I can't comment on Lost. I don't even think I've seen a whole minute of the show, much less an entire episode. And I'm okay with that.

One other thing freelancers can learn from Lost? The value of knowledge. There are too many literary/philosophical/religious/historical references to count. Kinda like Jack Bauer's body count on 24.

Damn Paula, you're good! I love the lessons learned, and I love the insider stuff. I agree – those two were standouts. Love the rest, but you can just tell the best actors – they make you forget they're acting.

Eileen, do it! The first episode of the first season was just amazing. Be prepared – they answer one question while bringing up six more.

Hugh, there's an essential Van Morrison collection on iTunes – very much worth it. Thank you for your kind words. I already gave Paula a set, but I have this extra pair of pom poms since you're one of my strongest cheerleaders. :)) Thank you, friend.

As for what this blog doesn't accomplish – it doesn't get my work pile to diminish! LOL

You inspire us to be better writers, you inspire us to be better businesspeople, & know you're inspiring us to listen to more meaningful music. Is there anything positive that this blog *doesn't* accomplish?

The way the show was conceived, and later restructured, also proves how valuable long-term planning can be.

Season 1 was almost an experiment. Co-creator Damon Lindelof never expected it to make it through the first 13 episodes, so Season 2 was a surprise. The show only kicked into high gear when they set the end date. The producers were able to plan out the entire story line and find creative ways to weave the loose ends together.

Most of the cast members learned to let go and trust the producers. (Likewise, we have to trust our clients.) They didn't need to know where the story or their characters were going, they just needed to do good work. That they did. I predict Michael Emerson and Terry O'Quinn will both be up for Emmys again this year (both have already won for their roles on Lost). This time, I hope Terry is entered as Lead Actor instead of Supporting Actor. The entire cast is strong, but those two are true "actors' actors."

Storywise, Lost is also about doing what needs to be done, no matter how difficult the task. They fought off The Others, we deal with irksome clients. They built a community, we transcribe interviews. They survived a plane crash (or two), we're fighting to surviving a deplorable economy and the rise of content mills.

On my iPod–don't have one.
Reading–Just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. Good stuff!

I'm like Wendy. I watched and really enjoyed the first season of Lost, and then I "lost" interest in the second season.

Now with everybody raving, I'm sorry I didn't stick with it.

Maybe the lesson for freelancing is to sometimes stick a little longer with good but boring projects. They may turn out to be worth the effort?

P.S. Thanks for sharing your story of your dog, Lori.

You do know that licking your hand was a way to tell you that he loved you, don't you?

I know you were heartbroken, and that's worth remembering when you beat yourself up, which we all do when we lose a pet, no matter how the loss comes about.

If I had to say what I learned about freelancing from Lost, I'd say that sometimes you should give something a chance, even if you are skeptical — the project or client might just surprise you. Unfortunately, it also taught me that I have no willpower to work in the evening — even if I really should — when I'd much rather find out what happens next on Lost!