The success of the James Bond franchise can be attributed to any number of factors: the actors (No to George Lazenby; yes to everyone else.), the spy toys, Q and M, the cars, and – I have to mention them – the Bond girls (Again, only some of them.). Another factor is the storytelling one. Each Bond movie begins in the middle of the action. No explanation is given for why Bond is in Moscow, Turkey, or some other place. The exact reason for why Bond is chasing some henchman all over the place isn’t immediately revealed; it’s only later that the facts begin to tie together. By then, the viewer has been so submerged in the story that he or she is caught. The viewer has to follow the story to its end, even if the end is known: Bond will save the day in a more or less glorious fashion depending on the director and the direction of the film.
Archives for December 2012
Of Perfectionists and Abandoning Projects
One of my favorite musicians is a perfectionist. I know this because, in my sporadic attempts to be a dedicated fan, I spent some time reading this musician’s comments about one of his albums. He described himself as a perfectionist musician, then stated his work was never finished, only abandoned.
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On Collaboration: An Introvert’s Perspective
I champion collaboration, which might seem odd when I am an introvert and typically work best when left to my own devices. Collaboration is not at odds with independent work or an introverted nature; collaboration is a way to refresh ideas and to gain new perspectives and insights. It’s a way to learn new things and to work toward common and sometimes shared goals.
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How to Stay the Course
A few weeks ago, I asked how people combat discouragement and stay the course. One commenter made a statement about having faith despite the naysayers and obstacles. It was a simple statement, but simple statements often have profound implications.
Write Right Decorates for the Holidays
How not to Build Company Morale
The more I focus on external communications – what could be termed marketing communications or content marketing – the more I find myself focusing on internal communications. I believe that the internal affects the external. What is good for the internal is good for the external. What is bad is bad.
It’s those thoughts that have led to a concern with company culture, morale, and vision. Culture, morale, and vision may not typically be the auspices of a writer or editor, but I would disagree. The internal affects the external, and it doesn’t matter if the company consists of one person or five hundred.