Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Driver vs. Driver – R&D Goes Hollywood
Let’s face it: product introductions in golf are formulaic, predictable and stale. The term white noise certainly applies.
For larger companies, the formula usually features a big whoop-dee-doo introducing the product’s features and benefits, and then the media reports on it. Small to middling companies send out press releases and samples to the media, and then the media reports on it.
Frankly, it’s gotten pretty boring and, even worse, incredibly passive. It’s trickle down marketing – flood media outlets with your story and hope the story reaches the intended target without too much distortion. Rabid golfers are okay with this since we’ll hunt down every droplet of information like it’s our job. We’re weird like that.
For the vast majority of golfers, those who don’t live and die with each and every product cycle, that info trickle often dries up long before it ever reaches them. If the product isn’t at Dick’s, Golf Galaxy or GolfSmith, it doesn’t exist.
That’s why tonight’s debut episode of Wilson Staff’s Driver vs. Driver (Golf Channel, 10 PM EST) is so compelling. For the first time in a long time, product introduction, as well as the whole product development process, is going directly to you in a unique and potentially game-changing manner.
Crowd Sourced Innovation
The hook to Driver vs. Driver is crowdsourcing. Wilson asked the general public to propose ideas for the next great driver for a chance to win $500,000. Hundreds of applicants, ranging from amateur inventors and engineering students to industrial designers, building contractors, golf pros and crackpots entered, with 11 finalists ultimately chosen.
It’s kinda like Survivor meets Shark Tank.
“In my 20-year career at Wilson, this is the biggest product endeavor we’ve ever taken on,” says Wilson Golf president and Driver vs. Driver judge Tim Clarke. “And that’s for any of our brands and any of our sports.”
The program will run through November 22nd, with teams being eliminated along the way. You’ll see the entire product development process, with contestants working with Wilson’s R&D staff to refine their ideas and develop playable prototypes. The winning design will be announced in the final episode, and the winning driver will be on the shelves three days later, on Black Friday.
Clarke says Wilson has always been open to outside ideas in all sports. Wide-body tennis racket construction, for example, was an outside idea and propelled Wilson from the Number 3 tennis brand worldwide to a dominant Number 1 position.
“Golf companies are historically closed,” says Clarke. “There’s this feeling in golf that everything has to come from within. We’re a little bit different because we’re not a golf-only brand. We see a lot of different technologies and ideas form our 100 plus engineers working on golf, tennis, baseball and our other sports.”
Naysayers Gonna NaySay
In July of 2015, David Dawsey of Golf-Patents.com wrote that you’d have to be an idiot to enter Driver vs. Driver. I’m not paraphrasing – that’s the title of his blog post.
“Be prepared to be disgusted and embarrassed for the companies involved in this contest,” writes Dawsey, “which is too bad, because they took a really cool concept and got so over-the-top greed that it is ruined.”
Dawsey’s main beef is with the legalese in the Terms and Conditions of the application process. The biggest beefs included the fact that, at the time, there was no guarantee the program would ever air and that the $500,000 first prize was contingent on the program being on TV, that if you are selected as one of the contestants you’d be selling your intellectual property to Wilson for $100, and finally, if your idea infringes on any existing patents, it’s your butt that’s in the legal frying pan, not Wilson’s.
“My answer to that is very simple,” says Clarke. “If you have a legitimate driver idea you have an opportunity to make a half million dollars. No golf companies actually buy ideas. Yes, because of legalities, you turn your design rights over to Wilson Golf, but we had to do that because there’s only going to be one winner. But since there are only 11 teams, your odds once you get that far are pretty good.”
Dawsey’s primary concern – that Wilson would profit even if the show never aired – was never in play since the program had already been pitched to, and approved by, The Golf Channel. And as you’ll see as the show unfolds, the contestant's initial ideas will be further developed in conjunction with Wilson’s R&D staff, and the winning product, since it will be available for sale at the end of November, will have to be patented before heading out the door.
So perhaps only an idiot would apply to be a contestant, but only an irretrievably stupid company would manufacture, market and ship a product to retail without what they would consider a solid patent.
The real world tells us there are no guarantees, but Wilson Golf, Wilson Sporting Goods and Amer Sports (Wilson’s parent company) do not seem the type to expose themselves, either legally or from a PR standpoint, by not doing their homework.
Pros and Cons
When Wilson came up with the idea of Driver vs. Driver, there was one clear 500-pound gorilla in the room.
“No doubt that one of the possible negatives was the competition, or consumers, saying Wilson doesn’t the engineering power or bandwidth to do its own work,” says Clarke. “That’s clearly not the case. We’ve been making world class products, we’ve had drivers make the HotList. We’ve had enough recent success that we could overcome that hurdle.”
On the plus side, Clarke says the program will give viewers an inside look at the R&D process. You’ll get an education as to why a driver may cost $499, and you’ll see all the renditions, tooling, tweaks, shaft evaluations and Tour player testing that goes into the final product.
“The ideas submitted were fantastic,” says Clarke. “Kevin Streelman will (reportedly) play the winning design on Tour next year (Streelman was one of the testers during the program). To handle some of the doubters out there who don’t like different ideas, the fact that it’s going to be Tour-validated is pretty darned exciting.”
Get Your Popcorn Ready
You’ll get to meet the 11 finalists in tonight’s premier episode. There’s a mix of teams and individuals among the finalists; five will present their ideas tonight, and two of them will be sent home. The remaining six finalists will present next week.
The judges include Clarke, former USGA technical director Frank Thomas and former Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher. Clarke is the voice of sales and marketing, while Thomas is the technology and USGA conformity specialist.
Urlacher is an interesting choice. He plays over 250 rounds of golf annually (he’s retired, after all) and he’s the voice of the consumer, concerned with both the tech story (is it believable) and the appearance (would I play this?). Driver vs. Driver plays up Wilson’s Chicago roots, and Urlacher certainly fills out the profile.
We’ve already screened the premier episode and, like any good reality show, it grabs you by letting you get to know the contestants and with a wee bit of drama as two contestants get sent home. The program promises to delve deep into the research, design and production process, which should be fascinating to watch unfold.
As for the driver you can buy on Black Friday?
“The whole concept of the show was to design a world class product and bring innovation that the industry has yet to see or put to market,” says Clarke. “That was the ultimate goal, and I will say, with confidence, that that has been accomplished.”
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Monday, October 3, 2016
5 Writing Tips from Colson Whitehead
A couple weeks ago, I attended an author talk with Colson Whitehead at Politics & Prose in D.C.
Image courtesy of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The author has been writing novels for eighteen years, but recently he’s been getting a lot of attention because his new book, The Underground Railroad, was inducted into Oprah’s coveted Book Club. The book is about the escape from slavery to freedom in the antebellum south, but it also has fantastical elements—a literal underground railroad that exposes the protagonist to different worlds at each station.
5 Writing Tips from Colson Whitehead
Recently I shared my notes from a talk with Jonathan Frazen. People seemed to like that, so I’m doing it again!
Here are five writing tips I wrote down from the author talk with Colson Whitehead:
1. You have a unique spin to bring to any topic.
A better writer than you has written about basically every topic. Your job is to put your own individual spin on it.
That’s what Colson figured out when he picked up a novel by Toni Morrison and immediately concluded (rightly or wrongly) that he could never do that. Rather than get overwhelmed, he accepted that others had written about slavery and written about it well.
All he could do was bring his unique perspective to the topic.
2. You don’t have to write every day to produce a novel!
Inevitably, Colson was asked about his process during the author talk.
He said he knows the beginning and he knows the end, and he outlines the rest. His writing goal (post-children) is typically to finish eight pages a week (pretty doable!).
3. Characterization starts with real life.
Colson turns to real life to help him with characterization. He thinks about people he knows and views them with empathy.
Then, as he starts developing the fictional character, he is guided by “what makes them tick.”
4. Voice in historical fiction requires research.
Voice is always difficult, but even more so when you’re writing historical fiction. In order to accurately capture the way slaves and others spoke in the early 1800s, Colson read through interviews with former slaves.
He seemed struck by the simplicity of their language, which was used to describe such horrific acts. That simplicity dictated the voice of the characters in Underground in a way that was different from his other novels.
I later read an interview he gave with Vulture in which he noted that “when you try to make a simile or a metaphor out of the nouns of 1850s, simplicity and clarity make more sense.”
5. Don’t be afraid to change genres!
I’m a contemporary fiction kind of girl and know Colson Whitehead from his novel Sag Harbor—a semi-autobiographical story about black boys with beach houses in the Hamptons. Others know him from Zone One, a story about a zombie apocalypse. Others, like Oprah, learned about Colson for the first time with Underground.
Colson doesn’t care that many people who love one of his books may not be interested in his others. He basically said that writers should write what they want to write. They should be free to constantly challenge themselves (and to forget about potential branding issues).
That’s a message I don’t hear often, and it was kind of liberating.
Do What Works for You
I like to attend author talks to glean wisdom from other established writers. I take notes on their best writing tips and consider how I can integrate their experience into my own writing process.
That said, you don’t have to use all these tips, of course. Find the system that works for you. Figure out what helps you write, and do that!
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Let me know in the comments.
PRACTICE
Think about a real-life person or fictional character. What makes them tick? Now take fifteen minutes to write a scene based on that person.
When you’re done, share your practice in the comments, and be sure to leave feedback for your fellow writers!
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USGA Approved: Cobra F7 and F7+ Drivers
The USGA has just approved two new drivers from Cobra Golf. It's a safe assumption, given past release cycles, that KING F7 and KING F7+ are Cobra's 2017 models, and will be headed to retail in the not so distant future.
What we can tell from the photos is that both are 3 (movable) weight systems. The samples sent to USGA include (2) 2-gram weights and a single 12g weight. Markings on the sole suggest the story will again be one of trajectory and spin, although the explicitly labeled draw position common to both models is new this year.
One noteworthy point gleaned from the markings is the addition of a TEXREME Carbon crown on the F7 model. TEXTREME is the material used in the company's flagship KING LTD offering. This is particularly surprising given previous incarnations of the standard (non plus) model have leverage all-titanium construction.
Generally, carbon fiber stories are all about saving weight (your run of the mill mass properties stuff), but the use of carbon fiber can sometimes introduce other issues. It will be interesting to learn how the crown material impacts sound, and more importantly for most of you, how, if at all, it impacts the retail price.
Unlike the two previous seasons where distinctions between standard and plus (+) models were clear, aesthetically speaking there doesn't appear to be much separating the two. The F7+ doesn't have the CarbonTrac, or any other apparent exclusive to the + technology. It should be noted that USGA photos don't convey details (especially scale) particularly well. The USGA also doesn't publish crown photos which could paint a much more vivid picture of the distinctions between the two.
KING F7
Identification Markings:
SOLE: COBRA, KING F7, HIGH, LOW, SMARTPAD, DRAW
CROWN: COBRA, (two lines), TEXTREME CARBON, (two lines)
HOSEL: (window w/ loft)
HEEL: MYFLY, LOFT (triangle)
KING F7+
Identification Markings:
SOLE: COBRA, KING F7+, HIGH, LOW, SMARTPAD, DRAW
CROWN: COBRA, (two lines), TEXTREME CARBON, (two lines)
HOSEL: (window w/ loft)
HEEL: MYFLY, LOFT (triangle)
Have Your Say
What do you think of Cobra's next driver? Is F7 something you're looking forward to trying?
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Saturday, October 1, 2016
10 Creativity Catalysts to Win NaNoWriMo
by Joe Bunting
That’s right, National Novel Writing Month is almost here, and smart writers know, now is the time to start preparing. (If you’re a Write Practice reader, I know you must be a smart writer.)
With that in mind, I’ve put together a list of ten catalysts that will help you write your novel in a month. And don’t worry, we have many more resources coming to get you ready for November, including a printable 2016 NaNoWriMo calendar, a book idea workshop, and more!
Catalysts to Win NaNoWriMo
You might be able to win NaNoWriMo without these creativity catalysts, but it will be so much harder (especially without number one!).
Have more fun, finish faster, and write a better novel with these ten catalysts (they all begin with “C”).
- Chocolate. This is first for a reason. When you’re killing yourself trying to write your novel in a month, unlimited chocolate will quite possibly be the only thing that keeps you going.
- Commitment. Not just from you, but from your friends and family, too. Completing NaNoWriMo requires a huge amount of time every day. If your friends and family aren’t willing to support you, keep you focused, and hold you accountable, you will have a hard time.
- Community. “You are the average of the five people closest to you,” said Jim Rohn, and this is especially true during NaNoWriMo. Find writing friends who have high word counts! You’ll find your word count goes up through osmosis.
- Check-ins. It’s hard to finish a book in isolation, especially during NaNoWriMo. Give a close friend or mentor permission to check in with you and hold you accountable to finishing your word count every day.
- Creative Inspiration. Sometimes you run out of ideas. When that happens, things like writing prompts and creativity exercises can get you writing again.
- Consequences. Create a consequence if you don’t meet your daily word count, something that will really hurt, like giving up your favorite video game/TV show until you finish your book or writing a check to an organization you hate. This will keep you focused like nothing else!
- Calendar. Did you know that by the end of week one, you’ll need to have written 8,335 words to be on track to win NaNoWriMo. And 20,004 words by the end of week 2. Stay on track with a NaNoWriMo calendar (like this one).
- Critique. Is your book idea interesting? Is your writing working? Get feedback on your book idea and first chapters as early as possible so you can write the rest of your book with confidence.
- Caffeine. Coffee, tea, cola, or Red Bull. Do we really need to back this up?
- Cozy Corner. Alright, we’re stretching the C thing here, but the point is, find somewhere cozy, comfortable, and calm where you can be creative, like a cranny in a coffee shop or a couch in a cubicle.
Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year? Let us know in the comments section!
PRACTICE
First, download and print the 1-page catalyst guide here.
Then, spend a few minutes thinking about an idea for your NaNoWriMo novel. Don’t write, just think. What do you want to write about? What story sounds interesting to you right now? Take a walk, stare out the window, or just look off into space.
Finally, after you spend some time thinking about your idea, free write about your idea for fifteen minutes. When your time is up, post your idea in the comments section below. And if you post, be sure to give feedback on a few ideas from other writers.
Happy writing!
The post 10 Creativity Catalysts to Win NaNoWriMo appeared first on The Write Practice.
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
4 Ways to Use Experience to Fuel Your Writing
Let’s play a quick game of two truths and a lie. Here are my three statements:
- On my first day of school someone tried to kill me.
- I have eaten pig brain soup.
- I almost died from choking on cilantro.
If you picked near death by cilantro as the lie you are correct! Thank goodness. I hate cilantro so that would be a terrible way to die.
So yes, I have eaten pig brain soup. No, it was not voluntary nor will I ever do it again. Yes again to almost being killed the first day of school.
What does all this have to do with writing?
Excellent question! All of us have things in our past that have made us who we are, and should we choose to draw upon them, can fuel our writing in a powerful way.
Heart and Soul Make Stories Come Alive
The heart and soul of writing comes from experience.
When I was in college, I had the chance to interview a published author. Cue the social media stalking and writing my intro speech. A REAL author was willing to talk to me! I was a lowly student, a mere peon. I didn’t have anything published apart from a highly academic piece in the student newspaper on women’s sentiments towards men’s beards.
I’ll never forget that author’s parting words of advice:
Her advice stuck with me as I continued to write.
Now, I never shy away from an opportunity to try something new or go on an adventure. This has been the single most impactful thing for my writing.
4 Ways to Live Life to the Full (for your writing’s sake, of course)
Here are a few practical ways you can start living life to the full and improving your writing. First things first. You’ll need to expand your range of experiences.
1. Try a new hobby
Most creative types are naturally curious people.
I’ve tried a wide range of hobbies that have translated surprisingly well into my writing. From krav maga training to swing dancing classes, survival courses to photography, these things have enabled me to write with more authority.
That doesn’t mean you have to incorporate every hobby into your books, but you’d be surprised how well your knowledge will be useful.
The caveat here is to do this in moderation. Don’t spend so much time on your hobby that you forget to actually write.
2. Meet interesting people
Time and time again you’ll hear about the importance of writing memorable characters. How can you do that if you yourself have never met interesting people in the real world?
You’ll have a much more authentic and unique ring to your characters when you pull real quirks and traits from people you’ve met. Your cousin who sleeps with crackers in case she gets hungry, that coworker whose smile makes you shudder, your roommate’s mom who bribes you to keep her son from texting and driving—these are the kinds of people you want to meet and draw inspiration from.
Where can you meet said interesting people?
They’re all over! It just depends on what you’re looking for. Writing a corporate scandal? Try going to your local chamber of commerce’s events. Penning a book on man vs. the wild? Pick up rock climbing for a little while. Attempting to write the next James Bond? The shooting range is a good place to meet some sharp shooters.
You’re an introvert and hate meeting new people? That’s where the next part comes in.
3. Get out of your comfort zone
I know it’s hard. Guess what.
So is writing a book.
If you can’t get out of your comfort zone, how will you finish writing a book? Not to mention, how will you write characters into scenes which carry them out of their comfort zones?
It’s time for you to get out there. Crash a wedding! Go to karaoke! Try toast masters, jump out of a plane, or hug a clown! What is it that makes you want to disappear into the floor? Instead of avoiding it, face it head on—just like you make your characters do.
Ever read a book where the character goes from ordinary to fighting valiant battles with little more than a few cuts and bruises?
Just slayed another troll without a weapon and without interrupting afternoon tea?
*Yawn.*
Don’t be that author who makes everything easy for the protagonist. The change starts now, with you. Try something that gets you out of your comfort zone and routine.
4. Write down what you learned
While getting out of your comfort zone is all good and well, if that’s all you do, then it may have been all for naught. Uncomfortable memories aren’t enough to base a story on.
Don’t despair. There’s a simple fix.
Write down your key findings and observations from the hobbies, interesting people you meet, and emotions you feel from being out of your comfort zone. Find a system that works for categorizing these notes so they’re easily findable.
Later you can pull from those experiences and emotions when you’re at that point in your writing. This is a great way to say “Bye bye!” to writer’s block and “Hello!” to cranking out the pages without missing a beat.
Want to Be a Good Writer? Tell Your Story
Being a bookworm doesn’t make you a good writer, but telling your story does.
Some things in life just happen. We didn’t ask for them. Other things we choose to do.
Both are equally valuable to our writing.
Sure, taking a wilderness survival class will add authenticity to your novel, but so will being able to capture the rage and grief from watching a loved one suffer. We don’t choose a lot of things in our lives, but we can choose to use them to sharpen our writing.
Use those experiences to fuel your writing. Others will feel them with you as they read your book.
Now get out of your comfort zone and start writing!
Have you ever gone out of your comfort zone and tried out new experiences for the sake of your writing? How did it go? Let me know in the comments.
PRACTICE
Today’s challenge: What’s a hobby you currently have? How could you use it in your writing? Spend fifteen minutes writing a scene in which you use the things you’ve learned from that hobby to fuel your writing.
When you’re done, post your practice in the comments, and take some time to brighten someone’s day by giving them some feedback on their post.
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