Why the title “Tragedy of the…. Commons”? Because I think we are living and experiencing the “tragedy of the commons” today more frequently than in the past, both with our use of natural resources, physical space, and, more importantly with our own attention spans.
In a world of information ubiquity the only limitation is the attention span. This would include the ability to digest, assimilate and apply the knowledge gained. Much of what we see, hear, and experience from media, TV, online etc. washes over us (thankfully or we would become stuffed!). So how do we get the average person to stop and pay attention to what we have to say, let alone act? Over lunch recently with a colleague at a major non-profit training organization, we spoke about the age old simple sales formula AIDA (not the opera)- Attention, Interest, Decision and Action (please don’t lump this in with its use by Alec Baldwin’s stunning performance in Glengarry Glen Ross).
Well, we need to look to the masters of the universe on this, producers of commercial message, the game development and Hollywood folks who are so good at getting our attention and keeping our interest. There are a many good examples depending on your own tastes, interests and preferences.
Stay tuned for the next post.