Think Quarterly: The People Issue

 

I just finished reading the third issue of Google's Think Quarterly magazine, and it's a quick read with some key insights with the promise of more around the corner. 

"The People Issue" focuses on social media, something Google has dived into head-first with Google+. But it's more than a marketing push for G+, and delves into the real power of turning people's intent into tools for change. 

I've made notes to reread more than a few sections, but below are just a few bullet points that caught my eye:

• A surprisingly interesting feature/Q&A with Virgin's Richard Branson. 
• "Recognize and reward quality contributions. Give attention and praise to things that are constructive or interesting. Don't reward negative behavior with attention." So smart, yet how many of us who manage online communities devote 90 percent of our time on the 10 percent intent on causing mayhem?
• Continued excellent visual design. Think Quarterly is an easy read, and superb and invigorating design is a key reason. The creative space that precedes, intercedes and follows the text allows for perspective and time to think. (I'm thinking how I could translate this to longer, thoughtful stories in a daily newspaper). 
• "Hangover" is most commonly Googled on Sundays, one day after "vodka" peaks as a search term. As TQ notes, there's a reason "Searchblog's John Battelle has called Google 'the database of intentions.' "
• Monday is the day people are most likely to click on Google's AdWords, followed by Tuesday and Wednesday, when "online purchases peak." TQ adds, "Offline spending patterns have a greater lag, trailing by one week," evidence that online ads reinforce brick-and-mortar shopping.  
• Fifteen percent of all Google searches worldwide "are ones that Google has never seen before." Awesome. 

The theme of Think Quarterly's next issue is "speed." I can't wait. 

Hockey "homer" who holds his own

I've previously written with disdain about sports announcers who wear their team's colors on their sleeves but I've subsequently come to understand that homers have their place. 

Boston Bruins announcer Jack EdwardsAfter listening to this excellent Grantland.com podcast with Boston Bruins announcer Jack Edwards, I'm realizing "homers" can be intelligent, knowledgeable and persuasive. In a fast-paced interview with Grantland's Jonah Keri, Edwards shares bold opinions on a variety of hockey issues, including why fighting is better than legislating violence, why passion and salesmanship are important to announcing, and why late-blooming players often get short shrift among short-sighted NHL officials. 

Does this mean I like "homers"? Nope, but I now have grudging respect for those I can hear making an effort. 

Seeing a different side of Trent Reznor

Outside of "Head Like a Hole," I've never been much of a fan of Trent Reznor or Nine Inch Nails. I've admired his adoption of cutting-edge technology and marketing, and outspokenness on digital-rights issues, but his music has never made a dent in me. But after hearing this provocative interview with NPR's "Fresh Air," I think I'll take a second look. 

I was struck by Reznor's rich musical background, the demons he's conquered and continues to fight, his refreshing honesty, and his willingness to explore new territory (like "The Social Network" and "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" soundtracks). He's a complex man with big ideas, but in this interview he often comes across as likable, even warm -- a sharp contrast to his public persona. 

The worst musicians are those who strike it big but lose their will to stretch themselves and their audiences. Reznor does both, and that's something to celebrate.