Advice

How Joss Whedon Shows Class

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Joss Whedon is on top of the world.  He redefined horror, manned mega-hit the Avengers, and that’s just recently.  With The Avengers doing so well (and trust me, it is deserved), what does he do next?

Well he posts a rather rambly piece at his site that among many things thanks his fans (or “peeps”).

What doesn’t change is anything that matters. What doesn’t change is that I’ve had the smartest, most loyal, most passionate, most articulate group of — I’m not even gonna say fans. I’m going with “peeps” — that any cult oddity such as my bad self could have dreamt of. When almost no one was watching, when people probably should have STOPPED watching, I’ve had three constants: my family and friends, my collaborators (often the same), and y’all.

Yes, the man who is on top of the world (and apparently has Chris Hemsworth on speed dial), thanks his devoted fans.

This is how you do it.  This is class.  Artists are nothing without their audience and he takes the time to appreciate them.  It’s something we can all learn from.

In fact I want to take time, as we approach our four-year anniversary, to thank all of our fans – may we do well for you in the future.

– Steven Savage

Promoting Professional Geekery #37 – Be Con Event Support

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(For more Promoting Professional Geekery, see this Roundup of past columns.)

Several of my promoting Professional Geekery are about how you can encourage Progeekery at a con, from doing a presentation to doing a career track.  There’s more you can do.

You can be “Event Support.”

Read more

Economics, Airlines, And Education

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Admittedly the “economics of airlines” doesn’t sound like exact fan-to-pro stuff here, except for travel and airline model fanatics, the Washington Monthly has a fascinating deconstruction of the continuously stupid state of airlines in the US that’s worth reading.

As opposed to analyzing the article – which stands on its own – I’d like to say “more of this, please” and note that, like it or not, this is stuff you should be reading.

Yes, this is a plea for you, my fellow geeks, to get a hell of a lot more into economics.

No, it doesn’t look easy. Yes, it can be obscure. Yes, it can be depressing. But understanding economics is vital to your survival. Face it, we live in a time where a presidential candidate can claim responsibility for a program he opposed, so it’s time to pay attention. ).

If you’re not into economics like I am, then there’s two things to remember:

  • Economics affects stuff you like. For instance if you do travel a lot, the Washington Monthly article really IS useful.
  • Economics lets you succeed.
  • This affects your survival, so Read Or Die.

One of those ought to motivate you.

That’s why I treasure articles like that deep analysis as I learn from it – because I do travel and have an interest in that part of the economy. It’s something that pertains to my interests, gives me ideas on success (I certainly know to watch airports now for my travel plans), and it helps me prepare for what will probably be some inevitable upheaval in airlines. Again.

– Steven Savage