So until the problem is solved, I'll spell out full URL's. If the link doesn't work, you can just cut and paste the URL into your browser.

Bridging the Apathy Gap: Marketing e-Learning
During last December's search for the best articles related to marketing e-learning, I discovered Martin McInnes the Managing Director of 5 Communication a UK-based consultancy (http://www.5c.net).

After a little begging, Martin wrote us an article called "Bridging the Apathy Gap." In it, he discusses

• The chasm between the e-learning true believers and the end users.
• Attitudes uncovered through learner focus groups.
• How to use elements of consumer marketing science to close the gap and gain motivated learners.

I highly recommend this article. Solid recommendations and great style. To read just click:
http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art8_1.htm

Cool (simple) Web Simulation: www.NationStates.net

I guess I'm supposed to recommend this web site as an example of online simulations, multi-player gaming and communities, yadda yadda yadda but actually I just think it's very funny -- and also great example of how good design and writing is better than graphics and animation. So here's the deal...

A guy named Max Barry wrote a sci-fi book called Jennifer Government about an ultra-privatized world where big corporations openly and obviously rule the world. Max created this www.NationStates.net as a multi-player nation building simulation. This thing is free and is spreading virally at an amazing pace -- 140,000 nations have been built (played) in the last three months.

I guess I let out my alter-ego Slim Shady as I created"The Republic of Kruse" where civil rights are rare and our national motto is "What the hell...". After completing a short questionnaire, I got a Nation:

There is no government in the normal sense of the word; however, a small group of community-minded, moralistic individuals concentrates mainly on Law & Order. Income tax is unheard of. A powerhouse of a private sector is led by the Information Technology, Trout Farming, and Pizza Delivery industries.

Kruse's national animal is the AmandaPanda, which teeters on the brink of extinction due to widespread deforestation

My first issue was to deal with some anti-automobile protesters, so I "cracked down on the long-hairs who clogged the streets with their bicyles."

The game is played literally over many days and I doubt I'll come back tomorrow for round two, but this was a lot of laughs for the last 10 minutes. To try out your own Nation building skills go to http://www.nationstates.net.

Think I'll go now and find myself a Mini Me...

Do you know anyone who needs to bridge "the apathy gap" or would be interested in web-based simulations? If so, please forward this e-mail to them and help build the Guru community.

Here's to living and learning in "The Republic of Kruse,"

-- Kevin

Kevin Kruse is the e-learning columnist for CLO, Chief Learning Officer magazine, author of Technology-based Training (Jossey-Bass), and Principal with Kenexa. He can be reached at kkruse@e-learningguru.com.
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