Merlin Mann on Getting Creative Things Done

Audio embed, below: Merlin Mann, who participated in the recent MaxFunCon gathering, talks about "the process of doing creative work, and particularly how to abandon the quest for perfection, get off your butt and get started." more at maximumfun.org (thanks, Jesse Thorn).

The Sound of Young America

[#1 posted by Church, June 19, 2009 9:09 AM]

Apparently twittering a lot is a big part of it...

[#2 posted by Jay Acker, June 19, 2009 9:33 AM]

There is no "first annual" - that is an oxymoron.

I don't care how good your intentions are, but there is no guarantee there will be another one next year and therefore annual is not the appropriate word. You can say "first" and it works just fine, if you want to be fancy go with "inaugural".

[#3 posted by Moriarty, June 19, 2009 9:37 AM]

By the same logic, isn't calling something "first" before there has been a second just as bad?

And, still by the same logic referring to something as "first annual" isn't an oxymoron if you've already had the second annual.

[#4 posted by Davin, June 19, 2009 9:57 AM]

Maximum Fun is one of the best communities. Merlin Mann is simultaneously hilarious and interesting.

Also stop bellyaching about "first annual". It just means they want to make it a yearly thing. Wah wah!

[#5 posted by Jesse Thorn, June 19, 2009 10:14 AM]

Jay Acker is right. I think I'll cancel next year's MaxFunCon. Easier for everyone, diction-wise.

[#6 posted by Anonymous, June 19, 2009 11:48 AM]

By church's definition, nothing is truly annual because who knows wtf is going to happen? The world could end tomorrow at 9:13 am and your "annual" event is kaput.

"annual" in this context refers more to intent as opposed to actual fact -- as in, by holding an annual picnic, we intend to have it occur every year. and if this is the first of such potential events, it is indeed, the first annual picnic.

that being said, the graveyard of "first annuals" is probably about as large as Siberia.

[#7 posted by Anonymous, June 19, 2009 12:00 PM]

anybody have a transcript?

[#8 posted by Thoughtsmith, June 19, 2009 12:01 PM]

It's probably ironic that I'm sitting here trying to write a first (annual?) novel and listening to this talk at the same time; you can guess the proportion of what I was doing more of. (and now I'm doing more posting comments than writing novels - but it's finger movement, so that's good, right?)

But man, was this a timely talk for me! Thanks to all involved in getting it to my ears.

[#9 posted by Kennric, June 19, 2009 12:41 PM]

Definitely a good talk, and Merlin is fun to listen to. This is a subject much on my mind lately as well, having started a short-story-per-week project (link in my bio, check it out) and trying to figure out how to build an audience that will make that effort into a motivating force in my life. Hard stuff to do, but educational even if you fail.

[#10 posted by Benny P, June 19, 2009 2:01 PM]

I think I need to start trying some of the things he talks about, wake up early, and write out some things. I've been struggling with writing lyrics for music for a long while, and I think this could really help. Thanks!

[#11 posted by mdh, June 19, 2009 2:27 PM]

jesse thorn ftw.

[#12 posted by dannielo, June 25, 2009 2:47 AM]

If you’d like a tool for managing your time and projects, you can use this application inspired by David Allen’s GTD:

http://www.Gtdagenda.com

You can use it to manage and prioritize your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.