Words of Wisdom from TheCamel

Fear Factor

Shane Hodge • May 2, 2017

Do you remember that show? Wow, they would have a bunch of people go through a series of three stunts, all super dangerous, like driving fast cars over a bridge, or through fire and explosions. But, the stunts that usually got everybody talking were the eating strange disgusting things or lying in a glass case having a close encounter with all sorts of nasty stuff. Some of the things they made people eat were shocking. A quick sample of delicacies include African cave dwelling spiders – nasty things with big long legs with claws at the end of them, and hello they were alive and had to be chewed before swallowing. What about sheep’s eyes? Yep, these lovely little balls of cooked joy are bad enough but to make it worse, the contestants were surrounded by live sheep looking at them straight in the eye whilst the contestant devoured one of their relatives former looking glass of life. Tarantulas, snakes, raw sewerage, all sorts of fun and joy made for a super show. Yes, just the thought of this stuff was enough to elevate the “FEAR” factor but the host, Joe Rogan, was also famous for really talking up the fear. Telling the contestants how disgusting the thing was they were about to eat, really talking it up before the contestant could look at it and have attempt to do the task. The silly part? Often the stuff they had to eat although looking awful really had no taste or wasn’t that bad at all, you just must get it past the lips! LOL. When it comes to talking up the fear factor in the web world? I tell you, Joe Rogan does not compare to what the SPAM emailers get up to. They can send you information so awful and frightening that you will swear your super sexy website is a disaster and has every problem except for maybe the plague! I read them, customers read them, then get me to read them and it is very scary. They will have stats upon stats telling us how we have “100’s” of issues with our website. The fear factor they build up is terrible and you get to the point you’re even worried your customers might catch a virus if they look at it. Yes folks, the fear factor driven up by these email spammers form all sorts of strange and wonderful lands is not just scary, it’s a pain in the you know what. Is the fear real? In most cases no. They will pick all sorts of obscure, mean-nothing, technical issues that really have zero to do with the performance of your site. All they want to do is create the illusion of a tarantula on the plate, a rat in the sewer and make you as scared as possible for you to email them back and sign up for something that really you don’t need. So, if you get those emails? You can be on the safe side. Don’t even get involved in the show, do a quick check with google or your web developer to settle your nerves, then maybe find a crunchy bowl of scorpions to munch on whilst you watch Joe talk it up on the reruns.
Have a great day!

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The Secret to Great Customer Service: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Success

By Shane Hodge • December 3, 2024

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When Your Get Up and Go Has Got Up and Gone

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

Why Humans Are Still the Picasso of Graphic Design in the Age of AI

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