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11th out of 64 books
—
77 voters
Ignore Everybody: and 39 Other Keys to Creativity
by
Hugh MacLeod
When Hugh MacLeod was a struggling young copywriter, living in a YMCA, he started to doodle on the backs of business cards while sitting at a bar. Those cartoons eventually led to a popular blog - gapingvoid.com - and a reputation for pithy insight and humor, in both words and pictures.
MacLeod has opinions on everything from marketing to the meaning of life, but one of hi...more
MacLeod has opinions on everything from marketing to the meaning of life, but one of hi...more
Hardcover, 159 pages
Published
June 11th 2009
by Portfolio Hardcover
(first published 2009)
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I checked this out because I enjoyed the original Gaping Void post. I also lent it to my mother, a Seth Godin fan who'd heard Godin rave about it. We're both writers; I'm a newbie, but Mom earns six figures with her writing. Creativity is vital to what we do, and we represent both ends of the experience spectrum.
Neither of us cared for this book.
I made it through the whole thing (if nothing else, it's a fast read), but Mom handed it back halfway through. She said that the advice seemed to state...more
Neither of us cared for this book.
I made it through the whole thing (if nothing else, it's a fast read), but Mom handed it back halfway through. She said that the advice seemed to state...more
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Most all of MacLeod's 39 ideas are spot on. Half, if not more of MacLeod's 39 ideas and their explanation, had the f-bomb in them. I was going to count them, just for curiosity's sake, but decided against it (because I actually don't have too much time on my hands). For such a creative guy, I would have preferred that he came up with more unique words than using the f-word, time and time again. Very disappointing in that aspect. Imagine if this review had friggin' this and freaking' that every o...more
I wanted to like this book more than I do, which is not to say I don't like it. I do. I mean, how can you not like a book called "Ignore Everybody"? And the likeable, unpretentious author proposes some very interesting ideas -- like, having a day job while working on your creativity (because, you know, I like having my confirmation bias confirmed) -- or more specifically MacLeod's idea of having "sovereignty" over your art. It's such a great word, "sovereignty," so rich and full, and I love the...more
I read most of this during my daughter's piano lesson, so if you're looking for an easy read, "Ignore Everybody and 39 Other Keys to Creativity" qualifies.
As for me, I didn't much like "Ignore Everybody." My two main issues:
(1) Most of the advice about creativity, as the title suggests, involves not listening to others. Don't listen to input from friends and colleagues. Don't let stupid publishers and movie producers tell you what's what. Don't listen to whining from other frustrated creatives....more
As for me, I didn't much like "Ignore Everybody." My two main issues:
(1) Most of the advice about creativity, as the title suggests, involves not listening to others. Don't listen to input from friends and colleagues. Don't let stupid publishers and movie producers tell you what's what. Don't listen to whining from other frustrated creatives....more
Naaah.
I was so looking forward to this book, expected so much, and got nothing out of it besides the insight that you can't turn a blog into a book just like that - at least not gapingvoid.com.
Let me please state that I love gapingvoid; I love HML's doodlings on the back of business-cards, and they got me laughing and thinking far more than once. I love the insights and the charms that HML manages to transport with them - I just adore those little gems! Go and take a look and I reckon you won'...more
I was so looking forward to this book, expected so much, and got nothing out of it besides the insight that you can't turn a blog into a book just like that - at least not gapingvoid.com.
Let me please state that I love gapingvoid; I love HML's doodlings on the back of business-cards, and they got me laughing and thinking far more than once. I love the insights and the charms that HML manages to transport with them - I just adore those little gems! Go and take a look and I reckon you won'...more
I checked this book out from the library yesterday and on a whim, decided to read it in the tub last night. I'm glad I did - I spent the next hour or two giggling or outright laughing out loud (in the tub!) as I read through the quirky business-card comics and the kind but blunt insights on living life as a creative person. The Sex and Cash Theory tip alone is worth reading the entire book for, but to say that is the only reason would be doing this book an injustice. It is a FANTASTIC little boo...more
This book does not offer tips on how to spark your creativity, but instead offers a new perspective on the path to success for creative people. I read this book as a download from the author's website a few years ago, and found it to be harsh and discouraging, because at first glance it seems like the author is saying, "Give up on your dreams, because you'll never succeed at them anyway." This time around, after having received the book as a gift, I liked it much better. What I first saw as hars...more
Feb 02, 2010
Amy Correia
added it
I volunteered to read this book when Derek Sivers (he started CDBaby and has been an innovator in the music business) was looking for some musicians to read and write about how this book applied or didn't to their careers. Less than a regular book review we were asked to "dig deep" and share how this book might apply (or not apply) to our music careers. The intent was to offer our own personal experience with "the keys" for the possible benefit to other musicians. At least that's what I thought...more
Yeaaaah, I don't really get this book. First, it seems almost contradictory..? Hypocritical..? I...don't know. On one hand it really pushes the reader to put his or her art/passion/whatever first; on the other hand it really seems to be mostly about...starting your own (creative) business. In a way the message seems to be: "Don't sell out until you don't NEED to sell out, then go ahead and sell out, because artists aren't supposed to be poor, that's just a cliche." Um...okay.
And the author menti...more
And the author menti...more
Hugh writes without apology. He's telling you how to keep that creative spark alive.
His 39 tips (really 40) are all about defending your creative spirit and your right to have it. The tips are typically short, numbering no more than a few paragraphs each. A handful are longer where he relates personal experiences.
The book isn't meant to tell you think right and you'll win. It doesn't tell you the world will line up to help you succeed. This is not a law of attraction book. This book makes you...more
His 39 tips (really 40) are all about defending your creative spirit and your right to have it. The tips are typically short, numbering no more than a few paragraphs each. A handful are longer where he relates personal experiences.
The book isn't meant to tell you think right and you'll win. It doesn't tell you the world will line up to help you succeed. This is not a law of attraction book. This book makes you...more
This book, all 156 pages of it, read like a blog. I understand that this is how it started out, but it's a book, not a blog. I was a bit disappointed that a book on creativity was so blandly presented. The business card sized cartoons helped somewhat but I didn't find them funny nor profound in any way.
Enough on presentation...on to the nitty-gritty. Hugh MacLeod has something to say and he says it loud and clear. Sometimes, a bit too loud and clear. There were passages that came across as conde...more
Enough on presentation...on to the nitty-gritty. Hugh MacLeod has something to say and he says it loud and clear. Sometimes, a bit too loud and clear. There were passages that came across as conde...more
This inspirational book was a quick read. It has copies of the author's business card art interspersed with short sections of writing about a particular subject. His art is humorous and loosely illustrates what he is writing about in each section. This book is apparently a print form of his blog. He has edited his blog content to better suit print. I find his advice spot on usually. He is making suggestions on what people should do to better their creative selves without laying out any hard and...more
The title of the book could be:
"What did my doodles on the back of business cards career taught me?"
Let me quote Chapter 40:
And yes, this 159 pages long book - liberally sprinkled with cartoons from Hugh MacLeod - will not deliver some never heard of idea.
Alm...more
"What did my doodles on the back of business cards career taught me?"
Let me quote Chapter 40:
None of this is rocket science.
If I had to condense this entire book into a line or two, it would read something like, "Work hard. Keep at it. Live simply and quietly. Remain humble. Stay positive. Create your own luck. Be nice. Be polite."
And yes, this 159 pages long book - liberally sprinkled with cartoons from Hugh MacLeod - will not deliver some never heard of idea.
Alm...more
I hate this book and I hate myself for finishing it.
Evidently somebody (um, somebody named Seth Godin) told this guy who blogs poorly-drawn, unimaginatively-written cartoons that he's such a success and creative genius that he should write a how-to book on being more like him. Luckily for me he didn't have much to say so he used a lot of space putting in crappy cartoons—making it a mercifully short read.
His whole schtick is that his comic strips fit on the backs of business cards. I don't get it...more
Evidently somebody (um, somebody named Seth Godin) told this guy who blogs poorly-drawn, unimaginatively-written cartoons that he's such a success and creative genius that he should write a how-to book on being more like him. Luckily for me he didn't have much to say so he used a lot of space putting in crappy cartoons—making it a mercifully short read.
His whole schtick is that his comic strips fit on the backs of business cards. I don't get it...more
In a way I really enjoyed this book - there is a certain freshness in the unapologetic way the author talks about things that are generally common sense but may not be popular subjects to discuss with the creative crowd, such as that there will be hard times, or that relying on being "discovered" is foolish, or even that you may never make it big at all. He calls out those who waste their lives in meaningless bill-pay jobs while waiting for the big break in whatever their creative outlet is, and...more
Raced through, then re-read and relished, this wise, witty, and hard-won collection of insights into many aspects of life (including, but not limited to: 1. Pairing a day job that pays the bills with a passion that fulfills one’s search, 2. Being clear-eyed enough to realize everything original takes loads of bloody practice in order to reach any tangible level of mastery and fulfillment, 3. Be original and unique, but not vacuous in blindly pursuing originality and uniqueness, and 4. Lots and l...more
Since this is based on a blog started in ~2001, so I'll assume I'm the last person on earth to have enjoyed Hugh MacLeod's insights into the creative life.
Since this is based on a blog started in ~2001, so I'll assume I'm the last person on earth to have enjoyed Hugh MacLeod's insights into the creative life. Having ordered this book at the library, I thought this book would have creativity exercises, like, I dunno, brainstorming or something. But it's nothing like that and that is a-okay. Not...more
Since this is based on a blog started in ~2001, so I'll assume I'm the last person on earth to have enjoyed Hugh MacLeod's insights into the creative life. Having ordered this book at the library, I thought this book would have creativity exercises, like, I dunno, brainstorming or something. But it's nothing like that and that is a-okay. Not...more
First of all, using the f-word in any form of communication (verbal, written or art) just points out (to me) that you are either uneducated, ignorant, morally corrupt or all of the above - or 13 years old.
I can't help but separate this book.
There is the advice (or '39 keys to creativity'). Some of these points I agree with. I really like point 16. As soon as there is a set limit either money or someone else's vision - it's not art, it's work.
Then there is the business card doodles.
And that's wha...more
I can't help but separate this book.
There is the advice (or '39 keys to creativity'). Some of these points I agree with. I really like point 16. As soon as there is a set limit either money or someone else's vision - it's not art, it's work.
Then there is the business card doodles.
And that's wha...more
I picked up this book because I really enjoy: a) books on how to tap into my creativity and b) cartoons. Though I didn't turn out to be a huge fan of Hugh's cartoons, I did enjoy the book. Hugh is one of those success stories where he hit it big when he stopped trying so hard. He was beaten down by the working world and started doodling on the back of business cards in NY bars because it pleased him. All of a sudden - BAM - blog, book deal, business, perhaps not in that order.
Hugh shares some wi...more
Hugh shares some wi...more
I read this book in about an hour. It's essentially a bunch of the author's blog posts put into book format, with a few changes.
Did I like it? Sure. It's not mind-blowing. or really even super helpful. It had some good points and a different way of looking at some aspects of life and creativity. I agreed with some points, didn't have much opinion on others, and partially disagreed with one or two. That being said, it's such a quick read that I think it's worth picking up. At the very least, if...more
Did I like it? Sure. It's not mind-blowing. or really even super helpful. It had some good points and a different way of looking at some aspects of life and creativity. I agreed with some points, didn't have much opinion on others, and partially disagreed with one or two. That being said, it's such a quick read that I think it's worth picking up. At the very least, if...more
The premise of this book is simple: a self-important cartoonist with mediocre drawing skills rants about how awesome he is for 150 pages.
Just because he likes to draw (badly) on the back of business cards doesn't give him a free pass to write a watered down, uninspired perpetual blog post advising creative types when he does barely fits in the category himself.
There are a few lines of good advice here and there, but they are overshadowed by his repetitive internal ramblings about himself and his...more
Just because he likes to draw (badly) on the back of business cards doesn't give him a free pass to write a watered down, uninspired perpetual blog post advising creative types when he does barely fits in the category himself.
There are a few lines of good advice here and there, but they are overshadowed by his repetitive internal ramblings about himself and his...more
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I picked up this book on a recommendation and was not disappointed. Hugh MacLeod has an interesting take on a variety of topics that have to do with success.
My absolute favorite idea is his "Sex and Cash Theory". Hugh talks about the idea that you shouldn't quit your day job and allow your creative juices to flow on the side with other meaningful work that you do. That is unless you are able to get both in your day job. Hugh goes on to explain the theory as:
It's balancing the need to make a goo...more
My absolute favorite idea is his "Sex and Cash Theory". Hugh talks about the idea that you shouldn't quit your day job and allow your creative juices to flow on the side with other meaningful work that you do. That is unless you are able to get both in your day job. Hugh goes on to explain the theory as:
It's balancing the need to make a goo...more
Some points that I enjoyed from this book:
2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours. The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content ever will. How your own sovereignty inspires other people to find their own sovereignty, their own sense of freedom and possibility, will give the work far more power than the work's objective merits ever will.
8. The creative person basically has two kinds of jobs. One is the sexy, creative kind. Second...more
2. The idea doesn't have to be big. It just has to be yours. The sovereignty you have over your work will inspire far more people than the actual content ever will. How your own sovereignty inspires other people to find their own sovereignty, their own sense of freedom and possibility, will give the work far more power than the work's objective merits ever will.
8. The creative person basically has two kinds of jobs. One is the sexy, creative kind. Second...more
I was pretty disappointed with this book. MacLeod doesn't actually build an argument in this book, but instead seems to repeat the same points in each chapter. The observations he makes, while contradictory, seem a little obvious to me, but I may not be his intended audience, and there is something to be said for reminding people of the obvious truths that the daily grind has made them forget.
Don't get me wrong, MacLeod is not wrong, far from it. It's just the book does not do a very good job of...more
Don't get me wrong, MacLeod is not wrong, far from it. It's just the book does not do a very good job of...more
The way Hugh MacLeod puts together words is simply gorgeous. I'm not as fond of the art, but the sass and the connection with the creative world are excellent.
My real problem with this book is basically that it works so much better as a blog (and do go check out MacLeod's blog--Gapingvoid.com). The "chapters" are short and clipped, which works well for a blog...but not so well for a book. I wish he'd taken the time to really flesh out his ideas instead of basically regurgitating posts. Pay atte...more
My real problem with this book is basically that it works so much better as a blog (and do go check out MacLeod's blog--Gapingvoid.com). The "chapters" are short and clipped, which works well for a blog...but not so well for a book. I wish he'd taken the time to really flesh out his ideas instead of basically regurgitating posts. Pay atte...more
Like most books that cover common and/or popular, timeless topics (business, the meaning of life and art, etc), Hugh MacLeod does a lovely job of articulating what we, in our heart of hearts, already know. Why? Because his weapon of choice is common sense. So reading a book like this is somehow utterly refreshing and yet completely eye-rolling at its simplicity. MacLeod is fun to read though, fairly humorous and I found myself enjoying his description of the Sex/Cash theory.
As a former English...more
As a former English...more
Ever since I completed my NaNoWriMo novel (heck, since I said I was going to do it!), my family has been very supportive of my creative endeavor. For Christmas, my brother got me a copy of Ignore Everybody by Hugh MacLeod.
The book is a very fast read and reads like a series of short essays or blog posts. Hugh came to fame with his cartoon on business card thing and his blog, gapingvoid.com. His philosophy is based around hard work and doing something that you “own”. His hard work philosophy is i...more
The book is a very fast read and reads like a series of short essays or blog posts. Hugh came to fame with his cartoon on business card thing and his blog, gapingvoid.com. His philosophy is based around hard work and doing something that you “own”. His hard work philosophy is i...more
A *very* quick read, which offers up here and there a few nuggets of wisdom about what, exactly, is required of a creative soul. Truth be told, however, much of its advice, I find, was a little slim. The ideas were there, certainly, and many of them would in fact be helpful were one in the business of exploring and exploiting his or her creative impetus. It advocates a kind of altered perception, centered upon the simple notion of creating for creation's sake, of 'doing' rather than 'talking'. A...more
If you like reading books about contradictory and repetitiveness, Ignore Everybody is a good book to add to your list. The first several pages of Ignore Everybody were funny and the art really added to what MacLeod was saying in those early chapters. As I read on, however, I got the feeling that there was either multiple people writing or he just didn't make up his mind really well.
As I progressed through the chapters, I felt MacLeod turn from a humorous author to a nagging teacher that wants th...more
As I progressed through the chapters, I felt MacLeod turn from a humorous author to a nagging teacher that wants th...more
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“Everyone is born creative; everyone is given a box of crayons in kindergarten. Then when you hit puberty they take the crayons away and replace them with dry, uninspiring books on algebra, history, etc. Being suddenly hit years later with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons back, please.”
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154 people liked it
“Writer's block is just a symptom of feeling like you have nothing to say, combined with the rather weird idea that you should feel the need to say something. Why? If you have something to say, then say it. If not, enjoy the silence while it lasts. The noise will return soon enough.”
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28 people liked it
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