http://fantastic-machine.com/penina Getting the job done with common sense and optimism Mon, 04 May 2009 23:29:06 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Feedback is central to collaboration. This is true for any size project, but truer and truer the bigger it gets. No doubt, it's a two-edged sword that can cut a project to pieces, fracturing its focus and gutting its spark. Designers have been complaining for years about decision-makers who request outrageous changes ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=543 Thinking about creativity? resourcefulness? innovation? Have you seen AfriGadget? A site “dedicated to showcasing African ingenuity”, AfriGadget is updated by a team of bloggers and readers who post remarkable content from around the African continent. Articles run the gamut from recycling, transportation and community to music and toys. One of my favorite stories ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=555 Some smart folks at .net are starting a revolution. Don’t you just love revolutions? http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=526 The plus side of committees is that everyone brings a different perspective, and different strengths, to the table. One of their infamous minuses—the bottleneck (sometimes known as pea soup or the black hole)—becomes exponentially aggravating for each person you add to the group (not to mention those that show up ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=461 Overheard this while working in a cafe today: On her way back from the ladies’ room with Mommy, a 3-year-old cutie asks, “Mommy, can we text Natalie?” Mommy: “I don't have my cell phone.” Cutie: “I do.” http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=484 Recently, I was inspired by a conversation with Matt Batt (@storyassistant) about his new mantra, “I refuse to participate in this recession!” What a great affirmation! As we talked about it, I realized I had a unique anchor to help me ride out the current economic storm. In the days that ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=432 I think this would make a nice postcard, or something. :-) Splashing Lemon photo by Christopher Pattberg, purchased on iStockphoto. http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=419 For selection of quality images and the power to organize lightboxes, iStockphoto is still my top choice. I’ve been wondering about the value of my beloved lightboxes, and how iStock might partner with users to further benefit from them. In the meantime, though, I suspect a lot of iStockphoto users have ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=403 It’s easy to stay focused on the objectives of a 6-to-8 week project. For example, a current site redesign includes objectives for building revenue from specific sources and strengthening the current community. It’s those 6+ month projects that can drag the team’s attention away… to things like checking off the ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=394 The best part is the silent moments as interviewees search for words—vulnerable, human faces. I showed this to my son, and would like you to see it, too. After I posted this note, I happened to rediscover Only Human, "a community where people share stories publicly or anonymously about mistakes they've ... http://fantastic-machine.com/penina/?p=385