Tag: Technology
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Big Ideas…Really, Really Big Ideas
It’s been pointed out that many of us in this state are a little gun-shy about sticking our neck out too far with far-fetched ideas for fear of [insert reason here – ridicule, “didn’t work last time” or “we could never do that here” comments, etc.]. In other words, we censor our own creative inclinations…
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Kentucky Finding its New Economy Groove
I was never sure which family in the Hatfield-McCoy feud was on the West Virginia side and which one was on the Kentucky side. Maybe they were all just sprinkled around the whole area. In any case, it made for an interesting competition. Perhaps it’s time to rekindle some competition with Kentucky, only this time…
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Can Hope Spring from a Holler of Horror?
The reaction to the recent disturbing, horrifying treatment of Megan Williams at the hands of six lunatics in a Big Creek, WV, trailer have been relatively predictable. On the one hand, an outpouring of outrage over the brutal act and compassion for the victim. On the other, a reluctance to reflect on what this says…
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Bridging Eras, Transitioning Images
Legendary marketing guru Al Ries has suggested that companies or branded products can only “own” one position in a consumer’s mind. Those brands that focus on a powerful, singular image are more successful than those who try to stand for two or more things at once. In other words, “Low prices, always” is more likely…
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Either/Or?
We are thrilled that many of the ideas represented by the Create WV initiative are being incorporated in a wider statewide dialog. A recent example is the op-ed piece by William Schweke of the Center for Economic Development in Durham, NC in this week’s State Journal. It is a good sign that more people are…
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Competing for and Developing New Talent
In the New Economy, talent is oxygen. The very nature of creative economy work is defined as the constant pushing of boundaries to create new ideas, new processes and new combinations of the physical and intellectual. Anything that can be packaged, processed and replicated can ultimately be done cheaper over time through technology and outsourcing.…
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Wood County E-Government Pilots Huge Success
As a follow-up to the last post on what will help drive broadband adoption in the state, it is great to see the Parkersburg area taking a leadership role from a local government perspective. The Parkersburg News-Sentinel reports that personal property forms filed online in Wood County have exceeded their expectations after the first month…
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Is eBay the Killer App to Drive WV Broadband Adoption?
West Virginia ranks near the bottom of the list of states in PC usage and broadband accessibility and adoption. However, the Marketing Genius blog just highlighted the fact that Charleston, WV, is the leader in eBay usage among Internet users according to a recent Scarborough Research report (requires Adobe Reader). Forty-four percent of Internet-using adults…
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Updated! Check Out the New Createwv.com
We are happy to announce the updated createwv.com web site, full of useful links for anyone interested in learning about or developing the Creative Community in West Virginia. Thanks again to Maple Creative for their hard work on this site. Here are a few things you’ll find: Don’t forget we still have the statewide CommunityWalk…
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What is Your Vision for West Virginia?
We talk a lot about vision as human beings, don’t we? We like politicians who seem to have a vision for the country (it helps even more when there is an actual plan behind the vision, but that’s another blog post). The Book of Proverbs states “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” The…