The What-For

If the Internet is any indication, there is plenty of how-to out there. There are plenty of posts and sites that can tell you, step-by-step or in enumerated ways, how to do something. What I tend to see less of, and wish to see more of, is what-for.

Every how-to should lead with the what-for. Why this is important. Why you should do it. Why this way and not another way. Why these steps in this order. Why these things and not some other things.

We need less hows and more whys.

Those who give the how-to are not entirely at fault here. The what-for is often assumed. Of course, people know the what-for… That’s why they need the how-to. Right?

Sometimes, perhaps. Often, not. And, even if they do, their what-for is likely different in some way than the what-for you are giving the how-to about. This is your chance to share why it matters to you the giver. It may make a world of difference to the receiver.

So, if you are in the business of giving a how-to, lead with the what-for. Because, I argue that the how-to is meaningless without the what-for. The what-for is what gives the how-to a reason to exist.

I’m a writer. Writing is how I make this world better, friendlier, stronger place. If these words improved your day, please let me know by contributing here.

I’m kind of everywhere…

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so it seems. I’ve been guesting on a ton of podcasts lately that I think are worth checking out if you have the time to listen.

  • Mikes On Mics – Episode 65: Creating in Public with Patrick Rhone — Where I talk about the behind the scenes story on how a simple post on App.net became a book in under a week. I talk about the process, the motivation, and how this actually supports another book I’m working on. There is a lot to unpack in this one… A lot. It gets really deep near the end when we talk about the difference between writing a “how to” versus a “what for”.

  • 15 Minutes With Patrick Rhone: Apple Consultant and Writer (Part 1 of 2) – Que Broadcasting — Where in I talk a bit more about being an Apple Consultant and my motivations for sharing.my years of knowledge with the world. This is the first part of a two part series (the other should be up next week).

  • Systematic #38 with Patrick Rhone – BrettTerpstra.com — I talk to Nerd God Brett about everything from GORUCK to Google Glass. It was really fun to do this one. Especially so because I’ve had the tremendous opportunity to meet Brett in person a few times now, we live in the same state, and consider him a friend.

  • Enough – Ep 200 – A Retrospective — Of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the recently recorded 200th episode of my own podcast. Myke and I spend most of it reflecting on how the show has grown and evolved over the over two years we’ve been doing it. Quite proud of this milestone and what Myke and I have created (and I never could have done it without him).

RHA MA450i Headphones

I’m not one of those guys. I’m no Marco Arment, who I’m betting can tell you what Chinese factory a headphone was manufactured in based on the treble sound alone. All I care about is a decent set of speakers that fit my ears and allow me to listen in comfort. In fact, I’ve even been generally OK with most of the comes-with models that have shipped with every iDevice I’ve bought. That said, I have tried and owned some more expensive models and can at least tell that they are better in every conceivable way than the less expensive alternatives. So, there’s that.

That said, I was recently sent a pair of MA450i Noise Isolating Earphones to try out. I’ve been using them for a couple of weeks now in all sorts of conditions and listening to both music, voice and video. They have performed admirably in all situations. They are very comfortable in ear. In fact, I often forget they are there. They sound great! Far better than their fifty dollar price point would give away. I would put them on par with other, more expensive,“Marco Approved” models I have owned.

They have been especially good for running. Most in ear models I have owned start falling out as soon as I start to sweat a bit. These stay put. This might be because they include six sets of interchangeable ear buds to ensure there is a set to fit just about any ear. The default ones fit me perfectly out of the box though.

The cord is cloth wrapped and, therefore, less prone to tangle (and fairly easy to untangle when it does). The in-line remote and mic do the job. The jack itself maintains a solid connection. There all help to lend a more professional and expensive feel to the overall build quality.

These are keepers for sure. They are an Apple Store exclusive right now. Though, you can find their non-iDevice-remote laden cousin, the MA 350, at Amazon for ten dollars less.

Either way, it’s a square deal.

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