I probe into the thin line that separates art from propaganda. Think about it: Why do some films from the past, like Salim-Javed's classics, still resonate while others, with their overt messages, fall flat? What made Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged feel like a lecture, while George Orwell's 1984 continues to expose truths across every political divide?
When Struggle Was the Signal: AI’s Challenge to Creative Worth
Is the ease of AI fast-tracking the commodification of the human spirit, as Nick Cave eloquently argues? Does a flawlessly AI-written letter of recommendation devalue the genuine effort of a professor, as Ethan Mollick discovered? What happens when the struggle fades, when AI can conjure prose with effortless speed?
Book Review: LIFT OFF by Hema Hattangady
I review ‘LIFT OFF - Transforming Conzerv’ by Hema Hattangady.
Best Practices for Communicating Layoffs
I talk about the best practices for communicating layoffs. I talk about the common pitfalls to avoid, and suggest a few precautions to do it with least friction. I conclude with a template of prerequisites for layoff communication.
How to write a Marketing Email?
I share my experiences in email copywriting. I offer tips on how to write a marketing email that educates, persuades and converts a prospect.
Finding Purpose Beyond Work
“What do you do?” How many of us simply announce our profession in response to this question? Work is so central to our identity in the world today that this seems natural. If you identify yourself closely with your work, that’s great. But, for many people, work is simply a means to pay their bills.... Continue Reading →
Art vs Artist
Years ago, I finally met a writer I only knew by his works. His writing oozed satire, irreverence, and iconoclasm. His personality reflected warmth, kindness, and thoughtfulness. The contrast between his writing and social self couldn’t have been sharper. In his magnum opus, “The Story of Philosophy”, Will Durant chronicles the lives of philosophers alongside... Continue Reading →
Looking back at 2024
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft Write a newsletter every week: that was my new year resolution for 2024. When I wrote my first newsletter on Jan 6th, 2024, I didn’t know if I... Continue Reading →
How Elite Imitation Affects Public Policy
In a previous newsletter on marketing fallacies, I argued how we’re prone to the Apex Fallacy the most. It’s widespread because some companies do indeed beat the conventional wisdom and win big. We see it unfolding right in front of us. And, we risk being seen as too soft when we appear skeptical about its... Continue Reading →
The Market for Lemons
Why do people prefer buying used cars from a dealer rather than a private seller? Especially when people know they must pay a premium for dealer’s commission charges over and above the car’s selling price. This is the issue American economist George Akerlof addressed at length in his paper, “The Market for Lemons”. The paper... Continue Reading →
Musings by Madhav 