Ken Allan’s recent post, 4 R’s Meme: Favorite Posts, asks those tagged to select 4 of their favorite posts from their own blog, one from each of the categories: Rants, Resources, Reflections and Revelations.
The posts are then listed with a brief summary on each describing:
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Why it was important,
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why it had lasting value or impact, and
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how you would update it for today.
1) Rants:
Why is it important?
I was incensed at the level to which some people could lash out at the creator of a free service when something changed. Looking back, perhaps it was a bit brash, but it was certainly a rant.
Why it has lasting value?
This is of course subjective, but I think it still highlights how quickly people can loose perspective on the larger picture. It stands as an important reminder of staying humble and appreciating what you have rather than whining about what you don’t.
How would I update it for today?
I don’t know that I really would update the post. I sometimes question whether I should’ve said anything at all as it stirred a bit of emotion in various communities, but I think it a fair and balanced rant, as far as rants go that is.
2) Resources:
4 Keys to Success You Need to Survive
Why is it important?
This post communicates the four pillars of what I truly think successful people build upon: Honesty, vision, will and communication. It has become one of my cornerstone posts, and continues to generate traffic. I hope that it offers clarity and encouragement for those seeking a hope in darker times or that it matches the characteristics of those who count themselves successful.
Why it has lasting value?
My hope in writing this was that it would speak to characteristics that have always been and always will be held in high regard. I think it speaks to those who are earnestly seeking to better themselves, and insights conversation around either consenting or dissenting points of view.
How would I update it for today?
The subject and references speak to human characteristics, thus I do not think their is any kind of artificial “best if used by” date artificially stamped on this as might be the case with more topical posts. It will certainly be interesting to continually look back on this post over the years to see if my definition of success changes.
3) Reflections:
Why is it important?
This post was very personal to me, and reveals a struggle I think we all experience. While the background of the story is intensely personal, I believe the underlying themes speak to all.
Why it has lasting value?
It is historical in nature, so I think it offers insight into me as the owner and author of my blog. I think it valuable because of its simple statement that we are all selfish until we realize that to be truly happy we must seek selflessness.
How would I update it for today?
I would not. Again, I believe this theme is core to what I believe. It has become what I count as my cornerstone.
4) Revelations:
Why is it important?
Each time I read this I am reminded of how special this experience was – the experience of finding what was truly important. My wife and I were extremely scared that our gift might be taken from us, but she was not. Almost loosing what is most important opens your eyes to where you place value. We had placed value on the wrong things.
Why it has lasting value?
This post was not meant for others so much as it was meant for me, almost as if I were washing away dirt to reveal clean skin beneath. I hope others can draw their own conclusions, but I never thought it a post to have value for others – only to me.
How would I update it for today?
It’s funny that I don’t think I would change a single word. I do not intend for that to sound egotistical. Instead, I find each sentence galvanizing, showing me just how much I love my family.
And now I would like to invite a few friends to share if they will:
1) Keith Crawford (Know the Network)
2) Louis Gray
3) Sean Dent (My Strong Medicine)
4) Greg Walters (Death of the Copier)
5) … and anyone else that cares to share some of their history with us.
Image courtesy of Irargerich
Ken Stewart’s website, ChangeForge, focuses on the collision between the constantly changing worlds of business and technology in an information-centric world. Ken is also the founder of Seeking the Son. He is always interested in connecting; To discover the many ways you may connect with him, visit him at DandyID.
