Fair Pay: Good for Generals and the general public

I wrote an Op-Ed published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch Sunday, June 29, 2008 :

For the first time in the two-hundred thirty-three year history of the Army a woman will wear 4-star rank. Today, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates nominated, New York native, Army Lt. Gen. Ann Dunwoody for her forth star. She stands to make $189,205 a year in base pay—the same salary as General David Petraeus and the other eleven men who serve as full generals. Equal pay for equal work—what a concept! Meanwhile, a pay gap still exists in the government and private sector for women in science-related professions. It is time for congress to follow the DoD example and make wages equal for everyone by passing Fair Pay legislation…

…“Forty five years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act into law in 1963, women are still being denied equal pay for equal work,” said Marcia D. Greenberger, Co-President of the National Women’s Law Center. “It is long since time that Congress acted to ensure that the promise of the laws barring sex discrimination in employment can become a reality.”

As General Ann Dunwoody leads armed troops to protect America from our enemies; it’s time all Senators raise their arms and vote Yea for the Fair Pay Act to protect American workers.

Read the full Op-Ed  here.

The Long Tail is an uber profitable business strategy

What I want is not what everyone else wants when they want it.  But, somebody somewhere wants to sell it to me so they can profit from The Long Tail.

This is a business strategy that enables entrepreneurs to provide products that serve niche markets.  It was described by Chris Anderson in Wired Magazine.  Standard brick & mortar stores (Wal-mart, Nordstrom, Best Buy, CVS, etc…) spend millions of dollars trying to gain the attention of consumers.  Of course they are effective, however, only as effective as the amount of inventory they can maintain.  Standard economic principles of supply & demand and opportunity costs, limit what traditional stores can carry.  Therefore, they focus on only profitable items.  (Wondering: Where does all the old picked over stuff go???)  The Long Tail of internet commerce allows companies, particularly digital ones, to provide an essentially endless supply of downloadable items and services to a worldwide consumer base.  All done without the significant overhead of a standard store (employees, utilities, construction, etc…) iTunes is almost the perfect example of the Long Tail.

Click here for an interesting and witty view of the Long Tail and dating from one of my classmates.

The Long Tail is graphically depicted here:

Here is a verbal description from Wired Magazine:

What’s really amazing about the Long Tail is the sheer size of it. Combine enough nonhits on the Long Tail and you’ve got a market bigger than the hits. Take books: The average Barnes & Noble carries 130,000 titles. Yet more than half of Amazon’s book sales come from outside its top 130,000 titles. Consider the implication: If the Amazon statistics are any guide, the market for books that are not even sold in the average bookstore is larger than the market for those that are (see “Anatomy of the Long Tail“). In other words, the potential book market may be twice as big as it appears to be, if only we can get over the economics of scarcity. Venture capitalist and former music industry consultant Kevin Laws puts it this way: “The biggest money is in the smallest sales.”

P.S.  Does anyone know how to make the U with two dots over it.  (German style…uber)???

My initial thoughts of Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs)

I did it!  I signed up for Second Life.

It’s interesting that Second Life has drawn the interests of major corporations for advertising.  I’m not sure that there is a good Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI)–thanks Don Neal–however, a few companies were able to get a bit of earned media for their efforts.  Read more: here, here, here.

Within the metaverse of Second Life there are people who are trying to make money.  One of the biggest money makers is selling clothing/costumes for avatars.  Here is a quote from a report on cnet.com about the burgeoning Second Life fashion industry:

More to the point, Second Life fashion is a huge business opportunity. It’s the biggest volume business–and the most profitable. Well-known designer Munchflower Zaius offers a reason: “The first thing you see when you come into Second Life? Other people wearing hot skins, hot clothes. It’s instant peer pressure. You want to look as good as everyone else.

In a world where everyone can be a sex god or goddess, why wouldn’t you want to? I’m just catering to it.”

And upon some research it turns out Second Life is available for Mobile Phones.  While I can’t see myself playing Second Life on my cell phone, I can understand the appeal.  Today many people play standard video games online with PS3, XBOX 360, and PSP.  I suspect it will continue to grow, especially if they resolve their software limitations.

AMERICA’S ARMY:

All I can say is this is a wonderful tool for recruiting and developing greater appreciation for the life of a Soldier engaged in close combat.  After playing the latest version, I discovered that this game is challenging and faaaaaaaaaaar more realistic than games of my childhood.  (Ikari Warriors, Rambo, Intellevision Armor Battle)

Is there some new rule that the period…

…is supposed to go outside the quotation marks???

I was reading the Economist today and observed that they placed several periods outside of the comma…and some inside…

What they do:

• If the quote is a complete sentence (thought) they place the period inside the quotation marks.  e.g…”Georgetown is a wonderful school.”
• If the quote is the title of a book or play the period is placed outside the quotation marks.  e.g… For relaxation, they can listen to the world’s academic authorities disputing the pronunciation of Homer and illuminating the knotty wordplay of Plato’s “Republic”.
• If the quote is a phrase/words use to characterize a thought, the Economist places the period outside the quotations.  e.g…When asked about Georgetown University, Majorman, expressed it was “wonderful”.

I’ve cross referenced my findings with the New York Times.  It seems the NYT always places the period inside the quotation marks for complete & partial sentences (how I remember being taught in school).   Grammarbook.com agrees with me.

FYI:  The Economist is a London-based publication.  Wikipedia explains the American style and British style here.

So are the rules of English set in stone or is our language evolving?  Who’s right?  Who’s wrong?

John Micklethwait is Editor-in-chief of the Economist

Well, you know what they say, “when in Rome”.  *snickering*

Columbus? Where…Ohio? No. GEORGIA!!!

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Hi friends, I’d like to you know about the second largest city in Georgia…no, again, not Savannah, not Augusta, not Macon, it’s Columbus.  Located off of I-185 about 90 miles southwest of Atlanta, Columbus is a relatively large city with a small town atmosphere.

It’s a great place to live, Columbus is the the 4th Best Place in the country to raise a family.

It’s also home to Ft. Benning and the U.S. Army Airborne school.

If jumping out of planes is not your idea of a good career choice, then you will be happy to know there are major U.S. Corporations headquartered in Columbus…AFLAC–you know them from the duck commercials–ranks #30 on CNNs top 100 places to work.  If you’d prefer the banking industry try Synovous Financial, a Fortune 500 company based in downtown Columbus.  Plenty of opportunity for newcomers to the city.

Three more semi-interesting facts:

• The founder of Coca-Cola has history with Columbus

• Brave New World, one of my favorite books, is on the Muscogee County Public Schools 12th Grade reading list

• The team from North Columbus won the Little League World Series in 2006.

Whether you’re are making a career move -or- vacation plans–consider Columbus!

DISCLAIMER:  The author is a “Five Jump Chump” with significant family ties to Columbus

Jam on it…Wiki, Wiki, Wiki

This week, Garrett Graff, Sensei of Social Media posed three questions:

Should we trust Wikipedia or an expert-led encyclopedia more?

How could Wikipedia be better set-up to better provide accuracy? Should it be open to everyone or just verified “experts”?

I think Wikipedia is overall good. While, I would never directly cite Wikipedia as a source for any school or professional work, it does provide quick information and the well researched articles provide useful links. However, any move to control Wikipedia by would go against its’ tag: The free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

As a child I read World Book encyclopedias cover-to-cover. Today a 2008 set costs $1,089!!! This for slickly produced and unsourced articles. I can’t see the cost benefit for non-digital encyclopedias. Can you? I’d rather take my chances with the internet. Interestingly enough two of the most popular “Traditional” encyclopedias have entries in the Wikipedia. (World Book, Encyclopedia Britannica)

I look forward to making my post on Wikipedia for this class.

If all goes well my Wikipedia entry will be on the Rocks, Inc. Ideally, by the time I’ve completed the entry it will be easier to navigate than the organizations homepage. Ultimately, affiliated chapters of the Rocks could update portions of the main entry to detail their specific chartering history and accomplishments.

Time permitting, I told a friend that I would help her update her bio that is currently in violation of Wikipedias content rules. As a part of the “anyone” Wikipedia relies on to improve quality of articles, I can help my friend and help the greater-Wiki community. Anyone can win with Wikipedia…that includes you!

Google: What’s not to like about a leviathan?

“Don’t be evil” is the cornerstone of Google’s corporate culture…and it extends beyond the company’s doors to encompass the World Wide Web…

I don’t think we should be afraid of Google. In fact, here are five things to be more afraid of day-to-day than Google:

1.) Oncoming traffic on a two-lane road. What if the teen driving towards you at 45mph decides to Google something on their smart phone and crosses over the double-yellow line. BANG!

2.) Slipping in the shower. Be careful.

3.) Bees. Have you ever Googled “Japanese Killer Hornets”??? Scary, very scary.

4.) Rats. These critters are everywhere. They are responsible for the bubonic plague and giving the heebie-jeebies to unsuspecting shoppers in the city. Scary.

5.) Brain cramp [Insert your innermost fear here]

Seriously, Google is an outstanding tool for research and communication. Google makes life easier for those who know how to effectively use it’s many features. I like the Google Maps, Earth, and Mail functions. The new street view photos have revolutionized the way people will navigate. By Christmas 2010, I imagine Garmin by Google systems that show photos of driving directions. Wouldn’t that be a nifty tool?

Anyone afraid of Google simply should limit their activity on the internet. The Googlefolks can only get information you provide–well, sorta. Bottomline: Google is here to stay and is linked to Government. In fact, we can use Google to see where our tax dollars are being spent. What’s not to like?

WE THE MEDIA: Citizen Journalist photographs black squirrel in Georgetown

We the Media by Dan Gillmore discusses how citizen journalist and bloggers are reducing the stranglehold corporate media has on how information is distributed in America.

Frugal people like me keep their cell phones far past the devices life-expectancy.  Then one day they just don’t work anymore.  Next we’re forced, by necessity, to upgrade to a new version–with new bells & whistles.  Frequently the new phone incorporates a camera and the ability to access the Internet.

One evening during the fall semester, I saw a black squirrel while walking to class.  I was near the intersection of 33rd and Prospect.  The squirrel darted out from behind a fence and stared at me.  Just as I unsheathed my Palm Centro phone, the camera-shy creature ran back behind the fence.

I told my story to a few classmates who’d never seen a black squirrel.  My tale of the black bushy-tailed rodent fell on deaf ears.  But, today, with this blog post, I’m vindicated.  Why?  Because, I’m a citizen journalist!  I also find it a bit odd that corporate media hasn’t reported on these creatures in over three years…hmmm…  He’s my first report…

(Washington, DC)  In a city normally known for it’s cuddly Panda bears at the national zoo, Georgetown residents have a rare creature of their own.  A common rodent with uncommon coloring:  the black squirrel.

While walking to the Georgetown University library, Majorman, a graduate student, spied the swarthy acorn eater near a bike rack.  Acting swiftly he approached the elusive beast and snapped a photo.

When asked for comment, Majorman says, “This was one of the most interesting sightings of my life.  It ranks right up there with the checkered patterned Praying Mantis I caught in Iraq.”  He added, “Unlike the Mantis capture, this time I had my camera.”

If you’ve seen any strange animals in your neighborhood or are a citizen journalist, please leave a comment.

A true “where were you when…” moment

January 28, 1986:  Space Shuttle Challenger crash (Sitting in front of the television; in sixth grade)

January 17, 1991:  Beginning of Operation Desert Storm (Sitting in 10th Grade English class watching Channel One and was penpals with a Soldier deployed to Saudi Arabia)

September 7, 1996:  Tupac Shakur shot in Las Vegas (Sitting at my BOQ watching MTV ***Breaking News*** with Kurt Loder)–BTW, I always believed Tupac is dead

February 10, 2007:  Barack Obama announces his candidacy for President of the United States of America (Sitting at home watching on C-SPAN then drove from Petersburg, VA to Hampton to attend the State of the Black Union)

June 3, 2008:  Barack Obama clinches Democratic Nomination (Standing in a room full Obama supporters in Washington, DC–listening, cheering, hi-fiving)

I wish I could express the internal elation I feel about Barack Obama winning the Democratic nomination for President.  Different than the other “where were you when” moments where I sat back and watched; this time, I actually was able to shape history.  Certainly my role was minor: a donation here, phone call there, knocking on a few doors, and consistentely wearing Obama gear despite the odd looks from classmates during the fall of 2007.  But I know my role was important because “the strength of the pack is not the wolf; the strength of the wolf is in the pack.”

From the outset, Senator Obama acknowledged that his campaign was not about him…instead it was about “us” (American voters).  “…in my heart I know you didn’t come here just for me, you came here because you believe in what this country can be.”

I was fortunate to see Barack Obama, twice in the summer of 2007 at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans and the National Urban League Conference in St. Louis.  One thing I noticed were Obama volunteers cheering, selling Obama gear, recycled gear, and signing up new supporters at each event.  The media totally missed the groundswell of grassroots for Obama.  (As I reflect, over the past 17 months no one has asked me to support their candidate for president…why?)

Great leaders provide purpose, direction, and motivation.  Despite the haters critics saying, ”he’s too young;” “he’s too inexperienced;” “it’s not his turn.”  Senator Obama realized he had to seek the Presidency at this moment to bring about change: 

“I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness – a certain audacity – to this announcement. I know I haven’t spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I’ve been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change.”

Knowing the fight wouldn’t be easy, I knew the best thing I could do was join my candidate in the arena.  It’s too easy to second-guess, ridicule, doubt and follow conventional wisdom.  If one wants anything in life they must work for it.  I, too, wanted change in the culture of Washington.  Therefore, I got off the bench and got in the game guided by my favorite quote from Teddy Roosevelt:

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” –President Theodore Roosevelt

If you are still reading…as you know, this blog is for my Social Media course and I leave you with a quote from Barack Obama’s announcement speech:  “Let us be the generation that reshapes our economy to compete in the digital age.”

Join me in the Arena.  Forty years from now, when your grandkids ask ”where were you when” tell them you were Standing for Change.  Tell them you were Standing with Barack Obama.

***This message complies with Dept. of Defense Joint Ethics Regulations***