Spin
It’s interesting how “spin” is used to totally change the meaning of things and events going on around us. Corporate buzz words migrated our thinking from “problems” to “challenges”, and then it evolved from “challenges” to “opportunities.” If you have a “small” house to sell, the realtor will say it is “cozy.” If they say it has a “view”, it means you don’t get to leave home when there is ice on the road. A junky old car becomes “vintage.”
The first time I became spin-aware was when I was in my early 20s. I was working for the Postal Service and a decree came from regional management that said, and I’m not kidding, “Employees shall no longer refer to bulk mail as JUNK MAIL. It should always be called BUSINESS BULK MAIL, and smile when you say it.” Bukowski would have loved that one.
I try not to spin, but sometimes I can’t resist. Like everyone I have a couple junk drawers and a junk closet in my house. I call them “My Subconscious.” It is, after all the place to store things one wishes to forget.
posted by The Guy Who Writes This at 5:40 AM
10 Comments:
In the industry, we now call it framing or reframing the problem. Bush and his circle are notorious for it: George Lakoff is good reading. I think he'd say your junk drawers could also be alternate opportunities and the creative in me likes "just when you need there it is drawers." Or not.
I love that, "my subconscious". I'm going to have to use that one. Oh and the control enthusiast, that's a good one too.
I am not one for bullshit or spin. I am pretty straight forward and not good at sugar coating. Some might even say, and have said, I lack tact. This is why I could never make it in the corporate world.
Trish, are you a psych major? If so I need to schedule some sessions with you.
I forgot about you being in the persuasion business, Lelo. I'd love to come to one of your local engagements.
Zoe, that's what makes your blog so good, your edgy honesty. You in the corporate world? It's a wonder you can keep a job with your honesty. I enjoy how you put everything up front.
It is very interestig to watch you as a blogger.
Humphf! Good blog today. I was planning on writing about language and spin tonight on CCM but now I might save it for my next rotation. If I can think of something else to blog. Thanks for all of the help w/setting up the new forum board, appreciate it. We like all of the cross posting and people collaborating between the two forums. Personally think it makes for stronger statements. Just have to be careful we aren't spinning circumstances ourselves to fit the feelings of our posters, huh?
-Sydney
Sydney, you can be careful of that spinning circumstances, but remember I have no journalistic ethics. As I've said often, I'm just a dopey blogger, so if I screw up, BFD. The Carton Family actually has ethics. But watch that one Sid, she's a loose cannon ; )
If you would like I can send you a list of the topics I have planned for the rest of the month. But feel free to cover any topic I cover. Our readers would enjoy the variety.
Has your forum lost some traffic now that you've moved from Voy? It will pick up I'm sure.
Also, happy to help you folks on the
Forum. I feel comfortable posting there. I'd like to hear about what you think of your counter. I'll PM you on your forum.
roflmao Guy....great post!! So next time I go on a pillage and burn rampage of my junk drawers and closets I can call it a "mental flossing"??
I SO want to ask if I can borrow that graphic at the top of your post to give to my sister....but uhmmmm....errrrrr.....she might hurt me!!!
Boo, I bet Trish already printed a batch and has them down at the frame shop already. Sorry Trish, I couldn't resist, please don't hurt me either.
Ha...
I just call those drawers full of stuff Sh*t.
Come to think of it that is exactly how I say it when I forget in front of my kids too, just sort of without the "i"...they think I am just being breathy.
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