Intro / Preface / Extra Words
Hello! It's been awhile. This issue was due to go out on July 15th, which is precisely the day that my daughter was born. It wasn't ready before then, and since then I've been a little busy. But Amanda and I are finally starting to surface for air, and I had a few minutes to finish this issue and get it out the door.
So without further rambling, enjoy Issue 13.
Heavy Rotation
John Prine
After reading that John Prine article that I shared several issues ago, I started adding in a little bit of Prine to my rotation each week. After my daughter Avery was born, I was listening to his first album and realized it was just the right tempo for swaying back and forth while holding her, and she seems to enjoy it just fine. Also, my buddy Richey mentioned that Illegal Smile was one of his favorites, and after listening to it about 100 times last week I think it's one of my favorites too. I'd highly recommend putting this on if you find yourself anywhere near a lake this summer.
Current Things
Medium, and The Reason You Can’t Stand the News Anymore.
This article neatly summarizes the feelings I have about trying to find trustworthy news sources online. I can tell the difference in sponsored content and real content, but I make things for the Internet. Most people do not make things for the Internet, so I think creating content this way is a dark pattern (but, according to the piece, it's currently the best way to make money).
This article is full of quotes, but here's one that had me shaking my head:
a piece of news content that spreads has a better business value to the news outlet than one that is journalistically sound.
Also, if you don't know what I mean by "dark pattern" we can talk about it sometime. It's a fun subject.
Random Things
Hemingway Editor
This app has the perfect name. Improve the readability of your articles with some help from a good ol' robot. Note: this in no way is as good as having an actual editor look at your stuff, but if you're just casually blogging on Medium or something it seems like a helpful tool.
Food
What It Actually Costs to Open a Restaurant in San Francisco
This is really informative to someone like me that regularly dreams about opening a restaurant one day. And also a little shocking and depressing when I think of all the work that would go into opening a restaurant and how I'm basically unqualified to do any of it. Anyone know how these costs compare to Memphis? I hope it would be waaay cheaper and less complicated (because we don't have all those silly CA rules).
Business Time
Why the Next Generation of SaaS Will Look Like Facebook
It's all about usage. If you're not driving usage then you're dying. I hadn't thought about how ubiquitous Facebook had become:
Facebook has integrated into other products so thoroughly that it’s become normal for us to see and interface with Facebook in other products. In some cases, it’s hard to even sign up for a product if you don’t already have a Facebook account.
Sheesh.
Work / Productivity
Three Simple Principles for Creative Leadership
Inspire, Direct, Support. This is a straightforward guide to really practical methods for leading well, but I think this article is also applicable to anyone regardless of your role in a company. You should encourage leaders to take these concepts into consideration and always be looking for ways to help mold the company culture.
Sports (Disc Golf)
How to Fall in Love in the NBA Summer League
A little late for this now, but there's always next year. Go find yourself a Bryn Forbes to fall in love with this year (or just be like me and go ahead and commit to loving Wayne Selden this year).
I love technology (and science)
AWAIR | Know what's in the air you breathe
In case you didn't know, I work for Simple Focus, a digital agency here in Memphis. We built the website, store, and blog for this company last year (and won a bunch of awards for it too, might I add). Anyway, the product is awesome and I'll probably be buying one soon for my daughter's nursery. This device scores the air you're breathing and gives you smart (and simple) recommendations for improving your air quality. Plus, they just added an Alexa integration. Check it out!
Further Reading
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters
I'm about to start reading this book. I've heard it's pretty difficult and/or heartbreaking to read portions of it, but it comes pretty highly recommended so I'll tough it out. A special shoutout to D-Weav for buying me a copy! I'll report back once I'm done with it.