Founder's Blog: Production Report for Week Ending October 1, 2010

The following is a report of my production for the week ending October 1, 2010.

I. Say What You Mean and Do What You Say.

This week I had a very frustrating experience. I was finalizing what was to become an upcoming online crafts class. I spent over an hour on the telephone with the party going over the details. By the time we ended the call we were both in mutual agreement. I started to put wheels in motion for sponsorship. Blah, blah, blah. Long story short, two days later I get a "I'm sorry...this isn't the right time for me..." email from the party. Blah, blah, blah.

I was pissed.

I didn't even bother to respond. Ugh.

Last year, one of the co-founders of a very successful online creative class company warned me that instructors tend to be flaky.

It's so annoying.

But, as with all things in "Judyville," I keep it moving. Next.

II. Don't You Hear Me Talking To You?

For the last three weeks I have sent proposal upon proposal to people/companies for various projects I am planning for VirtueRadioNetwork.com. Several of the recipients have gotten in touch and will be involved in the future. Great. Much appreciated.

Then there are the others. The ones who just pretend they don't hear me. The ones who blow me off.

Before you say, "Well, they don't owe you anything," consider that these people were beneficiaries of former things I had done for them.

And for the record, I don't have a problem with the word, "no." I actually prefer you to be direct and let me know where you stand. It's the silent treatment that gets the eye roll and clenched teeth. Explain to me, what's the big deal about a simple decline email?

And don't get me started about the short-term memory people I've done things for in the past.

Ugh.

Annoying.

III. Some Good News (Honest - No Bitterness Below)

My media credentials for the upcoming Adobe Max 2010 convention arrived.

I am very excited. I'm covering Adobe Max 2010 for a special week long WOMEN CREATE: Lessons in Business for Women video diary. The video diary will feature demonstrations of Adobe products every home-based (or otherwise) woman entrepreneur should know about. I'll also chat with industry experts about trends.

Adobe is the maker of Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Premiere Pro, Flash, After Effects and more.

IV. Farewell to a Gentleman

The day I received the email mentioned in Section 1 of this report, my spirit was so heavy. I actually prayed to God to release me from this VirtueRadioNetwork.com assignment.

"Just say it, God. Tell me to put this down.
Speak plainly to me. And make it audible
so there is no doubt that it is you. Just tell me that
I don't have to do this anymore."

God hasn't gotten back to me yet.

However, the day after, I received a report that one of my all-time favorite television writers - Stephen J. Cannell - had passed away.

I met Mr. Cannell in the early 90's on a film set. He was extremely kind, funny, dapper and encouraging. A year or so later, I had the opportunity to work at Mr. Cannell's independent television production company. I had to decline because the pay was too low, especially in comparison to the money I was making at a large studio.

In hindsight, I probably should have taken the job.

A (small) portion of Stephen J. Cannell's fruit.

Did you know he was dyslexic?

He was a man who had every reason to give up but didn't. (He failed three grades before finishing high school.) He pressed on and found a way to make his dreams come true. In the process he entertained, comforted and inspired a generation via his television programs and novels.

Stephen J. Cannell on Writing: