There’s nothing more fascinating to us here at Daily Grommet than the stories behind inspired and inventive products. So when we find someone like Darin Hager, a passionate footwear designer turning his industry on its head, we want you to know about him too. Darin is the creator of Heyday -- think functional workboot meets urban, high fashion sneaker, then just toss out all of your expectations (this is a guy who used to hand paint his Chuck Taylors in High School; he’s talented and creative, with a great sense of humor).
Today he takes us inside his studio and introduces us to what he calls his ”thoughtfully designed footwear with an original point of view”:
Darin, you’ve said that many of the best ideas never make it to market -- is that why you started Heyday?
I started Heyday because I just didn’t find what I wanted at retail; I had the means, connections and understanding of how to do it; and I have always had an entrepreneurial streak. I had been a corporate designer for 10 years working for Hi-Tec Sports, Puma and Sperry Top-Sider and found that while designers may be willing to push the design envelope, the product that winds up at retail is usually a highly diluted version of the designer’s vision. Many retailers can be understandably timid when it comes to trying something new, especially when what they have had is selling. This results in the retailers with the biggest orders dictating product direction. This is not the way to get fresh and exciting designs to market! As a designer who is now on both sides of the coin, I understand the financial case for sales vs. innovation; but as a designer, I feel that I can walk the line between what is a fashion forward and design-driven brand, and what is commercially successful.
Are you planning to challenge the biggest sneaker brands, or is Heyday more for the “specialist”?
A bit of both I suppose. Our distribution strategy has focused on getting placement in trend-setting, buzz worthy retailers, and building the Heyday brand through word of mouth, social media, and traditional media. After 2 years on the market, we have been able to segment our product line and distribution to cover the independent boutique market as well as giving the more mass market channel an exciting alternative to other sneaker/footwear brands.
What’s been the most fun part about building your own business?
Seeing people on the street wearing my design, and no longer having to beg stylists to look at my product since they now call me to place Heyday on celebrities and in magazines weekly. My favorite part of building my own business can be summed up in a quote by pioneer industrial designer, Raymond Loewy…”The most beautiful curve is a rising sales graph.”
What’s your prediction for the future of product design?
The trend now is for everyone to “design” their own product as evidenced by the relative success and popularity of DIY design site like NikeID, Zazzle and Cafe Press. While it’s very interesting (and challenging) from a supply chain and development standpoint, I feel that just because you can do it, doesn’t mean everyone should. There is tremendous value in a design education and experience in creating successful and innovative products, brands, etc. that no amount of DIY design websites can replace.
Ok Darin, if you were a sneaker … what would you look like?
I’d have a big tongue, a lot of straps and “break necks” with my good looks while walking down the street! (NICE!)
Want to know more about Darin and his designs? You can buy Heyday footwear here, and you can also follow Heyday on their blog, or on YouTube:
I had heard about the book Rules for My Unborn Son by Walker Lamond through his agent, of all things. Karen is a Twitter friend of mine and the agent for common friends of ours. When she tweeted about Walker’s book, I was intrigued. It turns out that he has a popular blog and a large Twitter following. It is easy to see why this is the case; his Rules make you think, and often, make you laugh. I plowed through the book in an evening and found myself smiling, nodding, and giggling at some of them. I knew this book would be a great fit for the Daily Grommet crowd.
Walker is a completely amicable guy and was kind enough to answer my questions.
I’m sorry that you lost your Dad at the age of twenty-two. It’s great that you’ve decided to write down the truths that you learned from him in an effort to preserve them. Are these “rules” he specifically told you, or did he simply live them out?
Mostly my father taught through his own example. He was a great dancer, a spiffy dresser, and behaved himself at the ballpark. He wasn’t really a disciplinarian, instead his advice came in practical asides, like if you forget your pocket square, the corner of a bed sheet does the trick. But it was his consistency that made me realize that he was living his life by a certain code or set of rules–essentially the things that he believed made a Good Man.
I love that you use the term “modern gentlemen.” It speaks of the respect that all people love to be shown without any of the negative connotations that people seem to associate with the word chivalry. Did you coin it yourself, or is it something passed down from your Dad?
I just wanted to make sure people didn’t think this was just instructions on which fork to eat with at a fancy dinner. The word gentleman can get a bum rap because people mistakenly associate it with some outmoded concept of chivalry — throwing your cape over a puddle and all that. But really being a gentleman is so much more than minding your manners — it’s about being adventurous and hard-working and curious and most of all, taking responsibility for the quality of your life.
When you branched out beyond the rules passed down from your Dad, did you find it hard to come across other quotes to include?
No, plenty of the rules come from my own experiences — the good, bad and the ugly. All I have to do is look at a photo of myself in college to be reminded of what NOT to do.
I know that the title of your book is “Rules For My Unborn Son,” but I can testify that most of the quotes apply to people in general — male or female. Did you make a conscious effort to include rules for everyone or did you just find that classic truths apply to both men and women alike?
Honestly, I really did write these rules specifically for my own future son. It’s a highly subjective and non-scientific list. I think the fact that the rules speak to both girls and boys says more about how alike we are these days and how similar our standards are for men and women. That’s a good thing.
How did the book come about? Was it something that you pursued, or were you approached because of your website?
I always thought this stuff might look good on a coffee table, but I did not start the project with the intention of publishing a book. After a few months of posting the material online, a couple lit agents found it and eventually some publishers too. Lucky me.
You’re on Twitter (like most of the rest of the world). Is Twitter something you enjoy being a part of, or is it something you feel like you have to do as part of your career?
I still try to update my website with new material so Twitter is just another convenient way for people to access it. It’s also a great way to promote book signings and share other fun news like where you can buy the book. I rarely twitter about what I had for dinner. But I do like meeting people who read the blog and learning about what they are into. It’s a great resource for new ideas, not to mention shopping tips. Kind of like a huge cocktail party. To just be a wallflower and not take advantage of that would be just silly.
I literally laughed out loud at many of the rules in the book. The old saying, “It’s funny because it’s true” comes into play with the rules you’ve included. Do you have a single favorite rule that stands out above the rest?
I don’t have a favorite but there are rules that some men just can’t abide. I’m always getting emails from dudes in California saying things like, “What do you mean I can’t jog shirtless?” And Brooklyn kids still defend their ironic facial hair, but they’ll come around.
Thanks, Walker!
Today, we have a copy of Walker’s book to give away.
General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question for Walker. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of the book “Rules for My Unborn Son.” Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9am EST through 10pm EST February 5, 2010.
Trying to keep fit? Can’t find the time? No more excuses! The real key to staying healthy is to keep moving and have fun doing it. We’ve pulled together 7 Grommets to help you stay on track and motivated long after most New Year’s resolutions fade.
Keep it fun.
Pedal yourself fit with the Yucycle, It’s designed for hands-free cruising. You pedal with your feet and steer by making subtle shoulder movements, so your hands are free to hold a cell phone, drink a soda, or shoot hoops if you’re really coordinated.
Or you could get a physical ‘high’ with the Vurtego Pogo Stick. It uses a patented air-spring propulsion system, unleashes the big bounce. In the hands of a master jumper (none of us here qualify…yet), this puppy can soar as high as eight feet in the air.
Fuel up.
With Youbar you can build your own energy bar right on the website choosing from ingredients in 8 different categories like nuts and seeds, fruit and grains. And the Vapur water bottle is designed to collapse when there’s nothing in it so you can roll it, fold it or flatten it. That means no more clunky water bottles taking up precious space in your purse, backpack or briefcase.
Take a hike.
When you do want to get out of the house and go for a hike or enjoy the outdoors you can tote all your snacks in the Kelty Pop Duo.
What sets the Kelty Pop Duo apart besides sheer quality? Simple good looks and spaciousness. A convenient prep area and a Storage section for kitchen utensils.
Be sure to protect yourself from the rays. Our pick: KINeSYS Sun Lotion. KINeSYS comes in a microspray bottle that sprays on in seconds and dries in seconds without oily residue.
Got kids along for the walk? Take a look at MFS Eyewear. The lenses are made of a shatterproof polycarbonate that provides 100% protection against UVB and UVA rays.
Feeling inspired? See more unique sports and fitness ideas here.
Whether you’re getting the gang together for Superbowl Sunday, going upscale with an Oscar party, or hosting overnight guests for President’s Day weekend, these eight great items make throwing a party painless and playing host or hostess even easier.
- Clean Up (Almost) Everything
- Sweeten Up the Front Closet
- Fresh Bedding at the Ready
- Make Things Shine
- Eco Chic Paper Towel Substitute
- Play a New Game
- Fire It Up
- (Really) Good Eating
You won’t need three toxic cleaning agents to tidy up for your guests when a rag and water makes cleaning easy – and green. Not just any rag, though, we’re talking about E-cloth, which is made from a special kind of microfiber that lifts dirt but won’t leave streaks. You’ll like it so much, you’ll probably want to do a demo for your friends. So miss a spot on purpose.
When a house smells of air freshener, guests wonder what its owners have to hide. Getting rid of odors beats masking them any day. Good thing you can absorb that musty closet smell in a flash with an all-natural bamboo charcoal deodorizer called Ever Bamboo.
You never know who is allergic to what these days, and no matter how tidy you are, you might just have sneeze- and wheeze-inducing dust mites. Make all your guest bedding allergy- and asthma-friendly with the CleanRest Ultra One line that blocks the microscopic pests.
Replace your noxious silver, brass, and copper polishes with Cape Cod Polish and you’ll thank us. You can use their reusable cotton polishing cloths – infused with just the right amount of polish – on all fine metals, and it smells like vanilla, which makes the job a little more fun. Yummy, shiny, yay!
It’s not a party until someone spills something. And this time you’ll have just the thing to wipe it up (and no, we don’t mean that stinky old sponge). One Twist Clean reusable, biodegradable sponge cloth will outlast 17 rolls of paper towels (but is just as easy to use).
Banish boring board games to the closet. Instead, break out Yamodo!, which is bound to become their new favorite. With something for the wordsmiths, and something for the doodlers, it’s a creative game that’s fun for just about everyone.
If you’ve got entertainment planned, don’t derail it with an impromptu contest of “who can get the fire started.” The Maine Flame firestarter leaves nothing to chance, and you’ll love that you’re using an eco-friendly product (just wax and sawdust) in your fireplace (or fire pit). It’s as easy to light as a candle, and doesn’t produce ash.
Sure you can whip up your old Seven Layer Dip, but if you’re in the mood to serve something that’s fresh and seasonal, the Clean Food cookbook has a Mexican Layer Dip you might want to try. Terry Walters will teach you how to eat close to the source and avoid processed ingredients. The result? Guilt-free, good eating for all.
The Luggage Center, Burlingame, CA
There’s nothing like going to a specialty shop that has a rich assortment of quality products, that takes risks on new brands and models, and really knows their stuff. I was lucky enough to go into two such places, both for luggage, in the last two weeks.
- Interior, The Luggage Center, Burlingame CA
The first was The Luggage Center in the sweet little shopping district of Burlingame, CA. I took photos of two of the more colorful offerings in the shop because I knew they’d pop in this blog. I was delighted to see The Luggage Center carrying a laptop bag from a Grommet supplier, Cocoon.
- Cocoon Laptop bag
And I had to smile at this colorful rolling case from Heys (Britto Collection). You’d never confuse it with someone else’s. Unless it gets wildly popular, which it could. It’s surprisingly lightweight and was well-constructed.
When I got home from my trip to California, I decided to finally do something about my damaged Tumi bag. The zipper on an exterior pocket has been broken for years. I got in touch with the company, who pointed me to a local dealer to handle the repair. I absolutely love to fix and refurbish broken stuff: shoes, luggage, and I enjoy making repairs on just about anything in my house except 1) aftershocks of teenage wasteland/carelessness and 2) socks. About ten years ago I decided I had “made it” when I stopped darning socks (and had too many sons to keep up.)
Anyway, it was great to show up at the shop and have the woman behind the counter efficiently take my bag and details and tell me they would have it fixed in about a week. Yay! I loved that she was recording repair orders by hand so I asked if I could take a picture. You can see her suspicion in her eyes, but she let me take it nonetheless.
I believe in supporting these businesses. Specialty retailers are the lifeblood of innovative products, they create texture and fabric in our towns and cities, and they create jobs for people who have a passion for their specialty. And they are steadily getting killed.
A friend of mine owns one of the finest kitchen gear stores in his city. It enjoys both a great location and a terrific reputation. However, he tells me his second-generation business that used to support his family has dwindled to a trickle of last-minute-purchase low-ticket gadgets. He said, “People used to buy the whole range of cooking gear from us. I can’t remember the last time I sold a set of All-Clad pans. People come in to check them out but then they go price shop to buy online.”
I’ve written about the cost of discount culture before. Bottom line: if we think low prices on everything are our birthright, then we should be prepared to inherit the rest: a landscape of soulless chain stories and Wal-Marts. What can we do? We can make a huge difference if we move even just 10% of our purchases off-line, and away from the big box, to these little-guy shops. They need us very badly. It might cost slightly more but the cost of not supporting these businesses is even higher to each of us.
Kristen Chase is the blogger behind the popular site Motherhood Uncensored. I have had the pleasure of meeting Kristen in person and can testify to the fact that she is just as charming and funny in real life as she is on the Internet. Her personal website morphed into a column, a radio show and now a book about, well, sex. While the tagline reads, “A no-surrender advice books for naughty Moms”, this book can be used by anyone who is looking to spice things up a little.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching we thought it would be great to highlight “The Mominatrix” and Kristen has offered us a signed copy to give away. Details of the giveaway are at the bottom of the post.
I sent Kristen some questions to help us all get to know her a little better and here is what she had to say:
How did the Mominatrix come about?
The Mominatrix is the brilliant brain child of Prescott and Jessica Carlson from ImperfectParent.com, who asked me to write a sex column for moms a couple of years ago based on my own ramblings at Motherhood Uncensored, my personal blog. I pitched them a few really lame names and Jessica actually came up with the name “Mominatrix” and my leather clad alter ego was born.
What did you find to be the hardest part of the writing process for the book?
Aside from the fact that I was hugely pregnant and then immediately post partum (which to me are probably the least sexy times in my life and thus not the greatest time to be writing a sex-help book), I was accustomed to having feedback from readers and commenters on my blog. So writing what I hoped was a funny book without anyone to really tell the jokes to was a little disconcerting. I remember turning in my manuscript and hoping that what I wrote was indeed funny to someone other than me.
What did you find to be the best part of the writing process for the book?
As a blogger whose medium is usually limited to 400-500 word snippets, I loved being able to write in longer chunks. Ironically, I found this to be quite a challenge at the time, but in retrospect, it was something for which I was extremely grateful. Plus, I have to be honest. It’s fun to tell people you’re writing a book.
Was there any point in writing the book where you felt overwhelmed or has it been gangbusters from Day One?
I think most authors would say that at one point in time they asked themselves “Why the heck did I decide to do this?” It’s a cocktail of anxiety, overwhelm, and an indescribable joy, though, and one that I’m still drinking as the book gets into the hands of the masses.
Do you have a favorite chapter? If you could tell people to read one chapter, which one would it be?
Oddly enough (since I’m not a single mom), I absolutely love the chapter I wrote for single moms, which was based on interviews with two of my favorite single moms out there – Jennster and Kristin Darzugas. I also received invaluable feedback from single moms on Twitter, which apparently is the book author’s new fantastic research tool. Even if you’re not a single mom, I think you’ll still get a chuckle out of it. And a funny back story, I joined e-Harmony to do some research for it and to this day, my husband still holds that over my head after seeing some email notifcations and wondering what the heck I was doing.
Now that the book has been out for awhile, and you’re on the other (Published) side of it, is it anything at all like you thought it might be?
It’s definitely been the roller coaster ride I expected. You get on, scream the entire way and wonder why the heck you decided to get on, and then by the end, you’ve got your hands up in the air and you’re ready for another round.
What is coming up next for the Mominatrix?
She’s definitely got a few exciting developments on the horizon. But she’s a tease and doesn’t give it up that easily.
Thanks, Kristen!
And for those of you who would like a (Signed!) copy of Kristen’s book, here are the rules:
General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question for Kristen. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of the book “The Mominatrix.” Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9am EST through 10pm EST January 27, 2010.
As we all wonder what more we can do for the situation in Haiti, we wanted to highlight some of our Grommet partners who are making a difference:
UNICEF – looking after the children of Haiti
You might remember that we featured UNICEF and their Tap Project on Daily Grommet last year. You might also like to know that UNICEF is playing a vital role in providing fresh water and making sure that the children who have been orphaned are accounted for and being taken care of.
UNICEF’s response to date has included:
- Leading all Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) efforts. On January 19, 140 water trucks delivered enough water for 140,000 people.
- Providing bottled water to two hospitals, two orphanages and a police station. 120,000 liters of bottled water delivered to a general hospital in Port-au-Prince on January 17.
- Setting up three shelters to identify and register children separated from families or orphaned.
- Working with seven child protection police brigades and deploying specialists to prevent trafficking at the border.
This picture shows a UNICEF aid worker talking to the children to help identify unaccompanied or traumatized children who have lost or been separated from their families due to the earthquake.
On 16 January, workers set up a water bladder at the Sports Centre in the city of Carrefour, near Port-au-Prince. The bladder is one of 26 which UNICEF distributed, with a holding capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 liters. Water is provided by roaming water tankers, and the bladders are linked to pipes and taps available to the displaced.
100% of all donations to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF will go directly to support relief efforts in Haiti. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is absorbing all administrative fees associated with processing donations.
Containers to Clinics – portable medical clinics to those in need
On Christmas Eve, we featured Containers to Clinics and met Elizabeth Sheehan who founded an international non profit aid foundation that recycles old shipping containers into portable health clinics.
Here’s a note Elizabeth sent to us regarding their efforts in this crisis:
“I am sure all of you have been following the catastrophe that is unfolding 90 miles from our shores. Since last Tuesday, C2C has been working (almost 24-7!) to deploy the container clinics to assist in the medical relief effort. For many of you that joined us at the ICA in November, it is easy to imagine the utility, versatility and functionality these clinics could have in a disaster situation of this sort. We will continue to pursue our mission to provide medical care to the most people vulnerable on earth and clearly, the Haitian in PAP fall in that category.
Our goal is to secure international partners who are involved in the relief effort, specifically the large agencies that provide medical supplies and pharmaceuticals along with agencies that are sending doctors, nurses and logistic support. We are extremely hopeful and about 80% confident that we will deploy the clinics. As you can imagine, deployment has NOT been easy. The ports are destroyed, the only airport is overwhelmed, petrol, security and basic food items are all scarce.
Historically, C2C has been so successful because of every one of you and as many of you know, C2C is all about the “little containers that could”.”
Plastic Jungle – Turn your unwanted gift cards into aid for Haiti
We originally introduced you to Plastic Jungle’s gift card exchange right after Christmas. Here’s an excerpt from their blog about how they’re helping to raise funds for the American Red Cross Santa Barbara’s Haiti fund:
“If you happen to have unwanted gift cards perhaps tucked in a drawer somewhere, now might be a good time to dig them out. You can donate your cards to the relief efforts via the American Red Cross Santa Barbara County Chapter on their givezooks! campaign page. Plastic Jungle turns those gift cards into much needed funding for the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which provides immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. And, for every gift card donated in January, we will send the nonprofit an extra 5% contribution (so they will receive an extra 5% on top of the card’s cash-in value).”
We’ve also heard from our partners at Bellybar (@bellybar on Twitter) that through January 31, 2010, they’re donating 20% of all purchases on www.bellybarproducts.com to Red Cross Haiti relief efforts. Hope you’ll help pass the word along!
Every day, the Daily Grommet community introduces us to all kinds of creative and inventive new ideas– our blog Spotlight Series lets us turn around and introduce them to you. Today we’re talking to Heidi Roizen, the woman behind “SkinnySongs,” a popular motivational CD we first heard about from Grommet friend, Brad Feld, (you might remember Brad recommended the iRobot Looj gutter cleaner, featured on Daily Grommet).
Welcome to the Daily Grommet blog, Heidi. Can you tell us about ”SkinnySongs” and how you came up with the idea for this CD?
A couple years ago, after a number of years of working too hard, not eating well, and getting no exercise, I got on the scale and hit a number I had never thought would be me — forty pounds over where I had been when I got married. I vowed that day to change my ways and get back to a healthy weight before my 50th birthday, which was about eight months away. That very morning, getting into my car, I was already dreading my first meeting, knowing that there would be a plate of chocolate chip cookies in the center of the conference table. If I was going to resist, I thought, I had better start mentally preparing now, before I get there. I started the car and the cd player started with it — and then it hit me.
Where’s the theme song for this battle? You know, where was the ”I Will Survive” song for facing chocolate chip cookies? I figured there had to be something I could listen to in the car that would motivate me to stick to my plans. But when I went to look for it, I found meditational tracks, sweatin’ to the oldies music, and podcasts about weight loss tips, but nothing with a fun beat and inspirational lyrics. SO I decided to do it myself.
What’s the biggest difference between your approach to weight loss and other diets or plans out there?
While I followed a program to shed my forty pounds, there is nothing that unusual about it… Sorry to say, it is ‘eat less and exercise more’! However, what IS unusual about SkinnySongs is it is the first music written specifically to help motivate weight loss and fitness. There’s plenty of music to listen to when you work out; mine is music to listen to so that you’ll go to the gym in the first place.
What’s been the most fun part of this project?
Really, two things. First, it was incredibly fun to work with the terrific producers, David Malloy and George Daly, who took my idea and my lyrics and created music far better than anything I could have conceived. Second, it is a tremendous kick to get ‘fan mail’ from others who have been inspired by my music, including one woman who says SkinnySongs helped her lose 200 pounds!
If you could sum up “SkinnySongs” in one sentence, what would it be?
Music to motivate you back into your skinny jeans.
Do you have any words of advice for others who want to turn their big idea into a business?
You have to be dedicated and you have to be realistic about how much time it will take and how much money it will cost. And, you have to be able to convince other people with the skills you don’t have to do it with you. I believe this all worked because I was willing to put my time and my money where my mouth was, so to speak…. And I was so passionate about the idea I was able to convince a bunch of talented people to work on it with me.
What’s next for you and “Skinny Songs”?
The music continues to attract fans, I’ve been on The Martha Stewart Show, CNN and many other places. Still waiting for Oprah to call me 
. It is up on Amazon and iTunes and I continue to promote it. I’m looking at opportunities to turn it into a musical, now that would be fun!
Do you know a passionate business you’d like us to feature on our Daily Grommet Spotlight Series? Tell us about it!
We’re giving away a copy of “SkinnySongs” today. Just leave a comment or question for Heidi and we’ll randomly select one winner. Good luck everyone!
Contest Rules: To enter, you must be a resident of the U.S. or Canada, and at least 18 years of age. No purchase necessary. Contest begins on 1/25/10 at 10am EST and will end 1/25/10 at 10pm EST. To enter, you must leave a comment on this post. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive a copy of the CD ”SkinnySongs.” You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. By entering this contest, you give Daily Grommet permission to contact you regarding your submission. If the winner does not respond within 7 days, a new winner will be selected. Void where prohibited.
We had a little struggle with the video on our site this weekend. Mysteriously, the telegenic and articulate Liquid Metal designer Sergio Gutierrez was hard to pin down when it came to shooting it.
This sometimes happens. When we hit a camera-shy Grommet founder we efficiently take on the bulk of the video and story telling ourselves, supplementing with photos or existing video footage from the Grommet creator.
But in this case, Joanne was totally convinced that Miami-based Sergio HAD to tell his story. She was sharing her struggle on this with Jeanne, and Jeanne had a typically “Jeanne” response:
I know someone in Florida! My friend Christine Keene. She’s always game for an adventure. I bet she’ll go meet Sergio and get that video done.
So Jeanne called Christine, and outlined the (a bit extreme) assignment:
- grab your Flip camera
- drive an hour away to Sergio, and get him to do what he does so well
- and send us the video.
Christine grabbed the challenge with both hands, turned it around in a nanosecond, and we had a beautifully annotated set of “Send It” files in our hands. No fuss no muss. (And Sergio was kind enough to give Christine one of his beautiful bracelets as a thank you.)
I love that people like Christine can actively help us build this citizen commerce experience and that they seem to have a blast doing it. Thanks Christine!
And….we are certainly happy to add other “Christines” to our geographic network. If the idea of shooting some Grommet video catches your fancy, let me know. I can promise you’ll have a front seat on some really fascinating stories. Jules @ dailygrommet . com
We have a cast of “frequent flier” people who regularly submit Grommet ideas. They matter a lot to us and we pay close attention to their thoughts. One man who previously suggested two successful Grommets, recently had a third idea rejected. We really like this guy’s enthusiasm and his great ideas. However, this third one was for a single-purpose device and we just didn’t see its use justifying its own existence. And we didn’t think it would fly with our audience either. (It was a small portable device to allow you to see Wikipedia information at your fingertips, without a computer. It might have good educational environment uses–just less compelling for the home.)
He was a bit chagrined by the turn down. He recently told me,
I’m now testing out a new product I really like. It’s something in the “green cleaning” device area. But I am being SO much more careful. I hadn’t really given the last idea a thorough vetting. Now I want to be sure this one is worth a serious look before I suggest it. It’s kind of an ego thing.
(I can surely relate. The Discovery Team does not hesitate to reject my weaker ideas too!)
While I sure as heck do not want to discourage this man’s future stream of suggestions, I appreciate his concern for serving up quality products that really deliver on their story. He’s graduating to some kind of “uber” Citizen Commerce participant. I need to come up with a name for THAT kind of person, now.