This seems to be turning into a habit series of posts I hadn’t planned to write. But here they are, anyway.
And here’s where we left off.
The pacing team isn’t an accident. It’s a choice.
Just because it’s slow (or too fast, or too brutal, or too senseless) around here doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Or that you have to stay around here.
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What becomes clear, though, is that good days are precious. When you’re feeling even a little creative, don’t wait. Write it down, roll tape, speak up. When you’re feeling reasonably healthy, go for a walk.
They’re all good days, if we choose.
[Editor’s note: Fucking A, man!]
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Useful assumptions for teachers
Assume enrollment;
Assume good intent;
Assume fear;
Assume a lack of context;
Assume connection.
[Editor’s note: And exercise common sense.]
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I think we’ve long passed the point where an active professional can simply choose to not understand how tech works.
You’re a user or you’re being used. Best to know which.
[Editor’s note: I think the Supreme Court/Antitrust section at the FTC/Robert Bork/that damn judge who rendered the opinion in the Apple-Big Five cartel case/every writer on the freaking internet may have missed the memo on this.]
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The truth is that if we stop doing chores, we have to do real work instead. The things that aren’t repeatable or proven. The things that are emotionally difficult, creatively challenging or simply requiring exploration and guts to pursue. If we succeed at this work, there will be plenty of money to pay to get the chores done.
Doing chores cheerfully and with skill is a fine hobby. But it might not be what you need to do right now.
[Editor’s note: Funny how many creative workers don’t realize they’re turning their own lives into an endless series of chores. Of course, much of this depends on your definition of “real work” and one’s ability to be heard above the noise enough to make the money needed to pay for those who’ll do your chores for their living.]
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There. Seth said it!
PS: Thank you for the reminder, James! 🙂 Great image, BTW!
Yeah, I’m done with “looking for hugs.” (I also “lie” for a living. That’s why it’s called fiction.)
