When I say ‘write for myself’, don’t get me wrong.  I know that what I write is always for the readers who take it in.  That being said, it’s very cool to be reminded that when you read what I’ve written, you’re allowing me to share what I’ve created.  For that I’m forever grateful.

That reminder came in the form of an email list that I subscribe to.  It wasn’t a personal note to me.  It was a simple sharing by another writer, Erika Napoletano, of her feelings about the death of one of her readers.  It was poignant, impactful.

I dig Erika’s writing style.  Reading her material is kind of like watching an unassuming  aristocrat lay a pimp-hand on the Devil.  No matter the topic, I just can’t help but smile.  Erika doesn’t know me from Jack.  Whoever Jack is.  However, she did me a great favor by sharing her thoughts and feelings on how valuable her readers are to her.  It really hit home.

So, to all of you who catch the somewhat rare to occasional post I put up here, thank you.  Thank you for allowing me to share what I create.  The gift you give by taking time to read what I write is a gift that I’ll always cherish.

Thank you

Peter

Maybe.  Maybe not.  Maybe it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

There are a lot of ‘edgy’ writers I dig.  They fling a curse word or two around in their blogs.  They have cute catchy blog titles.  But most important for me, is the overall quality of their content.

Admittedly, I have a mildly snarky communication style in my writing.  I’m not a big fan of dropping the ‘F-Bomb’ or tossing in other curse words.  Yet around the house I’ve been known to let a few expletives fly now and then; when the mood really calls for it.

So here’s the thing all you wanna-be-writers …. You need to find your true writing voice.  When what you’re writing doesn’t flow naturally from your brain through your finger tips, it will show.  It will feel just as forced to your readers as it was to you as the writer.

Tossin’ in a curse word here and there doesn’t automatically make you ‘edgy’ or ‘bold’ or ‘controversial’.   If it’s not part of your natural communication process, it’ll just make you sound like a dork.  Or worse… A lame-ass-wanna-be copy cat.

I guess by now at word 211 most of you have figured out this is a rant of sorts.  I’m always eager to learn what other people are writing about, what they’re in to, what sparks their passion.  So… I followed a link to a blog from a tweet that promised an exciting edgy read. 

It wasn’t.  It was a lame string of curse words on a ridiculous topic.  No, I’m not going to subject you to it by providing a link or giving the poster any more undue attention.  That’s really not what this post is about.

This post also isn’t a soap box sermon on ‘being yourself’… Or, is it?  I don’t know.  It’s just so damn disappointing to see so many people trying to ride the controversial edge only by writing strings of curse words.  You have to be good at that to make it work for you.

For example:

George Carlin, god rest his soul (or not since… well, you know).  That man could string together the most artistically woven litany of verbal filth it was simply a treat to hear.  George was a true master wordsmith embracing every emotional level of communication.

Then, still with us whether we like it or not, is Lisa Lampanelli.  A fantastically creative insult/shock comic, she’ll make you laugh and feel like you’re open-mouth kissing a dirty ashtray at the same time.  Lisa gives you an uncomfortable sort of happy.

Kathy Griffin is one of my favorite disseminators of crude language.  Contained within the pixie-like package that is her often comes cussing that is more well-timed than a Swiss clock.  Kathy also gets bonus points for being a ginger, like me.

Aside from weaving together curse words like the fiber of fine Chinese Silk, George, Lisa and Kathy are total message masters.  It’s not the cussing that makes them ‘edgy’.  It’s their open willingness to take topics that society are taboo and comfortably, even joyously lay them out on the table for us to gluttonously ingest.

Being controversial… Be edgy isn’t just about foul language.  It’s about your overall style of communication and your ability to openly discuss what isn’t ‘safe’.

© 2011 All Rights Reserved By Peter Gault ~ Topical Content

George Carlin Video courtesy of YouTube embedding licensing terms with all content copyrights attributed to original creators.

When: Thursday August 4th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Where:Lake Forest Graduate School of Management
Woodfield Corners
1300 E. Woodfield Road, Suite 600
Schaumburg, IL 60173

I’m very honored and humbled that Steven Brooks, CEO of guugos.com, invited me to be their featured guest speaker for this event.  We’ll be discussing the potential, impact and power of video marketing, strategic content messaging and social media branding.

“Our guest speaker is Peter Gault.  Peter is a recognized thought leader in video marketing, message content and social media branding.  We are thrilled to have Peter as our guest speaker.”, says event host, Steven Brooks, CEO of guugos.com

Steven believes, as many cutting edge marketing professionals do, that “Video messaging has changed the way businesses communicate.”  In addition to the seminar presentation, one of the video film crews of Guugos will be on hand to capture the event and give anyone who would like an opportunity to step in front of the camera a chance to do so.  We’ll be having a LOT of fun!

While there is plenty of space, seating does have it’s limits.  There is NO CHARGE to register or attend!  So… CLICK HERE to register NOW!  Even if you know all there is to know about our topic, this is an EXCELLENT networking opportunity at a GREAT location!

See You There

I’ve read large handfuls articles and white papers on this subject.  Most of them are by other ghost writers who are focusing on why you should choose them over another ghost writer.  Choosing one writer over another is never about them.

It's All About You!

Here’s the thing folks, choosing a ghost writer is all about you.  It’s about you, and nobody else but you.

I’m going to share a few tips on selecting a ghost writer that other ghost writers might not dig so much…

It’s all about your voice.  When you speak, people you know recognize your voice.  They understand your communication style and are comfortable with the way you express yourself.  The ghost writer you select must be able to write in your voice, communicate in and adapt to your style of thinking.  You might want them to polish things a bit for you, but still, present your thoughts, ideas and words in your voice.

Personalities must mesh.  From short projects that require very little research to extensive book projects, you’re going to be working very closely with your ghost writer.  You need to have share a solid, candid report with quality communication.  Your ghost writer is there to support you no matter how big or small your project.

Confidentiality Is A Must!

Confidentiality is crucial.  Your ghost writer should be able to give you a sample confidentiality agreement to review upon request.  Your ghost writer should NOT be able to give you client references or writing samples from previous ghosted projects.  If he/she does, run in the other direction as fast as you can!  Be sure that your ghost writer can provide the level of confidentiality required for your project.  Ghost writers should have writing samples of their own or otherwise publicly available work to provide.

Ghost writers are not here to get you published.  No, no, no, no, no… Did I say no?  Often I’ll take on projects assigned by publishers or agents.  My relationship with them is as a ghost.  If I refer you or present your project to them, it’s no longer ghosted.  My relationships with publishers and agents are just as confidential as with authors.  If your ghost writer says they can help get you published via their relationships, they’re basically offering to violate the confidentiality of your project.

Rates and fees.  There are basically two types of ghost writing fee structures.  Type one is a set project fee that is paid either up front or through periodic installments.  Type two is a speculative rate based on the percentage of the sales of your project once it goes to market.  It is very rare that ghost writers will offer to work on straight spec.  Working on spec usually requires that your project has already been sold to a publisher or that it at least carries the weight of a highly nationally marketable celebrity author.  Even then, the project must carry content that people want to read. 

If you have any questions about how to select a ghost writer, just ask.  I’ll answer openly and objectively.  I’m not the right match for every project.  Every project isn’t the right match for me.  If it turns out we’re not a match, I know several writers and will be happy to help you make the right connection.

If we are a match, fantastic!  Let’s get started on your project!  peter@yourtopicalcontent.com

Peter Gault dba Topical Content© 2011 All Rights Reserved

The story of this school is in the people who discovered life within its simple walls.

Tuesday, June 14th was a bright summer day. Only a small handful of people stood at the side of the road watching as workers prepared to move the 82 year old schoolhouse. A white-bearded man, eyes hidden behind the darkened lenses of his glasses, talked softly as he answered my question.

Workers Prepare To Move The Old English Prairie School

“I went to school here from 1946 to 1951. I graduated from 8th grade here.” Dick Cooper was watching as the 188 ton brick schoolhouse was being prepared to leave its first foundation. “We had one hell of a softball team. Boy we could take on any other school with no problem! Kids from other schools always hated taking on the Cooper boys.”

Dick’s sister, Elsie Martin was also on hand to watch her school head off to its new home. “All of us went to school here”, said Elsie. Elsie was number 10 of 12 kids in their family. Dick, her brother, was number five. “Nine boys, three girls. All of us attended here, but the two youngest didn’t graduate from here.”

Of childhood memories most fond, Elsie remembered the holiday parties. Different dads would take turns playing Santa. “As a kid, you knew, but you didn’t care because all your friends and family were there”, recalls Elsie. She also remembered the card parties where parents would set up tables downstairs and the kids would play Bunco upstairs.

Dick remembered the school as being a place of community, “Parents built the baseball field, backstop and put in the swings. We also had fund raisers for money for the school year, picnics, parties… It’s where a lot of us grew up.”

Former English Prairie School Students: Robert Richardson, Elsie Martin, Dick Cooper & George Richardson

Over the years Dick and Elsie’s parents, Anne and Ray Cooper, were very involved in the school. Anne served as the school secretary for a while and Ray was on the school board. As she looked on while the school left its lot and moved onto the road she commented that she still had ‘minute records’ from the PTA meetings that her mother kept.

For just over eight decades, the small brick building stood as the guardian of childhood memories on a small stretch of a narrow country road. Elsie, her voice shaking a little, asked the new owner if she could keep a brick from her old school. A former student of the English Prairie Schoolhouse himself, George Richardson, was only too quick to grant her request.

“It was just the right thing to do”, was the simple explanation George offered when asked why he’d gone to the expense of moving the old building. “I went from first to fourth grade here. It was such a part of our community, I couldn’t just watch it get torn down” said George.

Closed as a school in 1962 the building sat vacant for many years until it became a private residence. In fact, the old schoolhouse had been occupied by renters until the end of April, 2011. The land, now owned by Thelen Sand and Gravel is scheduled to be cultivated for resource materials. Rather than demolish the building, Thelen agreed to sell the building to the owners of the Richardson Farm for the hefty sum of $1.00.

The schoolhouse will have a new home on the Richardson Adventure Farm. However, George anticipates it will be at least two years before the building is renovated and made available to visitors. “I have no idea what it will be yet. It could become a restaurant, part of concessions, a gift shop, meeting space… I guess what we’ll use it for isn’t as important right now as just making sure it’s saved.”

The Old Schoolhouse on its way to a new home on the Richardson Adventure Farm

This is a small brick building. Not really much to look at. But it really isn’t the building itself that the Richardson’s are saving.

What they’re saving are the childhood memories, the feelings of love, safety, and community warmth. By moving the schoolhouse just a quarter mile down the road the Richardson’s are saving a tiny piece of northern Illinois history that has very personal meaning to them, their friends and neighbors. As George said, it’s just the right thing to do.

© Peter Gault/Topical Content 2011 All Rights Reserved

Topical Content ~ 2 Words that put Peter Gault, Ghost Writer & Content Development Advisor at the top of Google Search out of 32,400,000 results!

Contact Peter Gault for help with your content development management, ghosted or direct. peter@yourtopicalcontent.com

That didn’t happen.  Well… Not exactly in the overly dramatized way we were told it would.  Not on May 21^st anyway.

On May 22^nd, for my son, the world did change.  He graduated from high school.  The world as he knew it, ended.  His world as I knew it, ended.

And at the very same moment he walked across the stage accepting his diploma, he was gifted with an entirely new world.  And that is truly fantastic.  He has a whole new world to mold, shape, to create.  And through the identity he has started to cultivate, he’ll see the world as no one else, no one…, ever can.

It is my wish for him, and all of the 2011 Spring graduates of every age, that not a moment of life be wasted.  This may sound impractical to some, but I speak from experience, more often than not, earned the hard way…

You may find times when the choices you’ve made having you doing things you don’t really want to do. However…  Never waste a moment of your life doing anything you hate.

Learn as much and as often as you can.  Keeping your mind open invites new experiences and new opportunities in every moment.

Try to meet someone new every day.  You never know who is going to enrich your life and you’ll always be able to tell who to simply let keep on passing through.

Take time for yourself when you truly need it.  Keeping your batteries charged is just as valuable for others as it is for yourself.

NEVER be afraid to speak your mind.  Tactfully when needed.  Bluntly when necessary.

Always be gracious, grateful and thankful.

Save your $!  Think very hard about what you really need, especially during your young adult years, before you spend the money you bring to you.

NEVER be afraid to tell someone you love them.  The worst they can do is say, “Oh… Crap…”  That’s what my wife said the first time I told her.  We’ve been together over 18 years now.

Don’t just think about doing something.  Do something.  This is the best piece of advice I ever received and it came in the form of a backhanded compliment.  …

About 10 years ago, my wife’s grandmother, who is now 100 and still kickin’ strong, said to me…  “Peter, I like you.  You have a brilliant mind.  You’re a great thinker.  And that’s a shame.  You can’t just be a thinker.  You have to be a ‘doer’ too.  Even a stupid ‘doer’ will get something done.”

So, to my son I say, Congratulations on the end of your world.  Enjoy your new one!

Love,

Dad.

If you were (in some dire situation) and could only take one (or five or 10) whatever’s with you, what would it/they be?

Ya know – I never … ever … ever … gave this question format any serious thought in the past.  I’ve seen it sooooo much lately that I actually thought it through.  You know what I realized?

That I have a LOT of material CRAP in my life that I really don’t care about!

Craigslist cruisers, consider this the pre-sale notice!

I mean seriously, I have tons upon tons of things/stuff/junk/ … AKA ‘treasures’ that have been sitting in boxes in my basement for yeeeeaaarrrssss.  Stuff at one time I thought I just had to have.  And now, when it gets right down to it, would I make an effort to ‘save’ it or bring it with?

No.

Don’t get me wrong.  There are a couple things I’d nab away from a blazing fire or be sure to take with to a deserted island…  Although I’m having a hard time understanding why I’d elect to strand myself on some deserted island in the first place…

But any way…

I’m guessing it’s a given that all the family (including the animals) come first.  Seriously, is there anyone or any pet you’d shrug off in the event of a fire?  Really?!?  There is?!?  Wow.  You suck and I’m glad I don’t know you.

That being said…

My computer, cameras and phones would all be bagged and nabbed.  Mostly out of a matter of convenience so as not to have to go through the effort and time to replace them all.  Hey, I use all of them each and every day.

Then I’d rescue… are ya ready for this?  I wasn’t and my own sincere answer surprised me.  Actually – what surprised me was how lame my answer is…

3 pair of shoes.

See… I rarely… rarely buy new shoes – or any new clothes for that matter.  I just recently bought 3 new pair of shoes.  It’s a big deal.

Two pair are identical dress/business shoes.  One pair in black, the other in brown.  They’re super comfy with a flexible rubber non-slip soul.  I like them.

The other is a pair of sneaks.  I suppose that’s what they’d be called.  They’re black with some brownish/tanish stripes with just enough of a formal look to wear in the office when I feel like it.  And they’re also pretty darn comfy.

All three pair are very well made and will last a good long while. 

I’d have to look to see the brands.  I really don’t care much about shoe or clothing brands.  Guess I’m giving strength to one of those ‘guy stereo-types’.

…Except for hats.  When it comes to hats, brands are important because there are very few manufacturers that make quality hats.  But that’s another topic for another time.

Some folks that know me might be surprised that I don’t care about ‘brands’.  I once had an employer that made me study fashion in order to assess how well job applicants were ‘put-together’.  I was more interested in their experience, skills, abilities and quality of references than if their shoes matched their accessories.

If there are any HR or other hiring managers out there that assess candidates in that way (other than those of you hiring specifically for fashion industry jobs) – Please, lean in closely, I have a secret for you…

If you did lean in closely and I was actually there with you in person I would have just “Wet-Willied” your ear because you genuinely deserve it.

By the way, as it turned out, I discovered that I do like fashion. Just not enough to actually really care about it. But… I digress …

So, yes, I’d rescue my three pair of new shoes.  I like them.  I don’t want to step into anything gross in bare or only sock-covered feet.  And, no matter where I wind up, I’ll have to do some kind of walking.

My three pair of new shoes.  They’ll carry me to the people I need to meet.  They’ll take me to the places I truly need to go.  They’ll bring me to my creative edge and beyond.  All while keeping toes nice and cozy warm.

Sometimes it’s cool to remind ourselves of things we really like… Stuff that really gets us jazzed.  Again, this is a THINGS list.   It’s not about people so if you don’t see your name in here, don’t go gettin’ your shorts all up in a bunch.

1 Full Tank of Gas:  “I’m all gassed up and ready to go”!  The world within 300 miles, give or take, is my oyster.

2 Stand Up Comedy:  “Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha”!  I LOVE to laugh and I love people that can make me laugh.

3 New Blog Post:  “Hey, look, I actually got one done”!  Just love having a place to share the things I think about no matter if anyone is interested or not.

4 New Kicks:  “Do they still call them that”?  I dig new shoes, especially sneaks.  Probably no longer cool to call them ‘Kicks’… Ol’ slang dies hard.

5 Powerful Laser Pointers:  “Look, look… I can hit the stop sign at the end of the street”!  Ever shoot a laser pointer into a neighbor’s window in a house that’s several houses down on the opposite side of the street and watch them try to figure out where the hell it’s coming from? … tee hee hee….

6 Cars:  “I so dig cars.”  … To keep conversations safe with me, avoid cars as the topic.  I can become one of those really boring ‘car-guys’ really fast when the conversation shifts in that direction.  And then there’s no hope of recovery until you just start backing away.

7 Paper, Pens & Pencils:  Hey, I’m a writer.

8 Cameras:  “Would you turn that thing off already”!?!  What most people say when they see me coming with my cameras/camcorders strapped around my neck. 

9 Editing Video:  “What if it looked like this…”  Part of the writer/story former in me.  Just love seeing how combining images and sound create emotions and connections in all kinds of unique ways.

10 Radio:  “Pete, has anyone ever told you your voice is perfect for radio”?  Yup, a thousand + times… Almost everyone except someone that would like to give me a radio show.  Maybe I should just create one of my own already.

11 Microphones & P.A. Systems:  “Sort of like the Radio thing…”  What can I say… I love to talk and I love the sound of my own voice, especially when it’s amplified!

12 Mac Computers:  “Oh… so that’s why they’re so cool.”  Use them for video editing.  My wife has a Macbook – excellent lap top.  I have an iMac at the office for video editing.  Was just introduced to what an iPad can really do – now I want one. 

13 Books:  “I know, I know, I said this was 12 of my favorite things.”  Then I remembered Books.  I really dig a good book.

So… OK… I shared.  Now what are some of your favorite things?

No, I’m not a lawyer and I don’t play one on T.V.   I’m also not a Cowboy but I do own a few Stetsons.  But, I am going to tell you a thing or two about hashing out your company’s Social Media Policy.  So… kick your feet into those stirrups and hold on tight all you H.R. and other administrative policy crafters you…

The deal-ee-oo is this: Social Media is no passing fad.  It’s the way millions upon millions of people are communicating.  From iPhones to iPads, Notepads, Droids to Blackberries and yes, even those dinosaur laptop users are all connected more than 75% of their day.

It’s time for business owners, C-Levels, Human Resource professionals and other policy administrators to pull their heads out of the Social Media Sandbox.  Your employees, your vendors, your clients in one way or another are most likely communicating via at least one social media venue if not more.  The future of your business, the digital native generation, will NOT take kindly to restrictive communication. 

Besides, you know what’s in sandboxes… right?  Why would you want to put your head in that?!?

“You’d better hold on there a second Bub…  This is my company.  I built it up to what it is and I’ll run it the way I see fit”! 

Mmmm Hmmmmm…

“I don’t know who you think you are…  But we’ve got share holders to answer to and board members and committees who govern our employment policies.  You can’t just walk in here and tell us what kind of policies we can and can’t write”!

Mmmm Hmmmmm…

The thing is I don’t need to.  The National Labor Relations Board is taking care of that.  What I’m doing here is helping you with a little awareness and a few suggestions.

Not only is it OK to have a company/organization social media policy in place, it’s a very darn good idea.  You just need to be sure you’re not trying to enforce an illegal policy.  Because if you are, and they’re made aware of it, the NLRB will knock you right off that high horse you’re on Cowboy.

If your social media policy is too broad in its restrictions, and doesn’t include a “savings clause”, you’re headed backwards down a slippery mudslide on a horse with no shoes tryin’ its best to climb up. 

Here are a few tips to help you create a good social media policy…

1 Accept that if your company isn’t participating in the conversation, you’ve given up control of your brand, your image.  Conversations are and will continue to be had about your organization on-line.  Jump in and be a part of it.

2 Focus your policies on corporate/organizational social media profile activity.  This is the U.S. of A., Jack.  Your employees, in any position, can create a social media profile if they want to.  Don’t make your policies about personal profiles.

3 Use a little common sense with regard to restricted activity.  For example, the NLRB did rule it OK for companies to include restrictions against postings on social media profiles they own that refer to illegal drugs, that are sexually explicit and are discriminatory against race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability or in any way violate equal employment opportunity state and federal laws.

Hey, you can even prohibit postings that contain or directly refer to confidential and proprietary information about your business processes, practices, and even those of your clients, suppliers and vendors.  It’s also OK to prohibit social media posts of intellectual property your company owns.  Check out the ‘Advice Response Memo’ pdf from the NLRB on Case 18-CA-019081

4 Take this opportunity to encourage the types of posts you want your employees to make.  Talk about company events, fun projects, challenges, victories, even losses and failures in ways that help you grow your brand.

5 Be very very careful about any policies that prohibit ‘disparaging comments’ about your company.  Hey, someone is most likely going to piss someone else off within your employee ranks at one time or another.  It’s up to you to handle those situations responsibly. 

True, it’s NOT OK for people or even other corporate entities to make liable, slanderous or defamation comments in their posts.  But, remember, when you make that accusation you carry the burden of proof.

6 Remember that “savings clause” I mentioned, work that in.  A basic statement about how your policy will not be applied in any way that it would violate state or federal law should always be included.

So Cowboy, consult with your employment or labor attorney, write that social media policy up and ride it into the corral. 

Again, I’m NOT an attorney and this is NOT legal advice.  I do have more than a decade of human resource experience behind me as well as very strong marketing experience.  I’ve learned a few lessons the hard way and have also enjoyed fantastic success.  I’m just sharing a little of what I’ve learned along the way. 

Hope it helps.