This is a question Capital One asks consumers in its popular series of television ads promoting their brand of credit cards. However, on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, in honor of Bank Transfer Day, consumers were more likely symbolically saying “Remember Remember the Fifth of November!”
This refrain is the opening line of a popular English rhyme celebrating Guy Fawkes’ Day (a commemoration of the November 5, 1605 “Gunpowder Plot” intended to blow up the English Parliament). The poem and the date have since evolved into a rallying cry against oppression and government abuse of its citizens.
Interestingly, the logo being used for Bank Transfer Day is based on the design of Guy Fawkes masks which are also worn to commemorate the celebration — and have also been used by #OccupyWallStreet participants (though Christian’s efforts are not directly connected to that consumer movement).
The poem and the ideals it embodies were also popularized in the 2006 film “V for Vendetta” which was based on a series of graphic novels of the same name written by by Alan Moore and illustrated by David Lloyd. Hugo Weaving portrayed the character who delivered the famous poem in the scene below:
Will Bank Transfer Day be successful? Predictably, banks have not commented in public, but financial institutions must disclose their deposits every three months to comply with federal regulations, so perhaps we will know more about the impact of Bank Transfer Day in February 2012?
Regardless of the actual financial impact, however, Bank Transfer Day represents a positive and productive paradigm of consumer activism.
In many ways it was similarly inspired, though with much more bite than the bark in my December 25, 2008 parody of the bank bailouts, “‘Twas The Night Before Bailout!“
In closing, with Bank Transfer Day upon us, perhaps the more relevant question today is “Where’s your wallet?”
If you would like an invitation to join, please contact me with your e-mail and, once there are more spots available, I will send you one. When I first signed up yesterday morning there were invitations to be had, but 12 hours later, when I endeavored to invite a friend, the option was no longer there.
It appears the system is once again closed to new users to prevent overwhelming the servers. Of course, the secondary benefit mirrors the most basic tenet of economics: scarcity drives demand.
Clearly, there is significant interest in this latest social media initiative from Google. With some of their more recent efforts — Wave and Buzz — seeming to have disappeared before the end of their first act, it will be interesting to see what happens with Google+.
I have taken Google+ for a few short test drives so far, but nothing too in depth. At the moment Google+ strikes me as very similar in almost every functional way to Facebook, though with the trademark Google simplicity of design and interface. I like the threaded discussions (as in Facebook) but for some reason it seems more free and open like Twitter.
Some specific thoughts:
Sparks: I signed up for a half-dozen “Sparks” (news feeds about topics in which I am interested).
Circles: I have also explored some of the posts of people in my “Circles” (groups of people I can define and to whom I can share content differently — like Facebook’s Lists).
Hangout: I haven’t yet chosen to “hangout” with anyone (group video chatting allowing up to 10 users at once).
Huddle: I also have not yet “huddled” (a group messaging function that lets users share information with certain “Circles”).
One additional improvement I discovered is that you can edit an update once it has been added — something you can only do in Facebook immediately after you post it. I can’t say that I see it as a “Facebook killer” yet but it is far too early to pass judgment. It definitely has potential to make a difference.
For some reason, despite its prowess elsewhere online, Google has struggled with creating a widely used social media platform. I wish them well in this endeavor. Generally speaking I am an admirer — and user — of many of Google’s services (it’s hard not to be given their extensive involvement in everything Internet).
In March I began using an Android-powered phone and to say I am overwhelmingly impressed would be an understatement. Previously I used a BlackBerry and while it was good, it was not great. Android’s functionality and features quite simply blow me away.
In May I began using Gmail more heavily after a new laptop failed and I needed a temporary solution to remain in communication with the outside world while I limped along with my old laptop. Once I began using Gmail to send and receive e-mail from my POP account, I suddenly realized the efficiency and effectiveness of the service.
Notably, I really appreciate the immediate integration of my calendar and contacts between my phone and my Gmail account online. This was always an arduous task with my BlackBerry and one of my chief frustrations (in addition to my Curve 8330 being vastly under-powered and unable to run more than two applications at once).
I have also discovered the ease with which I can save documents online and forego the need for a USB drive (for most cases). There are numerous other features offered by Google but those are just a few that I actively use.
One thing I do like about Google+ is that it integrates with all of these existing tools that I already use. Again, the idea of efficiency, immediacy and interactivity offered by Google+ with other Google products. Overall, I am unsure what will come of Google+ and what to expect from it. I am also unsure in what way, if at all, it will change my social media practices and priorities.
As it is, I am using social media more selectively and strategicially, though I still find incredible value in my Twitter accounts (I use @MatthewAGilbert and @doctorious the most regularly) and Facebook; both allow me to learn and share knowledge while making professional and personal connections that have enriched my life.
I also continue to teach several courses that directly or indirectly deal with social media and it’s impact on industries and individuals. Social media continues to evolve into an undeniable cultural and commercial force and my being able to teach it is a great way to continue learning about it.
Looking forward, I am intrigued and excited to find out what will become of Google+. For more information about it, you might want to explore this CrunchBase profile for Google+ — I found it useful.
The video below also offers a general overview of the service:
Whenever or if ever you join Google+, I look forward to connecting with you there and/or engaging with you about it here!
Today, as Americans celebrate the 235th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence’s ratification by the Continental Congress, many of us repeat one of the more famous passages from that important document:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Thinking about those words for a moment I find myself wondering how many of us truly pursue that which makes us happy? How many of us have a longing for something greater that we have not yet pursued?
But would we actually pursue our dreams if all of those obstacles we claim impede us were removed from our path? Or, do we actually limit ourselves with our own fears and excuses? Does our own indifference ultimately derail us? Are we really the reasons behind our own failure to live our life’s purpose?
In his inspiring TED talk (provided below), Tony Robbins argues that we do just that and, despite tremendous obstacles we all possess the power to realize our dreams. Robbins explains that we fail to achieve our dreams not because we lack resources, but because we lack resourcefulness – the emotional ingenuity to achieve our dreams:
Despite it’s many flaws — and, believe me, I am the first to point them out vociferously – no other nation offers so much opportunity to its citizens to do something spectacular with your life.
Notably, if you want to explore the dangerous rise of the “military-industrial complex” in the United States and the ensuring expansion of American imperialism abroad, watch the documentary “Why We Fight.”
However, despite it’s many weaknesses, America offers its citizens many strengths, the strongest of which is the opportunity for individual achievement that benefits the greater good.
Consider for a moment the seemingly insurmountable odds America faced when it declared its independence from England. On paper the odds of our success were minuscule – but only because those odds discounted the resourcefulness of the colonists driven to dream and motivated to make a difference.
Even a brief look at American history reveals that there were uncountable, some would say insurmountable challenges faced by the colonists. Yet, they embraced the philosophy that would later be defined by Jim Collins as the Stockdale Paradox: “retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties – and at the same time – confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.”
Certainly, there are real limitations that we all face, but I encourage you to look beyond your limitations to what is, rather than what is not.
As trite as this message may sound and as much as I realize these “fortunes” are mass-produced, something always felt as if this message was meant to inspire and invigorate me.
For what it’s worth, it has worked — though I also credit the devotion of my Dad and Stepmom who have also been a source of selfless support. For their love, and the words of my “fortune” I remain grateful and, most of all, hopeful.
And, so in closing, whether you are celebrating your country’s 235th birthday or commemorating another personally poignant passage in your life, I encourage you to declare your independence from indifference and discover the power within yourself to pursue your passion and achieve your dreams!
This is a question Capital One asks consumers in its popular series of television ads promoting their brand of credit cards. However, on Saturday, November 5th, 2011, in honor of Bank Transfer Day, consumers were more likely symbolically saying “Remember Remember the Fifth of November!”
