Successful Blog

Net Neutrality 7-21-2006

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Net Neutrality Links

I’m adding this link to the Net Neutrality Page.

How Washington will shape the Internet

In the end, it’s really an argument about who will bear the costs of building out the robust networks that we’ll all use in the future. And while net neutrality has received the most press, in the end it may not change the status quo as much as either side fears or hopes. If the networks win, the government will probably intervene if it sees unfair discrimination against competitors or censorship. If the Googles of the world win, the network owners will undoubtedly figure out some other way to raise prices.

No matter which way it goes, it means a new element of government regulation. And as far as who pays to build out the networks — in the end, one way or another, most of the costs will still be passed on to the consumer.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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NET NEUTRALITY PAGE

Editorial Makeover 1: Don’t Tell Me, Show Me

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Three Paragraphs

Editorial Makeover logo

Dear Liz,

What a fantastic idea! In one of my grad school classes we spent more than 30 minutes editing just a couple paragraphs. Some students found the exercise defeating and excessive, but to me it was a valuable lesson about cutting through jargon and getting to the point. Needless to say, I’m still learning.

I’m submitting three paragraphs from a recent post on my website. I’m researching Muslim immigrants in Berlin, and the following is from a recent post on language flubs. I’d be delighted if you gave my writing a makeover!

Thanks for your time and generosity!
Jim

Dear Jim,
You’ve got a great story here. I thought what might make it more fun would be to let the reader “see,” rather than just read about it. So I edited in a little dialogue to give your story more personality

Hope this helps you see the difference when you show readers what’s happening, rather than just telling us.

Remember this is just one way to do it! Every editor edits differently.

Smiles,
Liz

Turn the page for the editorial makeover. It’s called, “Don’t Tell Me, Show Me.” [Read more…]

Service with a Smile

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It Was Fun to Buy There

Customer Think Logo

I stopped the bookstore at O’Hare. I figured some business books were in order. I thought they might help spur some ideas for the project I was traveling to work for. I picked out a few and went to the counter. There I was greeted by a smiling young man.

He noticed I was eyeing the books on the counter.

“Still looking?” he said still smiling.

“Nah, I have to save some books to buy on way back,” I smiled too.

“Because you bought more than 3 books, I get to give you this fabulous and useful tote bag. Would you like me to put these fabulous books inside this fabulous and useful totebag?”

“No, I think I’ll put the books in my carryon.” I partially opened my bag and stuffed the books in as best I could, but one book and the tote wouldn’t cooperate. The man behind the counter enjoyed watching my book packing adventure.

“Looks like you’ll be putting the totebag inside your other totebag.” he said.

“Yep, I’ll be totally toting, the totebags. There! That works. See you on the way back.”

“I hope so.”

What Customers Want

That young man made my morning. He turned a chain bookstore into a conversation with a friend. It wasn’t about how much I was spending. I about the experience. The brand was the young man’s great disposition. He’s a guy who likes his customers.

He does things I value.

  • He talked to me as an intelligent person worth knowing.
  • He made the experience pleasant — fun.
  • He left me with a story to tell.

You can bet that I’ll be back in that book store. I need to tell him how great the books are.

Have you had a great customer experience lately?

–ME “Liz” Strauss

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See the Customer Think series on the SUCCESSFUL SERIES page.

Net Neutrality 7-20-2006

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Net Neutrality Links

I’m adding this link to the Net Neutrality Page.

Net Neutrality On Life-Support.

It’s clear to me that net neutrality is on life support. If Ted Stevens is any indication of how well these issues are understood by the people allegedly paid to represent us, expect to hear him and his cronies echoing this ad’s message when they vote to do to net neutrality something they would never have done to Terri Schiavo.

The problem is that in addition to net neutrality, the communications bill is also dealing with the issue of “red lining” and broad band access to disadvantaged communities. The lobbyists for the cable and telco interests have focused on splitting the digitial “haves” from the digital “have nots” in their effort to kill net neutrality. So far they have succeeded. That is why the Markey amendment didn’t pass in the House. The people hoping to get high-speed access are looking at the bill as a way to protect their right to access, while we are arguing about access to content.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related
NET NEUTRALITY PAGE

Airplanes, Airports, and Ideas

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Field Trip

Customer Think Logo

I’m on an airplane to meet with a project partner for the next few days. What a great opportunity to be a customer. I’ll be capturing moments and ideas for posts to come. Can’t let those real events go unrecorded. Observing is what writers do. I figure I’ll collect a week’s worth of ideas in the next hour or two.

I love flying, but the airport I’m flying into always has a delay. . . . More after I’ve landed.

–ME “Liz” Strauss

Related articles
See the Customer Think series on the SUCCESSFUL SERIES PAGE.

Toys in Portugal Get the Link Leak Virus!

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Tueday Night Was Filled with Sunsets and Toys

Open Comments Last Night was held on west coast of Portugal, complete with umbrella drinks and everyone brought their favorite toys — People showed up with legos, transformers, even slinkys. Too bad the infamous link leak virus. Link Leak Virus is a special strain of the indie virus with blogtipping mutations that occur in threes edged its way in.

Cool links were shared.

About the Toys

Here’s a peek at the conversation. [Read more…]