Love,

Amanda

As I said in my last video for ABCNews right before Thanksgiving, I’m going daily on a new videoblog in 2008. I’m in pre-production for the new project now and don’t have much time to update this blog as frequently as I would like but I’m considering starting a tumblr which appears to make blogging super streamlined. For now you can find me on Twitter (I post updates several times a week) and Flickr … and soon on my new videoblog which, for now, I’ll just call Videoblog-08 (obviously NOT its name!).

Mario and I are working away on Videoblog-08 with a really great group of folks behind us that seem to understand new media (though they certainly aren’t “from” it). And– and this is a big and– they appear like they can do what’s necessary to execute that which they understand.

We began initial talks with these peeps late last summer and since day one it’s been a mind meld in terms of what this show is going to be and how it’s going to be distributed– a stark contrast from my foray into old media last year where I was lured in by promises that I would be able to do “everything” and that they would “take my lead” only to have no control whatsoever over the website (I mentioned over & over again in initial meetings that a dynamic website was crucial). Having to go back & forth with (generally very pleasant) lawyers each week about things like ‘nixing the line where I call Scientology a “cult”‘ wasn’t exactly my idea of time well spent. I do, however, remember fondly the time I was asked to change the word “balls” to “cajones” (they are the same word?).

All that said, I think the top execs at ABC did have the best intentions for my involvement at the network but were unfortunately unable to get the cogs in the massive machine to spin in the proper direction (forward). It’s the same old song really– where old media and new collide. Regardless, I’ve moved on … but looking back at 2007 it baffles me that I nearly hosted THIS … what was I thinking?!?

This is not to say my time at ABC wasn’t well spent. I had some great times with my wonderful friends at the ABCNews La Bureau (literally the sweetest folks on earth) and traveled a ridonkulous amount. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to test the old media waters– if I hadn’t, I would’ve never really been able to understand the corporate news industry, or how it functions. Sure I could have read what other people’s experiences have been… but that would never have been the same as actually living it. I understand why people decide to pursue the corporate media route (prestige, legitimacy, tradition, health benefits, having something easy to explain to the dentist when he asks the familiar question: “what do you do?”), and I also now know *for sure* that all those things are not worth what you give up (your true voice)– at least for me. This insiders perspective will surely shape my future work– it’s already shaping Videoblog-08.

My hope now is to be able to repost the archives of AC on ABC somewhere where they can live indefinitely, since ABC has said they will be taking the videos off their site in the near future. So far the network has denied my request.

Highlights of my time at ABC (in no particular order.. well, in somewhat of a reverse chronological order). Apologies in advance for the blaring pre-rolls:

• What are you (and aren’t you) thankful for?
• On the streets of New Haven talking illegal immigration
• BlogHer
• HybridFest
• iPhone vs. Blackberry (originally cross-posted on ABC)
• Amanda in iPhoneland (originally cross-posted on ABC)
• The Indy 500 — one of the most exhilerating days of my life thus far!!
• Very non-technical review of the Wii (originally cross-posted on ABC)
• The White House Correspondents Dinner — President Bush, Sanjaya and Larry David all in the same room? I blush.
• SXSW 2007 & meeting up with Dan Rather again
• The tragedy at Virginia Tech & its effect on online communities
  
• Behind-the-scenes of Cirque du Soleil’s LOVE
• Getting Tasered in Vegas
• Cow Power

The official “deal” announcement will be coming soon… CAN’T WAIT to go daily!!!!!!!!!!!!

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