
For Dutch Christmas (called 'Sinterklaas') I'm given the hard cover version of Steve Jobs biography. It's a massive block of paper. I could kill a man with its girth. A few nights later, I notice the book is hard to read in bed. It's too clunky. In a 21st century twist of fate, I see my Kindle lying peacefully on the bedside table. It's tantalizingly calling out my name, "David, put down that dinosaur. Come to me. You can read me without breaking your wrists"
In less time than it takes to say "Steve Jobs", I grab my Kindle and buy the ebook. It's the same book, I remind you, that lies heavily on my chest as I push the two buttons required to make my digital purchase.
The future, dear friends, is here.
As much as I love my gargantuan hard cover, to ogle it, fondle it, to admire the workmanship, I will not get into bed with it. But my Kindle, clean lined and featherweight as she is, will follow me everywhere. Safe to say, I will never again be purchasing an IKEA bookshelf.
But this plot thickens. For I am not just a passionate reader. I'm also a writer.
For the better part of two years, I've written a book in the traditional manner: I conceived it, wrote it, shopped it for a publisher, found a publisher, and then went back and forth for months and months hammering out the final version (which is STILL ongoing). I'm eternally grateful for my publisher's belief in my work, as well as the risk they're taking.
But my experience has taught me a valuable lesson: the traditional writer|publisher paradigm is in grave danger. In fact it is potentially D-E-C-E-A-S-E-D.
Self publishing, that's my mantra for 2012.
There's one catch: technology.
Here's where 'I can't' meets 'I won't'. I decided long ago that I can't do digital. I decided I'm an analogue dude.
Wrong. Hollow excuse.
Of course I can. Anybody can. If you're 'smart' enough to read this post, you can handle the basics of anything out there.
The truth is: I just won't|wouldn't.
But if I truly want to be an independent coach|artist|business owner, I gotta learn the tech: Photoshop, ePUB, CSS, iMovie, Garage Band, Final Draft. Not to mention the obligatory Twitter etc. Freedom only comes with the ability to utilize the technology. Arrivederci analogue.
Step one: my first ever computer course. I sit at a wooden table, my Mac perched in front of me. Dorus, the digital maestro, will guide us through the software minefield that is Photoshop.
By the first coffee break I've become uncharacteristically quiet. The massive mountain of information has crushed my brain. Dorus sneaks frequent glances in my direction, making sure I've not slipped into a coma.
Slowly but surely I find my footing, but it ain't easy. Watching Snooki get drunk on Jersey Shore is easy. Learning Photoshop, and the rest of the digital media ilk, is hard. It demands lots of concentration, patience, and calm.
As this year begins, be aware of your own 'I can't' vs 'I won't' trap. Don't fall in. Find a coach. Find a teacher. Find a course. Stop making excuses and go do it. When you do, your Swagger will be blinding.
Welcome to 2012 comrades.