Well said Derek, I when through the same exercise in a different context, first started working in a large multinational (working global) then moved to local (working in SME). Welcome back to global. :) Best, Denny

Good points, when my kids move out, hopefully within 4 years we would love to be a perpetual traveler and live in different countries. Is that one of your houses in the picture?
I don't own any houses (or apartments), and I'm definitely a fan of the permanent-traveler lifestyle. (The photo is just a house in Iceland, taken from Flickr. Represented solitude, to me. Plus Iceland has my heart.) — Derek

That's great to hear as I've missed reading your posts etc and was wondering what had happened. I hope you are working on new ideas and look forward to hearing about them in the not too distant future.
Cheers,
Chris (UK)

Always love what you have to say. Since I live in Idaho I'm happy that your going global :)

"...can benefit anyone anywhere ANYTIME" :-)

thanks for coming back!

Derek, i totally agree with you! What a nice idea. I guess every person can change the point of view. The most important thing - is to feel what you really need to do at this certain moment and just do it, BUT also its important to tell about ur own decission to other people, who is connected with you :) To be open about any ur decission - thats the key. Thank you, Derek!

thanks very much for the perspective

I was having a very similar internal dialog about this 15 minutes ago. I now have some more clarity thanks to your post. Coincidental timing or something else. Thank you!

Thanks for this. Perhaps this is why in my own experience I have never really felt like I belong anywhere...and yet admittedly I have been too afraid to move away. Now I'm kind of stuck...not trapped...just stuck (bills, house, etc.) and opportunities are scarce at best. It's very frustrating...but I think I see now that I'm much more focused (at least on the idea) of being global rather than local.

Just want to thank you Derek for your logic, your clarity of thought, and your generosity in sharing.

He's back! Hooray!

Well said, as always. I feel like this "global thinking" is benefitting me, too, being now based in Stockholm as opposed to New York City.

People often romanticize traveling to remote locations. Most times it's because they think something 'out there' will make them happy. Some future moment will be better than the present moment.

I'm at home 99% of the time but I occasionally enjoy bumping into a neighbour and I don't connect to the local community for the most part. I could live anywhere it doesn't really matter as I do programming from home. I help my local wildlife sanctuary but at the same time have helped people online with guitar lessons on YouTube and open source speech apps for those with speech impairments. It's all good to me.
Sounds like you have a nice balance. — Derek

Thanks.

Hey Derek- I just recently had a similar epiphany. Home for me is a state of mind and it has more to do with my overall connections to people and discovering new things than a tangible place. I've been both globally and locally focused and for me I have accepted that I prefer the latter. I've got ties to Nashville, Seattle, Austin, Chicago, London, NYC and Berlin but where I live is just that. It's not who I am or what I want to offer the rest of the world. Thanks for this article and for all your inspiration over the years. It really hit the spot and at a perfect time.

Hi

I know how you feel. I live on the web and very aware of what's happening in (my online) world but don't have a clue what's happening in my local town...

Being selfish, having you work and share on line more again will be great, the audience and ability to influence is so much greater online

Looking forward to reading more of your insights

Of course, there is always the concept of "balance." Achieving a healthy balance between local and global is maybe not so difficult to pull off?
Yes! Great point. I feel all-or-nothing about it because it simplifies the many local requests. It's a matter of focus. Maybe others can focus some-local some-global, but for me I feel more productive and more peace-of-mind when my home is just home, and my business/creative efforts are focused to the whole world equally. — Derek

Make this choice after Brasil.
We'll get there.... We think of you, Flavia, and Alê often. — Derek

Interesting article.

It reminds me of one important fact. When I feel lonely (as in need of being social), I am social. But I spend so much time and energy and at the end of the day I get nothing done. I feel like I've improved someone's else life but I haven't improved my own a bit.

On the other hand, when I feel balanced, I can simply focus on the big picture and not take a great interest in every problem, person, opportunity around me.

Very thought provoking post.

I think about my local community (and how I do and do not "fit in", by choice and not). But more than that, I was inspired to reflect on how others come and go from this local community and try to give but never seem to get back something as fulfilling as they'd like. I don't want to oversimplify but it is as though they give and give locally, but the local community can't or won't give back to them in some way that seems equitable. Eventually they appear to burn out then distance themselves.

In so many way, what I'm thinking now is that relationships with those in a local community can be a different kind of messy than with a global/online community. Do we run into more direct, one-on-one real interactions with others not equal to us (better *or* worse) when we interact locally? Yes? No? How is putting something out there for others in a global community a different thing that putting something out there locally?

I'm also thinking about cronyism and an idea I've recently seen pop up again about making online communities exclusive. That success will come mo' quicka if we limit who's allowed in the door.

Is this local/global thing related to big fish/small pond ideas somehow?

Derek, thank you, again, for your writings. I don't, in my local community, find interactions that are as thought provoking. I can only hear so much talk about football and hunting before I have to reach out to a larger, and in this case, online community.

Once again, thanks for taking the time to put my thoughts into words. I've been so focused on "changing the world" that I've totally neglected my local surroundings and the people in my life. Being an introvert, this is only natural; although after years of this I'm beginning to feel the lack of interpersonal relationships may be affecting my wellbeing.

I truly believe that we're all intrinsically connected and, to some degree, feed off the energy of others. Granted, if it's not natural for you to be socially engaged, then over time you'll find your energy depleted. Ultimately, as with everything, I think it's essential to find a balance between the two worlds: help your neighbors but not at the expense of bettering the global community.

I do look forward to seeing you progress your efforts on MuckWork. I've seen several products pop up recently that are similar (although not specifically music-based), but have always felt that your concept would tie in nicely with the framework we're creating.

Great photo, btw. Makes me miss Iceland.

Very interesting. I had come to a similar conclusion in that I find people falling into two categories, inclusive or exclusive. I like your link with worldview. I think it is a continuum when it comes to local and global and a mix certainly suits me best. I think it's possible to act with a global mindset in the local situation and it does not have to be an either/or but an and/and situation. Always find your posts food for thought Derek.

I strongly identify myself with your perspective, however, sometimes we can't choose, even if we know what we are and want to.
We can be endogenous global but, if we work and live in a community we must invest time and effort in that community if we do not want to subject ourselves to live by the standards of others, sometimes against's our owns.
What goes on in our 'petit' environment affect us directly.

Wow, I thought I was the only one who was exhausted after a few hours meeting with someone. That is was a "personal failing." Glad to hear it's not just me.

Welcome back to the global focus! I too have been focused locally for the past year due to various circumstances.

I have been feeling the call to be global again. I gave local a good solid try, but its just not me.

Twitter and Instagram have been my way to bridge both local and global in the past year.

I am very excited to see where the next few months take you! (If you could see me locally I am smiling enthusiastically for you!)

Currently thinking local and going global.

As for Iceland... The world could do itself a major favor by following it's example in fixing it's recent woes. Especially the U.S. and Europe whom are going about it totally backwards.

"i fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction." – albert einstein

You could also look at this as two cycles - local and global. Both are important. I think that even if you have strong preference for one or the other, you will still switch to the different cycle now and then.

Similarly, there is time for expansion, and time for introversion and consolidation.
Very well-put. — Derek

Hi Derek,

I really enjoyed this article and found it insightful, particularly because sometimes I don't really think about what I am doing in terms of marketing nor focusing on the effect that my marketing will have in the long run. I like the fact that you don't recommend a particular path (local or global) but allow the readers to draw the conclusions that best fit their own interests and personalities. Well done, man.

With regard to the concept of balance, I am comfortable with having a global emphasis in my work while making sure I do not neglect local friendships and other direct and intimate connections in my localized sensory bubble.

The goal, I guess, is to feel comfortable being here and now as an embodied person in my local landscape, while at the same time spending countless hours working in front of a computer or out in nature (in my case) with an eye toward a larger, more global effect.

Derek, Im glad you're back , lending positive vibes to this unpositive world, and thank you for caring, I just wish one out of a million would care as much , Peace , Martin

I disagree that you have to pick and choose between local and global. At nwzPaper, we've built the platform to scale content around the world from the local market up to the national and THEN the global market.

It's all about building the geospatial information system!

http://nwzpaper.com/articleView?articleId=4

If Iceland has your heart, why not live there, instead of Singapore?

One of the things I couldn't help big wonder, when I read this post, was if this meant your time in Singapore was soon coming to a close...

Cheers,

Aaron K.
We'll see. — Derek

I think that this is probably one of the best and most insightful pieces that you have written Derek, thanks for posting.

Your insights are always aligned with my ponderings. Great to be able to hear your kind and wise global voice once again and hopefully more often.

Your article really eased a concern I had. I had worked locally as a musician in Texas but when my husband got a job in Colorado a few years ago, I decided to focus my efforts towards composition/arranging and was fortunate enough to work with people online around the world. However, I was feeling guilty not participating in the local music programs but when I did, I too felt very drained and thought I could accomplish so much more at home at the computer coming up with music ideas. I still do some performing locally but I'm very selective now. Derek, you have eased my concerns and given me a better perspective. Thanks!

Glad to see you'll be writing more! I use a similar approach at work. I try to balance working on items that are very inward focused and more 1:1 with my direct team, with doing things that are outward in nature and help the greater company or group. I find when I focus in one araea more than the other I'm not as fufuilled as when they are in balance. It's tough to keep the balance, and there will be times when you have to spent more time in one than the other. The main thing is being aware and adjusting when needed.

Hello Derek:

What you said brings to mind what globalists are trying to do by just the opposite! On all counts your main message screams out "communication is important local and globally" of which I agree wholeheartedly. Globalists (the elite) would rather we "not" build bonds with people, friends, services, etc.. but rather we depend on government for "everything". A complete socialist society for the "world". 40 years ago you wouldn't even be having this conversation or at least no where's near intense. Globalism is coming to fruition and that is not a good thing. I would like to put all the pieces together from what you said here in your statements. We need a system not run by the government ie:, Facebook. Similar in structure but with more "defined" portals whereas one has the option to expand or contract but the option should be there for everyone. So anyone who wants to increase their range of communications within a particular genre, can! Plain and simple. ;)

Fascinating article. It however brought up a discussion I was having with a friend who works at a music prep office who said that many young people today, although perfectly capable of doing the work at hand, can't get along with their co-workers. He's seen many of them come and go simply for that reason. I use social media all the time but it has changed the way that people interact and I'm afraid that the combination of smaller families (many only children), "everyone's a winner" attitude, and social media (if you don't agree with the person you just block them) has resulted in young people who can't work in a collaborative situation. This does not bode well for the future.

Glad to hear your coming back to the rest of the world!

Man, this rings so true.

I've lived in Austin for 20 years but have *way* more friends in West Virginia (where I grew up) and globally (thanks to my tech interests). In-person convos usually involve my co-workers, a neighbor or two, and the occasional startup geek in town.

Networking events? They feel SO forced. Invitations for coffee? Usually accepted out of curiosity, but they are really hit-or-miss. This is heightened by having to live in the suburbs instead of downtown.

My parents used to ask why I didn't involve myself in "the community". I think it's because I consider the globe my community. Roaming is a way good thing.

TCK's are defined as Third Country Kids. I identify with this. I am born American but do not have the inner feeling of "home". However, I live in the Bay Area in a home. Having lived in and travelled to many other places in the world, I feel "at home" in many places and with many people.

When posed with the question, "Where are you from?", I never know what to say. Where was I born? Where is most of my stuff? Where is my partner? my cat? Otherwise I always want to say, "I am from everywhere."

I feel connected to much outside of my neighborhood and most of my work is to benefit others but once in a while I participate locally when requested because it is good to get out of my head and into where my feet are. Example: I served on the neighborhood Board for 2 years where I now understand the local issues and concerns forever - a great opportunity to learn and give back.

But sometimes I just have to be "be a happy idiot and struggle for the legal tender." (Jackson Browne)

Of all the articles of yours I've read, this one hit nearest to home for me. I have never felt "local" in my life, and still have problems trying to explain my choices (musical and otherwise) to people in my life, who have found their comfortable niche in their communities.

Many thanks for sharing this and here's hoping those who judge folks like us as "self absorbed and snobbish" might now have a bit more of an understanding of our focus.

The benefits of both (local and global) can be had - I feel - as long as one crystalizes two things in the mind;

1) Keep up local contacts/connections who/which are rich in value - culturally, personally, co-operatively, but acknowledge that geography is at best a happenstance eventuality. Human interaction keeps one humble and brain-trained for the pursuit of living

2) Consider the world your village; research, maintain and optimize all the pathways and exclude no-one, based on geography, from the output of your creativity.

Easier said than done, but consistently practiced yields the optimum value for all....no?

It would seem to me that the intersection of these two somewhat disparate social subsets would be to involve people in your local community in a project with global consequences. This would likely have several salutary aspects: one, it would expand the social and geopolitical horizons of the participants; two, it bring the local community onto the world stage, as it were; and three, it would not require you as the instigator to make an absolute choice between local and globally affiliations.

This premise is nothing new, of course. Many organizations dedicated to humanitarian and environmental causes already operate under this general structural umbrella. But in the context of local vs. global actions I think it bears reiteration.

Hi Derek,

Interesting article, thank you for sharing! Never thought about things in this perspective. Is the choice you define here only a recent one to make, since the upcoming of the internet? To be global in the way you desribe has something virtual for me - for instance, I'd certainly miss the interaction with an audience during a concert. Recordings for me don't capture the 'magic' that can happen live.

For me the choice is not A or B. I'd go for both and invent a time dimension with 36 hours in a day.
For me, it was pre-internet. I've been moving around since 1987. My best friends have always been people I met in-person, while visiting or living somewhere, but then keep in touch with by phone and occasional visits, afterwards. — Derek

On further thought, I think there are four categories:

local - personal (eg. home life, friendships, one-on-one talks)
local - impersonal (eg. publications, talks to big audiences, etc.)
global - personal (eg. us commenting here and now)
global - impersonal (eg. create a great product and be done with it)

: >) Thanks Derek! It's fun thinkin' about this stuff!
NICE! LOVE IT! — Derek

Yippeee!! And I am right there with you bro...

EC

As someone who has chosen local by trying to open a coffee shop in my town, I have to disagree with your characterization of locals only as people who seek out closed societies. Think of any small shop where you received excellent, personable service on your first visit - those people draw energy from treating people (any person) well, meeting them face to face and then sending them back into the world. Check out the book "The Blue Bottle Craft of Coffee" to see it in action. But I think you're generally right these are distinct focuses of people's work.

Greetings Derek,

Good post...Thanks!

I like Jiri's comment about the cycles.
Cyclical awareness has served me well. When I become aware that a cycle is ending, I remind myself to listen and look for the cues of the next cycle.

There is a constant flux and shift between my musical projects and my daily clinical work. The cues tend to be pretty clear, even when I'm not quite ready for the shifts. The initial cues usually manifest as a decline in interest in the current activities, often accompanied by restlessness.

The musical cycles have moved back and forth from improvisational to composition-oriented. Alternating the focus between these two approaches tends to refresh my attitude and energy for both.

I expect that we all live by cycles. I think that one of the obstacles to organically changing with the cycles is the fear of leaving something behind. I suppose it may be different for each of us.

Best wishes with your future endeavors!

Tim

Your thoughts are timely. We need to find a balance between the two; local or global. Both are necessities. Thanks for the insight and keeping in touch!
Marla

Your accomplishments while following your passion have helped so many other artists. You need to do what feels best for you as your life evolves. So many artists including myself are truly facing difficult times right here at home....are stuck and just not sure how to stay afloat and turn it around. I agree with making the best use of your capabilities on a larger scale..while also remembering that you started by helping one or two friends and yourself and it snowballed. While I love the Heifer International concept of helping others help themselves, I also believe there is such a need right here in this country that has been overlooked...adopting outside the country and donating to other countries before addressing issues at home has created the current state of our nation.

I really appreciate reading this article - thank you Derek.

I come from UK but have travelled most of my life and am now a joint citizen of CA (USA!) and UK :)

I left my original local community because I had a natural impulse to 'reach out' and extend into other lives, other communities and, although I really enjoy one on one time, I still find myself 'hopping' between places, like a pollinating bee. My original family and friends found it disconcerting and I couldn't really explain it to them, then.

Professionally and socially I sometimes worry about being 'left behind' - it can be tempting to me to want to 'dig in' sometimes for that reason. I sometimes worry that I'll never create a singular strong, reliable community that will accept me fully as a result of my more temporary nature. However, I know people in many different places, and I do seem blessed to have a knack for making new friends and finding the right resources quickly, for which I'm very thankful. And people do open their doors to wandering spirits:)

I basically feel more alive and more creative when I know I am 'free to roam' and respond to the inner urges to mix it up a bit and put myself in new situations.

I couldn't do it without my intuition, my curiosity or my sense of drive.

And thanks for all the other curious people - who do stay put - and who want to meet those of us who have to keep moving to breathe, to think, to create and, ultimately, to contribute. (at least that's what I care about, as well as feeling alive!)

Thanks again, Derek, I'm one more step to feeling that my choices are 'ok'! lol

i think the key is to "act" local utilizing global tools...

If you are ever back in Iceland and need help with anything, feel free to contact me. I have learned a ton from your articles and would love to give back.

I appreciate the way you think. I like challenging main stream views.

Great post!

Thanks for having the guts to make that statement. That's exactly how I feel, but always felt guilty that I wasn't more involved locally. You can get in a real rut trying to stay local especially in a very small community like Santa Barbara where I live. After awhile, you've done it all and there's nothing left but to go global. Well put thoughts.

Hi Derek,

This thought-provoking post prompts me to think about which prism I want to use to view both what I want to accomplish and the people I want my accomplishments to touch.

By turning the prism this way or that, I can shift from local to globa, or vice versa, and choose to dedicate my time, energy, and resources either way. While not mutually exclusive, it makes sense that a person can be most effective if a person understands their innate nature and who they want to reach.

I have focused on "local" for the better part of the past decade as a writer, editor and publisher. Local has been my turf, be it publishing a local online magazine or releasing my first local-focused cookbook or simply supporting like-minded creative and entrepreneurial souls in my community.

With my first book under my belt, I am mulling over ideas for the next book, what the subject matter will entail, and who I want to reach with my writing. Thinking local or global is an important consideration.

Thanks for helping me to reflect and, eventually, crystallize my intentions into action.

Why does it have to be so extreme, either - or? You can be fairly easily both, local and worldly. You remind me of some of those AA people. They either drink like idiots or not at all. Which is sad, because alcohol is great if you don't have to go over the limits every day. Evzen

Welcome home, to Globalistan!
:)

Very thought provoking post for me. Have not read all the comments so hope this
is not too repetitive. This leads to a couple of questions for me:
1. What serves me and my cause better? ( Local vs Global)
2. How could I utilize one the other or both most effectively?
Running in the background is the last line or two of a poem by, perhaps, Oriah Mountain Dreamer. "Can you (I) be alone or with others and truly love the company
that I keep". Both Local and Global.

excellent observation! I will probably spend a good deal of time reflecting on your thoughts.
I love to travel and perform because I feel like I am seeing the places I go from the "backside" so to speak. Meeting people who are working behind the scenes and working along-side them to create an event is much more rewarding than actually going to the event as a guest or participant for me.
I'm sort of introverted with an extroverted twist and performing on stage gives me a place to feel confortable and involved. then I go home and hole up with my other interests...
Thanks again for sharing with the global community - you are insightful and gifted in relaying you vision.

I'm so with you Derek! Glad you're helping other generate their own awareness on this. You're always big picture man! Nice piece. - RR

Reading this, I felt relieve. I thought something was wrong with me, moving every 4 to 5 years and never ready to settle. Thanks for your sharing, Derek.
As an introvert with a love for the stage, being global is the best thing for me, too. I have never felt comfortable in "cliques" of people, yet I cultivate deep friendships and connections all over the world. The beautiful thing about making a choice is that it helps us define who we are - right NOW.

Bravo for you, Derek! Wishing you great joy in this new awareness of yourself. Thank you for sharing your "enlightenment". As Marianne Williams states: "... And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same...... " Finding our own balance is the greatest gift we can give ourselves and... those around us..... Cheers!

PS.. would love to hear any of your new works... Keep us informed.... As a former producer, I am always appreciative and excited by new works.... Blessings.

I've had great success at the local/regional level as a writer by being very social. In October I had over 60,000 hits on my website, too. That didn't translate into many book sales, though. My question is how do you get to the global level if you have books that do very well locally?

For the first time in history anyone can be global. Anyone with access to the internet can connect to someone or something somewhere instead of just in their small local scene. Finding the who what and where that makes us feel at home is key. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

welcome back, Derek.

We miss you. We needed you.
Thanks Seth! — Derek

Thanks for the reminder.I have this conversation weekly with people who don't understand.I have lived in so many places and find them ,for the most part,cold and sterile.The small moments of success on a local level never compare to sharing with the world and having the world share right back with you.The amount of energy used to establish yourself locally is equal to establish yourself globally,though it may take longer.The key word I hear lately is persistence ,there are already plenty of talented failures out there,don't give up !!!!!

Interesting post. Re what you said about recording 100 songs or doing 100 gigs, yes, I agree that you cannot do both. Problem with that in the music scene today is that unless you ARE doing those 100 gigs, you can't sell the 100 songs! Hence the poverty of so many musicians. The whole model of being the publicist, producer, marketing department, art department, tour planner, and composer/lyricist is just too much for anyone, and all of that office stuff eventually saps any spirit you ever had to create and make art. I don't know that anyone has ever really solved this. I solved it by giving up trying to make a living at music. I did it for a bunch of years, and now I am a translate and language coach working over the internet with folks all over the world. It's a much better living and when I make music, I do it for fun.

I think that CD Baby was a wonderful thing and worked really well for a few really driven people. But if music is going to be more than a hobby for more than the privileged few in this country, there needs to be a change in how these enormous media monopolies handle music "product" and artists.

Best wishes,
Dorothy P Snyder

Welcome back, Derek - we've missed you! Very very very very good observation & thought-provoking/internalizing issue- do what works for you. We need both kinds & sometimes a balance of the two as best we can. Good message

Welcome back! Looking forward to hear on your new projects!

As always Derek it is great to read you. Why not combining both things? It seem to me that you either choose one or the other. Is it true with you like it is for me, that one can't switch easily from global- to loca-mode easily? Even tougher when you have kids like me! Anyway, I have had a disappointment with the new cdbaby policies recently that made me think that even amazing projects like cdbaby change an one must adapt and find new paths.
Enjoy the next phase and consider Mexico in your plans as I said before!

From your list of countries you lived in, I see that none of them was a country where English was not among the official languages. See, I am German by birth and upbringing, I live in the Netherlands, I am married to an American, and I work in an international organization. I speak English most of the time at work, at home, and with close friends, Dutch only when in public - at the market, in the supermarket, or at local events and gatherings - and German very rarely these days, just when I visit or get together with other Germans. My social media streams are 98% in English, because I have many international friends all over the world. I am global - both in terms of content as well as in terms of target groups. But that also means that part of the Dutch community will never perceive me as one of them. They tweet in Dutch, they blog in Dutch, they update their Facebook and G+ status in Dutch, and generally they prefer following Dutch social media streams as well, even though they all excel in English. I was actually thinking of starting a Dutch blog on the side, just because. But then again, I don't want to let things get out of hand. I spend way too much time on social media already as it is. So, I'll just stick with English and global, and will be happy with those who follow anyway, even though English isn't their native language.

'Local' does not have to mean you need to go to every meeting and say 'yes' to every request. I know you know this already, but maintaining focus on what you believe in and are passionate about is critical, and then monitoriing yourself when you are straying outside your area of value (like I am now :-)). Either way, you provide great stuff as always, and I think your next step sounds solid.

Thanks Derek - glad to have you back with the world!

In the old days if you wanted to be global you had to get on a ship and sail for a few weeks to another shore, then apply your local skills there. Very cumbersome but people like Ben Franklin did just that. He clearly needed a more global market for his ideas. If you wanted to hear music in those days you had to 1) make it yourself 2) go where it was being made or 3) be rich enough to hire your own musicians. Music was a lot more rare than it is today where we can just flip a switch and have any style in our ears.

it's a different world that we live in which means we have a very different set of choices. It is about choice and balance and everyone needs to check themselves to figure out what works for them.

I'm going to Senegal in 3 weeks. I'm going because I want to absorb the local flavor and culture and play with musicians there who have a radically different sensibility and feel than I do. Hopefully a little will rub off on me and while I'm there I will write something different than my normal work and feel inspired and like I'm moving forward in my development as a musician. Africa has some very strong primal creative energy that I feel intensely when I'm there. This will be my 3rd trip. Getting psyched!

Very insightful article! Thanks Derek!

I have a feeling that the most beautiful places on Earth are created by local people whereas the least livable and the least sustainable cities are created by global. (Or these cities are populated with global people :-)

If you stick with a place till the end of your life, if you have built a house there and you know that you'll never move to any other place, then you try to make your place the best it can be.

If you don't, you don't care about what surrounds you. You admire other beautiful places (like a small village in the Alps or in Iceland), you think about how nice it will be to live there, but you don't contribute to your local city.

I tend to be global. And that's what scares me :-)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Derek... love it.

I think when people live globally they are more open minded and aware off the fact that there are different realities in the same world while, in the other hand when people live locally they assume that there's only one reality in the world... their own reality.

I would dare to say that global people are more unstable (and maybe more confused emotionally) but they also feel more free, more alive :).

Greetings to everyone

One more thing:

Think globally, listen locally (and globally!)

Good stuff. I keep saying I want to break free from the local (gigs) and start my composing back up. I just need to DO IT!!

Yay! Derek's back!

(Try G+ for a truly global conversation)

You're so right! I actually grew up around Woodstock!
I'm concentrating on doing what it takes to make money playing any genre of music and seeing myself there and it works, but also starting to get some of my songs out there that I've sat on for years. Yep, a hermit like you, expect when I perform! Glad to hear from you, and don't be a stranger!

Glad to hear from you, Derek!
I feel like an old friend just called me out of the blue!

I'm reminded of the bazillion times my wife has reminded me that we programmers so often seem to see things as binary when in fact it's a gradient or spectrum and the "right" answer is at neither extreme. :-)

Which means that I suspect some balance of the two is probably where the sweet spot is. Where along the spectrum one is happiest, most energized, and most productive in a long-term sustainable way will differ based on our differing personalities of course, but rarely is either endpoint the right answer (bell curve for likely distribution? Be an interesting experiment to run).

I personally find that, while it's easy to feel like the electronically mediated socializing is sufficient, in reality something is missing that only in-person social interaction provides. Is it just the increased bandwidth of in-person communication? (body-language including facial expressions, tone of voice, etc). Or maybe something less well understood like pheromones perhaps?

(News Flash: "Skype 2020 now includes pheromone receptors and synthesizers to take video communication to the next level!" :-P ).

I hope you can find a balance of the two because, based on my experience, I suspect this is the state in which you will be happiest/most-fulfilled (of course my experience might not apply to you at all :)).

peace.

Thanks for the article Derek,

It is crucial to act global and for musicians, be in places where they can reach more audiences, more often at less of a cost.

Otherwise, they end up being that band that never gets out of their backyard.

Aren't you conflating two separate issues: local vs global and taking vs doing? Couldn't you try meeting a group of local people with whom you actually worked and created on a regular basis? Personally, most of the people I interact with work in the same building and live within a few square miles. But we're all working and building and publishing. Though I have friends across the global, we mostly just talk about things (which is always fun) but never really create anything together.

Derek, your post helped me understand the basis for an ongoing conflict I've had with my songwriting partner of many years.

Coming from a background as a university scientist, my focus was always global, putting another brick in the wall of human knowledge for the benefit of everyone. Having switched to being a musician, my focus remains global and thus I hardly notice the people around me at live shows as I'm thinking songwriting, recording, internet radio, collaborating with musicians over the internet, creating compositions and works that will hopefully be heard and evoke thoughts and feelings in people of many countries.

My partner, on the other hand, is focused locally and the interaction with all those people at the live shows, the attention and appreciation and smiles are EVERYTHING to her. I'll think on this and see if I can somehow meet her where she's focused to the benefit of us both. Thank you!

Dear Derek:

You are a person with a fine, bright mind who just happens to be an entrepreneur. For those of us who are unable to travel and perform, how can we penetrate the seemingly impenetrable? It's neat to have someone download your songs from afar, but what about those countries where this is not possible? Could you make this a quest! Maybe you already have.

Local is cool, but going global if infinitely cooler for those of us who are not able to travel. This goes out for all of us seventy year old songwriters.

Blessings,

Bob

Love #78's comment above.

Something about this essay doesn't feel honest to me. And I say that as a big fan.

In practice I'm very much on the "global" side of the equation. But the reasoning provided be Derek here feels a little like trying to justify natural introversion (which has never needed justification) while endorsing intentional isolation from people and the environment around you — a modern trend that I find more troubling as I get older.

What an extraordinary post! I think you have nailed on the head what many people feel but haven't taken the time or have had the insight to put into words. It seems it has had an epiphanistic(?) effect on some! I know it has resonated with me but I hadn't realized what it was I was feeling. Thanks!

My, you are always interesting. thank you for writing and including comments.
My life;
Last summer I was asked by the University of North Carolina (the state where I was born} to give them my life in music for the library archives. It was quite a large mailing - as you can imagine! My daughters, Lydia and Elisabeth Gray, convinced me that we should give another concert, but I had sent all the arrangements and music to UNC! They told me to just "show up" - I can always think of something! I did and it was a glorious experience. Just being able to sing with the third generation, my daughters, was a gift to be remembered. The experience of performing and having an audience love your music and responding to our love is something so special that it cannot be described!
Derek - you rekindled my career with CD Baby. Now that you are in China, I take great notice in the fact that downloading my catalogue of music is world wide and especially where you are! Thank you for everything, Derek and please keep me posted! Love and hugs, Betty

Keep it simple

Derek, I've missed your writing and have wondered where you've been. This is a timely piece for me. I've been local forever. I am ready to expand! Thank you.

Karen

I am so glad I get to be a part of your life Derek. Your clarity, insight and wandering nature speaks to my wandering heart. Thank you for yet another post that resonates deeply in me. Carry on being inspiring you!

I always enjoy your writing's Derek. You inspire and validate the artist in me and always have. I joined CD baby with my first independent release after being released from WB's. I have sent so many artist's the CD baby way. I played the rambel in Woodstock a while back and wondered why it took me so long to get to Woodstock the land of my forefathers. I live and write now from a studio over looking the Puget Sound in the Great Northwest. I connect locally by by producing a weekly radio show on the community radio station from my studio. Then also produce a monthly live touring artist showcase "Americana Music Series" again educating humans about the touring artist. But I travel and connect globally far more then my balance in the local market. Bigger is better !! you are a trail blazer ...... thanks

Brilliantly written - great and important insight - congrats. I have spent my entire live global, starting businesses in 9 different countries - so I have one foot in each place always.

Michael

Yeah! So great to have you back Derek. I really appreciate your words. I too am globally minded and have struggled my whole life with that (still do). It's so easy to feel isolated when the value is placed on being local. Your blogs have always inspired me from a "kindred spirit" perspective... I thank you for that! I'm looking forward to having you in my inbox more often!
Tim

Have you ever met a man who ran a hugely successful business yet whose personal and family life was falling apart at the seams? Regardless of how we categorize our existence and purpose, we are all part of a global community comprised of continental and island communities, comprised of cities, towns, villages,...individuals. If we are focused on the immediate needs of our own community with the motive of contributing to the well-being of the entire globe,

Thank you Derek for sharing your insight. I hadn't realised, but in my struggle to find my true calling and to move forward into it, this has been a real issue for me. Your words have provided real clarity for me and helped me sort my thoughts. Now I think I can explain those feelings of frustration and lack of satisfaction at the end of the day. I am definitely global in the way I think, feel and see things, and I am glad you have been with these ideas, coz otherwise I would not have had the benefit if reading this today from Melbourne, Australia!

I'm so glad you vocalized this. I have a soft spot for the community I grew up it, but was clear from a very young age that I was a global kind of girl. I knew my mission was meant for beyond the realms of my neighborhood, and it wasn't until I started exploring the web of "out there" that I felt resonance. Then, I dealt with my local friends and colleagues who kept saying "what have you done for us lately?" and it felt sort of guilt-trippy, whether they intended it that way or not.

I've been lucky to have found a balance between writing and sending my great work into the world, and connecting and sharing my gifts locally. That's not been an easy task, though, and with children, the task gets infinitely more challenging. But OH, is it SO worth it when the plates are spinning at just the right speed and it's all working like a well-oiled machine. I'm still more globally oriented, and this post helped me shake some of the guilt I was feeling because of it.

Always a blessing, Derek. Welcome back!

Ah Derek you sound good :) deep in thought and action.
For me, it is important to remember that when i find myself "not connecting" to my local or global community i have to be careful to not get stuck in self defeating thought patterns which ultimately just breeds inaction. I find it's important for me to give constantly, otherwise i get full of fear, greed, and a terrible negative itch about "everybody else"
If i stay out of my own way and engaged in being of service, my chances of being inspired are at least tripled:)
The saying,..."it is in giving that i receive" is so true and applicable either locally or globally. Love you tons.

Derek is a complete genius. I had the privilege of meeting Derek in Toronto …. CDBaby has evolved into a brilliant company with some of the most advanced thinkers on this planet. The crew at CDBaby ... reflect compassion for musicians with a creative edge … which Derek pioneered. Derek should be proud of how CDBaby has evolved …! True brilliance!

Synthesizer and software can talk together, just having fun in Charleston, SC Tommy Carl

Hi Derek:

Thank the Gods - he's back!

Derek, we need your navigational assistance in this new music world.
When you get yourself a coffee and a nice comfy chair, please consider writing about streaming, what it means for us; how we can become our own gatekeepers. In short, how can we Not give it all away, as musicians have done in the past.

If we're going to streaming and that's what it looks like and it comes down to a few streaming services, where will that leave us?
Would you consider starting a streaming service yourself? Let me rephrase that: STart one and be the cool indie streaming service before anyone;)

Also, what do you think of the breakdown in revenue streams that Spodify is using?
Early on, you used to suggest "go for everything that pays."
For people starting out, I used to agree with you. Now I'm not so sure. Do you still feel this way?
Would really love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks so much,
A.

PS You, local? Seriously?

Very useful comments about something most people would not fully consider. I would consider myself more globally too

www.facebook.com/bennytettehlarteymusic

loved the piece;
will send 100 songs in 2013.
safe travels,
Markus

Hi Derek,
This not being local article really hit home for me... I have moved to many states in the US and lived with relatives in Europe and South America and nowhere feels like home. Moved to Colorado and still I'm not able to connect with many locals - one has to do that I am Culturally Deaf and fluent in ASL - 99.9% of the population is not fluent in sign language; I'm an atheist so forget churches; and due to the fact that I have thyroid disease, I'm unable to travel as much as I would like... however I hope to someday figure a way to travel & meet international folks worldwide while I'm still young and abled. My hearing family who are fluent in 3 spoken foreign languages refuses to learn ASL because "You're too far away, what's the point?!" Thanks for sharing your honest insights --- nice for some of us to identify similar experiences.
Best wishes and Happy Holidays!

then we will find much satisfaction. When a husband and father looks diligently after the needs of his immediate family while acknowledging that every other family is equally important, he is doing the best he can do, because strong and close families combine to make a strong and close global family. We are like ants in an ant colony, yet more than that because desire to see everyone everyone everywhere succeed as a human being.

This why you're in the inner circle of people that I consider a mentor - your experiences allow you to confirm the things I've only wondered about. I love the conclusion you've reached. I think I've always been globally focused as well. And, I've been strongly considering following some opportunities that would require me to be local for a while. But this post really clarifies things for me. I think you just kept me from wasting a few years. Thanks.

Wonderful to discover this from you (via Cary Baker on fb) and to hear from you. Always enjoy what you have to offer and the example you set for others. You're always contributing, even when you think you're not. Rock on!

Great to hear, Derek. While marketing a conferencing thing way back in 2003, I found that by leaving the room open all day, I was really connected to lots of people around the world who were all working on their own projects. The only thing we had in common was that we were all marketing the conf. room and we had a "project." One guy was a web designer from North Carolina, one lady was a web tutor from California, another guy owned a coffee shop in Washington State and was literally checking in with us while operating his "drive-thru coffee bar." He was also the local open-mic hosting place. Some other guy was a "sales coach." Talking with these people on a daily basis fed MY projects. Low and behold, on New Year's Eve, one of the guys owned several radio stations, fell in love with one of my songs and aired it in the Carribean on New Year's Eve. Then he bought a few CD's from CD Baby. I am still in touch with those productive people from the conf. room company to this day. The conf. software morphed into something else and we all went our separate ways, but all kept in touch to "feed the need." I guess being "global" can feel "more local" now. I think it's better to stay plugged into the production crowd globally and stay "always-evolving on the web." I feel global connections are better. The locals will figure it out eventually anyway. Thanks Derek, I can really relate to your story.

I've often thought how grateful I am to be born in this time, when being globally-oriented is an actual choice. I'm quite sure, had I been born 200 years ago, I'd have been the town melancholic who finally drown herself in the well. I'm only half-kidding.

I hope I can help other women, who don't yet have the same options I do, find their way.

Peace :)

Derek - if you didn't find yourself attached to family and close friends that you desire to wine and dine with on a regular basis then I would agree that you are global based.
Problem I have had over the years is I'm very found of my community organizations, Kiwanis, Village Merchants, Churches,Habitat etc but I also dersire in my music business to reach out globally. It's always been a catch 22 for me. Anyway, thanks for the insight and sharing your perspective. Your a brilliant thinker, keep it comin'- tsw

Nice picture. I would like to live there. Great article. You always make me think about something I never really thought about before.
Thanks Derek.

Welcome "home," Derek... to what you consider to be home. Your perspective was missed.

I am glad to read you are reentering the online world! We missed you and your insight is welcome in my life.

I recently read Stewart Copland's book: Strange Things Happen. He had such an interesting life of anomie from his childhood through the Police years.

Looking forward to your next adventures! Cheers!

If working globally hadn't worked out, would you have kept trying or would you have looked into working locally?
I've never felt local, so probably not. — Derek

Agree, and what I like most about your approach is that you keep it one-on-one anyway, responding to individual comments thoughtfully. Nice to see and be part of.

I recently returned from a round the world musical journey. Left Los Angeles via Singapore and returned via Amsterdam. The music I performed in India was with a Domican Republic group and a Portugese classical pianist. The music played in Amsterdam was with an Indian classical/jazz singer. It was great to be out in the world connected with humanity through music. I do not anyone in my town in California but the world is right there waiting for other cultural artforms.

great article, Derek! It's more relevant than ever these days as I think most of the tech world (99%) is focused on global. This is actually becoming a problem socially and can make it very difficult to 'be present' in your 5 square mile radius.

My way of coping is simply unplugging and walking for at least an hour. Another tip is hoping on a random bus and discovering a new part of town. This can work wonders for 'home town burn-out'

When that stops working though, it may be time for a mini-retirement to far flung countries. That's a sure-fire reset button

Thank you for sharing Derek....happy that you are starting another phase or turning to the next cycle in your life. Local? Global? Can the lines be drawn in this way? We all live within a universe of ourselves. None of us truly knows the impact that we are having at any level whether local or global. Maybe, all of us live in both from time to time at different stages of our lives. As for your comment below if someone gives their commitment to a business, shouldn't they be acknowledged for their commitment? Why is that "cronyism"? People make choices in life on where they work and live. Derek you are to admired for your lack of labeling. But, to put the label of "cronyism" where you didn't use any in your excellent article....were you having a "bad hair day?" (which would be difficult for you) Or, am I labeling too?? lol

In business, they give preferential treatment to their inside circle. (This is cronyism.)

It's always wonderful to hear from you!

I do believe we have stages of life, as well a choices during those stages. How often I think of where I grew up, and where I wandered to, and even if I wanted to go back to the beginning, to feel what once was. That all exists within, and is neither here nor there.

Success, I'm finding these days, is so very unpredictable! Life, even with the best plan is still a random crap shoot, but oh what a ride!

However, I so think money allows us to make choices more than any other single thing. When there is little or none, choices are based in the urgency of existence.

I think it's a great idea. constant contact with the world is kind of horrible and still always sounds lonely and painful to me. Since you've made contact and given the world cd baby maybe it's just better to keep the rest for yourself? Encouraging hoards of mediocrity to capitalise on worlview communications is certainly not making the end product any better.

It's always wonderful to hear from you!

I do believe we have stages of life, as well a choices during those stages. How often I think of where I grew up, and where I wandered to, and even if I wanted to go back to the beginning, to feel what once was. That all exists within, and is neither here nor there.

Success, I'm finding these days, is so very unpredictable! Life, even with the best plan is still a random crap shoot, but oh what a ride!

However, I so think money allows us to make choices more than any other single thing. When there is little or none, choices are based in the urgency of existence.

Loved the article - but the turn on is the photo at the end.... house...sea...no humans

That's how I live....on a beach , in the islands , no neighbours

Hi Derek...Good to hear from you and happy you are still pursuing your goals.
I am still happy to be Global, but I keep good friends and family around me locally.
Céad míle mian na hÉireann ar tú (A hundred thousand Irish wishes on you)

I got my peace of mind from doing only the things that I was comfortable in doing, and that I was doing something that benefited a multitude of people. I'm not local!
Thanks Derek.

Thank you

Do you do private consultations? I need more of this on a regular basic to move me to the next level. Ready to get my ass out of the clubs and into the hearts of various other performance spaces and venues. House parties, corporates, and privates.

Welcome back Derek!

-William

P.S. My heat felt thanks for your advice you gave me over email

Derek,
So what is your point? You got yourself into some Eastern Mysticism now or became a Muslim? or you are running away from Communist Dictatorship of Obama?
Rafael

I'd like to add a less philosophical and more practical comment for those who might benefit from it. Everyone knows that global music distribution is available to the struggling artist (CD Baby was a pioneer of that) but maybe some don't realize that global performance of live music is now readily available, easily done, and often pays as well or better than, say, a coffee shop in Austin TX.

I'm speaking of Second Life (www.secondlife.com), where one can stream up music to a global audience and be paid in real money. The people attending are generous in their tipping and for the most part are people who stopped driving downtown and dealing with parking and babysitters and $10 beer a long time ago, but they still buy CDs and downloads. There are many venues in SL, some SL musicians have management and make as much as $100/hr or more performing from their own homes.

Check it out for yourself. Hit me up "in world" if you want advice, I'm Knobs Slade there.

Derek, this is so great to read! Now I get it! I am a serve the world person. Always have been. Just how I was born. And clearly, you were too! Thank you for writing this. Kathryn Keats

Does it really matter? I think the aim should be socializing on any level and making positive impact and change.

God, do I relate to you on this point. I've been out of my country for 16+ years now, have dedicated myself to being an 'international' artist and educator, am shifting gears into new business arenas, but have decided to remain as global as I ever was.

This is despite settling into the UK again after leaving Canada for Saudi, Saudi for the UK, the UK (in 2010) for Qatar and Qatar back for the UK.

I am where I am, but my mission relates to helping people everywhere, as a writer, artist, arts manager, coach and consultant. Thank you for making this distinction so CLEAR.

Blessings to you in your continued journey, Derek. I'm so glad a friend forwarded this on to me. I must have missed it.

Best, Lorelei

Wowers! "I'm not local," either. I live in Brooklyn and don't do anything here, lol.

I hadn't considered this idea fully. Sometimes I think I'm just now discovering that the two exist, and being able to see the local and global thought processes really expands your mind. Because once you see them, you're able to make an educated choice about which would be better for you. Great thoughts, good to hear from you!

Hi Derek. I enjoyed your artical and feel the same.
I've moved so many times in my life that I don't feel that I belong to particular place, reather would call myself a world citizen. I was born in Ukraine, lived in Budapest (Hungary), Germany, Tokio, Israel, NJ, recently moved to PA and have trevaled to Sweden, France, Austria, Poland, Russia and all over the US. I also feel, think and act globally and was never involved with community in any place I used to live and don't plan on this. I think you should follow your feelings and intuition and not wasting your time on things that aren't interesting for you. That's the reason you are exhousted and feel drained by someone. Have a great week and holiday time:)
Elvira.

You pose an unnecessary dichotomy. We are (like it or not) both local and global. And when it comes to certain subjects like the survival of this very troubled planet, it will be the global realization that things like food need to be locally sourced and communally shared. I played music in Japan and Italy this year as well as next to little farmer's market's in the West Side ghetto here in Chicago, not far from my own neighborhood. The department of Cultural affairs here in Chicago hired me to help attract attention to fresh food stands in what has been called a "food desert". We reach out globally and with our experience and knowledge we engage locally and become part of our community, that is called civilization.
Totally agree about the local food point. I was going to mention this in the article, but felt it was too off-topic. — Derek

Yay! Great to read a new post by you, Derek! I've missed them. And, of course, you (again) make a wonderful point.....we all have to find how we're most effective and content....one size does not fit all, regardless of what's popular or politically correct at the moment! As always, much thanks.

wondered where you'd gotten to. nice to get a sendout again. thanks.

Excellent article, Derek. It gives me a different perspective on some of my own decisions made just recently. To a certain extent, I've targeted my efforts more globally in the past, but I'm definitely leaning toward the local end of the spectrum at the moment, and am very happy about it. Thank you for the insight.

Derek
So great to hear from you!
I am at a point in my life where I need to make this decision. I was globally raised but now have become locally entrenched in my community, not feeling happy being just local. It is time to spread my wings and focus on writing and my work. It is true when your energy becomes sapped from too much local interaction. your creative force suffers. Thank you for this and your inspiring insights.
Very timely.

We missed you man! Loved this article! I've always had a desire to create things that have a global impact from music to websites... But yeah i try to keep my priorities straight and remain a good dad n husband and friend to everyone around me... (But 9-5 im creating global content :). Hopefully :)

Outstanding post!

Way to go Derek - you're local to the world ;^))
Say, on the subject about writing and recording music - what do you think of Joe Walsh's comments at "Daryls House (episode #60) saying record sales is dead and gone? Interesting coming from him.

After I've written the first comment I started thinking more intensely.

If you are a programmer or a designer, there is absolutely no sense in being 'local' in your job. The same for mathematicians, musicians, writers. Basically, what they create is a new knowledge that can be shared with no expenses. You don't even need to collaborate with the people in your city — the whole world would be better off if you are collaborating without geographical boundaries.

As for me, I like doing something what can be shared globally. I have the sense of accomplishment and I can be proud of the result. (Unfortunately, I don't feel that satisfaction when I help one person struggling with the computer. But I feel the satisfaction after writing an article about solving this problem.)

That's one part. But there is another dimension of being local/global. It is more geographical and refers to our daily activities and to socializing. You can not do this globally.

Basically, what Derek described, is 'I want to spend less time hanging around with people and more time working on something'.

Another local/global equation is 'I want my work to have local or global impact'. For example, a flower shop worker, a dentist or a teacher want to deeply improve life of one person. (Another teacher may want to improve the whole industry by inventing a new teaching method and sharing it with others.)

For me, the former equation is about finding balance (probably not a balance on daily basis but a balance of weekly/monthly/yearly basis because you may want to recharge your batteries and feel the calling for a new project).

The latter is about making a choice. But not about making a choice and sticking with it. It's about discovering yourself and going with the natural flow of things.
Very well-put. Thank you. I think I missed the mark because many people think I'm talking about not having friends. But I'm really just referring to the business side of things. After spending hundreds of hours helping out my local Singapore scene, I'd prefer to do less in-person work, and focus my attention on creating things for the world. The difference between teaching a class and writing a book, I guess. — Derek

Thankfully, we're all a work in progress. Your shared insights remind me of the many turns and blind corners you find in any man's journey. The world is ours so I vote global - and doesn't global also contain local?

What a great article. It really made me reflect on my own life and how one should really choose how they want to live. It's refreshing reading your blog, I am happy to hear there is more coming. I think your blog has helped many globally! =) Thanks Derek!!

First of all- Is that a pic of where you live now Derek? One slim road in and out, SDcotland or Ireland maybe? Then it appears perfect! :) And I guess it boils down to doing what comes naturally- be it building a local community and assisting with important projects within your own town or helping to stop world hunger http://www.results.org/ I suspect one can be both- bi-lobal? ;) Thank you again- I always enjoy your missives.

I'm local, however not local...perhaps I should be global?
I hope your choice is the right choice for now.

Glad to read this, some relevance to me at the moment. Also glad to know we'll be hearing more from you again.

good thoughts, Derek. I do think for some of us things go in cycles, to a certain extent, even within one focus or another. I have a strong global focus and, like you, have close ties and good freinds in several parts of the globe. I miss being able to share a cup of tea or an afternoon's conversation with those good friends face to face at present. my focus and work is global -- so is that of almost all ny close friends -- and sometimes good inspirations for that come from in person connection with friends. rather different than the sorts of draining local interactions you mention (I've done those too) but still a thought.

If I knew you were in Singapore, I would have visited you! Maybe in Brazil, next time!

We are always unhappy with our state: if we are local, we want to be global and vice-versa. But the good question is how to help others better: I see the, local or global, there is much need of help everywhere. Our mission is to spread the beauty to all souls.

Good topic for discussion! When your heart is in the right place, you find opportunities to build better communities whether they be local or global. I am so fortunate that I am in a community with a truly interfaith organization where Jews and Christians and Buddhists and Muslims and Baha'is and those how have not chosen a particular religion come together to house and feed not only those in the local area, but also world wide. Music is a big part of what we do because music uplifts the spirit and is part of every culture. Working together, we create a better world both locally and globally. http://www.oly-wa.us/interfaith/

Ok.. so thats why you didn't wunna come to Hackney ;)

Thanks for the insight!

Very useful.

Much warmth,

Peace bro

Your points are well made. It is a changing world. I also loved reading the discussion in the comments after reading your thoughts. It is still difficult to see how profoundly the world is going to change with this new internet thing. Most of my graphics and illustration work is done through the internet- frequently never actually meeting the client in person. I have friends in so many places that I have never met in person- yet I still care for them and what happens to them. Teenagers are playing video games with kids in Russia and India and Singapore- when politicians want to start wars it is more difficult to paint the enemy as beasts to slaughter- because we've met these people. Profound changes that we are only at the brink of. I'm an optimist. I think there is potentially much that is good in the future. So I applaud your global thoughts. Both paths are full of beautiful experiences- but it would be exciting to see our planet discover its potential.

Welcome back, Derek.

As usual, you have expressed very neatly something that has been playing on my mind recently. Thanks for that.

I'm wondering, though, whether anyone can be completely outward focused. Surely there has to be a minimum of local support for your global ideas and effort? Can you find that from temporary communities or can that come from the global community?

More food for thought ...

You're starting another revolution here Derek... you know that don't you? LOL

I spent time in Europe earlier this year thinking I might work from there. But after a few months I missed Australia and its easy going lifestyle.

What I did notice while I was there however was that people are the same wherever you go. France is a village just as Australia is. People interact eat play and work just the same.

What I took away from the experience was the sure knowledge that I can do anything from anywhere. I don't have to BE in one place.

Of course it helps practically to have a home base... but from there [wherever THERE is] all things are possible. You can go global from local down town anywhere.

I like that!

Thanks Derek. It's great to hear from you again. You always make so much sense :-)

I can totally relate. Just finishing a record, it's time to play out. Lotsa of local, now global!

Yep, you just nailed it. I get hit with a sense of guilt and incompleteness either way, but at the end of the day, global is far more satisfying to me than local. Perhaps time to just accept that.

Great article! I've always found it tough to find people with many of the same interests locally. To that point, it's amazing to have the ability to connect with the world and not be limited by location.

I actually struggled with similar conflicting emotions on this one. After some research I learned that my nature is pretty extreme introversion. This makes the 'local' that much more of a challenge. The burn out is pretty quick, and I in turn recognize that as a failure within myself. My appetite for releasing music online and maintaining and contributing to open source projects seems to have no bounds, however. It's much the same end result (arguably the 'global' approach yields further reaching results) but I think one's personality and character is what determines which works for us.

Great article, as always.

Warren
Hungry Lucy / Hungry Media

I believe ...Life is about relationships.....with trees, with animals, with oceans and most importantly with other people

I also believe our success in life can only be measured by how well we foster and manage those relationships.

Derek I admire your writings, but feel a bit sad if not puzzled by your lack of friendships. Someone with insight such as yours has a gift. And, if that gift has been cultivated in a vacuum ( other than your experimental time in Singapore )....imagine the result of striking a natural balance between both global relationships and local ones!

Oh... and I should also say that I concur wholeheartedly with Paul Manchester above that the potential for a more harmonious world is being greatly enhanced by our global interconnectivity via the net. Most of us by now have friends from all over we've never actually met but for whom we have regard concern and compassion. What the world needs now... :-)

hi Derek, great to hear from you after all these months. I'l simply say, my slogan has always been:" think global, not local." what I mean there is that the world is a huge place and I have always sold and distributed my solo piano cds worldwide, Each day I look around the world for places to place and sell my music. If I was to focus mostly locally I simply wouldn't be making a living. Music like they say is a universal language, beyond the local borders. I live here but my mind is to reach out around the world. that's my approach to the music biz. Happy and peaceful holidays to you Derek. Mark

Food for thought! Thank you - I read the article because of CDbaby - I once did an album cover for one of CDbaby's classical projects. An honor.

Not surprised that you did so locally in Singapore. It would have been irresistible - the pull to go exploring a culture different from your own.
Somehow, there are times in life , especially for those who create, to simply go pad about and regenerate, learn new things, etc. It works. It's valid. NO apologies should be needed.

In my business, I am getting so that, if the local projects are not sailing in fairwinds, I simply focus "otherwheres", and vice-versa. Funny that the concept holds water.

Personally: My family once lived all in the same town - today we have our own stratosphere , so many of us, living all around the globe - and it is wonderful thanks to modern communications, we speak globally for nearly free. And that is usually all it takes.

Happy Holiday and I still wish my entire family were here for Christmas once in a while , just to refresh / restore.

elle

This is a mind opening post. Thanks Derek

Did you not think you could not do both? 10% local /90% Global?

And, then one comes to the point where they let go of the concepts of local, global, red, green and blue.

Being is the presence that sets us free and we move forward from there.

Enjoy the Moment! :D

GREAT DEREK. ABOUT NOT BEING LOCAL ONLY, YEAH BECauSE I GET FANS WANTING TO HEAR SOME THE OTHER SONGS ON MY CD BUT THEY CANNOT GET PAST THE FIRST FEW AND SOME TAXI PEOPLE WANT TO HEAR THE EMPTY CANS AND CHICKEN BONES CUT WHICH IS FURTHER DOWN THE LIST. I WOULD LIKE TO BE WORLD WIDE LIKE YOU. CONGRATS. BOBBY.

Thanks for the thought provoking article.

For most of us there is a balance to be achieved here.

I spend Mon-Fri thinking and working globally, but at weekends head for my cottage in a small town, where I enjoy a degree of interaction with the local community.

A local/global co-existence is both healthy and productive...

seems like the house from skyfall movie...

12-1-12
What a great date!

Derek, very thought provoking!
The aye's have it! Its unanimous!
There are 'some' merits for the local scene!
But they are far out-weighed by the on-line
phenomenon!
Virtually overnight with the available social-
business sights, I've increased my network by
thousands of per cent!
That sort of thing doesn't exist on the local front!
The data transfer business has grown so quickly,
I haven't mailed anyone anything in years!
I have a wonderful electronic press kit chock full
of everything that I need to promote us and our
music!
Click, its in China, Germany, Rio or anywhere!
2 seconds to anywhere in the world! Click!
And the net's becoming more expedited and
sophisticated every day!
Nothing on the local scene tops that...plus, you get
a 'wary' eye from people wondering what the hell
you're doing in podunk!
Long Live the internet..savior of musicians and our
careers!

Derek, I've written you before, even way back at the beginning of CD Baby. You made web stuff real easy for the non-tech musicians like me. Can't thank you enough.

But, I'd like to comment on this recent email from you. Playing the Caribbean steel pan in Hawaii is like the devil trying to be accepted in church. I realized there's about a million people in Hawaii and 7 billion on the planet and that my focus needed to be global, which it is. However, for philosophical fun, I'd challenge you on your idea that focusing on one or the other is a choice. I think not. I think we are drawn to one or the other, like a bee to flowers, and hence, it's not a choice. Therefore, if I were editing your letter I'd talk about paying attention to what pulls you. A flower tunes to follow the sun all day, it's not a choice. A musician doesn't so much choose his/her instrument as much as knowing which one feels best. Again, not a choice.

This has been just a little philosophical fun for you to kick around. No matter what, you have made a huge impact on my life and I thank you for that.

Aloha

I completely admire your writings Derek. And this is something, I had in my mind few months ago. How can one be locally global or vice-versa? I even wrote something on my blog about it. And I remember watching a TED Talk regarding the same, here's the link: http://www.ted.com/talks/sheikha_al_mayassa_globalizing_the_local_localizing_the_global.html.

I see the interconnectivity between the both as an attribute of a social and inquisitive mind. I am sure you can be both at the same time ensuring the way technology has progressed over time to keep up with the relationships over the world. As a student, I always try my level best to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances all over the world by sharing resources or experiences and thats how I feel connected. I wish the same to you. Keep up your good health. Cheers!

First off wow I never realized how long your mailing list is and the people that follow you. Thanks for contacting me back almost everytime I write you. Secondly today brother you have answered a feeling I have been having for a wow now as you know I live in Las Vegas, and theirs a very small local scene here but I just never felt like I belonged. The top of 2013 I had planned to be involved with them more but this article made me realize what I have always felt... I'm just not local I lived in Fairbanks, Alaska, all over California North and South, Las Vegas and even Iraq for a year and a half. My point is like you I feel obligated to all those communities and more. Thanks for sharing your truth self Derek.

Derek:

You're the only writer whose email I click on and read right when it comes in. It's always a delight to read your thoughts - on anything, whatever they are.

What a good point you make here - I hadn't thought about it in these terms, but my current venture (Version 2.0 of my idea, launching soon) has good potential for balancing the local/global thing.

I didn't know of you in your CD Baby days, but what a great effort that was. It helped a lot of people get their work out there. Lucky for me and many others that you wrote a book about it (a nice, short memorable one with a cool cover, no less!).

I think about things I've learned from you all the time. It's super fuel for what I'm doing. So ... thanks for not keeping it to yourself, or local.

I hope to see you speak sometime. How cool it would be if you'd come to New York.

Susan

Geez your timing is so prescient Derek - it scares me. I get what you mean about burning hours with questionable value in one-on-one meetings (have had one such long phone call with you before as you'll recall) but some of those have also been of the most benefit to me as well. Personally I prefer the intimate conversations but, of course, there's gotta be something that holds my interest.

I've been running my webservices company with no local clients for a few years now and have only this year taken on a few local clients. On top of that, a few weeks ago I just made either a brilliant investment or one of the top 5 mistakes in my life by becoming the partner of a restaurant/bar in hopes of turning it around and making it the premiere venue for original live music performances in Bangkok named, of all things..... Woodstock. Yeah really. :-) Do drop by next time you're in town.

Enjoyed your article Derek. Funny I had a conversation about something similar last night; I just got back from my 3rd visit to L.A. in a short time. And I'm really excited because my calling or, the way I can help other artists in a way that feels authentic, has revealed itself to me. It's always been clear to me that musically I'm reaching beyond my local community. As an international artist I attended and presented a workshop at the IMC in October, and all the artists who asked to be mentored by me were international, from all over the world. I met with some of them again this time. And while a local community is very important to those who support each other through it, and I continue when I have time to share with it insights I think might be helpful, I feel much more connected to "global" than "local". Working with these artists is much more exciting to me, there's such various input. That's where I feel alive. No right or wrong. And it may have to do with the fact that I was born in France, have traveled extensively and have lived in many countries...:)

I feel exactly the same. I tried, but never could get into the local effort with all my heart. Global nomads forever!

Great article Derek! It's nice to see you back online, I was wondering when you'd come back here. I'd say I'm more "global" myself. I'm building up a business that will solely live online. I like the idea of being able to live anywhere and everywhere and still have a great business. I'm an introvert, so naturally I feel "at home" online. I'm sure I could be local, but more often than not I feel more comfortable reaching out to others in distant lands than I do my neighbors. It's been great for me though, I've lived in Japan, Korea, Kuwait and back in the US and while I enjoyed living in all those places (except Kuwait) online is where I belong. I also met my wife to be online. She lives in the Philippines and I will be leaving at the end of the month to get married down there. No need to be local when there's so much more out there to experience. After all that though, I'm looking forward to living in a nice quiet place of the world. I'd love to live in a small place like the picture above with a nice small community to get involved with.

Very interesting, and very well written. There is a societal pressure to live an intimate, narrow life style...it's "politically correct," you know. But if everyone lived in an entirely closed world, that world would never expand. It's OK, probably even beneficial to society, for those who thrive on such an existence to live that way, but if it were not for those who see such security as an entrapment, few great accomplishments would ever happen.

Thanks for this piece Derek!

If you don't separate these two ways of thinking, it could be easy to feel guilty for not participating in one or the other. I can think of specific times in my life when I've felt how you did about Woodstock.

I'm sensing that I too prefer a global focus. The thing is, I think most people in the world are locally focused. There's such benefits of both....

There's really something to be said for meeting up with "the guy around the corner" on a whim. Or having 5 or so people you can just do that with. Do you have to sacrifice that to have a global focus?

Hi Derek

Bang on, as always. But next time you come to the UK, I hope you'll still do your "open-cafe" invitation so we can say "Hi".

As we connect more and more with people who share our perspective and as we evolve, I think we are going to feel less pull towards the "local" for its own sake, but nevertheless, we still need to be connected to our environments...

But in terms of leverage, I think serving the most people with your highest good is the most important thing...

Deep bow

B x

Hi Derek,
I'm old and forgetful (84) and at first your name didn't 'click' till you mentioned CDbaby and I remembered the humerous messages you sent with my orders.
Jeff Gorick is still my very favourite musician and song writer after a couple of serious illnesses set him aside for a long time.
It is so good to hear from you again and your humour and vitality is still going full bore and sparked me up quite a bit!
I'm happy you are going global again. We are a bit out of the loop down here in 'OZ'.
Every blessing to you and zillions of opportunities to touch us all,
Wyn

Thanks... I was feeling so guilty for not wanting to be local anymore. I shipped! And it's going to require being global from a tiny little town on the plains. Onward!

Thanks for your insight. Have a great day.

Derek,
I've been an independent musician selling my work through CDBaby for ten years.
When I started I had little kids so it was easier to write and record during the day than to play shows at night.
The local music writers showed no interest in my work,
partly I think because I was a Chicago transplant
living and recording in Minneapolis.
If I played a local show I didn't have friends and family to bolster my audience so I didn't appear to be popular.
The world came to me at first.
Lufthansa Airlines used my songs
for their in flight playlist and contacted me through CDBaby.
Many European roots and americana DJs did the same.
I am, in early 2013, releasing my fifth studio album of original material.
My band will do our sixth independent tour in Europe
in March 2013.
The Minneapolis music scene is starting to like me.
They invite my band to play some of their big local events like their Aquatennial Celebration.
I feel like I am going where the love is and as I go along
its starting to flesh out into an authentic existence for me.
This year I also have a grant to teach songwriting and record songs with high risk troubled teens in the public schools here.
The grant is from the Minnesota Arts Board.
Its kinda, for me, like I had to go out into the world in order to gain acceptance on the local level because I am not local by nature.
I am thrilled and grateful that its all starting to make sense for me.
You are fabulous.
You have helped me, through your writings and your endeavors, get where I'm getting.
Love and Respect, Courtney

I keep coming back to a quote I read by Rob Hopkins--founder of the Transition Movement: "If we wait for government, it will be too late; if we act alone, it will be too little; if we act at the community level, it might be just enough, just in time."

Balance, balance, balance. INTIMACY, FAMILY, COMMUNITY, WORLD VISION...ALL IMPORTANT. But when faced with the very human limits of time and resources, we must all do what fill our soul and fulfills our mission.

Thanks for sharing. Thought provoking perspective.

I was wondering why there was radio silence from your end and lo and behold, your post is exactly what's been on my mind for a couple of weeks now. I have no doubt I'm more of a global person than a local one.

It's not just that I love traveling and experiencing new cultures (actually integrating as best I can) but I like the fact that it's completely possible to do great things with people half way around the world and still have relationships that are close to the 'real thing', i.e: meeting in person.

Setting that aside for just a moment, I've come to realize that whether you spend your time building your local community or connecting with a global one, at a certain tipping point you build up a network that is interconnected across the globe.

Hi Derek,

Great personal share with great distinctions worth exploring. You have found your next way of being in the world, how cool.

What I love about your share, is that it uses the head, to come from the heart, so you can be true in your body and world. It's not just something to think about, or another almost useless distinction to make, it is something that is about you being more true, more real, more alive.

Many blessings my friend,

Mr Twenty Twenty

Derek,
Very interesting topic, and another provocative introspection from you.
I relate very well.
It is a strange world when we can be deeply involved with so many hundreds, thousands miles away, and have no clue who our neighbors are within walking distance.
Business-wise I am currently gigging as a pianist-vocalist from the Caribbean to the entire East Coast, have a brand new smartphone app (WOOGEY-it plays music based on names) out in the US -with a Latin category-, and still trying to gain traction for an international collaboration foundation.
So my answer for myself is definitely global...and nothing spells global like the internet....however... I like to know who is delivering my mail and where the nearest golf driving range is!

Gary

I think we’ve preconditioned (or pre-biased) ourselves, too, into thinking that if someone we know is local, a longer conversation should take place in person and not on the phone or via email.

I’ve caught myself doing this occasionally. I feel almost compelled to spend in-person time with someone local but not so with someone across the county.

Must be the social animal in me combined with that the preconceived notion that contact with someone local means in person.

If you really are “connected” in some way to someone, it should not matter how you connect, just that you do.

Feel the same way... lived in Spain for 3 years, feel like I just arrived. I don't know anyone except my staff, and only 1 is from here. Every day I leave the office and feel like I'm on holiday in a foreign city, it's really refreshing. People dismiss virtual and international/online friendships and connections as superficial, but often I find they are more meaningful as people come together for real interests not just because they happen to live next door.

Always enjoy your posts...

Lucas

'Bout time you figured that out. ;)

Only question I have is what do you consider answering every email? Local or global? Could be local as its just one person, yet could be global as the distance between the two of ya could be huge. Just wondering.

Welcome back and look forward to seeing the rise in writing output.
Very good question. Going to address that soon. I'd like to make 1-on-1 emails more helpful to more people, perhaps by making them public with permission. We'll see.... — Derek

Web being rebuilt.
But, it is great to have you back and I know I have not written very often but love always what you have to say and share. You have a great soul and heart for us all to share with us.
Being a artist, musician, speaker, teacher, and story teller keeps me out there in the public. I did buy a home again and love to be able go there and be in my own world when I need it. Home is like the teaching of the Turtle, it is while you stop and can go into your own world. So, that home can be any where in the world at what ever time you think you need to stay there.
Again, we all are better for you being back. OstA Nuwati, Wa-do' and be safe and blessings always. TerryLee

Excellent subject to ponder. My wife and I just moved from Dayton,OH to Seattle just because we could. Uprooted my local business and am starting that again here. Also in the middle of major global business projects. I'm trying to juggle keeping up on both of these and build new relationships out here. I think it can be done, but requires strategic planning and consistent action.

Great post.
One of many decisions we all make in creating our own life. There is no right or wrong answer to these. Only our quiet inner voice leading us down our path. I'm glad you are listening to yours.
As many have said, Welcome back. I'm enjoying the journey.

I just came to this realization this week in a right brained sort of way. You've put words on it. I don't feel much connection with the music scene I live in and want my stuff to connect "out there" somewhere. I don't think you have to gig 50 weeks out of the year in your hometown anymore to have an audience.

Relate a lot to this post, Derek, especially having a career in writing and social media. I do believe there needs to be a balance, though, so welcome back to the cyber world! But remember to have some friends over once in a while. :)

only global has the potential for viral success.

Derek, I picked up this post 90 minutes after it hit my mailbox, and I'm already comment #180+. Wow, you have a lot of fans!

You really nailed the difference between local and global. I love doing a bit of both, and I'm happy to know you're returning to a more global focus yourself.

I love all the comments in this stream that address the issue of balance -- and that it's different for everyone. I still live in the same place I've always lived, and I consider myself a locavore when it comes to foodie culture, the arts, and shopping. Yet I travel often, and I belong to several deliciously diverse global communities that have led to my working with clients from a couple dozen countries. I absolutely adore working across cultures and seeing the many ways we are the same yet different, and making global connections, and seeing the world in different ways. AND I like living where I live, as a home base.

It makes the world go round.

Thank you, Derek for coming back to us! Your article and the comments are a feast for my eyes. peace

strangely, even though being born on a spanish speaking country, I always felt home worldwide, speaking or writing in English.
I think that you should do both, a so-called glocal tactic. Although, I also prefer dealing with the world instead of the random local place that you just happen to live at the moment.

wow! its been a while since i read your articles....great article, resonates with my thought process. the difference being you bring out and explain it clearly. Thank you!

Derek,
Having traveled to many countries in my USN aircrew service ( 1967 - 71 ) I always had that yearning to return home. Nothing ever felt as good as central PA even though many of my visits to many of the wonderful spots on this Earth intrigued me.
But things always change radically over time and my remembrance of the quaint identifiable contrasts of the side by side streets in Singapore where ethnic differences were evident down to the marketplace smells have all but vanished with its modernization. At the Raffles Hotel where as a novice traveler I ordered a "fried egg sandwich" for breakfast to realize the British equivalent was toast with the crust cut off layering sliced hard boiled eggs !
One other recollection in traveling was if I met someone from central PA I knew it as soon as they spoke a few words ! I could usually tell within a few miles of where they were born, raised, or resided for many years just by their Pennsylvania Dutch accent dialect. Our accents follow us no matter where we travel to and reside.
Thanks for the re - contact, Derek. Keep up your good work and deeds.

Derek I get it. I promote music and events in New Orleans but I live in San Anselmo, CA. It's all about where your heart connects.

So happy to have you back, Derek! Was missing your writings!

I can absolutely identify with what you are saying: having lived in 6 countries so far, I am planning my next destinations :-D

Fortunately now I also have the tools of how to be a perpetual traveler, which has always been a very appealing idea for me, but didn't know how to do it in a "professional" way.

And the concept that I was supposed to settle down someplace, because "that's how life goes", only made me frustrated for long years.

The world is so wonderful and there is so many things to discover and experience!

However, my little homeland Hungary is still in my heart, and no matter where I go, I am always the happiest to return and meet my family, old friends and colleagues. Then, after a while the travel bug would bite again :-)

Good article, Derek!
I tried to put our metal bands globally, but sometimes when the promoters and booking agents looks our rooths, they say:"Colombia, woah!, how can you do it?"
And, they forget us and they still attention to their local roster......
How we can solve this concept?
I don't know the booking world, but one guess is to provide them the convenience of being local: use Skype to get a local incoming phone number, call them from that, assure them you'll take care of everything and it'll be as easy as a local band. Email me for more thoughts. — Derek

Sometimes we go full circle and go back to where we started. (back home)
you can do both but not full time on both. Play it by ear and what happens happens.Less stress that way
Ted

Thank you Derek.

This may seem random, but have you asked yourself why?

Perhaps going back to the global perspective is just another shift, another way to search for fulfillment? I've bumped into a few entrepreneurs, they seem to be on a trek to find meaning, exhausting all avenues and options (life, work, it doesn't matter). This includes places to live. I had a similar methodology until I had exhausted enough paths to finally understand that my fulfillment comes "from within not without". Since then, I have enjoyed a different but meaningful trek into some philosophy and deeper understanding of self. I'm happy to share if you are interested.
My fulfillment definitely comes from within. My world travels are more of a “Why not?” - the way you'd read a book in your living room, then go sit in the bedroom for a while, then perhaps the back porch if it's a nice day. It's a big world out there, so why not spend some time in it? Not expecting it to make me happy. I'm already happy. — Derek

I'm happy about that, Derek. I've missed reading your posts. I always learn something from you.

For a while, not feeling close to any one place, but part of many slightly bothered me. I spent time in Malta, LA, Boston, Nj, and Fl, and was on the road the rest of the time. I made all these places my home! I'm cook with that.

Derek, I like the format of these postings. Do you mind sharing what you are using to generate this blog? Let me know how I can give back in return. Peace.....
Thanks! The blog used to be WordPress, but I just stripped it down and made my own little blog engine. — Derek

it always great to hear from you

Great post Derek and interesting to think about particularly global vs local impact.

You've framed well an interior dialogue I've been having with myself and how I want to proceed in my profession (healthcare).

Thanks!

Hi Derek,
Great to hear from you! Local can be global if we spend time with people who are global in mindset. I get energy from spending time with people who can help me connect to bigger questions or themes. It is like the idea of a fractal...one person can illuminate a pattern that is present in the whole of humanity.
Andrew

Hi Derek,

You may not remember me, but I interviewed you for a book I'm writing about people reinventing themselves...Anyway, thanks for always being a step ahead of most of us with your worldview. Also, it's so cool that you have a desire to "share what you learn." Speaking of which, my husband and I both loved your book, "Anything You Want." Do you have any other books in the works? If not, please consider writing another one soon. I bet a lot of people would love to read about your life in Sinapore and your desire to live on the other side of the world so you could "stop thinking of those people as the ones who live on the other side of the world." Isn't that how you described it?? How global would that be? Please consider it...

Kathy Dolbow Doran
Miami Beach, FL

Thanks for this, Derek! As a performing songwriter, I have struggled with this dilemma, but didn't quite recognize it until now. As much as I love playing live shows, I am very productive on my own, generally preferring to spend my time writing, recording, and releasing things online these days. This puts me more in the “global” camp, it would seem. I have worried that this tendency will hold me back, and I’ve spent a lot of time beating myself up about it. But your piece makes me feel that if I fully commit to my global focus, I might even be more productive and forge a new kind of path.

But just as tests for introversion/extroversion score you on a spectrum (and I happen to be almost right in the middle), I think the global/local focus exists on a spectrum as well - especially when it comes to the insider/outsider division you draw as a parallel. While I might have positive feelings towards my own family, church, or university community because of our common ground, that won’t necessarily make me a participant in cronyism or even mean that I will ultimately prefer “insiders” to “outsiders.” Being aware of or even celebrating your membership in a community does not mean that you will not venture outside its boundaries.

Hi Derek,

Great article. Well, I've been travelling quite a lot. Plus, trying to keep the family balance.
Just left Los Angeles and, I'm now in Perth, Australia. Lol
Thanks for this. Its great food for thought.

Remember to connect further. The network is as follows:
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Over and Out,

Crisis Mr. Swagger

Thinking globally still seems to have a little more sense of control. In our online worlds we can pick and chose a little more about who we engage and can move much more quickly through those digital relationships. With analog relationships it's a much slower process. We have to feel every person the old fashioned way, which to the digitally attuned mind can feel ponderous and exhausting. I'm trying to change the way I approach digital relationships by having one-on-one conversations with interesting people, recording and publishing them on http://UGtastic.com. Some are in-person which was analog and had a high cost of energy and time. Now I'm also interviewing people online which is much lower effort but lacks a certain intimacy. It's too soon for me to say exactly what is missing or gained through either format.

Derek, UGtastic is focused on understanding technical user (and maker) communities through an ongoing series of short interviews. I'd like to invite you to an online interview. The fastest way and the most control for you is http://bit.ly/ugtastic-interview-slots. I'd love a chance to chat with you about your experiences engaging communities worldwide.

Thanks,
Mike Hall

Very interesting observation. I've been struggling with this on my music blog since I started it in 2006. Am I a local music blog, or am I a news/reviews/etc. for all music? I consider myself fairly versed in the goings on in the music world, but there are certainly other blogs that do a much better job than I do breaking news about the larger music world. I find when I focus locally I end up making a bigger impact than when I try to be one of many writers covering the latest news about some band or another.

I started out with the goal of just capturing my thoughts and interests in music in general, which I pretty much do. In recent years I've partnered with the local music venues in Eastern Iowa (who all need PR assistance) and started writing music reviews for a local independent music magazine. At the end of the day, I get a lot more feedback on my work locally than I do about anything else I work on.

I don't think I'll stop writing the articles with larger geographical implications as I see fit, but clearly I have drifted to a more local focus.

Thanks for the article! It has really helped me think about this topic I've struggled with for a while.

Mike Roeder
It's Time to Play B-Sides
http://www.playbsides.com

Little Village Magazine
http://littlevillagemag.com/author/michael-roeder/

Feeling like a local already after only 4 1/2 months in our new town. Thanks to couchsurfing and meetup and a great yoga studio and Kiwanis and great local shops on a pedestrian walking mall; anywhere we go we know folks.
Either way works like you say but I LOVE the community and connection!
So does my wife. To each his/her own. — Derek

We all have the capacity to share and create, it's about prioritising for me.

Do you feel that what you choose to spend your time on will be more beneficial to those locally or on internationally? And which will you find more fulfilling?

Now if only I could priorities better...

Hope you find happiness in your return globalness Derek!

Well, put. As Richard Prior's Mudbone once screamed at a car speeding down his block, "This ain't no residential district! This is a neighborhood!" Even a broken down wino/philosopher knows the value of local, of a neighborhood.

I have been on both ends of the spectrum. I played music on the road for many years, so I have connections all over the world. Then I spent 20 years in northern California raising two kids. I was almost totally local except for the emails and internet with the outside. I just got back from France and Spain for a family vacation and my thoughts are much like yours. I have a need to expand outward, start playing music again, and at 55 years old, go back out globally. I think I'm nuts. My wife thinks I should go for it. I guess my love has always been global. I'm not from anywhere but believe we are all connected. Thanks for reaching out.

I have been living everywhere for all my life, and have never been part of a community as well excluding the temple. I am going to share this article with others and to see the wider world always!

That's true! You provided a new heuristic in business thinking .

I admire the new perspective, and find it more suitable in given market situations worldwide.

Not sure if I buy the all or nothing approach. That being said: making conscious choices about how is without doubt the key to a fulfilling life experience.

Presence, awareness and honing the ability to focus attention are required to live fully. Without these skills the choices we make can easily be nothing more than an exercise in egoic futility.

It is now clear to me that if I move out to Pluto and declare a hundred million mile radius my own, they everyone of you shall remain my local pals. I will not for get you.

Derek,
I would add private and public to local and global. Maybe they are the same. I've been a very private person for an awfully long time. Reaching out is difficult for me. I would much rather be "discovered" than to force my opinions and ideas on others. In our society, because of the internet, and because of the myriad ideas found there nothing is private anymore, and discovery is only part of the process of interchanging ideas. There are some things I have yet to share with the world, but when I try to make them global, I learn from the experience and those things become refined. Sometimes I don't particularly like the refinement sometimes the refinement is a revelation. Sharing ideas with other folks is something that is highly rewarding to me even more than monetary. You have been doing a good thing there with your work. Keep it up.
Thanks for asking,
Paul McBride
Harrison, Arkansas

interesting article which made me think about my own way of doing things. I like a balance of the 2. I LOVE the town where I live and do a lot of local gigs and fundraising etc but all the songs I write are for a global market via my LA publisher. But I do have to know when to say no to keep the balance.

Derek,
You have a gift of communicating globally in a caring manner that makes your readers feel like your group of locals.

Derek-
As always you serve us succulent food for thought.

I am giving my $.02 just to add a perspective.

Global becomes thought leaders. It is their ideas that get bandied around, chewed up and discussed that impact society on many levels.

The implementation of those ideas is usually done by someone on the local level. They might not be the idea generators, however, they are the ones that make things happen, thru their relationships, influence and drive.

As always, thanks for your insights.

HI, I am older than you and have had to think about this issue every now and then. I use a combination approach. Because I don't have abundant energy or resources, I stay put in one place, near family and friends,but do my artwork and have it on the web, where people can see it, and benefit from it as well. I don't do a lot of face to face one on one interactions, although I do talk on the phone to special friends, and always make time to see my family usually once a week, for at least a few minutes.

I like to think I am helping my community by founding and running a neighborhood association. I like to think that I have helped a number of people directly and indirectly through my creation of art, which more often than not, has words conveying wisdom within the designs. I feel that the visual delight and the profundity of the words are equally valuble for learning to live in a good way through life. Many people don't consider certain aspects of life, or have not yet been exposed to them, and through my artwork, they do get exposure.

I also write an email newsletter which I send out to several hundred people talking about my experiences through life, and also what I think about ideas that have come across my mind, and many people find inspiration through this, and tell me that they appreciate my doing it and sending it free to them. So I guess that I have gone both narrow and wide in my life and in my point of view. I feel everyone is good as long as you don't do something to make me think otherwise.

In many ways, I'd love to get involved in whatever Derek does next, because I would like to be a part of his story. On the other hand, I'd love to make a great story of my own that rivals his. Trying to strike a balance between those two things would likely just confuse the heck out of me. And that's about how I feel about this question, too. I'm fairly quirky which is awkward in the local, personal sphere. Globally and impersonally being quirky is almost a necessity. I cant see a way to comfortably balance the two, fundamental world views.

Thanks for that, I am always thinking Global.My first Review came from Republic of Belarus Europe. Sergekozlovsky.com. The NEW AGE MUSIC. I live in Memphis Tn.

A few points. I think if you have kids, staying local is preferable for them. Strong roots and ties to local community are very powerful as you are growing up. Second, environmentally, locally based living is way better for the most part. Flying/driving around produces a huge amount of greenhouse gases. We can't sustain the jet-set lifesyles. Third, two years in a place and you have barely scratched the surface of what is going on there, really, especially if it is in a culture foreign to you.

Thanks, deep topic which deserves a lot of thought.

Derek
I think making a conscious choice is good, so thanks for clarifying local and global focus/impacts and choosing what works for you now.

I have been permanently traveling for the past 2 years, mostly in South America. I make friends where ever I am and I keep in contact with people around the world. Where ever I am now is "home". Whether that is a web-based community or the local hole in the wall veggie restaurant.

I think in 50 years we are going to look back at all the nation states and nationalism and wonder what were people thinking. We are all humans living on planet Earth. It really is one global village.

Happy Monday!
Michael

Hello Derek,
Cronyism!! Ha! Ha! I did a 5 day gig playing for a big computer "Services" company playing Xmas carols & jazz LIVE on the internet around the world. Think I sent it to you with video Derek. Best gig I ever had. Billeted with a movie star (former, no hanky panky). The company installed me on a site like Facebook and set up a website for me. I filled in my profile on it. The site contacted me & said I must enter my school record! I entered, "Hard Knocks" This was accepted! Ha1 Ha! Ha! Best regards from OZ. Cataract OP in Feb, no playing until that. Wish me luck. Mark & Isabel

Exactly, Derek. That's what I've been saying. Good for you.

Terry

This cracks me up. :) We were online friends when you were in NYC, but I had no idea you'd moved to Portland until well after you'd left! Which is totally not an indictment; we'd lost touch. In the context of this post, though, I find it amusing. :)

All very good points.

Wait just a second! You decided to go local in Singapore?! Tens of thousands of miles from your inherent global home in an environment that is ridiculously transient (hello little red dot country). I totally commend you for enjoying the nature of programming (virtual) but perhaps trying the local on true home turf would have been more meaningful. I mean upon arriving you arrived into an ecosphere where people "knew" you (really as the guy who built CDBaby and nothing more or less), so those hours were likely surrounded by people who care to only know that story and get entrepreneurial tips out of it. Nothing really local about that.

I love Singapore and have had the great pleasure of appreciating my time here as well... 1) to build and think global and 2) to force myself to acclimate and think local -- even if I spend the majority of time away from the island (been outside SG for a month bc of work).
By the way-- I still carry in my workbag the poker chip you gave me. It's my way of being local and thinking global. Cheers!

Hey Derek,

You probably didn't know this about me, but I'm great friends with Sir. Paul McCartney. Yes, THAT Paul McCartney. I told him I knew you and he wanted to meet you. I was sad to inform him that you no longer do in-person meetings. Ah well. =)

Interesting approach, as always with you Derek.

Kevin
Ah well. Thanks for the offer, though. — Derek

After reading this, I am becoming more convinced that you are exactly what I want to be when I am a little older and done with school. I want to travel the world and create endeavors that will benefit the planet and people as a whole.

I think you'd like Montana. (Altho' I'm currently in New Orleans, my brother back home reminds me - a musician can live anywhere.) Lately, it feels like our capacity to share has really ramped up and people are motivated towards it for meaning and purpose not to mention monetary gain. I can imagine Singapore was rather alienating - with it's lack of cupcakes.

A nice philosophical piece, Derek. When I was younger I was social and popular; but as I've grown older I've left the social scene in favor for internalizing and publishing globally. I don't really think in those terms though, except as a tool for putting an objective edge on my thinking. Like Marcus Aurelius I sometimes elevate myself to a high vantage point and view everything like an alien -- it's a good trick because you're able to get out of the egosphere and mind games and see how tenuous and fragile our relationships on this earth really are. I think maybe another name for the global vantage is selflessness, which to me is freedom.

....somehow I get the feeling you always knew this. But like most of us we try other things just to see how it feels or goes - there is always the chance it might be better.
I think it's great!!!!
Sounds like you're in a good space.
Well done!!

I love the idea of being intentional about the type of impact you're about to have. Seems obvious but so easy just to start sawing before honing the blade or making sure it's the right tree...

Can't wait to see what you create!

Derek, I still don't know how I got on your list but I'm so greatfull to be there to receive your letters. I haven't heard from you for a long while and very happy to see you back. Love your thoughts. Thank you for being global and sharing your wisdoms with the world.

This is so timely. I am in the process of writing a book and keep coming across that old marketing issue of segmenting. Do I write the book for a segment and make it easier to market, or write it for a global audience, which is what my gut is telling me to do.

You just helped me make up my mind. Thanks Derek.

Great to have you back! I wondered what happened. :)

I, too, have been seduced by global customers and it's wonderful. After 25 years with a commercial recording studio that catered to the local community, we now have a label where 75% of our customers are outside of the USA , and it's delightful. 2013 will mark the first year music sales not only surpass the studio, but support it.

You could say that we did the reverse of your journey... I started local (first as a piano teacher, then as a local performer, followed by 20 years as an engineer and producer/commercial studio). Between working at Windham Hill and Liquid Audio, I got the bug for global while my studio peeps ran the facility when I was out.... but outside of consulting, the studio always had the upper revenue hand until this last summer.

When we started the label 5 years ago, we swam both rivers local/global, to make the financial change to our global product economy. I'm still a little overwhelmed that it's happening, but thrilled.

Solving one person's dream in the studio over months is rewarding, but solving 20,000 people's dreams with the release of one song in minutes is addictive.

I wish you the very best and look forward to hearing your adventures!

Local: I help people choose and plant fruit trees that work in our climate. I convinced my neighbor to buy a Lapins cherry tree that pollenizes my Royal Ranier cherry tree so long as they are less than 150 feet apart. Yesterday, I attended an event called Money Out Voters In where I met 15 people who volunteered to help me with my global endeavor.

Global: I run a website that is meant to fix Washington, and by extension, the world's problems, like global warming. These ideas are best handled from my lap: writing a book about my experiences trying to find the next POTUS, and emailing people who want to make a better world for their children to inherit.

We are all one. It almost doesn't matter whether we act globally or locally; all these intentions cycle around the globe.

A very interesting article Derek - and an impressively large following who have all commented very fast - so they must have you high on their list of interesting people (as I have!)

I think that local and global serve different purposes, and which you end up focusing on the most will depend upon the time in your life and your natural preferences. The luck of where "local" is, and how much variety and depth of thought people you meet there have, makes a big difference.

It seems that the size of the global community will always contain more interesting people than a local one just because of its size. But with the level of filtering that is required to work productively online, it is easy to end up missing a lot of it, and communitcating with those people who fundamentally agree with one's own views, and I see this as a big problem. I like having my ideas and thoughts challenged and love seeing different perspectives - but I have to make a conscious effort to maintain that, which I'm not always good at.

When I lived in London, my local community was big and varied enough to challenge the global, because the face-to-face aspect is (for me at least) far superior to remote communication. I don't know exactly why this is, but it's a bit like seeing a TV program on a place as opposed to physically being there. I love people and the interaction that comes from informal as well as focused dialogue.

Here in Norwich (where I now live), the community is much smaller (rather like Flint Michigan was, when I lived there in the early 60s) - much less diverse. But it helps a lot that it is a very old city and also a University town, as that widens up the kinds of people I meet. I like local, as long as it's not too parochial, as my talents lie in working with people face-to-face (disruptive education). However, online global contact with interesting people is a lifeline for me - although I'll endevour to eventually meet as many as I can!

On Friday, I was at the local gym, in the showers. Another guy in there suddenly started loudly singing various old songs to himself. At the end as he was leaving he said to himself "singing is good for the soul" and he really meant it. Despite me knowing this and having intellectualized it, this face-to-face, local experience had a far greater impact on my real understanding of the importance of singing, just for the sake of human expression, than anything I could have got remotely. It put a real-life side to why the last 100 years of passive TV watching and the "professionalisation" of the arts, needs to be eroded by the internet's Web2 culture.

I'm not suggesting that a local perspective is better than the global one (it isn't), I'm just trying to add a bit of balance and suggest that often many of the things we search for globally, already exist locally, if we look hard enough. Humanity is fantastic and everywhere - so I would go for "global" intellect and ideas, mixed with "local" humanity and community.
great example. thank you. — Derek

Derek wrote:
"The difference between teaching a class and writing a book, I guess."

There is no difference between those two things. If you teach a class, and enlighten the students, you help them expand their minds. They then go out into the world and each creates ripples that may stretch all over the globe. If you write a book, it may be read by the person sitting next to you on the subway, and they might live in the apartment downstairs from you. You just never know how close, or how far your efforts to improve the world may extend.

For me, global is local, and vice versa, because we are all neighbors on an ever-shrinking planet.

Yeah - life’s a book,
Of lessons lost,
And lessons learned,
With every page you turn,
Whoa oh oh oh - you learn….
Oh oh oh oh - you learn….

After time you learn,
Life’s ups and downs - twists and turns,
Destined to accept whatever life brings,
‘Cause there’s a time and pace for everything.

Then - in the end - learning,
Some bridges needed burning,
Forgive your past – now is all that matters,
The keepers in life are love and laughter.

Yeah - life’s a book,
Of lessons lost,
And lessons learned,
With every page you turn,
Whoa oh oh oh - you learn….
Oh oh oh oh - you learn….

Hi Derek:
Some time ago, I communicated with you about some ideas for women of color. At that time, there wasn't a good fit for you, though you were not unsupportive. I am now waiting for word of approval from a South American country and a global humanitarian foundation for major funding of a project with several divisions. When that happens, I would like to contact you directly about a possible related joint business venture. How can I do that privately?

Suzanne
(We first communicated when I let you know I had lived in Pullman and worked for WSU)
Cool! You (and anyone) can always email me directly, anyway. I reply to all. That said, I can't do any new business ventures for the next few years until I've already finished what I've started with my own. — Derek

Thanks. Love it. Good timing. Answering you in the public forum with some personal updates.

I like that you have announced your choice. For now :-) Being local is very dependent on the actual locale. You simply may not be local to Singapore. Maybe you have not found your 'local' locale yet? Maybe you never will? Maybe you will? We don't know what we don't know.

Funny - I am heading to L.A. tonight to take the last of my things out of my apartment there. I always thought that was home, but my molecules have changed. While I will still maintain a presence in LA for work, we have made the commitment to move our personal items to Vegas (for now). We purchased the duplex across the street from our triplex and are setting up a new project. "WholeWay Home (not a halfway house)" which will serve as a sober-living, veggie friendly, artistic space, home-based educational gathering place for friends to stay long term or short term in a life affirming atmosphere. Yes, a local endeavor with a global consciousness, a new concept of commune, I suppose.

One of the precepts of the home’s consciousness shall be to commit to living in the present moment. I think that is a possible answer. Not to judge whether you are locally, globally or even internally orientation, but to be fully present to wherever you are at. If you are with others, it is in your best interests to be present to them. Conversely, when alone, to be fully oriented with yourself, and/or with the world in a cosmic sense. In general, my observations of the natural world suggest to take such a balanced and flexible approach.

Back to this past year... I have hosted several people at my home from across the globe, from a MBA student from Singapore to New Yorkers ‘n’ more, and now I have a New Zealander staying with me. I drove to Canada and back last year to explore the West of the Western hemisphere. (I must say I loved the vibe and farmer's market at Eugene OR, but I digress.) This past summer we took off two, too short, months and drove across the US to simply enjoy and explore the land, but also to find "home." (And no we have not explored oversees yet – but it’s in the plans.) The question has kept creeping in for us. Where is home? Where are we ‘local?’

I do believe that while I loved every city we visited, like music, there were some places that held better harmonic resonance for us than others. While I like a little consonance now and then, to keep me on my toes, Solfeggio frequencies do exist. And I believe places have them, too, and that is where you will feel more locally-oriented. However, the higher you vibrate on this planet, the more refined your own particular frequency becomes and the more precise will your resonance requirements become.

So as of now, I know home is a place where I can be absolutely isolated or only connected to the world simply through the internet and one-to-many ratio. But as a Homo Sapiens Domesticus Fragilis, I still require some form of one-to-one interaction with community, if not for anything but pure survival. But I also enjoy recognizing the face of the cashier at my health food store, a smile, the eye contact, perhaps a shake of the hand. So I could not ever personally say I am oriented one way or the other, because it might limit who I am and who I can become.

So in the meantime, this past year I designed and built the 3d model for a future dream home/community center complex, but I have no idea even what continent it may be on? I almost feel that place that will fulfill my own resonance requirements does not yet exist. After traveling, I really became aware how cities are built and develop and see there is a grand opportunity for whole brand new cities to be created that express new ideas. (I have started to collect ideas for that and may hit you up for advice in the future.) But for now, I am going to be present where I am in the moment… writing to you and your fans on a global level, AND putting my theoretical ideas into practice in a local way.

Derek, it seems to me that we all just really need to focus on what’s right in front of us without the need to define it local or in other ways. You live where you live. You connect where you can connect. Technology is ephemeral and life moments are fleeting. Yes. We need to be aware, to discern, kithe and groc the choices we are making. But I am not sure it is necessary to define or put boxes around them. Too many isolating definitions and less focus on unifying connections. There is too much black and white, liberal vs. conservative, “us vs. them” thinking being promoted in the world these days. This all starts us down the road of judgment, even if we think we are just being intellectual, and not being judgmental. Who is to say the when night begins and day ends? Is it really it the point of sunrise or sunset?
What if you are jumping on a trampoline when the sun is setting?

So as far as your “being local experiment” has been concerned, when something didn’t feel right to you, it was simply an itch to get you to try something different (as you said, neither right or wrong). And knowing you – hopefully you will always be a very itchy guy! The irritant in the oyster makes the pearl.

Whether it’s local, global, universal, whatever, the bottom line is that the world will be a better place to have you focusing on writing and recording. I really hope this means music? I met you because of the “Hit Me” album. It was the first sight-unseen CD I ever bought off the internet. It is an excellent piece of musical art and I still listen to it. I always asked if you were gonna go back to writing. I am very thrilled and excited to hear what comes out of you next!

Stay itchy, my friend.

How do you deal with isolation and loneliness? Somtimes I think about moving off into the woods and throwing myself into my music and projects, but I think I would start to go a little nuts even though I'm introverted.

Derek, you are a most creative person. Your writings are always inspirational. Thanks for sharing.

Derek, I can't recall seeing a blog anywhere that receives 200+ comments in a day. You have the uncanny ability to create titles that push our tiniest buttons, the ones we wear to appear politically correct while hoping to maintain our non-conformity. Of course, I thought you were writing about vegetables, and who among us doesn't feel a twinge of guilt "buying global", off-season?

Being a writer, I've always thought global b/c that's where sales are. On the other hand, my corporate clients in Toronto are the generous locals on whom I can test my latest ideas. Finding that balance is unutterably joyful, and you're living proof that the balance creates its own form of "local", as in right here, right now--where all of us from everywhere are talking with you. Thank you for creating this ever-in-season neighbourhood.

P.S.
I am not so sure that "Two hours spent being useful to one person who wants to “pick my brain” is being local? That just sounds like you were pic-pocketed energetically! All energy in any transaction should be balanced. I know it's out-of-date, but have you read Celestine Prophesy? There is some good stuff about energy thievery in it.
Hmm.... long time ago. Loved it then, maybe should re-read. And yeah a lot of my Singapore interactions were very one-sided. Mentoring, advising, etc. Some people are able to get something out of being a mentor, but now I know I don't enjoy it. — Derek

Hi Derek:

I wonder if freedom is where the comfort lies; lack of freedom, and discomfort slips in. Focus seems like the common ingredient in your discussion, as well, i.e., the potential contrast as between a local "focus", versus a potential global "focus', is what you seem to be addressing.

So, if a local focus somehow impinges on the freedom to shift focus globally, say the attributes of whatever that local focus may be might not share well globally, for instance, a constraint perhaps kicks in; likewise, if a global focus somehow impinges on a potential local application, say, of that global focus being shared locally, yikes, another constraint gets experienced.

I'm wondering if the real test here is where does the freedom get experienced, which may well beg the question, what is freedom ?

Perhaps in any balanced equation the freedom, in this case to be on either side of the equal sign in the equation, is symbolized by the equal sign; so, when, one might ask, is one free to focus either locally or globally; or back and forth even ?

Perhaps, in that case, simply when one is able to operate focus freely ... which of course begs the question, what might impinge on the freedom of focus ...

I suppose there might be a hint there, i.e., things local, not sharable globally and things global, not sharable locally ... in each case, there might be a problem ...

The common denominator ... seems to be what's shareable both locally and globally ... for if it's shareable both locally and globally are you then where you want to be, i.e., free to focus in either way, local or global ...

Which, of course, might also beg the question ... is there a shareability index you might look to ... and of course, shareability, it's experienced uniquely locally, yet it's appeal, and in some ways, the litmus test for shareability, may be the potential global application for unique local sharability ...

So many things are universal, yet always experienced uniquely, locally; grief for instance, as one example; but take your pick there; and iPhone expereince is universally available, yet uniquely experienced, via local use.

You meet people in person, in now moments; seems like shareability must occur in now moments, as well; it seems also, like your local focus versus global focus potential freedom quotient, if you like, that may well lie in some sort of shareability aspect of the focus involved ... for what does shareability represent ?

Well, I'l leave that up to you to answer ... it seems these are all Derek Sivers "like" ideas, in any case ... : - )

Yet, a good question to ask along the way in life, might be, what impinges, versus what helps along, shareability; also, what's worth sharing ...

Some might say, useful things ... some might say, the valued experience, that could well arise in those now moments ... the factors behind usefulness and valued experiences are many ... a litmus test, though, might be ... what's their shareability ... : - )

And what's better shared than usefulness and the generation of valued experience ... in focus, both locally and globally ?

I enjoy my small circle of friends but I have also made a great many friends online that I have never met, yet still expect to be friends with perhaps forever. My sister & I have compared her extroversion which causes her to crave company almost as sustenance with my introversion which requires regular periods of isolation in order to stay sane. It's a good thing to be aware of; thanks for bringing it up. =)

Thanks for helping me clear somethings up. In my experience the local approach is only as good as the people you know. However, the global approach can get a bit nerve racking because of all the noise out there. We're using both methods to get out feature film "Hit A Lick" more exposure but I can defiantly relate to your conclusions.

Thanks
Tye

Derek
You are an outstanding trouper! I still believe that you and I can solve World Peace someday. Timing is everything in life and our time is near!
In Solidarity
Felix

Nice to hear from you Derek. Your opinion comes at just the right time. I do things locally that come smooth, or help out. The direction is always Global. I have no choice, it's the way the music goes I guess. Always good to hear your ideas (Sure wish you would have come up with that idea you had about finding folks to do the "muck work"

paul adams

Useful thought and wonderful comments, observations, and qualifications.

My concern is that not all skills sets / aspirations readily work as "global" efforts. While the Internet is helping, there are still many artists who yearn to reach a wider audience; but it doesn't happen easily. And, being willing to give your work away for free helps reach an audience but obviously is unsustainable for most people.

Hi Derek,

Thanks for the article. It puts into words something I've been mulling over for some time.

I think one of the problems of "global-only" people when dealing with locals is the low amplification.

When I was the president of a local Toastmaster club here in Brno, I got a chance (for a year) to lead a club of 30+ interesting people. I like to think I helped to develop some of them and that maybe I inspired others. And I sure enjoyed the ride immensely and made friends. But it always bugged me that the amplification was so low.

When I write a piece of code, patch a bug or hack up an article, virtually anyone can benefit from it. And google analytics tells me, that some people do. Years after I did that particular thing.

If I contrast that with "local" work I did in Toastmasters, I'm sad to say it just doesn't compare.

And I suspect it's like this for virtually anyone whose work is predominantly digital.

I've never understood big conferences and user groups, because (at least in Czech Republic) it was usually a bunch of guys sitting in a room, talking about semi-interesting things, and just waiting for the day/event to be over just so they can sit in a pub and "socialize".

I don't mean to disrespect anyone (to each its own), but that always felt like a time suboptimally spent.

I guess I'm also "global", then. Thanks for putting it into words better than I could.

Thank you for clarifying the difference - what a freeing piece of knowledge this is! Go "Global"!

Derek,

Once again you've inspired me out of the blue when I needed it most! I'm surprised somewhat to learn you are quite introverted, which is why when you "extraverted" by socializing and saying yes to every request your creative output ceased. You need to replenish that well with solitude! I've been studying up on personality types lately. I am blessed/cursed with the INFP type, and I am coming to terms with it and learning to honor it, finally, about 20 years later than I needed to! My career in corporate radio was moderately successful, but only because I extraverted myself every single day, leaving me little energy for anything else. Eventually I became drained and miserable. And my career didn't take off the way it could have because I just didn't have it in me to be that kind of social game-player! Thanks, again, for sharing a well-timed piece of your creativity. It's helping me in my latest reinvention.

By the way, there is nothing wrong with the millions of natural Extroverts. Their contribution to the world is through all that socialization. If it wasn't for my extroverted husband and friends I'd probably go months without speaking to anyone lol! I believe in a Creative Force and that we've been given our natural personality types for a reason. And that we are all contributors of the Divine Spark to the world.
Yeah. I'm very much an INTJ. — Derek

Well put. I spend perhaps 3 months of "spare" time working on promotion for a music festival in PA, while working in IT 40-50 hours a week. I'd REALLY like to get them in a money making mode, but frankly that is a bit of a problem: the festival is in the "middle of nowhere" --- with a semi-limited audience. When I offered a 1 hour video of a couple of the festivals to PA Public Television: no response. Silence.

Such is life. I'd love to figure a way to do recording work outside the area, but that is very difficult given the need for a real pay check the rest of the time.

Bill

Great to hear from you, Derek, and especially with this post that echoes my experience so beautifully. A relatively small number of people in my town are interested in my work, so not only is it not economically viable for me to stay local, it isn't nearly as rewarding as reaching thousands of people globally who benefit from what I do. Even the currently politically correct idea to "buy local" feels too constricting to me. I like the freedom of letting connections happen where they naturally and spontaneously do, be they economic or otherwise. I don't feel a global focus is better than a local, it is simply more natural, practical and fulfilling for me.

It seems to me there is value in making such decisions consciously.

Thanks for this great article, Derek. Such an interesting point that I've never read or considered before your version here, yet I relate so highly to the difference between local and global that you're describing. Back when I was in Junior High, I was introverted, yet the only way I knew to be social was to gain attention from classmates by gathering them around the piano (at the school) and learning all their requests: "Play 'Riders on the Storm!" "Play 'Beth'!" I didn't realize until now, that this was when I was developing my global preference because I was headed toward composing music for global distribution, which now is my full focus. Sometimes I'll attend the ocassional party, but am often thinking highly about how much I want to really be composing more music, or improving upon my web sites' effectiveness to generate more sales of my music. I lack presence at those social events, but I suppose I have to learn to accept that about myself. Thanks again.

Greatly appreciated, Derek! Thank you so much for this thoughtful analysis.

As others have said, very thought provoking. For me personally, I act locally and nationally, but because of my moving about the nation, I will answer email and calls from anywhere. As in all design (especially airplanes) it is a compromise. Nothing is free ... and the breakthroughs are game changers.

Derek, it's good to hear your philosophy to the group again ~ they do feel like two different mindsets and I enjoy switching between the two. Acting locally can send global shock waves of good out there and acting globally can effect individuals...I find it fascinating to try both and given how technology has sewn us together from across the world, it feels like other countries are just the town next door...we're looking forward to your next inventions.

It is nice to help and keep in touch with people around the world, youtube, face book twitter etc. But, virtual friends that exist in cyber space are no match for the real thing. I have tried it too on a smaller scale. Cyber space somehow de-humanises humanity while connecting strangers from around the world. But, the felling of meeting a few real live human friends is what humanity is all about. Have a few close friends not 400 who know your heart and soul. (Being local), and, use your cyber space for connecting the world of lost and found strangers. Keep a balance. Do not lose what is in front of you. If you look across the sea you miss what is in your own backyard.

Thank you Derek. Your work has been a great help to many of us and your thoughts are greatly appreciated. As a CDbaby and hostbaby user I have benefited, and continue to benefit, personally from your innovations. Those two projects have simplified the life of many freelance musicians like me. While I am of the mind that you can find a balance between local and global, selfishly I am grateful that you are returning to your global efforts. I look forward to your next project and always enjoy your posts.

Nicely done. I have a similar philosophy about brain power. You have a finite amount of it. How are you going to spend it? Playing video games? Writing a book? Surfing the web? Learning jazz piano? Whatever you decide to spend your brain power capital on means there is something else you can't spend it on. So choose wisely and if possible have a vision to guide it. That is basically what creativity is, making a vision real. Joe.

It's always best to live true. And what is true can only determined by the person doing the living. Much love and success to you on your continued journey, Derek.

Well said Derek! I've noticed that very thing.....being local and one to one is really exhausting. I guess everyone needs to find a balance. As I get more experienced, more people want a piece of me and your blog has made me realise that I need to start get some resources out globally for some sanity. I love the fact that you are free to travel the world.
I love reading your thoughts so please keep blogging!

I think that when you are serving from an energy of bountifulness, you are serving humanity everywhere. I don't particularly think it matters if you are local or nonlocal, for since we are all connected, what you do for one affects all. If you are choosing to serve the greater good, your local folks will benefit as well.
Thank you for serving as you do.
Blessings,
Nicki

Derek,
Excellent article and thank you for sharing this. Has eloped me to understand better my own inner struggle. I have deep feelings for where I grew up (NZ) but have always felt at 'home' elsewhere. When my kids visit I feel torn to go back. My balance is that I'm local with my exercise doing yoga in small local yoga club, I like to sit with locals at a tea shop and discuss local events. I also participate in local charity work. My work is focused on products for AsiaPac and the world (I'm a product manager). My private project with my son is working on creating disaster relief system to be used worldwide. I feel engaged when I have discussions, online and off, with people from around the world. When I disconnect from the rest of the world, then after a week or so, I feel like there is a void of some sort, an intangible uncomfortableness that seems to come from not having me reach out beyond my local confines and not having people from around the world touch my mind.

Bottom line is what I feel,do and think is definitely global for my project, projects and 'big plans', yet local when it comes to 'being present'.

Keep writing, as Seth said, we need you.

I recognize the drained feeling you described because that's what I feel after any interpersonal interaction. As a classic introvert, I get my energy from time alone (as opposed to a classic extrovert who would be energized by the interaction). I think your observation about the need for both local and global development might interact in an interesting way with that basic kind of distinction, because it seems to me that local interaction is almost always personal.

The hard part for me is that I feel acutely that the emphasis on shrinking the world and what can be done is resulting in a generation that doesn't know how to do anything locally. I've become very interested in fostering things locally as a consequence: food, business, music, art, community. This focus is draining because I'd rather not have to do all the personal interaction, but want to be able to enjoy a rich local culture. I suppose that this might be an *ahem* local pr

But what if you can be both...develop a strong local connection as well as global one? I am sure there IS a balance... I cannot fathom working somewhere and NOT knowing the people in the community, then at the same time..I would be less whole not feeling part of the greater world community...hum...

For selfish reason, am really happy of your choice! Sorry, Singapore!

Well, interesting. At first I though the subject matter of this article is not quite of interest to me. After reading some of the comments and your responses, I am getting something out of it after all.

Until now, I've been teaching classes on peer-counseling and am developing a class that teaches wholeness through the practice of unconditional love. I'm writing a book on the latter, so, I do have a local and global aspect. That said, I've been wondering for a long time why I am, even though I'm ecstatic while I teach, never satisfied the next day. As a result of your post and the ensuing dialogue, I get it now. I'm simply not satisfied with the local reach.

I am keenly aware that if I taught on the global level I would make a much bigger difference. I don't want to be ungrateful for the opportunity to make a difference in one person's life, but perhaps, after reading your post, I can begin to feel that it's OK, rather than neglectful or hubris, to want to work globally.

Thanks, Derek. Just the other day I was remembering you, thinking "What happened?" I'm grateful to have you back and the benefit to me that that represents ;-)

...problem and not something you'd have to deal with in a more cosmopolitan place.

This piece also made me think of another of your articles that I'm fond of sharing: the one where you talk about finding and focusing on a niche. That strikes me as an incredibly local impulse, but your 1% audience might be spread all over the world.

Anyhow, glad that we can expect to see more from you!

I love this Derek! I feel I've somehow been on this journey with you. I put my first CD out on CD Baby in 1998. Since then...I've recorded six more albums, toured all over the world and lived in Iowa City, Madison, Nashville, Los Angeles and now Indianapolis. I love all these places. Had I not "done my time" in LA I wouldn't have connected to my music publisher who has placed my songs in True Blood, Sons of Anarchy, Cold Case, Blue Bloods etc. I don't mention this to brag, I mention it because had I not been willing to leave my beloved Iowa City hometown I would have felt stifled. I think we are all on our own musical path to happiness and I'll always be thrilled to hear about where your path is taking you. Good luck with what's next and keep us posted!
KP

Those of us that are not "local" to you are very glad to have you back brotha!

Steve Acho

As John and Yoko once said: "Think Globally. Act Locally." ... I always thought that was good advice - so I spent the last three years saving a local, nationally-historic tree in our neighborhood. ... Good post, Derek! ... Keep them coming! - George : )

Well done once again Derek. This post really resonates with me as I recently relocated to Nashville from LA. Almost all of what I do revolves around a global audience though, and reading this reinforces something I knew but never verbalized. Cheers, E

One question though. Why Singapore?
See my original post about why we moved to Singapore. I still love Singapore. I just can't say yes to all these in-person requests anymore. — Derek

I'm a retired Coordinator of Student Activities from the UMM (University of Maine at Machias). A you said there is no right choice for everyone; it is an individual choice and depends on what is right for each person. I'm a homebody at heart and still involved in UMM and the community of 2500 people that I live in. I have a project studio and record local musicians for the most part. I keep in contact with people who have moved away via Facebook and each year take a couple trips down to Mass to visit with family. I take a trip abroad once year also. I've been to Russia, The Netherlands, and Paris since I retired and will be going to Italy this spring and China next spring. I enjoy all my trips, but for me there really is no place like home.
Peder! You're a great example of the center of a great community. I'll never forget you from my NACA days. — Derek

Derek,

Everything you wrote was about giving, and giving the max. Being global allows you to give more. It's that simple.

So it doesn't seem like the issue is if you're local or not. And let's face it, it's so damn obvious you're a "Giver" - there's "Givers" and "Takers", obviously.

So giving is really important to you, and you've figured out how you prefer to do it.

For most people, daily friendships, getting out of the house is "Local". Maybe you travel and get around so much, that you don't hang-out locally. Or maybe you're all about your work, and not getting out of the house is just fine with you.

So ... obviously you "give globally." Question is, do you hang out locally? Do you even want to?

B
Yes! Exactly. Thank you for putting it succinctly. — Derek

My children make me local, but my mind works globally. My work is global. My music seeks to be global as well. Some of my best friends I've met only because I go global perpetually.

In the end, it is about (1) what we love; (2) where we are comfortable; (3) and what makes us feel most productive. I feel most productive when I affect the most change, in hearts, minds, policies of our government. I love what uplifts my soul. I am comfortable in my own surroundings, even if I can make myself comfortable many places.

My work love is global. My person love is also local. Kinda like Bill Clinton, except ... not. :)

Here is a twist on your conceit. I think there are four available quadrants: Inner local, inner global, outer local, and outer global. I will give some personal examples. As a child, I lived an extremely inner, local life. The intimate life of the mind was terribly important to me and it consumed much of my thought and energy. That seems to have come about partly because of my petit mal epilepsy. (For an account of that see https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cXd9YQOlFZ6UGdnuJl32PKe6OD06HNypNKRqaWqgJyA/edit .) I was often unavailable to the outer local and, of course, the outer global. And the inner global was mostly unavailable to me, because I did not have access to the centuries-long conversation of recorded human thought. As I began to read, the inner global planted a seed that grew. I found friends, enemies, and tour guides of the mind in books.

By the time I reached college, the inner global became a wild party in my head. Scientists, novelists, poets, and philosophers were making loud noises there. As an intellectual with no audience, even my writings were inner global. That might, in fact, define academics as opposed the the broader category, "intellectual." Very few of them really have an audience or any influence. The exceptions can be quite grand though, and they are intellectuals first and academics second.

Then I traveled and studied abroad. This ironically re-enforced my inner global and inspired my outer local self. My inner global self began to consume architecture, for example, as part of the life of the mind. And I engaged with people and places intimately, directly, and one-on-one.

Next I went through a long phase of outer global. I call that work. I was plugged into business and technology endeavors that had global effect. I was rewarding financially and, in for me a pale, weak way, personally.

Finally, in early semi-retirement my life is mostly outer local. I am back to my original home town attending to friends and family. My most outer-global product is wine.

Perhaps when I publish my book I'll take it on a tour and go very outer-global again.

I can relate to this. Sometimes, I feel bad for how disengaged I am locally. This gives me comfort in not feeling quite so weird about my passion for creating things for the whole world.

That said, it does seem important to have some sense of local/familial connection to keep myself grounded. Do you have anything like this, Derek? A community of people who hold you accountable and love you / call you out when you need it?
Absolutely. They're just not in one place. My best friends are phone-friends (we see eachother rarely) and it's been this way since I was a teenager. Works for me. — Derek

as a poet from the usa civil rights & vietnam war 60"s I found that to create art one must connect with the universe where it shows itself. sometimes within an indiviual as sometimes with starving children in africia as the need to feed the fight for civil rights within my so called free country. i create as art calls to me. so i must not over focus on either side of our world. but i'm an artist. i create for the soul of the universe in a world that doesn't believe in poet's anymore.

Boring..., 'tho I've always liked you!

I get what you're saying, but I still don't think there is any reason why you can't be both local and global, but I guess when I get your level I may see exactly what you are talking about!

Are you still working on muck work?

Cheers,
Jamie

Derek, I wish you had gotten to know the people in Portland, Oregon. I lived there from 1980 to 1995. The people there are wonderful and extremely close knit for such a large community. Music and the arts in Portland are some of the best and the community supports both wholeheartedly. I left in 1995, after losing my 13 yr partner to AIDS. I cut my CD, Crayon, with the proceeds from the sale of my home and moved to Sedona, Arizona, another awesome place. I guess I'm not very global but I find that reaching out globally has a cost, not so much in time but in dollars. I gave everything for my CD and am very proud of the work. Dollars, however, never made it my way so I stay local, now is Las Vegas, with my chin to the grindstone. I'm glad I took the plunge, with my CD, but the pool was dry.
Agreed! I later moved back to Portland for a year and met a lot of people, and love Portland. I come from 6 generations of Oregonians. There's a street named after my grandfather, and all my family is still there. I'm old-school Portland, baby. — Derek

As usual, Derek your sharings are insightful, purposeful and helpful. I especially gravitate to your comment stating that 'Both are necessary'. One of the primary quests in our lives is that of being comfortable in our own skin while pursuing the calling which has been placed within our hearts. How that is achieved is a work in progress process for all of us. In today's world, it definitely pays to invest our time on a global scale for sharing our gifts. However, there is that quality interaction which only that 'local' contact can provide. It serves to ripen and complete us even as we share our bounties with the world.

Stay in touch...I'm just glad to hear from you again...you're just that kind of person:)

Cliff

Yeah, what Seth said! ;)

I have also always been more globally focused than local. I studied languages, got a Master's in International Business, and then ended up a musician & blogger.

Although I do hang and have local friends, my best friends are scattered all over. My dream is to build my platform so that I can 1) help people achieve their creative dreams and 2) travel and share my music with anyone, anywhere who's interested.

Welcome back!

This is a great perspective Derick. This also left me with the impression that something big is coming from you. I am sure you know you are capable of that anyway, but it sounds like that time on focusing "local" has inspired you to explode again.

cheers,
patrick

Thanks for the insight. It's great that you point out the different approaches so clearly.
My version is a little different. I illustrated an edition of a book that sold 1.5 million copies. I managed to negotiate creative control of what I did, but any business was completely hands-off for me except for some signings. The advance and royalties were great for my business, but connection with an audience was a kind of strange disconnected experience.
I'm also a musician. I have a band that plays my original world music inspired instrumental music. My most lucrative kinds of gigs are street level at art fairs and events like that where I can sell CDs. It's great to connect with folks that way. They come upon us and vote for us by plunking down $15 for something they weren't aware of before. But out of earshot we pretty much don't exist.
I keep looking for a happy medium between a corporate arms-length connection to a big audience and a street level experience. It's good to have another way to frame. Thanks-

thanks, Derek. always insightful and rewarding.

this one is nicely relevant to me now, as well. i tend to blend the two - or have tried to - and find myself in flux or some resistance one way or the other. my first impulse is always global/universal.

keep sharing.

tb

Maybe it's just that you're an introvert (like me). Being around people drains me; being on the computer does not. I need to be alone to rejuvenate.

You've been an immense help to me as a person and as a musician. For one, I am thankful you started CD Baby.

Love,
bridget

Derek,

I'm not certain that I entirely buy the notion that one has to make a choice. For example, I started my little company through which I sell a product online. That part is already surprisingly global. At the same time my suppliers are mostly (not all) local. So I'm increasingly tied to them on a local level. So am I local or global. It feels like my business is both. But it is early, I just launched two months ago, with time perhaps it will naturally lean local or global. I'd

...i write the "Think Globally, Act Locally" mantra has sprung up. Perhaps there are ways that we can "architect" our businesses to embody both to greater or lesser extent.

Your work is thought provoking as always. Thank you.

-Aldo

Hi Derek--
I totally "get" what you're saying. I've always been a global person. And, while learning to be more local was a challenge, I've found that incorporating some local into my global comfort zone has been the most rewarding and fulfilling. So I won't just pat you on the back on your decision to stop speaking, etc. Instead, I'll remind you that Stephen King, who writes a good story, spends most of his time writing. But he also sprinkles in some speaking engagements, music gigs, media appearances, etc. Now most of the media is tied to promoting his product, but I think the others are more self-satisfying.

So Derek, I'll challenge you to pick over the 400 or so opportunities you've had these two years to find the top five most rewarding. And those, my friend, should point you toward the local engagements you should keep.

As for me, a new endeavor is almost ready to hatch, so I look forward to sharing my news with you in the near future.

Cheers!
L

Wow, didn't realize you were living in Singapore. I've been based out of the Philippines for the past two years (you should come visit by the way!), and using YouTube have become quite famous throught the Philippines by using it's global network to connect locally. I'm in Singapore often. Will be again 4 times during December. I've met you briefly twice. Would be great to see you again sometime :)

This concept of connection is inconsistent with reality, when one considers that each Moment(core word for momentum) is fleeting when contexted with past or future. The Present is a gift, and this suggestion that any place is home(where the heart is) has an olden basis. No society in history has placed so much misplaced emphasis on 'location..location..etc' as the 20th century.

For me, and perhaps the rest, the idea of being a spiritual bedouin is the new 21st cent survival technique.

Drop the global gig. "This is an illusion". Focus on the immediate NOW(power of Now) and be in the gift called the present.

Take a walk. Smell some flowers. Drink some wine.

To life to life l'chaim...Topel as Fiddler on Roof lead.

Patrick D.
Global(not) Philanthropreneur

Loved this Derek, thanks!

Have you ever read the book "The Lexus and The Olive Tree" by Thomas Friedman? It's all about the hyper-connectivity of both people and businesses today. I loved it - thought you may too!

Hope you're doing well,
Ethan
Nope. Thanks for the recommendation. — Derek

Cool bro

Good to hear from you again!

Interesting points and like has already been mentioned, balance is hard to achieve. Humans are too complex to be either / or we need to act along a continuum depending on our life stages and experiences.

The fact that I feel I must think about things before speaking has isolated me from most groups. I simply cannot work myself up to the level of mindless chatter that seems to be the current norm when more than two people are together. I also feel like an alien in their midst, since I am not in accord or interested in shallow chatter, so I hesitate to speak, because, from experience, if I do, in most cases I will identify myself as someone not in accord with the sentiments of the group, and that makes others feel uncomfortable, as if I'm watching and judging them negatively, although that is not the case. I find people very interesting, and would like to join in, but I haven't the verbal skill, or perhaps the courage, to adequately express myself, and it doesn't help that not being in accord makes me nervous about expressing my ideas, which are almost invariably shot down and ignored.

There is a type of conversation I can actually function with a group in, and it is called Goetheian listening. The rule is that if someone is expressing his ideas, the others listen carefully and try to empathize with what is being said, and not let every phrase cause some knee jerk response to spring up in one's consciousness. One must make an effort to connect and identify with the speaker on a purely human level.

When the speaker is finished, there is a thoughtful pause, after which another individual may speak. One finds that one can truly get to know others on a soul level this way. To me, this is far superior than everyone trying to talk at once, and rapidly chattering about sports and popular culture. There is a time and place for this, but I fear most people have no other sort of communication with others available to them.

I'm so very grateful for your warm and open heart. Thanks for offering your life as an example... just an example, not the next best cookie cutter. It's always good to hear what you're up to.

How does face to face social interaction fit into this? That's a necessary part of being human, and also seems necessarily local.

Very interesting...one of those choices we are all making, yet don't know it...not sure what to think of it, but very interesting...with two little ones and a new cd I can't go too far, but trying to spread my message as far as it will go and still be present...a bit challenging, but isn't that life? A balancing act of sorts?...
Thanks for your input Derek!
Sonia Lee

I don't know that the issue is really "global" vs "local". It's a choice about the way you distribute your energy. It's between a "vague cloud of thousands of people" and "people I know and work with one-on-one".

If you have a global mindset, putting energy into products used by many, you can affect many people at once. But you can feel disconnected from the people who benefit from your work. If you distribute your energy locally, you're seeing the effect of your work on individual people, which can be gratifying, but exhausting.

I used to work in a hospital blood bank, where every bit of the work I did affected someone's health care directly. I was getting blood ready for surgical patients and cancer patients, and dispatching uncrossmatched blood to the ER for trauma cases. It was extremely fulfilling work, but it was too much stress, too much pressure, so I quit. I work in manufacturing now, making products that techs use in blood banks in order to do the testing that saves lives. Each thing I do now affects more people, but I feel disconnected from the process. Neither extreme works for me.

That's why I think that like anything else, it's really about striking a balance and finding a way to do a little of both without killing yourself in the process.

I moved to Las Vegas this past summer and it is the 4th place in 6 years. Some locations due to divorce, others to find a place that offers mt opportunities for work, rest, and play. There is a lot of play here and I like my job but not many chances for rest. I guess I'll sleep when I'm dead.

I had wondered what had happened to you since your last post in I believe July. Glad to have you back and thanks for your explanations.

Hi Derek, it's always a treat to see a message from you.

I live in a part of the world everyone wants to come to, Huntington Beach, CA. Yet, I know very few people from HB, and I have lived heard almost six years. I know a lot more people on FB than I do in HB. Singapore sounds like a wonderful place. The traffic is practically non-existent because it costs a fortune to get permission to drive, and public transport is great from what I hear.

For me, a songwriter, I have an inner yearning to visit Nashville. In Nashville I feel I could meet like minded people who want to collaborate on songs.

Thanks again Derek.

As a former corporate soldier we would say think strategically act tactically. Same thing but a little different context. Well done DS!!!!

Derek
A local economy is needed more than ever! Bioregional economies vs making more stuff, and having to ship it everywhere makes no sense. Where global can really count is via the internet via apps and other programming etc.. but making more stuff and shipping it everywhere days are over.

Pre-Internet, this discussion might have been "social" vs. "anti-social." :^) The web opened a world of possibilities for some of us who might not be into local networking. But now we get to consider ourselves "uber-social," or global in Derek's terminology. For musicians who haven't broken through globally (or at least nationally or even regionally), then gigging locally is the only option. But putting energy and resources into global action definitely comes at a local cost, as Derek experienced. And vice versa, spending time working the local network definitely entails missed broader opportunities. Local people (at least where I live!) aren't adequately impressed by things that might garner broader attention. And the things that would lead to more and higher-paying local gigs are most certainly not consistent with getting broader attention. So . . . someone in that situation might think about moving, but what if that isn't an option due to family commitments?

Yes, Burton zeroed on that "giving" factor above; a giveability, you seem to have lots of, Derek; well done : - )

Still think there's a shareability factor there; one that applies both locally and globally, i.e., that there might well be a shareability factor to things, one that helps determine what's useful, as well.

Trees that bear good fruit, the shareability is inherent, in the fruit; actions that bear fruit, perhaps the usefulness there is measured, by way of fruitfulness.

If your focus is on what's potentially useful, well, that's good; usefulness, most likely that's always shareable; choosing to share what might have found to be useful, though, that's an important step not always taken ...

Thanks for your ponderings ... and for sharing those.

All the best, as you go global again ...

Great to hear from you! I was wondering what you were up to. I to have recently come to this epiphany and have moved from edmonton to Kelowna. I am focusing 100% on my management and design business and all of my bands are doing great. I recently signed a deal with a l

Thanks for all your support Derek, and I fully intend to dedicate my next project to you :]

Regarding the article, as well as my next project, I take a different position (I actually agree with many things said, but I think of may have missed a few points). Think back to when you first had the idea for CD Baby, before it was CD Baby, who helped you cultivate and test the ideas? I wasn't there but I believe from your audio book I listened to it was local people. Local friends, local band-mates, etc.

My next project is called ChamberX, I am attempting to create a service for local Chamber-of-commerce organization throughout the US. Why, because there aren't any decent services provider to my knowledge, and also because it occurred to me recently when I sat down to think about how I could grow my business "and build lasting relationships" that I had completely ignored the opportunities (business and otherwise) that were/are right in-front of me.

I agree that there is no right or wrong perspective, some people prefer intimate settings where others prefer to be exposed. (big churches versus little churches comes to mind for some reason)

Anyway, great article.

-Al

I don't think I'm wholly either local or global. I've been writing books, thanks to the wonders of print-on-demand, that can be read by anyone worldwide, and I have online friends from places like England. Yet, my day, when I'm away from the computer, is spent at local stores and restaurants; there are things I won't buy online because of shipping costs, and of course I can't eat online, so for these activities I interact with places in my county or the adjacent District of Columbia, pretty much exclusively.

I was wondering what happened to you! Glad to hear from you. I to have recently come to this conclusion and have moved from edmonton to Kelowna. Although still buying for the Starlite room in edmonton, I have moved to this little slice of paradise to concentrate on my management and design business. I am managing 12 bands and all are doing well and 2013 is looking like a banner year! Thanks for the inspiration and guidance.

Thanks for the update Derek, your words and insight come at just the right time, as I am making my move from local to global.

I stopped writing songs when I had nothing left to say. It’s not a writers block - it’s more that there’s nothing left demanding to burst through. Perhaps, the songs weren’t that ‘good’. Perhaps there’s more to come.

Resources, or the lack of them, helped to give me an option of playing locally or not playing publically at all. It’s quite useful sometimes to have an ‘either or’ choice.

In my early sixties and having written all my songs using only chords, I discovered Griff Hamlin’s 4 note blues on the web.

Suddenly a wave of delight washes through me as the realisation hits that I actually have four fingers and perhaps the ‘iron cast’ limitation that I’d placed on myself decades ago and which roughly translates as “I could never do that.” was replaced with “Why can’t I do that?”

Two years go by and I’m playing music without needing words. It’s slow - which is fine - and ‘Apply yourself’ is the cheerful directive that Griff gave me then and which still rings true.

So I go quiet and leave my songs and my local public playing and follow my internal prompt which is to develop music rather than words.

Most who come here would be locally creative in one way or another and all of us are now able to reach globally with our words.

I’m not sure where I’m going with this but it’s related to the probable truth that you, Derek, started cdbaby and then hostbaby as a way of getting your music ‘out there.’

No offence intended - I don’t listen to a lot of music and wouldn’t search you out for it yet your articles always resonate and nourish and thus are always welcome.

Intentional or not, it’s your thoughts rather than your songs to which I gravitate. The internet allows for instant global from born local.

Les Visible is another author/musician/songwriter who posts wonderful and very human articles and whose words resonate without me also wanting to hum his songs while pottering about the kitchen.

So our thoughts and songs are born internally, expressed locally, given wings to fly globally ...... or not. Locally, globally - ripples on a pond from a pebble embraced.

All along the way, being true to oneself.

Heard a wonderful talk from Alan Watts while writing one day. Got very serious with my thoughts and stopped to pause and think about eating at precisely the time that his recorded voice said “Ah shut up and eat your doughnut.” ..... upon which moment we both burst out laughing.

Hi Derek!

Good to hear from you! Nice travels...living the dream...! You have worked hard to be where you want to be mentally or emotionally. Keep in touch and let me know what's on the horizon with your creative efforts. Always inspired by your comments and perspective!

Best.

Paul
JMood Records

I agree, Im not Local either. It seems all of us Musicians start out local, but are always pushing to not be local, as in, playing more gigs in different states, different countries etc....

I know plenty of local bands, and they are happy with what they are doing, good for them, but for me it has always been about pushing the boundaries, taking Local to a new level, being a Local band Nationwide. Its not an easy task, but really nothing worth having ever is.

Good to hear back from you. It's now been two years since I retired from my global position in the music industry and semi-retired to a house overlooking the ocean surrounded in a horseshoe of mountains.

Instead of growing businesses, I'm planting peppers and other fruits or vegetables and am locked into this cool community of Coffs Harbour where I know a lot of people (unlike living in Newtown in the centre of Sydney) have great friends and do things that are not about creating or exploiting content.

It's a wonderful life to get away from living the corporate nightmare and embracing the dream. Hope you get closer to the vortex.

Phil Tripp

Great article Derek. Thanks as always!

I have arrived to exactly the same conclusion. Congratulations.

Yes, always glad to read all your shared insights and thanks once again for prompting a valuable re-thinking and re-focus on creative perspectives.

Nice to hear from you again Derek, yes i'ts been awhile that you went silent and suddenly there you go again spreading and sharing your positive thoughts to everyone. I believed you are just born to be a model, and i'ts really wonderful to have a kind of people like you, and I am just one of those following your path and philosophy in life.

Myself is retiring soon, and will be moving back to the Philippines somewhere in a quite place but along the beach. But nonetheless, this never means, I give up in life but actually I am pretty active and distributing my own CD album (3 CD album) globally aside from making a couple of bucks in my Royalty (CCLI). Once I settled in that secluded place, I will start to establish my own website for the download of my music globally, so thanks for your very enlightening ideas and for being a positive attitude. God bless you Derek!....and lastly, you are still welcome to come and see me in my hiding place which of course enjoy a - "white sand Island", go for snorkeling, fishing or scuba diving. By this 2013, I am permanently retire there but also will come back to Canada as they requires.

That's the beauty of what the internet has brought us. Global *is* local and vice versa. I'm as connected to some people on the other side of the world as much or moreso as 'locals.' Your community is what you create and participate in. Global or local, the only difference is the street (or IP) address.

As much as I agree, Derek, given that my blog is read on five continents, I believe in the GLOCO concept: think global, act local. That's guided me for many, many years, and as I head towards 60 in less than three years, I'm finding new volunteer work in my community.

I never lose sight of the bigger picture, but each of us are a mere human being, borrowing time on this planet for a few nano-seconds. Make a difference in your community.

Hi Derek,

Long time no chat. Two thoughts come to mind when reviewing your post.

1) My first thought is that there is a definite need for both local and global operations in any given market. And like you, my prefer operating globally.

2) My second thought is that this post has quickly become a link referral page as well. As such, I too have obliged and added a link for anyone that regularly sends or receives money in foreign currencies. It may not help much with SEO, but could certainly help with networking. :)

Anyway, thanks for the notice and welcome back to the global market.

I tend to agree with Rob Roper's post #43. You need to achieve a balance in your life, particularly since you now have a family. In your article I heard you talking about writing, programming, and recording things. I didn't hear you saying anything about your music. And that's sad. My husband's a classically trained flutist as well as a flute maker and he's learned the hard way that music isn't just something he likes to do, it's something he NEEDS to do. So he now belongs to a community orchestra and gets full-spectrum musical sound waves on his body on a weekly basis. For him, it's the equivalent of belonging to a church with music, laughter and caring friends all rolled up in one. And it's cheap therapy. The rest of the week he works hard in and on his business, both at his workbench and online, but the music feeds his soul. It's also pointless to make the kind of flutes he always wanted to play while neglecting his playing skills. Also, he's found that most of his non-profit work has led to paying work or sales, one way or another. It helps on many different levels.

If you're still considering your Muckwork concept, check out the Neat Office scanner concept. You may find that one investment like this may help your musician/business customers a lot. Pushing a receipt or business card through a scanner is easier than either typing it in yourself or hiring someone to do this kind of scutwork. So far, I like it.

I AM glad that you'll be publishing more online; I've missed hearing your thoughts.

Derek, I'm so glad that this is the decision you have made. I totally get it and I missed your posts. I was just thinking last week that I would send you a note as usual for my holiday wishes and updates. Your timing is impeccable because I will be needing your incredible insight and uplifting encouragement. I have a lot of exciting changes to tell you about and I look forward to implementing all I have learned from you during this next year!! Stayed tuned and welcome back... we've missed you!! Roxanne

Could you be running to stand still Derek?
e

I'm not sure about your premise of being either "Local or Global". As a Tlingit, a large part of our identity is "where we are from and were our family is from". We considered ourselves "place-based" people. Part of being location-based probably has a lot to do with community. However, as Tlingits we also have an established relationship with our environment as well.

We're definitely more mobile as people than we were a few hundred years ago but is this better?

Ben Casnocha recently talked about how "the loneliness he sees deep in the eyes of people who declare themselves “nomadic”.

Maybe you're just an introvert and your "community" happens to be folks found around the globe. Either way you're part of a community... which I believe is necessary for happiness.

"If you’re a musician, you can do 100 gigs or write and record 100 songs...Different focus. Different approach...Both are necessary. Neither is right or wrong, but you need to be aware of the choices you’re making."

My students are constantly asking me how they should shape their future in music and I always reply that there is no road map. The road you take is yours alone and it is the right choice.

Good post, thanks!

What I took from it: "Both are necessary. Neither is right or wrong, but you need to be aware of the choices you’re making."

Thought provoking is what this post was supposed to be. When I take a look I think you can do either very effectively or both in a balanced way depending on your industry.

My wife and I own a fair trade organic chocolate company called Just Good Chocolate. Between ingredients and packaging we source from Peru, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, California, New Mexico, Canada, Maine, Ohio and our home state of Michigan. I can't help but think of the effect even our small business has on jobs and commerce in each of these places. Soon it will be much more.

Yesterday,(Saturday) we served hot chocolate to a group of around 500 folks at a European style cross country 5k event, supporting local. The same is true of many events we attend, promoting a locally manufactured product with a global supply chain to a local audience. At the same time we're starting conversations with Whole Foods.

Our intention is also to travel and form direct relationships with those who farm the cacao we use (Peru), the sugar we use (Paraguay) and the chocolate we use (Domincan Republic). It so happens we have 5 kiddos in house so although our ambitions are high (we've traveled a fair amount between us), the reality is that only time will tell where things lead.

Eventually I can see us running a local business, active in our community - yet traveling and contributing to something larger than ourselves. I'm not sure it will be the effect that a major software might have, but I do think it can be powerful and have a global impact. I think balance is achievable but I do agree that focus is really important to make difference in one distinct area.

After I read your book I shot you a note via email. The fact that you responded in a day means you're not the average Joe - wait, actually it means that you are. Excited to read more.

~Drew

As recently as 2004, in and article for NewMusicBox I urgded composers to "compose (create) locally, market globally": http://www.newmusicbox.org/articles/View-from-Atlanta-Compose-Locally-Market-Globally/

Today we are even more "everywhere at once" rather than just one place, though we may physically reside in one place while our "virtual nervous system" spans the globe. (Yes, we could also be globe-trotting with Regus offices and the like around the world, if we have the financial resources to do so.)

But were it not for my connections to the internet during the "green text on black screen era" my music would simply not have reached as far as it has, and had it not done that the almost no one locally would have cared. ("It must be better if it's from somewhere else!")

So perhaps John Cage and Marshall McLuhan were right about our developing collective central nervous system. So was Joe Bankoff:

"If you’re 10 years old and your world consists of five blocks around your house or housing project and where you go to elementary school, your sense of the world is pretty limited. If you’re an immigrant or a second generation of parents who did immigrate, you’re also in an environment in which there are 12 other languages spoken in your middle school — which exists in DeKalb County — then you find all of a sudden that there’s a broader world. And if you’ve had the benefit of travel, if you’ve had the benefit of the opportunity to live in a different culture for a period of time, if you’ve learned to speak another language well enough that you can think in it, then you begin to understand that the human condition is pretty universal."

(From part two of my interview of Joe earlier this year: http://www.artsatl.com/2012/07/artsatl-qa-part-two-joe-bankoff-midtown-generation-arts-leadership/ )

Travel is one way to "go" somewhere, fast-as-light communication is another. In terms of having global impact, you can add "sending" and "receiving" to "going."

I've been beginning to think that my [music] publishing is a "logistics" and "facilitation" business as much as anything. Globally, of course!

Cheers!

~Mark

Hi Derek good to hear from you again. Been with you sinse you started CDBaby. My brother Tim and I share your philosophy and put it into practice several years ago. Best decision we ever made! Best wishes, Danny Reid Carter

I have not and will not read all 353 previous comments. That is both my local & global choice. I encourage individuals to make whatever choice fits who they are today and who they want to be tomorrow. If i am successful local, there is not requirement for me to go state wide, country wide, planet wide or universe wide. (There is no place to get a cup of coffee on the moon or Mars)
Have fun re-engineering what you do. You find some other reason to be elsewhere, you have my support. As for the cabin by the water - i would love to accept your kind invitation.

That's like an advise to me. I really need to reexamine what am I doing now. Local? not local? Thank you very much~!

Excellent article, Derek. Thank you for sharing, and it's great to hear something from you again.

I like to spend part of my time networking with people, and the other part networking on the 'net. I find that making personal contact with people is really helpful, and allows me to get more cool projects happening, and networking long distance, helps to expand my horizons.

Thanks for all the interesting and useful information that you share with us.

Best wishes

Louise

Great to see this post from you. It's like hearing from an old friend who has never met me.

thank you Derek ... time for averything .... do what is good for you and also for us ...and what you love .... we need you... my mentor ... love from jerusalem and all the very best ...
yehuda glantz

Derek - Great post, thanks for making the distinction so conscious. You left Woodstock just as I moved up here, it was a sad thing to see you go. I was raised globally and always felt guilty for not being more community oriented, but as you said, it is exhausting and it does not work for me except for immediate needs. I finally came to peace with it by just knowing that one must do what is right themselves; the world will truly be better off for it. Do what you want to do, you have helped so many people, do not worry about it; we'll have your back.

Fascinating, I'm glad I've got a term for this now.

I think the local still matters though... there's a certain pace and rhythm to different cities. Even in head-down-and-work mode, Beijing is much different than Bangkok is much different than NYC is much different than Stockholm. Finding the right pace/rhythym for whatever global project you're working is crucial locally. I'm not so active in the Taipei local scene, but it's a perfect backdrop for global projects.

Going by Pico Iyer, who wrote “The Global Soul”, you are also a “nowherian” – a citizen of nowhere.

“A physical location is unimportant so long as you live among values and assumptions that strike you as your own – or the ones you’d like to learn” and “home lies in the things you carry with you everywhere and not the ones that tie you down”.

Welcome home.

PS Here's an essay I wrote about Pico - http://www.webintravel.com/blog/confessions-of-a-global-soul-how-travel-moves-pico-iyer-_3453 - you might enjoy it

I really enjoyed reading your thoughts on this. As always, you stimulated me to consider my own place in this world. In my profession it tends to keep me as a local although I have had patients from around the globe for surgery. But the majority come from my own city.
Thank you for your thoughts and sharing them with us

For me, as much as I'd like to concentrate more on global endeavors, I need face to face collaboration to challenge me to perform at a high level. Finding the right local collaborator with a similar balance of local vs global aspirations would seem to be the key for me. I'd like to move toward a 25% local, 75% global model.

Thanks for the thought provoking article. Just the nudge in taking control of my life I needed right now.

I think you're good at doing both, Derek. People meet you in-person and at the same time I with the hundreds and thousands readers pick up your brain and reading your wisdom.

:) Ron

I'm gonna
Keep On keepin' On
No Matter where I Am
&
Invest
My Music.
Thank You for the Inspiration !

Merry Christmas !

Hey Derek!

Very effective and interesting way of contextualizing / framing a dichotomy that I'm thinking about all the time as an independent music artist.

And I'm definitely glad to hear, and will look forward to hearing from you more often now!

Very best, David

There is a saying..."think global, act local" it has worked very well for me as I have a few "local" homes but certainly think and live globally. It would be near impossible for me personally to think locally. That is simply a factor of knowing myself well;-)

Thanks Derek, for the insightful and truthful article - something which all entrepreneurs faced but yet very few mentors/discussion boards/articles spoke about. It is currently an issue we we facing. We want to be global. But nurturing global relationships and businesses take time. In order to generate swifter revenue streams, we have been looking at the local markets. Demand has been increasing but that takes our focus away from the global markets. It seems like a vicious cycle now.

I'm the wife of The late jazz guitarist Eddie Fisher, CD baby was a great help to us, Im also the owner of a community Theatre in East St. Louis Il. but I'm writing to you to introduce you to a very talented 24 year old my grand son Darryl Elsaw aka Dfresh song writer singer, proformer some of his music can be seen on The Village Theatre website under R&B please take a look see

Your post made me think of a new buzz word I head someone say lately, "glocally", which I really really hope doesn't catch on. I'm not even sure what it means.

I always appreciate your comments, Derek. I am curious why you aren't living in Iceland - it sounds exotic and with a great community - all the Nordic and Scandinavian countries are socially more advanced though they are also cold! I've visited Sweden and Denmark but haven't been to Iceland. Even if you are a global person it is nice to live in a friendly environment with artistic leanings. Alternatively, Singapore strikes me as a politically totalitarian place with great but very humid weather that is entrepreneur, international business and tax friendly but doesn't have sufficient artistic sensibility that would be necessary for someone like you. (I've never been to Singapore and perhaps am way off in my assessment.) I know your wife has family there so perhaps that was a strong consideration.
-----
On an unrelated subject: may I please rant about somethink? I see at least three commenters making the same grammatical mistake - and it drives me nuts every time I see it: many seem to substitute "your" for "you're!" In other words correct usage is "you're right" - not "your right!" This is basic elementary school grammar people! The English language is in decline with the obsessive focus on texting and smart phones perhaps? Nobody speaks or writes and has decent communication skills. This is dumbing down the whole culture. End of rant!

Hey Derek, great article here! I love the first 3 words of this line "Both are necessary. Neither is right or wrong, but you need to be aware of the choices you’re making."

In a sense, I agree that I have to make a conscious choice to focus on global or local to drive results. Yet I also believe there is a need for a balance maybe 80:20 or 90:10. Hence both are necessary is true in more than one way.

A need for balance stems from my realisation that sometimes, doing something unrelated helps me take a step back, take a pause & create new ideas that help me in what I'm currently focusing at.

Nonetheless, I can't wait to see you unveil your new creation. I'm certain that something really amazing will come out of a very focused effort from someone like you. Have fun!

I always appreciate your comments, Derek. I am curious why you aren't living in Iceland - it sounds exotic and with a great community - all the Nordic and Scandinavian countries are socially more advanced though they are also cold! I've visited Sweden and Denmark but haven't been to Iceland. Even if you are a global person it is nice to live in a friendly environment with artistic leanings. Alternatively, Singapore strikes me as a politically totalitarian place with great but very humid weather that is entrepreneur, international business and tax friendly but doesn't have sufficient artistic sensibility that would be necessary for someone like you. (I've never been to Singapore and perhaps am way off in my assessment.) I know your wife has family there so perhaps that was a strong consideration.
-----
On an unrelated subject: may I please rant about something? I see at least three commenters making the same grammatical mistake - and it drives me nuts every time I see it: many seem to substitute "your" for "you're!" In other words correct usage is "you're right" - not "your right!" This is basic elementary school grammar people! The English language is in decline with the obsessive focus on texting and smart phones perhaps? Nobody speaks or writes and has decent communication skills. This is dumbing down the whole culture. End of rant!

As a pilot/artist I've chosen to live at an airport community (near Woodstock) allowing like-minded local interaction mixed with constant travel. I've always thought of it (to paraphrase Jimi) as an axis based lifestyle that offers both speeds.

My other comment is child rearing connects you to your community. Roots are great, if they don't strangle.

Thanks for the interesting view...and agree about Iceland... a good global village -exhibit A-

Thanks for sharing Derek. As a traveling musician I have similar experiences though I really enjoy immersing myself in the places I travel through. Being with people really give you the sense of a place... but I never stay long and never really feel at home even if I do spend a long time somewhere. To tell the truth, I am not sure where I am at... neither here nor there.

Nice to hear from you.

Welcome back!

Thanks. Very timely for me, this article.
Home, indeed, is a state of mind.

hey derek!

vacationing aside, life was all pretty much local not too many decades ago, going back centuries from there. amazing stuff.

it's mind-blowing to think about how exponential change has become since electricity, flight, the computer, networks, etc. trying to imagine, say, 1901 is just something else.

and yet, the more things change, the more they stay the same. the greatest thoughts were recorded about 2,000 years ago on scrolls and parchments.

truly our connected world opens such opportunities - creating incredible wealth, and enabling the kind of global dichotomy you've ruminated upon.
there are lots of positives to it, but in terms of local community, i think it's really gone downhill, at least in the states. pop culture as a large subset of the online world has caused the proliferation of subcultural phenoms formerly unheard of outside of large urban centers. take peopleofwalmart.com for a frighteningly palpable example of this...but not too close to bedtime.

anyway, glad to hear more from you going forward, derek.

we're pondering a move to my wife's home country of ecuador, not sure when yet. but even that's a great example of the global phenom, that i use fb to keep in touch with friends back to childhood and up to locals, and if we move, i know i'll keep in touch online easily enough. it kind of lessens the impact of moving i think. and keeps good friendships alive.

take care.
matthew

Brilliant! Thanks for the excellent and easy read, Derek!

I see myself as a global citizen as well - and was reflecting earlier today on the global impact of the local startup buzz.

I'd just make a few exceptions on the local bit like eating local, supporting mom and pop shops, etc.

Hi Derek, thanks for sharing your experiences and thoughts about it. I believe you where in two ends of the same corridor. Nothing is totally white or totally black...many "grays" in between. Could be a good idea to stay predominantly in one end but from time to time go a little bit to the other end . Saludos!

I feel one billion times the same way..exhausts me to be 'local community' or a 'one on one'..

I am a universal artist..period..I belong to the whole..period..and thats why only that works!!

We need local community people..BUT we need what I have to offer as well.

Can't be a dog trying to meow..somehow it can never never never work...................................

But that doesn't mean I don't long for 'the other'..I do...we all do..until we try being the other, crash and crash sum' mo' and finally wake-up, look in the mirror and embrace our spirit soul AS IS.

Welcome Home Derek!

Thank you for sharing this...very insightful.

I am a woman of the world. I'll always be home in the USA, but I've lived in NZ for 11 years and Scotland for 1.5 years. I cannot live a life that does not include the "globe". My mind is wide open now.

Maybe you already answered this but can you not do both.  Your a music guy how did Bob Marley pull it off. global superstar, but as local as you can get in tune with what happening in his yard as he was anywhere in the world. But I guess every musician and producer wish they knew the answer to that and how to recreate it. But look forward to hearing more from you. 

Welcome back, Derek.

You say "My best friends have always been people I met in-person". That's so for me too. I have a lot of e-mail friends and I make it a point, wherever possible, to meet them face-to-face, no matter which side of 'the pond' they live.

I have met probably at least three quarters, and maybe more, of my e-mail friends at least once. Some won't ever be more than acquaintances, but others have become good friends. Of the latter, there are a few who have become particularly close friends.

I also have a good many friends both in my home town, and elsewhere in the UK, some of whom can't even use a computer, let alone have an e-mail address. I always enjoy meeting people face-to-face ... and talking to them on the phone when we are too far apart to meet often.

Hopefully I will get to meet you one day ... if you ever stay still long enough for me to catch you :-). Please let me know if you are ever planning on coming to live in the UK ... or even staying here awhile.

Cheers, Moragh
PS. I hope my book goes global :-).

The biggest problem facing humanity is that most humans live too parochially with their fixed belief systems.

Welcome back(?)

This article rings true to me. Especially since so many wonderful people (such as yourself,) have provided so much valuable content online. Real actionable material. If you were to only provide content locally, I would have missed all this online goodness altogether.

Thanks.

I'm in Singapore and that means I have no chance to meet you one to one. :-p

Love your move. Likely you'll benefit more peeps the way you decided to do it now on.

Way too many generalizations for me.

I have moved and lived all over this country - okay, you've got me beat on the world stage. Up until I moved to Florida, I had never lived in one place more than a couple of years. I'm still getting used to this current concept means.

I'm not a member of a church, school, etc. or whatever else it is that I'm supposed to be. I only keep in limited touch with a couple of college friends, one of which was also a coworker, but that's about it. So the connections didn't really happen there either like the generalizations assume they should.

What I always found is that if I get involved doing something I love, that's where my connections tend to come out of. However, it doesn't mean that they are work/project related - it just gives me the launching board.

I took a class at a local spiritual center and met someone in there that was just going there to spend time with her son. We ended up being good friends. Now, I've gotten to know her family. Spent time with them camping, going on a casino cruise boat and watching a Nasa rocket launch.

Oh, and I went to a Nasa Tweetup with 150 other participants to watch the launch of the Grail Moon mission and ended up a few very good friends and connections out of that.

I just keep putting myself out there in situations that I enjoy in my community and let the connections work themselves out in whatever way, shape or form they are meant to be. I wouldn't want to be put in one box or another anyway because I'd just tear the box down and design one that fit for me (without walls of course).

Community and connections is what you make of it - or what each of us individually makes of it. In today's world with the internet, that means something entirely different than it once did.

Very timely thoughts. Thanks for sharing them Derek.

To my experience, a COSMOPOLITAN mindset has very little to do with whether or not one spends most of the year on tour or on the web or playing a regular gig at a single club in only one town or teaching in just one place. It has more to do with how one regards human beings broadly- with having a circle of concern that extends beyond the obvious which is close to oneself, but to encompass the valuation of all humanity.

I emphasize the word COSMOPOLITAN because it is easy to confuse engagement in international business, traveling around on airplanes and spending time on the internet as being a "global" sort of person. One can do these sorts of things and be a cosmopolitan, and one can also do these sorts of things and yet be very provincial. Multinational and multicultural adventures do not, in and of themselves, constitute a "global" sort of thinking.

Your projects, Derek, have served humanity deeply on a "global" level because they have helped to build bridges for ideas, which has fostered the bringing of people together in the right way. It is unfortunate that many in the corporate and financial world extend the local vs. global dichotomy so far as to the idea that all globalized business action that operates according to Western defined capitalistic or free-market principles is self justified by the false belief that those principles are rooted in a single underlying "global" thinking. Such aren't really "global" thinking, but are actually very provincial.

Time spent having real face to face interaction with persons in local settings is not provincialism. One can dwell in a very localized place, and think very globally. This is how most social progress movements were born (the abolition of slavery, the fight for suffrage, the civil rights movement. etc.).

On a sadder note, in this age of cyberspace many people are using technological tools in an unhealthy way that is turning them away from each other as real human beings, isolating them and making them less intimate with anyone locally or globally. We see this tendency most profoundly in our geographical neighbors and the people that we interact with on a daily basis in our local communities. They are increasingly becoming strangers to us.

I'm not thinking this was quite the point that you were making about solitude in your article. But I mention it because it seems that many who have posted comments here have taken your article as a license to be more in that sort of way.

I am just glad that you are back, my friend. :-) I have missed you and your wisdom.

Awesome!

Derek you have provided me with at least a something of an answer to a question that has truly concerned me for sometime. As a musician and recording artist I am far more focused on the global community in an effort to build an audience, and deliver my music to people who will find enjoyment from it. While I continue to play in the local Metro Vancouver Canada area, my fan base is growing internationally, while I am able to keep my chops up with the local performances. What I am excited about are the 1000's of music lovers around the world who have told me they find joy in listening to my music, and the endless possibilities that this indicates to me. Having begun my music career pre-internet, I was frustrated at not be able to expand beyond the local market, due to financial and time constraints. Now with the internet, that has all changed, and I am continuing to grow, find meaning in making music, and feel vital after almost 30 years as a singer/songwriter!

Thanks for this insightful post, Derek! Reading through some of the comments, I see that this issue touches many of us. As someone who has spent the last few years trying to come to terms with my global-ness (does it mean that I'm abandoning home and the people there?), it's comforting to hear that I'm not alone.

I really like that you expressed your choice to be global-focused in terms of "usefulness". I had never articulated it that way to myself, but I think it's a very fundamental human feeling: we all want to feel useful.

I have been at my permanent residence (in Quebec, Canada, in a nearly entirely French-speaking community) for the last four months, which is the longest that I've spent here in 4 years. My recently released debut album is in English, which has been a real roadblock to getting local exposure. Although I have been making an effort to embrace the local scene, I have found it really disheartening to receive virtually no support from the channels that ordinarily are quite supportive of local talent, because my songs are in English. I feel extraordinarily useless here, where I haven't been able to even have the possibility of exposing my music to audiences, to find out whether or not they want to become fans.

So, yes, I am also admitting to myself that I find it more rewarding to be global-focused! I am so grateful for my community of international friends and for the possibility of spreading my music on an international scale, not being limited by the parameters of my local situation.

Here's to usefulness!

Oh good! We are all on a journey and you are something like an intellectual GPS.
Sometimes I've been surprised at where I have felt at home. If we are attentive to how we feel, setting out can teach us a great deal about ourselves that we might not learn otherwise. I have respected your absence but am frankly happy to hear you might start sharing your thoughts again.

"But something never felt right. After a day of talking, I was often exhausted and unfulfilled. Two hours spent being useful to one person who wants to “pick my brain” is two hours I’d rather spend making something that could be useful to the whole world (including that one person)."

Well said, Derek. Thanks for this great article. Much appreciated. As always, you have me thinking. ; )
Jennifer

Thanks for posting one-of-a-kind ideas like this and the last one. I like HSBC's slogan "The world's local bank," and somehow you're the "world's local man" lol. But you're right, it would be more productive doing the same thing you used to be doing. That's what made you successful in the first place, being global. And that's the path I want to take too.

Im keeping the dream alive, since we last spoke I've learnt both C# and objective C and still making money from music and now a bit of R&D with app ideas with my brother who lives in the USA (I live on the Isle of Wight, UK). Not working, but playing. I write code in a local cafe, at a table in the corner. And sometimes not at all. The best thing that happened this week was watching a heron on the river at sunset.
peace my friend, good to hear from you.

Just the notion that we can contemplate leaving our locality and be global is very new on the human time scale.

Socially at least, it's pretty clear that we're hard wired to be local (from hundreds of thousands of years of living in small groups), so people like us who move around globally, are in relatively unchartered territory.
The modern world is vastly different from the world in which the small groups of humans existed, so the insider/outsider mentality is arguably out of date, and we're just waiting for evolution to catch up.

But of course it hasn't caught up just yet, and we're left in a global world still with rather a local mindset.

Certainly in my own social experience from moving around a lot I sometimes feel I lack a group of really close friends, since I'm diluted across a number of groups around the world (I'm well over Dunbar's number).

I've certainly gained far more in experience and opening my mind by moving around and being "global" than I've lost in relationships and comfort had I stayed "local". And as you mention Derek, one (you) might be more useful to the world working on a book to publish to the world rather than being a local teacher.

But I suspect it's not a simple black and white distinction, it's maybe that we're striving to find a new balance which isn't described by either "local" or "global".

p.s. I wonder why you chose the title "You don't have to be local"?

Reminds me of the pressure coming from one's "local" group to keep you on the inside.

Thanks for your reflections, Derek. I also looked at your 10-second bio, etc and found it interesting that your favorite fable is also one of my very favorites, as well - though we probably couldn't seem more different, personality-wise!

I certainly have no idea how I, personally, could help the world and yet my lowly CD on CDBaby reaches just the people (in different parts of the world!) that it is supposed to reach and nourishes them. I thank you for helping me to fulfill that role.

I am glad you found your creative and personal and global home, Derek. The Iceland house has lots of space and openness.

I imagine most of us responding are contributing locally or globally in hundreds of different ways. What I loved about your book was your keen way of tuning into yourself; it was a reminder for me to continue to do this in my own life.

I am introverted by nature, work one on one as a therapist with lots of people who are more extroverted, and work in and impact larger systems, educational, health, and government. So there is an exchange, a bit like jazz improvisation, if one looks for a musical metaphor. And I really appreciate that introversion is having its day in the sun, so to speak. Susan Cain's book, “Quiet”, has been on the best seller list for about 6 months now.

Phillip Glass has a way of saying it musically, that he listens and listens and finally hears what is already there. He needs his solitude too, in order to be creative.

Hi Derek, you certainly get a lot of comments!
As for Local v. Global, I always thought of myself as a convinced global person, which I was/am. Since I moved to the small town of Santa Fe I enjoyed doing what you did in Singapore, and still like it. But I realized that I really get excited when I meet a "global" person.
At the end I think that it's kind of useless this debate! You do what you feel like a good idea, then change, and follow the opposite direction. This is what makes life interesting, I always welcome challenges!

Oh my god, you have no idea how reassuring it is to read this! :) My husband and I have just committed to our career as musicians, but we're not "local" either, and that runs contrary to what people tell you to do! You're supposed to play the scene in your area, be out making connections and all that stuff, but we're just really bad at that. We don't care that much on a local level (that really sounds horrible to me, but it *is* true); we've always looked at things more globally. Playing 100 gigs sounds really stressful, but writing and recording 100 songs sounds really doable and fun. Thanks for this. We were honestly just talking about this just today... where our focus needed to be. I know it shouldn't be polarized, but knowing where your own tendencies are is super useful.

Phew! I thought it was only me who feels drained after being "peopled" all day (or sometimes for just an hour or two). I much prefer working alone while working globally, rather than interacting face-to-face.

And it seems I'm not as "unique" (I keep tell myself I'm not weird, I'm unique) as I thought. I always watch in wonder when I see large, loud groups of people together. I wonder how they can stand it.

I really think it's more effective to communicate globally. Crafting for the ether forces you to consolidate, to curate, to make a one-size-fits-some-really-well product or service, knowing there are varied solitary persons wherever it ends up. But speaking locally, however intimate and engaging, gives you room to be messy, to meander, because we can always repeat ourselves with more interesting amendments.

Thanks Derek.
Great insight. I see a little of a leverage point as well.

Ah Derek, you've been missed. Just yesterday I told myself to drop you a line of encouragement because your friends around the world miss you.

It seems to me that you are a global local. Your local environment is this whole world, because youve always made your business part of the unique world/ community that is in the web.

It is no doubt fatiguing for you to be a local in the physical world because of your success in the larger locale that is the web. People want a lot from you because of the scope you've managed to create in your former 'community'.

Ultimately, your efforts go a lot further when you're larger than local... But then again, you're in a unique spot. Remember, not just anyone gets over 400 comments immediately after one blog post.

Like it or not, this is your local community.

Interesting. Enjoy the comments/discussion, too.

I've been reading "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain. Fascinating. It reveals how extroverted our world tends to be and how devastating that can be if there are not enough introverts for the creative, thought-full (my word), and real decision-making needs. Most CEO's are introverts. Most MBA's are extroverts and schools encourage that. And politics, well, look how Obama got shot down for being slow and thoughtful in the first debate.

I'm only on chapter 3....but highly recommend it!

You enjoy your solitude, and yea, that may be exactly what helps you be the creative, globally thinking person you have crafted yourself to be. People run into walls trying to be extroverts when they're really introverts with so much to offer. The world needs to once again honor these traits.

That's not to say global means introvert and so on, but your article speaks of your introverted ways....obviously a good thing!

I have to agree with Mathew, number 140, about local sources. Food is a huge issue right now, and global doesn't work there. Local is necessary, even in a global sense.

At the same time, wherever a person lives I think it's important to support the local businesses that provide a way of life for you. So there's the balance as you work and create globally you are ABLE to support the local economy just by being there--not to say that you should become involved there, though, if that's not your creative genious; it would only stir up dirt. And, like camping, leaving a place a little better than you found it supports both local and global--and ecological--worlds.

Great food for thought! Glad you're back. ☺ What will be next....?

Derek, I felt this conflict way back, and resolved it after an analysis pretty much like yours. Online, as a writer/fund-raiser, I'm global. Offline, as a pediatric heart surgeon, I'm hyper-local. (Lang Elliott in #17 above hit the nail on the head! Andrew Kolpakov had me nodding at #148 as well.)

I also wonder (after reading some comments) - What if your one-to-one interaction RESULTED in a 'global' impact? Would it qualify as 'local' - or, by extension, 'global'? :-)

local vs global? or is it...

giving vs making
non-profit vs profit
selfless vs selfish

focus vs motivation?

you're such as sweetheart you'll grow whatever you plant yourself. godspeed.

I have to say that this is an area where I have no clear focus. I work both for local people and for the globe. I have become aware of where/how I spend my time and try to determine and limit the local events to those that are truly useful and beneficial to me both immediately and long-term. It is, like so many things in life, hard to find the right balance.

Your article has given me a lot to think about!

Derek,

When I was in broadcasting I was definitely not local. Since I retired 12 years ago, I have moved out of the city into a village and have become local, doing volunteering work at local organizations, visiting local restaurants, using local services and donating to local charities. There's room in the world for either type, it just depends on what floats your boat! I do read the Times each morning and watch the BBC at night, so I'm still in touch with the world, but local is where I hang my hat.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

Hey Derek,
Great to see You back doing what you do best! Many of us are learning from your example because you're in a position that you could have just kept doing what you were doing and been perfectly fine, however you ventured out into the unknown and truly discovered what works best for you.
Thou your post was about time commitment locally or globally, I see it more of a "Desired Lifestyle" to work/create and live as you please. Now I got more stuff to think about going into the New Year. Thanks a lot Big D!!!

Derek, You not only reinforced to what we all knew but did not observe of the subtle change happening in our business and social life circles. I was more connected with world across than those in my neighbourhood. Now no need to carry the guilt of being "in-sociable" or rather indifferent in the local community when it is indeed not viable . Those days were different before the internet era commenced. There were no choices. Net is such a level player to be resourceful be from Hyderabad or Houston.

You made us think and experiencing a feel good factor.

Hi Derek, I had been thinking about this when trying to articulate my life's purpose. I want to add harmony to others music. I want to help people see what they can achieve and then support them to get there. This I do personally, to relatively few people but go deep. When I spoke to others whose purpose was to change the world, or help a country, I reflected as to whether I was being ambitious enough. In the end it is a personal choice for us to take, just imagine if everyone could do something great in a small or a large way... what a world!

I'm both local and global, but not with the same business. I teach guitar at a local college and local music store. There are days where I teach 9.5 hours with only a lunch break in between. It is both exhausting and inspiring at the same time. Then there is writing/recording and selling online. The two actually feed off each other; I get students because of my project, and I get fans because I teach (which is not as powerful as the global thing). I may start teaching via skype, so it may start to become global. So again, I expect the two businesses to help each other there. I feel I need both...to connect personally (local) and to expand (global). I know you said one or the other, but for me I just need both :)

Hi Derek
I think you are the only web person who's thoughts I ever read and take serious. You were the one who inspired me to become a musician who did something no one else did, so I became a "Danish Troubadour" and entertain Scandinavian emigrants here in the States. I like your article, but I also think that if we (as I did) grow up in Europe, it is impossible not to feel a bit tribal about everything in life. I burn for the Scandinavians because I am Danish. I don't give a hoot about Croatia or India for example! I do think you can be a bit of both. I have heard about some german musician who suddenly became famous in China. Go figure. I like that thought, but my energy will always first of all burn for my tribal brothers and sisters. But thanks, you made me think about it :0)

Derek - I feel the same as David. You have been missed. It's because of you I've had the fortune to get to hookup with the likes of Melissa Forbes. Now how is that? Someone in the middle of the USA get to hear 'Black Coffee/Brown Sugar' from Melissa from down under? Global market and the majors couldn't have done that for her or me.

Glad your back!
-Mark Megill

At times it's important to be local so you can figure out who you are and what you want so that when you are global people will understand what it is that you represent.

Derek, thank for making me realize I AM GLOBAL

As you say, neither is right or wrong but I think we all have a dream we want to realize, or we hope to evolve in some fashion to be better people. Often being local means responding to the immediate physical and emotional demands that others place on our time. Someone like Mother Teresa might argue it is the higher calling. But to those of us who are not Mother Teresa, such devotion to the often petty and draining day-to-day can derail dreams or otherwise be an obstacle to becoming the person we want to be or the person we are satisfied with inside. The answer is probably somewhere in the middle.

Great thoughts that align with mine. I was brought up in several countries and continued to live a peripatetic life until recently when I've begun caring for my parents, who are in their 90s. The great thing about having travelled the world is that when you find yourself feeling "too local" your mind can take you to the many places you've been, knowing that life in those places is going on as well, as are the many lives you've met throughout life. Phones and email keep us all connected in a great way.

Great thoughts Derek! My problem was that I was in a local band. The city and out lying areas thought the world of us and always filled our shows. Globally we never made it but always had that unique distinction of being locally famous. I'm sure that I would have lived in that town till I died even if we would have become global giants, but it may have tarnished my view of what I thought was a great little city. I guess spending my time now writing and recording music for my own enjoyment is cool in itself as being locally or globally noticed has run its course.

Nice to see that someone else struggles with things like this too - I am an introvert as well and I am passionate about progressive causes worldwide. It's a challenge to participate in all of the causes I care about and keep my eyes open to the epic span of history as it unfolds every day and to do what I can to affect positive change. I read somewhere years ago that USA citizens and our peer countries have a lot more influence in world just based on the weight of government processes, and I've taken that to heart ever since. I've lived a very different life and the huge gap between what locals are concerned about, and what I am concerned about - are two very different things, and it shows, my priorities are global too. There are so many different scenes in any culture it's very easy to get lost in the hype or remembering that we're all in one ocean and air, and not just a stream or lake.

Derek, your achievements with CD Baby, allowed you great influence and you are a great ambassador for music in the realms of Bob Geldof and even greater as you are a high intellect individual. The only way we can stop much of the Human Suffering is being a global composer creating music for change of consciousness . Global is the only way to be in this amazing technology world where our music can transform peoples lives for the better - Go Global - Ken Davis - Music

Years ago I was always thinking about going global but that idea seemed to be out of reach for me due to financial reasons. Then suddenly music on the internet came along and that changed everything. I still do some things locally but nothing beats the thrill of finding out that someone from another country has purchased one of your songs from either CD Baby or iTunes

Derek,

Love this article. It helps me realize that I don't need to feel bad for not socializing as much here in Chiang Mai while I work on my global opportunity to help others.

I've always had people ask about who locally I was meeting and interacting with and it made me feel bad like I had an obligation to do so.

It sounds like you've been battling with outside pressure as well and you've made your decision. Great decision to be yourself and do what you want!
Matt

Derek, you make me feel...."normal". Thank you.

Derek, look at this...428 comments and counting. Yes, you don't need to be local...this outpouring of comment proves a lot. Smile...and keep writing, coding and recording.

Excellent, for me, timing - just came to conclusions parallel to yours.

I enjoy playing songs in public and regularly go to the local singer/songwriter scenes here in Denmark - but am more comfortable with a living room or, actually, a (quiet) street corner - like applause, of course, but find it a bit of a bummer to concentrate on getting applause, prefer much more a bit of feed back on what the text and music evoke.

Kind regards,
Cliff

Well then....about time you came back up for air! Look at all your replies. Keep sharing Derek.

Local is great, thats how we build connections, but you're trading time one on one and you only have so much time

Hi Derek-
Come back to Portland :)
For a long time I thought that I needed recognition globally but I never felt content when I pushed for that. Now that I focus entirely on Portland's jazz scene, I feel part of a very cool community of musicians. Happy now.

Good to hear from you,
Anandi

I think local is better for most businesses, you get to meet people face to face

It all comes down to choices on how you want to spend your time, changing the world, or one person at a time

Love you posts, I'm local and love the one on one time, though if you have the platform, you can influence so many more people.

Thanks for a nice post. I think your comment to the first reply reveals it clearly: "I'm definitely a fan of the permanent-traveler lifestyle".

You're definitely a "global citizen" and the world is your playground.

Thanks for writing this post.

Great post Derek! I really enjoyed this and definitely feel like the global person myself, though I never really thought about it like that. : )

Thanks, Derek! Ever-inspiring words....
I lived in Singapore when I was in 3rd grade. I haven't been back, but I'm sure it's very different!

Keep up the good, global work,
Linda

Hi Derek: As usual, your brief provocative posting elicits a torrent of responses. I think you hit a motherlode with this one!

I agree in the main but would add a few qualifiers:

1- Local/Global are a continuum and each of us gravitates to some point on the scale. That can and should change over time for most people. The better global perspective we have the better we can act locally.
2- To connect globally only online is not really being fully global. To really be global you need to travel to a host of places and immerse yourself in the local food, culture, discussions, art, geography, history, sights and sounds. Otherwise other places are too easily abstractions or "Disney-fied" concepts in your mind. Keep in mind that - with modern transport and infrastructure - this is a possibility for many people today. For most of human history this has been the privilege of a tiny minority.
3- If you are privileged to live in a global metro area you can get a somewhat global experience regularly. In Chicago I would eat in immigrant restaurants with imported music (even television) blaring in the background and have conversations with the manager and staff. Some Saturday mornings I would drive around the city with a PRC-born friend delivering donated household goods to newly arrived PRC scholars living in the city. Last Saturday night here in Singapore I went to a dinner for about 60 global citizens from Singapore, US, Indonesia, Australia, Israel, etc. Had a long conversation with a Jewish fellow who has homes in Penang, Oakland CA and Singapore.
4 In addition to not being a slave to the "here" (local) I think that it is also important to not be a slave to the "now" (temporal) but to strive to understand some of history and WHY things are the way they are now. Just as global experience and perspective can help you to understand and act more effectively locally, historical perspective can help you be more effective in the "now".

Finally, Derek, fellow USian living in Singapore, we are overdue for a coffee. Probably in the New Year!

Blessings,

Kris

Very Interesting! At times i face this dilemma and i feel guilty that why i am so much doing things online and not connecting to friends/family/community online. But as you rightly said we have make our choice. However i still feel that at times its good to keep in touch with the community around it just opens up some insights we might not have been thinking about :)

Thank you for the inside scoop of your mind. I appreciate your thoughts and have had the same kinds of things running around in my mind. You helped me solidify some previously nebulous thoughts about what I'm doing. Keep up your good work!

Yes, we'll said.

It's like playing a local gig just to keep your chops up where the crowd is hmmmm or just staying home to record and create new music for the world.

Everyone is moving to Austin thinking its the greatest city to get started, but in reality it's somewhat over hyped

One idea I had was trying to create an iPhone app where a band could get booked localy or nation wide. With strict pay guidelines.

Playing in a city where there is a band around every corner is hard especially when bands will play on the cheap.

Why do bands need booking managers shouldn't there be an app for that.

I gotta get out of texas...
Spain here I come!!!!!

Cheers!!!!
Glad your back!!

Awesome post. Sometimes I think there is something wrong with me because my focus is so global and I always feel like I'm doing something wrong by neglecting the local. Sometimes I get asked why I focus on places that are so far from my home, and why don't I turn my attention to local issues instead.

I just don't get as passionate about local issues.

Glad to hear that you've tried both sides, and you've realised global is more your way. I might have to try that too ;)

Thanks Derek!

...and there-in lies the dichotomy many of us are in, including me.
I would love to do more local/regional recitals. I am selling records and getting a large amount of air play globally yet with zero local recitals lined up for the following reasons...
I'm a pianist and don't play bars. Only concert halls, churches and only pianos not keyboards. Original music not top 40 stuff.
I have to pay for the venues (and other musicians) it costs too much.
I remain introspective and from that mind-set I produce my best work.
I don't want to schmooze local people for the sake of getting known locally...and it's too hard to explain. They would just think I've gone nuts!
Few people know me as a recording artists, just Heidi, "the go-to piano teacher in the area that does a bit of composing, I think..."

Not an easy gap to bridge but it's happening one coffee at a time in the local cafe ;)
Good luck with your next chapter, Derek.

Derek,
I have been waiting to hear what you would have to say upon your return. The balance between the two local and global is well stated. There are in my experience some people who have a talent perhaps even a gift to influence /share their perspectives. You are one of those people who is able to provoke people's thinking allowing or causing them to grow. The times I have spoken with you at a variety of events over the years only confirms that for me.

Yours is one of the few voice larger than the local community that serves well globally. At the same time you have no obligation to anyone but yourself to share and expand thinking. I have always admired that about you; to make decisions that keep you moving geographically or in business. This is not about friendships, I too keep in touch by phone and occasional visits with those I have developed friendships with, most of whom I have met in person over my years of performing. What you are talking about, I think, is making a difference. This is best served through creating.


I am grateful we can look forward to more from you in the future once again. Great to have you back you are needed. Have you decided what will be up for first for your return? Good Luck!

Just what the doctor ordered for me ! In this case, the doctor happens to be you Derek! Another of my dilemmas solved, keep up the good work!
Cheers
Mohit

Derek:
You have discovered a nice paradigm. I like a balance of playing music live (local) and writing for my blog (global). Since I will benefit from your new commitment to globalism, I am happy.

We all need to unplug from babylon. We all need to shape our position in it. Some of those moves are dependent upon what is occurring outside of us. Hence the need to mingle.

I concur! Spot on. Good to hear from you again Derek.
Thank you.

Wow, I just woke up and we're already at the mid-400's? You have obviously been missed...

I appreciated this, (and will read all of the comments when I have more time!) I am a bit of a mix I guess. I travel 95% of the time, but in each place I work, (anywhere from 3 to 12 months), I get more local while there. I really tend to make myself at home, and I end up feeling that I'm leaving home from almost every place I depart. And yet, I still consider Portland home, and every time I return, even if it's only for a week between gigs, I am SO happy to be there and so grateful to call that wonderful city my home.

I make friends and stay in touch with them all via email & SKYPE, and every once in awhile someone will pop into one of my gigs (in Asia) from another Asian country or even the US, and surprise me. (That happened 3 times just last week!)

It's interesting that a lot of folks I meet out here assume I must be lonely because I don't (in their opinion) have any "roots" (or maybe that just means because I am single and without kids?) They look at me disbelievingly when I say I am never bored or lonely. Now I can send them this link!

Thanks, Derek--I hope you are still in Singapore by the time I get my next booking there!!

We move in and out of phases, none being more important than the other. That person you counseled individually? Perhaps she's the next Lady Gaga or next congresswoman. And this blog post that goes to so many? It's got a lot of people thinking out of the box, but I miss the personal connection with you. You're out of reach, as we're strangers to each other. I feel a small hole.

It's all good Derek. We all just have to do the work that we feel serves the greater good. Some are driven to serve many, while others (like psychotherapists) thrive on serving the one.

It's certainly great to read your blog again, so welcome back! Glad you found your footing.

Very insightful article!

Your article have hit a home run in the internal conflict in me and I can relate totally. I too, am living in Singapore now and feel that we are too locally-minded and many of us stick with a place (which includes the same job till the end of our lifes). I intend to be go global and yet be present, enjoying the local pleasants where I am.

Thanks Derek for the eye opener!

Derek,

Glad you're back to producing globally, though I wouldn't want to judge every local investment by the results in Singapore :)

For another take on this dichotomy see Venkatesh Rao's approach:
http://www.ribbonfarm.com/2012/09/27/cloud-mouse-metro-mouse/

Thanks for sharing Derek! would love to see what you will create for the world!

Great advice for a Singapore newbie. It is definitely good to have a balance like that in life. Your life is awesome, and I'm glad I can get updates and advice from you!

Ironically we are making what feels like a global move to do a local tour in hopes of reaching an international audience, with kids in tow.

We are at the cusp of packing our 3 kids in an RV and driving off the edge of normal so my husband can give his lifelong music dream one more chance. The Red Dirt music scene of TX/OK and beyond has adopted him, but TX radio is committed only to those local artists who tour there. He didn't want to leave us in Nashville, so I proposed going with him. We homeschool and I believe "home is where the heart is" so for the next year home will have wheels as he plays for our supper in Red Dirt country. I'll share our adventure through RedDirtForDinner.com and www.facebook.com/RedDirtForDinner.

His very local family is acting as though we're throwing the kids on camels to take off across the Sahara. How in the world can we as parents do this to our children?!

"They need roots!"

But that statement made my toes wiggle - thank God for FEET! not roots

As a mom more than anything I want my children to have peace within and eyes that look without. I want the world to be their backyard, and their friends to be those rare and precious people that they have a bond with that isn't effected by time or space.

I have a few like that - in different cities, states and continents. None are local, despite be involved in local churches, boys scouts, baseball leagues, co-ops, etc. I too have poured myself out locally until I feel dry, but familiarity and friendship aren't the same.

Thanking God tonight literally that you are again sharing globally as I nervously wait for tomorrow's phone call to let us know if sponsorship has come through so we can start this unorthodox adventure.

So here's to the roots that matter, the ones that don't need dirt in a locality, but instead roots that wrap around hearts, pulling us together globally and making us stronger, steadier, and more balanced, so that our fruit falls where it is most needed. Thankful tonight that I found a nugget, from Singapore, when I needed it most, in Nashville.

You my friend have a heart for humanity - who can touch more locally than that?

Very thought provoking. Thanks for writing me.

Hi Derek,

Thanks for sharing your experience, and the most important, thank you to recommend the article to me.
From my point of view, as a young graduate candidate, or a rookie in my career, I should go to more places and learn more from the people I met everywhere. I think this is an effective way for me to make progress. Trying to get a job in Singapore is one of my actions to be "global". I think I should focus on the technology, and keep being better and better, and finally do something big. Making a change to the word is difficult, but it is not so hard to satisfy myself.
There is only one single thing that I am uncertain about, the working area. You know, most of the working opportunities in Singapore is about Web of App, I am not sure that it will develop very well in many years. Compared with the algorithms, data structure, machine learning and math, maybe the application system is much easier to learn. People who works on it will be replaceable by anyone else.
That's my doubt above. I would like to practice my adaptation and english and also the ability to live by myself. Meanwhile, I am afraid of waste my time for a few years on the area I do not like.
Anyway, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Couldn't help thinking as I scrolled down the massive number of replies your posting prompted - how long would have these interchanges taken one on one?!
Hemingway said, "There are some things which cannot be learned quickly, and time, which is all we have, must be paid heavily for their acquiring. They are the very simplest things, and because it takes a man's life to know them the little new that each man gets from life is very costly and the only heritage he has to leave.
--Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961)..
I thank you for the time you took to write us all, Derek.
Best,
jo nelsen

WoW DeReK it's obvious you get the wHOLe WoRLd talking... u are the master of connection & connecting.. I remember the first time John the Baker told me about this person he knew in Woodstock & cd baby... & now SiNGaPoRe.. any gum around??? ;) well I am an artis that now has become a webshow host & producer highlighting all types of passion & bringing them global via the show.. we do local thingz & worldly things & feel that both are inspirational to all we get to meet and feature. It would be n honor to have you as a guest one day... ;) HaPPy HoLiDaZe xXx

Hi Derek, I attended a small meet by a local travelling group in Bangalore, India recently. One of the founders said an interesting thing that without a concept of home there won't be a foreign place to discover. So in a way home (local) is necessary but it doesn't imply that home (local) is static! Home (local) could be a place relative to the foreign (global). So wherever I'm right now is my local and I'm free to discover or be global.

I don't know how relevant it is to your article. But somehow I felt I should share it with you :)

Cheers
Pushkar

Thanks for boldly taking lead and sharing your genius to help world artists get paid. Thoreau's best work came from his retreat to his cabin on Walden Pond. Nurture the creative spirit within, Derek. The best is yet to come I can feel it, we are all one.

Have missed you so much!... the lighthouse is lit again, now it's safer to sail in this rough sea of Independent Music... welcome back matey!!!

Perfectly timed post in regards to my own stage of development Derek. I too am recently going inward to reach more outward. Getting back to writing, & recording vs trying to beat down local venue doors for very unrewarding gigs. I've been doing that for a long time because it was my local safety zone. No pressure or deadlines. I've lived on both coasts but always did the same; tried to be a big fish in a small safe pond. That theory doesn't work when our purpose is global.
For some its perfect, but for others like ourselves its just not. Best Wishes for continued successful service to others on a global scale !

Cheers,
Deborah Magone
deborahmagone.com

Good hearing from you Derek...and reading all (well, true confession: skimming most of) the comments. So many of us facing the same dilemma and reaching similar conclusions of choosing where best to spend our resources. I love my local community and hope to be part of making it better, but also recognize the larger concentric circles need to be attended to as well to have impact on my small local circle. Trying to find balance in it all.

Derek, I discovered some great artists through CD Baby that I otherwise would not have. Thank you! I still seek out stations that avoid corporate control and play more than big labels and focus on local artists. Many of the DJs and artists they play obviously are committed to issues that I (and I think many here) consider important. They're doing what they can to make a positive impact and that is inspiring. We all can't do it all for sure, but we all can do some and together we CAN make a difference. Thanks to everyone here for the parts you play that I cannot. I'll do my best to hold up my end and in the end, we all can take pride in work we have done. It ALL matters!

I look forward to more food for thought from you and those who comment on it. Only through such community will we realize any sense of peace and justice in this world.

Love the perspective Derek! I am a big believer that "you don't need others to be happy, happiness comes from within; but if given the choice wouldnt you rather have friends and family around because happiness shared is happiness multiplied?" I have 2 questions I was tackling with after reading your post so I wondered what you'd say about it:

1) Dont you feel like having your parents around? As my parents are ageing into their 70s I feel like they need me so taking off to distant lands feels uncomfortable.

2) how important is an understanding partner when you have such a non-conformist perspective? Does your wife share the same philosophies as you or do you sometimes struggle to convince her of your ways?

I believe that these are both valid phenomena that are each vitally important in their own way. The global business is absolutely not going to stop and yet, there is a need to connect with people that walk past us on the street. Smiles and handshakes are local while internet business is multicultural and international. Blending the mythologies from around the world into a common understanding will bring about unparalleled growth in technology once the "Us" vs. "Them" disappears. This will benefit the most people. I don't think that we have a choice in this, we will become more global as our differences disappear. We can't stop being human on the local scale however.

The final decision comes down to how much value we place on helping an individual. If I help a person find work that is raising children, how does that compare with people around the world going to bed at night listening to my songs? Both are valuable and both take our time. The local one is very gratifying, while the global reaches more people. The question is, which one does the most good for the most people?

Maybe we should focus on the global without turning a blind eye to our community. Otherwise, how are we sure that what we are doing globally will even have the right message? Both can coexist.

Thanks again Derek

Best Regards
Bob Patterson

Scribitis ergo estis

You write therefore you exist.

Thank you Derek, for the clarification. I guess I knew on some level, but reading your article helped me know for certain where I belong.

It's a frustrating thing, being pulled in two different directions......and I definitely see your point, Derek. You presented your point of view in a very diplomatic way. I, personally, have come to the conclusion that I'm a "local" kind of person. With my kind of budget, I'd be spreading myself too thin going globally. I like getting to know people on a personal basis. I don't make near as much money, but It makes me happy. Thanks so much, Derek, for your insight. I always take it to heart.

As always,
Steve Mann

Interesting thoughts!

I lived in Columbus, OH for almost three years without knowing anybody, except for my girlfriend, more than casually. I'm an introvert, so it was a fine experience, but one day, when she was out of town, I thought, "If I wanted to go see a movie (or do anything) right now, I'd have nobody to do it with."

When I decided to move back to Nashville, I made the decision to develop a local community around me. Not always easy, since I'm still an introvert and prefer to be alone most of the time, but worthwhile, I think.

I love what you said about the "pick your brain" session with one person. Curious to know how you reply to people who request that.

This is a win-win-win Derek.
World wins. Singapore wins, it is part of the world after all and You win by doing what your heart tells :)

I've been struggling with this for years.

Feel guilty for not socializing more, have very little local contacts. Others said you have to go out there and meet people. They're going to help my business more so I tried to balance time, but never could.

Thanks for the write up. Now I'm convinced I don't have to put a foot on each boat. I don't try to do things globally, but only a small virtual company would do.

Derek, I think this a fantastic topic to explore. You did a phenomenal job explaining it's complex characteristics. It was also nice that you compared each side to scenarios in your life. Personally I think it would be possible to do both of course. However I think to find even the balance lets say 50-50 you are using 100% of your effort producing 50% for each side. That being said I think by focussing entirely on one, even if it may be in cycles (living local for a period, then living global for a period or vice versa) the production of being 'Locked-In; 100% effort, over the long run it will naturally compensate. Just my opinion, as I love all the feedback everyone else is contributing to this great topic. Well done!
Joey.

Derek,
Unlike many of the posts (and in my insanity I ready almost 200) I am really well established locally and have all the benefits of this. Friends, great community, cool family life, incredible local fan base, churches to play at, festivals offered, house concert opps. Etc.
I get my 140 shows a year easily with virtually not a phone call. However, I find the global connection to be the challenge and I feel a fair amount of frustration at being unable to make that connection. The busy local schedule leaves scant room for all the on-line work that needs doing, so I often just don't do it , or, in the name of attempting "some one thing" I throw some publicity against the virtual "e board" and hope it stickes. It satisfies for a minute, but in the long haul does not seem to pay.
Reading the posts, however, makes me a bit more thankful for the life I've had as a performer and songwriter. Maybe a vibrant local scene can sustain my ever unsatisfied ego. It feel that way right now anyway. Thanks to you and all the cool letters posted. Blessings. J

POWER comes from "multiplying yourself".
Performing for 50 people helps a LIMITED number of people only ONCE. Getting a CD out there helps an UNLIMITED number of people an UNLIMITED number of times.

For me, ONLY real advantage of doing things LOCALLY, is that it stimulates GLOBAL downloads of my music.

So I choose 80% GLOBAL / 20% LOCAL.

Hi Derek,
good thoughts in this post. I am wondering if the question of local or global is not simply answered from an economical point of view. For you as writer and musician the cost of distribution is quite low, through internet probably zero. Limiting yourself to the local market means losing customers. For a farmer, restaurant and car factory owner the cost or distribution can be very high, so the closer their clients are the cheaper their distribution cost. Happy to enjoy more of your future products. A happy customer of yours!

P.S. If you will read the 468 answer to your post?

Interesting obervations, Derek. I would have to say that I'm not all one or the other. I'm member of Bike clubs and entrepreneurial groups locally but I have for many years been an active member of global forums. I very much enjoy being active in both scopes. I think it's good to be balanced. If you focus only on the local you become insular and miss a lot of experiences and insights you can gain from the global stage. If you focus only on the global perspective you miss out on the richness inherent in the local scene. Anyway, great post as always, Bud.

Hi Derek,

That is an interesting way of looking at things. Recently I have also tried making more of an effort to do "global" things instead of "local" as well. My one difference in outlook though is that I find most of the deepest insights I get come from face-to-face interactions with others.

Along with reading a good book, I find that is the best way to grow as a person, whereas spending your time writing, coding, and recording music is more of a solitary act that while enabling you to reach a global audience, it effectively eliminates meaningful face-to-face human contact with people you don't already know.

Knowing you this is not something you will do for time eternal, so I have no doubts if you start to feel things are out of balance you will go back the other way along the continuum.

Hi Derek (and community), I'd like to just be "global." Although my business model to offer an online tools based on the Enneagram does not seem robust enough to be self-sustaining. It seems I have to add in-person business consulting to fill in revenue gaps. But I drag my feet on that. I just want to do the first part. If you or anyone reading this has advice or a comment, don't hesitate to email me at [email protected]. Regards, Ingrid

Very insightful Derek. And it makes sense, since it takes focus to accomplish anything at a high level. Multiple points of focus decrease the energy at any individual point. Sometimes it's frustrating to want to accomplish goals that are competing for your attention, realizing that your time invested is the most powerful and rarest asset.
Thanks for promoting a good conversation!
David Schwartz

While I enjoy reading this posting (because it provides me with a little comfort about my own situation of solitary), I wonder how being global affects your well-being as a person. Here's a different perspective on human connection. http://jeknetwork.typepad.com/networking/2010/04/out-of-your-comfort-zone-networking.html

Derek,

I look forward to publishing all your writing, videos & multimedia - as you said - all "things that can benefit anyone anywhere."

Nick Nicholls
Success Best Practices iPad magazine
https://itunes.apple.com/app/success-best-practices/id560922418?mt=8
SuccessBestPractices.com

Derek Hi!
I understand what you say about having to make choises of "either" "or". But have you tried this?
Working online for the whole wide world during most of the time and every once in a while going out and meeting some lokal people. Not necessarily becoming an insider but at least staying in touch with the spot in the world where you physically are at a given time. You're a nomad alright and will probably not settle down anywhere in particular for long. The way you deceided to live you could live at the northpole if you could have an internet connection or an other desertic place on the face of this planet provided you can go online.
But you would thus miss out on the human component of communicating face to face, sharing a moment, BE together at the same time in the same place. The reality of One-to-One versus virtualy On-to-The-Rest-Of-The-World.
Me, I would love to meet you if you were in Geneva. Hear you play my favorite song by you on a guitar, cheer, drink a beer, smoke a joint, have some fun and give you a hug before you go! That is REAL. I would continue to read what you write and be critical and thankful as ever... But I would always remember how it was to see, hear and feel you!
Nico

Hi Derek,
Thank you for sending me this post. As an American born woman living for the past 22 years in Israel, the topic is definitely of interest to me. About three years ago when I decided to become an Artist full time, I also had this dilemma. I am still struggling with it. While the Israeli art scene is flourishing, the market is almost non-existent. Yet when I started marketing and showing out of the country, I found that without the face to face connections, I would only get so far. In one week in New York I make many connections, but it was not enough. I realized that to succeed, I needed to build up a community. While I am able to do it somewhat electronically, it is never the same as face to face, combined with the social media follow up (manly facebook). I also really like working in collaboration with other people, so I guess for me, It will have to be a bit of both worlds.

I always appreciate your insights, Derek! Having just read your article, I realize that most of my contributions have been locally based. Only recently have I begun exploring globally-focused ways of contributing. My late voice instructor, Gwendolyn Roberts, once told me that we had a responsibility to share our gifts. Indeed, when I told her that I loved reading books for hours considerably more than singing for hours, she offered me a challenge: "If you love books and reading so much, why don't you share this with others?" she demanded. "Why don't you share it?" I spent several years wondering exactly how this could be done. I finally found an answer on the local level -- as a children's librarian -- which has proved deeply satisfying and enriching. And now it's so much easier -- considering all of the technological tools available to us -- to share our passions on a global scale, should we choose. This appears to be my current trajectory as well. Thank you, Derek, for continuing to share your wisdom in this global forum!

Hi mate. The solitude of that house is tugging. I wonder how loud the wind is there? ---- Thanks for sharing more of what you've learned. --- And now totally unrelated, but hopefully helpful to someone. :) ---- I am using 'Focus on an audience you care about and surprise them with 100 little things', as the mantra for a current global project. I like that it has both the global and personal aspects to it. I dunno how I arrived at it, but it seems like a Seth and somebody else mashup that I made. So it's not mine, and I hope it is handy for others wrestling with the global/local dichotomy. Pete

I was thinking as I kept scrolling down, "I know of no other site that gets this many comments." I guess I wasn't the only one. Clearly, you were missed by many, including me. And your gifts are one-on-one in a global community. Everyone-including me-I assume to gather, felt you were writing to them alone, and yet you have in this one post helped a small vilage and have provoked thinking in each one of us. I will not speak for me, for my gifts are not as global as yours. From your replies, I like to think you know this as well. But that's just me ;) So good to hear from you. Blessings.

Derek, thank for making me realize that ... I AM GLOBAL !

Another great read Derek. Always so insightful, yet so simple.

Fascinating stuff. I've actually gone back and forth between the two without even realizing it, myself. (In looking to start a band I tend to jump from searching for instrumentalists entirely among people I know, to searching entirely on Craigslist and the like, and back again.)

Hello Derek;
You're right, I DO enjoy and relate to this article.
"I resemble that remark" apropos here.
I've felt comfortable wherever I've laid my hat for the duration of my stay, a year or more, no matter the level of immersion that I allowed myself ,or accepted, as the "norm" for that precise time veneer in existence.
The heart and soul of an adventurer, it seems, was transplanted into me prior to my birth. I can adapt to either, on a moments notice, usually, with little effort, as well as revert, to said "norm", with equal equanimity.
I find creating for the world is as easily adapted to, for me personally, as is being a one on one mentor. Although, I must admit that the times it's been a 1 on 1 situation, is an extremely limited number, relatively, and has become almost nonexistent in these latter few decades. The obvious conclusion to be drawn thereof, elucidates my preference for solitude while in creative mode.
Though I do enjoy people 1 on 1, less often through the years, I've always felt more comfortable speaking before audiences, groups. The glad-handing afterwards, I find quickly and inexorably exhausting.
Though I sincerely have never sought personal gain or recompense from personal interactions, only that which I might give freely. The greatest reward, being a sense of self worth and accomplishment, came from sharing deeply held passions with people (groups) who were (then) interested in that particular subject, enough to choose be present while I spoke.
I've always been truly humbled by groups being moved to tears, through my sharing, publicly, those aforementioned, and varied, deeply held passions.
So....Derek, BOTH, with a preponderance, leaning heavily, in favor of addressing, for me personally, the greater contribution to the many, verses the one.
IMHO...as always, thought provoking fodder for the feeding and creation, of new wrinkles in our collective array of grey matter.....TY...............Harris
(man of few words.......... per second)
P.S.... I love(d) Oregon, Lived in Portland, Beaverton, Zig Zag, and Bend. There will always be a soft spot in my heart for OR.

I was just discussing this with my parents last night. I feel I am global as well. I am more tuned to recording and writing 100 songs than playing live gigs. So why don't I just do that? My business is my utopia, not someone elses.

Also because I feel split between 2 countries. I can pretty much live anywhere and not loose any fanbase since my focus is global.

Great to hear from you again ! I certainly appreciate your wisdom. Global is what I strive for. Keep it coming....

Michael

Thanks Derek

Hi Derek!

Just want to say thank you for you great inspiration and work!

Thanks!
/
Fredrik

Have you ever considered yourself an introvert?

1) You get tired interacting with local people (I'm guessing in person).

2) You seem to prefer modes of communication that are asynchronous (written, pre recorded, etc).

We're a very misunderstood species, we can be outgoing when the situation calls for it, or when we're around people we know very well. Even among introverts, the level of introversion can vary greatly. I wrote a little blog post about this a while back: http://giantrobotbattle.com/confessions-of-an-introvert/

As to focusing your efforts locally or globally, there's something to be said for the difficulty of making a difference globally. It takes a long time and a large amount of effort to be recognized and gain notoriety. This is easier to do on a local level I think.
Absolutely. Very INTj — Derek

Derek,
I wondered what happened to you! My question is, what have you been talking to all those local people about in Singapore for two years?
Apologies if you already answered that,
-as I had to fast forward after reading the 200th response! BTW I'm so happy you actually emailed this and did not post it on facebook as I never would have read it there. I hope you'll continue to communicate directly by email to your global following!
Lots of advising and mentoring people about their business. (Basically answering their questions.) But lots of people want to have a “meeting” when really it just means they want to hang out for a couple hours. Problem is, because we call them meetings, they're done during weekday daytimes, and usually quite one-sided, asking my advice, again. I don't mean to sound TOO down on it. I also learned a lot about Singapore and Asia, but in the end, I'd rather be creating. — Derek

Hey Derek! Loved the post and feel the same way you did having lived in China for over 4 years. Although I am here because I am focused on my goals I don't even realize some of the stuff around me (neighborhood wise). I do out with the Rock (Siberian Husky) and that is probably the only time I get to meet the Chinese people, especially when they scream and run and look at my dog thinking it is a wolf, haha!

Great post!

Derek C. :)

zow derek, that is a lot of people making comment. you should start a religion!
your comments remind me of marshall mcluhan's global village. before we had an internet, he talked about the impact of connectivity in the form that we now enjoy (sic) it. cheap long distance phone (skype) and email combined with jet air travel make local become global very quickly.
but your comments are really reflecting on community, your immediate local community, and the balancing act that you, or anyone finds appropriate.
we started a world music conference in montreal called mundial (neither english or french!) last year in a local environment, but to develop global (north american) relationships. we put people on air planes, take them to dinner and make them listen to music, locally.
music without borders is beautiful, even though one must often deal with immigration and visas.

people seem to be having a love / hate relationship with their communication loads, so i hope you have returned to help creatively develop some new / better systems for us to manage the ridiculous flow of info bits.
thanks for your contributions to date, looking forward to hearing about more. - derek andrews.

Glad you are back. Missed you.
Todd

I understand entirely about not getting to know your local neighbors; I rarely seem to do it, but it's not because I'm globally focused like you are, Derek! It's just because I'm a recluse type. :-) Glad you had this insight and are going back to sharing with your global neighbors instead.

Yea everything in balance even if the balance is one sided. I never thought I would be global I was never going to use a computer. Its great to have the extended big back yard. I think if we totaly go one way or another something is lacking. Even if its just spare time mixing localy, thats enough to keep that little connection. Where you are is where you are and of course to interact localy is always a choice. I myself love both ... I am not sure on the income side of things depends on how great you feel you have to become and how much money you want to make and build. All things can have its + and - fors and against. All I can say I am happy as to where I am at the moment.

Hi,

Many thanks for a great article once again. As usual, it might have pricked a little on my own pride and belief but I can relate to what you are getting at.

As a Singaporean myself, I know all too well the tendency to try too hard and doing too much zero-ing in the initial plans we set for ourselves (career, family, etc) only to have neglected the many aspects what really makes us us.

Looks like I will have to wait a little while longer to ask you out for casual coffee then. LOL!

Trav

Derek, I wish you would all put all that knowledge and experience to work in another company .

It's the age of Aquarius age of aquaaaarrriiuuusss!

I always thought about the cycles of a musician's life that way. Local and introverted when writing or recording, then when it's time to promote the album, global and extroverted for touring, tv appearances, radio, and so forth. The two at the same time don't really go together, a least, not in this analogy. Glad to hear your back in the global (our) world and looking forward to hearing from ya! Missed you and your amazing brain :)


Sinem

Local fame can be a trap if you only focus on being popular with the folks in your region/city etc . Music travels more than we can so spread it out far & wide. Multiversal language, these frequencies we manipulate.

Thanks for writing this. I've been thinking about this recently too. I started a local band a few years ago specifically to work in my new hometown, and it has become very successful. We play over 150 gigs each year in town, organize a local festival, have great relationships with tons of local musicians and city institutions, and generally contribute to the well-being of the city, all while giving me and my band members a partial income and a fun and socially rewarding job.

But prioritizing the band has meant that I'm not writing musical theater or recording original songs or moving to LA to pursue film scoring, or really thinking of myself as a creative with a more global focus, and I'm disappointed about that. I've been thinking that it has at least a little to do with my thinking about money- that I would need to get into a position in which I can afford to turn down $100 gigs so that I can have time to take on bigger creative projects.

Great article. I thankfully live in a community that does both. Because 95% of the people here are Shomer Shabbat, we spend the week working on our own projects and 25 hours every weekend meditating, studying, praying and eating together. We also have local classes and prayer sessions during the week that help bring us together. It works very well in a community of 35 families, not sure how well it would work in a larger environment.

Lots of interesting comments here.

Focus locally, versus focus globally and asking what time to spend in either genre of focus, seems to miss a certain point; that point being, can you identify what most helps along the process of creating useful things ...

Think globally, to help test what you're doing locally, perhaps; but also, how you spend your time, i.e., local focus, so not such an expansive internal process of contemplation, but perhaps being more present for others directly; or a global focus, open to what might be useful on a local level, that could translate into global usefulness.

A key element here, though, seems to be asking what helps the most, with the creative process of not only discerning the needs of oneself and others, but generating useful ideas about those needs ...

Your answer, Derek, seems to be, that for you, solitude helps open up that internal creative flow, i.e., that useful ideas seem to come from for you; yet, doing something useful with the ideas, will always involve those ideas meeting people and situations on a local level; so perhaps global is tied to local and vice versa; but a good question might still be, what type of setting for your given focus, at any particular time, helps best ... with the creative process of coming up with useful things, ideas, processes, solutions, etc. ...

No longer will the saying be, perhaps, as in some days of old, "go north young man, to seek your fortune"; but rather "go global, with your ideas" ... useful ones, that is!

You got me thinking; that got me writing; I guess that was the idea ...

Looks like you've generated a ton of reading for yourself, as well.

Here, it's back to getting the Christmas lights up ... : - )

Great post, it's a fresh way of looking at this subject. Never thought about it like this before. I like how you show that it's applicable for each and every industry.

It definitely rings true to my life situation and the digital nomads around me. Good luck on the writing, recording and programming. May they fulfill your global ambitions.

Hey!

I can definitely relate to the global/local dichotomy- born in US - grown in France, father Bolivian - mother Dutch - with opportunities to do music (record and perform), work and study all over the Americas and Europe, albeit on a small scale.

While the internet is really useful I don't think that we can live "globally". We always live locally... we need the community around us. I do see how producing recorded music (which outweighs performing in my case) helps to reach out to a more global audience - and even immortalizes to a certain extent - there is something about that live performance that is not captured. The live energy that is shared.

Anyhow! ;-)

Hi Derek
What to do if there is a language barrier in there. I work and live in Switzerland as a Journalist. And have a Blog (for pleasure and business reason). First the blog was in english. But it took me a big effort to let everything translate and the blog was rigid. Now I switched to german but I can see my readers are from all over the world. So: quality or global thinking?

Nothing unique to add to yours Derek. A reasonable balance of both is good if you can. Local is important for that sense of belonging. Imagine the talents and skills your fellow locals don't experience if you are constantly global. Tap into wherever you can I say!

Hi Derek,

very interesting post! Congratulations!

Question:

What would have happened if you had been successful locally? For example, if you had been a very successful country music singer but only in the USA?

In the end: Todo Depende!!

Anyway, without doubt your lifestyle always framed on the Global Big Picture has been inspiring and very meaningful!!

All the best!

Fab

Hi Derek,
I think you should certainly be global because that is where you can have the greatest impact on the world and I feel making a significant difference is not only important to you but also your passion.
For me, I have an amazing ability to not connect to anything local or global. I travel on the outer edge of humanity always wondering how I can find a sense of belonging to anything in this world. I am still working on finding this path...
Thanks for your thoughts. They always make be ponder deeper issues.
Keep sailing the oceans of your inner landscape...
Ed.

it seems the point is not really to realise you're global or local (instinctively, deep inside, you've been knowing for some time already). The point is to state it ! If you state you're global, that makes the local time relevent in some way (as it stands in its not-priority place). Actually, local starts feeding your global sleeping thoughts in a non intrusive way, since you've definitely declared yourself global. So i do think you're one or the other, not both. And i do think Derek is now unleashed (watch you back guys ;)

Thanks Derek for the post, it's always great to hear your personal insight from your varied experiences. There's a lesson that everyone can learn from this.

I am totally focused on outside now. Building the web-site, posting, writing my second book. I am yet to find out if it resonates with people and if my assessment om the niche is right. At the moment it is going tough. I probably need to focus on what I feel drawn to - writing. My niche - energy saving for the large estates - is narrow. I have no choice but to cover as much territory to get people to find the benefits from what I am doing.

My inside is my family: wife and two children.

As for me, screw local: they don't deserve it. I'm looking to contribute on the world stage.

Thank you, as always, for the insight.

Aloha and welcome back Derek! I appreciate the time you took out of your schedule to reach out to me as well. I will never forget your willingness to give back. You will be blessed in whatever new venture you decide to go in to. Fyi...I had an epiphany on a new possible location...how about "Hawaii" lol. Anyhow, have a great week and happy holidays!

One could also argue that from a moment-to-moment perspective we are only ever focused on one location at a time.. if it's not your local you're focused on than it's someone elses local. So, could acting global be redefined an effort to impact other local communities from a distance?

As you say there is no right or wrong.. it really comes down to what resonates with your true purpose.. I believe that when you're in allignment with your purpose locational focus will become self-evident.. & like a pendulum, that could swing between local & global (other local).. the challenge is getting into the natural flow of that rhythm..

Thx for sharing your thought & perspective Derick.. good to shine a light on this.

Dino :)

Thanks for an insightful post. You've inspired me to add my own experience. I grew up by the sea and for 50 years I have lived in the UK Midlands and longed to get back there. My family is very important to me and we see each other regularly via all kinds of media including plenty of f2f. But my friends and colleagues are scattered around the world. So three weeks ago I took the plunge and moved to a beautiful coastal town where I know nobody but can see the beach from every window and be down there in 2 minutes. I'm still commuting to my Midlands job every week, but the rest of the time my body is where it needs to be, close to the waves, and my mind is where it loves to be: in cyberspace. Why did I wait so long?

As a fishing guide I would sometimes make my self big,
like a bird, and search the whole lake...
Or if I already knew where to go,
I would make myself small, and dissect that one spot.

I agree. Approaching life being local-focused we could lost something globally. On the other hand, being global-focused we feel, virtually, a difference between digital and real world. It is challenging to blend these two sides of our lives.

Learn to harmonise with yourself, your inner child and then you'll find the world harmonises with you. It is probably right to dive into most yearnings so you can see clearly if that is what you want or not. Connections, whether local or global are all important. For the music business you have to spread your wings but the closest friendships have to be face to face, at least for me, right now. Maybe in the future it will be telepathically equally strong!

Thought provoking. Thanks for sharing. And good that you finally accepted where your strengths lie. People can spend a lot of time trying to improve something they'll never be that "great" at, when they could've used that time and energy to enhance skill sets they already have.

I think the question isn't necessarily local or global, it's more of where you can (and are willing to) add value.

For myself, I'm actually doing both.

Welcome back to your ever-moving home.

Many, many, eons ago… I became born of this earth somewhere in the torrid belly regions of central Africa. Early on, I realized that this, clearly, had been a mistake. I had come here from a previous place… a place that I could almost, but not quite, remember. Although, I did very much enjoy the freedom of our communal dances… my large and unruly family spoke and behaved in a manner unknown and abrasive to my sensibilities. This was not right. Little did I know that, four million years later, I would document this dropping-off-place as the beginning of my life on this particular orbiting sphere.
Oddly enough, even nowadays, in the year 2012, some of us can’t seem to find our personal and spiritual “home”. But, we keep looking for it. “Home” has to be a place where you can honestly say to yourself, “This is it… this feels like home… You wear it like your skin… Yep, this is it”. At times, we will live and hang our hats in places that are not really “home”. Most of us can tell you where it used to be; the old neighborhood… the small town where we grew up with family and friends… the family farm… But, like some old Greek philosopher said, “You can’t step in the same river twice”. Sometimes an old tree might feel like home. Maybe, now, it’s just sitting down some place where we like to go and think… like by that old tree, maybe. Willow trees, for instance, are said to have certain mystical qualities. And, oak trees can be good listeners. Old photographs, a few hand written letters, and some old songs can afford us a pretty good visit.

Today, I have several homes... Tennessee, California, New York and one in the ether, where I revisit previous homes, both on and off the stage.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, like Kheiron Q. said: very thought provoking.

I've been actually discussing this 'global' vs. 'local' level-of-focus lately in a different context: that of bitcoin ( www.bitcoin.org ) , ripple ( www.ripple.com / ripple-project.org) and local currency/LETSs. I have changed the way I view these 3 things in terms of how much they resonate with people who are socially active primarily on the local/middle/global levels, with bitcoin being ideal really only for the globals(it's useful for closer to home things but has drawbacks for those use cases), and with ripple being kind of a means of acting and participating on multiple middle levels at once.

As someone who's not local so much, perhaps you can find some benefit in this shred of insight.

And in case any other musicians are reading this far down in the comments, you might be able to 'fine tune' which fans you are trying to connect to by your choice of use of these systems. Advertising more in BTC might actually draw in the global crowd (at the cost of the locals), at least in the near term, for example.

I'm kind of a global by nature, but Facebook in particular has kind of messed that dynamic up. It's allowed interaction with a certain kind of local people a lot easier, and that has kind of caused me to drop down a little in scope. It's not working very well, though, so thinking about this is pretty pertinent for me.

Performing guitar in front of a crowd is my local connection, emotionally draining but socially rewarding. My global is the sales of self penned music to people I've never met and likely never will. As for travel, a trip to the grocery store and back works best!

I also enjoy working on things that are meaningful in terms of what those things do for others. The online world allows me to do that. Local has a different feel to it altogether. It is more "personal" and in my case that makes things a bit more... contrive? Regardless, for me keeping an eye on the "neighbourhood" while "working on the world" is a fun and fruitful combination.

well put. often we forget to keep our eyes the disjunction between dreams and reality, theory and practice, though. i've stopped listening to peoples' global dreams - i interrupt them before they can get to first base and say, "sorry to be rude, but before you inflict this on the world, why not try doing it locally for three years, tweaking it, perhaps to the point of perfection, and getting real feedback from real people ?" it's easy to spend time online pretending you're making a difference to the globe. it's probably not as easy to write 250 poems in cape town about cape town and it's magic, then print 250 copies of your anthology and sell them at poetry readings in cape town. but it's real.

I can completely relate to your post Derek. I moved from London to a small coastal town four years ago and at the same time my daily focus went from face-to-face to online (through necessity to keep the company going). I love my online connectedness and creating stuff that helps people anywhere but I think I recognised that I needed to have some local activity too and am working on combining the two through education and the hoped-for creation of a community arts centre and self-guided educational space (bringing things like Massive Open Online Courses into a purpose built local and social learning set up). Don't you think that the boundaries are blurring now?

It appears from your perceptions that you are someone who is way ahead of his time in a universe with limited mindsets. From all that you have mentioned, I can get a glimpse that you consider your identity to be universal in terms of been a member of the human race and your domicile is planet earth and not a specific part of it. That's it kid you've arrived. Don't you worry about the old fashioned thinkers you are light years ahead of them and that alone is a tremendous achievement.

I've always tended to identify with a community of shared interests first of all and this has meant the geographic focus can lead anywhere and might not be tied to where you live.

In the end your family act like gravity I have found, there is the pull of these connections exerting themselves no matter where you find yourself on the planet.

Local ... real people, from the point of view of music marketing, tend to start off impressed & interested, then they realize what you new all along, that your just a person, same as them & they can beat you at darts, or drink you under the table.

From the music marketing point of view its best to see people sporadically & fill them with enthusiastic up beat news, or they tend to pull you down ... in my opinion anyway.

Looks like we like the Derek "goin global" Sivers. Good to have you back buddy... if evenin a reverse kinda way!

I never have trouble making friends. I can go out now and find 10 people to make friends with in the next hour. The problem this is local. Global I have non. I have a really difficulty in making friends online. Making friendships last. Perhaps my expectations are different. Perhaps I'm doing something critically wrong. Perhaps I am too needy. Anyway this article has made me realize that I have to perfect a new skill so thank you.

Man, great hearing from you. I was refreshingly surprised to hear from you. "Anything you want" was oxygen for me. So glad to get your email. Welcome back. We need your fertilizer for growth.

Glad to have you back Derek! Your comment makes sense and in your situation i would do the same.

Thank you for your post. You showed me something i've always know on some level but never really been able to put my finger on. My dilemma is that i feel more globally inclined but feel i have to act locally or i will feel guilty about ignoring what's (and who's) close to me.

I guess it's all about balance and allowing oneself to be true to one's inclinations.

Hmm -- i feel a pun about balance and inclinations coming up :)

Thank you for writing this Derek! I have long felt similarly, having travelled so much and never feeling like I "need to" or "should" call any one place home. I have a whole new way of thinking about it now, thanks to you! I feel a song comin' on...

Good point. i've been living abroad for a while and where i don't fell local there are ties and specially people that links me to the different places i've live in. Even if they weren't local but there's always the people you interact with at work, school or so on...

Derek, sharing your insight the way your so wonderfully blessed to do triggered a few thoughts:

(a) That we have a built-in preference on how we interact with others do to many factors like personal interests, level of trust, preference of deep relationships vs. a variety, tolerance or acceptance of pain, and even sensitivity to people's energy, attitudes and propensity to cliques- the list goes on....

It can be pretty heavy and cumbersome dealing locally for many, because we can be aware or self-aware of the unseen plethora of information, almost like an "invisible" augmented reality that
only our mind and spirit can sense, but our eyes
can't see. Technology has not caught up to this...yet, but we are trying!

We exchange so much
information in-person...verbal, gestural, mental, low-level body frequencies, etc., wanted or not- that's the draining
experience you feel at the end of the day!!

On the other hand, a global approach isn't necessarily encumbered by the "weight" of an in-person experience as
much of it is distant a bit more muted and filtered, allowing emphasis on how you prefer or concentrating on modes of interaction that
support the communication sought, which in may help solve problems, prevent from being "read" or even judged by superficial
traits that may interfere with outcomes.

Isn't it great when you get hundreds of "spirited" and heartfelt responses in minutes, nearly impossible to do in person, so a global focus certainly has its advantages and I happy you have made such a insightful distinction..thank you!

Derek I Feel Exactly The Same Mate

"a Prophet is not without Honor, save in his own land"

Doing Music Stuff locally feels like selling double glazing to your family for me

I've talked lots about doing things in my home town but would only do it if it were big and for Charity

That said ...


I’m in the process of launching two new Services:

http://musicvirtualmanagers.com/

And

http://www.streamix.info/

The first of which shall have a local component and the later completely Global


Very Best Regards

Dean G. Hill MA MBM
Established – www.TourDates.co.uk – Online
Evolved – www.RavenBlackMusic.com – Real World
Envisioned – www.ExposureMusicAwards.org – Live Music Events
www.FaceBook.com/RavenBlackMusic / www.FaceBook.Com/ExposureMusicAwards

Mentored by Sir John HarveyJones
Won Awards Recognising Business Innovation
Consulted for BBC Strategy Executives on ‘Introducing’

@eMusicAwards
Also Coming Next
THE StreamiX AMP

Great! Thanky ou as always! I'm gonna go to the local pub and make new friends!

Thanks for sharing this story Derek. And I'm very glad you're focussing on global again!

Thanks for the insight Derek - it's good to hear from you again.

I'm just back in from a two week tour in the UK where I was very centred and feeling confident in my being and doing - but as soon as I come home my head starts to hurt thinking about family commitments and local stuff I have to do in the coming weeks (a community choir I'm leading are taking part in various Christmas events) - and as one of your previous commenters said, it always feels good to know you're not the only one!! For me I find it exhausting trying to fit in to other people's normality ... I guess I need to make sure that I have more things in my life that keep me centred. It certainly helps to hear someone else's perspective on it all.
Best wishes for mid Winter whereever you are.
Fil

Very helpfull post Derek ! I'm definitely digging this right now as I'm being confused by the choice of going local in my home town of Quebec, or staying in China with my wife and only focusing on writting and recording music from home...I guess it will come down to my love of the stage and live shows, wich I just can't live without (and pretty much impossible or deadly boring here...).

Thanks for the great post !

I dunno, Derek. I can't decide if you're talking more about making connections or doing good work. It seems to me that locally or globally, you are making connections. 553 of these connections responded to just one article in just one day. And I don't see from your post that it's the local or the global that is forcing you to make a decision. I have also experienced both; I've lived in 6 countries and 12 cities and never more than 5 years at a time and with that kind of track record, being local is tough, but like you in Singapore, I know it's possible. But I think when you say is exhausting you are describing something else. I used to work with a guy in New York that would sit with me through long, groupthink conversations on big team projects. They were "Local" level discussions that, as you say, wear you out. And this guy inspired me by looking around at the group and saying "I don't need to weigh in on this, I just want to do good work." And he would politely back away and put himself to work, and he would come back and deliver something useful, and the group would love him for it. Maybe it's the INT in you (I see that you are INTJ... I am INTP) but it sounds like what you like best is just doing good work. And I think this is possible at the local level as well as at the global level. So if your work keeps you from reading and responding to all 553 global comments in this article of yours, I think that will be just fine. Let's get creating.

Welcome back Derek.

' Two hours spent being useful to one person who wants to “pick my brain” is two hours I’d rather spend making something that could be useful to the whole world'.

You really got my attention after reading that. It's a very difficult senario to overcome. Focus a short time on one and more on the other and you will always reach to the same conclusion/feeling. VERY INTERESTIN'!!

I'm gonna have to sleep on this one Derek.

Nice one!

I applaud the clarity of thought. Several months ago I asked you to do an interview for my radio show. You told me what you were doing and that you needed to focus locally at that time. Now you have made your choice after "testing" what you feel is right for you. Still love to have you on my show to tell this story!
Marty Wolff

Thank you food for thought! Your job is done for now.

Thanks Derek!

I've been trying to explain this to my local friends (Houston, Texas) for years. Every minute I make and distribute music and video is a minute I can't spend at the blues jam or someone else's gig. That's why I invite 100 artists to my fake fest and video shoot every March (SOUTH BY DUE EAST). That's my time to meet up and hang with my community (and hear their bands) while we create audio and video to help us ALL promote ourselves and our music scene. Time well spent is great, but, we should always be in tune with how that time keeps you from spending it well in other ways.

Thank you for spending time with me/us over the years. It's a long time since your funk band, and partially because of your choices - it's been a good time for indies around the world.

Guy

like this a lot Derek

Hi Derek...very interesting letter...this will be such a simple response compared to many of the more interesting responses you got with this question...I am self employed and have never even seen half of this country let lived outside of it...I think because one is self employed he / she rarely has the time to see many people other than their clients...I live in NJ and spend 80 pct of my time in my basement sewing canvas covers...if I am not doing that I am trying to take care of something around this house and if not that I am fixing something at my parents house...I have a drum kit in the basement in my shop and rarely get to sit down on it...I just find it very difficult to have much of social life being self employed so many times I feel just like you...I am here but rarely get to see anyone locally lol...I think you have had the luxury of doing both and have "found your nitch" in leaning toward the outside world so to speak...you can still meet "new people" but lucky for you, you can now attach a face to some of your online friends ha ha...I would like to have that privilege with you someday...take care and have a great day.

Thanks Derek, Your posts are always a welcome read.

Hi Derrick,

Looking forward to seeing, hearing and experiencing your global focus.

As always, your posts are thought provoking and very useful.

Thank you.

Michael

Great article and it articulates the two worlds that I strive to balance in my music outreach.  But I think Derek would agree whether I am connecting with someone online or in person it is a human being and deserves to be treated as such and not just another number, notch in my belt, fan on my facebook, or sale in the can.  But as I strive to impact people with my music and message weather online or off the goal is to be honest, real and forthright.  Commit to what you can do and be honest when you can’t. As an artist I greatly appreciate the achievements that Derek has made for indies over the years and his insight and reflection are truly beneficial!  Thanks Derek for you efforts they are appreciated and I look forward to your continued endeavors!

The two are needed. Local and global in balance. Local friends are real, practical, tangible, whereas global internet friends and organizations are more a feeling of oneness and unity and being part of a global movement of consciousness like the 60's peace movement. The internet is changing the world. Derek, there is a place in Ecuador, La Merced Hot Springs, a small artist and retirement village nestled at the foot of a mountain an hour east of Quito. Many have heard of Vilcabamba and I have lived there and Cuenca, there too, but this place is tops imho.

Thank you for the post. Good to hear from you going global again. this remind me what Mr. Brian Felsen told me about making something after an interval of years.:)
Although you are far away from me and I'm never meeting and talking with you directly, Your posts always inspire me.

The idea of local vs global is an illusion we all participate in because of the way humans are constructed. We usually start out our learning's via the ego side of the brain and wire our neural network accordingly. Later on, in discovering consciousness, we ask different questions. The upshot becomes an ever evolving view of the universe. Then, looking back on systems built on ego, we discover they are all authoritarian structures without power. Only in consciousness is there power. So, musically speaking, the industry of music is a for profit system that ignores the consciousness of musicians and focuses on people who happen to play music. Or producers as manufacturers. in trying to make a living, many musicians have to go elsewhere to survive. That's just the way things are set up in the "real" world. We should probably move the markers to Conscious vs Marketable. Not that you can't live in both . . . it's just rare these days.

A lot of talking about doing can be inherently exhausting and feel unproductive especially when you are a "giver". When you have a lot to give creatively to the world (you identify with your artistry) it seems most effective to focus on your art be it technology or whatever and let others learn to do their art, not by talking to them but by observing the result of yours. The idea that people learn by what we do not what we say is what comes up for me here. Thanks Derek for your sharing/artistry in whatever form, it's full of love and we feel it. My website above is dedicated to people building their life energy so they can live the creative lives they enjoy on their own terms. I've heard that when a way is not for us, it's tiring, when it's for us, it's energy giving. I believe that. The challenge is to live that and not "push" ourselves to do things we "think we should". Peace and love to you and your family

Thanks so much for this, Derek. Global vs. Local has been a prominent topic in my life/career this year, and I think the way you approach this is right on target, and much appreciated.

Derek - so insightful and intriguing. I think locally but act globally (or at least nationally). I teach classes near my home, but write articles and attend conferences all over the US. Not sure that puts me somewhere in the middle, but maybe for me I've found the perfect balance between the two. Maybe one will expand the other. I haven't become ridiculously famous for my writing or teaching, but I feel I'm making a difference in women's lives. So, to the extent I've found happiness in what I'm doing, both locally and (somewhat) globally, perhaps there is a happy middle. Be well, and keep up this wonderful global work!

Derek

There aren't many posts that get 578 comments and counting so your opinions matter to a very wide audience.

My take on the local/global issue: There seems to be a physical geography aspect to this then there is the narrow project v big thinking aspects. The geography part is less important. It's just a base. A place to feel grounded. Somewhere that allows you to do your best work. Could be London or Boston or Paris or Carmel.
The bigger issue for people like you with huge insightful messages is do you go local as in small local projects with small footprints or go big with big projects with global reach. I think the projects you pick naturally force local or global. I feel given the power of your insights I'd vote for your choice of global so start writing!

And if it involves entrepreneurship I want to help.

Best

Ian

Derek is bk! Wish I could "like" some comments up in here ;)

I moved around so much that I’m not from anywhere. I feel equally connected to London, Los Angeles, New York, New Zealand, Singapore, San Francisco, Iceland, and India. I care about people in all of those places. They’re all equally home. Just because I live in one now, doesn’t mean I should ignore the others.

Derek, it is interesting that you write this at this point in your life. My moving around occurred in what could be considered my formative years; 8 yrs old to 22 years old; and I've been in the same area now for the past 30. Like you, I felt equally connected in each place I lived, and I think you correctly note the reason for this when you state, further into this post, "...it’s based on who you are..."

Though you qualify that statement with the word "now," you always will be who you are now, because you can only live in the now, not the past, nor the future. Only now.

Good luck with your writing, your business and staying in the now, globally.

You have wisdom beyond your years Mr. Sivers & I appreciate reading your insight to stuff!
I am an mechanical engineer by day and a musician by night! I rarely get paid for gigs, I mostly do benefits! I do this because of the competition I would create with my local musician friends, who do this as a living. I also stay locally because I don't have the money to travel, and as I grow older I don't have as much time for it either. So its nice to hear you talk of what its like out there in the real world! But, I would find it very difficult to travel as you do, having so many places to hang all your hats! Remember buddy, there's not a shred of evidence in favor of the idea that life is serious. Keep doin' what your doin! :)

Hi Derek, great post.

My favorite post from you is the one about something being you absolute want to do...or, it is a "no".

Now, I've been to Singapore, and as much as liked the place, it was still a welllll...."no" (as a place of residence).

Maybe you should keep looking to get to the "absolutely" want to stay place.

In fact, maybe you want to stay a couple of months in several "absolutely" locations around the year...

....birds do it too (because they can), so it seems like it should come naturally, it's more of a self-limiting belief to stay in one place year-round.

Thanks for your perspective, it really makes a lot of sense... I have been wondering myself for a long time how to do more of both. With my company, we have a big international fan base in comparison to our local audience, however, much of our work is done locally, recording, networking,etc.. when it comes to trying to expand Locally(getting shows, etc) it becomes very tiresome dealing with closed minds as apposed to getting offers randomly to do international shows most times we can't even get to, unfortunately... I now see what you mean about the choices we make.

I think part of it is your awareness. You are difintely aware of your presence globally and locally. Others, not so much. They sleepwalk through life and don't have the least bit interest of where they are, who they interact with, or if they have an impact here, there or anywhere. The more you are aware of your surroundings the more you will choose wisely.

It depends on what I'm focusing on.
Athletically, if I'm playing tennis in a local league or golfing, it's definitely local. But I'm still interested in the major tournaments, as is the rest of the world.
Where my art is concerned, (writing, composing, painting), I'm not locally oriented because I'm too busy with new ideas as they surface.
If I'm spending time with my family or friends then the focus is local. When I'm spending time on my art the focus is global.
For me the best strategy is to find a balance between the two that keeps me happy, while not getting too bored.

You pose the local/global relationship as an either/or. Of course its a both/and. We like to simplify into distinct categories, The richness in life is in celebrating the complications and shades of gray residing in the overlaps.

Loved this post :-)

I'm fixing electronics (analog n digital) one by one, figuring out how it's work. And meet my costumer one by one. My costumers is my friend too. I have had deep relationship with them all.

I meet my close friends once a week... hangout somewhere... eat "tahu masak" or "mi ayam"

At the most, I spent my time in my room (homelab). Read, learn, practice, n calculate...
Electroics, Programming, Physics, Chemistry, Math...

I think I got both of balance, local n global.
Balance for me is not 50/50, but 90/10...
90 for my solitude, 10 for my social.
I learned how to make deep conversation in person in 5minutes... 5minutes is enough...

Derek
I would suspect based on your blog each of the two choices, globally and locally have made a significant impact in your life and who you have become. For everything there is a season. Really enjoyed your insight.

Very interesting Derek!

I've had this happen to me with my band: over committing locally never left time or energy to spread globally. Luckily it's all sorted our now.

Hope you're well!

This choice is something I have struggled with too. I moved to a new country where I didn't know anybody and I knew or met a lot of people remotely and did almost all of my work or study from home, working with many others although I was not physically with any of them. I always hated the word 'local'. After about 8 years I felt incredible loneliness. Then I made a big effort to become local and I feel I am getting a good balance now. I have as many contacts in other countries as I do living a few doors away from me. I think both are essential to happiness, and that being extroverted or introverted can go through cycles too

Though I am local I do think global and yet do nothing.
I do nothing because I get no push to do anything.
I did do a lot in the mid 90's , but now I just get paid for doing nothing and I am not allowed to work or drive a car anymore.
And I did learn a lot back in 2001 and know that all is energy energy just evolves and When I am done here I will get to do some great things.
Roadhawk

Hi Derek,
Great insight, thank you for sharing with us!

Thought provoking as always. I have been thinking on this very subject for some time. (Years) and where do I fit. I have decided that currently my work, time, resources, are very localized. I am a weight trainer, group fitness etc. A trainer regardless of what you want to call it, and I work with mostly older adults, sometimes I am in the local high schools or in between. Its interesting to see the duality there actually!
Currently my time is very hands one. I am touching (almost literally) perhaps 100 people a week. Sending energy, time, experience, love and care to these people.

ahhh . . . my hand slipped and posted before I was finished.

My point is this . . . currently I am up close and personal with my world, its right in my face. I am casting my nets wide and seeing very intimately what affect (positive and negative) I have on the world around me. My intent is to do well by these people, sometimes that just doesn't happen. That's okay.

But at some point I may become global. I looked closely at global and realized that is not where I am currently meant to be. It did not resonate for me right now.

Down the road perhaps. I like the peace I have of "knowing" that this is my place in the world and that it can change or not.

I still send lots of Love and light and prayers daily around the world. I know it makes a difference. So my duality looks very intimate. I like that.

Thanks for the thought process!
Col

Hey, Derek,

Really glad you're back. Funny you should be bringing up this idea. I have been struggling with this local/global conflict for awhile. I am exhausted from being so local, and your article has given me a little push to make some changes. Thanks!
Best,
Frank

Thanks Derek! So happy to have you back. I look forward to reading more of your inspirational and thoughtful words.

'But if you over-commit yourself locally, you under-commit yourself globally, and vice-versa.'
-...interesting, I have never really thought about this

'So I’m finally admitting : I’m not local.'
-the decision has been made...good

'I’m going to stop doing in-person meetings, and turn my attention fully to writing, programming, and recording things that can benefit anyone anywhere.'
-this right here is tight....this is about the best drive, mission, attitude, choice, attribute anyone can have...I like it even though I am about 90% local. You’re cool man...

Derek
Good insight and perspective on life and one of the decisions we all have made, overlooked or never thought about. I can kind of see your imprint in the world...

Your post is timely for me. Thanks for your viewpoint, Derek.

Hi Derek

You are such a blessing to the world :) As you said, there's no right or wrong, just what feels right at that point in time.

I'm sort of struggling with a similar dilemma, but in a different way. While location independence is my ultimate goal, I do need to stay local (as in engage in face-to-face business) for the time being to generate some short-term basic cash flow, while I work on establishing a viable online business that will be sustainable in the long-run.

So while I'm impatient to start travelling and seeing the world again, I'm also quite happy at the moment being involved in different local projects. Having said that, I know that I will need to sort out my online business strategy soon - because I'm itching to travel and meet different people again :)

So my perspective on local-global is a bit different, because my motivation is different from yours - but I get what you're saying. I still struggle to wrap my head around how you manage to keep up with all your email correspondence (and comments to your blog posts!), on top of everything else you do :) You're a machine (with a big heart)! :)

Keep rocking the world! Lots of love xx

"The earth was my home; I would never feel lost while it held me.” – William Stafford, You Must Revise Your Life

Right on! I feel the same.
Thank you, it is very well written.
peace love light
Debo

Hi Derek,
Good to hear from you. While valid, I believe your focus shifts with your wisdom and inclinations. I have lived in Austin, TX for a good while but have had business in 67 countries. While I cannot keep up with all my friends, I realize we were made for relationship and to ignore this is to deny the adventures for which we were made. While in Costa Rica a few weeks ago, I met people from Russia and Brazil while sharing a common passion for tarpon fishing. I also discovered that they need what I provide. Hmmm, maybe we'll find a way to get together sooner than later.

I think it's simply a matter pf personal preference whether to live a life locally or globally. Each has its own rewards and challenges. You superimpose yourself over a community, local or global, and if it works for you, great -- keep on with the fun stuff! If not, make a change.

Glad to see you writing again, Derek!

To your credit, you did release a book (which I've listened to three times through on audiobook).

And I was totally guilty of sending a "can we meet and I'll pick your brain about programming" email about 3-4 years ago ;-)

-Dan

Definitely a post that helps one do things in perspective. While I completely agree with what you've written about having a greater impact and reach a worldwide audience in today's internet age, I am myself leaning a bit more towards a local audience also these days. I have a website where I write, post audios, videos etc for people across the world. However, I sometimes miss the connection felt in local events. There are times when I want to sort of talk to people I am helping face to face, in person. It somehow gives me a different kind of beautiful vibe. So my take would be 80-20, 80% time spent in creating at a global level and 20% time helping people locally. But that's a personal 'makes me happy' preference. :)

What a thought provoking post... interesting isn't it, that when we ask and answer life's questions, we often get answers that are inspiring.

The beauty of keeping a global perspective is that, with the wonders of technology, our inspirations don't happen in a vacuum, making the ripple effect possible.

A local perspective can achieve a similar result -- one in-person touch, one positive word, one kind gesture, can also set the waves of change in motion.

I find myself wondering in this writing why you find the need to be in a state of an either/or choice. Isn't it possible to live into the experience of both/and?

Or, are you suggesting that the energy it takes to manage this back and forth activity is distracting enough to create a "master of none" result?

Thanks for opening the dialogue and encouraging me to consider this question for myself.

Wishing you well-
Nanette

brilliantly said!

I've always been local.

I'm now in the pursuit global.

Very glad you are back Derek :-)

Perusing the 610 comments here - you are definitely global. I seem to bend with the wind. I have written books; I have taught many classes (as you know) - but I seem to see a need, and go that way until another need arises. Good to hear from you, Derek. Please stay in touch.

I'm global, not local.

Being with people in real life exhausts me. While I love speaking in front of a group, the one-on-one afterward always sucks all my energy for days afterward.

I can be with people digitally all day long.

One of the many reasons I'm working toward living in a cottage just like the one in the photo, except mine will be in Co. Kerry, Ireland.

I've never heard or read this perspective before, but once again, I felt like you were reading my mind. As a kid even, I was always more globally focused, wanting to impact the world in a big, big way, but I always felt weird and guilty about that because the people around me including family and friends were telling me that I needed to interact more with people "locally". More and more, I'm realizing that being local isn't really who I am, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I'm embracing it and making my choice clear. I am global.

I agree with the comment made by the gentleman who talked of cycling between both local and global. I write daily devotionals and post them on facebook, our own church website (www.cowboycountrychurch.com) as well as the International Cowboy Church Alliance Network, and I love the fact that I can reach thousands of people all over the world with the "good news" about the Love of Jesus Christ. I am also a Christian musician and singer/songwriter with recordings on CDbaby. But I also Love looking directly into the eyes of 150 people as I preach and sing locally at COWBOY COUNTRY CHURCH. Personally, I am very thankful that the good Lord allows me to be both local and global. As I am writing this comment it has dawned on me that it is certainly not a 50/50 split between the two. I do spend more time being global and I suppose that does make sense; spending the majority of time on the projects that are the most productive and reach the most people. Thank you for the eye opener. Be Blessed, ~Pastor Lynn

Derek, Great to have you out here in cyberspace again. It is a wonderful tribute to see and read so many responses. It also shows the impact your thoughts reap. I believe we are the choice makers and that every waking moment there is enough for us all. Thanks for who you are. Edward

In 1989 one of my best friends and I opened a record store in Portland Oregon called Locals Only cd records and tapes. Over the course of the next 12 years not only did we get to meet and get acquainted with a large percentage of the musicians in Portland. We also go to meet people from around the world and talk our favourite subject which was of course music. We also got a chance to exchange ideas about life, personal philosophy , and politics. The one thought that predominates my memory from all of the conversations was that we are all more alike than we are different and talking face to face with other humans is not only a gift but a responsibility as well. Rock on ....Locals Only....... Everywhere!

You're admission "I'm not local" brought a chuckle from my lips and a smile to my face as I love when people have epiphanies and get clearer on knowing who they are! The only real gift we can give the world and others is to be ourselves! Sounds simple but finding that out is usually our biggest challenge in life!!

Welcome back, Derek! I've missed your posts. I've been in the process of making this same decision as I'm launching a new business that could be either or both. I've decided on both, but doesn't global include local to a degree anyway? In addition to private consultations, I'm creating workshops and plan to record them as well as live tele-classes (I'm a health coach) therefore providing a service face to face, but making the information available to anyone. I guess that parallels with the music industry (which I'm also a part of) as in live concerts available later in audio or video format. This suits my personality, as over the years I've found myself moving from "big fish in a little pond", to "little fish in a big pond" and back again.
Looking forward to your next post!

Hi Derek,

Thanks for sharing that post. I found it absolutely brilliant in its clarity of thought and it certainly set off some fireworks in my brain.

Its great that you've decided on your future direction and the rest of us are more than happy to share you on a global basis.

I'm very much local but now am game to expand my world. Thanks again for pushing the envelope.

Thanks for the insight Derek. This has helped a piece of my personal puzzle drop in place. I am part of your very peripheral world community and you have just made a difference to me. Cheers! Anne

Concerning us both, we do exist one for the other as global people. I'd say that you look like not considering being both local and global, what most of the people are. And that you tend to make extreme choices in this matter :-)
As for me, I try to be both things, as a musician wanting to reach the largest number of people, and as a family man to stay with my friends and relatives, my city and as many fellows I can meet. You cannot have a drink on the web, no global drinks...but cannot have if not a video-chat session with a very far friend...50 and 50. But good subject Derek!

Great to get a missive from you again. I love the way you think and am always refreshed by your insights. Keep 'em coming! :)

I've always thought about things externally. Studdying in a school for the blind I always felt in need of making friendships with people who can see. Living in Brazil I always felt in need of exchanging ideas with people around the world, especially with people from english-speaking countries since english is my second language, thanks to music. Now I'm taking some spanish lessons, thanks to my experience in Mexico. Think of a man who simply fell in love with this country. Yeah, that's me.

Today I think that internet is one of the best invensions the humanity has reached, and mostly I feel more comfortable approaching people around the world with my artistic thoughts than locally.

I guess that things should be natural. You might come acrosse some interesting people locally as well as globally. I don't like to do things with my local comunity using global stuff; it's just not me. I think that the global concept comes exactly to add-on to your life and its ever-changing aspects. The only thing I'm not worried about is the idea of pleasing everybody... Well, we never do this anyway.

Good points, Derek.

Thanks for your viewpoint.
Wishing you well!
Elisabeth

Derek = the Master of None
it's funny :)

I like solitude alot...
My vacation is in my workbench.
But hanging out once a week... is not that bad.
And for me : One of engineer's job is making customer happy.

I'm a huge fan of Linear Technology.
What the great about Linear is if you call them on the phone, the engineers itself that would respond.
No outsourcing... you are their customer, you meet them in person.

Your customers is your friends...

Thanks Derek, your article comes at a pivitol time for me. I enjoy reading your articles as well as the comments. What I like best about it is that you inform us about choices and finding what works for each person. No right and No wrong.

Great to hear your insights again. As a musician and songwriter, I've always dreamed about "global" success but have been stuck in the mindset of "you have to make it big locally first". I do perform out frequently, have a small following, and am somewhat respected in the "community". But even with that respect and all of those years of keeping it local, I still feel like a bit of an outsider. Maybe it's time to concentrate more globally. Of course, as one of your commenters previously stated, sometimes you get stuck (not trapped) by the "trappings" of life (mortgage, longtime steady day job, local friends, etc). I like to perform as well as write and record, so those "trappings" will probably still keep me local to a degree. But I think it is time for some major re-evaluation and maybe a new plan. Thanks again for your articles.

"I moved around so much that I’m not from anywhere. " Dear Derek Sivers,
That is how I, Karina Van Ron have always been myself
and always felt the way you did, although it was never stated so clearly. The power of being concise !

I have been with CDbaby from the very beginning and I admire it all.
You dedication , your open mind and your positiveness.

I just wanted to thank you one more time for sharing your valuable and insightful experiences locally and globally : )
Heh heh heh
Taking this opportunity to send :
Lots of love, joy ,peace and happiness your way. and to all.

Keep smiling and making great music,
Karina Van Ron xo xo

hi derek,

I've lived in the same house for over 30 yrs in virginia. my advice to songwriters and performers who want to go to nashville or los angeles or where ever is to do it at an early age and make yourself part of that community without performing there every week. why? because if you play in your backyard every weekend it's taken for granted that you'll be there all the time and you'll also see that reflected in how much you're paid to perform. i try to play my hometown 2 -4 times a year. i play in europe a month out of the year(18 one nighters in 28 days) and other places in the usa the rest of the time. playing in your hometown infrequently on purpose makes the times when you do a special occasion. i have found that you are appreciated a lot more when you play less.
becoming part of your hometown community is important. you get connected, make friends and contacts that multiply over the yrs. when you leave that community to a new city it will take you twice as long to grow those contacts and friendships. so...if you want to be a part of of a community other than where you are now...do it when you're young.
you can be global from the place you love to live by doing things like submitting your music to foreign internet radio sites, submitting your work to foreign magazines(webmags or paper ones) and thinking about the music you're writing and how to make it sound or speak to the world as well as your own backyard.

' Two hours spent being useful to one person who wants to “pick my brain” is two hours I’d rather spend making something that could be useful to the whole world.'

In an ideal world, these two hours would have been more of a back-and-forth proposition, with you finding out more about their business concepts and how their business challenges/problems mesh up with your experiences, helping both of you learn more about how both of your individual worlds works, and giving you food for thought that will feed both of you, or at least something to chew over and share with others in your own special ways.

It's too bad that you felt more used than blessed. At the very least you can't say that year of reaching out locally has been a waste, since it's certainly been grist for your writing mill. I suspect you'll be drawing on these "local" experiences for the rest of your life.

Ultimately, you have to do what's best for you. If other people happen to benefit, so much the better. If your world experiences happen to help people locally, great. If your local experiences help your world audiences, it's all good.

What you said, I agree.

A nice reflective piece. I'm more like your wife with the local thing. Yes very active in the community with church and service orgs. I believe that some of the things I am into locally can be inferred globally. Now my example has to do with service not business, but we know that the concept is transferable. As you, I am interested in touching someone in a way that can broaden thought that leads to action.

Our church missions include highschoolers in feeding the the local hungry. Our spoiled over entitled children saw how other folks live and that started thoughts and conversation of doing more. We went to Mexico to build houses for the poor. That created children that are more grateful for what they have at home and they voiced it to their parents and friends. That got other people talking and then we went to Kenya to build wells. And we never stopped helping our locals.

Why not teach, touch and tell locally to think globally on top of being "global"? Does it have to be one or the other? Why not a nice mix? I've always felt while working with radioio, I was too cloistered and needed some sunlight.

Best wishes in your travels and looking forward to the next great Derek Sivers thing!

Derek, thanks for another thought-provoking post. I agree that "Both are necessary." And like you've done, it's certainly possible to lean toward one or the other in spurts. Digital distribution has given artists, musicians, and programmers much more flexibility with time and space. Last week I saw some traveling musicians play their hometown. The experience seemed cathartic to them. But then they seemed excited to leave and go out into the world again.

Hi Derek,

Those were great thoughts you wrote and I'm glad you shared. I've been thinking a lot about what it takes to be an independent musician with both local and global influence. I'm finding that it comes down to what one's definition of success looks like and what things you hope your legacy will have when life is complete. I'm glad you pointed out that neither approach is wrong but that you just need to be informed about what/why you're choosing how to grow your influence. Good stuff!

Kevin

Interesting post, but also interesting is how many comments it has generated. Since I found your blog after you stopped posting regularly, I didn't realize that this hadn't necessarily been the norm. Obviously, many people have stuck with you through your "dry spell" posting-wise :) That's got to feel good!

Looking forward to reading "you" more often.

Keeping a balance of world view and local involvement is challenging but possible. It's something I've always tried to do. Though I have a grown son with a daughter of his own, I support two young women - one in the Phillipines, and one in Chile. I found Children's International years ago and research showed greatest % going to the field and the child. Young women in 3rd world countries need to get have every advantage they can to succeed, so that was my choi9ce to support. I also write poetry, short stories, and a novel in the works, most with a bit of an environmentaol spin. Lastkly my music is straight blues and rock - cuz a guys gotta have a place to just hang out and relax! Hope everyone on this list does their best for the planet and each other!

Way to go Derek and congrats on your decision my friend! I'm really looking forward to seeing what you'll create next!

Holy cow there are a lot of comments in this post! You know how long it took me to scroll to the bottom (on my phone) so I could comment myself? A long time! Lol

I totally agree with going global, and definitely would be my preference if I did not have some restrictions placed on me by my full time govt gig.

However as much as I would prefer going global, I have to admit I love having San Diego, Ca as my home and local port. But honestly I think that has more to do with the weather than my business needs. ;)

I too, am glad to have you "back" I've missed your frequent posts, and I am obviously not alone. Lol

Derek,
That was a great read and you put into words things I think about every time we move or we start promoting/preparing for a new album or tour. Creating and writing can be a lonely process, booking tours and preparation keeps you inside (better with mobile devices now), but still your mind is busy. You make lots of friends on tour—sleep on their floor, play shows with them, tour 'Real-World'-style in a 12 passenger van for 2 months—but it is still lonely on the Holidays if you don't have local friends. I want to do both this time! I love Seattle! The people here are awesome... so many inspirational artist and musicians and I am drawn to them. We live in the middle of it all and you can feel the energy!
Thanks for this article and the people who commented. I learned a lot here!
Tasha

nice observation! seriously. ;) as a wise sage once said, where your attention goes energy flows. Like you said, 'no right or wrong' just whatever is the most fulfilling. if you are fulfilled with what you're directing your efforts towards the people in your circle will benefit, (be it a large or small one).
On a more personal note, now that I have a two year old my focus is moving ever so slightly to the micro social environment.. family has a tendency to create a host of new connections with people in your hood, birthdays, play dates, play grounds, etc. I'm new to your blog but like what I have read so far! best, trenten

Hi Derek

Nice to hear from you. That was a great post. I knew that what I was doing was more global than local, but never really put any thought to it, and you brought it into perspective for me.

Another reader brought more into the equation with the introvert vs extrovert perspective.

Looking forward to reading more from you and your readers comments.

Kim

Excellent post and wonderful comments. Thank you all!

Is it possible to think globally and act locally and break the obvious limitations? Yes, I do believe so. Thank to technology this has become possible. I am trying to prove this by building a new open community for people and organizations interested in social change to grow their ideas into projects for success. How? See for yourself at bit.ly/THQsUN.

A darker commentary: this conversation is elitist.
That is, it is only relevant to people who have time and energy to consider such things. We tend to project what is relevant to us onto others, and in doing so prove to them that we are clueless.
There is a temptation to infer a higher value to an existence that achieves a higher point on Maslow's pyramid. Clueless squared.
Whoa to us!
When we fail to be grounded in the local, in community,
are at risk of listening only to ourselves. (nice internally consistent arguments that are oh so dangerous). Clueless cubed
Doug

i reckon that's what God said. (f*** these m*th*f*ck*n
committees, i'm starting a religion!!/political credo!!)

hey man, i just thought the other day, whatever
happened to derek sivers? has he blown me out?

spot on: i live in a mobile home on a vineyard with a
woodstove, speak hardly to a soul, paint villas, and
have a zero inbox, except from strangers who program
the stuff i program. whenever i try to explain what i'm
up to to people around me, i get a sort of twisted raised
eyebrow thing, but everyone else knows what i'm
talking about - all around the world. but don't kid
yourself folks, that's just virtuality: i'm quitting on
compootzers at 6am, and i'll do 100 sit-ups and 5 sets
of press-ups every morning. and i'm giving up coffee, too.(ed: no, this was not spam, i don't send enough emails, pal)

I recently left a very prestigious position that had mass impact (maybe not globally but definitely nationally) and felt unfulfilled. I'm now teaching college-age students and programming artists on a local level. I've already experienced more benefits within a few months in my smaller sphere compared to my 12 years at the Big Job. I think both are important for positive change, and maybe there's a way to balance so that one can do both, but in the meantime, I appreciate your return to the Globe!

Love your thoughts on this..I was once asked, if someone gave me the best peice of pie ive ever eaten and then was given a choice.... I could either take another peice of pie, or i could take the receipe home with me. Could only do one. The peice of pie was right there in my hand and i knew it was awsome. I could enjoy it this afternoon,and it would be sooooo good. Choosing to take the peice of pie would meen that after i ate it it would just be a fond memory of the best pie ive ever eaten. Choosing the receipe would meen id have to put in some work,but, it would go with me for life to enjoy and share with others for ever.
Dont know what made me think of that but it seems to always come down to this ...how much work do i want to put in to making things happen........To have my music known localy is easy and sometimes quiet rewarding,but the problem is that after a while ur so visible that there is no urguncy for people to come out to see your shows...after all, I will be playing again next week end "we can go then".
...Globaly is gona be some work but it's gona take my music to the level i so desire.....On my last CD "LIFE" i worked my buns off .getting it out to oves seas stations...got lots of air play,got album of the month on a couple of Irland stations..But i didnt follow thru ...Im kicking my self for not going over there and touring..think it came down to fear of the un known . With the new Cd "Diary of A Heartace"Im gona try to do better ...Id like to hear any advise you may have on touring overseas such as how to find great booking agents best places to play.also like to hear your thoughts on paying companies to place singles onto compilation cd's that are sent out to different countries.
Thank you for your article,
Your Wana be Star
David Steen

You sure do rock the global!!! I think thats trickier. I would love to hear 10 ways you connect with people on a global level. thanks, Mark

Derek, Good for you!!! Personally, your book was a game changer for me and I can't wait for another book! I hope that's in your future. Congrats!

Hi Derek,

Great observations. I have been thinking about this a lot in a slightly different context. Our son who will soon be 25 moved to Maui in 2008. Many of my friends and family will ask if he is coming "home" for particular events like holidays and milestone birthdays. I have often felt somewhat abashed by this question. To me, home is where you are. So I try to avoid being snarky when I say, "He is home." And to his great credit he has chosen local for now by conceiving and building toward a social community he calls ninja village. Love to see our kids grow into their own wherever they are. Thanks for the food for thought!
Yes! Great example. That “home” word always confused me, too. Especially now as I live outside the U.S. Thanks for mentioning this. — Derek

Derek,

I would rather you be global help than local YELP.

Cheers!

I found this article very insightful, and I like that you frequently mention how one works better for some, where the other works better for others, rather than saying one is better than the other.

I believe your success has come from the notion of committing to a single perspective of your artistry. All the sensory overload experiences we are exposed to create the temptation for "multi tasking"....not what it's cracked up to be. It's good to hear that the most important aspect of your artistic endeavors at the moment is to be aware of what results you will yield and not judge whether it's right or wrong.
Thanks for checking in with us!

Dear Derek

It was great to hear from you. i hope you are settling well in wherever you are ;) Glad to have met you and do keep in touch. We'll definitely be in touch with you on the progress of my company ;)

Do take care and hope to meet you (online) soon!

So nice to have you back, Derek! You always have a way of bringing cosmic philosophical gridlocks that so many of us grapple with back down to terra recognita... thanks!

As for the "balance", I have found that whether I act locally or globally, "big pond" or "small pond", I tend to lose my own self in the process, which usually means I have given to others what I am expected to give, not what I truly have to offer, and the results are rarely satisfying. I am aware that it's my own fault I allow this to happen, but I seem to be hard-wired this way and, judging from my observations of others throughout my life, I'm not the only one who struggles against being subsumed in the noise.

As a recording composer/musician, I have discovered that if I "follow my bliss" and explore my own music on my own terms in a more solitary environment, I am more inclined to then share the recorded output with others, whether locally or globally. I think this may be because what I produce is truly representative of me, for better or worse; it's my stake in the pie, not someone else's. Consequently, I am more secure about letting it out into the world, even if I am only a little fish in a big pond, and letting the "outside world" judge it on it's own merit.

And I don't really care if I change the world by connecting locally or globally... I just want to add a little color to it... MY color... and, hopefully, that will be enough to make someone else glad that s/he is alive to see another day. If that happens, then we have connected...

Enough rambling... Welcome back, Derek! Just keep doing what you do, knowing that you make a difference to so many of us.

Mark

I represent a global company and you sound like a globalist, the local yoekel issues is if your from there your in if not well you know. Think Global

Welcome back! The globe has missed you. And a perfect post that was perfectly timed too. It was exactly what I needed to hear right now. You're the best!

I recently bought a home on Oahu, HI. as an investment to pass-on someday to my daughter. I love the idea of being a global traveler which I must add to my "bucket list" of when and where to go. You have always given me and my music journey so much encouragement to dream and do BIG stuff with small steps. I will always be indebted to you my Friend. Take care and God bless.

DearDerek:
Thank you for sharing this and sparking so many insightful comments.

Definitely a great way to start the day and meet so many others who share the experiences I, too, have wondered about.

Best wishes, Roger

Here is my Thought

Life is both. In order to choose one, it has to be more important than the other. If what already is, is more important than what isn’t, the game is over.

Hey Derek,

Just last week I was wondering what had happened to your newsletters and juicy bits for the world, so I was very happy to read this piece! And a very timely message for me too!! Always love your bits of wisdom and thoughtfuls.

I only wish I'd been one of the 300 people you sat one-on-one with in Singapore. :)

Hope to see you again soon,
Ragani

Well Derek, I've found in life that even while committing myself locally, I'm also committing globally. It all comes down to your work and yes even your local socializing life can reach all over the world. It's connections. As one passes information to another. It still tends to reach the outside bonderies of your local connection. It really comes down to want'a doing in life. I'm Local/Global.....Just my thought

Thanks Derek. I can totally relate to this post. I too tend to support a global perspective and gravitate toward that approach. It's not that I don't want to support the Detroit scene, and I do like one-on-one connections, but I really favor the big picture and the ability to impact as many as I can.

Derek, I enjoy your insights, share most of them. I have noticed that my business has taken me globally, I know more about the financial situation in Europe than in my home town of 40 years, Gainesville, Fla. I know more about infrastructure problems and the economic choices being made about them nationally than 16th Ave here at home. I thought for along time that I was an outlier, I needed to read and think globally to manage the investments of 150 people and there fore ignored what was happening in my own town, I love Gainesville, I just don't participate as much as I once did.

Hi Derek, Welcome back. I have been grappling with the same situation lately. I come home off the road after a couple of months and feel like I live somewhere else I just left behind. When I try to fit in at home, I feel lost and anxious about being off the road. The road quickly forgets you.

You put it very succinctly.
Bianca

Derek...
Great post and congratulations on your choice.
Always sharing...so definitely global. It's always a delight hearing from you again. And I'm not the only one... Look! I'm #662!

Wishing you the best,
Rosana

I am having the reverse experience, Derek--I've done a ton of recording, blogging, writing, drawing--but I never have meetings with other people. I'd hardly know where to start on that side of things. So, be careful--don't give up on the meetings completely!
-chris

You just put into words what I have been struggling with in my company. When I started my company(www.bungalo.com) I had no money at all so what I decided to do was to focus only on my homecountry (Iceland) since it is small and I could more easily and cheaply create a presence on the market. Today about 2 years later my company has created a good position on the market with 3,3% of the population as registered users and almost 1 out of every 30 cottages in the country registered and ready to be rented.

But now I am facing the problem of global vs local. I want my company to grow to become international but the process seems very difficult for me since I don't want to lose connection with all the great families and travelers that I assist with my company. Also like you pointed out the two different ways of running a business are completely different and I guess I have to change how I do things when I transition from local to global.

Derek,

First I think everyone in the world should be like that. People should accept people for who they are, not what they can do for them. It shouldn't matter if your rich or poor, in the crowd or not. Each person is an individual and should take their own path. Noone should judge anyone else or what they are doing unless they are hurting others. I cant wait for you to publish a book with all your experiences and travels and what youlearned from each place. Thank you for sharing.

I never really saw it from this angle, very enlightening! Thank you.

even if,,, you still can help good global music to be known. That's decisive for many bad decisions will come. Or not. -GLOBAL. :)

Derek:

What a fascinating journey a blog post entry and its comments can become. Perhaps this is a good example of a web- 2- web global / local dynamic in play.

From a short discussion in your essay spring hundreds of fascinating comments; the message goes global and local responses feed back to you, but also to everyone else here.

Many making comments also have websites that a reader can click through to; doors can open to their worlds at the click of a mouse; it seems the world just got larger (global) and smaller (local), at the same time ...

No wonder so many folks have missed your writing missives and the process each one kicks into gear ...

Local always exists in a global context; it seems Derek, you are very good at sensing into the larger (global) context of things, from your local (internal) perspective; meeting or marrying needs with usefulness, seems to be important to you, as well; you get back to doing that and it seems that'll be a win-win situation for everyone, locally and globally.

Who knows, perhaps one day there'll even be an added term there, or two ... local, global ... then galactic ... universal even ... : - )

All the best

Cam

Sound philosophy sir. Being both is certainly challenging. Thanks again for the 6 years of your time you invested to create such an amazing "global" tool for musicians! Long live CDBABY.COM!

Your thoughts have made me think.
I guess I've always been one to choose writing a hundred songs over doing a 100 gigs.
Now with YouTube I just put those songs out there with a video and let those that hit on them get what they can.
It is nice to have a way to toss my creations up into the wind and then just let them float off and land where they may.
For us nobodies that can't change the whole world maybe we are affecting it just a little bit at a time.
"If you can hear the Song, you've got Fresh Toones."

Both are beyond me, the urban hermit.

Local or global, it doesn't matter to me; so long as you're doing something :-)

I am glad you wrote about this because I feel pulled in both directions. The local emphasis is very important to me because it is a part of community building and enhance the quality of life. The global emphasis is also important because many of my friends are blog friends from around the world and we share so much of the same. I think the more I used to travel from place to place the more I emphasized the global and now that i have lived in one place for a few years the local events really do matter because what happens locally also happens globally. The world is really shrinking.

Great point.
Well made.
And super-timely for me.
Thank you.

I'm global now, if the world gets any smaller, I'm going Intergalactic.
Enjoyed your post as usual Derek. Cheers

What a wonderful way to open one's thinking about local and global. I will try to compare and contrast your comments to the top 10 reasons to buy local.

You cannot escape being local. You live in one place. And hopefully, you are supporting the food that is grown close to your place, and purchasing goods and services that come from close to your local place. Despite whatever else, you are a part of your local economy. Purchasing goods and services that are local reduces environmental impact, puts taxes to good use, and encourages local prosperity.

When you lived in Woodstock, I assume you bought food from the local grocery store, went to local restaurants, checked books out from the local library, drove on roads with stop lights that were local, were protected by local firemen and local police.

But some of the main thrusts of the buy local argument is to preserve local culture. Culture can be thought of globally, especially when it comes to music, entertainment, values, even religion. So, there is the physical aspect of my being that must exist locally, and pragmatically I should try to support local endeavors, however there is my mental and spiritual aspect, that has values and needs, that more often then not are not met locally. (example, I don't really like any of the bands in my home town, but I have many favorite bands worldwide)

The first argument to buy local is to keep our community unique. But what community? There are thousands of global communities connected through websites and shared values. So the argument to buy local is more of an argument of support your community (whatever that is).

Given the rapid communication and ability to share information (which now includes more and larger chunks of information), without limits on borders, it does make it easier to think and act globally, when it comes to your values. But information doesn't have a physical-ness to it.

I think about human needs, and the need to be understood, to share, is a global need. Food, housing, these are local needs and should be met in that way.
(because information zips through the computer ether so rapidly, it can be confused with physical items that require gas to move them, and physical parts that come from somewhere.)

The dynamic of what is local and what is global is changing. 50 years ago, the idea that your needs could be met globally was kind of unheard of. Today, there are communities of people who think and feel the same way you do, that live miles and miles away.

thanks for the insights derek.

Or is it all just internal and external? Can we cross the boundries of space and unite? Or do we look within and unite?

Good points in article.

I would also like to add that regardless of local/larger issues, there should be an immediacy flavour to action. The orientation to one or the other or even attempting a balanced timetable may suffer from trying to organise the flow of ones life when in fact, there are many opportunities that won't arise again. Carpe Diem. Or if I knew enough Latin, Carpe "Now".

Thanks for your update & insight Derek. It's always nice to hear from you. I look forward to seeing what your up to soon. May your HolidayZ be filled with...

peace.luv.music.
fiZ

If your goal is to be "with" the world in a global sense, perhaps it is only important to just be where you are-where ever you happen to be...Its always been important for me to understand that regardless of my "global" ambitions to reach the largest audience possible, I must start from where I am . At the beginning of any journey that I might make to meet up with my ambitions away over yonder, I first have to walk out of my own door... I will have to be in touch with the world as it is around me and work from where I am . The principle is spiritual as well as being practical and can be useful in holding your center even when there is alot going on...
It brings to mind the differences in music between recorded music and a live in person performance. The recording can travel the globe, it is suspended from the laws of time and geography and can go where you may never go. This has tremendous power! But there is also tremendous power in a live performance that transcends the fixed recorded performance-the magical and indescribable power of a unique Presence in the moment shared between performer and audience. So which is best? When they work in unison with one another they are like your right and your left foot-put them together and you do the locomotion!
There are all kinds of ways to connect to and communicate with others in these times and there are great powers and great dangers involved with these new technologies but I think the key is to accept and embrace it all - to the extent that you are able- and to use your own natural intelligence to navigate and create the usable boundaries and disciplines that you will need to continue your creative quest...So in short, I don't think it has to be "either/or" , I think it can be "all of the above" and then some...The distinction between global and local is largely illusion anyway-you are always involved in both wether actively or not-every local phenom is related to every global phenom and vise-versa one way or another. They say that the typhoon season begins with the tiny winds generated by the wings of a butterfly on the other side of the sea…Where ever you are, its always good to take some time in the course of your day to walk outside and breathe the air and feel the sun on your face and wind in your hair & maybe contemplate a little the nature of typhoons and butterfly’s wings… Godspeed Derek!

Hey Derek,

Wow!! , Looks like im late to your Welcome back party.
Great post has me thinking over time, Im going to be reading the comments for days.

Looking forward to seeing where your new global view leads us all :-)

cheers _dR

I have noticed that some things in the so-called global environment are not really what they seem. They look important and it looks like it could help advance your music, art, or whatever, but it is actually a waste of time. You probably didn't realize you've got more out of meeting all those people than doing something "for the world." The world doesn't care one way or the other what you do, you have to do it for yourself.

Welcome back to your version of local. We've missed you.

We are trying the global approach to promote our new CD as opposed to promoting primarily locally. Any suggestions?

Thanks Derek!
I'm global, not unfocussed or non-participating.
This explains my frustration for over 6 decades, with many of the people who are close to me, when they just don't seem to SEE that the world is bigger than our community, our state, or our country.
I'm global. It's a real relief to know this!
Duh.

Hi Derek
I agree; this is what my band (SOUNDESTINY) is all about - recording concept albums that resonate with people all over the world. Because of this, there is little time for local performances and activities, but we like the fact that our music is appreciated across many countries. While I think it's still important to be connected locally, it's often difficult in this fast-pace world to do both successfully. Cheers, Darryl from SOUNDESTINY.

What? No Boston? Hehe.

-Chris (Berklee FS '95)

I always enjoy reading your 'thoughts'. They make me think about things I wouldn't necessarily be aware of or think of thinking!! But after reading this particular article one word comes to mind, BALANCE. It is important, I think, to know your community so you can appreciate where you are. And you can make the world your backyard, endless opportunities and full of learning experiences. Looking forward to your next 'thought'.
Erica

Thanks for being global, Derek. I have personally benefitted greatly from the things you've done for the global community.

I like being local and global. I speak at local conferences and write to global audiences. I even wrote an eBook to a global audience about how to make the most of in-person conferences. ;)

Still love to meet you in person some day...

This clarifies something important for me. I see I am comment 697, but still feel that it is worth saying thank you. I understand something about myself now.

Great post,

Your complete immersion approach to your ventures makes me feel like I'm not so much alone in what I do.

I am very happy to hear that you are ready to realign yourself into a new form of work.

Sometimes we have to go to extremes to find the wisdom we're seeking.

I worked as a professional trumpeter for 3-4 decades. Now I am a full time award-winning novelist. Okay, I admit it. I kill people. But only fictionally in my Frank Renzi mystery series.

I publish and market my own books, which have received many fine reviews. Local book stores won't carry them, but guess what. Like the music business, the book business has changed. Now I sell ebooks worldwide on Amazon sites in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy and most recently, Japan. So I guess that makes me a world-wide person. Having said that, I enjoy the library talks and book signings that I do. But I sell very few books at them. Moreover, fans contact me through my website and I can chat with them via email.

You can check out my novels (and my solo trumpet CD) on my website and drop me a line if you're so inclined. I'd love to hear from you!

Hmm, I thought my website would show up in my comment but apparently not, so here it is. www.susanfleet.com
Cheers,
Susan

This is GREAT! I don't know how it worked out, but I've been involved equally on both ends. I was born in Jamaica, grew up in New York, lived in Los Angeles and now am in Atlanta, Georgia. I work with Stephen Stone (Ruffhouse Records, The Fantanas) to do a weekly Party in the Park at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, plus I'm the Marketing Director at www.gmia.org, dedicated to improving the lives of musicians in Georgia. Then my book, MUSICOLOGY 2101: A QUICK START GUIDE TO MUSIC "BIZ" HISTORY should be online any day now. It discusses the global phenomenon of how music traveled with mankind throughout history. So for right now, I am pleased to have a healthy balance of both local and global activities on my plate. Thanks for your support!!

See http://www.nucherte.net/#!la-jackson/c13xy for more information.

This new phenomenon of being global is enhanced by the creation of the internet and social media. For creative, visionary types of people, it makes sense that global would prevail over local.

I've been a gypsy spirit throughout my entire life Derek! My passion for the arts, especially music has led me from the heart of the Midwest, where I began my life's journey, halfway between Chicago, Illinois, and St. Louis, Missouri, has taken me throughout the USA for live concerts and pursuit of personal fulfillment to enjoy a cornucopia of visual and performance artists in a wide array of artistic venues. In retrospect, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet many people along the way. Whether or not I made a positive impact on them remains to be seen.

I've been to 42 of the 50 United States of America, including living on Oahu for parts of 1972, 1973, and 1974, and even had the opportunity to see Carlos Santana and his band perform the Santana Abraxas album on New Years Day of 1973 in the Diamond Head Volcano Crater. What an amazing concert that was, even though I was under the heavy influence of some illegal controlled substances at the time. Which brings me to my next point, I've been an extreme introvert throughout most of my lifetime, except if I was on a drug induced high, like most of my generation from the late 1960's on through the 70's and 0n into the late 80's, when I finally emerged from the fog!

You see, I was an addict in active addiction to alcohol and numerous other drugs for 20 years of my life, from 1968 to 1988. By the grace of God and the miracle of the 12 step program of NA, I've been clean since May 11, 1988! Throughout my journey in recovery I've been able to discover who I am and find my place in this world, and learn to become a part of society, instead of apart from society, like I'd felt most of my life!

Moreover, I'm capable of caring what's going on in my world, whether it's on a global or local level, because all I cared about for two decades was fulfilling a instant gratification urge to get high and stay high so I could feel capable of communicating with anyone or everyone. Thank God and the NA program for setting me free to become me, and also my former premier artist, David Martinez, down in Corpus Christi, Texas, who's used CD Baby to distribute his incredible indie music for years! David introduced me to your words of wisdom Derek, and I'm truly grateful that he did! Keep them coming Derek...

Sincerely, Grateful Ed ~ Not The Grateful Dead aka MrNDVERSE (Retired):-0~

I feel obligated to read the 703 previous comments before leaving one, but wanted to just say (on the off-chance someone else did not) that I've been seeing everything on a spectrum now. There is no 100% black or white for most things. Occupying a physical organic body necessitates being "local" to some degree. You exist in space. You eat, have shelter, exercise, entertain, recycle, teach yourself, and have a family or a couple friends in your own "local" community. Perhaps you are 96% global and 4% local. You may or may not be aware of where you lie on the spectrum, and someone else's way may be put forth as fact (the dreaded "shoulds"). Knowing thyself and being at peace are wonderful. Kudos to your self-exploration and self-honesty to arrive somewhere that inspired you to write about it. Perhaps your philosophizing on our "global/local" community will help solve some of the speed bumps of globalization, like what's happening right now with the AFM/RMA in Los Angeles (for example).

I understand completely Derek. I am more compfortable writing and recording than trying to do 200 shows a year. I can only be in one place at a time, but a recording can go places I haven't, gone, yet. I had a song that was being played in Italy, didn't know it until I recieve a check from BMI, for the song being in rotation on Radio there. My Choice is clear, because I think globally and I act like a global performer, sometimes I get tripped up by people who try to convince me to be or concentrate on local things. It doesn't work for me. So I don't try to fit in. The whole world is a play ground.

Glad to have you back contributing again ... guess I consider the internet local ... as the music community is a 'local.' My family owns a tree farm in South Carolina and all the other tree farmers get together and talk about their 'local' issues even though some are in Germany and some are in Washington State. So to me 'local' is a positive concept it just depends upon how you use the term.
CD

Welcome back! Your insight and unique way of viewing the world has been greatly missed! (My friends and I still ask each other "Is it a Hell Ya?"). You make a difference. It's very much appreciated.

I think this need to be global goes beyond space. It can also be applied to time, as in "Do you want to reach just the people who are within ear-shot, or do you want to converse with future generations?"

It's posts like this Derek, that make you a great mentor without needing to have any official "mentees" (in reference to one of your previous comments). You don't always need to interact with people directly to be a benefit to them and the rest of the world.

I believe your force multiplier is your sincerity and willingness to share your wisdom with the world in a way that makes it clear and easily accessible to those that are searching for it.

Although I'm also sure that the personal interactions you have had with people will be just as powerful for spreading your unique brand of philosophy on life; through their channels instead... this is what I've done.

I look forward to seeing what your next projects bring!

Thank you, Derek. Getting older has given me more courage to make choices about how I use my time and energy. I may have fewer friends; however, I have more fun. I have found that there are cycles of life . . . sometimes outward, sometimes inward. I am very grateful for your willingness to share your life's journey with us. You are a role model for vulnerability and courage.

Welcome back!

I go back and forth, but I think I'm mostly local. The human interaction is fulfilling in the short term and long term (this is just me). However, my nagging feeling draws me toward the global approach, which I am now trying out. Ridiculous balancing act but I need both drugs!

Well Derek, It's great to see you back. As for being local, most folk here will suck your brains for information and help and nowhere to be seen when you need a bit of a lift yourself. You have possible had the same experience to some extent as mentoring can be quite stressful after a while.
For the past 12 years I've been the artist & sound coordinator for our local "Easter Sunday Fair" and 2013 will be our 22nd year in existence. We can get approx 12-15,000 people through the gates on the day and over the period have gifted approx $160,000 back to worthy causes in the local community. All this is organized and run by three people (self included) and when it comes to try and co opt some extra blood to the group, nobody will take it on.... What's the problem Derek?

As someone who moves every month, from state to state and country to country, for work - I definitely know the feel of being inside and outside.

I contend that I am somewhere comfortably in the middle. Perhaps I could say that I work more for the world - I want people everywhere to see the films Actuality Media puts out - yet all of the short documentary film projects my crews work on are to help organizations on a local level, albeit in developing communities around the world.

I'm a firm believer that every person needs those 6-8 people they have regular, face-to-face contact with to be a sane human. It's interaction we need. I guess for me that makes local interaction an outlet, whether it's a British bartender in Thailand, a plaza food stand seller in Colombia, or a random gathering of local and international entrepreneurs on a rooftop in Guatemala. I always have to spend some time reaching out locally, and half the time that effort works its way back to the world as well.

I would have to agree 100% , and moreso recently I have been more aware of the energy I put out there and what deserves my focus more. I have been a musician local to central NJ for a little over a decade now, and even went out to LA for about half a year and was also "local" to the scene over there. I have always gotten great response from handfuls of people or even one or 2 people, depending on the night. But even after all of those years and jumping at every chance to play a gig at a local venue, it starts to take a toll after awhile, and haven't really formed much of a dedicated following due to all of that handwork. The music scene seems to be dying around these parts, no one really goes out to see shows anymore, people have become more and more lazy when it comes to discovering new music. And we thought the record labels got bad!?!? But then comes the silver lining. I think we live in a day and age where we have so much at our disposal, bands are accumulating fan bases on youtube views alone. My band and I have fans from all over the world thanks to the internet. I think lately we started realizing that we would reach more people by doing videos online, than we would playing to the same burnt out crowd in our hometown. There's a world out there, and it's important as creative beings to take advantage of those forums!! Thanks for writing a relatable article! You hit the nail right on the head!

I have been in international trade and business for many years. I have always had to think globally. When I tried to move local businesses to go international , its hard for many to consider going out side the US when they have not "conquered" their market at home. So, I had to learn to focus on like mined people and bless the rest to find what would work for them.

Thank you Derek! We need your innovative ideas and creations in the world. I look forward to hearing what you are up to next. Blessings. Susan Osborn

Not much is a secret any more. Our DNA from our ancestors pretty much pegs us and our various abilaties. The internet, websites and the shrinking world sends us out and around the world and soon the Universe and our families keep us home or send us out depending on our lifes phases and jobs, plus the biggie, timing and luck.
Excellent to hear from you. I was becoming uneasy.

Hi Derek,

As an artist, I would say that the ideal is a balance of both: 1. Quiet times to create your music; and 2. Social times to perform and share your music. Both are necessary. Each of these improves the other. Inspiration comes through both. Life is breathing in, and out. Give and take, listen and speak. Change is the nature of the universe; balance is the key to harmony and well being. Every person has something worthwhile to contribute, and every person deserves to be rewarded. Live and help live.

I'm local now but aiming to be Global!

These are great thoughts you shared. Thank you for the perspective...I'm just curious- what drives you and where do you draw your determination to create?

Thank you for this article Derek. A lot of people have this unconscious dilemma which makes you switch from one thing to another.
Thanks a lot

Thats good news for the ones of us out there in the global community. We can all participate locally at some level even if it us just engaging with the people at the local coffee shop on a daily basis for a minute , before heading back to the home office and connecting with the world. Anyhow, inspirational words Derek, as always. Hope to hear more from you.

This has made me aware that I too have been localized.. and while my social circles grew.. it seems music and art took a backseat.. something I had thought to be impossible.. And you are 100% right.. My efforts are better spent in the universal.. benefiting everyone on earth and beyond.. :)

This is why I always loved reading your blogs.. I know that in many ways... we think alike my friend. Good to have you back for all of us.

:)

Claude S.

Just wish to echo the above comment. I have been local and during that time I have been raising three beautiful children two of whom are in college and the youngest who is in elementary school keeps telling me I have to write; a book, songs or both. Now that my job is coming to an end and I have a new lease on life, I will endearvour to make them a reality!
Very glad to hear from you again my friend!!! Blessings

Ezeadi

As I've already commented on this comment 'thread'/more like a river; I will keep this short. As commenter #725...I think I can easily suggest...

You are an introvert that can act globally.

I beg of you, please, your gifts are too fantastic and rare to do otherwise. You are an-international-treasure. ;)

My eyeballs just fell out.

Thanks Derek,
I live in a wonderful community and love my connections. I also am working hard to bring my musical gifts to the world.

For me the local love and connection nurtures the the beauty and positiveness in me. I then can give that back to the world with music that can bless, heal, uplift, inspire and dignify the hearts and minds of men and women. Sort of a 50/50 thing.

Derek,

The thing I love most about your posts is the amazing perspective that you have. While many of us are blinded into inaction when we see more than one side to a situation or a way of being, you have a way of making it seem effortless, which in all respects is the ideal way to be in this world. While on the one hand I wish I had this ability, on the other hand, I count myself most fortunate to be able to interact with you and to learn to accommodate the differences that we perceive in life, all as part of the same existence. Thank you for this!

In this vein, I think you've done a wonderful job of showing us that essential opposites exist in this world, and that we are alright if we see them as being part of the whole, instead of two opposing forces that constantly seek dominance. We are not absolute in our ways, and neither are most "absolutes" that we perceive. Rather, they are the extremes that we find ourselves oscillating between, as we approach our own "middle path". Once again, I thank you.

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors, and hoping to hear from you with some more of your perspective-altering insights!

Have a wonderful day! :)

I never really saw it from this angle, very enlightening! Thank you.

derek, i'm moving to the dominican republic in 47 days. i'm going to restart there. keeping local as my focus for performance, but global for promoting.

starting over.

i'm doing it.

You don't have to be global either.

You don't have to be in-between.

You don't have to mix it up: glocal -- whatever that means.

You tried local for 2 years. Now moving back to global simply means you are returning to global rejuvenated.

Could also be equally rejuvenating for someone to move back in the opposite direction.

It's great to have you back, I've missed your inspiring thoughts!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Derek.

I'm keeping all options open.

Well make sure to leave the house a bit when you can.

The way you carry yourself within the local community can make a profound difference without you even knowing it!

I can think of many examples at work and especially at home around my kids where my body/energy/focus/flexibility literally rubs off on other people.

:-)

Very excellent and insightful article! I've definitely encountered this problem myself on many occasions. You might hold a more important spot in some people's lives more than you think, so to completely write them off would be doing them a disservice in my opinion. On the other hand, you're right in that trying to please everyone is definitely going to take you off course from helping the world. It's a dichotomy that many of us struggle with, so I've found that the best course of action (at least to me) is to take a balanced approach. Interact with local communities/friends/family/etc. a bit while trying to impact the world. You never know how your impact in someone else's life can help you on your greater task. Those are just my 2 cents.....

whether local or global, I still say forget about being in our heads - be outside and with nature- that is our real connection from which everything else flows ! blessings

Hello from your friend in Japan (even though we've never met. Purely global friendship) Trying different things out, but always learning what fits best. Good post.

I Just want to thank you for your thinking, your clarity of thought, and your generosity in sharing.

This is very thought provoking. I think that the major change comes from small groups of people acting global. Having a core group is important... to being effective as well as just being happy. Nobody ever changed the world without a really good team.

I hear "twilight zone" theme music playing since prior to reading this, I recently decided to stop playing in frequency at local clubs and focus on recording a catalog of my 100 songs!

Derek, you are so important as you inspire a world of artist/entrepreneurs in the dynamic of todays music industry! I have been getting much inspiration from you going on 14 years and we've never even met.

Hi Derek,

I so get this...here's to going global! Welcome back...always love your posts : )

Great read Derek...Global is a good thing and you are correct, it's difficult to do both.
thanks,
Steve.

Thank-you Derek, it makes total sense, I am local and its rewarding, but I really want to reach out a lot further. thanks for your ever sharing spirit and mind.

Good Morning Mr. Silvers I am going through the same thing. In the past i was a local Artist in Minneapolis Mn, I decided to expand my career globally, as well launch my own record label Called Midwest Magic Productions. I experienced that being local or international isn't the friends you develop, but who are your true friends. Those whom you think are your friends aren't but lurking to stab you in the back or waiting for you to fail.

Most people only identify your stardom from being a local Artist if you arn't known in your community than you must not be doing anything of importance. Mr. Silver I have an Artist now that is going through the same kind of birthing pains of growth. Thank so much for sharing your experience with us i needed to hear this.

I'm there where ever I am.

Your Local Community is my idea of a Global Community.

You've just made the global community, local - faster than most people.

One day, in our lifetime, there will be a "federation of planets" and you'll be seen as an early adopter. And I'll email you and reference this posting to you. :)

Happy Christmas and New Year!

Yes, it is a true balancing act and one that I think reminds us that there is only so much time in the day. I find being a part of my children's activities has forced me to be much more locally oriented.

We need more people creating useful; things and sharing what they learn.

Thanks Derek.

Fantastic post. Thank you for verbalizing this thought so clearly and globally.

I was wondering if Singapore might be a little removed from what you used to do globally, it seemed as if it would be hecktic and time consuming, all those board meetings :>) anyway, welcome back to doing things your way, I look forward to seeing what it will be.

great article.
good to see your name in my in box.
i miss your hands on approach to running a business.
the world today is so global and corporate today..not a big fan of it.
stay well

I get it... I am a WORLD CITIZEN! My outreach is global so now that I have settled this within myself; I will now put all my energy in the one stream leading to the ocean of life rather than tributaries that break off and sometimes lead to nothing...

Thanks Derek for the comments. Food for thought. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your travels. Carroll Jenkins.

Even though it has issues, I love networking and meeting people here in Las Vegas. You can work locally but get to know people globally at the same events or meeting. You have a home away from roam if you visit here!

Hey Derek - Read yours and most ot the comments on Local vs. Global. I too might try and do it all but have learned from experience that Time and Resources are constant reminders of reality. So the choice is to ignore that or press onward. Yes, we all want to leave a legacy in some form or another and this is admirable on many levels. You are further along than most of us but our thoughts are noble if nothing else but not as fully applied.
...And then, there's Peace to aspire to.
So as many have indicated, the balance might be good for some and the headlong quest is good for those of us that are not encumbered by life's other goals. Me, with my present anchors patiently waits and looks for the hole in the fence where dreams, energy, and timing will converge!
I'll see you on the road somewhere.........
Rick Steffen KeyWestMusic.net and my arm chair quest of late: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luK4mPYuXAc&feature=youtu.be

p.s. loved your book !!!!!

Derek, a wonderful, great and meaningful article...helps me to know what I'm doing is fine. I say focus on the world keep writing and doing all the good things you do...we will all benefit by your works...as always many thanks for your friendship.
Sincerely yours, Sam Stray

Very interesting! I have never thought about it like that and will have to ponder this more.

Being a musician, I have often focused on the local scene, but I am not that connected to a community, so it has been somewhat difficult for me to promote at times. I am an extroverted introvert and while I can get along with pretty much anyone, like traveling and trying new things, and consider myself a cultural anthropologist of sorts, I feel overwhelmed when I have to intensely socialize for long periods of time. I like people, but I also need space and alone time to work well.

I never thought about this in terms of global versus local, but this has certainly given me food for thought. Thank you for the through provoking post!

Read and appreciated your input as always. A few years back I mentioned to you that we need people with your vision in Washington. Noticed you mentioned the words conservative and liberal in this articles. Is there hope ? Releasing next single via
C.D.Baby in January. Ben Wasson (age 76) "Still truckin' with vigor!"

Hopefully I'm not repeating too much of what was already said as I haven't had a chance to read all the comments. As my food festival became more popular people wanted to meet with me and talk about how we could work together. As an introvert I have realized that face to face meetings are too exhausting. I also became annoyed because they were usually looking for a way to take advantage of the work I have done w/o doing any work themselves, or want my advice but have no intention of taking it. But I can participate in the local community in other ways, like seeing local musicians or trying a new restaurant. Now when people ask if they can pick my brain I tell them to email me a list of questions.

Derek....a breathe of fresh air hearing from you.....and I miss your drumming....and talks....
I have a local percussionist that fills in the gaps of my Martin when it starts roaming....
..however have not seen your writings...
I do want you to check out Juan Do on youtube and Zapata has 7000 hits Get me out there!! vice versa...I live in Mexico full time...i must look at your article in a World View I.e., globally and realizing everytime I speak with people (in MX) they make slurs that need to be expressed either domestically or globally.....i.e., "in the states we..."
that should be eliminated from our vocabulary.......Latin America is a huge percentage and language of the world mix AND, Mexican bands like Mana are getting even bigger "globally" than most domestic music was a while back
.......be good amigo Musically yours
Eric Holland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umGxZkZlOvo

Your post triggered many moments of observations. Rostopovich (?) was asked when he was going to move back to Russia after the wall came down, what music he would play. He said he wasn't going to play music as much as build gardens, grow food. I've always had the "earth steward" spine in me and continue to weave being a member of spaceship earth with my actions. The personal frustrations of global vs local activity have melded into seeing each action, each thought, as creating ripples that move out into the broader community. Thanks for being on planet earth and sharing your light. Blessings, Larkin

Dude, You must be a genius!!! Looked through all posts...found no one that I know locally :0) ..... 2 great inventions. The Automobile and the internet. One is local the other global.........In my opinion you should have been at the Kennedy Center the other night getting an award. UR thoughts & UR straight forward approach may well change the planet through the arts or some other medium........Peace...and many Blessings to you my friend.

inspirational as always! let me know if you wanna collaborate! and if you come to london! xx

this is confirmation for me!! Thanks Derek

I now tend to agree with your comments on this matter. I find that unless you have a team dedicated to both it is best to find a way to get the best "bang" (information sharing) for the precious "time bucks".
Get to it Globetrek Guru.

Hi Derek ! How are you ! I know that you live in Singapore, in spite of it is the first time i write in your blog . I say globally, but thanks to internet . When i think the time i didn't use it ( i discovered internet quite late ) i was more involved locally, but never too much i ' m used to keep an healthy distance from the different situations positive or negatives and above all from the people. Without internet it would have been more difficult to realize many things think about what you have created with Cd Baby or another great and democratic invention such as podcasting ! Think about it ........ Speaking and programming and let you listen to everywhere from home ! Anyway you know i'm italian born and resident in the north of Italy and proudly original from the south of Italy for this reason in my dna i have always tried to escape from the local, even if i haven't travelled so much. Only one thing before finishing: two days ago it has arrived to me one copy of your book " Anything you want " .......i like.... i'm arrived at page 24 when you speak about the advertising . For me advertising in a web site ( not too much ) can help some customers be known for this reason can exist in a perfect world ( for me in my web site advertising means try to pay the bills......right now i'm not able with my sex job podcaster and musicien ( remember "Ignore everybody") .......Thanks a lot for your attention and if you can let me know what you think about my last two singles ( i read three stars in a web site ....... should i beleive in it ? Bye and take care !
Pietro Cesaro

Good and thoughtful post! Personally I'm more of a global guy than a local guy. I seem to have easier to connect whit people over the internet via forums etc. than meeting and connecting to people one-on-one. People I do meet in person are usually people I've already connected to over the internet.

Derek,

I'm personally aligned with what your saying.

I've been a tad different as of late. I currently travel the world meeting people face to face, the old school business structure hahaha but use technology at the sametime to create what you've mentioned.

The neat thing I've noticed from the experience so far is the heightened sense of creative flow via personal interaction and my choice for seclusion within those chosen destinations.

I go by the model: "Live, Love and Inspire Globally"

Great article!

Tyler

Iceland?...
I am a die hard Vancouver, BC fan. Lived there for a while and loved it. Food, mountains, ocean and nature.

Agree, I belong to the global village tribe but when I feel like going out of my tent, mostly at night when most of other apes are sleeping.

Thanks for emailing me the link.
Adel

I love that you always write courageously from your own honest, forthright, and open perspective. I also appreciate that we each took the time to have some one on one time while you were here in Vancouver -- I appreciated your heart, mind and experiences shared then, as I do now. However, I too am with you here... I've always been global... and I always will be. (I know myself! ;~) Anywhere I am is "home", from moving to Australia when I was 18, to my travels & past focus on the US & EU for music promotion. The internet allows each of us to be global... as does the miracle of flight! I am grateful to be Canadian, yet equally grateful to be united together on this very, VERY cool planet, and it is upon this globe that I choose to focus upon... :0)

Derek, this made me think a bit. I've lived a lot of places, and always thought of myself as a global citizen. Not until my present home (North Carolina), have I ignored the local community. never thought about it. I guess I'll have to change my plans :-).

Well, I'm just about last - 775 - coming back from vacation. Well, from one musician to another, I relate this to choosing to be an artist or not. I do like your association of local to global, but I think you can be either or forced into one depending on your love, your carrier and if you are going to be a one that creates. Now you all may be thinking, this is wrong, but I would state it's generally true but rules are made to be broken. So, there are exceptions but in my humble view, in order for someone to truly have something to offer and to give, you have to be innately selfish - at least enough to do what is write for you to create. Far and away all the writers, actors, musicians, painters and sculptors I have met are introverted and need much alone time to create. Again, there are wonderful exceptions, take Andy Warhol for example; someone who needed social interaction for stimulus for his work. I may regress and closer back to the point and another view. I also see this as living vs. doing. Living can be wonderfully enjoyable; as you point out. Going out, doing things, being with people, traveling, experiencing things -- which can be great emotional fuel for an artist. At some point, you come back to doing vs. living. You read, learn, write or paint or create songs. As you thoughtful describe, one can also go back and forth and not only decide and I would even encourage or suggest that it is also valuable that also do some of both. The artist must always return to the creative process, or die trying. Sabbaticals, if you would like to call them that, can be useful for recharging, experiencing new things and developing new understanding and personal growth to have more to say. In fact there are many examples of famous artists through-out history that choose to 'live', immersing themselves in the bowls of society for periods of time and then returning to great isolation in order to create. I'm with you on this one and though it can be a lonelier live in some way, the ability and more often the need of an artist to be an artist brings them back to the 'global' footprint as you say. As always, you provide good inspiration and thoughtful food for dialog. I could write a few hundred more pages on this subject, but glad to see your going back to the 'dark-side'! LOL. More time to write and catch-up with you. I'm not sure I have many friends - and as I live in Los Angeles, now for 25 years and barely leave my home for any good reason. I'm feeling good with a new album, book in progress, embarking on new jazz guitar adventures and carrier-wise have self-taught myself video production and broadcasting. Can't say, I'm where I want to be and want to do some much more - so hear's to global vs. local and thanks to you Derek for our friendship and correspondence. Can't wait to see your output in the next 6 to 12 months.

Yours,

Alan

I just got myself an International Agent. So now, when I'm out of work, I'm out of work all over the world ;)

My industry is inherently global, so, I'm going for it. I just get the feeling that I have to build locally, as it's centered here.

STAY IN THE UNIVERSAL... NOT LOCAL BUT LOCAL. NOT GLOBAL. BUT GLOBAL.. BUT ALTOGETHER UNIVERSAL. the WORLD will tell you its big LIE.. that there are 6 DEGREES of seperation. surely DS YOU have come to see the truth.. that there are LESS THAN 1 DEGREE between all of us. it matters not global nor local.. so long as we focus UNIVERSAL.. AND LOVE. the results of which.. are INFINITE. dont THINK.. BE.... DONT BE... be LOVE. good to hear from you again my old friend !!! Peace ON !!!!! ff

Thanks Derek: it is always good to read your posts, they change perspective and we all need a different viewpoint from time to space and place too.

You kind of have to feel out your gifts, where God might be leading you & where the money is.

Some people are better at working locally while certainly some people were meant to be national and international.

Also you have to consider your family situation.

So I suggest we each pray for wisdom and look for both opportunities near and far.

but also we need to consider our family and sometimes make sacrifices to be with them.

And if you time is costly don't be waste time on projects you believe in.

Also consider is it worth the money they are paying or could you be using your time for something else.

It's interesting cause I do the same thing with my life. I start by being A (e.g global oriented) then I leave A to become B (e.g local based) and I do this because I believe that leaving your comfort zone is all about evolving. Then, after a considerable amount of time, I return to A having realized that I've been A (and I knew I was A) from the beginning.

Decision making is the most complex, time consuming, thought provoking process of the human brain. Just consider the eternal question that comes with it "Is this right or wrong? (for me, for us as a couple, for the world).

There is always a trade off in the choices we are making. It's one of the sad things you learn in adult life.

I would change the title and I would say "you don't have to be anything. Just do the things you want to do and be the person you want to be."

Thank you for this article. It raises lots of good points, and calls to attention the many issues surrounding local vs. global focuses in life. I am blessed to have really thriving relationships and activities in both areas. Yet, so far, the "global" scene offers me only opportunities artistically, but very little financially. If I had to look to this facet of life for my livelihood, I would be destitute. It is the people who know me personally, see me day in and day out, and interact with me in the physical world, who are helping me to pay most of my bills. I wish I could figure out how to make a living globally.

Can't wait to see what you do next!

I like to connect with my local community on a personal level because it feels good.

And I love connecting professionally with the world through the internet.

Best of both worlds!

Thank you Derek. This is something I've been internally struggling with for a long time, but without a way to see what was happening. Cheers for Global! I know my community struggles with this too; I wouldn't have found this view without a global view.

For readers of Derek's "anything you want" I've posted a commendation on http://kirb.com/kirbs/6s23ykh . If you have read it and agree, please feel free to second it. Thanks Derek!

Hey Derek,

I am one of the few people who met you in sojourns to going local. We had a nice dinner on Arab street 2 years ago. I was 20 then working on Plato's Cave. Thank you for putting into words what I have been struggling with sometime, I understand perfectly what you mean when you said that there is a profound emptiness at the end of the day when one is not personally vested in creating something.

However, that one meeting with you has had a profound impact on me. Firstly, for a common local Singaporean boy like me meeting a larger then life personality was a dream come true. Secondly, because you treated me with such kindness and none of the pretense that is usually associated with successful people I felt you were just like me. I felt I could go far if I put in effort because you were just like me and you were a good person who put in effort.

I would argue that the quality of that one experience (even though you don't know it till I told you today), is equivalent to you reaching out globally a to hundred netizens. There is something that just gets lost in the medium. It is in a unique blend of global and local that is able to get things done. I would probably tell my grand kids about that dinner I had with you, but an article might be forgotten in the long run.

An African proverb summarizes this conundrum well:

If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.

I hope you are well and don't regret the going local experiment.

Yours sincerely,
Shiva
Hi Shiva! Of course I remember you. Thanks for the kind words. And no, I don't regret any single meeting. Every person I met was wonderful, and I made some great friends. — Derek

Great read. It's all about finding the right balance! Also having the ability to function both ways depending on what your life or current project allows or needs.

- Jon

How providential that you have these wise words to share in this kairos when I'm sorting out my own local - global balance! There are so many replies to your post! I find the replies that share links to be most interesting. Here's mine: http://nextdoor.com [1], [2].

When I first heard about Nextdoor (ND) I knew this startup was onto something. ND's verification scheme provides a private, secure website that can only be accessed by people who live in the neighborhood as defined by the founder. I founded southwoodmoor.nextdoor.com [1]. In less than six months about ten percent of the 877 households have joined.

We've shared news pertinent to the neighborhood, talked about noxious weeds, and we've had a few chit-chat threads. Talk about local – founding my ND website gave me an excuse to meet my neighbors. I've walked up to about sixty-five doors on my street and cul-de-sacs handing out flyers. Not everyone signs up. Some residents being too busy, some just want to be left alone, some aren't very big Internet users, and I'm sure some simply don't see enough benefit.

We have two community newspapers, but their reach is across many, many neighborhoods. I am using ND for hyperlocal (only those households to which I can easily walk) communication. For example, the artist who created a video about the Colorado Waldo Canyon Fire [3] lives in my 'hood, so I posted a link to it, with my kudos.

My 'hood is over half of our county precinct. I'm gradually reaching out to neighbors to get involved in the political process at the precinct level. The beauty of ND is that its vision is comprehensive and non-partisan. Precincts seem to be useful mainly for caucusing by the registered parties. I want to use ND to build bonds of affection with all my neighbors, including those with whom I disagree. By doing this, I hope to do my part to heal America and get us working as a Nation to constructively address national issues such as job creation by local entrepreneurs rather than by unsustainable Federal spending, spending at all levels of government, healthcare and education.

[1] Whether or not you live in my 'hood, this link will enable you to sign up for a free account: https://southwoodmoor.nextdoor.com/invite/f7ff7747d979372d193b
[2] If you want to found your own neighborhood on ND, use this link to be eligible for a $50 Starbucks card: http://nextdoor.com/starbucks/?r=1a098
[3] http://youtu.be/ZBA7eHY022k

Thank you for sharing your creative being. I think there can be a new way to think about the global families we are creating in a way that is also "local". As in they are local to you. In your locus of attention. I walk the line, strong local community of dancers and strong virtual community of people who are dancing in their local communities. What I write I share with both since we are all exploring the same things in our own communities. I am glad you are sharing large. Your are always a breath of fresh air which I definitely need when my local thing becomes too insulated!

Derek!

Looks like I wasn't the only one who had been wondering where you have been! I assumed you were enjoying life and your family and all the great things that life has to offer. What an outpouring of comments. It's wonderful to read your writing again.

Spot on article. You placed your finger precisely on a feeling that has been bugging me for quite some time. Especially the mentions of having friends all over the world that you feel more connected to than your local community, and the feeling of being drained after certain kinds of meetings. Also interesting to read in the comments how introverts expand themselves in the ways that most appeal to them. I don't suppose there would be another article coming up about that anytime soon...?

I forwarded this article to a dear friend who is extremely locally-focused. I'm eager to hear his reactions and thoughts. And glad to hear from you.

-Normandie

Great piece -- but we still need to meet your little guy and I hope go out for dinner in 2013!

Derek

Great post and great to have you back!

Your local experience makes me think of Nassim Taleb's explanation of scalable careers. His example was a dentist. No matter how good he is at his trade he can only help a limited number of people because of his limited time scope for interaction.

Your definition of global is the perfect example of a scalable interaction. If you create great products or write thought provoking articles they and, by proxy you, are simultaneously available to the world.

It also seems that you can use the distance of a global interaction to filter your interactions so you can maintain your focus

Thanks for all you do

Thad
Yes! I loved that! I think of his dentist example often. Thanks for making that connection. — Derek

Thank you, Derek. This is so freeing upon my first read. It's something I'll continue to ponder. But at first glance, I think it poses a solution to the guilt I've been feeling at not being local. I have no doubt I'm to continue to travel the globe and train others, but it does come at a cost of relationships in my "home" city (wherever that is any given year). Thanks so much :-)

Derek,
I lean global. I totally get it. Thx for the post.

Poignant and observant, enjoyed this post Derek. I relate to both (don't we all, to some degree?).

Sitting at a cafe or restaurant, one can observe both global and locally-based communication efforts. Two friends sit at a table over a meal with their smartphones right besides their plate of food as they tap away on the small, bright screen. They're still communicating, just in a different way. Meanwhile, another pair of friends sit across the place chatting directly to one another over a cup of coffee.

Neither scenarios are right or wrong. This is simply a slice of humanity, right in front of us.

Always nice to hear from you. Appreciate CDBaby, Hostbaby, and your globalistix. Always thought of you as a Portland guy. Loovely town. Me go SF next week, stay w/ Wong; maybe Camino Santiago en Agosto. Bye

There is a balance that can be struck with all things, local and global, inside and outside, intro and extro, etc. Nice article Derek, thought provoking.

thanks Derek.,
It's something i've battled with understanding but you put this well and it's really good to understand
Jo

Great insight Derek! You hit the nail on the head. I once heard about someone who struggled keeping up with the emails from people after he had written a book. He felt he was letting individuals down by not responding. It was only when he realized that his genius was "global" in writing another book and impacting thousands of people instead of trying to keep up with a "few".

am a thinkin' ima write a 100 different songs in hopes of singing 91 of them everywhere kinda guy, LOL, Its all good, Carpe diem!!
by the way u guys have u heard this one, "what do ya do" www.cdbaby.com/redeyecarlampthepirates she was written in 1987 n recorded 2011 ish

Glad to hear you are back Derek! Scrolling through the number of comments (which never cease to amaze me) it looks like you never left.
I think this passion of going local or global comes from a place inside-it is more than just a logical decision but an inner drive that propels us to want more.
The web makes it much easier to have global reach, yet on some level, it will always be more impersonal than meeting face to face.
Namaste smart one!
Lynn Fishman

Hey I get to be #800 on the comment list. Woo-hoo!

Very interesting!!! I'd always debated this question myself. Many of the neighbors that live on my street have been there over 30 years. While living where I live is amazing, it's not the place I see myself retiring in. I'm a traveler as well and always question what it would be like if I had changed lifestyles. The idea makes me think that I would feel boxed in. With that said, I'm the biggest proponent of shopping locally and voting locally. I feel this makes my time while at home more enjoyable, wherever that may be.

The little drummer boy played a song for sweet baby Jesus because that was the gift he could give. Derek, you are a utilitarian, task-focused, introvert. Give the gifts you give best!

Derek,

Thanks, I love that you tried both approaches and than were able to get a 50,000 foot view of each. Most people will never get try both and if they did would they take stock on what worked for them? I'm big on self reflection and making sure Im making a conscious contribution to the direction of my life.

Im thrilled your back to creating - that's when I feel the most alive and connected.

Happy Holidays from the Big Apple!

Johanna

Thought-provoking as ever, Derek. We non-Singaporeans are glad to have you back in our global community!

What programming projects will you be working on? As far as technologies go, over the last year I've fallen in love with Node.js and jQuery, both of which have vibrant open-source communities built around them. Strongly recommended, not just for the community but for the super-fast development time! Node.js is still in earlier stages (created in 2009), but it's exhibited explosive growth, and the addition of Ben Alman's grunt will change the way people work with Node. Check it out! http://nodejs.org/
Yep! JavaScript in general, and Node in particular are both at the top of my learning list. — Derek

I find it interesting that Jesus reached billions of people. He invested in 12 disciples and of those had three very close ones: Peter, James and John. He did not move more than a 100 mile radius.

Derek,

Reading your posts is so thought-evoking. Sometimes I feel the "feeling" you're transmitting very much ... Then there's a moment of decision in a day, and I say to myself, "what would Derek do?" I find it incredible, that so many people comment on your writing, but I think it is totally merited. Thanks Derek

Good to hear from you Derek, and thank you for the mind-piece.

For those of us who cannot choose either Global or Local, "Glocalization" is a curious phenomenon worthy of exploration....as is Iceland!

Hi Derek,

Very insightful article. My favorite quote:

"Two hours spent being useful to one person who wants to “pick my brain” is two hours I’d rather spend making something that could be useful to the whole world (including that one person)"

Keep up the good work and I hope you stay global enough to continue to put out exceptional blog posts consistently!

-James

Loved reading this! I can't make a decision! :)

Hi Derek, I don't think I ever thought about it this way. I think I am a mixture of both. Thank you for posting.

Some really awesome thoughts and reflections. Thank you.

I was just talking about the difference between a distribution model vs a custom software business model yesterday. A lot of parallels.

I feel like letting one person pick my brain restores my faith in man kind to learn.

I think this like most things has to be a personal balance.

Hey Derek,

I just wrote about this same thing in our last JPF newsletter. As I said in the newsletter on 11/30:

"There's more great music being made right now, at this very moment, than at any other time in world history. With the right talent you could do beat poetry, play metal guitar and classical flute with a side of theremin all in the same song and STILL find an audience of people who love you, even if they are in far away places like Guam, North Dakota, Capetown and Paris. But that's just fine! Everyone's living room is a concert hall and TV studio thanks to Skype or Facetime and a video enabled internet device. If you're creative AND have something musical to say, there's never been a better time to be alive in my view"

Screw playing by the old rules. Build a steady growing fanbase one at a time but worldwide. Don't travel to them, let them follow you. I think the best thing is to use the technology to travel the world, and play in iconic places, but don't worry about setting up a show... just set up your laptop facing the Eiffel Tower, have your fans tune in and play a show to them with the world, literally, as your stage. Or, stay in your living room and do the same thing.

I've been traveling to people the last 17 years and I've met over 25,000 musicians face to face in their own hometowns. We've featured about 17K musicians at our JPF networking showcases. But now I am staying home more and bring the world to me without making anyone leave their hometown's either. Best of both worlds. And I now travel to new places I've never been before, meeting some folks in person, learning about the scene, but not focusing on doing big events everywhere which was expensive and exhausting. Meanwhile I interact with folks around the world on our message board, via skype, and often from the comfort of my home where I can hit 10 countries/states in a day if I want.

I will say that it's still good to meet folks face to face and see where they live. But I travel smart and within a scale that takes a lot of the work load off and allows me explore more freely and stumble across so much more. If I was starting my music career today, I know exactly how I'd do it using the decades of experience and cherry picking what works from technology, networking, travel, discovery, massively different types of people who seem at first to have nothing in common and then figuring out how to filter out the noise and in the end keeping what connects us all. Then I'd position my music appropriately to balance all that knowledge and all those tools. It's a great time to be alive creatively and otherwise!

That's just my opinion, I could be right!
-Brian Austin Whitney

I appreciate your perspective and look forward to hearing from you more often. Thanks for keeping it real, friend.

-Paul

Interesting enough you made some valid points. I am alot like you I have traveled all over and its hard for me to say ok this is exactly where Im from. Funny thing is I start feeling a little guilty if i dont claim my home state where I was raised. However as a singer, writer and music producer I have opened up my market vastly and created equal ways of promoting myself thru social media, radio and distribution. Now lets see if it actually pays off ! Im sure it will because I love what I do.

Derek, interesting and thought-provoking. I have just started a period as a permanent traveler. I work as a programmer and run my business from the road. Primarily a web developer, my work and my clients are per definition global.
Two years ago I ended a phase of trying very hard to be local in a small Swedish town. It involved a close relationship and family and proved to be quite a juicy and deep experience. One of my greatest challenges for sure.
I found that moving around a lot as a child had left a deeply buried longing for local ties, closeness and belonging. Being global is second-nature to me, whereas being local is something fascinating and confusing.
Giving up on the idea was very hard at first, now I'm at peace with it. This year I cut most ties to my home base, so in a physical sense I'm homeless, though I find it very easy to experience a connection and maybe even feel at home in the hotels, restaurants and cafes where I happen to spend more than a few minutes.
And the reason for that is that I truly and deeply experience the local vibe on a human level. I see, acknowledge and respect the people who are around me.
Each and every human connection I experience enriches my life in some way. It helps that I am sensitive and respectful towards my own needs and time. So every engagement is done by choice, based on my present state of being.
These are transient connections, I don't make it a point to keep in touch, but no less valuable.

Dear Derek,

good to hear from you ! Missed you !! If you have a lot to give ...and YOU HAVE ::))!!!! , give it to the whole world.... that is a good way to honour your gifts, potentials.... big gifts to the big world not only to a small local place .
Love. Therese

I generally don't like to leave comments without reading all the other comments to make sure I'm not repeating something thats been already said, but with over 800 comments that isn't going to happen. So apologies for dupes.

This clarified a lot of what I've been wresting with for a while, both personally and professionally. I have a strong attraction to having a local connection, maybe because I've never had one. And at the same time feel much more fulfilled with my focus outwardly facing to the world. I think what you've written here really makes that clear for me, I'd felt the conflict before but hadn't really put my finger on why. I'm going to think more about this and post some further thoughts on my own blog too. Thanks.

The part of the article I found most compelling was where you spoke about the choices one can make as a musician...you can either do 100 gigs or write and record 100 songs. My love is writing and recording, and recently I've done some live gigs, which were fun, but a bit of a chore because I'm not as excited by live performance as studio recording. I did the gigs because I felt it was necessary to get exposure for my work, but it took me away from what I like to do best. I wish to avoid being an absolutist for one side or the other, because both are valuable to me in their own way, but I'll definitely be recording more songs than I will be playing live shows.
We say “absolutist” like it's a bad thing, but if you know what you love, and what makes you thrive, it's smart to accentuate that and do as much of it as possible! — Derek

My mind unfolded to me a little more while reading this. Thank you.

I teach voice overs locally and in various cites around the country. I also create social communities for all of us to stay connected and help each other to grow as voice actors. I hadn't given much thought as to whether I was local or worldly. I was just pleased to find I was well rounded and thanks for helping me to see that! I feel much better now!

Hi Derek, pleasure to read about your connections and thoughts and equally interesting to read some of the replies-mind you after number 340 I just scrolled down to see where I might jump into this thread...(or perhaps eye of the needle )
A similar situation occurred to me when I moved from Toronto to Ireland and make my home in a town with less than 800 people in it. It felt extremely correct to listen and learn from the locals and in turn to be accepted for who I am. I'm gladden to have your point of view cross my screen today because I've also been reviewing my focus towards a global state of mind. Synchronicity a valuable tool. Cheers, always eileen

Thanks for sharing Derek. Jon and I were just talking about this. After a year of living in our current location, and being part of a local Chamber, I said the membership seemed pointless when my work is more global. But after reading Lang Elliott's comments about the 4 categories, I believe his insight to be very important. As my latest task unfolds (the one we discussed) my local connections will become pertinent to that end. And who knows...it just might be a global event one day. So being open to both scenarios at different times during our journeys might be key. And like you continue to encourage...ultimately knowing when to just 'be' is also key.

I see I'm about to become comment #822, unless someone else beats me to it. I'm now a number. Sniff....oh..and is this a global comment or a local comment? ;-)

Great article Derek...Couldnt have said it better myself!

Welcome back Derek! Just as important, welcome back on your terms. My balance is family and a small group of close friends. I have a need to have face-to-face interaction - it is more "personal." However, most of my local stewardship does not include "face time." I am more behind the scenes. However, in my vocation I must be global/virtual, with an attempt to make it as personal as it can be.

Balance

Interesting paradox
Some years i feel like being global, other years more local. As if breathing in and out...expanding, shrinking.
This period is local again, although i should go global ;)
Also a matter of practicing focus.
Definitely happy you 'go' for global ;)

Derek,

Clear, concise, and cogent ( Took me a bit to find that final "C"Word for the alliteration!) . I too, have faced this, as I have friends all over the world- and none at HOME! Your article made it clear- I am global. Of all your articles- this one reached me on a visceral level- and if you remember your HS biology- that is deep inside! Smiles, hugs, and success to you - and the global community. We need you, We love you, We want you...to paraphrase the old Woodstock Days. ( I must be one of the few people over 60- who actually did NOT go to Woodstock! lol)

We're all finding who we are and who we're becoming. I grew up in a logging camp in the Olympic Mts of Washington state until 17 yrs of age. I wrote about those who shaped my ideas and taught me how to "see" the world through my imagination. Now, there is no evidence of my early home, only the trees and the tracks of elk and deer. Life is like that, yes? We experience brief moments of tangible relationships, then move on to the next moment in our brief path. But the indelible memories of the past fire the possibilities of the present and future. Thanks Derek for your wisdom. You're forging global character, and its eternal.

Hi Derek,

Well said! Good, sound thinking. I sort of oscillate between local & global. I think both are necessary and useful. I do tend to take things one day at a time; sometimes I'm local, sometimes I'm global. I go a lot by gut reaction. Glad you're going to concentrate on writing. I don't think you'll regret it.

- Marian

I am more globally minded and those are the decisions I have/do make.

I do not like cronyism. Never did.

Some people I met never understood the ideas that are bigger than local. Some were overwhelmed. Some did not care. Some kept complaining they are only local when they never scratched the surface to start to become more global.

I like certain things in the local scene(s), but never fit in with where I am. I always wanted to move and have tried to find the right spot. Hasn't happened at this time. Some places seemed right or different, but those places were not where I wanted to stay permanently.

Dear Derek:

A very good piece. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts. It has helped me focus better on a similar internal question.

It is good to hear from you, as others have said.

- Karen v W

Hi Derek,

Great to hear from you and to hear your thoughts! I love to travel and have always thought global instead of local since I have relatives in Greece and friends around the globe!

I guess it's all a terrific journey!

Thanks again,

Lisa Panagos

The local/global dualistic thinking here seems, like most dualistic thinking, the wrong approach. These things will always be a question of emphasis and balance.

True, at any given moment, we are giving our focus to one or the other, but a day has room for lots of different things, let alone a week, or a month.

I happen to have a home near Woodstock, NY, and know lots of folks there with a local and global presence.

And your note made me wish we had bumped into one another during your time there. Ah, well. I too, am not really "from" anywhere, having lived in many places--but to some extent, many of them still feel like home, and I feel like a local in quite a few towns.

I identify with being innovative, focused and productive and how good that feels. I don't think the average person realizes the intensity of developing an idea (art, music, biz whatever) but they will drain you hoping for a magic potion. A successful scientist/inventor/entreprener spends a lot of time in the lab ALONE working. Most people I've tried to help really can't put the time into the lab so they fall short of their full potential. It's been said "You have to be able to fail, sometimes miserably....(you know this)
Peace Derek
Nicky Shane

Hi Derek,

It's obvious when you send a "shout out" a lot of soul searching has gone into it, and it's always food for thought; well worth one's consideration. Thanks! You are the man. Always thinking of your many friends.

All the best my friend,

Ernie

One of the things I've found interesting about the new global social tools,is,that it's showing us just how connected communities,cultures and people already were.

I forgot what i was going to comment on this article. My comment is 834th. That is awesome. I never seen any other blog in my life where an post get 800+ comments in just five days.

Man you are rocking. Please keep doing the global thing. :)

Hi Derek! That's a nice "welcome back" for you, isn't it. Thanks for writing this article.

I started working and thinking globally when I realized there weren't enough role-models and people I'd love to work with available locally. :-)

Working "globally" as you define it has a light touch of living outside or on a higher, abstracted layer of reality, hasn't it. It allows me to be extremely focused.

But I think one needs to stay grounded and come back to earth again from time to time. Why not switch or change priorities every 3 or 4 years?

Currently I work a lot locally myself and I enjoy it, but I also realize that I am not moving forward as much as I wish by doing just that. I think I am a global mind, too.

Another distinction: You can much more easily set and maintain your personal barriers … keeping distractions out when operating in "global mode."

Yours John

Great perspective, Derek! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Guess it's time to be local & head to Glutton's Bay for some good food! :) By the way, since you have lived extensively in so many diverse countries over extended periods of time, if you ever feel like writing about it, it would be great to know your process to settle - how you find places to stay in, how you choose the neighborhood in which you'll live, how you connect with people locally etc. Would love to hear your thoughts! Have a great day!

Derek,

I try to do both in my own way. I am a dentist and try to do my local by helping my patients and volunteering with causes I care about. My global I do by donating financially to charities like www.freetheslaves.net and www.heifer.org that deal with global problems on a wide scale. I believe being local or global is up to the individual, as long as your are serving your fellow man in some way.

Welcome back,
Scott

Hi Derek

All my life I have known, liked and admired people near and far, but I've never felt like I had a real home - only temporary homes. I've always liked working and playing with new people, but remember well the older ones - the good ones.
How does your wife feel about the divide being a local or a global minded person. I think that 99.99 % marriages won't survive unless the couple are of the same mind. Most local minded people will literally "never go anywhere" because they are married to there community or their spouse who is totally local.
To be a globalist, I think you have to be very tough-minded about being alone much of the time and traveling far and wide. Some can do this - some can't.

How do you feel about this contradiction?

Bill

Well said, I feel the same way--I'd rather be global. I've never liked the sense of provinciality I feel among musicians, even in San Francisco (a small town, really!), so these days, I'll be spending more time on the internet promoting and distributing my music, as well as hopefully touring--ironically, it seems next to impossible to get a decent gig in even the Bay Area, where I have lived all my life.

If you want peace and solitude, when required, to enable creativeness to flourish, there could be no better place to call "home" than the awe-inspiring peacefulness and beauty of Ruby Bay where the level of your participation in the local community will always be respected.

Thanks a bunch Derek as always so inspiring

Hi Derek,
Thanks for clarifying the original post. Both are important and different people and different life stages will find one calling stronger than the other. I try to keep balance -active in my local community through community radio, rites of passage work (not so much lately), farmers markets and as a youth basketball coach / organiser and I write books for a global community. My latest one is 'Taking it With You' is about a woman (who has no balance) who vows to leave her fortune to her reincarnation - and I have just launched www.rewardpeace.com Reward Peace initiative - Reward the Dalai Lama - reward 63 years of non-violent struggle for self determination. On ya, Derek

Indeed.
Leaning to the musical aspect of "local VS global" - obviously for anyone that feels they have something viable to share with the world "local" is always the start but global is the goal. In my opinion it should be started on as soon as possible.
I experienced no support from local in the start.
We played free shows, benefit shows, sent out packages to local media, visited local clubs, hung out and promoted local for the first 4 years with no results.
Even though our local fan base grew - we still gathered no interest of support from the community.
It was only when we marketed ourselves ruthlessly around the world and received legitimate praise from it that we gathered local support.
And since - we always get great local support - but we do not even have to be local or "in town" to get it.
Funny how that works.

Thanks to you and your vibrant global community. This entire post helped me clarify and put to rest my anxieties about going global with my little start-up; www.mysoulseat.com. My local community of artists and yogis were invaluable in creating the first few iterations. Your post and the wonderful comments just brings it home, that if it's wanted and needed locally, it'll be the same globally as well. Looking forward to exploring more of your work. Cheers Derek.

Thank you very much for this great article. If you do your best every day, that's what counts. Small acts with a lot of love.

This article and the whole notion of "home for the holidays" have been buzzing around my brain for the last week. I've decided to do something about it... in song!

Fellow travelers (and anyone else who finds the notion of "home" complicated), I'd like to invite you to participate in a holiday video with me! For more details visit http://nellethomas.com/latest.

Wishing you happy holidays, wherever that may be!

A DEREK Factoid:
The song "Hall of Fame" [single] by THE SCRIPT is a great song for you to tune into. Not only because it's totally encouraging and uplifting, but also because you'll want to listen for OUR NAME, Derek.
Sincerely,
Radio Suspense Voice Talent/Comedy Actor / Lyricist for the music group Repeten / Director of "Pimpy,"
DerekTur ner

I totally agree with you! What helps to makes a company is when they treat ALL of their customers as locals, regardless of location!

It will be the local people who will help you when you *really* need it.

Here a thought from book "Zen in the Martial Arts" answering the question what is the difference between spending and wasting time:


"To spend time is to pass it in a specified manner," he said. "We are spending it during lessons just as we are spending it now in conversation. To waste time is to expend it thoughtlessly or carelessly. We all have time to either spend or waste and it is our decision what to do with it. But once passed, it is gone forever." "It's the most precious commodity we have," agreed Sterling. "I always view my time as divided into infinite moments or transactions or contacts. Anyone who steals my time is stealing my life because they are taking my existence from me. As I get older, I realize that time is the only thing I have left. So when someone comes to me with a project, I estimate the time it will take me to do it and then I ask myself, 'Do I want to spend weeks or months of what little time I have on this project? Is it worth it or am I just wasting my time?' If I consider the project time-worthy I do it. I apply the same yardstick to social relations. I will not permit people to steal my time. I have limited my friends to those people with whom time passes happily. There are moments in my life - necessary moment - when I don't do anything but what is my choice. The choice of how I spend my time is mine, and it is not dictated by social convention."


Look for and find your self and the ones with whom time passes happily for you.

Yay! You have described my life so well.

A friend forwarded this to me. Thank you for putting it into words. I'm living between India, San Francisco and Berlin and have for so many years that I don't 'belong' to one. I'm finding that if I try to stay focused on only one, it doesn't work, and when I open up my writing and work to the world, the rewards are immense. I love that you've examined this question so thoroughly and honestly. It's a relatively new question for our day and age with travel and international banking and business being so much more fluid. I think an interesting topic for a book/anthology would be the age of Geographic Independence. Thank you again!!!

Very thought provoking and interesting, I never thought about local and global this way. Now it’s time for some soul searching about this. Thanks so much Derek!

You might consider New Orleans. It's global, locally.

I moved around most of my youngest years and by the time we stopped moving, i spent the rest of my growing years wishing I could get in my car and leave without giving notice. I've performed locally now for 40 years and I get calls all the time. I quit going to parties for a long time because " oh and bring your guitar" was always attached to the invite. I'd rather do my art work but I'm getting more and more music calls the more I want to slow down. I finally decided to let it go and just play to enjoy the times here and maybe work on making more time for art. People enjoy my company more than I enjoy person to person company and that's just the way it is. I just decided that my home is where I'm most comfortable and travel ( that I also love) will have to be a treat. See what I have and appreciate it for what it is. Makes life a lot easier. I'll will all my art and music to my boys and they can sell it :)

My husband and I have two houses, and it's hard answering the questions, where do you live, or where are you from. I spend more time in one house, and he in the other (due to work). People always ask us if we are separated. It's also difficult to do business with certain companies, too. I maintain a license in one state and he has one in the other, and we have vehicles in both states, and every year, the insurance company in one or both states wants to cancel our insurance because we aren't licensed in their state!

I never thought I'd say this but reading your post was a huge A-Ha moment for me. I moved from a large city to a small rural town a year ago and have been flailing about, feeling guilty about not getting involved in local literary events--or even exploring my new home--while focussing on my freelance writing career. I've never enjoyed a lot of social interaction (I'm a classic INTJ) and feel depleted whenever I make myself waste my precious time with neighbours or attending local events (because my husband is convinced I need to make friends). OMG, the relief and clarity I now feel knowing that I need to live/work/experience a global life and not a local life.
I'm so happy you've returned to regular blogging. I've read all of your book reviews and have bought books based on your notes.
Best,
Anna
mission accomplished. — Derek

Hi Derek,

I have deep ties -- both family and business -- to a very small community. As a result, I've devoted a lot of time to trying to help the community in various ways, including encouraging others to utilize the Internet to market locally-produced items globally, as I do my music. I've borrowed the term "glocal" to describe integrating both local and global markets and ideas into a community's identity and outlook.

As a result, I've come to be seen as an "outsider" because I have embraced and utilized the Internet-- and the connections it's allowed me to make -- in ways most other people haven't.

If this community were much larger, I don't think this would be the case. But it was an interesting lesson for me that an important part of this particular community's self-image is that it is insular and local (and I suspect this may be the case with other small towns as well); as a result, attempts to integrate it into the global community, even in small ways, are seen by some as a threat to its identity...

Hi Derek - Thanks for this insightful post...well said. If you know our friend Arun Shenoy in Singapore, please say hi from Matt and Rebecca.
Also...thanks for starting CD Baby.

I was global but now i trie to be more local.
In this time with an economic crisis going on in my country, there are a lot of people who can't buy food , ore medicine.
This hapened very lokal at my doorstep, and it inspired me to start a charityfoundation.
With this i keep a fine balance between beeing global, and doing something local.

Ah, finally someone addressing a conflict that I've been struggling with for years. And it's not just a question of local as in offline. It is also local and in my local language (Danish) as opposed to the global language (English). I experience, over and over again, that there are pros and cons to both approaches, except one thing is clear: Denmark is a small country. If I want to grow the kind of following that I want to, it will be very difficult in Denmark. Even if my communication in Danish seems to have more impact.

Thanks, Derek.
wow, nearly 900 comments already - really goes to show what a global impact you do have on people. Kudos to you, my friend.
This level of success probably felt like a long time coming or unfathomable back in the days when you were only pushing your own music in this tough industry!
well done, sir. well done. I'm glad I'll be reading you again.
Always, Nelson

I really believe this and have seen it in my own business. I've always been global (music publishing). I have a couple of jazz bands, and I'm always looking to record CDs and publish the music, but I usually falter when keeping up with local bookings. Sad but true! Thanks Derek for putting into words what I've always thought.

We met back in NUS Enterprise 1.5 years ago. I agreed with what Jozef (854) said.

What's more important and matters to you? If you are not having fun, it's really going to be a chore and a drain on energy both mental and physical.

My work is 90% global (70% country, 30% world) oriented. However, my life is about 40% local (fun with friends, family) and 60% work oriented.

I'm liberal introvert ;)
Best,
Krystian

Thanks Derek,

I have been contemplating this exact thing. I have started defining myself as a "nomadic" singer/songwriter "based" out of Calgary, Alberta because I spend a lot of time on the road and feel as connected in Reno, NV as I do in Sturgeon Bay, WI as I do in LA, as I do in Jerome, AZ etc... sometimes more connected than I feel in my "home base" of Calgary, AB! Yet, I also want to nurture my Calgary community and become more involved when I'm "home".

Obviously my natural tendency is to have a more "global" consciousness and focus, so it helps to realize this is my approach and work from that perspective.

I love reading your articles :> thank you for making me feel normal [again!]. A fellow South African singer-songwriter living in Oman, working in Dubai but globally searching and reaching out :> Keep it up!

Really good to read your stuff again...was wondering what was happening......we are still local still doing lots of gigs and stuff,and have created a local musicians support network,though most of the original members have moved on and we are moving on also.Now planing to hand over the reigns to some of the gigs and record again.Thankyou again for your articles always something to think about........

There is a third point in the local versus global discussion and a fourth point as well, and more. I personally balance them by being local in person and global by using the net. CD Baby is a good site, fun to use, but my life is such that revel in my home and family, and feel most comfortable here. I can make products to share with the world and connect with people all over the world through the web, and CD baby is a good way to do this. In the balance, never cared about stardom or being on the tip of the tongue of billions of people, just care about making music and art, and being real. And peace love and organic s to you this holiday season, Derek.

I'm still not sure if I like local or if I like global. I always like to think of ideas that might work out globally, even thinking of how to approach them and what's needed, but I seem to not actually pursue them (regardless of if I tell someone or not). But then I try more personal touches, and I seem to be great for a little while, then slack off after some time.

This is absolutely a thinker for me.

Good article, Derek. Like the picture, but of course I'm an Icelander, so that goes without saying.

There are many variants to the dichotomy presented here, especially for those who live within modest means.

Despite a yearning to feel as though I belong somewhere, I've always felt like a transient wherever I've lived—as a child or an adult—despite the variable benefits of immediate family close by, neighborhood acquaintances, or favorite watering holes. The work I produced to keep a roof over my head was almost always more "local" than "global" in focus. And while I would partake in such local activities as community theater, considering the means by which I might reach a larger audience seemed an option better taken by someone much younger.

Internet access allowed me (singly and through the activities of my wife) to construct a community of my own which, while not necessarily "global" in reach, certainly yields more rewards than locality seemed to offer. Through both work and fandom activity, I'm fortunate enough to know a good number of wonderful people from around the planet, a few of whom I've been even more fortunate enough to collaborate with on work efforts that had merit, if not global scope. Most of my current work, while done for primarily Northeast American entities, is performed for people I rarely if ever meet face-to-face.

Am I local or global? Probably neither.

Thanks for sharing your experiences... ;-)

Effective Derek! Blessed to share experiences, read your thoughts and dream of all that's yet to be given globally.

Spot on Derek. Whether it's local or global you have to be comfortable in your own skin. Merry Christmas!

Mahalo from Hawaii! It's good to see you posting again. It's refreshing to read your lessons, insights and adventures.

Best to you and yours this and every season.

Great article, Derek. I definitely feel these two opposing tensions. On the one hand, why not spend all my time lining up gigs to do in Seattle? On the other hand, why not exclusively focus on my international music project and hopefully impact the world with my music? Be available all the time for whatever gigs come along - or sit and home and crank out new compositions (god, I have so many ideas for new compositions!) ?
Very few musicians I know have a balance of both. Fortunately one of them is one of my mentors, Brazilian pianist/composer Jovino Santos Neto. He got the international exposure by being with the legendary Hermeto Pascoal for over a decade. Then he moved here to Seattle where he teaches at Cornish School of the Arts. He gigs locally, getting paid what we get paid here for local gigs. He influences up and coming young players through his ensemble and classwork at Cornish. And during the summers and school breaks he plays big international shows, so he stays inside the global arena at the same time.
He is my model for balance. For now, like you, I am feeling at this time that I need to focus more on the global project(s). However, for a musician, playing local gigs is like a regular exercise regimen for an athlete: it keeps you in shape for your bigger performances.
I won't claim to have found my perfect balance yet, but your article here has helped me to get some clarity on how the two opposing pulls interact.

I think getting globally-informed people to focus some time on local resources is key to making our society happy & robust in the face of accelerating change. I wrote a blog post on this topic http://joanna-bryson.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/bath-is-brilliant-digital-economy-vs.html

Thanks! That was great - have that conflict and never thought of it this way.

Interesting! I'm kind of...a combination. I like to socialize to some degree locally, and have some roots...but I never feel "tied" to one locality, and I tend to think more globally than locally.

I feel compelled to lean to your side of the fence. While I spent years being hyper locally involved, I prefer interacting with more diverse groups because I enjoy their diverse backgrounds or stories.

Thanks Derek. I'm an introvert designer, but my work has broad impact, and this post presents the same narrow/broad dilemma I've faced living in a tight-knit community that expects successful people to serve on boards, gladhand and give talks (and be a Republican—yikes).

It's refreshing to hear you describe the conscious choice you've made after immersing yourself in both worlds.

Hi, Derek -

Finally got to this article after the holidays. Happy New Year - by the way. Wishing you the best in the coming year - and - glad to hear that you are giving your best where you want to give it.

Look foward to hearing more from your globally re-positioned self.

I am shifting out of Karin Blaine, singer songwriter - to dudessdahlia world - which is a construct for freedom of expression, individuality, courage, and humor. Sorta letting myself go BIGGER - art, clothes, songs, politics.

Anyway - it's all cool.

best from the dudess* of dudessdahlia world

karin

* a dudess is a female from of dude - standing tall, taking up space, saying it straight and having fun.

Hi Derek!
I met you in London and have the pic somewhere!
CD baby was never the same without you. It was personal then. It made me feel like there was a person out there that wanted me to suceed. I only uploaded my first track for digital download last night. I thought of you. It was happy days when I met you in London. God how things change. I collapsed 3rd July 2010. On biopsy they found Leukaemia.I've been to hell and back since. Chemo, a bone marrow transplant. All I ever wanted to do was music but they said I was fit for work and so I started my own biz working sometimes till 3am. I wonder why they didn't just let me write music. Every so often in life we come across a good egg. One of the best in the world must surely be you. I do hope you find happiness Derek. You have helped so many people.

Well I had to move back to my home town hastings. I lost my flat in a beatiful castle in broadstairs. My homes gone, my biz is gone, my mum and dad died, I dunno where my son is. Thats life. I feel like the last few years have been like shifting sands. I've never felt settled anywhere. All I can say is: I give up. I don't know if your moving around was out of choice but mine seemed to be enforced. If it wasnt one thing it was another. Unlike you I never made any money. I had businesses squashed by other people but never got to be a real success at anything. Ah well enough ramble. All goo to you Mr good egg, Claire x

You really are something brother.

Derek, it seems that I always felt you were most effective (and actually most alive) when you were persuing broader interests.

I applaud you in taking interest and investing effort and time being local, there are certainly many great benefits to plugging in to a local community and servicing those physically closest to you.

1. The reality for me is I've always found that I could do more good in being someone who operated with a global perspective, not only because of the ability to affect more people but also from the biblical wise that a prophet in his own town is often (not always) without honor.
Simply put, people respond more to someone that is not always so tangible and you often get a better level of treatment when those near you feel you could be somewhere else.

2. How many artists would be benefitting from CD Baby? If you hadn't taken a global approach.

Bless you for having courage to even do all you've done thus far.

side note- i remember that young brilliant guitarist there in NY working in the tape room and studio at warner chappell. He observed and had a global perspective long before he thought created CD Baby and he is still that great wide eyed dreamer.

Sam Shake Anderson
Awww... thanks (and hi!) Sam. I really appreciate it. Great to hear from you, old friend. Love this quote: “you often get a better level of treatment when those near you feel you could be somewhere else”. — Derek

Derek,

First I am happy to meet you and this is the first post of yours that I have read. I really really like it. We are a traveling family that is struggling with settling down or moving around and where to connect...and or not connect. I thought this was a great article and really like your ability to distinguish between the two feelings. I wonder can you do both? Is there a spot where you can still get involved in your local community but not give up on your worldly efforts or then are you just half assing both?

For example I am working online mostly right now however have joined the local YMCA and our children are involved in activities locally because we are here...I wonder if it has to be all or nothing.

You have given me lots to think about and I am glad I found your site.

Take Care,

Paz
Definitely possible to do both. I guess I've experimented with both extremes, and will probably find my balance between them some day. — Derek

I am Always interested in what you think.

Hey Derek,
I think you can find a happy medium. And where that happy lies on the continuum is very personal.

But I have to ask you - is it possible that it isn't so much being local that you find so draining but what you are DOING locally?

Being local doesn't have to be saying yes to every request. It doesn't have to be always giving. You can have relationships locally in which you are fed energetically as well. What would that look like for you?
Yep! Agreed. — Derek

always enjoy your perspective... will be nice to "see" more of you again.

Cheers!

Thanks for the insight. You are right, we can act either locally or globally. It reminded me of some words from Baha'u'llah: "let your vision be world embracing rather than confined to yourself" and "the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens." Our actions whether local or global should be inspired by a personal vision that is universal and inclusive(non partisan and without prejudice).

Boy I love reading your writings. I hadn't checked this email account in a while and there you are. I believe this one is from Dec. ??? I feel I can really relate to this piece. Oh yea and I've played Singapore a couple of times and LOVED IT!! I called it Controlled Utopia lol. Funny story from sing. Ill share with you when u have time. I can only assume ur über busy all the time lol. Thanks for everything.
Cheers

Very interesting point! Great angle Derek!

I look forward to your videos. I've been slacking on expanding my biz and myself. I need to branch myself and explore biz ideas I've been sitting on for years!

Artists gets stuck in this, too; the idea that going local is a necessity, but it's not the case. Every situation is unique, and sometimes it's best to focus efforts online and share with a wider audience, which includes the local.

thoughtfully provocative article - i agree. there are some of us fortunate to have a global outlook, upbringing and lifestyle; once outwardly looking, it is difficult to be constrained by "inward" activities. Further, this society tends not to communicate as much as to listen, less spontaneity, happy to receive, but careful about "giving", its the way the we were brought up in schools, the way of life, changing slowly with influx of foreigners, but slowly !

Derek;The site comes down soon for a redo. I know you've done well w/ cd baby etc.(Congrats) and I appreciate the articles you've sent. I don't need to tell you how weird the music biz iz. I did my project (CD) without a workin' band or fan base. Still made it on the AMI int.j-box (so I'm Nationwide). Ran low budget airplay/ non com stations and some int now. Couldn't do a VID. I'm old school and not "trendy" by todays BS. Labels despise indies mostly. I'm thinking of contacting some smaller labels for a promo deal,but maybe there's another option. Some of my tunes have been heard all around the globe but the listeners are too broke or too cheap to buy a hard copy. To make matters worse, (going live) I couldn't get a crew here for $#it! Maybe I need to move!

Very perceptive Derek, in the future which of course is developing as we net-work, almost all of our interactions will be on-line (as opposed to the local/global paradigm) and the times that we do meet, eye to eye, so to speak, will become much more meaningful perhaps deeper than they are now.....I mean how meaningful is the interaction at the cash register/ticket counter/gas station/bar-hangout.......? We will hang out on-line with each other, weddings/funerals/concerts/schooling/doctors apptmts....leaving the person-to-person contact reserved for those times we truly need to feel each others 'vibes'/warmth and spirit.......No?

Today's technology makes the world "local"

I knew I was going to come back to this at some point. Simply because it seems that global is in many ways simply a larger version of local; yet, one could also frame the question along different lines, i.e., local versus non-local, in that case non-local NOT equating to global, per se. Non-local in that case, perhaps pointing to the context that both the smaller local and the larger global arise within. :-)

Great post! I just listened to your interview on The Foolish Adventure show. I've heard you interviewed before, but this one really hit it home for me. Loved you honesty. I've been working on rebooting my operating system as well. Thanks again.

I really appreciate your post, Derek, and I totally relate. Balance is everything, and the tools we have give us a lot of choices and freedom. I did a double-take when I saw the lovely illustration of the home standing alone by the sea. Because (minus the chilly Iceland part), that's exactly what it looks like in the spot I live and work on San Juan Island, where it's possible to be as much or as little an active part of the local community as desired, and remain very connected to fellow music-makers all over the world.

Here's a new essay on Greg Sandow's blog that describes this joy (and includes a photo nearly identical to this drawing!):

http://www.artsjournal.com/sandow/2013/03/from-alex-shapiro-e-ing-there.html

Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful observations. They inspire and encourage.
Peace,
Alex

Having feet in worlds that fulfill is what sustains me as I flow from local to global. I migrate between Homer, Alaska (summer), Vail, Colorado (two months skiing in winter), and La Quinta, California rest of year. I understand what it is to live in multiple worlds. In Vail, I've been a member of an international think tank of executive women and an investment group. I organize TEDxVailWomen.

I started TEDx in Alaska and now mentor teens in Homer, who just produced their 5th event yesterday.

While in the desert I connect globally to organize global youth mentorships. This coming weekend

I'll host two global gathering hangouts on greening your TEDx-one in English and another in Spanish. Balance is the key. https://www.facebook.com/events/151721661656208/

I look for ways to say yes and listen carefully for what serves the greatest good. If a local solution is needed and I can not be there, my being involved with the local communities and knowing who is doing what almost always gives me an outlet to help by inviting someone local to jump in. I tend to be a big picture thinker and love creating a future I'd love to be age 15 in.

Derek, you inspire us all with your clear, clever communications and thank you for your 3 minutes of how to start a movement.

Derek,
I save your emails because they are so inspiring. And - In reading this again I must share with you that you have amazed me over the years in your devotion to the passionate expression of your heart. I applaud your journey and send you deep gratitude for your many successes as you wind your way through this incredible chasm of life.
May your creative wisdom continue to flow through you to those who most need it. May your heart be filled with the joy you so deserve!
Lisa

Having tried both lifestyles/approaches, I think it's great to have local AND global networks - especially if they are intertwined. That's why having online communities like the DC is so awesome - you can interact with and bring value to many people online, but you can also go for beers in person. It's a win-win situation.

P.S. Your name came up a lot in conversation a couple of weeks ago here in Saigon, which means you're doing some cool stuff globally ;)

I'm a niche musician (dark theatrical piano rock), and I've noticed that a lot of musicians around me, in the Philadelphia area, are breaking their backs doing a ton of local gigs, shaking hands, and promoting themselves locally, but none seem to be making the "big break" that they are expecting. Honestly, my music's not for everyone. My music is for little pockets of unique people around the world. I have been focusing my attention outward, to the larger picture. I felt that musicians need to figure out if they're local artists, who are going to work a lot of local jobs to build up the local scene, and perform for that certain kind of fan who loves local bands; or if they're the kind of musician who wants to relate to isolated fans on a larger scale. Thanks, Derek. This article really hit home for me and made me realize that I'm on the right track.

You inspire me.

I am a dentist.
A small group of lone nuts are shouting on the hillside about some new concepts connecting the dots of airway, acid reflux, clenching/bruxism and suggesting new ways to look at managing and treating this syndrome.

I have shared first follower with many in our network of allied professionals. Today, in Napa, I am a "ff" of my "dancing guy, Jeff Rouse, DDS.

Monday, back in my home of Redding, CA it will be my turn to be the dancing guy.

My, our, challenge is how to make this movement global.

Thank you.

Glad you're back :)

Thank you for putting words to my heart's desires.

Thank you for sharing these insights which hit home quite deeply for me.. I have always been a fierce supporter of the local scene I am involved in whether it was Hollywood, CA, Asbury Park, NJ or where I reside now in Eastport, Maine. I find that the immersion in my local environment and community provides fuel and inspiration for my creative energy that can help manifest new recordings that I release to a very modest but very loyal base of supporters from all over the world. Achieving the right personal balance between local community involvement and leveraging technology to cast a wider net is such a relevant contemplation. Thanks for the spark..

Hi Derek,
I do enjoy reading your stories, very thought provoking and always make me smile. In fact you are on my bucket list, and its my birthday on 5Th February, why don't you call in, I always have lots of good food and wine, Cognac and chocolates.

Have you googled me? kaywallsnepalglaucomaeyeclinic.org

My legs won't let me travel anymore, so come to Melbourne, its only about three hours away!!

Sincerely with Love and Peace from Kay..

Very interesting perspective on living life and focusing your career. I'm also in the situation where I live in a city where nobody knows or cares for what I do and yet people from other places far away are aware of what I do -- and care for it. I guess I prefer the global mindset. Being local to me is so restrictive. You miss a lot that way, I think? People with a local mindset are sometimes so dense and it irritates me when they don't know whats going on past their city limits. Bloody sheeple! :(

Hi Derek

I've been torn between these poles all of my life. One part of me just wants to sit down, organize, focus and create more music or ideas, and then the polar opposite wants me to travel the world, meet people and exchange ideas before it's all over. I'm not convinced that I'll ever reconcile the two.
I certainly enjoyed hearing about your experiences and thoughts on all of this.
Local or global, a person has to give, give and then give some more. I look forward to hearing more of your ideas about art and life in the future.

Thanks Derek, that's very helpful, somehow I never quite realized there was a choice to make! I've been trying to do both and feeling quite overwhelmed and frustrated most of the time... Of course you speak of a balance, not necessarily only one or the other, but it's good to hear that it is normal that I struggle with this and that I maybe just need to make a conscious choice of how much of which. It is a tough decision for me to make but your insight helps me to have a clearer way to think about it, and asking myself the right question gives me a better chance to come up with a good solution.
And I'm so glad you're back to being global so we'll get more of those helpful articles! thanks again...

this illustrates for me how intensely social and integrated i am in my community. i'm really good at it. always have been. hanging out, socializing, entertaining. networking in a non-contrived way. i think i would go absolutely nuts if i lived way out in a cabin by myself, yet i do wonder if maybe that would be a good thing for me to complete larger projects that require sustained focus. food for thought!

I recently browsed through your book at
the local bookstore here in Portland, OR.

I felt extremely energized as a result and
decided to connect with you. I am one of
the Portland outsiders and am running into
cronyism and nepotism here.

I have a marketing/sales background and
I also spent some time in Woodstock, NY.
I am originally from the NYC metro area
and am now residing in Portland.

I would cherish the opportunity to meet
with you sometime and see if there could
be a position that I could fill within your
organization. - Elliot

Hi Derek! Very clear post! This is something I have thought about a lot too as I've settled into a period of life where I have two homes: Oakland and Buenos Aires, and I find myself wondering about the costs and benefits of being rooted in one place vs. living larger in the world.

Your post is mostly focused on work, I wonder too how you feel about relationships and whether this affects your happiness in terms of having a community and partner. (As someone who has been living in a slightly nomadic way I wonder about how to merge the desire to move around with the desire for a long-term relationship when that relationship with a compatible-lifestyle person doesn't already exist).

I also sometimes think about what truly creates happiness and whether physical contact and proximity are more fulfilling than emails and comments. I can have a more global impact with my ideas, books, and communities online, but is this really the most satisfying? Maybe so in some ways, but I also like depth and proximity.

Living in the Bay Area where there are so many tech giants with a global focus and a blind eye to local problems makes me think we really need to focus local too.

Great post and blog here! Found you because a friend posted your relax post on Facebook.
Good point. I make friends easily and love my long-distance phone-friends that I talk with almost daily. So the live-anywhere life works well for me. But it's not for everyone. — Derek

Great analysis as always. I really liked the way You explain how that inner feeling/orientation extends to other aspects of our lives. Thank You for writing this and let us take It out of subconscious and be totally aware of It. I never felt right trying to be involved locally and now I see clearly I'm a global-oriented outsider and it's good to know other people is. I also feel none of both ways is better than the other. Keep thinking man :)

This makes sense. I've never thought of it this way. I live in a small Dutch village where I am a moderately active community member. I work internationally, coaching entrepreneurs from all parts of the world. Lately I 've been feeling more and more strongly that I want these two worlds to be as separate as possible. They meet on my Facebook page, where one part of posts is in Dutch about the kids and the local school, and the other part is about entrepreneurs and spirituality, etc. They also meet on the playground when a parent asks me what I do. Or when I'm coaching a client and he wants to know where I live. I thought I was just being typically shy or introverted not wanting these two hemispheres to mix. Somehow hearing you make this conscious resolve to focus solely on the global makes it okay for me to say: I work globally, I live locally, and never the twain have to meet (-: .

Hi Derek, you are preaching to the choir with me. I am an introvert, and an artist and writer. It was a challenge when I gigged a lot as a musician, because it was emotionally draining though I was judging that it "should" feel good to me. I enjoyed the inspiration I gave others, but didn't like performing that much, and I did it for years.

To use Susan Cain's perspective when she talks about famous introverts like Gandhi and Eleanor Roosevelt, I was sharing music live because I wanted to share the beauty of music, not because I wanted people to watch me.

My most recent form of expression is folk art made from salvaged and found things. I LOVE the finding of things and the creating of art in solitude, yet I had re-created the music dynamic by selling my work at art and craft shows, which require prolonged periods of face time with the buying public. (Fortunately I have a partner who likes to sit in the booth so can go on walkabouts.)This year I will be focusing on how I can increase revenue in areas that don't require face time and I will resume blogging about my finds and the things I create from them.

So I will take to heart your idea of being global, it fits well with how I see myself moving forward and is a good answer to the part of me that has been unfulfilled not only in the area of sharing art, but also areas where I share some of my other gifts and have been acting locally and touching a few people. I will be exploring how I can benefit and bless a wider range of people via the web.

If you've read this far, I have a question that was prompted by listening to your visit with Tim Ferriss. You mentioned living alone, yet you have a wife and son too. Just wondering how you reconcile the need for deep solitude in order to stay true to self with domestic partnership and parenting.

I have a woman that I've been with 9 years, and my kids are 17 and 21. I love them all dearly, but I can get ornery and resentful when I feel saturated/ crowded.
My partner and I are talking about having dual residences in a year or two when the kids are gone- her a condo in the city, and me a tiny house in the woods (which is already under construction and will be finished this year.

Thanks for "listening" and for the work you do. You are an inspiration to me!

Best,

Mark
Durham, NC, US

Hi Derek,

Just listened to your two podcasts with Tim Ferriss found what you said super helpful and inspiring, thanks. I'm an intp/intj(i'm not completely sure which) and found it helpful for me how you choose to live life and do just what you felt like in regards to working with/around people.
I see your bio you lived in NZ which is where i'm from, where did you live here?

Cheers again

Kirk
Nelson then Wellington, so far. Who knows, next. ☺ — Derek

Great article Derek. Learnt a new term in "Cronyism".

Well said, though an alien mindset for me...I'm an INFP, and though I crave solitude, I also feel I need personal connectionswith my fellow humans. I'm the guy in my neighborhood who everyone knows- I've got a tool you could use, a hand I can lend, and an ear that will listen if needed. The worst kept secret in all of philosophy and psychology- help someone else and you will cure your own woes. Great podcast with Tim Ferriss, BTW. I'm already reading one of your recommendations.

Hi Derek, Loved your pod cast, one of many and keep on keeping on. You are an inspiration to so many!
Music is still my core direction, but keeping fit and healthy at 67 is my other main focus. People over 55 need to realise that exercise is essential for a healthy life and keeping not only the body in good shape with good food and no alcohol as well as allowing the brain to be used to the maximum for brain health.
Happiness Always Ken

I have become an insider and it is killing me slowly, mainly because I like alone time better and I am having to spend lots of time with people I care about and this is taking huge amounts of time away from me and not allowing me to focus.

I spent the last couple of weeks on a boat in the Mediterranean sea, and I managed to keep up with important work, keep in touch with those who I care about the most and managed to be time-efficient working 4 hours a day, and getting to know beautiful places like Dubrovnik, Crete, Ephesus and Mykonos just to mention a few of them , while I also had time to meet new people on the go, have new ideas, make new connections and be part of my local and global world at the same time.

Now I am back in my home country, back to routine, feeling exhausted and trying to give time to myself and everyone around me. My colleagues all want meetings with me now that I am back, my friends want to go out for dinner, and all I want is to go with the flow and keep up with my "local responsibilities" mainly because doing things always brings possibilities.

I feel rather confused about the fact that I do love to meet with others but I am still not finding a balance in life, even when I have tried hard to delegate most of the work I don´t really want to do. Networking is a big part of my life, but creating ideas and trying to impact many with my work is another thing that moves me greatly. I am not even sure how much I am impacting humanity because my alone time is so scarce I have not found the time to measure my progress in my goals.

My head is partially patriotic and nationalistic and partly global. I like getting to know other cultures, traveling and being around international people. However my family, and the businesses I have created so far have grounded me to my home country. I have so many connections and so much experience with my local scene that this happens to be one of my greatest assets so far, and I am struggling to find ways in which I can leave all that I have started in Mexico functioning while I plan my life in a much safer, and less polluted country.

Mexico is a country where you can seem to have it all, but the ecosystem is somehow aggressive, specially for entrepreneurs. My mind tells me to get out of here but feeling attach me to what I have here, my family and projects I have started here mainly.

What would you do in my place? I feel a bit afflicted but stand firm in my responsibilities and commitments to others (companies and people around me).

Should I stay or should I go?


I will really appreciate your feedback!!

Yours,

Alejandro

I see the point and completely agree with you. For me personally the trouble is that the environment where I work, is very local based. I'm an architect and I haven't found out a way yet, to come around the local and personal relationships when it comes to find new clients. UK is the 3rd country where I'm live and everywhere I saw the same - architects know
Everyone in town hopping one of this guys would be there client.
For some reason it is not very entreprenial and I'm not sure if an approach similar to your would word for young architects.
If anyone has an idea I'm happy to hear it!
Anyway your article is great! And the image is gorgeous!
Best wishes, Eva

Thanks for that, I think my focus on the local scence has probably the reason I have not advanced in my endeavors. I have been under the impression as for as a hometown artist needing his local community to support him before he will be excepted globally. I remember when I first started I called some venues to see about getting some shoes for my artist and the agent told me that I was just local it felt like he was telling that I a nobody. Good article

Derek:

Good stuff. The following words come to mind, "When a student is ready a teacher will appear."

Thanks for sharing your experience and helping me to understand what I have been struggling with. I've been resentful over the time, money and effort expended to "fit in" locally.

Yeah! Here is to testing the global market!

Dan

Hi Derek, Thanks so much for writing this article. It describes how I feel so perfectly. I have always felt more 'global' than local and I am an introvert and more comfortable making things on my own in my house than exhausting myself with people. I have travelled a lot too and call many places home. So I have a lot in common with you. I have also grappled with these questions. I often wonder if it's odd that I feel deeply connected to people around the world but not really so connected locally. But as you explained so well, that's just how I am. I am also like you in that I can and like to be open with everyone. I don't have an inner special circle. I am a new person at every moment and I hope I allow others to be also.
Thanks,
Chelle

Thank you. for putting into words and perspective, my own internal struggle. do you consider yourself a multipotentialite? thank you

Wow..I happened to click on this article by accident. I'm so glad I did. I've been in the same boat and although I have many years ahead, I always thought there was really wrong with traveling so much and not really being local anywhere. I feel pulled to live locally and in many ways, I tried to force it..but I think maybe it'll come together when it should..not when it's forced. Until then, maybe I'll just be more global :) I'm okay with it :)

I read this when I was nineteen on the fringe of the art scene , bourgeoning connections. I book marked this article five years ago, now as I re-read this I have a greater appreciation for your writing.

The best part of your article is that you are living what you are writing.
No one can say you are don't commit to the global arena, because the proof lies in the fact that you have educated me in such a powerful way.

cheers,
a chosen local
Thanks Anne-Marie! — Derek

I think I've just solved a riddle, that I wasn't even aware of. Thanks to this post and this post https://sive.rs/arv.
I think I undercut my business subconsciously because it works only local. But my upbringing is globally and I am globally (know that now after reading). I suffered for many years not being able to fit in locally. Not having the need to belong to a group. But once in a while I would meet someone, somewhere in the world and would feel much more connected, than with many people locally.

Hi, great piece. I don’t really know what I’m doing here except to say I feel what you write, and feel like I need/ would like to go glocal via: uk yvr Compton ... complex etc.

And Cuba¿

Best, Scott

Me neither! How freeing :D Thank you.

Direct question : what do you think of spirituality, have u ever read bhagwat gita?

Try to write article on this derek, no need To reply me.

Abhishek

Derek,
Just getting introduced to you and your ideas...thank you for creating and sharing. Re. This topic —very good book, even if academic, from a geographer Yi-Fu Tuan, Cosmos and Hearth. Review at: https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/yi-fu-tuan/cosmos-and-hearth/
Cheers, C

A few comments have approached this matter from different angles.

My angle is that yes, "home is where is where I hang my hat," And yes I can move, but home is also where I feel membership. Not like a cold billiard ball.

Part of why it's harder to be unemployed or disabled is that it's harder to feel membership and belonging.

That's why, for a campus or a town, I will read the local newspaper, join a local club, go often to the town square until I feel it is my town too. Not alienated or calling others "they." Incidentally, my life changed when I could say "we artists."

I think some folks have a lower need for belonging than others, such as those who feel happy to belong to the whole world. In contrast, I read a novel (Called Friday) where an orphan who referred to others as "normals" had a happy ending when she moved to a small town where she felt connected to people who stayed around.

Awesome news Derek that you're in the UK. Let me buy you dinner, seriously!

Hi Derek.

I’m not sure if you are picking up these emails.

I run a healthy snacking brand with sales of £1mn.

I read your book sometime ago and loved it ever since. I constantly struggle with do I want to grow big and have a big team, or do I want to stay small, have less stress, work on the things I enjoy in the business, and make a healthy profit each year.

We make our products in a bakery in Oxford which made me write this email as I saw you are now living here.

Would you be up for meeting for a coffee? I’d love to meet you. I realise the meeting has no upside for you (well you’d get a free coffee on me), but I was wondering if you do any sort of mentoring at all these days?

I know you don’t know me from anyone so here’s my ‘me in 10 seconds’

I’ve been a 5* crew member at McDonald’s, a student of electronics engineering, a politics graduate from Hull university, and a private equity research analyst. I started my first company in 2012 in sports Nutrtion, and now also run Battle Snacks, a growing brand focussed on bakery quality healthy snacks.

I’m an autodidact, proponent of profit first principles, ebb and flow between introvert and extrovert, avid reader, podcast listener, and bucket lister.

I hope to hear from you soon Derek.

Rgs.

Kevin.

Hi Derek,

A quick note of gratitude.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts in general and indeed this specific article. It's given me food for thought with respect to my own journey. Certainly a different view point to where I have been heading.

Thanks again

Dinesh

Really helpful reading this.. sometimes I question a similar topic, one-on-one helping, vs helping people en mass. Which is better?

Well who is a more important contributor to the world; Richard Brandson, or a woman pushing a pram with a baby down the street?

My first thought would be Brandson..
but what if this was 65 years ago and that woman was Mrs Brandson, Richard's mum. With out her dedication and 1-on-1 sacrifice, there would be no Richard Brandson to shape the world.

Conclusion; we are all equal just naturally gravitate to contribute in different ways.

Hi Derek,

That's great to hear you're in Oxford now. I look forward to hearing more about your travels.

Sincerely,

Danielle

Thanks for this post. I came across this randomly.I guess you may call it a global cocktail party without cocktails. Or who knows, one may have one in the background - a non alcoholic for me please, sipping it as I read this blog post. Came to it randomly from Forward Link, a community for people who have graduated Seth Godin's online courses. Someone mentioned you there, and I thought I would follow the link and read a bit. Lo and Behold I found an interesting minimalist site with interesting posts. So simply written and just easy to to read. Almost as if you are talking to the writer.
Yes, I can resonate with the global community as opposed to (just) local. I personally have been building my connections with so many folks lately ( magically), and most of them ( 90%) are outside on my current place of living. It almost feel easier to find and connect with some people, especially when there is a match in values of some kind, or interests.

People actually respond. Global community, well said. Thanks for this refresher, Derek.

Also, I liked your idea on a daily diary. I recently started my morning pages, and found it therapeutic, revealing and insightful, almost as if I am doing a session with some medium psychic practitioner, myself. Morning pages, as instructed by Julia Cameron in the Artist's Way Course.
Thanks again, will be returning here!

Derek, it's very strange I've just emailed you regarding a National / International strategy for helping more artists ...

This just after realising I'd missed a big local event at the weekend that I'd felt I should have been at, but equally felt totally liberated I'd missed, a very strange feeling indeed being as I Love Communities!

When acting Locally the Impact is variable and the return is minimal for the resources deployed, when acting wider the impact is much greater but almost nobody who knows you locally knows (which is probably the way it should be).
"Prophet is not without honour, save in his own land" blessings my friend...

I just found out about your existence today and everything I have read so far I relate so much!
I have never read such a good explanation and categorization of this two ways to live and serve.
It really helped me in knowing who I am! I am also global! Thank you so much Derek for helping me to get to know myself better.

A well thought out subject Derek! And great observations.

But I feel, the issue is not local or global but about impact and environment. Meaning, you can decide to do/help locally via physical / time work (e.g.: build a closet for 1 person, if you’re a Carpenter) or decide to do/help globally via mental / time work (e.g.: build/create/share a system/tool/idea to improve many lives with a clothing management system or even a way to build modular wooden closets, if you’re a Carpenter).

Both are helpful. The impact from the system/ideas example is much greater since you can have many people working & benefitting from jobs being created and also consumers getting better quality closets.
The other issue, environment is important since it can help or hurt the creator/builder/person because of distractions (like your Singapore example). I like to think of it as Positive vs. Negative environments. Positive is like the ideal Napolean Hill/Zig Ziglar-type environment where the people (not necessarily the location - e.g.: think of monks in middle of nowhere), have an indirect and direct effect on your mental & physical energies and mindset & thinking (like: I can do this!).
On the flip-side, a Negative environment can really mess with a person for years and it can be at any physical location but its the “people’s” opinions that have an effect on the person.
Sometimes, without knowing it, we actively create our own environments, to either our own benefit or detriment. And it becomes our spiritual challenge to become aware so that we CAN change it for our benefit. For example, I live in NYC and due to my experience, I choose to live in a convenient populated city. But I rarely if ever chat with my local neighbors since after a few chats, I can kind of tell they are of “close-minded” thinking. However, when I go to meetups globally, I can find 1 or 2 “open-minded” & “growth-minded” thinking folks to chat with. And I’ve decided a while ago, that my “fun” minded friends were not really friends since they were not supportive of my learning/growth endeavors.

Someone once said - you are the average of the 5 people that you associate with. I feel where you live is irrelevent for purposes of impact. But where you live should be comfortable for you, your health, your lifestyle and your people environment. And for work since you (or most people) need to sustain a sufficient income for life’s expenses. And environment should be complementary to your energies to feel happy that you are doing something that makes you feel free and have people who are supportive of you and your ideas.

So that’s my 2 cents. Please keep up the excellent posts Derek!
-Jonathan C.

As a child, we would be a little hostile to kids from other schools and turfs.

As an adult, as regards "insiders and outsiders," (as noted in Derek's post) one of my joys in life is ignoring my natural default, and trying to blend in without hostility or fear. I assume the best and look for the good.

I can tell when people like only insiders, just as I can tell which dogs don't like to be petted. I try to be nice and gentle to such people, and such dogs, without expecting more than they can give.

What I meant to comment is this: Many commenters are questioning themselves and their choices. My advice is to be sensitive to whether your choice feels "forced." My slogan for myself this year is "Let go of who you think you should be." I'll be all year thinking about this.

Relatable. Thanks for writing this down!

Firstly, like Sean Bonner, commenting in the 800's, I too try to read all the comments before I reply, although in this case, like Sean, I found that was not possible. (Sigh!)

I think I recognized his name from Sean being skeptical about facebook in a link to Derek's article about getting off that platform... I like that sense of "name community."

More importantly, someone liked Susan Cain's book about introverts. (to help them feel less foolish and alone) Me too. I just want to say that Susan has a Ted Talk on introverts being OK.

This is actually immensely important for me. I now realize I often feel some form of GUILT for not getting more involved in my local community (volunteering, local government, church, etc). Similarly, I tend to light up at the idea of GLOBAL involvement (travel, online presence with video/audio, writing and blogging). I've never been given "permission" to just let that be ok. I'm also young, single, early in my career, and acknowledge these priorities are malleable and can change over time. But this is ALSO ok :). Thanks for the insights as always Derek!

I loved this local versus global concept. I hadn't realised that I had never taken a stance on this and have been wavering. Is it possible that you pick one as the more dominant sphere but still do the other. Let's say 70% local 30% global?

Ever so grateful!

Hi Derek - can you share what resources used when developing your business plan?

I'm definitely a believer in working globally. Sometimes our local 'graph points' keep us in a place that can feel confining and ill-matched. I'm a writer and musician and have had more success digitally than when events are scheduled locally in a particular province, place or whatever.

I recently read your book, Anything You Want and would love to touch base with you regarding starting a business from scratch and working solely online. Considering we are on opposite ends of the earth :) email works.

I'm taking you up on your "Contact me anytime". I'm writing to say hello and to connect professionally- I would love to learn more from you if you are up for some conversations.

Thanks so much. Thank you for your book which so clearly articulates so much of how I am feeling starting my online business. It was and is a comfort to know there is someone with a similar perspective on working to create good in the world and willing to start something (which a lot of people don't understand) but something that is clearly needed and something that can hopefully serve a lot of people.

I hope to hear from you.

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Best Regards,

Carolyn Sloan

Just came to say. I really like your homepage design. Clever mix of audio and text.

This article blew my mind. I've been struggling with this choice without knowing it has a name. Now I feel more equipped to choose.

Thank you for this new mental model!

Where can I subscribe to receive your new posts? Thanks

I love this perspective of looking at things Mr. Sivers! As a Chinese-Canadian myself, it has been tough trying to live on both sides of the world with such contrasting cultures. Every time I work on something locally, I always feel like I am missing out on another half of myself. Connecting globally, maybe that's something I can try to do!

Focusing on people is difficult, connecting with persons-even just a few-creates relationships that move beyond community and become one-on-one connections. International or long distance allow us to be known, superficial or impersonal relationships can also happen locally. Meaning and well being comes from meaningful connections-and that requires time and courage, courage to be vulenrable.

Love the thought-provoking discussion this article generated Derek. Your commenters are also contributing to the insightfulness. As I read this again 10 years after I first read it, I am finally brave enough to contribute. Knowing, deciding, flowing in the global-local continuum with some attributes of local personal, global business, local- friends, global - relatives and other such definitions are still percolating in my brain. Yet another pitstop to reflect/recharge or idea to carry along this life’s journey of knowing thyself.