“Most of us want to practice the things we’re already good at, and avoid the things we suck at. We stay average or intermediate amateurs forever.”

As for canapes or crepes or fig newtons delivered on any sort of quaint or elegant serving platter, everyone loves a snack. Especially to wash criticism down.

As I said ealier — perhaps one of the parts that didn’t gracefully fit with your serve-n-volley instincts — the 2nd post you wrote clearly demonstrates your potential as a voice and leader, Dan. The first, however, shows a potentially snarky instinct that rarely elevates the conversation or inspires real change. You are — of course — free to opt for either or both. Consider it an observation that can be ignored or considered. Your call. I believe you know (and knew) that at first read, although it may not have been as compelling to respond to when you took the gun out of the holster.

BTW, will there be chocolate milk with the canapes? Or at least the well-justified questioning?

The intimidation they describe is real and legitimate among new learners and novice practitioners. We shouldn’t satisfy ourselves with that intellectual cowering, though, however legitimate and earned it might be.

It’s true that if a master craftsman can’t make his knowledge accessible to a novice he isn’t worth much as a teacher. However, we shouldn’t deny him the opportunity (however subconsciously) simply because he doesn’t look or dress like we do.

Furthermore, I thought a little about Jason’s comment today and wanted to clarify that my reaction to Vid Snacks would have been nowhere near this concerned/strident if these were just weekend hobbyists we were talking about.

But these are teachers and their lack of ambition has tangible consequences for the students they serve. Moreover, these are teachers who assert that their video offerings represent the future of language, an assertion that I couldn’t leave unquestioned, an assertion that more people should’ve questioned, even if Christian thinks I should’ve been friendlier about it and attached a clearly-worded note to a plate of canapés.

You wrote:

“…it’s so necessary to strain upwards and outwards, to bring good from the outside in, if only to keep the community of amateurs from collapsing in on its own lack of ambition.”

And I applaud.

I’ll echo/add the following:

Learning by its very nature demands that “strain” you mention. And the larger gestalt of outside ideas, examples, expertise, vision, questions, and resources is what lifts us (all) “upwards and outwards”.

Smiling at the idea of Design Contest #2. Whatever you need, ask away.

As for the final question, just keep on keepin’ on. Call it “neutering” if you elect. Or consider it simply an “expansion” of more profound “leadership” instincts based less on the craving of a short-term fight and more on the humble confidence of long-range wisdom. As for critiquing corporate targets, I can only smile. There are no imposed limits. Just an opportunity to rise above the fray when you see reasonable daylight. Think of it as a John Galt moment.

Your appreciative student and Design Contest colleague,
Christian