Comments

Superb economy with words, yet so on the money!

Talking of economy with words, Tom will you be Tweeting anytime soon? And/or what do you think of the Twitter phenomenon - can such quick-fire instantly out of date communication really replace the richness of (e.g.) this blog for example?

Posted by Stephen Spencer at April 20, 2009 8:29 AM

Tom,
Half the rules were withheld for the sequel!

Posted by John W at April 20, 2009 8:41 AM

Tom,

Thanks for letting us all know about this one. I was a HUGE fan of "Fast Company" and a fan of both Webber and Taylor from the magazine's launch. I will most definitely be getting this one.

I have a feeling I'll be saying "I owe you one." Like I don't already?

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 20, 2009 9:42 AM

It looks like a good book but I have to take issue with the comment about, "...Alan's idiot editor..." How does that tally with Rule 5 and the general spirit of the recently published Credo?

• We will be civil in all our dealings with one another.

Posted by Mark JF at April 20, 2009 10:19 AM

We are organizing his book party at Japan Society!
http://www.japansociety.org/event_detail?eid=2083e282

Posted by Fumiko Miyamoto at April 20, 2009 11:22 AM

Mark JF, of course you are right, but those of us who write for a living (you may well be one of us) have a near genetic love-hate relationship with our editors. Years later we realize, and perhaps grudgingly acknowledge, that without them the book would have been a godawful mess loaded with inaccuracies. On the other hand, they take the gorgeous prose we labored over for as much as, in one case for me, 5 years, and break point after point after point of their blood-red pencils (not so dramatic these days) savagely attacking us (notes like "redundant," "huh?", "awkward," "windy," "who taught you grammar?", etc.--or big red Xs deleting 9 pages in a row), attacking our heart, attacking our soul because, we are sure, they are inherently cruel people hated by both their parents.

Posted by tom peters at April 20, 2009 11:44 AM

Tom - and?!

Does that really justify calling someone such a name? Quite so vitriolically? (I need an editor to check that words really exists...) I can't help but think it would have been better to say, "I've got some serious concerns about the editing..." rather than to personalise and make it so scathing. After all: civility, leadership, words matter (Rule 29), be the change you want to see...

Posted by Mark JF at April 20, 2009 12:26 PM

Although I haven't read the book yet (but I will be within days), I do hope Webber will find some means of sharing the missing "rules" with us. If he felt passionate enough to write them, I'd definitely be interested enough to read them. With all due respect to editors, I for one want to know what the author really had to say, not what he was "allowed" to say. Allowing for corrections in grammar, etc., don't deny me the chance to hear it all.

I like my steak with all the trimmings. I'm not on a word diet and I'd willingly fork over a few more dollars if the book requires a few more pages (or pounds or paper) to tell me what's REALLY on the author's mind.

Just my thoughts. Unedited and uncensored.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 20, 2009 12:44 PM

Interesting exchange between Mark and Tom. I recall getting feedback four years ago that was pretty disappointing from where I sat about something I'd written. Nevertheless I listened and exchanged emails with the person. I began to understand what he was saying. But it hurt emotionally. I’ve developed a great relationship with this person through emails to the extent I will now send him stuff I write before I publish it. When I move beyond the mindset of feeling hurt by the criticism to see what the person is actually saying it become less painful. Actually I think the words used and the tone are the most important aspects of any feedback. I believe most of us are hurt by criticism however brave and objective we like to act. The ‘external’ dilution of the passion of the author is like taking away a limb.

Also unedited and uncensored :-)

Posted by Trevor Gay at April 20, 2009 2:40 PM

Looks like this book highlights some great points! Number 33 really resonates - true, Everything is Performance. People often times don't take ownership for their own performance habits. I work for a high performance company and we truly believe that performance doesn't happen by chance, it happens by choice!!
I look forward to reading Webber's book!

Posted by Adrianne B at April 20, 2009 3:05 PM

Funny thing, I in fact love and deeply respect all my editors (each and every--except one), going back 30 years. (One stayed at our house for the better part of a year!) But they understand the weird relationship between author and editor better than I did or do. They knew I loved them and revered them, and so I went out of my way to tell them how much they were totally disrepectful weenies and that I hoped they would slip in the barnyard frequently and suffer the worst that Vermont black flies had to offer--and don't come to me hoping to borrow my 100% DEET. My life would wither and effectively end without affectionate teasing (I'd like to think I can take it as well as give it); it's one of the reasons I like to speak at home--you can tease-the-heck out of your fellow citizens; but you can't do that outside your native land, in my opinion.)

Posted by tom peters at April 20, 2009 3:29 PM

Not to overdo this, I veeeeery well realize that there is Very Abusive Teasing--I've seen it and I deplore it. (Incidentally, as a speaker, the "trick" to teasing is to absolutely trash yourself far more "visciously" than you do the participants. Trust me, a little self-deprecation goes a long way, and a lot of self-depracation goes a long long long long way.) ("He was a modest man, and had much to be modest about"--Winston Churchill)

Posted by tom peters at April 20, 2009 3:34 PM

Words very much appreciated. In numerous ways. gentlemen.

Posted by Dan Gunter at April 20, 2009 3:48 PM

Thanks, TP! I'll purchase this book soon.

I absolutely LOVE your responses! Brilliant! Beautiful! FUNNY TOO!

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 20, 2009 4:13 PM

"They knew I loved them and revered them, and so I went out of my way to tell them how much they were totally disrepectful weenies and that I hoped they would slip in the barnyard frequently and suffer the worst that Vermont black flies had to offer--and don't come to me hoping to borrow my 100% DEET."

Had to read this again and laugh! This is hysterical! Way funny! Lovely too. how to get viagra canada

"Trust me, a little self-deprecation goes a long way, and a lot of self-depracation goes a long long long long way.) ("He was a modest man, and had much to be modest about"--Winston Churchill)"

buy viagra with paypal uk This is beautiful. I have received it wholly.

Posted by Judith Ellis at April 20, 2009 4:59 PM

53. Be a drama queen at all costs - eat comfort foods late at night!
54. A perfect answer trumps all questions!
55. It is a beautiful traders' equity market - many are making a fortune but instead Twit away your time because free enterprise is not simple enough!
56. Twit is the ultimate in neospam-mail, get with it!
57. Try easier & relax into wealth - less effort means more wealth!
58. Blondes have more fun and are most healthful!

Posted by C Love at April 20, 2009 7:55 PM

C Love,

Thanks!

Posted by Scott Peters at April 20, 2009 10:30 PM

At last brevity wins!!!!

Tom have a 6 word blog day !!!!!

Posted by patrick at April 21, 2009 7:40 AM

Sign o' the times. Read this post yesterday. Pre-ordered the book through the Kindle app on my iPhone. 6am today opened the Kindle app on iPhone. Book downloaded automatically in seconds. Read, well, perused the book over breakfast. #53 Instant gratification works.

Posted by Norman T at April 21, 2009 8:42 AM

I loved the brief taste you gave from this book. It has definitely wetted my appetite for wanting to get this book and read the rest of them.

Posted by EH at April 21, 2009 11:41 AM