Here's The Thing

Where should this blog go?

So I have been thinking a lot about this blog and what it should do, and where it should go.

I started this as a way to experiment, and collect my own thoughts. I thought a few friends would dig it maybe. But I'm not sure I am offering anything here that has much meaning. It seems to me that to provide real value to anyone a blog needs to be deep. As in: What am I an expert in that no one else is? What could someone learn from me? And how might that provide you (reader), and me (writer) some benefit? What would be interesting?

The only thing I am a true expert in is Ripple, my own company. At first blush I thought "is that boring?" Maybe it is. Or maybe it is damn interesting. I mean we watch TV shows about individual characters all the time. I love to watch a character develop. Warts and all. And a business is a huge culmination of characters. It is a massive boiling pot of values, ethics, compromises, risks, mistakes, fear, elation, second-guessing, and pure unadulterated passion. I have never had anything in my life teach me more lessons, test my values, or define my humanity like running Ripple. Maybe there is something to learn there for others. The idea would be to have a running dialog about Ripple, not just a positive spin type blog, or a place where we announce new products. You know, warts and all.

I feel like the pros are as follows:

• People could really learn from my experience (it's interesting to try to understand why we as humans feel the need to give back - I'm glad we do, but it's interesting nonetheless).
• Prospective clients and employees could get a meaningful window into what makes Ripple, and Mike Landman tick.
• It could be an interesting way to demonstrate what we are great at.
• When people see what the real motivators and values are behind Ripple they will be more understanding of us in general.
• It could be a great feedback loop for clients, prospects and the world at large.

I feel like the cons are these:

• People could come to see the mistakes and imperfections as weaknesses that make them want to work with another company.
• Prospective clients and employees could get a meaningful window into what makes Ripple, and Mike Landman tick. :)
• Competitors might leave armed with nifty information.

What do you think? Interesting? Just another CEO blog? Waste of time? I would love to get your input. Email or comment whatever you think.

And, before I forget: Thanks for all of your support to date. It has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me so far.

Hey, I know! Change the world for the better.

This professor, Randy Pausch, is the professor I always imagined all professors would be like when I got to college. Brilliant, interested, able to bring out the best in me. Inspiring. Better than me. Approachable. The reality is that very few professors are actually like this.

This is his last lecture as a professor. It is about how to realize your childhood dreams, how to help others realize theirs, and some lessons learned over his career spent doing both. It's 90 minutes long. I know, it seems really long. But if there were 500 more men like this in the world -  even 5 more men like this in the world, the impact would be astonishing. We should all aspire to be like this man.

Oh, did I mention? He's going to be dead by Spring. He's 47. Yeah. It shouldn't matter, but it does. I will probably watch this 5 more times. Watch 9 minutes, then let me know if you were able to stop.

I had a few great professors while I was in school. But only one who really took an interest in me, one who I got to know. It was this man, Constantine Sedikides. So a little shout-out to you CS. Thanks. I often wonder if I would have finished school without you.

Thanks to Michael Arrington for the link.