DISQUS

alex j. mann (.com): Welcome to the Machine: The Tactics of an Obsessive

  • matt · 4 months ago
    I'd agree that most of the business literature is trash--mostly because it is just a re-hash of concepts that have been well documented in the past. I'd prefer to go back to the source, particularly stuff you read from Dale Carnegie (i.e., How to Win Friends and Influence People).

    The time management aspect of Drucker reminds me of Ben Franklin's routine, which he documented every hour of his waking day to something productive, separated among work, food, meditation/reflection, and reading.
  • alexjmann · 4 months ago
    I don't think Collins is necessarily trash, but I'd agree most of the
    industry is. Same with the self-help book industry. Lots of junk, but a
    few key techniques if you go back to the originators, like Carnegie.

    The time management aspect is interesting; I didn't know Franklin did that.
    it seems to be a bit obsessive-compulsive to track every day, but maybe it's
    something worth trying for a short-period of time until we adapt to ideal
    levels of output.
  • Matt Daniels · 4 months ago
    Check it:
    http://www.joeydevilla.com/2009/08/17/ben-frank...

    Ben Franklin was a crazy, but brilliant fellow
  • alexjmann · 4 months ago
    Yes, I've seen this.

    My favorite part: "What good have a done today?"

    Helps you put things into perspective...
  • Carlos Miceli · 4 months ago
    This is what I like the most: "I question the edge a tool can provide once it’s become a standard."

    I've been thinking about this a lot lately, I agree with you. But let me ask you, what about the blogs your read? I'm currently subscribing of the "popular" blogs, because I don't think they're giving me an edge anymore. Besides, I think there's a limit to what one person can teach me compared to someone I haven't read yet.
  • alexjmann · 4 months ago
    I think you meant unsubscribing of the "popular" blogs?

    The right blogs can be an edge is certain industries, simply because they
    are often overlooked as a valuable resource. On the contrary, plenty of
    blogs are filled with junk, and the gems need to be hand picked (I'd say
    this rule goes for most of the internet.)

    But, I do think a new, fresh perspective is always healthy, especially when
    it forces you to challenge your previously held beliefs.