Back to Work

Topic: Asking questions in order to find better questions This week, Dan and Merlin pick up their discussion of asking better questions and how sometimes the point of asking a question isn't to get an answer, but to get another, even better question. How do you do this? Blundell Chains, hypotheses, the clackity noise, and iteration. Links for this episode:[SPONSOR] TextExpander (coupon code: LASTCHANCE)[SPONSOR] Squarespace (offer code: `fineformerlin`)5by5 | Back to Work #42: Coconut HeadphonesAdam Lisagor – interview by Merlin MannVisual Customization | Squarespace Help & SupportAdvanced Customization | Squarespace Help & SupportRoderick on the Line - Merlin's new podcast Dan won't listen to.kung fu grippe - Check out TextExpander’s new “Fill” functionality....Amazon.com: The Essential Don Murray: Lessons from America's Greatest Writing Teacher (9780867096002): Donald M. Murray, Thomas Newkirk, Lisa C. Miller: BooksAmazon.com: A Writer's Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That Work (9781400078691): Jack R. Hart: BooksAmazon.com: Spot Bakes a Cake (9780399227011): Eric Hill: Bookskung fu grippe - I got the “Spot” cake No words.The Man Who Sold the World (song) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHüsker Dü - "New Day Rising"kung fu grippe - Return of Humanity Horse Still brutal. ...JYI.org :: The Psychology of TimeMore of Jack Hart’s practical writing tips for authors, from A Writer’s Coach: The Complete Guide to Writing Strategies That WorkGetting Into the Writing Game, With Words of Advice From a Coach | Special English | Learning Englishkung fu grippe - Appreciating Donald Murraykung fu grippe - Making the Clackity Noisekung fu grippe - Questions, questions 43 Folders - “Makebelieve...Video: Merlin's Time & Attention Talk (Improvised Rutgers Edition) | 43 FoldersExamples - Squarespacekung fu grippe - Sample Blundell Chain Super-useful. (Featured...Sponsored by Sponsor 5by5, Smile, and Squarespace.

This week Dan and Merlin talk about asking good questions instead of massaging your real problem until it fits the comforting solution you found on the cover of a magazine. Links for this episode:Macworld Check your music's iCloud Status | Music and AudioMacSparky - Blog - Macworld 2012 - Rob Corddry and a Magic Show The Mountain Goats - "This Year" (2005)Lyrics: The Mountain Goats - "This Year"[SPONSOR}: Squarespace.com (offer code = `soangry`)Publication bias - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAs Dutch Research Scandal Unfolds, Social Psychologists Question Themselves - Research - The Chronicle of Higher EducationThinking, Fast and Slow - FT.comArrow’s other theorem « Statistical Modeling, Causal Inference, and Social ScienceHow to upgrade tracks to iTunes Match, fast | MacworldFive terrible fake AC/DC songs about how hard it is to be in a band « 5ivesEarth-616 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediakung fu grippe: "…And Snacks"Jack ChengGive Me Something To ReadLongreads: The best long-form stories on the webfile-drawer effect - The Skeptic's Dictionary - Skepdic.comMagical thinking - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCargo cult - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCold reading - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaOfficial Web Site of The Secret and The PowerThe Secret (book) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGhost in the Machine (The Police album) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLies, Damned Lies, and Medical Science - Atlantic MobileSophie's Choice (1982)The Greatest Salesman in the World - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaZig Ziglar - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCategory:Self-help books - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediakung fu grippe - Degrees of Gray in Philipsburg by Richard Hugo ...Bank of America hires Malcolm Gladwell to attract small business clients | The Raw StoryA Very Old Man with Enormous Wings - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAndré Breton - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | After Dark #60: After Back To Work #42VIDEO: Makebelieve Help, Old Butchers, and Figuring Out Who You Are (For Now) [43 Folders]kung fu grippe - Questions, questions 43 Folders - “Makebelieve...kung fu grippeSponsored by Sponsor 5by5, Reinvigorate, and Squarespace.

Dan and Merlin talk more about why we get stuck and how might re-think getting "unstuck." Looking at process over product, remembering how you got here, and getting clear about what you're really trying to make. Merlin also has some updates and tips for your iTunes Matching and your Google searching. Links for this episode:The Great Style Revival - Blog - The Official Squarespace BlogSearch using your terms, verbatim - Inside SearchCaptain Beefheart - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | Hypercritical #42: The Wrong GuyThe Metamorphosis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaElizabeth Gilbert's official websiteKeyBindings: new, improvedMarked scripts: nvALT, Evernote, MarsEdit, Scrivener - Brett TerpstraElizabeth Gilbert on nurturing creativity | Video on TED.comSestina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBallpark Seating Chart | SFGiants.com: BallparkCastilian Spanish - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[SPONSOR] Squarespace.comOne Hundred Years of Solitude - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAbout a little thing called 750 WordsAmazon.com: Captain Beefheart: The Biography (9780815411901): Mike Barnes: BooksThe Stranger (novel) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com: Steve Jobs (9781451648539): Walter Isaacson: BooksThinking, Fast and Slow - FT.comIMG: Smart Playlist for troubleshooting iTunes Match errorsHow to write a book, part 2 « Scott Berkun(Planet Money) The Giant Pool of Money | This American LifeCheck your music's iCloud Status | MacworldAmazon.com: Code Complete: A Practical Handbook of Software Construction (0790145196705): Steve McConnell: BooksAmazon.com: Led Zeppelin III: Led Zeppelin: MP3 DownloadsAmazon.com: The Uncanny X-Men: An Origin Story (9781423142997): Rich Thomas, Storybook Art Group: BooksAmazon.com: Uncanny X-Men Omnibus (v. 1) (9780785121015): Chris Claremont, Len Wein, Dave Cockrum, John Byrne: BooksPocket Full of Kryptonite - Spin Doctors | AllMusicFingertips - TMBW: The They Might Be Giants Knowledge BaseMacworld '12 - "40 OS X Tips in 40 Minutes" - David Sparks, Brett Terpstra, Merlin MannDusty Rhodes (wrestler) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaChampionship Wrestling from Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediakung fu grippe - Making the Clackity NoiseAnti-pattern - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Reinvigorate, Sponsor 5by5, and Squarespace.

Dan and Merlin talk about what it means for Google to change the meaning of "plus," and how it might bolster the production of "stuff and needy." They also consider options for "getting unstuck" with a creative project—how, sometimes, the constraints can help a lot more than the options. Links for this episode:Code Library - Squarespace Code Library[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com (offer code: `soangry`)Sponsored by Squarespace.

On strength and tolerance. Dan and Merlin talk about the many facets of strength, including the complexity of knowing what to be strong about, to whom, and when. It's about way more than nailing the "clean and jerk" or yelling at Sips-His-Coffee-Really-Loud Guy. It's also about accepting all the things they just can't stand about you. Also covered: the inescapability of Italian disco, maintaining an unassailable lawn, confronting skinny ladies in heels, negotiating D-minus hip-hop, and finding the will to spelunk all the way down the personal productivity stack. Links for this episode:GarageBand for iOS goes universal, adds new features | Macworld@hotdogsladies: "Watched a homeless guy throw fried rice at a pigeon for an hour. Would've left sooner but having an audience made them both try WAY harder."Ted (ted) on TwitterRoderick On The Line - a set on Flickr (Ted's awesome Roderick on the Line art)Giorgio Moroder ? Chase (theme from Midnight Express) - YouTubeGiorgio Moroder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaGiorgio Moroder Discography at DiscogsClean and jerk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPriapism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAbilify Side Effects | Drugs.comParrhesia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSlaughterhouse-Five: "Vy you? Vy anybody?"kung fu grippe - Plastic Dim Sum Thingee (from the artist’s...[SPONSOR] Squarespace (use coupon code: `soangry`)Prolapse - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCelebration, Florida - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLil Wayne - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMetallica - Fade to Black (1985)Sponsored by Bare Bones and MailChimp.

On improving presentation culture. Dan and Merlin talk about bombing the deck, advancing the slides, and striving to improve the self-perpetuating bad culture of presentations. Slide?!? (Also, kid germs in the spaghetti, meeting the angry corn guy, and moving closer to the metal with our Showbot hero.) Links for this episode:Jeremy Mack (mutewinter) on TwitterKurtis Beavers IllustrationTurtle Log | A Programmer BlogAnapanasati - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com (use coupon code `merlinlovesus`)In which Crabby learns The Angry Dancing Corn is called, "Cornzilla" | Flickr - Photo Sharing!Amazon.com: Beyond Bullet Points: Using Microsoft PowerPoint to Create Presentations That Inform, Motivate, and Inspire (Bpg-Other) (9780735620520): Cliff Atkinson: BooksAmazon.com: Presentation Zen: Simple Ideas on Presentation Design and Delivery (9780321525659): Garr Reynolds: Bookskung fu grippe - No pressure or anything.kung fu grippe - Prepping my “slides”Cedilla - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia43f Podcast: John Gruber & Merlin Mann's Blogging Panel at SxSWVideo: Merlin's Time & Attention Talk (Improvised Rutgers Edition)Scared ShitlessSeth Godin: Quieting the Lizard Brain on Vimeo[Merlin's Remote] Targus Multimedia Presentation Remote | AMP09USApp Store - Presentation ClockHow I Made My Presentations a Little Betterkung fu grippe - How my weird brain works If you’re curious—and...Sample: Presenter ModeVideo: Merlin's Macworld '09 Talk, "Toward Patterns for Creativity" - Merlin's Media - Video, Audio, Photos and More - Merlin Mann2 types of stories "1. Hero goes on a journey 2. Stranger comes to town."The Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaWebstock '11: Tom Coates - Everything the Network Touches on VimeoAmazon.com: A Writer's Coach: An Editor's Guide to Words That Work (9780375423277): Jack R. Hart: BooksViddler.com - Merlin Mann - Worst Website Ever - SXSW 2008 - Uploaded by rooreynoldsBusiness is Rockin | Stock Photo | iStockphoto.comCountryman Associates, Inc.Presentation ZenSponsored by Squarespace and TinyLetter.

This week, Merlin loves and hates iCloud while loving and REALLY loving Dropbox. He and Dan observe angry corn, discuss emailing files to yourself, wonder what to do with an ugly photo, and explore Mr. Noodle's brother, Mr. Noodle. Links for this episode:Apple - iCloud stores your content and pushes it to your devices.TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time!The SetupDropbox: The Inside Story Of Tech's Hottest Startup - ForbesDropDAV: HomeInstapaper 4: Deciding to Read | 43 FoldersThe Combine 2011 - EventbeeSponsored by Sponsor 5by5, Smile, and Squarespace.

Merlin Mann talks with Dan Benjamin about his dogged obsession with the flexibility of index cards—for propping up tables, giving very small cuts, and getting babies hygienically removed. Then, there is much talk of graphing your focal length against your time and attention. Links for this episode:The Dan Patrick Show | Official Home43f Podcast: John Gruber & Merlin Mann's Blogging Panel at SxSW | 43 Folderskickingbear» Blog Archive » About SteveAnne Lamott on index cards | 43 FoldersRichard Stallman Eats Something From His Foot - YouTubeNew Podcast: "Roderick on the Line" - John Roderick and Merlin MannScared Shitless | 43 FoldersGeena Davis - The Fly - YouTubeIntroducing the Hipster PDA | 43 FoldersMole (unit) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediakung fu grippe - Synecdoche, New York - Official Trailer I...This explains everything | Flickr - Photo Sharing!Armand Van Helden - Hear My Name - YouTubegladwell dot com - the social life of paperMake Magazine: "Death to Paper! Long Live Paper!"Video: Merlin's Macworld '09 Talk, "Toward Patterns for Creativity" - Merlin's Media - Video, Audio, Photos and More - Merlin MannSteve Jobs: a personal remembranceDaring Fireball: Universe Dented, Grass UnderfootA Strange Sort of Prison, a Strange Sort of FreedomPassenger 57 (1992) - IMDbHype Williams videography - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon: "The Creative Habit" by Twyla Tharpe[SPONSOR] - Squarespace - Build a Website, Create a Blog (coupon code: "`MerlinLovesUs`")[SPONSOR] - Byword • A Simple Text Editor for Mac[SPONSOR] - Byword on the Mac App StoreStallman: "Steve Jobs, the pioneer of the computer as a jail made cool, designed to sever fools from their freedom, has died."[SPONSOR] - Adding an Audio Podcast | Squarespace Help & Support5by5 | 5by5 Specials #2: Thank You, Steve JobsJoe Mande - R.I.P. The Andy Rooney GameMy Neighbor, Steve Jobs - Palo Alto, CA PatchWhat if the Secret to Success Is Failure? - NYTimes.comFocal length - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShould I Email Marco Arment? — Please don't email me.43 Folders: Thanks, SteveNo One Needs Permission to Be Awesome | 43 FoldersClassic Hype Williams Video: "Woo Hah!! Got You All In Check" by Busta RhymesMarked: MultiMarkdown preview, everywherenvALT 2.1 - Notational Velocity ForkMarkdown Service Tools - Brett Terpstra5by5 | The Talk Show #60: I Tip ProfuselySponsored by Sponsor 5by5, Byword, and Squarespace.

How to handle job interviews. Merlin and Dan can't solve the problem of interviews being dumb, but Merlin will tell you what is wrong with you, how long you'll have to wait for your resume to get you a job, how Larry Wall interviews for a Perl job, and whether or not the answer is always Yes, like they were just telling Stephen (yes, Hawking). Links for this episode:Seduction community - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMerlin's Talk: "With All Due Respect to the Seduction Community"Larry Wall - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTwitter / @hotdogsladies: "You guys know if there's any Monopoly Guy/Sir Topham Hatt slash fiction?"Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream CateringBlackjack ClassroomSerial position effect - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com: What Color Is Your Parachute? 2011: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers (9781580082709): Richard N. Bolles: BooksJobHuntersBible.com:Résumé of Merlin Mann (10/2000)Alexandre Dumas, père - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAlexandre Dumas, fils - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCategory:Candy bars - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaRésumé of Dan Benjamin (06/2001)Awesome B2W-related sketchbook drawing. So great.kung fu grippe - You stay classy, MarriottKeyBinding madness - Brett TerpstraSiracusa said so. - Actual quotes, complaints, and wise sayings from John Siracusa as heard on 5by5's entertaining Hypercritical broadcast.Sales Representative at 5by5 Studios ~ Authentic JobsGood Will Hunting - Funny Job Interview (Ben Affleck) - YouTubeViddler.com - Merlin Mann - Worst Website Ever - SXSW 2008 - Uploaded by rooreynoldsQuote Details: Woody Allen: Eighty percent of success... - The Quotations PageAphasia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTumblrSponsored by Sourcebits and Sifter.

How to say "no." Merlin talks with Dan about saying No to toilet paper diamonds, mints on pillows, and things you don't have the wallet for instead of saying Yes to a crate of bananas you don't have enough information about or giving a qualified Yes to planning Christmas parties you don't have any interest in. Links for this episode:THE SHINING (1979) analysis by Rob AgerAmazon.com: Brandwashed: Tricks Companies Use to Manipulate Our Minds and Persuade Us to Buy (9780385531733): Martin Lindstrom: Books5by5 | Hypercritical #34: Pride in CraftsmanshipCognitive dissonance - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHow Whole Foods "Primes" You To Shop | Fast CompanySponsored by HelpSpot and Rackspace.