July 2013 – Matt Fried

I reached someone yesterday

Yesterday, one person disagreed strongly with something I wrote. Just one person, no more. This person may never read my material again, and they may never change their mind on the topic. What I wrote was a success because for a few precious seconds, I had permission to speak to them. If I can change the wayContinue reading “I reached someone yesterday”

Expertise

If it takes 10,000 hours of practice to do something really well, then I have a long way to go to with my writing. Every day I see a little more clearly though, so the journey is not daunting; it’s exciting.

93 Million Liars

Is it ethical to WATCH football (American)? The question might be dismissed quickly by many fans, but the answer is NO. (Full disclosure: I am a fan.) When I’m faced with a difficult question, I trust my instincts. My gut feeling. Does it feel right? It does not. It never was right. I was lying toContinue reading “93 Million Liars”

How NOT to make money blogging

1) Start a blog on WordPress, TypePad, Tumblr, Blogger, or any site of your choosing. I like WordPress. 2) Put your real name on it for everyone to see. 3) Start writing stuff every day. Try to make it good, but most importantly be honest. 4) Sit back and watch the money not roll in.Continue reading “How NOT to make money blogging”

Confront.

How can I help someone who does not want to be helped? I must try relentlessly to convince them they need help. I must confront. I remember when I didn’t want to be helped. I fooled everybody. I fooled friends, family, teachers, acquaintances, and several doctors. Of course, the only person I ultimately fooled was myself, but,Continue reading “Confront.”

Not like that.

I could be wrong. Everything that I’ve written could be wrong. Perhaps the middle class is not shrinking. Perhaps we are all safe, stable, and comfortable. In that case, we can all just grow old and die without ever having tried anything risky. Even if I’m wrong, that’s not how I want to die.

“It’s too late.”

Following up on Monday’s post, it is NOT too late for you to do something positive. To make art; to make a connection. Whether you’re 34, 43, or 78. Whether you have 2 children, 2 grandchildren, 2 jobs, or all of those things. You just have to do it. This is not a Nike commercial. ThisContinue reading ““It’s too late.””

Dear Google

Dear Google, It’s you I think about all day long. My Droid4 is never far from my fingertips. I’m writing this letter to you on the new Samsung Chromebook for just $249, which you subtly mentioned to me over the course of several hundred banner ads and pop ups. (What do you charge yourself forContinue reading “Dear Google”

“I could do that.”

I spent a large chunk of my life telling myself “I could do that.” “I’m smart. I could try a case, wire a circuit, hit a golf ball, play a guitar. Maybe not as good as Clarence Darrow, Thomas Edison, Tiger Woods, or Jimmy Page – but I could do it very well. If IContinue reading ““I could do that.””

I’m a Jew.

That may offend some people, so I will put it out there right now. (You know, like before this blog accumulates 1.5 million followers.) What does it mean to me, to be a Jew? One on hand, as I’ve written, I am very much in favor of tearing down labels. A very interesting discussion aboutContinue reading “I’m a Jew.”