William James on life

"Knowledge about life is one thing; effective occupation of a place in life, with its dynamic currents passing through your being, is another."

Static and dynamic. I can't seem to get this way of looking at the world of business (and life) out of my head (see yesterday's post). Here are some random thoughts/distinctions. Tell me, am I way off?

Radio talk shows

- Static component (the known): A familiar voice, and views which just so happen to vaildate our own views.

- Dynamic component (the unknown): Who or what will be spotlighted (current news and popular culture), and how our host will spin it.

Note: Both static and dynamic qualities are ratcheting up as hosts become even more opinionated and polarizing.

Sports

- Static component (the known): My team (players, colors, stadium, etc.). The rules of the game. Nostalgia.

- Dynamic component (the unknown): The conflict (on and off field)!

Note: The steroid scandal diminished the static, yet enhanced the dynamic component. Net effect = zero.

TV shows

- Static component (the known): The cast. The format.

- Dynamic component (the unknown): The writing (story).

Note: The compelling dynamic component of Law & Order has blossomed into $1 billion of NBC's $3.8 billion in prime-time advertising revenues this year.

Blogs

- Static component (the known): The author(s). The format.

- Dynamic component (the unknown): The writing, discovery, learning, inspiration, new connections (via comments).

Note: Are there more dynamic components? How would you rank them in importance?

Relationships

Static component (the known): Familiarity. Predictability. Comfort. Trust.

Dynamic component (the unknown): Depends what moves you. True?

Posted March 23, 2005
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Comments

Trevor Gay

Hi Tom

Some random unstructured thoughts from over the pond;

1 Large chain Retailers

Static component (The known) - the corporate image

Dynamic component (The unknown)- the way I am treated by the staff as a customer

2 Rock Bands

Static component (The known) - the image on the sleeve of the CD

Dynamic component (The unknown)- the live performance of the band

3 Doctors appointment

Static component (The known) - the appoinment time and admin arrangements

Dynamic component (The unknown)- the doctors communication skills - does he/she make me feel good?

Do these make sense Tom? - I am also intrigued by static versus dynamic

Trevor

Posted by: Trevor Gay | March 24, 2005 at 08:18 AM

Tom Asacker

Hi Trevor,

They make perfect sense!

Posted by: Tom Asacker | March 24, 2005 at 02:35 PM

Trevor Gay

Have a great Easter Tom

Trevor

Posted by: Trevor Gay | March 25, 2005 at 05:16 PM

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