Welcome to the December 2009 issue of the DESIGNINGJOE monthly newsletter.
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Half-a-Glass
There are some who see the glass as half full, and some who see it as half empty.
Before I take sides, I want to know what's in the glass...

How do you want to be seen?
That's the challenge that drives good design. The right presentation of details creates a dialogue that addresses the lifestyle and needs of your audience, resulting in a clear and powerful connection.

DESIGNTIP/INSIGHT

Half-a-Glass
Currently, I am deep into rehearsals for the role of Juror 8 in Southampton Cultural Center's production of "12 Angry Men" (click here for dates and details). For those not familiar with the set-up, Juror 8 is the only man who doesn't know if the boy being tried for murder is guilty or innocent.

In a discussion with my lovely Minerva about the first few rehearsals, I told her that the "action" I chose to play for my character was that of Not Knowing. Without hesitation, she simply said, "Don't play the negative, play the positive." Under the keen guidance of director, Michael Disher, this opened up a vast realm of possibilities. Playing the positive action of trying to learn more details is much more alive and interesting than simply playing Not Knowing. It figures that a line like that would come from someone named after the Roman goddess of wisdom.

I've since applied that simple line to everything! This is not the same as being a Pollyanna. It's a lot of work because it actually involves doing something. Playing the negative is akin to rolling backwards down a hill in neutral. Playing the positive demands that certain steps be taken to solve an issue.

So if your glass is half empty, what the hell can you do to fill it up? Depending on what's in mine, I'll either find a way to fill it to the brim, or dump it out and fill it with something I like.

Would love to know what you want in your glass!