Guiding Value

Latest Thinking Archives

Our comments on our favorite blog posts from around the Web.

Quote of the day: Beware the planners

06-25-2009
I haven't been spending a lot of time (well, any) keeping my blog reading and posts here at guidingvalue.com up to date. I've been working a lot with my blog (button in the above right) http://www.houchinlaw.com and http://www.kevinhouchin.com and http://www.twitter.com/kevinhouchin.
I'll try to do better here, but if it looks like I've not been here in a while, then pop over to the blog and see what's up.

Work$ and play$ well with others

10-28-2008
Another great citation from Dan.

Copyright infringement mecca?

10-28-2008
Google is definitely going to change (some would say â€œmodernizeâ€) copyright law. I give it 10 years at the outside before some major legislative changes and/or Supreme Court rulings shake things up significantly. Google, as the aggregator of small (non studio) content developers, has the power to overcome the collective action problem. They also the money to litigate principles most of us simply canâ€™t afford to litigate alone. They will probably win the lobbying battles too. Itâ€™ll be an interesting few years.

My favorite interview. Ever.

10-17-2008
This is a great interview and a great series. I don't watch Oprah, but I do listen to these podcasts whenever there's a new release. Great stuff.

Your fall reading assignment

10-13-2008
If Dan Pink says I should read it, I will.

Saving the World at Work

Why are these people smiling?

10-13-2008
I haven't read Bunko yet, but need to. It's next on the list.

Visual thinking

10-13-2008
Check out:

Visual Thinking Strategies

Robert Scoble On Twitter

10-13-2008
I get it now. Twitter is like a different way of constantly posting your status updates on Facebook... I'll give it a try.

Within five years, technology will obliterate the need for business travel.

10-13-2008
People disagree with this statement by a rate of 4-1. I feel the same way. In an age of videoconferencing, SHOWING UP will make a huge difference in landing sales and keeping customers. It's one of my 5 Guiding Values

Individuals can best help the environment by building smaller homes.

10-13-2008
I don't know if it's the "best" way to help the environment, but it sure wouldn't hurt. Plus spending more on finish details and less on square footage has a spiritual and craftsmanship element that is simply non-existent in most housing developments today. Pick up any of Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big House" books and you'll see the difference between a "house" and a "home."

Twitter will replace blogs as the Web's best social tool.

10-13-2008
Should I Twitter? I don't know... Does it make sense without a camera-enabled cell phone? Alas, I have no iPhone yet.

Freelance tips

10-13-2008
Ron's pointed us to another gem.

Too many left-brain organization men spoil the pot

10-13-2008
Dan hooks it up again, capturing once again the need for right-brain thinking in the world. Objective standards lead to short-term thinking - in both business and in education. Sometimes subjectivity, intuition, and trusting one's gut leads to success where logic leads to less.

2008 National Professional Visual Artist Study

03-06-2008
If you're a professional (meaning you sell your work) Visual Artist - think painter, quilter, sculptor, fine-art photographer, etc. - then please participate in our international study.

Click Here to Participate

If you have already completed the survey, THANKS!

3rd Annual Building Creative Business Expo

03-05-2008
Remember this event is THIS Saturday!

I'll be giving a presentation titled: Copyright and the Business of Creativity as well as a presentation titled: No Lame Names: Trademark Law and Branding.

www.changethis.com SUCCESS!

01-07-2008
I just found out my changethis.com manifesto proposal for No Lame Names was accepted. Now go to www.changethis.com and vote for my proposal for a Strange Fire Manifesto!

http://www.changethis.com/proposals/1121

Welcome. The Power of Design

12-17-2007
This should be a good blog to keep an eye on. Many times designers shoot themselves in the foot by being unrealistic in their expectations and can sometimes lose credibility by being arrogant and puffed-up. Maybe this blog can help folks find a balance between the (indisputable) importance of good design and the ego of many people labeling themselves "designers."

the business of creativity

12-17-2007
Share your comments on some of my thoughts on the "inrealationship" of law, business/art, creativity, and spirit.

Back on Track

12-05-2007
I just posted a blog entry over on www.houchinlaw.com (click above on the title, or at the top of this page on my image) relating to the intersection of Law, Business, Creativity and Spirit. I'd love you feedback.

Inside the Mind of a Cylon

11-12-2007
"I'd be perfectly happy letting fans digitally download everything in the production office, right up to and including putting dailies on the Internet. Then they could edit their own versions of the show. That's what I would want if I were a big fan."

That would be so cool!

Unempathic signage meets user-generated content

11-06-2007
Good for a laugh, and a thought about the importance of design in everyday life.

It reminds me that everyone should read MASSIVE CHANGE by Bruce Mau too.

And, while you're thinking about things differently, check out this thoughtful piece by Brian McLaren, a leader in the "Emerging" Christian Church movement: "President Bush's UNGIVEN Speech"

Download the file by clicking HERE.

China's New Creative Class

11-05-2007
If the US isn't careful, pro-active, and imaginative all at the same time, China will not only steam-roller our industrial base with affordable products, but take over the US leadership (at least whatever leadership we may still have) in the creative arena too. This is seriously important stuff. Funding for the arts and for educational systems that engage and energize the right-brains of our children is critical to our cultural success in the coming decades.

A Whole New Mind

10-29-2007
Lovin' this book! Everyone in HS, College, and Graduate School should read this. Parents should read this. Anyone who want's to succeed in the 21st Century should read this.

http://www.danpink.com/aboutwnm.php

Vote For My Manifesto Proposal at ChangeThis.com

10-22-2007

Vote for my "No Lame Names" Manifesto proposal on Changethis.com!

http://www.changethis.com/proposals/1070

Here's the text of the proposal:

As a designer, the biggest branding hurdle I faced was the "lame name." As a trademark lawyer, the hurdle has just gotten taller. This manifesto focuses on the overlap between creativity and trademark law in the branding process. No multi-million dollar market research needed. This is a practical in-the-trenches look at naming a new product, service, or business to create the best possible combination of creative and trademark strength. Don't be lame. Vote for this manifesto!

Madonna's Moves Herald the Future of Music Distribution

10-18-2007
Good article here on the balance between sharing and protecting intellectual property. The key is that if you're not adding value by your service, your service really isn't needed and you'll be cut out of the supply chain. Much of the value historically provided by major record labels is no longer need, so they're getting pushed out. Apple is still providing value, (assuming that revolutionizing the way music is sold to and managed by consumers - not to mention what was probably an unintended consequence - redesigning the future of the desktop interface is "valuable") so their position is strong.

2007 National Prospective Law Student Study

10-18-2007
I'm going to conduct another nationwide research study of the needs, thoughts, wishes, impressions, etc. of prospective law students. All law schools are invited to participate in this study. It's FREE, the law schools simply need to provide their direct inquiry email list to participate in the study. H&A will gather the lists, remove duplicates, send the email invitations, handle the online survey technology, collect the data, and report on the data. To participate, call 970-493-1070 or email Kevin Houchin (kevin.houchin@houchinlaw.com). Thanks.

Open Proposal to Law School Deans and Admissions Directors

10-04-2007
I still consult on branding with law schools. Traditionally, the proposals for this work ad some significant mark-ups to all the printing and creative work. It's almost impossible to compare apples to apples and evaluate different marketing firms in this model because as a law school decision-maker you have no idea how much of the price is truly value-added and how much is simply cost. Is your account executive/consultant WORTH the money? I've changed the model to a straight retainer and cost +10%. I call it "TransparencFEE."

October Scene Magazine Article

10-03-2007
If you're interested in the major factors of contract negotiations, take a look at my October Scene Magazine Article. Remember: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? How Much? How Often?

The Universal Traveler

09-15-2007
I just got a new copy of the creativity and problem-solving CLASSIC: The Universal Traveler. Check out the post in my blog @ www.houchinlaw.com

Wyoming Idea Expo

09-11-2007
I'll be speaking at the Wyoming Idea Expo at the end of the month. I'm giving shorter versions of the No Lame Names and Kissing Toads presentations.

Tarot Connection PodCast

09-10-2007
Watch (and listen) for my interview discussing copyright for artists on The Tarot Connection Podcast. Here's the site: http://www.tarotconnection.net/

New Clients

07-25-2007
Lots of great stuff happening. :-)

International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers

07-25-2007
I just joined the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers

The science of brand management

07-24-2007
Here's a link to a great resource on search engine trademark and brand management concepts. http://www.semreportcard.com/ The link:CLICK HERE

Business Start-Up - Style Magazine

07-16-2007
I've been getting a lot of calls and complements on this article. People seem to think it's pretty helpful when thinking about starting a new company.

Open Source: The Future of Film?

06-18-2007
Even as a trademark and copyright lawyer, I love the concept of Open Source projects. The challenge in creativity has always been finding a way to make the creative effort worth giving up your day job to pursue. That in itself takes creativity. When you can make a living by sharing freely of your creative spirit, then you're truly free.

How not to build a brand

06-07-2007
Proof that a huge marketing budget doesn't always lead to good design.

35.05 Presentation Revolution: Changing the Way the World Does Presentations by Scott Schwertly

06-07-2007
http://www.speakingonspeaking.com/ This is a really great site about creating powerful presentations. The content of the ChangeThis Manifesto is worth the read too.

Canâ€™t make this stuff upâ€¦

06-01-2007
Another example of why researching your proposed name online can be so important. Hopefully, this one will have a happy ending...

Pricing Model(s)

05-29-2007
I'd really love your feedback regarding my thoughts on pricing integrated legal and marketing services. Just visit the post (click the title above) and email me. I'm basically trying to figure out how to provide "conscious" counsel, rather than just pumping out the project quotes and "billable hours."

Steal This Video

05-14-2007
This is a great discussion relating to the fact that sometimes your legal rights actually get in the way of your best interest. Sometimes having your copyright infringed is great PUBLIC RELATIONS and MARKETING. Trademark rights, however, are different. Nobody should be allowed to use your trademark without your permission, because if you don't enforce trademark rights, you might be accused of "abandoning" those marks down the road when enforcement is necessary.

May Scene Magazine Article based on Kissing Toads Ebook

05-10-2007
If you're looking for a little more information before buying my ebooks or registering for a workshop, please check out my May Article in Scene Magazine. It's based on the Kissing Toads Ebook.

34.01.Pushing Past the Dip: How to Become the Best in the World by Seth Godin

05-10-2007
Another Great Manifesto From Change this and Seth Godin

Twelve commandments?

05-09-2007
This is a quick link out to another site with a VERY good overview of US Laws relating to Blogging.

To Photoshop; perchance, to Google

05-01-2007
Here's a great discussion about how strong brands can be too strong and end up "generic" with no TM protection at all.

Top 10 ChangeThis Downloads for March 2007

04-30-2007
This is always a great list for those of us that might not have time to go through the entire list of Manifestos at Change This. My Manifesto for the week: The Art of the Start.

How Luxury Cars Drive Innovation

04-26-2007
Very interesting article about innovation. It seems like the "luxury" or other "premium" segments of individual niche markets "drive" innovation. Maybe that also works the other way: the top of the segment becomes associated in the mind of the customer with "innovation." So, maybe you don't need to lower your prices to be seen as more innovative. Maybe you need to INCREASE your prices. Think about it.

University Blogging

04-26-2007
This is a very interesting article about college admissions marketing (one of my specialties), but more importantly, about the value of honesty in marketing. Letting people know the whole story and make honest, fully-informed decisions will lead to client, customer, and in this case student retention. And, we're all aware of the relative costs of keeping current clients compared with cultivating new ones. More work from current clients costs far less to close than landing new clients.

Google tops new list of worldâ€™s most valuable brands - Yahoo! News

04-25-2007
Here's a great discussion on the power (and financial value) of the world's top brands.

Thatâ€™s a wrap

04-16-2007
Ron Coleman serves up another helping of witty Trademark analysis on some fun issues in NYC.

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Marketing Focus Business Strategy Product Launch New Media & Web Traditional Media Legal Focus Business Law Intellectual Property Arts & Entertainment Estate Planning & Administration The Process Blog FAQs Contact Us Coming Events Latest Thinking	Latest Thinking Archives Our comments on our favorite blog posts from around the Web. Quote of the day: Beware the planners 06-25-2009 I haven't been spending a lot of time (well, any) keeping my blog reading and posts here at guidingvalue.com up to date. I've been working a lot with my blog (button in the above right) http://www.houchinlaw.com and http://www.kevinhouchin.com and http://www.twitter.com/kevinhouchin. I'll try to do better here, but if it looks like I've not been here in a while, then pop over to the blog and see what's up. Work$ and play$ well with others 10-28-2008 Another great citation from Dan. Copyright infringement mecca? 10-28-2008 Google is definitely going to change (some would say â€œmodernizeâ€) copyright law. I give it 10 years at the outside before some major legislative changes and/or Supreme Court rulings shake things up significantly. Google, as the aggregator of small (non studio) content developers, has the power to overcome the collective action problem. They also the money to litigate principles most of us simply canâ€™t afford to litigate alone. They will probably win the lobbying battles too. Itâ€™ll be an interesting few years. My favorite interview. Ever. 10-17-2008 This is a great interview and a great series. I don't watch Oprah, but I do listen to these podcasts whenever there's a new release. Great stuff. Your fall reading assignment 10-13-2008 If Dan Pink says I should read it, I will. Saving the World at Work Why are these people smiling? 10-13-2008 I haven't read Bunko yet, but need to. It's next on the list. Visual thinking 10-13-2008 Check out: Visual Thinking Strategies Robert Scoble On Twitter 10-13-2008 I get it now. Twitter is like a different way of constantly posting your status updates on Facebook... I'll give it a try. Within five years, technology will obliterate the need for business travel. 10-13-2008 People disagree with this statement by a rate of 4-1. I feel the same way. In an age of videoconferencing, SHOWING UP will make a huge difference in landing sales and keeping customers. It's one of my 5 Guiding Values Individuals can best help the environment by building smaller homes. 10-13-2008 I don't know if it's the "best" way to help the environment, but it sure wouldn't hurt. Plus spending more on finish details and less on square footage has a spiritual and craftsmanship element that is simply non-existent in most housing developments today. Pick up any of Sarah Susanka's "Not So Big House" books and you'll see the difference between a "house" and a "home." Twitter will replace blogs as the Web's best social tool. 10-13-2008 Should I Twitter? I don't know... Does it make sense without a camera-enabled cell phone? Alas, I have no iPhone yet. Freelance tips 10-13-2008 Ron's pointed us to another gem. Too many left-brain organization men spoil the pot 10-13-2008 Dan hooks it up again, capturing once again the need for right-brain thinking in the world. Objective standards lead to short-term thinking - in both business and in education. Sometimes subjectivity, intuition, and trusting one's gut leads to success where logic leads to less. 2008 National Professional Visual Artist Study 03-06-2008 If you're a professional (meaning you sell your work) Visual Artist - think painter, quilter, sculptor, fine-art photographer, etc. - then please participate in our international study. Click Here to Participate If you have already completed the survey, THANKS! 3rd Annual Building Creative Business Expo 03-05-2008 Remember this event is THIS Saturday! I'll be giving a presentation titled: Copyright and the Business of Creativity as well as a presentation titled: No Lame Names: Trademark Law and Branding. www.changethis.com SUCCESS! 01-07-2008 I just found out my changethis.com manifesto proposal for No Lame Names was accepted. Now go to www.changethis.com and vote for my proposal for a Strange Fire Manifesto! http://www.changethis.com/proposals/1121 Welcome. The Power of Design 12-17-2007 This should be a good blog to keep an eye on. Many times designers shoot themselves in the foot by being unrealistic in their expectations and can sometimes lose credibility by being arrogant and puffed-up. Maybe this blog can help folks find a balance between the (indisputable) importance of good design and the ego of many people labeling themselves "designers." the business of creativity 12-17-2007 Share your comments on some of my thoughts on the "inrealationship" of law, business/art, creativity, and spirit. Back on Track 12-05-2007 I just posted a blog entry over on www.houchinlaw.com (click above on the title, or at the top of this page on my image) relating to the intersection of Law, Business, Creativity and Spirit. I'd love you feedback. Inside the Mind of a Cylon 11-12-2007 "I'd be perfectly happy letting fans digitally download everything in the production office, right up to and including putting dailies on the Internet. Then they could edit their own versions of the show. That's what I would want if I were a big fan." That would be so cool! Unempathic signage meets user-generated content 11-06-2007 Good for a laugh, and a thought about the importance of design in everyday life. It reminds me that everyone should read MASSIVE CHANGE by Bruce Mau too. And, while you're thinking about things differently, check out this thoughtful piece by Brian McLaren, a leader in the "Emerging" Christian Church movement: "President Bush's UNGIVEN Speech" Download the file by clicking HERE. China's New Creative Class 11-05-2007 If the US isn't careful, pro-active, and imaginative all at the same time, China will not only steam-roller our industrial base with affordable products, but take over the US leadership (at least whatever leadership we may still have) in the creative arena too. This is seriously important stuff. Funding for the arts and for educational systems that engage and energize the right-brains of our children is critical to our cultural success in the coming decades. A Whole New Mind 10-29-2007 Lovin' this book! Everyone in HS, College, and Graduate School should read this. Parents should read this. Anyone who want's to succeed in the 21st Century should read this. http://www.danpink.com/aboutwnm.php Vote For My Manifesto Proposal at ChangeThis.com 10-22-2007 Vote for my "No Lame Names" Manifesto proposal on Changethis.com! http://www.changethis.com/proposals/1070 Here's the text of the proposal: As a designer, the biggest branding hurdle I faced was the "lame name." As a trademark lawyer, the hurdle has just gotten taller. This manifesto focuses on the overlap between creativity and trademark law in the branding process. No multi-million dollar market research needed. This is a practical in-the-trenches look at naming a new product, service, or business to create the best possible combination of creative and trademark strength. Don't be lame. Vote for this manifesto! Madonna's Moves Herald the Future of Music Distribution 10-18-2007 Good article here on the balance between sharing and protecting intellectual property. The key is that if you're not adding value by your service, your service really isn't needed and you'll be cut out of the supply chain. Much of the value historically provided by major record labels is no longer need, so they're getting pushed out. Apple is still providing value, (assuming that revolutionizing the way music is sold to and managed by consumers - not to mention what was probably an unintended consequence - redesigning the future of the desktop interface is "valuable") so their position is strong. 2007 National Prospective Law Student Study 10-18-2007 I'm going to conduct another nationwide research study of the needs, thoughts, wishes, impressions, etc. of prospective law students. All law schools are invited to participate in this study. It's FREE, the law schools simply need to provide their direct inquiry email list to participate in the study. H&A will gather the lists, remove duplicates, send the email invitations, handle the online survey technology, collect the data, and report on the data. To participate, call 970-493-1070 or email Kevin Houchin (kevin.houchin@houchinlaw.com). Thanks. Open Proposal to Law School Deans and Admissions Directors 10-04-2007 I still consult on branding with law schools. Traditionally, the proposals for this work ad some significant mark-ups to all the printing and creative work. It's almost impossible to compare apples to apples and evaluate different marketing firms in this model because as a law school decision-maker you have no idea how much of the price is truly value-added and how much is simply cost. Is your account executive/consultant WORTH the money? I've changed the model to a straight retainer and cost +10%. I call it "TransparencFEE." October Scene Magazine Article 10-03-2007 If you're interested in the major factors of contract negotiations, take a look at my October Scene Magazine Article. Remember: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? How Much? How Often? The Universal Traveler 09-15-2007 I just got a new copy of the creativity and problem-solving CLASSIC: The Universal Traveler. Check out the post in my blog @ www.houchinlaw.com Wyoming Idea Expo 09-11-2007 I'll be speaking at the Wyoming Idea Expo at the end of the month. I'm giving shorter versions of the No Lame Names and Kissing Toads presentations. Tarot Connection PodCast 09-10-2007 Watch (and listen) for my interview discussing copyright for artists on The Tarot Connection Podcast. Here's the site: http://www.tarotconnection.net/ New Clients 07-25-2007 Lots of great stuff happening. :-) International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers 07-25-2007 I just joined the International Alliance of Holistic Lawyers The science of brand management 07-24-2007 Here's a link to a great resource on search engine trademark and brand management concepts. http://www.semreportcard.com/ The link:CLICK HERE Business Start-Up - Style Magazine 07-16-2007 I've been getting a lot of calls and complements on this article. People seem to think it's pretty helpful when thinking about starting a new company. Open Source: The Future of Film? 06-18-2007 Even as a trademark and copyright lawyer, I love the concept of Open Source projects. The challenge in creativity has always been finding a way to make the creative effort worth giving up your day job to pursue. That in itself takes creativity. When you can make a living by sharing freely of your creative spirit, then you're truly free. How not to build a brand 06-07-2007 Proof that a huge marketing budget doesn't always lead to good design. 35.05 Presentation Revolution: Changing the Way the World Does Presentations by Scott Schwertly 06-07-2007 http://www.speakingonspeaking.com/ This is a really great site about creating powerful presentations. The content of the ChangeThis Manifesto is worth the read too. Canâ€™t make this stuff upâ€¦ 06-01-2007 Another example of why researching your proposed name online can be so important. Hopefully, this one will have a happy ending... Pricing Model(s) 05-29-2007 I'd really love your feedback regarding my thoughts on pricing integrated legal and marketing services. Just visit the post (click the title above) and email me. I'm basically trying to figure out how to provide "conscious" counsel, rather than just pumping out the project quotes and "billable hours." Steal This Video 05-14-2007 This is a great discussion relating to the fact that sometimes your legal rights actually get in the way of your best interest. Sometimes having your copyright infringed is great PUBLIC RELATIONS and MARKETING. Trademark rights, however, are different. Nobody should be allowed to use your trademark without your permission, because if you don't enforce trademark rights, you might be accused of "abandoning" those marks down the road when enforcement is necessary. May Scene Magazine Article based on Kissing Toads Ebook 05-10-2007 If you're looking for a little more information before buying my ebooks or registering for a workshop, please check out my May Article in Scene Magazine. It's based on the Kissing Toads Ebook. 34.01.Pushing Past the Dip: How to Become the Best in the World by Seth Godin 05-10-2007 Another Great Manifesto From Change this and Seth Godin Twelve commandments? 05-09-2007 This is a quick link out to another site with a VERY good overview of US Laws relating to Blogging. To Photoshop; perchance, to Google 05-01-2007 Here's a great discussion about how strong brands can be too strong and end up "generic" with no TM protection at all. Top 10 ChangeThis Downloads for March 2007 04-30-2007 This is always a great list for those of us that might not have time to go through the entire list of Manifestos at Change This. My Manifesto for the week: The Art of the Start. How Luxury Cars Drive Innovation 04-26-2007 Very interesting article about innovation. It seems like the "luxury" or other "premium" segments of individual niche markets "drive" innovation. Maybe that also works the other way: the top of the segment becomes associated in the mind of the customer with "innovation." So, maybe you don't need to lower your prices to be seen as more innovative. Maybe you need to INCREASE your prices. Think about it. University Blogging 04-26-2007 This is a very interesting article about college admissions marketing (one of my specialties), but more importantly, about the value of honesty in marketing. Letting people know the whole story and make honest, fully-informed decisions will lead to client, customer, and in this case student retention. And, we're all aware of the relative costs of keeping current clients compared with cultivating new ones. More work from current clients costs far less to close than landing new clients. Google tops new list of worldâ€™s most valuable brands - Yahoo! News 04-25-2007 Here's a great discussion on the power (and financial value) of the world's top brands. Thatâ€™s a wrap 04-16-2007 Ron Coleman serves up another helping of witty Trademark analysis on some fun issues in NYC.
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