He’s mad. Fabulous, inspiring, Seth Godin is a big hero of mine. I’d take him to a desert island, anyday. To be fair, Seth Godin has influenced me in many ways – including the entire format of my book on mental health Depression. But that’s another story… about #depressiontribe.
Today Seth got it so wrong
I’m provoked to publish against him. On Sunday 25 April the author of”Linchpin“ (great book) shared this idea on his blog:
- give away your copy of Linchpin to someone you care about -
If only “Linchpin” was Seth Godin’s book… In my house, by my bedside, there is a book called Linchpin, part written by Seth Godin. Seth did the first draft, the one that’s been published, which you can buy. But the volume in my life is co-authored by Paul O’Mahony & Seth Godin. It ceased being by Mr Godin when I opened it, and attacked the book.
I’ve got markings all over it.
Highlighted loads of pages. Wrote arguments & resolutions on many pages – and I haven’t even read it all. I treat “Linchpin” like I’ve treated “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance“. I don’t want it to end. I have so much business with Linchpin, that there’s no way I could give my copy away.
If anyone got their hands on my copy, they’d be distracted. They would not read Seth Godin. You could say I no longer have Linchpin by Godin. So maybe Seth wasn’t talking to me at all. Maybe he was addressing those who have a copy on Linchpin they haven’t marked?
Maybe I’ve made a fuss about nothing?
4 Comments
Paul,
I had similar thoughts when I read Seth’s Blog, the thought if giving away this book filled me with some sort of separation anxiety.
But then I thought about it to me Seth’s philosophy us about sharing and collaborating to do good.
Instead of giving away your copy, whic has your own personal stamp and musings within it, why not ask Seth if you can you upload a scanned copy of your onto your own website?
At least give him the opportunity of commenting on your own notes and the chance to see your comments and notes.
Send him an email, he does respond, you never know there may be a book deal in it for you!!!
Thanks
tony
Hi Paul,
I too read the Seth Godin blog but am inclined to think he got this blog spot on (or else I’m a terrible softy). As a recent convert, I am someone who doesn’t yet have any of his books, so I saw this blog in a different context.
As I read his blog, this book that he is always banging on about was mentioned again. I wondered if I should get it. Then I read that he wants those who have already read the book to give it to someone they care about. Either this guy has plenty of money or he is so passionate about his work that he wants everyone to know about it. Although my work colleague no doubt has a copy I could borrow, I felt this guy deserved some kind of monetary reward. So I resolve to get it some time and file it under “must buy” and promise to return to it when I am next cyber shopping.
Then I see your blog.
I see a reader who can’t bear to part with his precious book. And a follow up comment from someone who describes parting with the book as akin to separation anxiety.
Now I REALLY want it!
Orla
Orla,
Did you get Seth Godin? Did you give Linchpin a read? I meant to get back to you about it – but got distracted. It looks as if we’ve all sent you a message that Linchpin may be ready for you.
Thanks a million for leaving that comment and engaging. I love it when a comment comes and when it contains a sort of call to action, it’s even better.
Tony,
I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you after your wonderful suggestion. I must have got overwhelmed by some other issue. As I re-read your idea, I’m resolving to do it. It’s certainly worth it to be bold in the world we live in today.
The recent good experience with Mitch Joel – that led to a Skype call between SmarterEgg (Cork) & Mitch (Toronto) – was a wonderful experience. It showed that it’s possible to engage with these great writers/communicators via internet.
You’ve given me a new challenge – thanks a million.