A version of this story appeared in Total Annarchy, my fortnightly newsletter that helps you be a better writer, storyteller, marketer. Get it in your inbox; you’ll love it. * * * This is a story about AI Writing and typewriters. Over the holiday break I lifted a curious grimy, gray case up off the […]
Technology
How to Write Like Robots Can’t
A version of this story appeared in Total Annarchy, my fortnightly newsletter that helps you be a better writer, storyteller, marketer. Get it in your inbox; you’ll love it. * * * One of the things I love about the explosive chatter around AI writing is how overnight the conversation shifted from this: Yo! No […]
This Isn’t a Post About Delta Airlines
We all routinely deal with inconveniences and annoyances—so routinely that most aren’t even worth griping about half the time. We’re just that used to poor service, and mediocre treatment, and apathetic reps, and inflexible business policies, and Press 1* to Return to the Main Menu. The bar for impressive customer care is so low, in […]
10 Ways to Deal with the Stupid Amount of Email You Get
Pop quiz: Do you wish you received more email? Answer: That’s a ridiculous question. I’ve been thinking about email a lot lately, because for the past few weeks I’ve been tracking how much time I spend managing, writing, reading, forwarding, filing, responding to, and (sometimes) cursing it. The verdict: Whatever the number is that’s bigger […]
Breaking Out of Boring: Tell Unexpected Stories
What does a brand known as buttoned up and boring do to broaden its appeal? I get this question a lot. One great model for inspiration is LinkedIn, which has become the poster child for a staid brand evolving its brand by telling unexpected stories. In the early 2000s, UK musician Matt Henshaw was living […]
Make Your Customer the Hero of Your Story: ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ Video
The Fault in Our Stars opened this past weekend to become number-one at the box office. Which thrills me – because I’m a fan of the young adult novel the movie is based on and of its author (and video blogger) John Green. But more importantly: It thrills me because good writing deserves to find […]
How to Innovate in Your Marketing: Ask a Teenager
If you’re a company looking to use social media and content in innovative ways, ask a teenager. And not because you want to market to teens (although you might), but because teenage behavior online draws a kind of road map to where marketing is going. Here’s what I mean: My 17-year-old daughter bought a prom […]
How to Use Instagram in a Genius Way (and Grow Your Audience)
If you’ve seen me speak in the last few years, you know I’m a huge fan of Instagram, because of its understated simplicity that makes for a rich story platform. You might’ve even seen me present one of my favorite examples, of the Toronto Silent Film Festival’s 2013 effort to promote the silent film experience […]
Samsung Bans Competitor Logos at Sochi: Legit or Ludicrous?
Olympics sponsor Samsung reportedly gifted Galaxy Note 3 smartphones to Sochi athletes, but with a serious string attached, Slashgear reports: Athletes were banned from using any other mobile device during the opening ceremonies. Or, if they did use them, they were required to physically cover up any competitor logo so it wouldn’t accidentally be caught […]