They Say Symtio. I Say COOLIO.

REPOST: Occasionally I repost something from BarryBlog which in the interest of context, seems relevant again. I posted about Symtio on November 25th, 2008. Since the model of publishing, marketing, and blogging are obviously morphing, I wonder now if anyone has seen this in captivity, and even better yet, used it?

This seemed so forward thinking at the time. It made me want to send a representative kiss (I believe I called it a Hat-tip at the time) to Zondervan for breaking through the familiar and innovating with such gusto.

Have you seen it? Used it? Know the behind the scene story and are willing to share it? Is Zondervan (and their loyal customer) reaping the benefits? Was this forward thinking innovation important to their culture regardless of the immediate sales numbers?

I wonder.



Hat tip to Zondervan. Complication and bureaucracy hidden below the surface. Content delivered wherever, whenever...which is all about the end user. Bravo.

WinePress Publishers: The No-Gossip Policy.

Let's face it, BarryBlog is a bit all over the map. The last few months or so (Dec07 - Jan08 - Feb08), my posts have concentrated on design, and most recently on issues relating to mid-century modern furniture and decorative arts.

Then this one. A post about gossip. And faith.

As most of my readers know, I see things through the lens of faith. I realize not all 19,840 visitors who have come to BarryBlog to date have shared my view on faith, but somehow we all manage to find areas of interest that we do share in common. For me, the subject of gossip is something which effects everyone regardless of one's world view. Simply put, gossip hurts everyone. It may seem harmless, but if you really think about, it's an easy trap to fall into. While it offers instant gratification by releasing frustration, it's never the right thing to do. Over time, gossiping about others can begin to harden your heart and proves hurtful in so many ways. On the subject of gossip, the Bible is quite clear...

"If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless." (James 1:26, NLT)

So I came across this company, WinePress Publishing. They've had enough, and have taken a stand against gossiping by instituting a No-Gossip Policy. A policy that on the surface seems a bit silly, but something I find both unique and refreshing, as well as courageous. Read the policy for yourself. I believe if you're really honest, you may begin to make the connection that gossip is hurtful, and you might consider steps to nip it in the bud. Like WinePress Publishers has done.

Thanks WinePress Publishers for the accountability, encouragement, and overall stand you've taken. I admit that I sometimes fall into the gossip trap without even knowing it. Your stand against gossip is an awesome reminder, and a refreshing twist on business.

WinePress Publishing offers a free placemat (which you can preview here), which they will send you if you just call (800).326.4674. I admit this seems a bit juvenile, but after you think about gossip for a while, and think about how hurtful it is, you can begin to see the validity in this effort.

( via CookPartners Blog )

Partner With Ryan Toyota (and God)

Canadians Ryan Toyota and wife Jenn are developing prayer and financial support so he can work full-time for the organization Hungry For Life. He's developed a nice site so you can find out more this organization, learn more about Ryan himself and how God lead him in this mission, view some of the videos he's created, find out how you can partner with he and Jenn, and how to contact him if you have questions.

You never know how or through who the Spirit moves, so if you feel led, give him a shout out. His site is really inspired.

Leadership is Influence, Not Control

A reminder from Thomas Nelson CEO Michael Hyatt in his blog FromWhereISit that true leadership is about influence and not control. His big four include:


He states that "time and time again, I have witnessed the power of a simple thank you.” Michael is teaching a great deal about being transparent, how encouragement pays dividends, and how it's okay to be bold. To me, the angst to be the best is worship. Christian publishing deserves nothing less.

( via From Where I Sit )