And the Good Guy wins
Ever since I was inducted into the Social Media Collective community a long, long time ago, I’ve watched the careers of some really respected members — including Robert Scoble and Shel Israel — skyrocket.
Scoble’s achievement — as a futurist, technologist and ‘influencer’ — is amazing. I don’t have to describe it — it’s well documented publicly. I am simply acknowledging it.
Shel’s achievement has been relatively understated. He gives himself a nondescript title of ‘writer’, and wears a t-shirt to reinforce it.
Both have authored books and spoken at events together. They also recently started the Transformation Group together.
And when the spotlight fell on Scoble, Shel would remain in the shadowy area, slightly off-stage.
It seems that light can be hidden for a long time. But it cannot be hidden forever. And the same can be said of darkness.
In a twist of events, Robert Scoble has been recently found guilty of sexual assault. Like his achievements, this is also well documented publicly. Again, I don’t have to describe it. And I am undeserving to judge it. I am simply acknowledging it.
What I would like to describe however — is my respect for Shel. And a sense of relief that light eventually comes out of darkness. The good guy wins. But not because anyone loses.
As I try to learn about how we (the human race) think and feel about social issues, I’ve been reading some comments left in the discussions on this matter. While my interaction with Shel has been limited, I am in agreement with the virtues that Shel demonstrates, and the values he holds. They are all spoken now — from friends who seek to encourage Shel, as he deals with the impact of Robert’s departure from the partnership.
This post is not about Scoble. It may not even be about Shel — and he would not want it.
It’s about virtues and values that are often ‘under-celebrated’ in our glitzy, celebrity world. And it’s about Shel, and friends who champion nobility every single day.
However imperfect they are, they bring balance to a violent world that’s quickly spinning out of control.
Thank you.
