So Twitter Hires Its First Canadian Employee - Now What?

It all happened quite suddenly (at least from my standpoint).  One day Twitter said it was hiring its first Canadian staffer.  The next day the company said an announcement was imminent and the next day it announced it had hired Kirstine Stewart to head up its soon-to-be-established Toronto office. Or so it seemed.

Make no mistake – this is a massive piece of news and one that deserves scrutiny.  

Kirstine joins Twitter from the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) where she was executive vice-president of its English language service, having joined the organization back in 2006.  From the news release announcing her departure, it seems as if she’d been very happy there – and this begs a most interesting question --- why, did she leave. 

I may be wrong – (and I’m not afraid to admit that I’ve been wrong before) but I think it’s for two possible reasons:

• I’m not sure what Kirstine made at the CBC, and although likely hefty, it pales in comparison to what she’ll be making at Twitter – by an order of magnitude
• Kirstine acutely understands the blurring of the lines between the old and new media, as good, if not better than anyone else  --- and as such, Twitter are paying her boatloads of money to place some very big bets.  Quite possibly, to note is that Kirstine was no longer having fun at CBC – a possibility

“This is an exciting time for social media in Canada,” said Alicia Brum, Branch Manager for the Creative Group, a division of Robert Half International.   “In fact, according to our recent survey,  advertising and marketing executives expect companies to increase their investment in social media sites, such as Twitter."

 After Kirstine has identified a new office space for Twitter Canada (presumably somewhere in one of Toronto’s trendier ‘hoods), she’ll begin to build her team – her way – and without the bureaucracy that she may have encountered at the CBC.  And I think this is going to be interesting, particularly as it relates to the autonomy she may (or my not) get from the company’s San Francisco HQ.    

“We continue to see a demand for social media professionals with experience in managing branded online communities, especially those with an analytics background who help clients measure ROI," continued Brum.

You know – I've never spoken to  Kirstine, no less met her and I certainly did not interview her for this piece –but I like her style.  Yeah, I know she came under fire at CBC and I’m somewhat sad for the CBC.  Sad because there are so few women execs at the top of the Canadian TV game. Mostly it seems like a club – an old boys club.  Really, when you come to think of it, I’m not that surprised that she left the CBC.  It was a brutally hard job – and that she dealt with some pretty big bullets for a long time is testament to her perseverance.  I also wonder a time or two about the sexism and spite that may have been thrown her way that might have propelled her to leave and take the gig at Twitter.   You just never know.

I think Kirstine’s a good hire – on the surface not an obvious one , but I think good.

Why? Well, she’ll blend her old school, traditional media expertise with Twitter’s brave new frontier and for sure look at ways of monetizing their plane. 

My prediction?  Kirstine will either sink or swim in this new and very exciting high profile role - there’s no middle ground here at all.  Give her six months and she’ll be swimming strongly.  And as for me – I’m going to get back to Tweeting.   

Peace – and Carpe Diem

How To Think And Do Differently? Resign On A Cake Silly!

Having spent the best part of the past two decades in media and public relations, it’s accurate to say I’m skeptical.  Like customs officers to whom you’re trying to lie, or me whom you’re trying to fool – there’s not much I’ve either not seen or heard of.  And it takes a lot to get me excited. It just does.

Professionally, clients always ask for and expect creativity.  It’s what PR types like me are paid everyday to do.    And to make things more complex, the fees they’re expecting to pay for not only the creativity, but the execution are well --- how do I say this respectfully --- are not exactly plentiful.

Just last week, I was asked to come up with a BFI.  In the creative world, BFI is an acronym for “Big F$%^*#g Idea” .  You get the picture.

I thought particularly hard about what I could say that would make sense given expectations, time, resources required, practicality and budget. “Flawless execution”, is what I told the client my BFI was – and I meant it.  I won the business and am now executing flawlessly and fully to the client’s satisfaction.

The bottom line?  Sometimes the solution’s right under our noses – and we’re so busy looking for complexity and complicated answers to such simple questions, that we well – fail to see the trees for the forest.    

In the midst of trying to see the trees for the forest, here’s one guy who not only did that, but thought differently too.

Twenty for hours ago, no-one had ever heard of Chris Holmes, an officer on the Border Force in Cambridgeshire, England.   Sick and tired of his boss, he quit – on a cake.  Yes, on a cake – you read that right.  You see, he’s likely got his priorities right.  He’s just become a father as well as has just set up a cake making business called Mr. Cake.  Obviously, he wants to devote his time and energy to fatherhood and cake-making --- and for good reason.

In resigning on a cake, he’s obviously thinking and doing differently – and very simply and I like that a lot.  

Here’s his resignation letter – or more accurately – a picture of it on the cake he baked. 

And that got me thinking a little more about thinking differently – here’s some stuff to bear in mind ---

1.        Fashion is garbage – it’s style that matters.  Never wear something because everyone else is.  If you want to be different, then be your own role model.

2.      Keeping down with the Jones’ is not a bad thing at all – In other words, don’t do what the sheep do

3.       Keep in touch – look up an old friend or business associate for no specific reason.  Yeah, I get it – we’re all busy – but that the worst excuse for not being in touch with lots of people.  Grind out a text while you’re standing in line at the grocery store or while you’re on the john.  The old adage of “It’s not what you know, but who you know" is as true as it ever was

4.       Think for yourself – feel like a vodka tonic when everyone else’s drinking beer?  That kinds stuff happens to me all the time.  Go ahead – order the vodka tonic.  Heck with what the others say

5.       Offer to help someone – it’s the small stuff.  Offer to take your kids to school.  Help your spouse make the bed.  Help a client with something in which you’d never get involved.  Put your hand up to do something different.    Flex a different part of your brain.  You’ll be glad you did.

In other news, I’ve now lost 20 pounds – that’s the good news.  The bad?  I had my eye-glasses stolen from the gym at which I work out last night.  Trust me, not being able to see clearly sucks!  Amazing how much we take for granted even when we try to count our blessings!

 

The Conundrum of Weight Gain and Loss

The conundrum of maintaining a slim physique sure is not an easy one to understand – and as one gets older and wiser, in some ways the game gets easier, and in other ways – harder.  Let me explain.

I’m 5 foot 9 with an average physique – always having led a pretty physically active lifestyle.  No question, that despite me not celebrating Christmas (I’m jewish), December’s not a good month as far as managing one’s weight is concerned.  It’s also little wonder that January is the busiest month of the year for new sign-ups at any gym – and this is because losing weight is the number one new year’s resolution  that there is. 

So, weighing in on January 1, 2013, I decided to cut the crap – so to speak – and do something about it.  Now, to be fair, it’s not like I would call myself obese, or even heavy – but you know what I mean – the weight had slowly been creeping on – a pound here, a  pound there – a pound everywhere.

So, January 1, I decided to lose some weight – setting myself a 120 day target to lose 20 pounds.  I’m 76 days into it and down 12 pounds –this is a good thing.  My pants fit better.  I sleep better.  I look better – and most of all, I feel better.   Whether I meet my target or not, there’s a few very important things I’ve learned

1.    This is all about a battle of the mind – No question, one’s mind can be your best friend, or your worst enemy – and this is particularly true in the world of weight.  Want to lose some?  Well – then conquer your mind that plays tricks on you all the time.  Stop making food the focal point of your day.  Don’t linger ion the kitchen.  Don’t start something you can’t stop.  All small mind games – that while sounding easy – are not

2.     Losing weight is not about starving yourself – it’s about developing, implementing and sticking to healthy eating (and drinking) habits.  For sure, I’d fallen onto some bad habits – eating late at night --- and that was a killer for me.  Now, I don’t even go into the kitchen after 9 at night – ‘cause if I go in – you know what I’ll be doing

3.       Mindful eating is a biggie – and by this I mean you gotta think what you’re eating.  We’re all busy – and it’s all to easy to grab something on the way out for you to chomp down in the car – and that’s a no-no in my world.  You gotta sit at a table.  No book.  No TV.  No gabbing on the phone while you’re eating – they all distract.  Look at your plate.  Note the texture and taste of each food – trust me – it’s the way to go.  Not only will you enjoy your food more – but you’ll lose weight too when you discover mindful eating

4.       If you fail to plan, then plan to fail – is what The Williams’ dad once said.  I guess he was referring to tennis, but he may as well have referring to losing weight.  No question I’m spending more time in the kitchen these days – lots more.  But it’s worth it.  I plan my meals ahead of time, so that I’m never starving.  Got a work function where you know the high-carb killers will be.  Doesn’t cut it saying, “I'll see how I feel when I get there” – rather I plan ahead so I avoid the waist-expanding killers.   I’ll take carrots, celery and other healthy stuff.  I’ll snack.  I won’t go to the sweet table – not on your life – and it’s not easy – it’s just what has to be done.  You know?  "You gotta do what you gotta do!"

5.       Perhaps brush your teeth after the main course - Have a problem resisting desserts?   Then get the taste of food out of your mouth.  That way (and research will confirm), that you’re far less likely to eat dessert – and you know that’s a good thing.

Personally, I’m neither a dietitian  nutritionist nor psychologist – as Joe Walsh would say, “I’m just an ordinary, average guy.”  

Does this stuff resonate?  Yes?  No?  Maybe? 

I'm interested

The Classiest "I've Been Fired" Letter Ever!

Fact: No matter what anyone says, no-one likes being called out - and no-one and I mean no-one likes admitting defeat, let alone complete failure.
 
Fact: Andrew Mason's "I've Been Fired" Letter which came across my desk yesterday was the classiest I've ever read. And you're speaking so someone (moi) whose spent his entire career in corporate communications.

The letter's at http://wapo.st/Y4YTdS

Anyway, there's a few things I'm going to point out ---

1.       He opens with "People of Groupon" - I like that. It's friendly - informal. None of this "Dear Employees" or "Honored Partners" - Andrew's kept away from the flowery.  He's friendly.  Sounds like one-of-them --- a team player, even in his demise.

2.       He's jocular - saying that he's liked to spent more time with his family - yeah right. He's 32. It sets the tone for reality. And then he goes on to say the real reason why he's going. He was fired. That simple.

3.       He  is honest. No-one liked to admit they were fired. And he says it as simply as one could --- "I was fired today." And furthermore he says why we was fired. And guess what - he deserved it. And here's the kicker! He takes responsibility - full responsibility. It wasn't the team's fault. Political unrest in some part of the world was not to blame either and nor was Obama's fiscal policies or a weakening of the economy. He says, "As CEO, I'm accountable."  There's no BS here.

4.       He goes on to compliment his (now former) team. "You are doing amazing things at Groupon, and you deserve the outside world to give you a second chance." and continues by saying, "I’m getting in the way of that."   In  that words he's saying that while he did the best he could have, it still wasn't good enough --- and again he takes full responsibility, clearly wishing the company only good things.  

5.       He compliments his board - this is the very board that canned him. He goes on to say, "The board is aligned behind the strategy we’ve shared over the last few months" -and this is important too. What this says to shareholders is that the dissention (to the extent there even is any) is at a minimum --- at least it appears that way.

6.       In the next paragraph he says that he loved Groupon. Now while this may be gentle PR speak for "Groupon - you go get lost now that you've canned me", I somehow believe this guy that he really loves Groupon - and while likely of little comfort to the company's shareholders, many of whom have been skinned alive on this poor investment, I still think his heart's in the right place.

7.       In the final paragraph he acknowledges he lost sight of the customer - Business 101. And it's clear he regrets it.

8.       He ends with, "I will miss you terribly. Love, Andrew" I don't think these endearing words have ever been at the end of an "I've-just-been-fired-letter" - And these words are simple. Powerful. Awe inspiring. 

I've spent the best part of a quarter century in corporate communications.  I’ve drafted resignation letter by the dozen.  I’ve also drafted “Ive-just-been-fired-letters as well --- and none of which come close to the class of Mason’s letter. 

Now for all I know some genius PR person could have drafted this letter - the contents of which are a crock. True or not, I think this is the classiest letter ever. You?

Ummm - here's what's on my mind

There’s a few things on my mind this morning, that I want to get off my mind – and what better forum could I choose than my blog.  After all – it is my blog.  It’s also a non-intrusive medium that’s designed to be short, sweet and to-the-point.   

1.        Email’s the communications tool of choice these days – or so it seems.  I have no problem with that.  It’s fast, easy, and effective.  That said, I still get my fair share of phone calls – and I like that too.  However, in the past week I’ve gotten no less than 3 phone calls that began like this, “Umm – hi John … my name’s [fill in the blank].  You don’t know me, but I wanted to pick your brain for a few minutes.”   Now make no mistake, I love helping people.  Check – I go out of my way to help people – far out of my way and spend way too much time doing so.  But at least get to know me first (and pretend to be interested) before you ask to pick my brain.  It should also be said, that while I know I am smart – I’m not the smartest guy in the world – and therefore picking my brain may not be the best thing to pick.  But seriously, asking me to pick my brain without establishing some sort of connection with me is like asking me “Hey John, can I use you for a few minutes”.  Umm – that would be a negative – good buddy.

2.       Crap happens – so always be prepared for the unexpected.  One of my associates slipped on the ice yesterday outside his house.  Poor innocent guy broke his leg.  He was probably doing a good deed for someone, lost his footing and boom.  Broken leg.  Why him and not me, I ask.  Well, there’s no reason at all.  Perhaps he was unlucky, or simply was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Be that as it may, I think the lessons to be learned here are twofold.  No explanation needed.

a.       Be prepared for the unexpected

b.      Never take anything for granted

3.       It was my birthday the week before last.  And I think that one’s birthday is a good time (better than any) for a little bit of self-reflection.  Hadda party.  Had friends and family over.  It was a blast.  I am very grateful for everything that I have.  See 2b above. 

4.       I’m jewish and proud of it.  I learn a little – not that I am enlightened or anything high-falutin like that, but I think I know a little more than your average garden-variety of jew (so-to-speak).  Last night I learned that there are three (and only three) things in the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) that explicitly states that you cannot do backwards – the shema, hallel and the megillah.  Not to get overly technical or prophetic, but from that I learned that everything has an order for a reason – and while spontaneity can be (and very often is) good, it’s not a signal to do whatever the hell you want. 

5.       Listen.  Listen again.  And then listen again.  Let’s face it – we all sell all the time.  Whether I’m trying to convince my kids that taking the garbage out is a good idea of whether my life insurance guy is trying to sell me a new policy, it’s the same.  Listen before you speak.   That way, you’ll be better prepared to recommend an appropriate course of action or solution.  I promise – it works everytime.   Oh, and that’s also why G-d gave us two ears and one mouth.

6.       In other news, I’m psyched.  I am going to see Rodriguez in New York City.  Me and a bunch of buddies are going April 7.  He’s playing The Beacon Theatre – which coincidentally was where I saw Wham in 1983.  Remember them?
 

Spring’s coming.  We’re getting about 90 seconds more light every day and I’m happy.  Have a good day!

It's my birthday - Monday 11 February, 2013

It’s my birthday this Monday.  (nudge nudge wink wink).   It’s February 11 which means that on this day in 1966, I was born in Johannesburg, South Africa.  Born at the Marymount Hospital and delivered by my grand-uncle (Herbie Kramer) – a practising gynaecologist who retired several years ago after having spent the better part of 40 years in the delivery room before the advent of all the technologies we have today. 
I spoke to Herbie a few years ago (He still lives in Johannesburg) who when I asked him about his job and what he loved most, swiftly responded, “I witnessed the most amazing miracles, daily”.  Wow!  What a career he must have had. 

I gotta say that I have a lot.  A wonderful wife of nearly 19 years.   A wide circle of friends.  Two well adjusted (if somewhat obnoxious) teenage kids – one boy, one girl. (Typical teenagers – in other words).  We also have 2 cats – and we all have our health.  We all get on with one another (most of the time) --- and well you know, as my wife said the other day --- “We’re Mister and Mrs. Joe Average” – and that’s a bad thing at all. 

So, now that it’s my birthday in 5 days, I just wanted to share what perhaps is a little wisdom (or maybe not) that’s worked for me. 

·        Appreciating what you have is not easy – but appreciating what you have while you have it is even more difficult – but infinitely more fulfilling.  Yeah, any monkey can say years after the fact, “Remember when” and/ or “Why didn’t  I make the most of it when I had it.”  That’s easy.  The trick is being grateful and showing it – while you have it and while you are enjoying it.  Last year I happened to spend three days in New York City (my favourite city) – and I made a note prior that I would appreciate it while I was there instead of appreciating it only on my return while I recounted stories to my family of what I did.  And you know what?  I actually enjoyed it more while I was enjoying it more.  This is a good thing!  Oh, and I lived in the moment too – another good thing. 

·        Know your limit and stay within it.  Clearly we all have different tolerances – and whether you’re talking pain, eating, drinking or physical endurance we all “max” out at a certain point.  The trick is knowing exactly at which point you max out and stopping before you do – well before you do.   For example, tipsy’s fine.  Beyond tipsy’s not fine.  Wasted’s stupid.    You get the picture!

·        Invest time and energy into your most important relationships.  I spend a lot of time working on relationships that are important to me.  Just ask my wife – she’ll tell you all first-hand about it.  Whether you’re looking to nurture a relationship with a co-worker or get closer to your kids – all very important relationships – it takes time --- and in most instances the time you devote to a relationship (any relationship) is directly proportional to the pleasure/ results that the relationship gives you.  Simple!

·        If you want to do something, you’ll find the time.  And if you don’t – you won’t.  Ever wonder why an old friend has not returned your calls in six months?  You’re thinking that perhaps they did not get the several messages you had left them – right?  Well – you’re wrong!  Or wondered about the person who promises repeatedly to do something and never does – saying they just didn’t have the time.  Bogus --- these people sure did have the time.  More accurately and honesty, they did not do it because they did not want to do it.  Again – simple!

·        Honesty and simplicity will always triumph over trickery and complexity.  Always.   We’re at that age now when the temptation to white-lie is increasing.  Just ask any of my friends who date online.  Horror stories abound.  There’s the morbidly obese guy who claims in his profile that he “has a few to lose” – Wrong buddy.  You have a few hundred to lose.  What about the woman who said she’s in her forties – but who’s actually 61 or the guy who lives in a basement but claims that he lives in a spacious and luxurious house.  Duh!  Say it like it is people. 

I think Marilyn Monroe said it best --- “I want to grow old without facelifts... I want to have the courage to be loyal to the face I've made. Sometimes I think it would be easier to avoid old age, to die young, but then you'd never complete your life, would you? You'd never wholly know you.” 

That said, if you’ve got as spare sec or two on Monday February 11, hit me up and wish me a happy one – you’ll help make my day.

Music's Greatest Moments For Me

Music's been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember.  You see, I grew up in a musical family.  Nope, no-one was a rock star, a good musician, or even a (bad) musician. 

It was 1969.  It was the era of love.  The Vietnam War had just ended.  And my late grandmother, my uncles and mom, established a record store in Johannesburg.  Several years later, they had seven record stores – called The Turntable all across Johannesburg.  All through my schooling, I worked in one of the stores every moment I could.  I loved music – and that I got paid – well, that was gravy for a young kid.  In 1978, my mom bought and took over one of the stores, renamed it Plum Records and as I grew up, I continued playing an increasingly important role in the store.  It was my love.  It was my passion and it was my life.  You get the picture.

Enough about history.  More about music.  My fondest memories:

      1.     Pink Floyd – The Wall.  It’s 1979.  I’m 13 years old.  The Wall’s just been released internationally.  It’s banned in South Africa.  I’ve gotten a bootlegged copy and it was to be the first time I’d listened to it .  It’s a Saturday night and I’m all alone.  My parents and siblings are out.  It’s cold.  I put it on my record player.  All was good until “Hey You” came on. 

“Hey you, out there in the cold
Getting lonely, getting old
Can you feel me?
Hey you, standing in the aisles
With itchy feet and fading smiles
Can you feel me?
Hey you, don’t help them to bury the light
Don't give in without a fight”

The lyrics spooked me – frightened me.  I turned it off.  I listened again in the morning.  Today, it’s likely my all-time favorite album.

2.      January 1980.  Sun City.  The country?  Bophutaswana.  It’s minute and entirely landlocked in South Afcrica.  I’m going with my partents and brother to see my first concert.  None other than the Village People – one of the hottest bands of the year. “Young man, there’s no need to be down …”. It’s campy. It’s kitsch.  But Oh!  so divine.  A great first concert.

3.       December 8, 1980.  I’m on the beach in Cape Town.  I hear John Lennon’s been shot dead.  I cry.  “Imagine”  “Starting Over”.  The list goes on.

4.   It's July 1981 and it's one small step for mankind - one huge step for John Sacke.  He's in New York City for the first time and to him it felt like the centre of the Universe.  He tags up with recently immigrated high-school friends, Peter and Lisa (also 15) and the three of them see Queen (opening act Billy Squier) at Madison Square Garden.  In the same trip John also sees Air Supply at the Beacon Theatre as well as Kool and The Gang at the Lincoln Centre.  Three concerts in a week - makes a great trip.  I'm still friends with Lisa and Peter (he's my closest friend).  New York City is still my favorite city.

5.   It’s 1983.  I’m in my last year of high school and I’m into clubbing.  My buddies, Hilton, Clive, Mark, Guiseppi and a few others hang out at places like Scants, Mandy’s and Q’s.  It’s all high-energy all the time.  Sylvester, Patrick Cowley, Pamala Stanley, Miguel Brown, Hazell Dean, Fun Fun and others dominate the landscape.  I remember the all nighters at Scants and the breakfasts at the Carlton.   As for the other small details?  Well, those I don’t really remember.

5.       Christmas 1984.  Under the leadership of Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, Band Aid comes together and releases “Do They Know It’s Christmas”.  It’s the first time I realize music’s ability to unite the world.  Four days after its release, it’s number one on both sides of the Atlantic and would go on to become the biggest selling 45 in history (at least until that point). 

 

6.       It’s 1985.  I’m 19 – and I’m in New York City, meeting the late Calvin Holt (founder of Serendipity – and inventor and patent holder of Frozen Hot Chocolate).  It’s the 80’s – and it’s excessive.  I’m not even old enough to get into the hottest dance club in the world – Studio 54, let alone be front of line.  But with Calvin and his groupies, I am.  Not only that – but I’m rubbing shoulders with Prince, Tina Turner as well as with Hall and Oates.  The music?  It’s big, brassy and bold.  Earth Wind and Fire, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, SOS Band and Stevie Wonder.  Happy hour's between 5 and 6am at The Studio.

7.       August 1988.  Toronto.  I’ve just arrived in Canada.  It’s the Amnesty Tour.  Sting.  Tracy Chapman, The Boss, Peter Gabriel.  Youssou N’Dour.  Wow!  I scored a ticket.  I scam my way to the floor at Maple Leaf Gardens.  And it’s the first time I realize how grateful I am to live in Canada. Springsteen's hit, "Born to Run" seems to talk to my plight then.

8.       It’s the ninety’s which meant a revival of the British Invasion aka new wave.  Whiskey Saigon is the place to be Sunday nights – and I’m there more often than I’m not.  Joe Jackson. The Cure.  The Cult.  Yaz.  The Police. The Jam.  Simple Minds.  Soft Cell.  Thompson Twins.  Level 42.   ABC.  Gary Numan.  Sinead ‘Connor.   I also loved grunge – Soundgarden, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and of course Nirvana and Weezer.  Chris Sheppard at RPM spun the wheels of steel so well.  Unforgettably well.   

9.       It’s new year’s day 2000 – and I’m joining the Polar Bear Club.  Solo.  And it’s minus 26 degrees out.  I’m at the shore of Lake Ontario.  My wife, our new born kid (he’s now 15) and parents are with me.  The theme from “Chariots of Fire” is playing on the ghetto blaster.   I’m pumped.  I’m also in and out of the lake’s frigid waters --- fast.  And, I manage to raise $2600 for The Children’s Wish Foundation in the process.

10.   2011 – Bono and the boys play Toronto. Alas, I’m not able to scoop a ticket – at least until a friend of mine offers me his – just as long as I take his wife (he has 2 tickets).  Is the pope Catholic?  Duh!  So we go.  We’re on the floor – mere feet from Bono.  Although it’s in July (the eleventh to be precise), I feel the warm tears flowing down my cheeks as the familiar refrains of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”  fill the packed-to-the-rafters stadium.

      11.   2012 - Floyd’s still my favorite band.  U2’s a close second.  Roger Waters is in town.  He’s playing the Air Canada Centre – and he’s doing “The Wall”.  Despite that he’s very anti-Israel (I’m not), I manage to put our political differences aside.  What a show.  Again, what a show.  Again, what a show.  See the show’s review here.

And that’s it?  What are your favorite music moments/ songs/ artists?  I’d love to know!