There is an Art to Asking

The_Art_Of_Asking_Book

The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer

A few years back, I saw a brilliant TED talk by Amanda Palmer.

It resonated with me and struck a chord with viewers all over the world. I don’t think she even realized how big the movement would become. It even spawned this book of the same title. It was a great read and I recommend you picking it up.

I can identify with what Palmer writes about the Fraud Police. She keeps expecting them to come and call her out. I have felt the same way in my life. It’s so easy for people to doubt your art. There will always be people who feel that what you create isn’t art, or even worse, that you are not an artist.

Palmer’s advice, “You’re an artist when you say you are. And you are a good artist when you make somebody else experience or feel something deep or unexpected.”

Believe it or not, the TED talk came before the book. Palmer mentions the process a lot here. It was cool to read all of the behind the scene stuff leading up to the talk and what happened afterwards.

I also like how Palmer believes that a gift must always move. She tells the origin of this belief and some great stories about how that can work.

She believes music should be free. She encourages sharing, burning, torrenting, and downloading. But she leaves her hat out and asks. She doesn’t want to force people to pay but simply asks for help.

I also love her idea of Ninja-gigs, spur of the moment free concerts that encourage collaboration and participation. I am going to try and do a few of those this year. Be ready!

Amanda Palmer closes off the book with a playlist of songs mentioned in the book.

I made a lot more notes while reading this. I already posted once or twice about this concept as well. It’s such a great idea!

Happy Reading and Creating!

My List of 2016 Reads – a detailed reading log continually updated