Friday, September 27, 2013

New Media for Designers + Builders




New Media for Designers + Builders
by Steve Mouzon

New Media for Designers + Builders is a stockpile of focused marketing strategies and tactics catered specifically to selling architectural (and related) services today. Mouzon’s eBook serves both concept and recipe so that busy designers and builders can market themselves in near-expert fashion. The big idea of nm4db is that technology has advanced to a place where a multitude of powerful digital tools are available to anyone who has access to a mouse and keyboard. Mouzon spins a very specific and intricate web showing the purpose of new media like blogs and social networks as well as how they combine to promote your business.

nm4db is available today as an interactive eBook (click link above). The content is divided into basic sections: Why, How, Who, and What. WHY is an introduction of the materials and strategies Mouzon has been practicing in successfully promoting his own business and non-business ventures for years. A brief but insightful synopsis of why these new media tools are now particularly crucial to any business’s market mix leads to a summary of the ideas and techniques to follow.

HOW dissects each new media tool – from Blogging and Websites to Discussion Groups, Video Presentation and Public Speaking – in image-rich numbered sections with strong visual cues for quick digestion. If you are weary of blogging, you won’t be after Mouzon’s argues its strengths and best practices for implementation. The advice herein is delivered carefully and with multiple references and outside opinions both bolstering Mouzon’s outlook and pointing to more extensive reading material on any given topic.

nm4db preaches Patience, Generosity, and Connectedness as a contrasting approach to completing on Quality, Speed, and Economy. That may sound preposterous at first, but Mouzon tailors each virtue to slowly but surely increase your marketing reach and turn publicity into revenue. At 397 pages, the eBook may seem long. Though it is thorough, New Media for Designers + Builders can be read in an afternoon. WHO and WHAT, which account for over 200 pages, simply serve as a meticulous bibliography and reference list of Mouzon’s community of influencers, collaborators, and innovators.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Jessop Christ, man!

On Monday, the Associated Press reported not only Judge Barbara Walther’s ruling that 430 children to be returned to their families, but also that the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) has enacted a ban on marrying underage girls.

Congratulations are in order, I think.

Now, there is nothing funny about divinely-sanctioned sexual abuse of adolescent and teenage girls, but the self-loving leaders of this sect of strict interpreters are downright hilarious. Willie Jessop, FLDS elder, said the church has been widely misunderstood. Well, Willie, you are not making it easy, buddy!

True, your council of senior fundamentalists will no longer encourage its membership to wed twelve-year-old girls. Moreover, you will counsel members to implement this earth-shattering new reality. Wow! What a swell bunch of fellas

It goes without saying that girls under the age of consent (by state) are not fit to make adult decisions. In fact, that’s one of the perks to the perpetuation of Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints: keeping the young’uns out of school and in the compound. So what? I’m supposed to be astonished that FLDS has pledged to uphold the law on their ranch? I am not even flinching.

If you want to impress me, outlaw pioneer costumes – or the Ten Commandments.

Bravo to the mini-victory, Lord knows the state of Texas can’t be burdened with five-hundred-some custody cases. And apologies if I misunderstood the concept of isolation from greater society and UNWAVERING belief in a book of figurative language, poetry, and mysticism. AWS [Photo: God’s Brothel by Andrea Moore Emmett]

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

If You Build The Dream...

Over fifteen million pilgrims of liberty pour into Washington, D.C. each year. They seek the Smithsonian…and the stone monuments that characterize the American Dream – that will to break free from the shackles of oppression, that independence to choose for yourself, and that ability to take a piece of Her and make your home here. These tourists, fine Americans and international fans of Bravery and Freedom, spend $5 billion annually for proverbial tickets to the Concert for George. And everyone from the Washington, D.C. Convention and Tourism Corporation to the National Capital Planning Commission listens to those dollars.

The voice of the people said, “give us more outdoor-park-like-fountain-wall-engraved-quotes-sculpture-ridden memorials.”

In fact, among the top ten most visited places in The District are the WWII, Korean War, Vietnam Veterans, and FDR Memorials. Gone are the days when Greek-Classical temples stood singing the epic stories which shaped our nation’s rich past. The new emblem of patriotic tribute is a hardscape plaza lined with trees-in-bloom, the names and words of noble men, and an avant-garde art program.

When executed properly, the combination can be breathtaking.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is the finest example of this modern memorial architecture. Its symbolic form is reinforced by the literal gravity of the names of the departed whose grief sinks The Wall into an earthen channel – akin to the trenches many soldiers occupied while paying the highest price for our freedom. The majestic stone finish reflects the highest art of all: the city itself.

Similarly, the World War II Memorial honors the Veterans of European and Pacific campaigns with physical statements of strength, courage, and the grace of God. The sculptures are aesthetically and structurally resolved and supportive to the overall message. The Korean War Memorial has always been a personal favorite – a tender, human take on the experience of combat and the time in between firefights. The FDR Memorial is not as cohesive; the sculptural program can be ambiguous or crude and the plaza sprawls beyond a distinguishable region. But it makes up for its flaws in gorgeous rusticated fountains and picturesque views.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial follows a like pattern though it falls short of even the merits of FDR. As a matter of opinion, the symmetrical plan is in poor taste. As a matter of fact, however, the crux of the design is tasteless. The focal point of the plaza is a sculpted gate. The gate is a granite hump, from which a portion is sliced away and placed several paces toward the Tidal Basin. The hump is called the Mountain of Despair, and its comical proportions do not remind the visitor of topography or sadness. The slice, which allows visitors to enter the plaza, is called the Stone of Hope. The Stone from the Mountain is a sort of cutesy clichéd distortion of King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The Stone, actually the pinnacle of the Mountain, bears quotes on its flanks as it spawns a likeness of Dr. King on the façade facing the water.

No doubt, you are aware of the controversy already. The sculptor is Chinese and so is the granite – in true modern fashion the piece is being Made in China as well. African American Artist and memorial statue All-Star Ed Dwight originally selected Lei Yixin to sculpt the Mountain, Stone and King’s likeness. Yixin was chosen because apparently African American sculptors (by survey) are unaccomplished in granite sculture. But after seeing study models of Yixin’s proposal, Ed Dwight and others are having second thoughts.

For one, Dr. King was a sharp dresser, and Yixin can’t quite do the civil rights activist’s wardrobe justice (please excuse the use of the word…I couldn’t help it). The suit is plain and ill-fitting, nevermind that it emerges awkwardly at the knees from the Stone of Hope. Yixin was also working from a photograph printed backwards, which lead him to place a pen in King’s left hand even thought he was a righty. In general, it is just not that great of a representation. The nation deserves better. King, who gave so much for his cause, ought to be sculpted as elegantly as Lincoln – a true account of the potent expression that can emanate from a mere mortal.

Executive Architect (not design architect, mind you), Dr. Ed Jackson, Jr., ordered several changes himself after seeing the study model. Yixin’s touch will be augmented by two African-American artists(Jon Lockard and Ed Hamilton) to ensure the accuracy of King’s image. Among other things, a creased forehead was cited to be replaced with a more gently facial expression. The bitter-faced-black-man image was not considered iconic of Dr. King. Furthermore, critics were weary of parallels between the King statue and Yixin’s representations of Chairman Mao. Realistically, however, King was a man of passion – prone to anger and action. After all, if King were a man of gentle disposition…let’s just say there’d have been a lot less marching.

The overall proposal still lacks even if the sculpture was perfect. The park setting is billed as a gathering place for the neighborhood, with ample seating and pretty views. Architects always thing what they are doing is gonna be great, but face the facts: literally NO ONE not dropped off by a Tourmobile will be engaging a lunchtime stroll around the Tidal Basin. The monuments that wrap it are so far off the grid that it’s a chore to visit them by foot.

This park model of memorial design is insensitive. Wall fountains do not ease the sweltering pain of the humid Washington summer. Cheap art may be in style, but quality never gets old. For a deeper look please visit kingisours.com. AWS

Saturday, February 23, 2008

High Noon

The contest for the Democratic presidential nomination is a gripping tragedy. Fundamentally, wining the nomination is not an end but a beginning; and finally being elected the leader of the free world, especially at this sensitive time, will not be akin to the period which finishes a sentence. There will be no victory parade.

The world has problems, and America – with its own unique grief to quell – is just a piece in the global contest. As pompous as it may sound, our international friends and enemies are following this race closely. They say “America, help us,” or “America, stop meddling,” or “America, apologize!” But from Europe, to South America, to Africa and Asia, heads are turned toward the steadfast beacon of liberty (or imperialist savagery depending on whom you ask) for the first time since before the Cold War got a little out of hand.

It’s quite possible that we the people will change the face of politics from its historical fair-skinned white-haired patriarchal caricature. If we do not vote for a white man, we will need to justify that departure from tradition, not to convince others but to be sincere in our choice. So, everything our presidential candidates say, on stage and off, must be closely inspected. Whether we vote on character or policy, issues or values, the 2008 contest will be expressive if not conclusive.

Reps aren’t necessarily jumping on any bandwagon, but the Dems are getting hardcore in a subtle way. The Obama and Clinton fight has been an uplifting one, hesitant to come to blows. But underneath a support for one is a repudiation of the other’s being. Yet the competing platforms are “95% the same” on some issues, as we heard in Thursday’s Austin, TX debate. The format sat the two idols like school children, on tiny glass writing tables dwarfed by the massive wooden desk holding a gang of moderators. It was but a sweet-tempered visit to the principal’s office.

Fortunately for the viewer, it was a forum of straight-talk. Barack was displaced from his sermon-style animation, and Hillary was spared of articulating any body language (which is always awkward and robotic). In this new environment, we learned many things: neither candidate will explicitly commit to a sit-down with Castro’s successor; Obama kind of likes Hillary’s healthcare plan but wants every American to have the right not to; Clinton is confident in her experience, and Obama is just plain confident. Each senator took notes and spoke in turn, save a denial uttered under a breath here and there.

Wait a minute! Barack explained that a campaign adviser wrote lines for the Democratic frontrunner to regurgitate, making Clinton’s plagiarism accusation bogus. “Change you can Xerox” is not even a good line. Nothing lasts forever, but nothing is original: especially a Clinton presidency. Still, if that’s the only squabble the gentleman and gentlewoman can generate, then it’s going to be a long walk to the DNC this summer.

Consider the following carefully. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton very much want your money. You may not visit their respective internet addresses without first being asked to contribute. I can assure you that Barack has a better web-design team and, arguably, better marketing. Upon arrival, Barack and family greet you and ask to spam your inbox; after skipping that foolishness, the actual informational site features a Obama, sans jacket, challenging the sun to a staring contest. The accompanying quote asks you not just to believe that he can change Washington, but that you can. How poetic. It then strikes me, that the senator from Illinois had the audacity to use Sam & Dave’s “Hold On” at rallies without permission. Dude, you’re a lawyer, c’mon man. Now, a vehemently cautious Sam Moore has written the campaign to say he does not wish his musical legacy to be attached to a purpose he is not passionate for, but probably would have allowed the play if the change-guys had had an inkling of professional courtesy.

Hillary Clinton’s contribution request is quite a bit lengthier. Beside a petition of urgency is a wide angle snapshot of a suited Clinton wearing a contrived smile that would make The Joker blush. Next you are forwarded to another sign-on/contribution form and a close-up of the senator that’s actually quite flattering. The embedded link directs you to an uninspired webpage and crude chart begging you to help Hill match the Obama camp’s ad budget in the Birthplace of Aviation.

I’ll spare you the sites’ contents, lest you should read each one. The tragic element is that American politics is no longer black and white, Whig and Tory, Patriot and Loyalist, Yankee and Rebel, or Conservative and Liberal Commie Bastard. The intricate network of small factions pushing big issues in conflict with one another ensures that any victor, McCain included, will lack mainstream sway. There will be no landslide, no reconciliation. But in all likelihood the Democratic ticket boasts a female and a black man against John McCain and whomever. I only wish that certain Obama supporters refrain from Uncle Tom name-calling against black Americans who read the positions and give their money or votes to Missus. AWS

Thursday, February 14, 2008

King Harvest

The Band was an ensemble, a quintet of the finest caliber of musician-vocalists (well, but Robbie couldn't sing and Garth didn't) to ever produce rock and roll music. Their sound evoked contrived memories of an idealized American identity. Technically, they led a reserved rebellion against psychedelic Brit-rockers whilst paying tribute to the very same country, blues and early rock 'n roll legends who were so influential to the Beatles, Eric Clapton and Cream, and the Rolling Stones. It was Levon Helm kept The Band's unapologetic American image authentic - being the only non-Canadian in the group.

Born in Marvell, Arkansas, Levon met Rick Danko, Richard Manuel, Robbie Robertson, and Garth Hudson as each joined him in the backing band for eleventh-hour-Rockabilly small-potato Ronnie Hawkins (I like the Hawk, but reality is he never enjoyed recognition). The boys cut their teeth in latter day saloons across Canada, going on to persevere an illustrious if tumultuous sixteen-year nine-album career. The Band disbanded when Robbie's cinematic, broad and experimental vision clashed irreconcilably with Levon's old-time-religion approach to instrumentation and invention.

If we cannot have another Band album (some members have passed, and a certain guitarist is irreplacable), we must count ourselves fortunate to receive Helm's October 2007 Vanguard Records release, Dirt Farmer. The collection of performances personifies the element Levon brought to the fold in his ensemble days, but independently. Yet the production possesses the gritty humility and potent minimalism of the Brown Album (The Band). Consequently the listener is allowed on the porch with Levon and his family and friends, allowed even to clap and holler along with the players.

This is not the brawling dirty-blues of a midnight ramble but the flat-picked twang of an America underrepresented in even the finest contemporary country music recordings. Consider: Levon Helm is 67; he has not recorded in 25 years. His voice endured utter depletion in response to throat cancer treatments which confined his expression to drums, mandolin, and guitar for some fourteen years; Helm sang for the first time since only four years ago. Apparently he regained his capacity for rich wailing and tender gospel harmony rather quickly.

The album is a triumph for Levon as much as it is for the New-Deal folksongs of his childhood. Like the farmer so saved by the labor unions, the subject of The Band's "King Harvest," Levon recaptures the masterful execution of a studio recording that has eluded his career since American Son (a 1980 solo effort which included his cover of "Blue Moon of Kentucky"). Indeed, for Levon Helm, king harvest has surely come. I just hope that fate brings me to Woodstock before long to witness a Midnight Ramble first-hand. AWS

Another Whistle Stop

In the days when rail was the preferred means of travel, politicians would campaign across great great distances, stop in small towns and lead brief rallies whilst never leaving the caboose. The appearances were called whistle stops. "Another Whistle Stop" nods to the rich history of communication in general and, specifically, the merits of waxing philosophical on diverse subjects using a single forum.

AWS is an editorial page - a magazine-like collection of stories, opinions, events, and designs which are of interest to the author. Content may well include postings of a musical, architectural, cinematic, social, political, or global nature. The purpose of AWS, unlike the missions of Gilded-Age politicians pontificating from train coaches, is not to convince a readership but rather to present news and culture in the context of a history that is multi-dimensional and open to infinite interpretations.

It is said that one never changes his mind, but makes new decisions based on new information. In that vein, AWS reserves the privilege of propagating competing interests, ideas, and perspectives without limitation. To ensure that this forum retains some degree of dignity, AWS will make every attempt not to be a factual account of what the author did today in favor of op-ed pieces with evident appeal and propriety of prose. Please enjoy.AWS