Some Things I Red Dec 12–18th*
This is a weekly compilation of things I read, watched, or listened to. This edition is a few days later than normal! But, here it is.
Top 3 Things I Read
1. How Silicon Valley’s Bias Against Marketing Obliterates Value, Time, and Technical Brilliance Everywhere It Goes
Whooo! Long title! A few key take aways:
- Anti-marketing: In the past 10 years, we’ve seen a rise in ‘anti-marketing marketing’ such as ‘Make Email Suck Less.’ Anti-marketing has it’s place. Consumers are inundated with calls-to-action, ads, and branding. They’ve become smarter and when authentically done, anti-marketing can be very very good.
- Fuck Marketing <> Spend Money <>Shit Shit Shit Moment: This is caused by undervaluing marketing’s role in early-stage companies . In the beginning, time and resources should be spend on marketing that appropriate for your target demographic. It should not be throwing buckets of money at a wall right before launch and hoping for the best.
- A gross misunderstanding of what marketing should be early on: Early on in a company, marketing should be a hybrid role of product manager, designer, content creator, and customer support all wrapped-in-one. Their focus should be on low- to no-cost marketing.
2. This couple travel 23,000 miles visiting 34 national parks in 4 months while spending zero dollars on lodging.
A photo journey of some of the most stunning natural wonders in the USA. After looking through their photo album, I was filled with an burst of wanderlust.
3. A Guy Travels 10,000 Miles and Dances with 100 Strangers Along the Way
Just watch it.
People Skills
Huh, people do things differently when they live in different areas of the country…Who would’ve thought!?
Smaller, actionable, more regular projects are better than large, lengthy ones.
Politics
The proposed tax plan conservatives have proposed was implemented in my home state of Kansas under Governor Sam Brownback 2011- current. It has been disastrous for the state economy and the talent-drain from our schools is an all-time high.
This video breaks it down what a Kansas style economic plan would do at a national level.
** This weeks compilation is smaller than usual due to a few factors. I was incredibly ill for half the week, traveled for 30+ hours, and I’ve begun reading two books. The combination of these means I read less short form articles this week.