| The
Column Archive 2006
The
Column is a monthly feature that explores the world
of creativity and aesthetics.
Previous Issues
Use one of the links below to read a previous issue
of The Column that was published during 2006
at
AbleStable®.
Previous Issues of
The Column 2006
| 046 |
December |
Selling
Products and Making Art
The software company that I helped found is flourishing. I earn a respectable
salary and work flexible hours from my home. I am in a more fortunate circumstance
than many a creative professional. My work prospects are good as the company
continues to grow and develop. I am however far from satisfied with my achievements.
Here's why... |
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| 045 |
November |
Cracks,
Hacks, and Piracy
A significant number of computer users download copyrighted content or install
software on their systems without paying. I explore why so many feel at ease
using illegal content, and ponder on issues surrounding data piracy. |
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| 044 |
October |
Impress
Me Mr President
This is the tale of how I found myself in the presence of some of the political
elite of the UK. I wanted to contribute in some modest way to making the political
process more democratic and inclusive in an increasingly authoritarian political
landscape. It was to my great surprise that I was invited by the President of
a major political party to discuss my thoughts and views with him. |
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| 043 |
September |
Want
To Take A Ride?
My son said "so, what are you supposed to do?", I looked across. He'd
already figured out: "Oh, I see, now you push the play button". The
next moment we were both hooked. I asked him to send the URL my way. We then
spent the next two hours playing. Line Rider has one editorial tool, a pencil.
This simple webtoy is not only a great challenge, it's also a perfect example
to illustrate the creative process... |
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| 042 |
August |
How
to Save the Planet
We're in trouble. Within the space of my lifetime the earth will travel from
being a place of relative environmental stability to one of violent extremes.
There is no doubt over this outcome. We cannot stop change, but we still have
a small window of opportunity to affect the severity of this change. No matter
who you are, you have the power within you to help save our planet. Here's how... |
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| 041 |
July |
Being
Successful
Success
is important to all of us, and our sense of personal
success goes a long way to making us happy and
productive. The outcome of our success may be
modest, influential, positive, or negative, and
our experience of success is qualified by how
well it marries with our "root purpose".
That may be why what may be viewed of as success
to one, is but hollow achievement to another... |
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| 040 |
June |
The
Creative Marketplace
The
last five years have seen a steady increase in
eCommerse transactions, but technologies are
coming on stream that will market services and
products via personal devices to "participate" in
ever more immediate transactions. As we become
increasingly wired, advertising will target our
every move... |
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| 039 |
May |
Kite
Flying
Kites have been with us for over 2,000 years since their first appearance in
China. A high wind can see the sky full with every shape and speed of kite, but
with the slightest of breezes, only the lightest and most exquisite kites take
flight. This column ponders on why kites hold a special fascination for so many. |
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| 038 |
April |
Happiness & Creativity
It is often said by writers, artists, and composers that their creativity is
at its most prolific when melancholic. I ponder on this and argue that sadness
is not a prerequisite of creativity, but rather that creativity is vital
to our happiness. |
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| 037 |
March |
Science
and Creativity
Science is often viewed of as a cooler discipline than the arts and is not generally
presented with the purpose of evoking an emotional response. Science seeks to
help us understand and manipulate the world through rational reasoning, experimentation,
and production, and yet creativity which is far from a purely rational process,
is of profound importance in all scientific endeavour. |
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| 036 |
February |
The
Future Creative
The exploration and development of our creativity is the key to help us better
accept and live with the profound changes that have begun to affect our world.
Creativity is an essential component of what it is to be human, and although
expressions of creativity may be focused within a particular culture, creed,
or politic, the act of creativity is universal and one which crosses the boundaries
that so often divide us. |
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| 035 |
January |
Creative
Zeal
Play is the fun in our lives. As we grow older, and if we have the temperament
to do so, play evolves into creative activity focused towards an end: a poem,
a tune, a painting, and for some the need to create brings enrichment that no
other path provides. |
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