UPDATED!
"A book is a souvenir of an idea" - Seth Godin
"The term, "Social Object" can be a bit heady for some people. So often I'll use the term, "Sharing Device" instead." - Hugh McLeod / Gaping Void
Seen in these pictures is the 19 lb Behemoth - This Might Work - compilation of Seth Godin's blog posts for the past seven years.
I'm sure many of those who received it, have it sitting on youre desk or office coffee table.
I'm using it, not as a souvenir of Seth's blog posting, but as a social object, "a sharing device" as Hugh McLeod suggests.
How a Social Object Works
Open up the book, and people want to look at it.
Open to a page like either of these, and it provides a prime opportunity to begin to talk about change.
I've carried the Behemoth into several different settings this week, knowing that virtually no one there will know who Seth God is.
The intense interest that these pages foster demand conversation and exploration of the ideas in it.
My recommendation is find a way to take it with you, and when you have a few moments, take it out, and begin to read it. Share it with people, and talk about the ideas that have made a difference in your life and work.
I bought a copy of Whatcha Gonna Do With That Duck?, the abridged version of It Might Work. I'm using it as a loaner. You can too.
Using It Might Work as a Source for Social Objects
The design of It Might Work provides opportunities for using the images as conversation starters. That essentially what a Social Object provides. A way to start a conversation that can lead to a relationship, and maybe tomorrow, change the world.
Take pictures of the large format ideas pages like I have done here. Post them on your blog or Facebook page with your own insights into Seth's ideas. Make it a conversation.
Just look at these images. If you posted one a week in your office by the coffee machine, what kind of conversations are possible.
Ultimately, the Behemoth is not a depository of past ideas from Seth Godin. It isn't a relic, or souvenir. It is a tool for sparking conversations about ideas.
As a creative compilation of ideas, it fascinates people, just as it did my friend, Jina Hong, seen here. As an artist, she was inspired by what she saw.
Books are great to share. But it is rare that a book can be utilized in quite the same way It Might Work can be.
If this still seems a bit weird, try this.
Take the book to a public place, and begin leafing through it. When a page captures a person's imagination, take her picture, and posted at your blog or on Facebook or Twitter. Get her email, and send her the picture.
You've not only made some new friends, but have made a difference in their lives by inspiring them with one of Seth's ideas.
This takes effort, but I'm certain it is worth it.
Thanks.
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