"Hello_World"

Democracy & Capitalism

Great post over at Gabbahead, well worth a read, and while you're there, be sure to explore the rest of James Francis' comics and feeds. Here's my favourite quote from the post:

Democracy and Capitalism have nothing in common: the latter just likes the former because it can wield more control in it.

Nice. The post takes a fairly hard line on capitalism, and even as a capitalist myself, it's hard to knock the rhetoric. James goes on to suggest that:

The world needs to take back control from Capitalism and shape it into a force that works for us within its own selfish persuasions.

That's the problem though, the world does nothing as a unit, only individuals can bring about change.

And when it comes to capitalism i.e. selfish gain

Individuals wouldn't want to...!

Water Meloncholy

Read this post (whole blog), it rocks...!

Nemesis theory expanded

Howard got me thinking with his Nemesis Theory post. I agree in principal with the idea, but would like to add a bit more. Bear with my driving analogy here.

You're in your family car, (a recent upgrade from the sporty number you traded in when your family expanded), next to you on the road, neck-in-neck, is the latest SUV. The two of you are zooming along the freeway, fiercely competitive, racing towards that big luxury liner trundling along in the distance. You get really competitive, accelerating as fast as your 2l engines will allow...

...and then a motorbike overtakes you both.

I can only speak for myself when I say that the nemesis I'm really worried about is the motorbike drivers, the small, economical, agile and quick players that can catch you in a flash.

Sure, don't obsess, but watch them, they're busy working on the product or service that'll leave you standing.

They can't beat you at your own game, so they change the rules, that's what I did.

That's what I need to keep doing.

I miss being the biker...!

Missing Link

This aint the Missing Link. This is Missing Link:

And I fucking love it...!

/pizza

I cannot believe the cool things that we miss out on in South Africa just because we are lagging behind in the bandwidth kingdom. I was listening to a Podcast by Wizards of Technology (which wasn't really great, I'm a bit let down by Podcasts so far - but it beats the radio) and in it they spoke a bit about EverQuest II and how you can order pizza from within the game. It then get's delivered to you by Pizzahut. WHAT?! Order pizza from within a game? Brilliant. How long till we can even play a massive online game in South Africa never-mind order pizza from it. C'mon Panarottis - install a server.

Bet Tarantino has this in his kitchen

I can't remember where I got the link from.

Sorry, but thanks anyway...!

Shinkuro

That has handy...!

Customer centricity, isn't.

I gave a talk this morning to a financial services company where the theme was getting customer centric, and while I was listening to the director talk to his team with great passion I realised something: when it comes to service...

THE CUSTOMER IS IRRELEVANT!

Not one person in Missing Link gives great service because of the customer, customer centricity doesn't come into the equation at all. They perform simply because they wouldn't have it any other way - it's a matter of pride - they have the gene. The customer is simply waiting in the sidelines to enjoy the results.

Stop thinking about the customer - if you need to, you're laking something inside.

Rather then focus on self-centricity, your customers will love it...!

I present...

PowerPoint represents.

It's just that simple.

Subtle difference, sure, but so damn important.

You are the presentation...!

The captain in the crow's nest

Carrying on the great profit conversation.

Once upon a time there was this sailor, he had a great ship, lots of fun, hookers and strippers for everyone, the crew sang songs and called out their captain's name in battle. The captain knew that this was enough, he had faith that his crew, dedicated as they were, would see him home safe.

They were last seen somewhere near the South Pole...

When I started Missing Link I figured that it was all about fun, this is still an integral part of the game, so is surrounding myself with great people. However I've tried the "fun (product, service etc.) will get us there" approach but without direction you're simply wandering aimlessly, what's the point with that? There's been too many late nights, too many sacrifices made by family, friends, and colleagues for me to not take this seriously.

Also, knowing the destination isn't enough, you need to be checking the gauges along the way too. This isn't a bad thing, and it doesn't mean that you need to let the other things go (do so at your peril!)

You just need a destination, and in capitalism profit is usually that destination, if it's not, you're either new at this, or on your way to bankruptcy court - no fun to be had there.

I should add though, I fucking love my job, it was the same when I was losing money, it's just a bit nicer now...!

(This post was composed in rainy Jo'burg rush hour traffic, in the back of the flamed limo we bought with our profit)