Author: lindsayrgwatt

Debunking the “Steve Jobs Ignored Customers” Myth

Today at work we were fortunate enough to have Mark Hurst come in and talk about his updated book Customers Included. It’s all about working backwards from customers’ needs – which is a pretty easy sell in Amazonland (see “Customer Obsession“) – and hence recommended reading. What I most enjoyed about his talk was his thorough… Continue reading Debunking the “Steve Jobs Ignored Customers” Myth

Published
Categorized as Technology

The Question Being Asked

I went out for lunch with a friend the other day and he told me a story about how they had a session at his workplace to teach people how to communicate effectively. About 10 minutes into the talk, the presenter asked if anyone had the time. Someone said “I think it’s 2:10;” someone else… Continue reading The Question Being Asked

Published
Categorized as Random

Censorship

I’m currently reading Vasily Grossman’s Life and Fate. It’s an epic Russian novel about World War II, centered on Stalingrad-but really a critique of the Soviet Union. There are many great passages in the book, but I’m particularly taken by this one about a former editor of a Communist paper: Sagaydak had a particularly fine grasp… Continue reading Censorship

Published
Categorized as History

Portland in 2015

1. Portland in 2015 is a city of charismatic pedants. And that’s not a bad thing. Everyone seems to be making something. And they want to tell you about it. Plus they’re really into it. They don’t make a lot of things, rather they make one thing and are trying to do it really well. Maybe… Continue reading Portland in 2015