I’m currently reading Designing for the Social Web – by Joshua Porter. He’s done a nice job of explaining the psychology behind why and how people interact online – as well as how to build social applications to enhance the “ask” to the consumer (which by the way, we now call “citizens” or “collaborators”).
Have you ever wondered why perfectly rational people make perfectly irrational decisions? I do – almost on a daily basis! Sometimes it’s me making the irrational decisions, but often times it’s others. Two brothers, Ori and Rom Brafman recently wrote a book called Sway. Sway addresses this question, covering the psychological forces that drive our irrational behaviors.
Here’s a video promoting their book. I think this book would be relevant to anyone…
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the Web site ETSY, but it’s really great. It’s a site that buys and sells all things HANDMADE. Their mission is “to enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect the makers with the buyers.”
Last Christmas I purchased 60% of my gifts from Etsy, and I used their SHOP LOCAL search function and was able to support artists that live near my friends and family. It also saved on shipping costs. You can also support different locations using their GEOLOCATOR - and it’s fun to use too! They even have a handy GIFT GUIDE – to help you search by price, gender, gift type, occasion, etc.
And I know what you may be thinking about “handmade” items – well this site will change your mind. Sure, there are some crafty items that look like they’ll fall apart in a day or two, or look like your kid made it in daycare – but there are MANY handmade items on this site that are truly beautiful. Here are some of my favorites….
These beautiful crystal pear earrings for $13.60. Now there is only one pair available, so this link to these earrings may only work until they are sold.
I’m on the board of directors of a non-profit organization in Eugene, Oregon called Committed Partners for Youth (CPY). CPY provides caring adult mentors to the highest needs kids in Lane County – especially kids that have one or both parents in prison. This is a social issue I don’t think many people think about – and they should. Mainly because these numbers are not shrinking – and we need to intervene before they follow their parents footsteps…
You can support these kids by joining the “Mentor Kids With A Parent In Prison” Cause on Facebook. You can then make a secure online donation (click image below) and give the gift of mentoring. Your donation will help match a kid who has a parent in prison with a caring adult mentor. Oh – I’ve also been mentoring a female youth for 4 years now who has a parent in prison and a mother who struggles with drug addiction. It’s been the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. But I understand that not everyone can mentor a kid, but perhaps can support this important cause through their dollars. This is a gift that definitely keeps on giving and is truly priceless!
If you’re one of those amazing people – please consider donating to a worthy cause. Instead of buying some cheap crap from China this holiday season, show your appreciation for your friends and family by supporting a cause in their name.
I’m currently reading Designing for the Social Web – by Joshua Porter. He’s done a nice job of explaining the psychology behind why and how people interact online – as well as how to build social applications to enhance the “ask” to the consumer (which by the way, we now call “citizens” or “collaborators”).
Click Joshua’s photo to read more about him.
