As much as I have always been a fan of innovation, it was more at a distance in the past. Maybe one of the harder things to absorb with our modern world is how close you can be to a simply powerful idea, which I like to say, doesn't care who discovers it! Whereas in the past I think thought was more about certain people with certain expertise.
Still it does usually require expertise, where wide knowledge across a variety of areas can be necessary, as you look at something from a different perspective, and notice that hey, here's something simply powerful.
However it is one thing to think about all of that objectively, and quite another if you're looking at something you realize is socially disruptive, and considering how to present it.
The idea doesn't care. And with the web you can put it out there easily enough, but what happens then? That can definitely be well outside your control.
But LOTS of people over time can tend to normalize the reaction I've noticed.
The web makes that possible. Your ideas can easily flow around the world, as people consider and react to them.
Years ago I was more focused on the experts in fields where I had what I felt were simply powerful innovative ideas looking for their approval. But that look to traditional authority was something I'd learned being brought up by my parents in a puritanical Fundamentalist Christian religion, which thankfully I never officially joined, and then getting my degree in physics as a solid fan of the academic community at a top university, and then enlisting in the US Army after graduating! Am definitely someone who appreciates authority!
Learning how you can appreciate authority, while accepting a quest for innovation including an acceptance of your own has been a struggle for me. Talking some things out now actually is about releasing the shame I've felt. And accepting that yes, I can go chase ideas of my own. It's ok.
James Harris
Friday, March 25, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Simply powerful ideas can make for interesting journeys
My interest in finding simply powerful ideas of my own, as I chase innovative discovery, has lead to what I think are fascinating journeys, as am pulled by what I think I should do with some of them.
But those simply powerful ideas have also lead to challenges in how I see myself! As I contemplated how others maybe saw me in the past, in contrast to how maybe saw me after my presenting them.
For instance, actually went back to my alma mater Vanderbilt University in 2003 to visit with a mathematics professor who had said he was open to an on campus visit. He'd rejected a mathematical paper of mine I'd submitted to a journal where he was editor, where readily admit submitted there because he was a Vanderbilt professor. As a sidenote, after his rejection I sent to another journal which published--then tried to delete and then keeled over and died--but that all happened a bit later.
I was happy to visit him and explain the argument in person, as well as see my school once again, for the first time since I'd left, back Spring 1991 when I graduated.
And it was SO much fun in ways, but also felt weird. I'd driven up from Atlanta metro area where was staying with so many mixed emotions. I knew I was far away from the mainstream I'd been taught. And I was a physics major. We'd actually had professors educating us about those people who think they have important ideas that are not being properly acknowledged.
One cool thing to me was had my SAME sturdy JanSport backpack with me that had had as an undergraduate! For some reason had bought a nice soft brown leather one sometime after 1987 and thinking 1988 or maybe 1989. And had brought it to wear like had done over a decade prior. It looked the same. I, of course, looked a lot different but students milling about didn't care. Some staff and one of my old physics professors though I think looked at me with a bit of concern.
Meeting with the mathematics professor went ok. He was nice enough but I'd wanted passion as we stepped through what I knew to be an important argument. It disrupted so much in mathematics I was certain! With his help I felt confident could send shockwaves through the mathematical community and the world. I got patience and some interest as I stepped through the mathematics on his chalkboard, but then was dismayed as the professor hit the door at 4:30 pm on the dot. As was leaving, trying to absorb having successfully explained without it seeming to matter much, noted that it looked like the entire department emptied, like a bell had gone off. Guess that was when everybody usually left. Not happily, went back to my vehicle and left Vanderbilt University.
But I was SO disappointed and unfortunately began to get angry as drove back home, which took about five hours. Guess my fantasy of what would happen had run into reality of what I should have expected. Innovative ideas rarely get just picked up if challenge and disrupt too much, no matter how simple or easily proven.
Got home and sent off nice email regardless of misgivings, more or less thanking. Got nice but to me dismissive reply. That got me back to mad, sent not so nice emails. Eventually got blocked. I think my email is STILL blocked by Vanderbilt University. And don't blame them.
Would take me over a decade to understand how hard it can be. But thankfully the web would be my friend and source of constant support. Through years of upset, disappointment and choice rants there was always a silver lining somewhere.
And today? Not upset. Just SO appreciative of the adventure and the journeys that with perspective, later are just fun to share.
James Harris
But those simply powerful ideas have also lead to challenges in how I see myself! As I contemplated how others maybe saw me in the past, in contrast to how maybe saw me after my presenting them.
For instance, actually went back to my alma mater Vanderbilt University in 2003 to visit with a mathematics professor who had said he was open to an on campus visit. He'd rejected a mathematical paper of mine I'd submitted to a journal where he was editor, where readily admit submitted there because he was a Vanderbilt professor. As a sidenote, after his rejection I sent to another journal which published--then tried to delete and then keeled over and died--but that all happened a bit later.
I was happy to visit him and explain the argument in person, as well as see my school once again, for the first time since I'd left, back Spring 1991 when I graduated.
And it was SO much fun in ways, but also felt weird. I'd driven up from Atlanta metro area where was staying with so many mixed emotions. I knew I was far away from the mainstream I'd been taught. And I was a physics major. We'd actually had professors educating us about those people who think they have important ideas that are not being properly acknowledged.
One cool thing to me was had my SAME sturdy JanSport backpack with me that had had as an undergraduate! For some reason had bought a nice soft brown leather one sometime after 1987 and thinking 1988 or maybe 1989. And had brought it to wear like had done over a decade prior. It looked the same. I, of course, looked a lot different but students milling about didn't care. Some staff and one of my old physics professors though I think looked at me with a bit of concern.
Meeting with the mathematics professor went ok. He was nice enough but I'd wanted passion as we stepped through what I knew to be an important argument. It disrupted so much in mathematics I was certain! With his help I felt confident could send shockwaves through the mathematical community and the world. I got patience and some interest as I stepped through the mathematics on his chalkboard, but then was dismayed as the professor hit the door at 4:30 pm on the dot. As was leaving, trying to absorb having successfully explained without it seeming to matter much, noted that it looked like the entire department emptied, like a bell had gone off. Guess that was when everybody usually left. Not happily, went back to my vehicle and left Vanderbilt University.
But I was SO disappointed and unfortunately began to get angry as drove back home, which took about five hours. Guess my fantasy of what would happen had run into reality of what I should have expected. Innovative ideas rarely get just picked up if challenge and disrupt too much, no matter how simple or easily proven.
Got home and sent off nice email regardless of misgivings, more or less thanking. Got nice but to me dismissive reply. That got me back to mad, sent not so nice emails. Eventually got blocked. I think my email is STILL blocked by Vanderbilt University. And don't blame them.
Would take me over a decade to understand how hard it can be. But thankfully the web would be my friend and source of constant support. Through years of upset, disappointment and choice rants there was always a silver lining somewhere.
And today? Not upset. Just SO appreciative of the adventure and the journeys that with perspective, later are just fun to share.
James Harris
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
My suggestions on using Twitter
Currently have 144 followers at time of this writing--as that thing can change--on my Twitter account which I think is a decent number. Kind of wonder sometimes why it's that high, but I'll take it. And have some suggestions for those out there who wish to keep their follower count low.
First off, have posted already that "followers" I think is the wrong word, as is more an audience in my opinion. So yes, if you're not entertaining? Don't expect it to get high.
So yeah, don't try to entertain people if you wish to manage your follower numbers!
However human beings like to compare themselves to others so you get really weird behavior on Twitter. Like I try not to follow accounts that start following me for a while, as I noticed that some of them? Would wait to see if I followed and if I didn't they'd drop me!
They were JUST FOLLOWING TO GET FOLLOWERS which is utterly worthless behavior.
So they didn't care about what I was tweeting. No interest in me as a human being AT ALL. I was just a way to try and get one more number which is useless as it's an audience number. So it's like you have these people trying to fill an auditorium when they don't have an act.
And that's about it. Don't try to entertain people, and don't follow just to get a follow back, and you too, like me, can I believe successfully manage your Twitter account.
But DO follow accounts that interest you. Follow just enough to have as many tweets in your stream as you like, without being overwhelmed. And look for areas of interest to you when picking accounts to follow.
It's your time. Why not use it to get the best information you can from the accounts that deliver it to you consistently, accurately, and fast?
I like to call Twitter the social media power tool of the 21st century. And learning to use it takes WORK. Some people try things that leave me shaking my head. But hey, it's free. They can do what they want. And it's not like I know for sure they're wrong!
However I strongly suspect some people see follower count as a status symbol. Yeah, maybe for celebrities or organizations, but to me? It doesn't matter under a million.
So if you don't have a million or more followers? Your Twitter account doesn't have status with me in that way. But I'm just one person with an opinion. Maybe others might be impressed?
Occurs to me that's actually quite arbitrary. Just an obvious metric. So does less than a million matter? To me? Yes. But that doesn't mean that's actually meaningfully valid I guess by some way I can't even think would actually fit here as typing. Really not that important I guess to me.
But if you're chasing status that way? I think that's interesting. It IS so obvious if you're trying. Hard not to notice.
Twitter is a fascinating place. Lots of players using all kinds of ways. Getting to the top of the heap there? Well everybody has an opinion on that one am sure.
I prefer to just enjoy Twitter as one of the greatest tools for communication ever devised.
James Harris
First off, have posted already that "followers" I think is the wrong word, as is more an audience in my opinion. So yes, if you're not entertaining? Don't expect it to get high.
So yeah, don't try to entertain people if you wish to manage your follower numbers!
However human beings like to compare themselves to others so you get really weird behavior on Twitter. Like I try not to follow accounts that start following me for a while, as I noticed that some of them? Would wait to see if I followed and if I didn't they'd drop me!
They were JUST FOLLOWING TO GET FOLLOWERS which is utterly worthless behavior.
So they didn't care about what I was tweeting. No interest in me as a human being AT ALL. I was just a way to try and get one more number which is useless as it's an audience number. So it's like you have these people trying to fill an auditorium when they don't have an act.
And that's about it. Don't try to entertain people, and don't follow just to get a follow back, and you too, like me, can I believe successfully manage your Twitter account.
But DO follow accounts that interest you. Follow just enough to have as many tweets in your stream as you like, without being overwhelmed. And look for areas of interest to you when picking accounts to follow.
It's your time. Why not use it to get the best information you can from the accounts that deliver it to you consistently, accurately, and fast?
I like to call Twitter the social media power tool of the 21st century. And learning to use it takes WORK. Some people try things that leave me shaking my head. But hey, it's free. They can do what they want. And it's not like I know for sure they're wrong!
However I strongly suspect some people see follower count as a status symbol. Yeah, maybe for celebrities or organizations, but to me? It doesn't matter under a million.
So if you don't have a million or more followers? Your Twitter account doesn't have status with me in that way. But I'm just one person with an opinion. Maybe others might be impressed?
Occurs to me that's actually quite arbitrary. Just an obvious metric. So does less than a million matter? To me? Yes. But that doesn't mean that's actually meaningfully valid I guess by some way I can't even think would actually fit here as typing. Really not that important I guess to me.
But if you're chasing status that way? I think that's interesting. It IS so obvious if you're trying. Hard not to notice.
Twitter is a fascinating place. Lots of players using all kinds of ways. Getting to the top of the heap there? Well everybody has an opinion on that one am sure.
I prefer to just enjoy Twitter as one of the greatest tools for communication ever devised.
James Harris
Coolest with Twitter Ten Year Anniversary
So Twitter celebrated ten years a couple of days ago, which turned into the coolest day for me on social media! So let's see how it looks to share here.
Looks good!
Oh yeah, and yes! My notifications went up. Got a bunch of retweets! Finally almost felt like maybe what people who get that all the time must feel.
So yeah, I got a reply from Twitter! And was just on Cloud Nine for the rest of the day.
These kinds of things should be memorialized. Yup. Most definitely.
Oh yeah, Twitter definitely knew how to do a 10 year anniversary! Kudos.
James Harris
— Twitter (@twitter) March 21, 2016
Looks good!
Oh yeah, and yes! My notifications went up. Got a bunch of retweets! Finally almost felt like maybe what people who get that all the time must feel.
So yeah, I got a reply from Twitter! And was just on Cloud Nine for the rest of the day.
These kinds of things should be memorialized. Yup. Most definitely.
Oh yeah, Twitter definitely knew how to do a 10 year anniversary! Kudos.
James Harris
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Who innovates the Innovators?
To me it is very obvious that ideas do not care who finds them. And while complex ideas or lots of ideas stacked together into some complex form are all over the place and critical to modern technology and infrastructure, there are all kinds of places where simple ideas rule.
And who are these people who are the simple Innovators? All over the place.
Like one of my favorite modern ideas is containerization for shipping.
Did a web search just now, and went to the result for the Wikipedia which was at the top. And will link to it here, but what I wanted is in a single sentence:
Changed the world.
Luckily for me have been fascinated by simple powerful ideas for a long time. And am lucky enough to have some innovations myself! But I've talked TONS about them all over the place. Here I'm just talking the excitement of it.
Today reality is that Innovators are springing up all around us, many I'm sure unsung for the moment.
Our world is just beginning to understand the power of those people despite the famous names who have become celebrated I think because they were so specialized. Like just with computers. Or just with social media.
But that's less fun than those who can come, look at something, and figure out another way to do it. Innovate. And do that across a variety of areas.
Who innovates the Innovators? The web does, of course.
I say the modern technology that yes we tout so much has given vast powers at the fingertips of so many around the globe and is pushing minds far further than ever before. The web can be your teacher, your partner, your assistant, and your global distributor for the new ideas that YOU find.
Innovation has become a calling I firmly believe. And the next wave of global movers will be Innovators who can go into just about any area, check things out, and find better ways of doing things.
And change the world.
James Harris
And who are these people who are the simple Innovators? All over the place.
Like one of my favorite modern ideas is containerization for shipping.
Did a web search just now, and went to the result for the Wikipedia which was at the top. And will link to it here, but what I wanted is in a single sentence:
In 1955, former trucking company owner Malcom McLean worked with engineer Keith Tantlinger to develop the modern intermodal container.And you know it's not a complicated idea. You have these rectangular containers that can stack well on big ships, be easily moved on and off, and can be trucked around easily.
Changed the world.
Luckily for me have been fascinated by simple powerful ideas for a long time. And am lucky enough to have some innovations myself! But I've talked TONS about them all over the place. Here I'm just talking the excitement of it.
Today reality is that Innovators are springing up all around us, many I'm sure unsung for the moment.
Our world is just beginning to understand the power of those people despite the famous names who have become celebrated I think because they were so specialized. Like just with computers. Or just with social media.
But that's less fun than those who can come, look at something, and figure out another way to do it. Innovate. And do that across a variety of areas.
Who innovates the Innovators? The web does, of course.
I say the modern technology that yes we tout so much has given vast powers at the fingertips of so many around the globe and is pushing minds far further than ever before. The web can be your teacher, your partner, your assistant, and your global distributor for the new ideas that YOU find.
Innovation has become a calling I firmly believe. And the next wave of global movers will be Innovators who can go into just about any area, check things out, and find better ways of doing things.
And change the world.
James Harris
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