This is not a politics blog, but politics is part of my subject matter. So here’s what I hope is a very clear statement of my principles. I write about anything associated with writing quality, analytical thinking, truth, and influence. These are “meta-analyses.” I’m generally writing about how people think and communicate, not whether those … Continued
Come at me, bro — what’s fair game on this blog
The outrageous photo of a suffering child
Have you seen this photo? What an outrage. Trump’s Border Patrol is separating families at the border and putting children in cages. I’ve seen this photo all over my Facebook feed, on posts filled with rage. But there’s a problem. This photo is not what people think it is. According to snopes.com, this photo is … Continued
At Apple, the customer comes third.
The most important thing to Apple is the product. After that comes employee efficiency. Customers? They’re in third place. Here’s how I learned that: Yesterday I finally brought my iPhone with its failing battery into the Apple Store in Burlington, Massachusetts. When I showed up, the bright and happy Apple guy in the front of … Continued
Why I love the first workday after a vacation
I’ve been on vacation for two weeks. I’m writing this at 6 a.m. on my first day back. I’m eager to get started. The page proofs for a book I’m working on have come back. I’m eager to review them, so we can turn this manuscript into an actual book. This is where my knowledge … Continued
Living on a houseboat in Amsterdam
Why you should go Airbnb when you travel with your family
I’ve travelled internationally with my family many times. We’re immeasurably richer because we stay in people’s houses. I’ll share what we did — and why I loved it. Here’s a list of places we’ve rented from Airbnb and similar outfits, in roughly chronological order. This list starts when my youngest kid was three and ends … Continued
Bad reviewer and editor habits (is this you?)
“Please review the attached draft,” reads the email. Now it’s your job to make things better by applying your expertise. You can be helpful . . . or you can be hated. See if you recognize yourself in the list below; if you do, resolve to stop behaving like an ass and help your writers … Continued
Be better than “Fuck Trump”
“Fuck Trump” is having a moment. Robert DeNiro said it on the Tonys. It’s a T-shirt. And it’s unworthy of any of us. Passion is fine. But if you seek change, work for change. And recognize that change will require persuading some people who are on the fence. They’re unlikely to respond to such a … Continued