Communication skills for the crazy

Finding Reason in a World Gone Mad

by Bill Brenner June 2, 2020 Communication Skills

Social and news media are full of rage-filled faces these days. Let’s put it into perspective.

Conspiracy Theories Aren’t About Good vs. Evil

by Bill Brenner May 26, 2020 Communication Skills

Those who believe conspiracy theories are either evil or stupid, right? Maybe not.

Less Talk, More Action

by Bill Brenner May 12, 2020 Communication Skills

Talk isn’t just cheap; it can create huge divisions among people. Taking positive actions that help others goes a lot further. What can you do to help?

“Plandemic” and the Loss of Perspective

by Bill Brenner May 8, 2020 Communication Skills

That new “documentary” that’s making the rounds? It’s making us all a little crazy.

When Kindness and Reason Break Through Facebook’s Wall of Vitriol

by Bill Brenner April 24, 2020 Political discourse

Facebook is often full of fear and rage. If you look hard, though, you can find reason and kindness.

Trolling in the COVID-19 Era

by Bill Brenner April 17, 2020 Coping tools

To those in my orbit who want to troll: Have at it. You may be idiots, but you’re my idiots.

4 Problems with Krypt3ia’s Krampus List

by Bill Brenner December 7, 2015 Infosec

I like Scot “Krypt3ia” Terban. The security researcher has a crotchety communication method I enjoy, and I read his posts a lot. I especially enjoy when he goes after security vendors for FUD (fear, uncertainty and doubt). So when he released his annual Krampus List — a naughty list for the security community — I read it and laughed a lot. But as I read through it, I found some of it mean spirited. By…  [Read More]

5 Realizations and Defenses from the Family Business

by Bill Brenner November 2, 2015 Dealing with life

Big pressures aside, I’ve learned much while cleaning up and selling off the old family business and managing trusts Dad left in my hands. Mood music: Until I took on this family business stuff, I’d never had to deal with lawyers or real estate people at this magnitude. I had certainly never managed this kind of money. Here are five realizations — and five defenses — that have saved me from implosion. 5 Realizations Lawyers are the best and worst of humanity….  [Read More]

Coming Soon: The OCD Diaries Book Series

by Bill Brenner October 14, 2015 Adventures in writing

For years, people have told me to write a book based on this blog. And for years I’ve resisted because life was busy enough between work, family and writing for three blogs. But after some brainstorming with Erin last weekend, the decision is made: I’m diving in. The time is right. Mood music: In 2016 I’ll still write fresh posts here, but my main focus as far as The OCD Diaries goes will be on book writing. Not…  [Read More]

Why I Don’t Separate Personal from Professional on Social Media

by Bill Brenner June 2, 2015 Personal Growth

In the world of social media, I’ve seen a lot of folks try to keep their work and personal lives separate. For business, people use LinkedIn. Facebook is for friends and family. But I never even tried to do this. Here’s why. Mood music: I used to think it was possible for me to put on different faces for different crowds. I could have my family face, reserved for when I was at home or…  [Read More]

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