Videos

Makebelieve Help, Old Butchers, and Figuring Out Who You Are (For Now) - Vimeo [NSFW]

Here’s a video I made about a video I made. Consequently, it’s also about writing a book, fake self-help, the long road to developing expertise, and the ups and downs of repeatedly asking the world to tell you who you are.

The video is long. As usual. This is how it works.

Merlin Mann - “Toward Patterns for Creativity” - Macworld PULSE

Here’s a video of my presentation, “Toward Patterns for Creativity,” from earlier this month at Macworld, here in SF.

Merlin’s First Desktop Tour on Vimeo (Full HD Version)

After a recent “Most Days” episode, several people asked to see what all’s in my menu bar, so I made this little video using ScreenFlow. It’s a “proof of concept.” A “pilot program,” if you like. Again: an experiment. (Hint: this looks way better in full HD)

Watch this space next week for more info on these apps, plus discount codes and more.

Eric Idle, on John Cleese’s Approach to Writing

John Cleese sweated every word — to the point of exhausting collaborators like Eric Idle.

In other places, I’ve heard Cleese himself talk about his work ethic within the Pythons, mentioning how Graham Chapman might slip out early to start drinking, while Cleese would stick around and revise a sketch for another half-hour or longer. Over time, he felt the extra effort was what made the difference in the enduring appeal of his material.

the show with zefrank (2007-11-06 / “washington, ideas, brain crack”)

Ze Frank, on executing ideas even, or especially, when you can’t do them perfectly. (PNSFW)

[video via Waxy Links]

As some pals and I have been banging around ideas for new projects, I’ve been thinking a lot about Ze Frank, and realizing what a talented and brave fellow he is.

Macworld ‘08: Merlin Mann / “Living with Data”

Aha! Embeddable video for a third MacBreak interview at Macworld ‘08 has turned up – this one’s with Dave Teare at Agile Web Solutions, makers of 1Password.

As we discuss in the video, I’m really looking forward to seeing 1Password’s secure password bookmarklet for iPhone.

MacBreak: Macworld 2008/Agile Web Solutions

 MacBreak (iPod video) - MacBreak 122: Macworld 2008: 1Password

Macworld Expo wouldn’t be the same for me if I didn’t have the chance to hit the floor and talk to the kids for MacBreak.

This year, I returned to Tiny Town to talk to my new internet boyfriends, Cabel and Steven, at Panic, Dave Teare from my beloved 1Password, as well as the charming James from New Jersey who says he doesn’t want to punch Steve Jobs, no matter what.

MacBreak 121: Macworld 2008/Panic Software

Merlin Mann chats with Cabel and Steven from Panic Software.

macbreak MacBreak (iPod video) - MacBreak 121: Macworld 2008: Panic Software

Back at work killing time? Sure you are. After all, it’s nationwide “Thumb up your butt” week, right? You bet it is.

So, from the archives of 43 Folders (and the on-hiatus Merlin Show), here’s four of my favorite videos of stuff I’ve done. Hope you like ‘em.

Scott Underwood from IDEO was kind enough to invite me down to their Palo Alto HQ for a tour of the renowned design group (they designed Apple’s first mouse!) and to participate with him in one of the company’s internal “Know How” talks. It was very informal (and – because this was during my recent “100-year sinus infection” – I was completely high on cold medicine).