Are you a master mind
Recently I was doing some research for a breaking in article for Pandora's Gate and came upon a interesting concept, mastermind groups. The theory is that you find people who want what you want and then associate with them to help everyone fulfill their goals. This is basically networking on steroids that helps everyone to focus on what they need to do and have people who understand their situation to provide inspiration and feed back.
It made me think about some stuff. I am not placing the blame on anyone but me for the times that I have missed deadlines with the issue or failed to keep in contact with potential interviewers but some times when you are the only person in your circle of friends who is trying to do something creative in a professional manner it can be easy to lose your way. If the project is not giving you money and there are not a lot of people who reinforce that what you are doing is worthwhile then going out drinking or playing games seems to hold as much relevance as posting a new picture or writing a piece of poetry. That is one way I think bands have it a little easier because then the goal becomes what you do and what you talk about. But I think the formation of a group of individuals who are dedicated to creative purity and professional success could only be helpful to each other. People who can extort you to excellence and kick you in the butt on the days it seems easier to play war craft then craft a story. The group would be about promoting each other's stuff and providing critical insights as well as the occasional shoulder to cry on when it all falls apart.
I am working on some details and coming up with a list but in the meantime I have one question: are you a mastermind?.