Comments on: Pragmatic Redux

By: Mike Murray

Mike Murray — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 12:26:42 +0000

I’ve been really enjoying this discussion thread… It seems to me that the message is clear:
“Don’t use fictional characters as a rhetorical device unless you’re going to make it really clear that it’s only a rhetorical device, thereby negating the use of said device. But do it in a way that doesn’t harm sales.”
Or something like that.
In all seriousness, I thought it clear from the website and from the first chapter that “Mike” is a rhetorical device.
And I’d pay to see Arthur debate the cardboard cut out of the large-headed “Mike” character. Hell, I’ll even offer to voice the character, in my best Eric Cartman impression.
Only after a few beers, of course. Because isn’t that what RSA is all about?

By: Mr. Gumby

Mr. Gumby — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:38:19 +0000

Um, let’s see. I spend about 5 bucks per day in SB. That’s 25 bucks a week, for 100 bucks a month. I see a lot of the same people in the store every day so I’m obviously not the only idiot. And, considering the dollar is now 40% less than it was 2 years ago (maybe more), I’m only spending about 3 bucks a day in relative terms. Still far less than I spend on cigarettes per day back when I smoked.
And as to 97 bucks for a book, I’ve spent far more. Some books are too rare to drop down – say, a book on ion Sources or electron gun design.
I mean, do you really find it that hard to believe that people spend that much money for coffee or books???
You need to get out more…

By: Arthur

Arthur — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 11:06:06 +0000

Mike,
The revisions aren’t the problem. The issue is the silent nature of them. You had ample opportunity to mention that in your post explaining who Mike was. If you had, in fact, in fact acknowledged some of the confusion instead of making fun of people who were confused, I wouldn’t have sniped at you. If I offended you, my apologies.
-Arthur

By: Mike Rothman

Mike Rothman — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 10:27:12 +0000

Why is a revision a “not so good trait?” Companies are constantly tuning their messaging, and it was your post that pointed out some possible confusion. So I fixed it. And that’s a problem how?
I guess I’m not clear on your point. Should I not be trying to sell my book? If you are an expert, perhaps you have some suggestions on how to create some urgency with my target audience to actually get off their asses and do something.
You see, the status quo is the most dangerous threat we have to deal with. What we are doing is not working from a security standpoint. They don’t have to buy my book, but I think it would be a good start. And lots of folks agree, since I’m sure you read many of the same blogs as I do.
I’m all ears, if you have suggestions for more effective marketing text and positioning – I’m willing to listen.