For many of us in the Blogosphere, today changed our perceptions of a medium that we dearly love. This is not the first time that this has happened — and it probably won’t be the last. I’ve read a lot of blog posts today that were filled with Hate — and many that vowed revenge. I’ve seen twitters that recommended everything from boycotting Digg to people “Volunteering to hunt down and pound the bejeesus out of anyone who would threaten Kathy Sierra”. And my gut reaction was to join this angry mob — and bring the guilty parties to justice.
But then I thought about it. I think there’s enough hate in the world. Instead of focusing on the evil that was done to someone whom we all love and respect — I’d rather see this as an opportunity to honor Kathy for the contributions that she has made to our community — and the personal contributions she has made to my life. So listed here are just a few of the posts that Kathy has written over the years that have greatly influenced the course of my life. Please read them — and other past articles by Kathy — and let her know how much her work means to us all!
Don’t Ask Employees to be Passionate About the Company!
I actually sent this article to my boss the moment I read it. Kathy asked the following four questions in this article:
- When was the last time you read a trade/professional journal or book related to your work? (can substitute “attended an industry conference or took a course”)
- Name at least two of the key people in your field.
- If you had to, would you spend your own money to buy tools or other materials that would improve the quality of your work?
- If you did not do this for work, would you still do it (or something related to it) as a hobby?
I’m happy to state that I answered yes to each question. In fact, I have often said that if I were to win 20 Million dollars — I would wake up tomorrow and do exactly what I am doing now. Only I’d do it better. Kathy hit things right on the nose when she said: “support people in doing what they’re trying to do, and stay the hell out of their way.” Being a proud member of the creative class — it can sometimes be difficult to relate to people — and companies — who have more conventional workplace views. I found it refreshing to have someone so articulately state the value of having an employee who is more passionate about what they do — then who they do it for.
How to be an Expert
On her post on “How to be an Expert” — Kathy Sierra reminded me that the distance from good to great isn’t as far as I imagined. That persistance pays big dividends. And that: “It’s never to late to be what I might have been” (to steal a quote from George Eliot).
Dignity is Deadly
After a lecture by Paul Graham, Kathy reminds us that companies gain more by remaining authentic and true to their original roots — than by trying to adopt an attitude of strict professionalism in the workplace.
One final note — I’m not dismissing the evil that has been committed here — but I rather like the notion that we can drown out evil by focusing on GOOD. Let’s put the anger aside — and instead give Kathy our thanks.
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