Like other bloggers and internet-focused folks, I am always thinking of ideas for new websites. I'm sure you've thought of some as well.
Staying true to the spirit of Quixoting, my ideas are better in the public eye than stuck in a bottom drawer or crammed in the corner of my brain. But I've also thought: if it is such a great or interesting idea, why don't you launch it? Good ideas don't become great just because you tell people about it. It has to be launched, money has to be risked and blood must be spilt, right?
But I don't really believe that anymore. I believe that if I do not have the time, the knowledge or the inclination to start it, why not tell others? Maybe someone else would like to launch it. I believe there is good karma in that. And I've, in sharing, reduced my idea inventory (fewer headaches that way!).
So, the first I'll share is one called www.whowasthat.com and it was inspired by a family trip to Bass Lake, CA.
We stopped at a rest stop for food. As we were leaving, I noticed a sweet looking Escalade with 3 or 4 big guys around it. Of the four, one of them looked very familiar. African American, tall, impeccably dressed, etc. My wife and I went through all the scenarios including musician/singer, professional athlete, actor but could not figure it out. To this day, I still wonder "who was that"?
Now you could argue "who cares" instead. I get it. But we are a culture that likes to stare. We are curious about people who are on TV and pictured in magazines, right? Haven't you had an experience like this at a restaurant or on a plane?
So how will it work?
Basically I envision you going to the site with all the details you can remember (race, height, weight, car type, city, etc). If you are good with a pencil, you could even upload a drawing. You would then input all that data into a database. The key to this is obviously creating and maintaining a database that could quickly match the provided description with all the database content. It would be like the FBI database on CSI. After you hit "Submit", you would get back your results (like Google). The better your input, the fewer your results.
Once you find your correct result, you click a button which "rings a bell" letting others on the site know that you were successful. Any unsuccessful searches, would be opened up to the community for anyone to take a guess.
So, what do you think? If you are a web entrepreneur, like this idea, and have an interest, send me an e-mail. I'll tell you more!
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry
Sometimes (when your mind works like mine does) you see something and the phrase just pops into your head: "there's got to be something better than this". The the other day I was driving and saw someone on crutches. Did I feel sorry for the guy? No. Did I worry that he might not get home safely? No. I thought:
Why, in 2008, are people still hobbling around on old metal sticks from the middle ages?
See the picture below - even high-caliber athletes are using these outdated things!
So, instead of just complaining about it, I decided to create my own crutch. Not because I feel for the people suffering out there but because someone might be able to make a business out of it. But before I share that, there are a few companies innovating out there in this space:
1. Crutch Tote™ created a cool little bag that attaches to the crutch. According to their site: Being on crutches is challenging enough. Having no way to carry your stuff only makes things worse. That’s the beauty of Crutch Tote™ - the ultimate crutch accessory!. Good idea.
2. LemonAid Crutches™ makes designer crutches in different colors and with different, fun fabrics. According to their site: No one wants to be on crutches. They hurt your hands, they hurt your arms and they certainly hurt your sense of style. Many have tried to tackle the challenge of adding comfort to an uncomfortable item, but duct tape and washcloths look…well…tacky. That’s why we created designer crutchwear that’s not only comfortable, but fun and fabulous looking.
Also a good idea.
So, back to our title "When a crutch is used, well, as a crutch" . . . How is it possible that folks with gobs of money are using crutches that could be used as torture devices? Is it the doctor's fault for just using the "standard crutch" that insurance allows? Is it the fault of the insurance companies for not allowing for innovation in the crutch business by limiting crutch expenses? Is it the crutch industry that has no incentive to change? No clue.
Here's my stab. See below:
I call these Forward Motion™ Crutches. Because after all, crutches are supposed to help you walk, right?
Here are my innovations:
1. The wider under arm support not only softens the pain (flex aluminum) but it spreads the pressure in the arm pit.
2. The use of thick memory foam on all under arm and hand spots are there to easy stress.
3. The shock absorbing air or spring chamber makes each step less "jarring".
4. The forward angle of the hand support automatically leans the person forward to allow for an easier step.
5. The pad on the bottom of the crutch is a unique "V" shape to begin and finish each step more effectively.
Now, I know most of us do not get hurt often enough to remember the pain of being on crutches. But think back . . . wouldn't this be better?
This blog is written on a Mac Powerbook laptop. While there are software struggles to deal with and websites that do not comply, I love this computer and wouldn't give it up.
But I do have one little pet peeve.
As a new writer and a full time marketer (and a father, husband, volunteer . . .) I don't always get the sleep I need. When I do get to sleep, my ability to get to sleep and stay that way is kind of important. So, you'll understand if any small distraction catches my attention.
So, the distraction I wanted to solve was the pulsing light on my Mac that indicates the computer is sleeping. It goes bright then soft, bright then soft, bright then soft. Oh sure I could throw a towel over it or a t-shirt. But this is my Mac and there are always cool and quirky solutions out there for Macs.
Here's my solution . . . introducing Snuf™
A small piece of foam with an exterior coat of white pearl plastic. It slides gently over the closed laptop while at rest. It would also fit over my Airport Express wireless extender (which burns bright green when operating properly).
Any other Mac users out there?
Does this solve a problem for you? Or am I just sleep deprived and light sensitive?
OK, so here's an idea I added to my ideas book back in 2003. At the time I was doing a lot of traveling including lots of long airport walks (Chicago, San Francisco and the like). During these trips I had many moments with roller bag in one hand, briefcase in the other and a need to also be holding my music player, a cup of coffee and my airplane ticket. Ever been in this spot? So, I started thinking about ways that I could simplify my life on the road.
How could I free up a hand or two? Well, the one written up here is pretty low tech and since then I have a number of additional ideas that I'll share - here's the original idea:
If this is the first time reviewing an idea here, please know that I fully recognize that these drawings are dreadful - hopefully you get the point!
So, the handle of the roller bag (think TravelPro) has a "quick-clip" that attaches easily to a belt or strap on the waist. Instead of wheels on the bottom, there are a series of round roller balls that allow quick and easy directional changes and balance the bag so that there is no weight felt on the hip.
Here are the pros and cons:
PROS
- Hands free
- Easy direction changes
- Comfortable and pain free
CONS
- People will stare at you
- Perceived lack of control
A build on this would be to create a bag that is battery powered and follows you (within 1 foot) based on a tracker carried in your pocket. As you move it moves. Don't they have high end golf bags that follow you?
In terms of the first "CON", you might just look a bit silly walking through the airport with your bag attached to your hip. But, hey, remember the first business trip where you used a roller bag instead of the heavy and painful garment bag? Any embarrassment you felt at that time quickly dissipated as you realized that your back actually felt pretty good!
OK, now it's your turn. Comments? Tell me the truth, I can take it . . .
Of all the "great" ideas I've had, this may be the worst. It may be because I am the least qualified in the world to be messing with the fashion category. It may also be that I just got lazy on this one - or I just didn't pull out the eraser fast enough.
Either way, the promise of this blog is to get all ideas out on the table.
If I used proper restraint this wouldn't be Quixoting™, now would it? The restraint comes in what I decide to pursue someday, but idea generation needn't have a filter.
But hey, there have been some pretty crazy ideas that made millions after they sauntered themselves down a New York runway (no, I've never been there for fashion week but perhaps some of you have). Also, if they can sell jeans that were (so it appears) blasted with a shotgun at close range for premium prices, I say anything goes.
So here's the idea. It's a clothing line called Left Off. It means that key aspects of clothing that are expected to be there, are not.
OK, as soon as the laughter dies down I'll continue. . .
. . .
. . .
Thank you. Here's the page from my idea book:
If you can stand it, you can double click on the image to make it larger.
So what's in the line. Well, of course, there is logo'd apparel. But the key items in the line include:
1. A baseball hat with no brim (hey, we all wear them backwards anyway, right?)
2. A button down shirt with no buttons, no pocket and no collar
3. Shoes with no laces (OK, these already exist - but we need a full line to succeed at Nordstrom)
4. A belt with no buckle
So what do you think? Is it time for the filter? If not, what else should the line include? There's got to be someone out there with some fashion sense!
If you are playing along at home, please leave a comment with your vote.
1 - Stinky
2 - Kinda Stinky
3 - You May Have Something There
4 - Potentially Great
5 - Book Travel for New York, You've Done It!
I'll be waiting . . .
Packaged Goods Marketing Executive and Blogger (ideas and job search strategy)
Recent Comments