Tag: Self-Publishing

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S1 E159 — 5 Wise Guy Rankings, Why?

When you get stuck one of the highest ranked TauBit of Wisdom advised you to ask yourself “Why” at least five times. That would be today.

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You’re the prophet of your story, generating predictions and seeing many come true.  Wisdom comes of you being willing, even excited, to be proven wrong.” Sagittarius

Hi and welcome to Saturday’s Episode 159 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 25th day of January in winter of 2020.

Context  

 I’m stuck. I feel a little disappointed and at a standstill.

Why?

Slip sliding away?  Probably.  I’m at a familiar point, not having activated my Patreon page from which a lot of activity will require my attention.  Much like editing and polishing the selected posts to be published on the designated website blogs.  And where I stopped just on the brink of self-publishing my “test” book on Apple Books.  I’ve forgotten my game plan and missed goals. Tuned into Senate Impeachment presentation by the House and watched some Australian Open Tennis.

Why?

Slightly began my scheme to reconnect with Mentors and Proteges and Friends via email.  It’s not going as I planned.  I have to remind myself to get them to Facebook and then to Patreon.  Remember they’re either on my list for my future Volume Two manuscript or Tau of Steves manuscript.

Why?  

I lost my momentum.  The character Harry (Hieronymus) Bosch, in the popular Amazon Prime series based on my new favorite author’s books, Michael Connelly, keeps figuring out the next play and keeps going.  It takes so long to reconstruct and regain what excitement you once had.

Why?  

Fear that I won’t attract many Patrons.  That what I write under the shield of Patron won’t keep those who do pledge monthly amounts.  Or, if I’ve organically grown my contributors, I’ll come to an end of stuff I could write and do and they’ll keep funding without getting the value they expect.

Why?  

I feel like a used car salesman promoting my intentions.  But, “My Wish” with the Best West Road Trip photo over 3 weeks ago at the beginning of the New Year attracted 466 views, 1 comment (Del), now with a drop to 1841 followers and 26 who viewed my LinkedIn profile. My Flipboard followers have been averaging about 5 or 6 new ones each day.  I went from under a 1000 just before Christmas a month ago to 1098 today.

Why?  

Bosch regains his momentum when he viscerally feels adrenalin kicking in.  I don’t feel it enough to propel me into creative action.  However comma I feel a surge when I trip over something that fits and moves me along.  Like when I rediscovered updated versions of chapters, the latest — “13 Ways to Stay Off the Endangered Species List” which fits The Knowledge Path, Volume Two manuscript.

So what?  My adrenalin finally kicked in when I realized for Patreon benefits I can offer the following five chapters free from the book I co-authored:

      • “13 Ways to Stay Off the Endangered Species List”
      • “Only The Names Have Been Changed. And Some of It’s True” 
      • “How to Thrive in an Age of Accelerating Uncertainty” 
      • “Create Your Dream Job, Save the Planet” 
      • “Leap but Don’t Trade Your Dream for a Nightmare”

Evidence

So at the end of the day, you might say the 5 Whys Holiday Tau was well worth it.  How about for today?

Again nada, zip, nothing for Steve Zahn, Henry Winkler, Emma the Baroness and me.

Moving on, then. Any wise guys among you remaining Steves?

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Why? Haha. Your Holiday Tau is interesting, but not so valuable to me for today.  No hard feelings, right?

“4”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69: “Each person travels in a cloud of their convictions.  You’ll know right away which personal atmospheres will be intolerable (In which case don’t argue, just leave.)” Taurus

I am grateful for my complexity.  Why? My mind remains engaged and stimulates me to create unique solutions.

“4”  Steve Smith, 30: “You’re grateful for your complex problems.  It’s a sign that your basics are solid.” Gemini

Not a goal? Why? You don’t climb a ladder to reach for it?  Or what?  Enlightenment just is?  Why?

“4”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Enlightenment is a terrible goal, as it can’t be achieved or discovered.  Your peace will come in the moments you inhabit.  No striving.” Virgo

So, we come to you once more Mr. Aoki.  Wisdom comes from willingness to be proven wrong?  Why?  Is it a terrible goal? Why? It’s just not as prophet-able? Haha.  Ok, I like this one.  Thanks Steve, I’m swiping it.

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You’re the prophet of your story, generating predictions and seeing many come true.  Wisdom comes of you being willing, even excited, to be proven wrong.” Sagittarius

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E156 — Hope? Placeholder? Sign?

Wow, is this a sign?  An omen?  The President’s impeachment coverage sapped all my strength and motivation. I have to be honest I felt depressed until I turned to the “Comics” page in the print edition of the Los Angeles Times. Where Emma the Baroness amuses herself with quirky questions answered in an advice column and I read my Holiday Tau for the day.

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “There’s power in a name.  When it’s given, it’s a hope, a suggestion, a placeholder for potential.  By living, we write the definition to the word that it is our name.” Scorpio

Hi and welcome to Sunday’s Episode 156 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 19th day of January in winter of 2020.

Context  

And, just like that my brain turned on a dime, which can be quite painful.  Here’s what it inspired:

In what sense?  That’s a great question. Why? I intend to self-publish what I envision to be a group-written effort. Maybe better put, written by a community and edited by me. 

The subject matter focuses on legacy and wisdom. But through what it’s like to be given a name by your mother who brought you into the world with loving expectations.  You begin with a sound — your name. 

And you grow and evolve into your own life. So I’m wondering to what extent that name imprinted into you core identity since birth influences your life? And, to what degree do all of us with the same name encounter the same reactions it? 

What’s in a name, its Tau?

This is probably the only time in history that we have the technology to solicit input from “Friends-of-Steves” — their parents, sisters and brothers, lovers and partners, and friends and associates — to give their view “from the outside” as well as from Steves themselves for their view “from the inside.”

It will require some “hand-me-up” knowledge to pull it off.  Especially figuring out a way for finding FOSs and inviting them keep us Steves honest, you know?

So then the three volumes of “The Knowledge Path: Live, Love, Work, Play, Invest and Leave a Legacy” would be complete?

Yes, but I can’t do it alone.  Which is why I’m here on Patreon and need your help.

Evidence

This is a celebration of Steves.  And in many ways, not the least, a respite from the addictive impeachment trial setting up a fresh start.

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “If you could give one thing to this day that would make it memorable, it’s the respect of a fresh start.  Leave yesterday’s concerns in yesterday, and think of the next 24 hours as its own separate bubble of potential.”  Aries

What I wrote certainly poured out like your Holiday Tau suggests, Steve.

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “Your emotions are water, your lips a faucet, and your mind is the valve.  You can say or not say.  You can turn up the heat or you can cool it.  You’re in total control — not of the emotion, but of the way it comes out.”  Cancer

What say you three?  How can you add to the celebration of Steves? I do feel expansive.  Thank you for that.

“5”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “How open you are today!  The sort of learning you’ll do isn’t exactly intellectual.  Still, it seems to expand the spaces within your mind and send them to the outer reaches of the sky.” Leo

Leave it to G&G to pull me back to metrics and the practicality of my focus.  Let me say this about that.  I’m guessing all or part of what I composed will show up in Patreon. If, as your Holiday Tau emphasizes needs to be finished sometime in this century.

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Though you’re curious about the meaning of things and in tune with the way situations make you feel, you’re also looking for practical results.  You want to come away from today with something that can actually be counted.” Virgo

Damn, Steve.  We were on such a roll with our little celebration of Steves.  Other than the poetic license, I just don’t get it.

“2”  Steve Kerr, 54: “There are more and less noble pursuits, though the categories don’t usually go the way people typically expect.  The grandest event can require but a fraction of the nobility that’s inside the observation of an insect.” Libra

Wow, first we’re talking insect observations and now how small we really are in the grand scheme of things over a life time, Steve.  At least your Holiday Tau reaffirms what I tell Emma the Baroness as we both are glued to the television screen, stuck on our couches. Wait how is that possible?

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “If you mapped out all you saw, it would be but a tiny dot next to the map of all you never saw.  This is what drives you. You’re aware of your own bias, and it humbles you and makes you the best observer in the room.”  Capricorn

Haha. Lock him up, lock him up.  Those are my answers to the problem of the day.  You know from each of the books I’ve read about Trump and Putin I hope the impeachment’s outcome will be different than the Mueller Investigation when IMO the evidence is all there.

“5”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Perhaps you don’t have as many answers to the problems of the day as you’d like, but at least you can ask the interesting questions that will increase the interest of the world and the wonder of common things.” Pisces

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E154 — Ever Gotten That 3 am Call from Gilligan?

My best intentions drifted away. Instead, the televised impeachment inquiry proceedings mesmerized me. And my podcasts broadcasted all the dirt on the Trump and the Kushner families’ alleged corruption.

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “There is an island within you where you can take refuge.  You don’t have to wait until things get difficult to go there.”  Capricorn

Hi and welcome to Friday’s Episode 154 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 17th day of January in winter of 2020.

Context 

So it was no mystery I woke up to light drizzle click, click, clicking on a metal vent sticking out of the wall at the base of our house somewhere near the empty fireplace in the family room with a bubbling out of unconsciousness thought-snippet of: 

The Knowledge Banking core process  for taking clients, customers, subscribers and members (Patrons) on a journey: 

      1. Guided. This or that? Assistance from an advisor to get you started.
      2. Sort Through, Search Again. Do your own research as you weigh your options.
      3. Subscribe to your niche. Receive knowledge critical for your success.
      4. Tagged Member Profile. Gain from a like-minded community.

How close am I to activating it with Patreon using resources integrated with WordPress or not? Pretty sure that was the question that kept me tossing and turning awake at 3 am.

While barely awake and reading mostly in the dark in low screen light so as not to disturb Emma the Baroness another question hijacked my consciousness.

Why did my Kindle’s lower left screen notify me I still had hours left when I’d already finished the book?  

Two reasons.  

Stuff I can use.  

The author included chapters from his other three books after the notes and acknowledgements. 

And, he included questions for book clubs, like the ones Emma the Baroness finds on line to take with her to her book club occasionally, but not  yesterday when she car pooled to San Diego to meet with the rest of her sorority sisters.

Don’t get me wrong.  I accomplished nothing. 

My TV addiction pulled me to channel surf while I scrounged little TidBits until the next installment began when the House of Representatives formerly delivered the articles of impeachment to the Senate floor with Adam Schiff reading them.  

      • Later John Roberts, the Chief Justice, was sworn in and he then had the senators swore an oath to do their duty as prescribed by the constitution and then sign their oath.  Hmm.  
      • Meanwhile, the Rudy operative was interviewed on CNN claiming Trump and Rudy were quid pro quo-ing all over the place.  
      • He was on the ground and John Bolton was in the administration, so they should, could be called as witnesses to connect all the dots.  Will Mitch McConnell and the Senate do the right thing?

Evidence

Could the Steves Holiday Tau make a difference and pull me back on track?

And, probably from a peaceful night’s sleep, right Zahn?

“4”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Why bother integrating your mind and body?  Because any division that exists here cuts you off from your joy.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

So you’re saying there’s still hope?

“3”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “It’s not so easy to express the emotions that come up.  This could be the perfect storm from which comes great art.” Leo

If I cast my net too wide, I won’t able to pull it in.

“2”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Here comes a scenario you’re overqualified to deal with, and yet solutions elude you.  It’s an opportunity to cast your net wider.” Virgo

I planned on skipping through your Holiday Tau too because of how the first two sentences read.  But, the third reminded me of a song, maybe from Paul Simon which described how people only hear what they want to hear and disregard the rest.  Isn’t that happening on the national political stage?

“5”  Steve Kerr, 54: “Sometimes you talk and it doesn’t come out the way you want it to.  But most people hear your intentions.  Or they hear what they want to hear, which you can’t control.” Libra

Haha, Steve, you had me with the premise, but lost me in the long-term.  Sorry.

“2”  Steve Aoki, 41: “To go for the short-term gain will be a mistake in the long run.  The mature choice seems less appealing, but the immature one will be embarrassing in retrospect.” Sagittarius

Would this so-called island be called Gilligan’s Island, Harvey?  It certainly feels like our politics makes people like me yearn for an island refuge, but isn’t that maybe why I’m waking up at 3 am?

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “There is an island within you where you can take refuge.  You don’t have to wait until things get difficult to go there.”  Capricorn

Okay, it’s not concentration because I’ve got none today.  Maybe serendipity?

“3”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Your powers of concentration will be exceptional today.  Wield this well to digest weighty matters.” Pisces

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E151 — Stepping onto the Pitch with a Lean MVP

Now I’m on Patreon  second guessing the level and pricing since Shaggy suggested I start with a lean — minimum viable product.  

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Saturday’s Episode 151 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 11th day of January in winter of 2020.

“5”  Steve Smith, 30: “You need help; someone needs to give you help.  All is aligned perfectly for you to build your pitch.” Gemini

Evidence  

That would mean to give up some features I’d probably need, like the integration with my websites, apps for a community, which I hope will give the capability of grouping Friends of Steves (FOSs) and Steves.  

As far as I can tell the difference in plans doesn’t cost more, it just means they take more out.

Chris Erskine’s column inspires me to use beach locations for Patreon pricing tiers.  

      • Like maybe the first half-hour of parking for $1 in the Laguna Beach public parking lot near the library a block off of Pacific Coast Highway. 
      • Or what it costs per person if you cross Newport Harbor between the island and the peninsula on the Balboa Ferry. 

Today, I jumped from 1001 to 1010 followers of “Fresh from the Labs. Literally bottled and set adrift from KnowWhere Atoll.” Do those followers provide any promising naming clues?

How do my 36 magazines with 1012 followers rank by their followers? 

      • South Coast Region, 134; 
      • San Luis Obispo County; 128; 
      • Orange County Beach Towns, 112; 
      • North County, 110; 
      • Central Coast, 106; 
      • San Francisco Region, 102;

Haha.  After finding menus and double checking prices, will this work?

1st Tier: Balboa Ferry cost of $1, newsletter; 

2nd Tier: $3 for a chocolate shake or side of rings at the Main Street Grill in Cambria, newsletter and exclusive preview copy of the first of a 5-book series, “On Your Own Terms: Pack More Meaning and Passion into Your Life”; 

$5 for a cost of a Big Sur Golden ale at the Big Sur Tap House; newsletter, exclusive preview copies of 2nd in 5-book series, “Authentic Lifestyle Businesses: Plug Your Passions in and Play Anywhere” and access to my community of like-minded people willing share their stories, be interviewed for volume two book series.

Are there any answers embedded in the Tau of Steves?

No, not the legitimate one it looks like.

“2”  Steve Zahn, 51: “There is a rather powerful intimacy in conflict.  Consider carefully how you want to involve yourself in this way.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Researcher’s Note:  Like last time, and the time before, and before that one today is still not my birthday, if it is yours you are way more entitled to benefit from this little bit of wisdom.  Help yourself, I did.

Wow, since you put it that way I’m really looking forward to how 2020 unfolds with a great travel adventure and accomplishing the passion project that means the most to me.  Who can resist swiping this one?  I can’t.

Today’s Holiday Birthday: 

“Never doubt your competence this year.  You’ve been in charge of taking care of yourself for several thousands of days, and you’ve done an amazing job, all things considered.  You’ll take that experience and turn it into a remarkable relationship, a travel adventure and progress with the project that means the most to you.”

By changing times, just what do you mean? Is your Holiday Tau a warning or an opportunity?

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “Changing times cause you to consider yourself a little more than usual and make decisions about who you want to be going forward.”   Aries

Am I too proud to ask for help?  Shaggy gave me good advice again, although in the not too recent past he alerted my tingly Spidey sense when he said I should advertise to find followers.

“5”  Steve Smith, 30: “You need help; someone needs to give you help.  All is aligned perfectly for you to build your pitch.” Gemini

I’m pretty sure your Holiday Tau, G&G applied to me when I offered consulting and advise more than now in this incarnation of my life.

“3”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Though you know just what another person needs without hearing it verbally expressed, taking action will be delicate and tricky.” Virgo

Good to know, Steve.  I feel I’m just not there yet.  I’ll check back again in the near future.

“3”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You could pull out all the stops and show the full force and variance of your talent.  Diplomacy is showmanship. Hold back a little something.” Sagittarius

Better to know.  But, not necessarily the TauBit of Wisdom that will help me today.

“3”  Steve Nash, 45: “Laughter is restorative as is the idea that you’re accepted for who you are, no pretense or cover necessary.”  Aquarius

Not quite as good to know, if you get my drift.  If not see Aoki and Nash.

“2”  Steve Jobs, (1955 – 2011): “Your joy cannot be derailed.  You don’t even bother to turn your head toward anything that might detract from your happiness.” Pisces

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E150 — Two Tiers Shed for a Dying 4Runner Classic

Uh-oh, as I parked in front of our house and sat for a couple of moments while I wound up my ear buds and placed them into my clear plastic container and slipped my iPhone back into my pocket I looked up in time to notice steam rising at the back of my hood near my windshield and also drifting lazily at the front.  

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Friday’s Episode 150 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 10th day of January in winter of 2020.

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “All of the feelings you’ll have today will pass.  What sticks around longer is the narrative woven around it all skip that if you can.” Sagittarius

Evidence  

Maybe my quick fix of dumping in a radiator sealer Tuesday from the AutoZone into my 4Runner didn’t take care of the problem.

I didn’t want to think about it.  

      • More and more I’m getting better at not wanting to think about stuff.  
      • Like how bad is my brother-in-law’s heart condition if he’s in the hospital? 
      • And, not wanting to believe what the implications will be if what is being said about Trump plays out and how many cult followers he actually has.

I choose to focus on how all of a sudden I’ve attracted 1001 followers to my digital magazines, so if you could somehow combine them with my LinkedIn network I’d be just under 200 shy of my 2000 target.

Wait, what’s that?  OMG.  

A roadrunner popped up on top of the corner block where our black wrought iron fence connects.  Emma the Baroness says our ceramic owl which once hung as a wind chime at all our previous places sits silently might be an erotic attraction to the roadrunner.   

Some of you already know chasing roadrunners by Jeep in dry beds across valleys of Fort San Houston in Texas was a fun sport compared what you were supposed to be doing in the Army.  Boy, they can turn on a dime.  Many a time we almost flipped the Jeep after hitting a bump in our attempted turn so as not to lose sight of him.

I like thinking about all of that stuff.  Not the stuff I should be thinking abut.

Just yesterday I’d wrote about the new look in Flipboard might work to my advantage in Patreon — if I could just figure out how:

Flipboard in Dark Mode showing 39,345 flips in 36 magazines with 994 Followers only reveals the top (most recently flipped) 30 personally curated and “Literally bottled and set adrift from KnowWhere Atoll.” 

Tier One plus free preview of Book One which introduces 34 steps for living life on your own terms, as a companion introduction for getting the most out of your free subscription. 

Tier Two: Receive all the benefits of Tier One plus free preview of Book Two which describes 13 steps for launching an authentic lifestyle business and sustaining it no matter which technology-driven or economically-driven trends appear to limit your success.  Also receive a free subscription to the exclusive magazine curated by the knowledge laboratories, “The Journal of 2020 Foresight.”

What’s this? No Holiday Tau for Zahn, Winkler, Emma the Baroness and me? Should I take it as an omen?

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Researcher’s Note:  Like last time, and the time before, today is still not my birthday, if it is yours you are way more entitled to benefit from this little bit of wisdom.  Help yourself, I did.

Today’s Holiday Birthday: 

“Presentation wins points! You make a package irresistible, that applies to how you show up in the world and all you put into it.  You’re thoughtful, you research; your timing is impeccable.“

You know, I just don’t like reaching into my pockets to find lint and a bunch of self-doubt.  How can you do that and feel fresh and relevant?

“3”  Steve Smith, 30: “Trusting yourself usually comes easily, but pockets of self-doubt cause you to reassess.  It’s all part of the pleasure for those who choose to stay fresh and relevant.” Gemini

Say Howey, by event du jour are we talking radiator blowing up and causing major repair bills for my beloved 4Runner?  I’d rather not think about it, don’t ya know? Is the comfort zone the same as the AutoZone?

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “The event du jour comes with a side of nervous energy.  You’ll push through to find (and expand) the limits of your comfort zone.”  Cancer

I agree with your Holiday Tau guys.  I walk three miles a day at least three or four times a week and will do so for the benefits described, but what about the condition of my radiator that I choose not to think about.  

“5”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “The quickest way to give yourself a boost is a walk in the open air.  Once endorphins are released, new problem-solving ideas flow.” Leo

Oh, okay.  Yeah, sure.  Whatever.

“2” Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “You don’t have to go out of your way to develop yourself.  Building character comes by rising to life’s challenges.” Virgo

Hi coach Kerr.  Is your TauBit of Wisdom about the stuff I don’t want to think about when I’m thinking about Trump’s cult followers?

“5”  Steve Kerr, 54: “In losing your fears and triggers, you receive life’s wide, beautiful range of options — available only to those liberated enough to notice them.” Libra

Thanks, Steve.  I’ll try to deploy your Holiday Tau when triggered by what Kerr warns against.

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “All of the feelings you’ll have today will pass.  What sticks around longer is the narrative woven around it all skip that if you can.” Sagittarius

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E148 — Unforced Errors, Disruptions and Discord

Slip sliding away.  Kinda at that point with Patreon. Even if my Patreon page’s not fully baked yet, my lack of a technical understanding of Discord for my launch campaign is the major critical task holding everything up.

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Sunday’s Episode 148 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 5th day of January in winter of 2020.

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “People disrupt and distract you, but only if you let them.  You have to hook into a thing for it to be a distraction.  Consider your part in it.  With awareness, you can flow your attention to where you most want it to go.” Scorpio

Evidence  

Questions I’m considering to better define benefits for different support levels:

Is it time to return to the Patreon start up kits, choose simple rewards by not over promising what I can deliver — like private access to one of the Flipboard dark mode magazines as a newsletter? 

What about offering sample “Volume Two Manuscript” drafts offered for their feedback and stories, as well as, Volume Three Memoir Manuscript kinds of stories for behind the scenes will that give me ample opportunity to compose?  

And then, for higher support tiers, with Apple Books accepting the first two books, they get previews before everyone else.  Along with missing chapters and then updates as companion references.

Reviewing Zahn’s Holiday Tau reminds me I don’t need other people to disrupt and distract me, because I do it to myself all the time.  

What do they call that in tennis, an unforced error?

As obsessive as it may sound, if I hadn’t learned to maintain my daily habit of tracking how I spend each half hour in a day, I wouldn’t know where my attention flowed, or how to flow it back to the task at hand. 

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “People disrupt and distract you, but only if you let them.  You have to hook into a thing for it to be a distraction.  Consider your part in it.  With awareness, you can flow your attention to where you most want it to go.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Researcher’s Note:  Today is not my birthday, if it is yours you are way more entitled to benefit from this little bit of wisdom.  Help yourself, I did.

Today’s Holiday Birthday: 

“Just because you’ve done things one way doesn’t mean that’s the way you always will.  Transformations start small.  You have the confidence and courage to take action and do some things less conventionally.”

No way, Steve.  Fix stuff about money?  So you’re saying quit agonizing about how many levels of patron support, what name you’ll choose for each and a list of benefits for each tier and just compose them.

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “If you had to boil the day’s focus down to four words it would be along the lines of: Fix stuff about money.  What’s getting in the way, mostly, are your feelings about what you deserve or what’s possible?”  Aries

Hi, Steve.  I’m feeling your Holiday Tau is worth taking more than a moment to think about.  I like the image of launching in a hot air balloon.  Not launching my Patreon page into the public drags on me and the motivation advancing my other passion projects suffers too.

“4”  Steve Smith, 30: “If you eliminate energy drag, positive things will have a chance to resonate faster and more powerfully.  So what can you cast out?  What’s taking up more space that it’s worth?” Gemini

Knowledge develops when you take what you read or see others do and then make it your own.  And then you iterate and iterate until you no longer need to rely on books.

“4”  Steve Howey, 42: “Books will teach you lessons that others have learned.  That works just fine, but it’s no shortcut.  The lessons that really matter are the ones you learn through your own experience.” Cancer

I’ve frequently bowed to the TauBits of Wisdom flowing from two comedians and an inventor.  Giving away knowledge nuggets shows what you have to offer.  Over time those nuggets turn into wisdom and attract cashflow, right? Isn’t that why you have to put in 10,000 hours?

“5”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Money flows toward stability and away from instability.  Another way to state it is that money flows toward trust.  You’ll get evidence that trust is building.  This takes time.” Leo

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

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S1 E147 — Whistleblowing, Melancholy and Curbing Fallen Needles

So this is chore day.  And return to normal decorated days of everyday life.  Which brings a melancholy of its own, especially as you tune back into the news and there’s a whistleblower alleging even more corruption in the Whitehouse. 

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Saturday’s Episode 147 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 4th day of January in winter of 2020.

“5”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69: “Why did you start this endeavor?  You are a million emotional miles from early impulses that had to do with impressing someone.”  Taurus

Evidence  

This is the first Saturday of the new year and being a Saturday where we live means Sunday is when we take the curbside cans to the curb for Monday morning pick up.  And one of the big items is the Christmas tree known by its Native American name — Falling Needles.  

It’s also fitting that today is chore day, because I’m picking up where I left off in 2019 with the intention of “working on the business” more efficiently.  

Back in July I left off after writing drafts of 41 chapters for a Volume Three manuscript — I now imagine I’m being “interviewed” in the old folks home about my life.  

How would it begin — as a way of telling a story about my legacy and wisdom I’ve picked up along the way?

    • I found a draft from 12/15/19 for an open post. 
    • The Tau of Steve clearly captured my imagination and might be a good reason for Patreon supporters to become community members in Discord. 
    • I’d need to invite them to become part of the experiment like this one the horoscope project which began in February 2019.  
    • “What I learned from … horoscopes this past year”. 
    • My first dated Scorpio horoscope on 2/24/19, “Nothing exists in one dimension for you, and three is also too few, because you are understanding things on levels unexplainable.” 

And, six others I might be willing to trade. A natural experiment or “living life as an artist.”

And the beat goes on with today’s Holiday Tau for Zahn, Winkler, Emma the Baroness and me.  Yesterday’s sample really, really sucked.  But today?  How optimistic for the year, if I tie these loose ends up ASAP.

“5”  Steve Zahn, 51: “What’s coming up is fantastic, although there’s not a moment to waste in anticipating it as many loose ends still need to be tied.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

I just don’t remember any more Holiday Tau that spoke to me than today’s.  From the original list of motivational and inspirational TauBits I only rejected three.  So, they’re really, really good or I felt really, really needy.

So Steve, your Holiday Tau tells me that my audience will find me and learn to like what I’m offering, right?  I’ll take it if you don’t mind.  Thanks.

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “What they want from you and what you want to give may not exactly match up, but they’ll learn to want what you prefer to deliver.” Aries

Haha, sometimes it takes so long to create what I started that I totally forget the why and have to back track to rediscover it.

“5”  Steve Winwood, 71; Stevie Wonder, 69: “Why did you start this endeavor?  You are a million emotional miles from early impulses that had to do with impressing someone.”  Taurus

Look, Steve I realize this TauBit of Wisdom is well wise, but I just can’t use it to day.  Maybe early next week?

“3”  Steve Smith, 30: “Be glad you recognize your own faults.  People with faults can improve, whereas those who believe they have none will spiral into more complicated delusions.” Gemini

Howey, your TauBit makes a lot of sense.  Was it somebody else’s Holiday Tau that explained when we yearn for the good old days, they weren’t really what happened as much as a fantasy that never was either.  It’s more about expectations.

“4”  Steve Howey, 42: “Before you waste any time longing for what was, consider whether it really was or not.  Why not stand in the present instead?”  Cancer

Okay, now I’m feeling the answer to the sheer volume of Steves today is that I’m feeling really, really needy and these looked really good through that filter. Hell, I don’t know where my true boundaries lie.

“3”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Don’t let other people draw the line for you today, as only you know where your true boundaries lie.” Leo

Okay, I was following the first part, because it reminded me of the Knowledge Path — which when you strip it down to its essence is a way of designing your future.  So, yes life still happens to you, but anticipate most of it so you aren’t startled and surprised frequently and as a result you have the energy and resilience to deal with it as you move forward.

“5”  Steve Kerr, 54: “Some days you feel you have control over experience, other days it feels like life is happening to you.  Remaining in your power has to do with taking the right amount of responsibility.” Libra

As in Emma the Baroness …

“5”  Steve Aoki, 41: “The best part of the day is the part where you pause to acknowledge what you have and want it anew.” Sagittarius

Promises, promises.  So listen Steve the new year is a time for hope and new resolutions, so while I can’t really use it today, I’ll keep your Holiday Tau in mind for later.

“4”  Steve Harvey, 62: “People learn your wants.  You adjust your expectations.  You’re stronger.  Tasks get simplified.  You extract more pleasure from this.”  Capricorn

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S1 E146 — 3 am Dreams Lend No Support

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Maybe it was around 3 am last night (this morning) I regained consciousness in the dark, realizing I’d been rehearsing names for support tiers on my Patreon page in a dream trying to a solve my problem. 

Hi and welcome to Friday’s Episode 146 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 3rd day of January in winter of 2020.

Evidence  

On this third day of a great big, beautiful new year that holds out so much promise like every year does at this time, Emma the Baroness and I hibernate in the glow of Christmas holiday decorations — not really wanting to take everything down and pack it up and store it for this time in 2020 – 2021.

AJ’s birthday falls on January 8th and because she too lives in Orange County, but in a different state — Florida — I drove to Rancho Santa Margarita’s nearby Post Office to mail her gift first class to arrive in plenty of in time.

While driving the 4 miles home, and listening to my playlist I returned to my essential question, “Should I select Live. Love. Work. Play. Invest. Leave a Legacy.”

Or variations on titles of my books $1 returning visitor, $3 is traveler, $5 is seeker, $9 pathfinder, $25 trailblazer?

Or places, like in Newport Beach? And other scenic locations along Pacific Coast Highway traveling north?

How about inspiration from our Holiday Tau today?  Nope, nothing.

“2”  Steve Zahn, 51: “You express your fearlessness differently now.  You’re unconcerned with appearing powerful or right, or proving yourself.  Fearlessness allows for vulnerability.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

So that was disappointing.  How about from the rest of the Steves?  Oh, I get it these TauBits of Wisdom gear themselves to resolutions and getting organized without being too hard on yourself.

“2”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “The first step to staying inside your own rules and feeling confident in your integrity is to consciously define and outline your plan daily.”   Aries

“2”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Maybe you don’t need to forgive yourself so much as learn more about yourself.  You expected something different than what you wanted to do in the moment.” Leo

“2”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Down deep you understand that life will always be complicated so the moment to take it in, or give it away, is always now and now and now.” Virgo

“2”  Steve Aoki, 41: “You’re trying things, striving, acting.  Mistakes are what successful people make more of than anyone else.” Sagittarius

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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S2 E19 — What’s Percolating in Our Collective Unconscious?

Are we a dying breed? On the endangered list? We long-form columnists, essayists, authors, freelancers, reporters, journalists, bloggers and self-publishers? Sustaining a lifestyle business takes time and persistence.

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Saturday’s Episode 19 of the Second Season’s  My Pandemic Year’s Natural Experiment, on March 28th in the spring of 2020 here in California.

Previously in Season Two, the Pandemic Year

S2 E18 — What is the Truth and How Can You Tell?; S2 E17 — Shutting Mountain Resorts Down, Closing Boutiques, Kicking Tourists Out; S2 E16 — Scroll to the Bottom for Foresight and Quality-of-Life, Right Leo? 

Related from Season One, the Normal Year

S1 E19 — Day 19 of My 1-Year Experiment; S1 E18 — Day 18 of My 1-Year Experiment; S1 E17 — Day 17 of My 1-Year Experiment; S1 E16 — Day 16 of My 1-Year Experiment

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “If you’re slightly less available to others and more able to go off by yourself, you’ll be incredibly more creative and available to the world.” Virgo

Evidence

What would Leo da V do? Today he’s got me musing about endangered long-form writers ….

    • And, about the plight of bookstores and book publishing and why I’m learning as I go iterating with all the moveable parts building a knowledge bank  — taking concepts, putting them into practice and becoming more efficient at producing better practices towards self-publishing
    • A phrase from my way back and connected to Xerox PARC surfaces.  It’s what inspired me to create and share new knowledge. 
    • It’s how they described their research and development process — we experiment with each new tool (new prototype in the lab) to see what it makes us become, and then we innovate again and repeat the process.

And, of course Leo da V’s got me off wondering if it’s true that innovation like rust never sleeps?  

    • What lies in our imagination now?  
    • What’s percolating in our collective unconscious as we stretch and use limited resources in new and different and resourceful ways? 
    • As we improvise? 
    • As feelers (introverts, ambiverts and extroverts) open their hearts and souls in altruistic, unselfish ways.  
    • And thinkers (introverts, ambiverts and extroverts) open their minds and viewpoints to see new knowledge created and patterns that signal solutions never tried before to address complex challenges from a different angle. 
    • Take the why of curiosity to the what if of experimentation.

Turning to today’s Holiday Tau how strong is it, our legitimate one, for Zahn, Winkler, Emma the Baroness and me? Not much, I’m afraid.

“3”  Steve Zahn, 51:“You don’t feel comfortable in every environment but you’re willing to try until you feel the level of comfort that helps you navigate it.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Wow, this couldn’t be better if it really was my birthday, but it isn’t  If it’s yours I see good things coming your way, right?

Today’s Holiday Birthday:  

You’ll meet the person who can help you launch your life in the direction of your dreams.  You’ll connect in different social circles in the next 10 weeks.  Next month places you in opportunity’s path, and you’ll turn an ordinary situation into an extraordinary moneymaker.  Friends and family will celebrate you.

Wow, Steve I now know why we appointed your our Patron Saint.  You couldn’t more on target for today.  And you’ve got me recalling my conversation with Brook when we wondered out loud if there was a half life of wisdom, like there is for engineers?

“5”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “The world is changing fast.  What worked for you parents won’t work for you.  Past generations have much to offer you, and vice versa.” Aries

Hey G&G, while you might not be our Patron Saints, your TauBit of Wisdom fits for an innie Like me!

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “If you’re slightly less available to others and more able to go off by yourself, you’ll be incredibly more creative and available to the world.” Virgo

What’s Going On …

Literally Bottled and Set Adrift from KnowWhere Atoll 

    • @knowlabs followers or one or more of my 35 digital magazines jumped from 1452 to 1461.

Foresight

Quality-of-Life

Long-Form

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trip

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S1 E145 — Three Miles of Coincidental Dancing

Experienced an unexpected coincidence (aren’t they all)  while walking three miles around the lake, lost in my playlist and not really paying attention on New Year’s Day 

“The Tau of Steves: What You Don’t Know Could Fill a Book”

Hi and welcome to Thursday’s Episode 145 in the first season of “My 1-Year Natural Experiment” on this 2nd day of January in winter of 2020.

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “Life plays its own music.  You have little control over which song comes next and a lot of control over how you dance.”  Cancer

Evidence  

I bumped into Tammy, a two-time co-worker and consultant with her daughter on the backside almost directly across from Bagel and Brew.  I’d helped her through her earlier thinking about a consulting website — “I want it to be more than brochureware.”  

She asked me what I’d been up to. I paraphrased my Patreon tag line to try it out — creating digital magazines, blogs and self-publishing a five-book series — and she wanted to see my blog and website.  “You’re on LinkedIn, right?” she asked as we continued on our way.

Today, after three days of updating email addresses and sending my holiday greeting in batches of 40 or 50 at a time, I tried to find Tammy’s email address, but couldn’t. Huh, that’s weird. 

Oh, well I’ll just let her initiate the contact I figured as an awareness and interest scheme. 

Was this coincidence attributable to our Holiday Tau? 

Probably not, but we’ll see where involving Tammy might go. So, I need to make it easy for everyone, even those outside of my 1849 1st degree network-audience to click only on one link which takes them to my Patreon page.

“4”  Steve Zahn, 51: “Dreams can be your wings, but only if you involve other people.  Otherwise, they’re like a virtual reality headset that keeps you isolated.” Scorpio

Random ones that make me want change my sign.

Haha.  I walked in a zone with its very intentional sound track.  Looking ahead I wanted to find not only TauBits of Wisdom, but love songs as I played one after another in alphabetical order.  If it moved me, I punched the title into my iPhone notes.

“5”  Steve Howey, 42: “Life plays its own music.  You have little control over which song comes next and a lot of control over how you dance.”  Cancer

Sure, you could say I’m happy about a lot more time I now have which can be devoted to my passion projects like this one. Reconnecting by email with former clients, proteges, mentors and other advisors and consultants feels energizing  — if I can efficiently mount my email campaign.

“4”  Steve McQueen (1930 – 1980): “You’re happy about being able to do things you once couldn’t, both new items and ones that go way back.”  Aries

Haha.  Tell me about it.  Like WTF.  Why doesn’t this work?  What do I now? But, seriously is there any hope?

“4”  Steve Carell, 57; Steve Martin, 74; Steve Wozniak, 69: “Questions are like keys to you today and will require a similar finesse, so don’t be afraid to give them a giggle and a twist.” Leo

You guys been listening in, or something?  Your Holiday Tau may be just what I need today!

“5”  Steve Greene, 34; Steve Guttenberg, 61: “Sometimes the way to win is to play harder and smarter; sometimes the way to win is not to play at all.  Take a step back for the big strategy.” Virgo

Haha.  Does this count? I’m so close to getting Patreon initially functional and off the ground and have a strategy of sorts to engage 1800+ in my network so let the games begin.

“4”  Steve Aoki, 41: “There’s something good in every day, but more things good about today.  You’ll want to keep track of this; take some time to write about it or snap a pic.” Sagittarius

I hear you Harvey.  In fact, right after this I ask, “What would Leo da V do?” a little more often.

“5”  Steve Harvey, 62: “Your heart is calm and you creativity is lit.  Being creative is essential to your well-being; you should visit as often as possible.”  Capricorn

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Inspired by: Holiday Mathis – Creators Syndicate

CENTER FOR KNOWLEDGE CREATION AND INNOVATION

The Knowledge Path | Know Laboratories | Knowledge Banking | Knowledge ATMs | Western Skies and Island Currents | Best West Road Trips

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