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Death by Facebook

Shane Hodge • April 1, 2016

Heresy. Back in the year 1022 it was a scary time, you had to watch what you said and did as the Church was all powerful, if you were part of the Church and you said the wrong thing - you could be labeled a “Heretic”. Then the next thing you know, your life could be getting a little warm as they burnt you on a stake. The powers at the time soon discovered this labeling could be a good thing to get rid of enemy’s, get other people’s property even their wives. So all of sudden accusing anybody of being a Heretic was the norm for getting even or disposing of the opposition.

It was popular as they could burn 200 at a time, all you need do was accuse and then it was up to the accused to prove they were innocent, bit hard though as they were usually tortured and the only way to stop the pain was to admit guilt.

In 1692 in a place called Salem they had the famous Witch Trials, same process you could be accused of being a Witch and then you had to prove you were not, usually torture was put in place and the only way yet again to stop the pain was screaming, “I am a Witch” this would stop the pain but yep you guessed it, once again your “confession” would book you for a final appointment with a stake to hold you up, whilst they fire quickly toasted you.

What’s the point I’m making here? Well, unlike a lot of my blogs this one is totally serious. If we fast forward to 2016 we have a new brand of heresy accusation and global Salem witch trials. Yes, folks we have death by Facebook.

Death of personal or business reputation is a big and scary issue, and like heresy and the witch trails no need for proof, all that is needed is a post on a Facebook Page or a 140 character tweet!

Upset customers back in the day would call you, visit you, write a letter. Not now baby, boom Facebook post, share with friends of friends and faster than a duck’s digestive system the world will know, “You did me wrong.”

Disgruntled employee, jealous opposition? No need for any long term plotting. With just a Wi-Fi connection and a smartphone, boom they have got you in all sorts of trouble.

The scary part? Like Heresy and the Witch Trials none of what is posted has to be true, what will be the torture? Usually finding out the post or tweet has been around for days and worst case has gone viral and you have been wondering, “Where did the customers go?”

Yes, it does suck, and yes it’s not fair but I reckon the people smelling BBQ on the stake were saying exactly the same thing.

So what is a Guy or Gal to do? Well, first up we have to realize that this sort of thing is here to stay, we also have to finally let the penny drop that Social Media is a critical part of our business planning, it’s no longer something that we set up and forget, post when it’s our anniversary. We need to monitor and manage FB pages and Twitter.

It’s called Reputation Management, and either do it yourself as part of your daily chores or you pay somebody to do it, but like a having CCTV, Burglar Alarm, Fire Extinguishers and PC Virus Protection it is best to be safe than forever sorry.

As sadly, unlike the times of Heresy, or the Salem Witch Trials? Death by Facebook is not going away.

Hugs from TheCamel. co

By Shane Hodge December 3, 2024
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By Shane Hodge November 1, 2024
Ah, the digital agency dream! The freedom to set your own hours, the thrill of building something from scratch, and the joy of staying in bed all day because your motivation decided to take a vacation. We've all been there. One moment you're ready to conquer the world, and the next, you're contemplating if you can run your business from under the covers. Fear not, fellow business warriors! Here’s a guide to reigniting that spark when your get up and go has got up and gone. 1. The Snooze Button Tango First things first, let's address the elephant in the room: the snooze button. It's tempting, isn't it? Just one more tap and you can dream a little longer about that tropical island getaway. But here's a tip: place your alarm clock across the room. This way, you'll have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. By the time you've stumbled across the room, you're halfway to being a functioning human. Plus, it's a great way to practice your morning dance moves! 2. Coffee: The Elixir of Life If motivation had a flavor, it would undoubtedly be coffee. There's something magical about that first sip that transforms you from a groggy zombie into a semi-alert human. So, brew yourself a cup of your favorite blend and let the caffeine work its wonders. If you're not a coffee person, tea or a refreshing smoothie can do the trick too. The key is to find your personal elixir that kickstarts your day. 3. Dress for Success (Even if No One Will See You) Working from home has its perks, like wearing pajamas all day. But sometimes, a lack of motivation stems from feeling too comfortable. Try dressing up as if you're heading to an important meeting. It might sound silly, but putting on your "power outfit" can boost your confidence and productivity. Plus, you never know when an impromptu video call might happen! 4. The To-Do List: Your New Best Friend When you're feeling overwhelmed, a to-do list can be your savior. Start with small, manageable tasks and gradually work your way up to the big ones. There's nothing more satisfying than crossing items off your list. It's like a mini celebration each time you do it. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, add "make a to-do list" to your list just so you can cross it off immediately. Instant success! 5. Dance Like Nobody's Watching Sometimes, all you need is a little music to lift your spirits. Create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs and have a dance party in your living room. Not only will it boost your mood, but it's also a fun way to get some exercise. Remember, the goal is to have fun, so let loose and dance like nobody's watching (because they probably aren't). 6. Phone a Friend When motivation is low, reach out to a fellow entrepreneur or a friend who understands the struggle. A quick chat can provide a fresh perspective and remind you that you're not alone. Plus, sharing a laugh or two can work wonders for your mood. Just make sure the conversation doesn't turn into a marathon gossip session! 7. Reward Yourself Set small goals throughout the day and reward yourself when you achieve them. Whether it's a piece of chocolate, a short walk outside, or a few minutes of scrolling through your favorite social media, having something to look forward to can keep you motivated. Just be careful not to let the rewards overshadow the work! 8. Watch TheCamel.co Live Stream Replays Shameless Promotion, LOL, at least you can have a laugh rather than be miserable. In conclusion, when your get up and go has got up and gone, remember that it's perfectly normal to have off days. The key is to find what works for you and embrace the journey with a sense of humor. After all, laughter is the best motivator. So, get up, get moving, and show the world what you're made of! Hugs from TheCamel
By Shane Hodge September 27, 2024
Yes we have to pay humans (How dare they ask for money some ask) But Folks In a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, it's easy to imagine a future where robots are designing our logos, creating our advertisements, and even picking out the perfect shade of blue for our websites. But before we hand over our graphic design tools to our silicon-based friends, let's take a moment to appreciate why humans are still the reigning champions of creativity in the design world. Spoiler alert: it’s not just because we can appreciate a good cup of coffee while working! The Human Touch : More Than Just Opposable Thumbs AI might be able to churn out designs faster than you can say "Helvetica," but it lacks the human touch. There's something about the way a human designer can capture emotion, tell a story, and connect with an audience that AI just can't replicate. It's like comparing a hand-knitted sweater from grandma to a mass-produced one from a factory. Sure, they both keep you warm, but only one comes with a side of love and a hint of mothballs. Creativity : The Unpredictable Muse AI is great at following patterns and algorithms, but creativity often thrives on breaking the rules. Human designers have the ability to think outside the box, color outside the lines, and occasionally spill coffee on the canvas, creating a masterpiece by accident. AI, on the other hand, would probably just short-circuit at the sight of a coffee stain. Humor : The Secret Ingredient Let's face it, AI doesn't have a sense of humor. It might be able to generate a pun or two, but it doesn't understand the nuances of wit and sarcasm. Human designers can infuse humor into their work, making it relatable and memorable. After all, who doesn't love a good visual pun? Just imagine an AI trying to design a funny cat meme—it would probably end up with a picture of a toaster. Empathy : Designing with Heart Graphic design is not just about making things look pretty; it's about understanding the audience and designing with empathy. Humans have the ability to put themselves in others' shoes (or flip-flops, if that's your thing) and create designs that resonate on a deeper level. AI might be able to analyze data, but it can't feel the joy of a child seeing their favorite cartoon character or the nostalgia of a retro design. The Happy Accidents Some of the best designs come from happy accidents—those unexpected moments of brilliance that occur when a designer is experimenting and playing around. AI is programmed to avoid mistakes, but humans know that sometimes, a little chaos can lead to something extraordinary. It's like the time you accidentally added too much chili to your soup and discovered a new favorite dish. The Human Connection At the end of the day, design is about connecting with people. Human designers have the ability to build relationships, understand client needs, and collaborate in ways that AI simply can't. Plus, humans are much better at handling client feedback without overheating or needing a reboot. In conclusion, while AI is a fantastic tool that can assist in the design process, it lacks the creativity, empathy, and humor that make human designers truly exceptional. So, the next time you're admiring a beautifully crafted logo or a cleverly designed ad, remember to thank the human behind the screen. After all, we're the ones who can appreciate the finer things in life—like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and a well-timed joke. Love & Hugs from TheCamel
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