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Weekly Challenge – The Next Country . . .

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As I've noted a few times, Japan is a country that obviously has had major influence on the North American Geekonomy.  Video Games, anime, sentai and more.  From Battle of the Planets decades ago to Power Rangers and Bleach, from Space Invaders to Final Fantasy pick-a-number, Japan has had a huge effect.

At this rate, Japanese influence on pop culture and major Geekonomic areas is more than obvious.  I'm not sure how much more influence can be had (though my guess is Kodansha is looking for more).

But there's always a hunger for new products and entertainments, foods and culture, and business models and opportunities.

So here's your challenge for the week: what country do you think is going to be next to have a big cultural/pop cultural influence on North America?

South Korean and it's growing media?

India with it's tech opportunities and the power of Bollywood?

More British influence now that Doctor Who is Reborn and series are getting remade (again)?

Think about what's next.  After all, my fellow progeek, you're going to be living it in the years to come . . .

– Steven Savage

(And as for my answer?  I'm still thinking that one over.)

Properties, Media, Loyalty

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So, yes, there will be a Risk movie.  And a Monopoly movie.  There's the failed attempt at Thundercats that looked actually cool, but films as we've seen are really working to create effort-free Multimedia synergy.  Or to put it more crassly – grab a name, slap a film on it, profit from the free publicity and associations.

I am sure people will see the aforementioned films and others out of various reasons, from buying the publicity to morbid curiosity.  Some may even make money or provide interesting experiments (the Monopoly film may do so).  However, I think those behind the films are missing something.

Namely, a longer-term plan that builds interest, community, and long-term involvement.

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Getting the Most Out of a Book

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If you've been here ANY amount of time you know I'm big on self-improvement and people reading books to improve yourself career-wise (and of course personally and otherwise).

Just because you're reading it doesn't mean you're applying it to your life.  Sure some ideas may stick in your head, but even a really great book isn't fully used if you don't sit down and use it deliberately.

Now as I am always encouraging people to read up (as you can see by the book reviews), here's a few tips on how to make sure you get the most out of a book:

  • Keep shelves for your specific book subjects.  That way when you put a book back (or take one out) you'll be reminded of what you read in the past.
  • When you finish a good book, take an hour or two to sit down with it and review what you want to do with the knowledge there.  Add it to your schedule, notes, what have you.
  • Keep a to-read pile so you can think ahead on what you're reading.  This lets you anticipate what's coming up (and can re-remind you).
  • Go through your shelves and determine what books to keep and what to sell at used-book stores regularly.  This lets you really review what you want to keep and why – and also ensures what's on your shelf is a keeper.
  • Make a point of it, now and then, to go through your old books and reread important ones – even put them back in your to-read pile.
  • Make sure you keep a notebook with you (as I often recommend to do constantly) so when you read and see a great idea, you can write it down for later.

A good book engages with you.  If you want to get the most out of it you have to engage right back.

– Steven Savage