The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona attracts 100,000 international attendees. The organization that runs it, GSMA, just cancelled it due to coronavirus health concerns. Their announcement isn’t at all helpful. In the face of the coronavirus pandemic and the withdrawal of some key exhibitors, the mobile operator group GSMA had to cancel the Barcelona show. … Continued
A terse and unhelpful cancellation notice for the MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Barcelona
A great rejection
I just read one of the best rejection letters ever. I can’t vouch for the authenticity of this, but Sara Davis, a Post-doc at Skidmore in psychology, claims she received it when applying for an academic position. Here’s the text of the rejection: The faculty position you applied for at [redacted] attracted over 65 candidates. … Continued
The 2 questions every business author must answer
If you want to write a book, ask these two questions before you start — and every day as you work on it. How will my reader see the world differently? What are they going to do about it? If your book is not going to help your reader to see the world differently, why … Continued
For nonfiction authors, productive obsession is a key habit
Do you know everything there is to know about the topic you’re writing about? If not, you’re not trying hard enough. I want you to be obsessed. This is not a recommendation to acquire a mental illness. Obsession is a strategy, and I want you to apply it strategically. Here’s how it works. You think … Continued
Elizabeth Warren for President
I don’t normally take partisan positions. And this space will continue to analyze — and criticize — political speakers of all types. But much as newspaper editorial pages endorse candidates, I will do so now, on the eve of the New Hampshire Primary. I am endorsing Elizabeth Warren. I want our next president to be … Continued
A tip for writers: how I maximize productivity with 3 monitors
When people find out I work with three monitors, they’re always curious. Here’s how that works for me and why I think it makes me a more productive writer and editor. The three-monitor setup First, the basics. I have a brand new MacBook Pro 16-inch, replacing one that I had used since 2013. (None of … Continued
Matt Gaetz throws a tantrum
After the State of the Union speech Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ripped up her copy — on camera. This has incensed Republican Representative Matt Gaetz, who wants her investigated for destroying documents. His letter is one of the dumbest things ever to come from a federal election official. Analyzing the Gaetz letter Here’s what … Continued
About that Iowa caucus . . .
You: Can you believe what happened in Iowa? Me: A bunch of people voted in the Democratic caucus. That’s what was supposed to happen. You: No. I mean that epic screwup with the app so we still don’t know who won. Me: Doesn’t matter. You: Doesn’t matter? Be serious. This is a total disaster. Me: … Continued