CBrajkovich Ramblings

http://youtu.be/y5whWXxGHUA

So, we’re celebrating Labor Day in the United States, and this video seemed enormously appropriate as a reminder about the meaning behind labor. We’re in the midst of the London Paralympics 2012, which followed in the Olympics footsteps. Though some of the global audience views these events differently, we see that these athletes are all extraordinarily dedicated to their passion – whether they are full-bodied or not. I wouldn’t use the term able-bodied, because these men and women prove that they are just as capable as those athletes who are not “disabled”.

This ad by Samsung reminds us that each man and woman who participates in the Paralympics (and other sporting events) are decimating the impression that they are helpless. Their spirit is fierce, and they prove that limitations only exist in our minds. For them, it really is a labor of love, as they face the unfair social stigma that they are somehow less than all others. Here’s proof that perception needs to go deeper than the surface in order to meet the real person behind the persona. Labor is no longer just about commerce. It’s about being proud of what you do, whatever that may be, because you truly love what you do. It’s also a reminder that life is fragile, so make sure that you’re doing what you love. The rest will fall into place because of your dedication.

p.s. Be sure to watch the other videos being shared in this Reddit post. They’re all really amazing!

– thanks for sharing this incredible message, Reddit

Wow, Reddit, you allowed me to stumble on an incredible video that I was not expecting to see. S&G – Sound of Silence connects us to a world where hearing is not an option. Deaf people are disabled in some ways, but they compensate in many other ways. Whether we can hear or not, our senses only work when we actively use them to see the whole picture. When you’re excluded from a group, the limitations sometimes overpower our logic. It’s only when we clear our heads that we see reality as it can be.

Relationships are hard, but hearing in them can be harder. Active engagement is what keeps them healthy – along with a whole lot of caring. And using all of your senses.

And to give credit where credit is due, here is the original video shot for an Australian initiative: Quiet Signs of Love. Bravo, ikonfilm!!

p.s. If you want to connect with a deaf person over the phone, then try out the National Relay Service (and learn to sign). More and more services out there are helping us to overcome barriers, so that we can reach out and make a connection that strengthens with time and effort. A relationship can be worth that effort. It’s just takes a little heart.

p.p.s Get out some tissues for the ending. It’s sweet.

I saw this screen shot on Reddit, talking about Microsoft’s closing of Halo 2 on XBox live. Although I’m not a gamer, I am fascinated by online gaming’s ability to bring a diverse group of people together from all over the world to share in an online experience. I guess that the only reason why I never pursued gaming is that I knew that I’d get caught in the gravitational pull of a good game filled with good people, amazing imagery, and incredible experiences that I helped build. As a creative, I tend to get consumed whenever I’m in creator mode – to the point that I forget that I’ve got other responsibilities. Any creative will tell you the same story – no matter what they’re creating. Hence why we pick our pursuits carefully, since they’re all-consuming.

Many companies, on the other hand, do not look at this collaboration in the same way as its users do. And this final statement from the Noble 14 gives you a hint as to how wide the gulf is between user and company. Yes, many companies are finally getting the hint that things don’t have to be brand spankin’ new if they’ve passed the test of time and become a cult favorite. Some things are created well in the beginning, and become even better as more people build upon a strong foundation. This page says a lot about our current disposable world. We think too much of the short-term rewards without understanding that good benefits can sometimes take years to build up. Everywhere in the business world today, there are things going obsolete and fans who are unhappy at the loss. The lesson of the story might be how the story was built in the first place. When everyone has a hand in making any experience, online or otherwise, memorable, then you’ve pretty much achieved the goal of creation.

When fans talk, companies should listen harder to the nuances of the conversation. There’s some valuable input that hold a treasure trove of information to help build a closer user-company relation.

Just saying…