by Darin Lowery

On that awful day in 2001, when the Twin Towers of New York’s World Trade Center collapsed in a furious mass of deadly smoke and debris, the keening at my office was out of control. No one understood what was happening, despite the nonstop news coverage gleaned from an antiquated, rolled-in Motorola. The state of shock was palpable, a numbness shared with the rest of the country. A heavy smoker then, I found my lighter and headed out the side door but was stopped by a tear stained, anxious young woman in a too-bright print dress. Oh my God, she said, why do they hate us so much? Why do they hate us so much?  I shrugged and ignored her. The Pentagon was in flames, a tight lipped reporter droned; another plane had crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside. The 1993 Trade Center bombing was reviewed in depth- it had been a matter of when, not if, another attack would transpire.

Why, indeed, do they ‘hate us so much’? To answer that it’s important to look at who we are- an almost impossible task (as most introspection is) when one is an American who resides in the United States. As an American- a white male, no less- the privileges are unlimited and explanations for our behavior are rarely expected. As a society, we expect a high standard of living as our due, regardless of our level of education or work experience. One result is credit card debt which amounts to $2,000-$15,000 per household, depending on which report you believe. Who really owns all of ‘our’ stuff, and why is it so important that we have it? Currently, the richest 1% of people in the world receives as much as the bottom 57%, according to the University of California/Santa Cruz Atlas of Inequality. Is anyone else shocked by this statement?

‘It is saddening to tell you that you are the worst civilization witnessed by the history of mankind… let us not forget one of your major characteristics: your duality in both manners and values; your hypocrisy in manners and principles. All manners, principles and values have two scales: one for you and one for the others.’

-Osama bin Laden, 2002

(Full transcript available at: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2002/nov/24/theobserver)

While I do love this country, I sometimes don’t like it. Our priorities are not in focus with what’s important elsewhere in the world- one can turn to almost any television program to see the inanity, the insanity of what we deem worthy. Media is a mirror and this reflection is beamed all over the planet. It was cute when it was simply Coca-Cola, blue jeans and rock ‘n roll. We are what we eat, but we’re also what we buy and frankly, most of it is garbage. Who am I, if I don’t consume?

‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ was an early consumer trap Americans embraced; it has since morphed into a desperate, vulgar grab for the newest, biggest, and shiniest. We eat like there’s no tomorrow yet take it for granted that when the knees give out or the blood pressure goes through the roof it’ll be magically fixed through medication or surgery. At times it seems it’s our right, as Americans, to take no responsibility for our health, our spending habits, our depletion of the planet’s resources in the name of immediate gratification.

Still, it’s an amazing time to live, and the United States is a Paradise for those who can afford it. At least for now. The 1950’s taught us to reach for more- and we did. Problem is, we’re drowning in it. What we discard daily would sustain other families for months. Empires do not last forever, and we can look to the ancient Egyptians, the Romans- hell, even the Third Reich- to bear this truth out.

I understand our ‘necessity’ to maintain our way of living (thereby keeping the politicians and bankers rich) and the need for security (never give the keys of the kingdom to the unwashed masses because they’ll fly airplanes into your skyscrapers) but oftentimes wonder how many of us truly understand the way in which other people live in other countries, and how completely different it is from our own way of life. It was a shock for me, as a child living in Asia, to watch what people ate and drank, how they bathed and where they slept. We flourish while others suffer, and if you don’t believe that you are casting a blind eye about you. We practice noblesse oblige only when it benefits our own blueprint.

Ultimately, bin Laden’s message was about respect, responsibility and accountability. I am not a radical Muslim- I’m not even a ‘good’ Catholic. Bin Laden did not speak for all of Islam. We are good people who sometimes behave badly because we do not have the facts, and we cannot depend upon the media or the government to inform us. Sorry, but Fox News doesn’t cut it, and if you’re watching that rubbish then you really have no idea what’s happening in the world. ‘Patriot’ is a strong word, loaded with meaning, but in the end it means honoring and defending one’s country. If in fact our lives have ‘gone global’, doesn’t that at least suggest a sense of responsibility to and for others? Sure, we write the checks- but if we continue to consume and subsume everything under the sun, what’s left for anyone else?

The Twin Towers are gone; perhaps there are plans for another sort of attack. We need to remain vigilant and aware. We can, in the meantime, begin to examine how we interact with each other, what values we possess and teach our young. We can ensure our inclusiveness and acceptance of those different from us. We can start by spending time with our kids, by skipping the mall and the squawking television set with its gratuitous violence and casual sex. In short, we- you and me, our friends and families, our neighbors, co-workers- even our ‘Facebook Friends’ –can change. Because by helping others we help ourselves, and through this, hate is dissolved into love.

Only then will the question, ‘why do they hate us so much’ have lost its meaning.

Of course, there’s growth for the sake of things like housing and entertainment, say, and then there’s growth with the possibility of employment opportunities. We’ve learned an important lesson over the past year and a half about a scenario seeming like an opportunity for growth (JOBS! JOBS! JOBS!), only to discover (if one did a bit of research) that this ‘opportunity’ would’ve actually been a death knell, a swan song of the most tragic sort. If a thousand-bed private prison was actually built in our area, we wouldn’t just be kissing off tourism and future incoming businesses- a lot of us would’ve packed up and left. I know I would have.

And now, interestingly enough, the Arizona Republic’s Bob Ortega has just concluded a four-part expose on the private prison industry- the gore, the graft and the greed. Thank God the citizens of this community- not the City Council, and not the County Supervisors-had the sense of duty and clear thinking to stop it.

You know what the new joke is around town? The City Council is welcoming bids from nuclear waste management firms… because the medical waste management people went elsewhere.

Frankly, I’d love a few new stores around town, and while I bitch about chain stores and restaurants in general, there is the uniformity thing to consider- in atmosphere and in manner. How great it is to be thanked for my business- how nice when I am acknowledged as I enter a shop. Granted, most of our Globe shopkeepers, waitresses and clerks are terrific. I’ll tell you flat out there are one or two stores in town I wouldn’t set foot in if my hair was in flames and they sold fire extinguishers. But overall, I feel more comfortable on Broad Street than I ever did at a Valley strip mall.

I make it a point to be friendly- it’s who I am- and I genuinely enjoy meeting other people. This is why I work in retail myself- it’s sort of a prerequisite. It’s actually nice to be nice- and if I forget that for a minute, I remind myself that without our customers I wouldn’t have a job.

As far as more choices, my needs are different. I live alone. I’m middle-aged. I’ve done all the nightclubbing I ever wanted to do, and I did it a helluva lot better than the kids do today. I’m also not a big shopper. ‘Retail Therapy’ sounds like a bad reality show. Then again, I don’t have a wife and six kids who like to eat out and buy lots of stuff that’ll break in a few weeks. That’s why God put both McDonald’s and Wal-Mart in Globe. I can understand why folks drive to the Valley- it’s all about choices- but if in fact one looks at patriotism from a slightly different angle, isn’t shopping locally the All-American way to live?

Word is the Chamber of Commerce held a Customer Service seminar a week or so ago- kudos to them; it’s a great idea, and I hope they offer further sessions. When your customer is comfortable, secure and satisfied, chances are he’ll keep coming back. What we sometimes forget is that we’re all each other’s customers at some point, whether cash is exchanged or not. We work with and for each other. We help each other out, look out for each other, and take care of each other. This is why it’s important to know what’s happening in our community, to ask the tough questions and demand honest answers. Personally, I’ve learned a helluva lot by going to City Council meetings- I’ve seen who has the guts to say what’s right, and have heard those who whine, rationalize and dictate. It’s an education, believe me.

It takes a village to raise a village is what I’m saying, and we are all responsible for what happens to us in the end.

Globe is not becoming a ‘Prison Town’ any time soon.

The ‘official’ word is that Emerald Co. failed to secure state land for their prison proposal.  Does this mean that Emerald Co., the EDC, Globe’s Mayor and majority Council, and Gila County Supervisors —- did not perform the required due-diligence?  It is tempting to explain the news by declaring Local Officials incompetent.

But, we must give credit where credit is due — PEOPLE POWER prevailed.

It is likely that Emerald’s fate was sealed when the new Request For Proposal (RFP) was issued in January by AZDOC.  The new RFP added very specific language about state lands available for prison projects.  That restrictive new language was inserted into the updated RFP due to the powerful voices expressed by thousands of Globe area residents.  On November 16, 2010, a group of Globe residents met with State Officials and shared 2,500 petition signatures.  State Officials listened and respected the ‘will of the people’.  This crucial meeting was arranged and attended by Councilman Terry Wheeler.  His firm commitment and action for this Cause deserves respect and appreciation from the entire community.  Thank you, Mr. Wheeler.

Although we felt confident after meeting with State Officials, we understood that the money and power behind the private prison industry is immense.  And, we learned (if we had any doubts) at the January 24, 2011 Globe City Council Meeting, that Local Officials would say or do most anything to discredit our efforts, in order to bring a big private prison to Globe.

In the homestretch, it was decided that we should take nothing for granted, so we launched the Ballot Initiative Campaign on June 3.  Fifty volunteers gathered 1000 signatures in just 10 days!  We kept State Representatives and DOC Officials apprised of our progress.  In our haste to get this Initiative Campaign off the ground quickly, a few clerical errors were made on the forms submitted to City Hall.  I would have no qualms accepting full responsibility for these ‘technical’ errors, except for the fact that I specifically asked if there were any issues/concerns with the paperwork filed.  Instead of acting in good faith, as a citizen would expect from public servants — City Hall, under the direction of City Manager/Attorney Graves, and under the leadership of Mayor Shipley, chose to treat constituents as adversaries.  This has been their attitude and posture during this entire prison debate.  They chose to play a game of ‘gotcha’ to advance their political agenda, rather than serve the citizens that pay their salary or elected them to office.

Naturally, I share the disappointment and frustration over the petition paperwork glitch.  I apologize to all of the volunteers and citizens who placed confidence in my leadership, for allowing Mr. Graves and Mr. Shipley to sabotage our honest endeavors.  We could legally challenge the City of Globe, and win, on grounds that our paper work was in “substantial compliance” with the law.  To do so would cost the City and private citizens thousands of dollars to litigate.  There are better options.

Still, opportunity knocks.  There is a city election next March.  A change of leadership is the best solution to safeguard our community from future attempts to bring a private prison to Globe, and to restore good government to our community.

I salute every volunteer and petition signer for speaking out and standing up for our town.

Jim Moss, Globe Resident and Business Owner

It’s Official.  No private prison for Globe.

AZ Department of Corrections informed Emerald Co. that their bid did not fulfill RFP requirements.

AMAZING!  How could it be that so many local leaders —- EDC President McCreary, Mayor Shipley, Vice-Mayor Wilshire, and Supervisor Dawson —- spent more than a year (and who knows how many taxpayer dollars) steering THEIR private prison project idea to a DEAD END?

Of course, they will spin this outcome so that Emerald Co. gets the blame.  They will not take responsibility for failing to secure a private prison project for our community.  And, rest assured, they will not acknowledge the plain TRUTH —- that PEOPLE POWER PREVAILED.

The first battle has been won, but there remains some unfinished business.  Next, citizens can safeguard our community from future attempts to make Globe an Arizona Prison Town, by voting for both Ballot Initiatives at Globe’s next municipal election in March.

“The truth of what you believe in is what you do about it.” P. Darrow

Jim Moss, Globe Resident & Business Owner

Kelly Moss and Sarah Bernstein turn in the petitions to Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul on Wednesday.

Yesterday, the grassroots citizens group which has been called “…one of the most effective and organized yet truly grassroots groups out there” turned in over 1000 petition signatures of registered Globe voters to Globe’s City Clerk, Gina Paul.

The petitions were part of a Citizen’s Ballot Initiative to force Globe’s Mayor and Council to put the contentious issue of a large private prison to a vote, instead of letting a small handful of leaders speak for everyone.

Although the group only needed 582 valid signatures, they gathered over 1000 in just ten days to place the 2 initiatives on the ballot next March.  Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul has 20 days to review all the signatures and confirm the final count, but says she believes it will take 4-5 days.

Both petition folders were counted twice for accuracy.

The citizens group engaged the services of Rhonda Barnes with Perkins Coie LLP to help draft the language of the initiatives. Barnes specializes in election law. Volunteers were trained to follow exacting rules of who could and couldn’t sign and Citizens Opposed feels confident that a high percentage of signatures will be validated. Over 40 volunteers helped to gather signatures over the ten day period.

This is the first Citizen’s Ballot Initiative in Globe’s history and promises to reinforce the American ideal of one man/ one vote. Something we can all celebrate this July 4th!

This is an open letter to Globe’s Mayor which was recently published in the SilverBelt, Copper Country News and – here.

The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight about your statements quoted in the June 15,
2011 issue of Copper Country News. You stated, “I think it is sufficient to say that Mr. Moss was notified
that his initiatives as written pose several concerns and he was advised to review them with his legal
counsel.”

Your remarks to CCN validate why I do not have confidence in your credibility. Now, here is the truth of
the matter.

On Thursday, June 2, we filed our official Ballot Initiative paperwork with Globe’s City Clerk. That same
afternoon, I received an e-mail from the City Clerk that reads as follows: “We have concerns regarding
the proposed text for your initiative petitions, please consult your legal counsel.” May I assume
the “We” to be you and the City Attorney?

Friday morning, June 3, I visited with the City Clerk. I asked for an explanation of the cryptic e-mail
message. The Clerk revealed the nature of your concerns by explaining that the texts of the Initiatives
far exceeded the 100-word limit specified by law. I informed the Clerk that we were aware of the
100-word rule, and that the rule applies specifically to the number of words permitted on the Petition
Form itself. I explained that the full-page documents we submitted were ‘attachments’ to the Official
Petition, and that only the summary language of 100 words or less, would appear on the front of the
Official Petition. The City Clerk did not raise any other “concerns”.

Several days after I had confirmed with the City Clerk the subject of your misplaced “concerns”,
you decided to play games by tossing out words to local media that insinuate the Ballot Initiatives
have “deficiencies”. And, you referred to the e-mail quoted above as your official communication to
inform me that “deficiencies” were inherent in the Ballot Initiatives. Yet, you refused to identify the
nature of the supposed deficiencies to me or the Copper Country News. So what was your purpose for
making such claims? Could it be that you were trying to create public confusion and thereby interfere
with our Ballot Initiatives Campaign?

This is reminiscent of your remarks on September 13, 2010 at the conclusion of our Citizens
Presentation to City Council. You attempted to confuse constituents by asserting, “I don’t think we (City
Council) could stop this prison project even if we wanted to.” You knew then, as you know now, that
your statement was false. Since then, you have done everything in your power to bring a big private
prison to Globe, no matter how many residents voice opposition.

It should also be noted, Mr. Mayor, that I have met, spoken, or corresponded with you and City
Attorney, Mr. Graves, on several occasions during the past nine months with the specific intent of
working together to put the private prison issue on the ballot — so that the people could decide. During

this entire time, you have done nothing to facilitate such discussions, or to find a cooperative remedy.
Instead, you have engaged in political gamesmanship to try to score a ‘WIN’ for your personal agenda –
- rather than seek common ground by working with citizens to create a Ballot Referendum. Apparently,
Mr. Mayor, you fail to appreciate the fact that the good citizens of Globe do not consider this important
public policy issue to be a mere political game.

To a certain extent, our town’s year-long ‘private prison debate’ has become a secondary issue. Now,
an even more serious concern is about ‘good government’. Good government requires elected officials
to genuinely listen to the voice of their constituents, demonstrate integrity, and respect the democratic
process. Regrettably, Mr. Mayor, your words and actions during this long private prison debate have
not measured up to these basic principles of good government.

Jim Moss

Globe Resident & Business Owner

This letter was recently published in the SilverBelt, Copper Country News – and here.

In last weeks’ letters to the editor, Jerry McCreary once again showed how stone deaf and disingenuous he can be when it comes to presenting the facts as he would like you to believe them.

He says in his letter,  “…we have not with held any facts about the project.” Did he forget? Or intentionally mis-represent the facts? He conveniently avoids The Fact that at the very  beginning of this whole debate,  Ted Lake, who writes for the SilverBelt, did an excellent piece on how the EDC held a closed door meeting in which the press was not invited and Councilman Terry Wheeler was told he “wasn’t welcome.” (That piece is posted here EDC under Fire.

Or that reporters with the local radio station Gila 101.9FM were not allowed to a luncheon with two state law makers and representatives of the medium security prison complex.

McCreary also seems to forget that the “debates” published in the SilverBelt, between Bob Zache, representing the EDC, and Jim Moss representing Citizens Opposed showed clearly that Zache was parroting the words of the private prison industry. The “study” which Zache quoted by the Reason Foundation which showed positive results from private prisons was a bit self serving. The Reason Foundation, it turns out, was established in 2004 and is funded by the private prison industry. Other independent sources are not so kind in reporting on the supposed value of private prisons citing more problems and unintended consequences for communities which host such an enterprise.

The “open book, full disclosure” about the benefits of this project which McCreary and others often refer to comes directly from a 3 page “Talking Points” memo from the Emerald Companies. Globe’s Mayor and several Councilmen and McCreary have not wavered from these points.

This is not debate, or leadership, or measured differences of opinion. This is stone deaf arrogance to force something on the people of this community who have been speaking out against it since it was first discovered last June.

So, here we are.

Because our leaders won’t listen, we have taken the democratic option available to citizens in this country to force the City, our elected leaders who should be listening to the voters, but aren’t – to put it to a vote on the next regularly scheduled election.

And then McCreary has the audacity to ask you not to allow that vote!

Lest anyone make the mistake of thinking this is just a few rabble rousers, just consider that those opposed to this idea gathered over 900 signatures of registered Globe voters in ten days to put the issue to the voters. That is not just ‘rabble rousers.’ And it is not, as has been suggested, just the Mosses who have been instrumental in so many ways of giving local citizens the clout they need to make leaders listen. You don’t get the signatures of 900+ citizens without the substance to generate that kind of response!

The Globe citizens who have signed the ballot initiatives cross all political boundaries and include Republicans, Democrats and Independents. They represent a wide range of social and economic backgrounds and concerns. But they are united in wanting a voice in whether a private prison comes to Globe. And thanks to the hard work of many volunteers in this community and a democratic society where these things are made possible – the Citizen’s Ballot Initiative will go forward.

Linda Gross

If you haven’t heard the music of Chris Mathews, you’ll have your chance this Friday, June 17 when Sam Palmer’s Good Junk Bakery hosts ‘Ma & Jack Antelope’. The show starts at seven and if past performances by the two artists featured are any guide, you’re in for a treat.

‘Ma & Jack Antelope’ is the band name of Mathews and his pal Alicia Jones. Her slow, almost somnolent voice is a perfect counterpoint to his plaintive vocals, and his natural vibrato works exceptionally well with the material he’s written. Of special note is his original song, ‘Alexandria’s Burning’ which frankly feels like it was written by someone decades older than the twenty-one year old singer. It’s a moving, wistful and eloquently penned piece which had me dabbing at my eyes- and I’m not a crier.

Here I wake in this crumbling catacomb, with tattered papyrus of Kodachrome and an aching arc of thoughts…

And then there’s this:

Our phosphorescent songs are but glacial silt as Anubis wraps and entraps us tight…

Chris shared the lyrics of some fifteen other original songs he’s written when I saw him at a Vida e Caffe show earlier this month and the depth and precision of his writing is both surprising yet delightful. It’s rare to see this level of communication at all, let alone in someone of his age.

Jones has been performing for a couple of years and while her quirky behavior (guitar-knocking and a haunting, otherworldly presence) have been noted by past audiences, her pairing with Mathews is a fresh approach. She’s exotic and sultry, while he’s open and animated. These two distinct voices, melded with guitar, harmonica, keyboards and percussion are worth listening to.

Sam’s Good Junk Bakery offers coffees and other beverages, plus handcrafted pizza straight from a professional grade oven. His cinnamon rolls and cookies are quickly becoming the reason folks stop by his place on their way to work.

Check out the You Tube link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JQbNR293U8

Can Citizens force a vote on a controversial plan to bring a Private Prison to Globe?

A group of local citizens gather in front of United Jewelry in downtown Globe to launch a petition drive to get 2 ballot initiatives on the March ballot.g

No ballot initiative has ever been done in the 19 years that Globe City Clerk, Gina Paul has been at her post. Its easy to see why. Ballot initiatives, like so much of our political process has gotten cumbersome and expensive , and few have the tenacity and dedication to see such a process through. However, the grassroots organization which launched their opposition to a private for-profit prison to be built in our community has shown just such tenacity, and this morning, they officially launched a Citizens Initiative which will require 580 signatures to be placed on the ballot in March.  See Initiatives Here:Ballot Initiatives

There are two initiatives in accordance with the law and the way these things have to be written. Each initiative can only pertain to one issue, so one initiative is titled: “Voters Must Approve New Prison in Globe Act” and a second initiative is titled: “No City Resources Spent on New Prison Act.” The language of both initiatives have been carefully drafted to put voters in the drivers seat when it comes to siting a new prison or using local infrastructure and resources for a new prison in our community. This is a big decision which will impact the community going forward and should not be left in the hands of a few elected officials who think they know best.

Jim Moss explains the petition drive and the ballot initiatives to a crowd of 40 who had gathered for the launch.

Both exclude correctional facilities owned or operated by the City or County Jail or Gila County Sheriffs’ office.

There has been much debate over the issue of a prison, and while a few City and County leaders like to point to “a silent majority” without any proof of such support, the Citizens Opposed have gathered thousands of signatures and postcards from those firmly opposed. Still, the most democratic and clear path to settle this issue of how our resources are to be used and whether a prison is the best ‘economic development’ idea anyone can come up with for our community….is a VOTE. Your Vote.

The Ballot Initiative will allow every registered voter to weigh in on this issue. As it should be.

So whether you are for or against a private prison here, remember that by signing the petition you’ll help put this issue to a vote in March, and that friends and neighbors is good old fashioned American Democracy in action!

The Ballot Initiative will give registered voters a voice.

Press Release: Citizens Opposed   We are reprinting in it’s entirety to share with our readers.

Public Information/Press Release

TWO Ballot Initiatives are being launched by Citizens of Globe, AZ who do not want their
community to become another rural Arizona Prison Town.

These TWO Ballot Initiatives are closely related, but have distinct purposes. (see attached)

The first Ballot Initiative is titled, VOTERS MUST APPROVE NEW PRISON IN GLOBE ACT. It
requires Voter approval for any new prison constructed within Globe’s City Limits.

The second Ballot Initiative is titled, NO CITY RESOURCE SPENT ON NEW PRISON ACT. It
requires Voter approval for any municipal resource to be spent or utilized for any new prison
construction project within, or outside Globe’s jurisdictional boundaries.

Citizens have launched these TWO Ballot Initiatives because local elected officials refuse to
pass a Resolution that would prohibit a 1000 to 2000 – bed proposed private prison from being
constructed in the Globe community.

Nearly a year ago, citizens began speaking out in opposition to a proposed private prison
project. More than 2,500 area residents signed a Declaration of Opposition to such a prison,
and implored elected officials to pass a Resolution that would safeguard their community
from the private prison ‘industry’. These elected officials refused to act on behalf of their
constituents. Globe residents continue to ask, “If they don’t represent the citizens of this
community, then who do they represent?”

The Arizona Constitution provides for citizens to “Initiate”, or propose laws or measures that
are enacted by a direct vote of the people. The citizens of Globe are now taking action to
accomplish what their elected representatives refused and failed to do.

Citizens of Globe must gather 582 signatures to place these TWO Initiatives on the ballot at the
City’s next regular election in March, 2012. Registered Voters of Globe, Arizona will ultimately
decide the outcome of this very important community issue.

The Committees organizing these TWO Ballot Initiative Campaigns are receiving legal counsel
from the Phoenix Law Firm, Perkins Coie, LLP. Attorney, Rhonda L. Barnes, can be reached at
602-351-8305 or RBarnes@perkinscoie.com.

June 3, 2011

Jim E. Moss, Committee Chairman

480-540-1279 or mossjim13@hotmail.com

s

Ready, Fire, Aim….

When I had a furniture business in Tucson many years ago, I made a business plan – after four years into the business. Up to that point I had simply proceeded from one happenstance to the next, growing from an idea I shared with my partners to re-cycle office furniture into what became a large warehouse operation. Originally we simply wanted to inventory companies’ furniture assets and give them an idea of re-sale value so they could make better decisions about either trashing an item or re-furbishing it. This proved to be a good service, but one which was hardly profitable. What turned out to be profitable was helping clients re-sell the furniture they no longer needed, to folks who were happy to save money and get a great value on second-hand furnishings. And here is where a good business plan could have helped from the beginning. It is not enough to have a good idea. Even one that somebody likes and is willing to pay for. It has to be profitable to survive.

And to do that it helps to ask yourself some basic questions from the beginning like, WHO is my customer.

Here’s a hint. The answer is NOT everyone. It is not even “Anyone who will give me money for my idea or gadget or good looks.”

Any of this sound familiar to you?

The Copyblogger, one of my favorite blogs that I’d highly recommend to any business person wanting ideas and tools to communicate,  recently posted a piece on the ‘remarkably simple plan,” which helps you get over the hump of making this harder than it really is. The big thing, as Sonia point out, is to get something down on paper (or your computer) today…now. Start with the idea that not everyone is your customer. So who is? You’ll be amazed once you define who is your customer, how much easier is is to answer …. the rest of the questions.