Years ago, on vacation, as I read 2312, by Kim Stanley Robinson a phrase stopped me cold. I had to dog-ear the page. “Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide.” Reason can’t work without emotion. People who are cut off from their emotions can’t decide. So, ok, […]
Summer round-up: free tools for you
(Originally posted in 2017… updated for you!) Did I say “free tools?” Yes, yes I did. It’s summer. It’s hot. So today’s post is an easy one: no heavy lift, and maybe a little help. Here’s a grab bag of free or cheap tools I use and like. Remember, sometimes, free isn’t so free – […]
The lesson of my mom’s chili
Or why too many cooks who don’t know what’s already in the pot can make a mess. Years ago, my family was gathered at my parents’ home to celebrate Christmas. By now, we were a big crowd – I have three siblings, and each of us has two children. So my mom planned to make eating […]
Do you write like you talk?
Do you write like you talk? Would you write to your mother like that? Open the last appeal, newsletter, or email you wrote. Now read it out loud. Does it sound funny? And does it sound like you? Does it sound like you talk? If so, congratulations – you’re a step ahead of many. If […]
How to heal an unappealing fundraising appeal
How to heal an unappealing fundraising appeal I don’t know why, but I continue to be surprised at major nonprofits – that have the means to do it right – mailing out solicitations that miss. We got one the other day, from a large hospital in our state. I’ll admit, I opened it with some […]