eps 45

[Rich]

Hey Chaz,

just a quick comment regarding the forums..have you thought about condensing the forums down?  Right now, there are so many different areas to post in, its hard to visit all and stay up to date.  If we had a general forum, it'd be easier to quickly read and reply to topics.  If the traffic goes high enough, perhaps it'd make sense to split the forums into sections..what do you think?

Also, as a student here in Japan, I'd be more than happy to post any flyers around campus.

[Chaz]

Hey Chaz,

just a quick comment regarding the forums..have you thought about condensing the forums down?  Right now, there are so many different areas to post in, its hard to visit all and stay up to date.  If we had a general forum, it'd be easier to quickly read and reply to topics.  If the traffic goes high enough, perhaps it'd make sense to split the forums into sections..what do you think?

Also, as a student here in Japan, I'd be more than happy to post any flyers around campus.

I'll think about the forums. I might combine some things.

Thanks. I'm working on a flyer now.

[Xtowers]

Hey Chaz,

Just wanted to comment on your Guzen radio episode #45. You were trying to think up a name for your new show, the short clips of interesting things in Japan. You were thinking "Guzen Shorts" or something like that, but I don't really think you need to have "Guzen" in the name. Guzen has traditionally been just you and your students and friends in Japan chatting it up and stuff like that, but it sounds like your new show isn't going to have much dialogue between you and your companions, but rather random interesting things. So it seems to depart from the "Guzen" theme (althought, maybe not the guzen meaning, "by chance").

Anyways, your idea for the "shorts" show sounds really good. It kind of strikes me as a Jay-walking type show (from Jay Leno), but you aren't necessarily making fun of anybody, or filming only people. Perhaps you could name it "Snapshots of Japan" or something along those lines. I'm not entirely sure, but maybe some people would see the word guzen and think, "wtf is guzen?", and not bother watching the show. I mean, your other show "English Teaching in Japan" doesn't have guzen in it. By the way, that is a great show, too. I got into that show a while back, and then I also got acquainted with your Guzen shows later. Maybe I'll bring up that topic in another thread; I think I have some suggestions for that, too.

Also I have some advice. Don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you are the type of person that likes to have a million things going on at the same time. That is not necessarily a bad thing, unless you don't have any follow-through. I guess what I want to say is: Take things one at a time and focus on only that. Believe me, if you focus on one thing at a time, not only will you be able to get things done at a faster pace, but you might find the quality of your work go up as well.  But if life throws a bunch of stuff at you all at once, just roll with the punches man. 

Hope this helps,

Xtowers

[Chaz]

Hey Chaz,

Just wanted to comment on your Guzen radio episode #45. You were trying to think up a name for your new show, the short clips of interesting things in Japan. You were thinking "Guzen Shorts" or something like that, but I don't really think you need to have "Guzen" in the name. Guzen has traditionally been just you and your students and friends in Japan chatting it up and stuff like that, but it sounds like your new show isn't going to have much dialogue between you and your companions, but rather random interesting things. So it seems to depart from the "Guzen" theme (althought, maybe not the guzen meaning, "by chance").

Anyways, your idea for the "shorts" show sounds really good. It kind of strikes me as a Jay-walking type show (from Jay Leno), but you aren't necessarily making fun of anybody, or filming only people. Perhaps you could name it "Snapshots of Japan" or something along those lines. I'm not entirely sure, but maybe some people would see the word guzen and think, "wtf is guzen?", and not bother watching the show. I mean, your other show "English Teaching in Japan" doesn't have guzen in it. By the way, that is a great show, too. I got into that show a while back, and then I also got acquainted with your Guzen shows later. Maybe I'll bring up that topic in another thread; I think I have some suggestions for that, too.

Also I have some advice. Don't take this the wrong way, but it seems like you are the type of person that likes to have a million things going on at the same time. That is not necessarily a bad thing, unless you don't have any follow-through. I guess what I want to say is: Take things one at a time and focus on only that. Believe me, if you focus on one thing at a time, not only will you be able to get things done at a faster pace, but you might find the quality of your work go up as well.  But if life throws a bunch of stuff at you all at once, just roll with the punches man. 

Hope this helps,

Xtowers

Thanks for the post!

I'm going with Guzen Video Shorts. It's not a separate vidcast. It's part of Guzen Video Japan, but will be a little more raw (i was thinking about calling it Nama Video). Guzen is the name I like and it has a special meaning for me. This is where you come in and help spread the word about Guzen, then one day it becomes know to all.

It is true....I can't focus on one thing. I get bored quickly and I have hundreds of ideas running through my head all the time. I'm great at motivating and helping others organize and complete task , but when it comes to following my own advice...well......
You'd think by 40 I would have everything all figured out by now.

Thanks again and keep posting.

[DeathStrawberry]

Hey Chaz,

I know this is Really late, but I assume any words of encouragement will still be helpful to you. I was just listening to this episode, and I feel the same way as you when you said you have big dreams, but are lazy too and it cancels out. I am exactly the same way. But listen, you're definitely not too old to do something great--not even close! I had a college course designed to help students choose a career, and one thing I remember the professor say is that most people accomplish their biggest dreams when they're in their 50's. I'm 22, and I feel like I'm going to do some important things in the next 10 years, but the fact is, all the experience I gain in my 20's and 30's will peak to something even greater when I'm "over the hill".  You know, I have a wall-scroll hanging in my room that has one kanji on it: yume. "Dream". It helps me remind myself why I live out every day, and that I have a goal set in front of me.

So anyway, maybe this is coming from out of nowhere.. I'm basically responding to your words from 18+ months ago, but hey, I hope it means something still.

Thanks for sharing via podcast,

-Ben