Links of Interest: February

Here are some of my favourite links from last month on my Google Reader's shared list:

JP talks about the implications for National Standards (Part One, Part Two). A great consideration of what they might mean for students.

I investigated and got annoyed with Google Buzz. Here's how to disable it permanently.

Axe Cop! Written by a 5-year old. Illustrated by his dad.

Seth Godin talks about the importance of devising ideas that spread. Favourite post of the month.

The showrunner of Bones discusses what's involved in creating a show that millions of people watch. One lesson: reinforce mainstream cultural expectations.

Fred Hicks describes what's involved in building an online community, in a series of practical easy-to-apply steps.



And three links from January:

Alex Epstein at Complications Ensue points out that you can use non-fiction as the basis for a screenplay without needing to buy the rights to that piece of non-fiction. He contends that the process of creating your story will completely change the way the underlying facts are represented. Alex is not a lawyer (as far as I know) but his point makes me feel much more confident about where I can get my inspiration from. (Not sure how this applies to biographies, though.)

Seth Godin links to a MOMA exhibition of the works of Tim Burton, and observes the vast number of Burton's failed projects. Seth's conclusions: finish projects, get them out the door, and get on to the next project. Don't be afraid to fail.

Seth also speculates about the future of libraries, and proposes that they shift their focus from 'providing information' to training people in how to:

a) find and use information
b) connect with and lead others.