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If blogging, this wonderful free exchange of ideas that may someday eliminate publishing as we know it, represents such importance (and I believe it does), what will become of the publishing industry and advances given to often struggling writers who thrive on ideas and sustenance of sales? Someone who has written 15 books as TP may not need the sales or exposure.

I liked the video and TP's bushy thick wild gray eyebrows. (Perhaps the tight shot magnified them. Cool!) They seemed indicative of one who thrives on passion and excellence. I would imagine that the others on the panel had well clipped ones; but they were perhaps less passionate and innovative. :-)

Posted by Judith Ellis at September 22, 2008 1:14 PM

I am getting ready to launch a blog to get some "feedback",research, and collaborate on the issues and challenges that single working parents face. I found Tom's and Seth Godin's comments quite interesting and actionable. I recently read an interesting book by Mark Bauerlein "The Dumbest Generation, How the Digital Age Stupefies Young Americans and Jeopardizes Our Future" that talked about how being "tech savvy" doesn't translate into employment ready or skilled and talked about social networking in depth. Mr. Godin's view that social networking isn't about the Facebook, Twitter, et al, but about "helping people achieve their goals." My partner in the SWP project is a remarkably strong, talented, former co-worker who "walks the talk" and helped me to see this issue in a completely different way. It also helped me realize what a tremendous opportunity organizations are missing by not addresing or partnering with this employee segment. The way I figure it my partner has 8 years of coaching, development, and leadership experience on her real job...parenting. The whole reason we are focused and determined to make a difference is "helping people to achieve their goals." A purpose is a marvelous thing. Educate.inform, discuss and learn...that's the "value" of the TO blog to me and one we hope to replicate on the Single Working Parents Zone...soon!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at September 22, 2008 7:07 PM

Dave - You bring up an excellent point. In my years of tutoring young people as a means of giving back, there is no doubt that social networking has not necessarily increased their intellect and actions. Some might argue that it has decreased it, actually. I do not see readily how not thinking through ideas and thoughts beyond quips will better prepare young people for giving back to society by means of work or charity in meaningful ways. And speaking of giving back, I so honor the work you do with single working parents. It is valuable work for both the parents as well as the children. I watched my mom closely growing up and every thing that affected her affected me, though she remained positive and never ever complained. Her love was greater than any current circumstance. I thank you, sir.

Posted by Judith Ellis at September 23, 2008 7:34 AM

Judith, your Mom would have been a terrific person to speak to and learn from on this, and I'm sure, many other topics. "Her love was greater than any current circumstance" captures beautifully essense of the focus, sacrafice and dedication many of these folks live on a daily basis. One can look at the behavior an attitudes of their children and see what great "leaders" many are, your Mom and my partner Regina being two great examples.

I agree with your observations on the value of social networking and other tech skills not preparing folks for the workforce. Data literacy, the ability to locate, extract, and apply information to resolve correctly and efficiently work/customer problems is not a skill learned through social networking and gaming. I see this is an issue in many of the folks I train. There sure are a ton of folks selling tons of software to companies and a lot of HR folks who are convinced that there is value in the concept. A BETTER solution might just be to take thos money...and what you would save by decreasing turnover...pay your frontline folks a living wage instead. My company has lost a lot of "unlimited potential" talent by not being competetive and flexible with pay and work processes.

So Judith, when you're elected the challenges will be many but I've not doubt you are more than up to it and I'll help you in any way that I can! That's real change...the type I could believe in!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at September 23, 2008 9:26 AM

Dave - I am most certainly smiling. Thank you. You once again bring up very important skills that cannot be learned through technology, the biggest being the physical interface of exchange; this is a topic we have discussed here. And, if I'm remembering correctly Jeff Angus had a lot of great things to say on this topic. I believe that there need not be an Either/Or. We can accomplish both things together. We can teach technology and the importance of face to face communication by doing it. Parents can see to it that their children are not just on the computer 24/7. Growing up, we could only watch 1 hour of TV a day, under strict supervision at that. We read, produced weekly plays, told impromptu stories, and had internal baseball and basketball teams. No money required for any of these enjoyable things.

My mom was indeed an extraordinary person who gave 12 children so much and asked for so little in return. That which she asked of us was always in relation to others. Her main task, as she saw it, was to produce, with the help of family, friends, teachers, and neighbors, children who could be taken anywhere and who would benefit their surroundings by their presence. She wanted us to make a difference in our daily lives. Once we all went on an airplane together and there was an article written about us in the local paper with the pilots and crew speaking of how well behaved we were. Imagine 12 kids ranging from an infant to 15. Everyone was amazed at how well-behaved we were. Yes, my mom was amazing. I am most certainly not there--yet. :-)

Continued blessing with SWP! How can I help?

Posted by Judith Ellis at September 23, 2008 2:01 PM

What a terrific story Judith and further evidence of the wonderful legacy you Mom left for folks to learn from! Your offer of help is most kind and generous, particularly w the demands on your time. My short answer would be "in any capacity that you chose!" as I know the SWPZ would definitely benefit from your presense in our surroundings. I would never wish to impose but I did have a question or two. May I e-mail quick note to explain?

I will have to get into the archives here and try to locate the Jeff Angus comments you mentioned. Again Judith, thank you for your kind words and offer to help. I think a certain person's Mom might be smiling a bunch right now! Thanks again!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at September 23, 2008 8:54 PM

As sleep is overrated, I try to do what is both important and needed on any given day. Helping others is important to me and this includes various means. Being hands on in every situation is not possible, though I definitely dedicate time for this too. Do email me; it would be a pleasure to assist in any way that I can. Best...

Posted by Judith Ellis at September 23, 2008 9:39 PM

Judith...I am running out of adjectives to describe your terrific-ness. Thank you!

Posted by Dave Wheeler at September 23, 2008 10:01 PM