Little videos to get you through anything....

Or at least in my opinion. In case you don't know who Derek Sivers is...well let's just say he happens to be the founder of this little company called CD Baby.

Funny how I actually didn't know this myself at first. I mainly am familiar with his blog that I subscribe to. Well as a subscriber, I received an email. This particular newsletter was titled "7 little videos you will love." An animator made short videos from different pieces Derek had written.

I clicked on each link within the email and pretty much loved all of them in their own little way. Each vid offers advice for anyone....if you're open-minded to taking it...whether you run a business or not but want too....or just need a little reflection or motivation. I promise you will not be disappointed.

First they came....

When I was in high school, I remember seeing a poster in my English class that had this written on it:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

The quote is by Martin Niemoller, who opposed Hitler and often spoke out against him.

I, for some odd reason, had been thinking of this quote for quite some time and couldn't realize why. Perhaps, seeing the economy in the toilet? Or people losing their jobs? Or perhaps all the natural disasters people have been going through?

For whatever reason, I just had. And then I realized how fortunate I am to say what I want and do what I want (of course within legal limits). Perhaps, that is why I have chosen a field that I can work with artists that are talented and have received a wonderful gift...a voice to sing. Maybe not all artists use this voice for worthwhile causes but nonetheless a voice to sing what's in their hearts.

The point of all this is whatever it is you want to do and say...do it. Whether your politically involved or musically inclined...I think Niemoller would agree.

(To learn more about Niemoller, click the title.)

Bieber Cover Bombed!

Yep! Mr. Justin Bieber's Vanity Fair's cover did so terrible in sales that it was considered to be the worst within the last 12 years of the publication!

I don't blame the young pop star but do blame Vanity Fair and his public relations team. Both parties should have known this wasn't the right market. This market reaches audiences who are older than his typical teen fans.

Word to the wise...do your research and know your markets.

(Click the title to check out Justin Bieber's Vanity Fair Cover.)