the book has been the mainstay of western learning ever since the printed press first began operation more than 500 years ago. It has been cherished, worshiped, slaved-over, and passed from hand to hand. The Book is in the DNA of our history. So where to now?
in an internet age, what role does the printed book play? a site like amazon continues to push out content to readers around the world; best-sellers still sell in the millions. Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling have certainly made their fortunes via the printed word. So the economics seem sound … at least for now.
what is more at stake is the place and reputation of the book. Libraries once were the sole repositories of a cities’ information; today, all you need is a laptop and a wi-fi connection to plug into Knowledge. The bookshelf used to be the pride and centerpiece of any cultured home; now we have throwaway, biodegradable paperbacks. The glamor of the Book has most certainly declined.
This podcast, Beyond the Book, aims to investigate these pressing issues re the Book and it’s meaning. Hosted by Chris Kenneally, it is a weekly show that has a rotating suite of topics. Issues such as copyright, Google Books, and digital sales feature prominently. Expert voices are interviewed to give you the straight up analysis. Check out this recent show on the Frankfurt Book Fair.
the show has been running since Sep 2006, and one applauds the commitment and energy on the part of Chris and his team. The information is presented dispassionately, and full archives are available at the website. Much like a well-bound book, this podcast is neatly packaged, well edited, and earnestly valuable. A quality production.
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BusinessWeek remains one of the mainstays of print culture. As a nexus point of money, companies, innovation, and lifestyle, it says a lot about who we are – how we spend our working lives, and how the general economy is oiled. Through money we perceive into the heart of man.
BusinessWeek gives over its front cover to one main story each issue. It is a big ticket item, designed to entice and draw in the casual audience. As such, it has wide applicability, a flavor of scandal, and an intriguing title. As such, it is a manufactured beast.
this podcast – BusinessWeek – Behind the Cover – exposes the making of this cover story. What instigated it, who wrote it, how it panned out, and what was exposed. In a neat 15 minutes you get the story behind the story.
this is a great podcast that has been running for 4 years now; a true mainstay.
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the internet has enabled untold levels of freedom for the everyday man. Work-from-home has become a genuine reality for many people today. If you have a skill (programming, web design, writing, or project management) you can ply your trade from almost anywhere in the globe. Just an internet connection gets you plugged into the wider economy.
Freelance Radio is the official podcast of the Freelance Switch website; shows come out every two weeks, and feature a panel discussion. Shows focus around a particular topic: recent episodes have dealt with Managing Family Life, playing email and phone tag, and Finishing the Deal. These are fascinating topics, and are a glimpse into a different world of money and work; one in which you take control and ultimate responsibility.
Freelancing isn’t for everyone; you need to be a social spider in the genuine and authentic sense; you need flexibility and a certain open-ness of personality. But for those willing to take the leap, it is a truly liberating act – maybe the greatest act of defiance there is. Freelancers rejoice!
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