Meditation as a stress reliever.

3. Achieve your goals.

Thoughts which control your effort.

4. Enhance your personal growth.

Stimulation of self esteem.

For more information check out Mind-Body Walking.

Reg

The term captains’ log brings to mind, depending upon your particular generation, romantic images of a sail billowing, gallant frigate cruising the ocean-seas, or visions of the Star Ship Enterprise, going boldly across the galaxies.

However, I have found it to be an indispensable workhouse tool. I would not wish to do without one.

Why, in this modern technological age, would you want to use so archaic a device as a log book?

Because, it is an unmatched tool upon which you may base command decisions and decisive actions.

Keep in mind this is a tool for use and not a diary. As with any tool it needs proper set up and maintenance. One of the keys to setting up a log that is actually of use is to reserve the first 3 to 5 pages as a table of contents. I prefer to separate my front pages into 3 columns. The first column is narrow and contains only the date. The second column is widest and contains to topic of the entry. The third column is as narrow as the first and contains only the page number on which the entry is found.

Although, there are many varieties, I prefer the larger 144 page, ledger style. I understand the preference of many for the moleskin sizes which can easily fit into a breast pocket. But, I prefer the larger more substantial size, not least of which is because I am less likely to leave it behind as an oversight.

It provides the perfect repository for:
1. Meeting notes
2. Phone records
3. Time logs, record the time dedicated to each project
4. Trouble logs, record difficulties and delays encountered
5. Resource logs, record the use and supply of materials on hand
6. Action log, record when you initiate a project
7. Briefs, The emphasis here is on brief. Provide a one or two sentence narrative for each item you record.

Optimization Tips:

1. Put frequently called numbers inside the front cover
2. Highlight your dates and times in yellow
3. Highlight names in green. I cannot tell you how many times this has given me a needed edge in conducting operations. Being able to call up a name from a 5 minute telephone conversation from 3 months ago can make a considerable impression
4. Never start a new page until the preceding page is completely full. This lends to the continuity of your log and helps you tie the series of events together mentally.

Additional Uses:

1. Car/Auto log, oil, tires, accidents
2. Home log, repairs, maintenance, additions, contractors
3. Child log, shot dates, baptisms, illnesses, broken bones

Uses of Fancy:

1. How about a boss log? You could chart them like the tides.
2. How about a spouse log? Do you dare?
3. Imagine the possibilities!

 

In order to make the most effective use of my time, I try to keep my mind active even during leisure activities. So, while American Idol has been on the air I have been trying to determine why some performers are more successful than others. The key seems to be, they are more effective communicators.

What follows are ten tips I have gleaned from watching the successful participants.

1. Choose the right introductory material. First impressions are almost impossible to overcome. Keep this in mind when meeting people for the first time.

2. Listen to the judges. Get as much constructive feedback as you reasonably can from your critics.

3. Apply the feedback to improve your performance.

4. Adopt and maintain a theme. A catch phrase is a powerful mental stimulus. Think of Randy and the “dog pound” or Arsenio and “Woo-Woo.” It sticks with people long after the actual interaction has ended.

5. Maintain constancy. Frequent, radical changes are off-putting.

6. Project confidence. Confidence is an attractive quality, and people respond to it in a positive manner. Remember, don’t confuse arrogance with confidence. Arrogance will get you shunned.

7. Appearance is important. I understand many of the successful are not particularly attractive. I am not referring to that. However, being “comfortable in your own skin” and having the ability to project that comfort is paramount.

8. Be assertive. Push your critics to provide actionable observations. Otherwise, their just complaining.

9. Learn from your set backs.

10. Have fun. If you are not enjoying what you are doing everybody knows it.

Reg Adkins

Harmony Jude Creech

AMBER America’s Missing:Broadcast Emergency Response

11:30 A.M. Amber Alert Issued

North Carolina, the Harnett Sheriff`s Department is searching for a missing child: Harmony Jude Creech.

Harmony Jude Creech is a 11-month-old white female, approximately 2 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 18 pounds. She has sandy-blonde hair, and blue eyes. Harmony Jude Creech was last seen wearing Pink pajamas footies with pink snaps down the front. On one arm the wording “Daddy’s Girl.” with a picture of a crown. Also taken, were a pink bed sheet and most of her clothing along with a few bibs. This picture is of Harmony Jude Creech at approx. 4 months old. Harmony has a dark birthmark on the back of her head at least 1/4″ in size.

They were last seen traveling unknown direction.

If you have any information regarding this abduction, call the Harnett Sheriff`s Department immediately at (910) 890-6039, or call 911 or *HP.

More…
10:00 A.M.

Spring Lake — Federal and local authorities continued an intensive search for a 11-month-old Harnett County girl on Saturday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the search for Harmony Jude Creech on Friday night, but authorities said they had no suspects and few leads. (Source WRAL 5 Read More…)

10:30 A.M.

Spring Lake is just north of Fort Bragg. The child’s father is in the military (source google maps).

10/20/07 12:25 P.M.

The child’s father was just returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. The child was born while his was in Iraq with the 82nd Airborne and he had yet to meet the child (source wbtv.com).

10/21/07

Missing baby found dead. The child’s remains were discovered in the attic of the home apparently dead for weeks.

The mother is being questioned in relation to the death. The mother states she concealed the death due to fear.

Watch the WRAL interview with the local police.

8:00 A.M.

Mother (Johni Michelle Heuser, age 25) charged with murder. Confined to Harnett county detention center. No bond. more…

I recently received an email from a good friend of mine. The wording was rather ambiguous so, I called him up for clarification. At the end of the conversation he said, “If I ever send you an email that you could interpret two ways, I meant it the other way.” Then he hung up. I sat there for several seconds with the phone still at my ear trying to sort that one out.

Therein, lies one of the basic difficulties of human communication.

We have a tendency to obfuscate and complicate every thought that comes out of our head.

Consider Occum’s Razor, “Never contribute to malice that which can adequately be explained as stupidity.” I like to add, “whether my own or someone else’s.”

So who is this Occam and how did he get so smart? By quoting Aristotle of course. The actual logic for the concept came from Aristotle. Who knows who he stole it from.

To boil it down to a usable tool think of it this way, “When you hear hoof beats, think horses; not zebras.”

When I was in the service I learned the importance of building a detailed map of the battlefield. This task was carried out to be as accurate and complete in every pains taking detail, as humanly possible. This is one instance in which the phrase military intelligence is not an oxymoron.

Why was so much attention given to something that appears to the casual observer as completely tertiary? What justifies the immense commitment of time and resources to compile and maintain such a map? It is an immensely powerful communication tool.

Here is a brief overview of the powerful resources it provides, and how you may use it as an effective business plan.

1. It is an excellent planning point for decisions concerning the allocation of personnel and resources.
2. It points out which areas are strongest and best fortified.
3. It points out which areas are weakest and most vulnerable to breakdown.
4. It provides a “real time” snapshot of current operations status.
5. It provides a visual/mental image which descriptive narratives cannot equal.
6. It allows for hypothetical adjustments which may be then assessed for effectiveness without actual adjustment of resources.
7. It provides a “command central” resource from which any individual can with a brief examination better comprehend and thus better implement their portion of the battle/operations plan.
8. It provides a powerful and accurate graphic depiction of the least effective skills of your lieutenants/subordinates and indicates where they fall short. This allows you to provide for their remediation and reinforcement.
9. It provides a powerful and accurate graphic depiction of the skills of your most effective support staff, and provides and opportunity to recognize and reward them and to provide them with greater responsibility and challenge.
10 It encourages creative “right brain” thinking to be incorporated into planning, which it typically a “left brain” dominated area.

I challenge you to test the model out. Build an actual physical map of your operations. Include the furthest areas in which you are seeking to maintain a foothold.

If you feel your operations are confined to your building structure (which I doubt unless you are reading this article from the same building in which I am writing) you might go to the county records office and request a “footprint” copy of your building blueprint to use as your map. However, I believe you will soon discover such to be inadequate to encompass the scope of your map.

Another source might be the Army COE. The maintain detailed topographical grid maps of most of the continental United States.

However, your best bet may be a self drawn map on butcher paper. This type is the worst for size scale and accuracy, but the best for representing your particular perspective.

If you haven’t got room in your office, put it on plywood and saw horses in your garage. Thumb tack it to a wall in your dining room. Do whatever you need to build this dynamic model. Then watch the results. You will be astounded by the impact.

Ms. Dawn Gray-Smith’s
Second Grade Class
 

Elemental Truths is designed to promote personal and professional development. I believe that it is the mission, even ministry, of all to promote the growth  and development of other whenever and wherever we can. I do not believe this should always be confined to instances in which we can maintain total professional distance and rational detachment.As a result, I have written a letter to the principal of my daughters school extolling the virtues and performance of the second grade teacher of my youngest daughter.I now share that letter in open format with you, and I encourage you to follow suit and acknowledge excellence wherever you find it.

Dear Ms. Burgman, (Principal Claxton Elementary School, Greensboro, North Carolina)

Over the past several weeks, I have had the opportunity to see the effects of my daughter’s work with Ms. Gray-Smith, and I couldn’t help but notice how well-represented

Claxton

Elementary School is by this excellent educator. It was hard not to notice that Gray-Smith takes the time to find out the areas of need and strength in her students and provide instruction catered to those areas. Chloe once again enjoys going to school and is excited about learning. What an achievement!

Ms. Gray-Smith is a teacher who requires her students to work at the appropriate level for their best growth and achievement. My daughter began the school year with some reluctance, but now she demonstrates a great sense of accomplishment as the result of her teacher’s efforts. Ms. Gray-Smith walks her students through what is expected both behaviorally and academically from beginning to end, ensuring a very valuable and enduring learning experience. The value of these achievements can not be overemphasized. So many children leave primary house without ever experiencing such a fine teacher. Ms. Gray-Smith expects her students to work hard and do their best in school, and in life, for that matter. My wife and I really appreciate the role Ms. Gray-Smith has played in building the self-confidence Chloe was lacking. This is the attitude we should be instilling in our children, and Ms. Gray-Smith is one of the teachers I can personally rely on to teach our daughter at school as much as we teach her at home. Thank you for your time, and thank you for investing in our child’s future by employing teachers that really make a difference in her life. Sincerely,
Reg Adkins

 I am issuing a challenge to all publishers. Acknowledge someone of excellence on your site. Send me the link and I will post it here.

Rosa Say is the first to pick up the challenge. Her post honors social entrepreneur James Koshiba. Read it here.

My wife is a fan of “reality” TV (I.E. Survivor, American idol, Biggest Loser). I often find myself overhearing oddly familiar concepts from my workstation in the adjacent room.

I soon came to realize, some of these programs were using a tried and true management model and the most successful participants were able to incorporate the model into their own strategies.

So, here are Ten Things I Leaned (Relearned) from “Biggest Loser.” First, I’ll list the “reality”version. Then, I’ll follow immediately with the personal and professional development version.

1. Weigh in.
Know where you start. Assess your skills and the resources available to you.

2. Make a Nutrition plan.
Decide what materials and resources you will need and make sure they are available.

3. Make an Exercise plan.
Develop a Task List, prioritize it and execute it.

4. Set a Goal.
If you don’t chose a destination, how will you know when you get there?

5. Implement your plan.
Keep in mind that the plan is the over all direction and the task lists are built around it.

6. Weigh in, Again.
Check your task progress.

7. Adjust your Nutrition plan.
Review your projected needs for materials and resources.

8. Tweak your Exercise plan.
Adjust your task list and find areas which need acceleration.

9. Implement your changes.
Keep your eyes on the destination. You can’t walk a straight line by watch where your feet are now.

10. Weigh out.
Assess your success.

As you know, most people don’t blog. Not only that, but unless you are in North America, Australia or Oceania the majority of your national population doesn’t even use the internet. So, it probably isn’t worthwhile to direct your resources toward such a small market share right?

Wrong.

That small market share is about 230 million in North America alone. That’s not a potential audiance I’m willing to ignore or alienate. How about you?

But, let’s say you do want to alienate those folks for some reason. Maybe some Pinky and The Brain plot to take over the world. AND let’s say you want to accomplish this by destroying one of your best avenues for reaching those folks, your blog.

Well, my good and gentle reader, I think these five steps will destroy your blog like sowing salt in your fields.

Step 1: Don’t Link to Anyone Else.

Links help internet users find interesting, entertaining and useful content. In bound links especially stir up attention from search engines like Yahoo, Google, MSN Search, Ask Jeeves, or Lord forbid, Dogpile. Generally the more incoming links a site has the higher it is rated. You wouldn’t want any of that pesky traffic slowing down the death of your site.

Step 2: Stop Posting the Comments of Your Readers.

Commenting, or offering feedback, on a blog creates communication. Communication generates new ideas and understandings. Understanding your readers might cause you to write about something relevant to them. You should avoid be relevant if you are trying to kill your blog.

Step 3: Never Post Anything that Varies From Your Own Narrow Viewpoint.

If you want to maintain the superior feeling of being a legend in your own mind, you should never post anything that causes you to rethink, or modify you current position. The dangers of having an open mind can be disastrous to your plan of destroying your blog and your credibility.

Step 4:Ignore or Disregard Folks Who Have Published on Your Site in the Past.

One of the most time honored methods for this practice is to ignore the person altogether. The Upside it requires very little energy on your part. You integrity rating immediately become a 0/10. Since we are trying to totally destroy your blog and all credibility, this is a strong way to go.

Step 5: Become a Trawling Vessel that Gathers Up the Hard Work of Others and Never Create Anything Yourself.

There is actually software designed to help you destroy your reputation via this method known as a “blog scraper.” This insidious little program scans hundreds of thousands of blogs per day looking for content to steal which you can then take credit for on your own site. I can personally attest to the devastation of seeing my work publicized elsewhere without so much as a tag line.

This is truly an excellent device for getting your work ostracized by anyone with the most minute trace of a moral compass.