Hello, hello! It’s been a while since I’ve been here… I know. It’s been a super hectic couple of months. I’m now officially “bicoastal” which is unbelievably tiring, but fun.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!
That’s great to hear. We can’t wait for you to come back. Hurry, hurry. Best wishes.
GREAT to hear from you! You have no idea how much that little one next to the amanda congdon rss bookmark in safari excited me!
and… redonkulous,
WOOOOOOOOTS!!
And various other wild gesticulations of elation.
Well you know how I feel
Can not wait for you to go daily. I eagerly await the announcement.
Good to hear. Missed your commentary and looking forward to something worth loading daily!
Looking forward to seeing what you guys have been up to…
Looking forward to your new project; I’m sure it will be gold, or at least silver. :-]
Always interested in what you bring to the table. Hey, you’ll be back in time for the election. I know you’ll have a little fun with that.
Steve
Can’t wait
I am so glad to hear about your new show! The missus and I have missed seeing you on video, and missing seeing you and Mario in general. Really looking forward to this!
Hope to see your new project up and running soon! Your projects are always really innovative and inspiring.
Best wishes!
Jack from PL
Yay! (Almost) Welcome back!
My fave was HybridFest. You meet the nicest people in places like that.
Can’t wait for the new gig.
The old media – where do I start? Your take reflects much wisdom. I’m ready to crawl into a cave until Jan ‘09 already.
But I won’t. Because then I’d miss your new gig.
Amanda-b
I’m happy youre going to be online in some form or other. I dunno about that gay thing tho, the world is still pretty square, if you are you should be quiet about it, if you arent and its a joke its insulting to people that are. Personally I find women incredibly attractive, and I couldnt blame you for that, on the other hand that means we’ll probably never make it, which sucks. Honestly, the gay lifestyle seems a lot more prejudicial, introverted, more limiting and cloistered than ‘normal’ and ‘adjusted’ people live. But, whatever.
As a word on your ABC stuff, it was mixed. You really need to be more than a pretty face making [ albeit adorable ] gestures and reactions. I suspect since you had a year and couldnt find your internet skin, its something that wont happen. Its kind of clear that you dont know what to do with it.
But you know I love you, and encourage you to keep looking for it. Its funny, life can at times be determined by what we want from it. If ones not sure, thats what you get.
xx00
shooby
p.s. and I’m not that goofy fuck thats starting using my handle lately on twitter