Roughstock Round-Up: February 2007

Check Us Out Online!
It's been some time coming, but I've finally got the first incarnation of Roughstock's website live and kicking. My goal is for www.roughstockstudios.com to be a living site, with updated content and a rotating portfolio of work. By it's nature, the look and functionality will evolve over time and to that end, I'd love your feedback. If there's anything in particular you'd like to see—or avoid—please let me know!

Recently Published...
One of my favorite cocktails, both to make and to drink, is the Manhattan. It is perhaps one of the classiest cocktails I know of—when done right, that is. Unfortunately, not too many bartenders appreciate this whiskey drink the way I do. For a little pontification about this potable, check out my recent essay published on author Kevin Erskine's blog, DrinkShoot.

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An Anecdote About Generosity
I find myself reading a lot of blogs these days: blogs about booze, blogs about business, blogs about blogging. Recently I stumbled across a business blog by journalist Tom Ehrenfeld, author of The Startup Garden. Since everyone and their brother writes a blog nowadays (written as I hang my head sheepishly), I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Tom’s content was really very good (if not, by his own admission, updated frequently). And so I emailed him to tell him as much—no big deal, just a short “keep up the good work” kind of note that us writers are often starved for, and a mention that I was going to purchase his book. What I got back was a really warm thank you note, and a request for my mailing address. A few days ago, I received a free copy of The Startup Garden, signed by the author.

This is the kind of unsolicited gesture that makes people take notice. And it occurred to me that you just don’t see it very much. I’m not talking about simply giving away free stuff; I’m talking about the kind of meaningful “I would genuinely like to see you thrive and here’s what I can do to help you achieve that” message that builds loyalty. It doesn’t take a lot of effort—in Tom’s case, a trip to the post office—and it can take many forms. Whether it’s advice, a product, or some other form of support, a sincere gesture of generosity can extend beyond your wildest imagination. In Tom’s case, it’s a nice bottle of wine currently en route to him, as well as a loyal reader. Thanks, Tom!

And thanks to you, for supporting Roughstock.

Best,
Jess Sand