People of the Year

12.22.2006 People of the Year
Comments

Frank G. - 12/22/2006 19:12:35

terrible. boring. so, so bad.

GigaOM » NewTeeVee: Beyond Rocketboom - 12/22/2006 19:13:40

[...] a television show. Please don’t make Amanda mad by calling this TV.” Share/Send Sphere Topic: Media, Startups Tags: Rocketboom, Amanda Congdon, Andrew Michael Baron, Abbey Corps, JeffPulver [...]

Mike - 12/22/2006 19:14:10

Loving it!

chuck - 12/22/2006 19:23:18

Awful, My God. The worst thing I’ve ever seen, like acid on my eyes. Can’t believe you made me watch.

Hahahaha! Just kidding.

Honestly I was half-expecting the Amanda Reality Show, fretting in your LA apartment or soemthing, from what I’d read. Maybe you can do that next week. :-) Seriously though, this was cool and thoughtful. I’m sure I’ll like this much more than GMA. ;-)

Much love and luck to you and Mario in 2007.

George Walker - 12/22/2006 19:30:14

What was the point of this?

Zadi - 12/22/2006 19:45:20

Cool! The demonstrations of the “types of walks” especially the “smile and hold” were funny. :) And it was cool to hear people’s answers on why they thought they were person of the year.

I think I’m person of the year because I just freakin’ rock in totality. (said while air guitaring) :P

So do you guys!
Thanks for the shout out.

PS: Did I see some smoldering bits on the Time magazine cover?? or am I imagining it?

Casey - 12/22/2006 19:45:28

Welcome back, Amanda! What a great Christmas gift. I can’t wait to collaborate on your Dove add… off to visit the wiki!

xox

Trev - 12/22/2006 20:30:40

great show, like it better than the abc deal. Again, nice to see you back doing a videoblog and blah, blah, blah etc.

Mark Day - 12/22/2006 20:38:47

Wow. I really don’t know what to make of that. Am I getting it wrong in thinking you’re saying that Time magazine cast it’s next too widely, and that the VideoBloggers deserve their ‘you’ cover but the YouTubers and the MySpacers don’t?

Amanda - 12/22/2006 20:46:43

Hi Mark,

Thanks for chiming in!

YouTubers, in my opinion, are independent media makers– so they fall into the “us” catagory. MySpace, as I believe Dave Winer once put it, is a blog on training wheels. I am not trying to say that they do not count. They do! They are part of all this as well!

I’m saying that many people are not in any way involved in internet culture. Those people are not at the forefront of this revolution, and therefore I don’t believe they should be “Person of the Year”… make sense?

Walter Crespo - 12/22/2006 21:23:20

Sweet Video Blog, I really dig your opinion Amanda so I’ll most definitely watching regularly.

Clintus - 12/22/2006 22:35:01

Oh man, did they already hand out the award? Looks like I got my ballet in a bit too late. I will just have to work harder in 07. Since I started video blogging I have found such a kick ass group of people and feel like I am part of something great. You are so right, so many don’t know what a blog is or are wierded out by me always whipping it out in front of everyone to make a video.(my camera silly) I hope to see more great video from you and am very excited for you and Mario for your new ventures. 2007 is going to ROCK!

The Digital Domain of Clint Comer A.K.A. Clintus McGintus - 12/22/2006 22:43:02

[...] People of the Year [...]

steve garfield - 12/22/2006 22:46:05

Hi Amanda,
I’m glad that your video blog doesn’t have a topic that you have to keep it on.

It’s hard to hang on to the fact that some vlogs are just like blogs, they are about people. And people have varied interests. That’s why I like subscribing to people.

Looking at your list I see a lot of people, that I subscribe to, who blog and vlog about lots of things.

I like shows too, but everything doesn’t have to be a show.

I’m subscribed.

I also like how you give credit on the site to everyone who went into making the video.

Armand - 12/22/2006 22:52:36

I’m one of those people who thinks Time Magazine just ran out of imagination, I’m afraid, and thought this was the best way to grab headlines. Cynical? Moi? Perhaps.

That said, I can’t think of anyone more worthy of the honour this year. You, me, them, everybody, everybody… So I’ll quietly doff my cap and take a bow.

Oh, and on getting people to do things other than smile and hold? Maybe you could get one of those cardboard things they stick on Microphones that name the media outlet. You could just have AmandaCongdon.com on it, or something. That would be cool.

J.J. - 12/22/2006 23:21:16

Pretty good first video. I was confused at first about you asking the Person of the Year question. Glad you explained it. What days will this come on ?

Nick Douglas - 12/22/2006 23:26:56

Great first episode. Amanda, am I the only one who prefers your unscripted moments to scripted ones, especially scripted vamping?

Also, is there a downloadable copy that someone could edit when responding to (or covering) your show? For instance, I might want to use excerpts when covering it at Eat the Press.

Amanda - 12/22/2006 23:45:41

Here ya go, Nick:

http://blip.tv/file/get/Amandacongdon-PeopleOfTheYear975.mov

Buns - 12/23/2006 00:10:19

Ummm, I didn’t see any rabbits. Aren’t we people too?

Havelock Holmes - 12/23/2006 02:11:46

Hmmm…

Really think you missed the point in your attempt to claim special status as a media maker. The broad “you” concept really must include all people, all of whom are participants in and collectively create our culture. That culture is reflected in user-created media, sure. But the act of media creation does not transcend the culture. In fact there are schools of aesthetic thought that state the artist is merely a “tool of the zeitgeist,” used by the culture to write what is in its collective psyche. No great creators. Only great transcribers. But you don’t really need to go that far.

Simple illustration of the point: do you think everyone you interviewed on camera in the piece has created media? Probably not, I’m guessing. Yet they contributed to your ruminations, and ultimately to the video itself. By your definition, they don’t count as much as you do because you saw it through to final edit and post. Are you (the “us category”) really that much more special and deserving of acclaim than they are? Or than those in your audience who do not create media are?

Have to say you had me believing there for awhile. At first I thought the piece would just be schtick and mugging for the camera, and began to tune out. Then these people began to speak and there was intimacy and, you could see, real feeling displayed for anyone to experience. Began to be really affecting.

Then the leaden punchline… “Not them! Me! Me! Me!”

As David Mamet has written, may I pay you the compliment of being blunt?

You may have a camera and a platform, but it’s not at all clear you’re ready to do anything the merits all the fuss you’ve generated. My two cents: think to keep the spotlight on you, you’re going to need to evolve, and quickly.

Who knows? You got this far. You’re talented and you show up, unlike a lot of people. So maybe you will.

Best,

– HH

Amanda - 12/23/2006 02:18:14

I don’t believe I ever said me, I said “us”.

Havelock Holmes - 12/23/2006 02:23:30

Well, I was paraphrasing. But okay.

“Not them! Us! Us! Us!”

Not sure that’s any better.

-HH

drew olanoff - 12/23/2006 05:39:54

that’s what i’m talking about!! you own the streets!!!!! happy holidays :)

danielmcvicar - 12/23/2006 07:39:14

You are insatiable! Way to go, Amanda. I really like this. Congratulations to you and Mario and the team…Zadi, Rudy and all. This is personal, real communication and what has always enchanted me. That’s what made me drink the kool-aid.

ET - 12/23/2006 07:49:18

I liked it. Keep up the good work. I wont subscribe but I promise to check the site every day as I enjoy surfing around the web.

Jane S. - 12/23/2006 11:07:32

Yea, I get what you’re saying. Most of the people I know haven’t got a clue about blogs, videoblogs, etc. and the only thing that comes to their mind when they think about the internet is pornography. I myself am not a blogger and probably will never be(though I do read blogs more than newspapers and magazines). However, when you say these kind of things you always end up sounding not too nice.

Not bad though, I will be watching.
I like the idea of having ‘no format’and the fact that you’re separating the ads from the rest of the content.

philip - 12/23/2006 11:55:12

you are really pretty girl.

waleed - 12/23/2006 11:57:42

hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

jm - 12/23/2006 16:49:14

Hey Havelock,

Some of what you said was worth reading. Leave well enough alone, my man.

Best,

JM

Jim Long - 12/23/2006 22:16:32

Wow, I’ll comment cautiously here because, while I think you’ve invited some negative comments, you should be given a chance to fully explain what you meant.

I took the time to watch the video twice, because some of your remarks smack of hubris. First of all social media is nothing..NOTHING, without the people who add to the discourse by leaving comments, praise and otherwise. Are you suggesting it’s just a handful of “A-list” new media darlings that deserves to have this honor bestowed upon them? Yikes!

Jim

Amanda - 12/23/2006 22:20:57

Jim,

Please check out my blogpost on the subject. Especially my dialogue with Jeff in the comment section.

http://amandacongdon.com/blog/?p=12#comments

Everyone who participates is clearly part of the “us”. Those who continue to be passive consumers, however, are not… there is nothing about what I am trying to say that involves any kind of elite or A list. I don’t believe in stuff like that.

Jim Long - 12/23/2006 23:38:50

Amanda,

The beauty of social media is that there is discourse and correction, and it happens at break-neck speed. I think I may have misunderstood you, but i think your track over a montage (very nice graphic effect by the way, kudos to your editor) of a very “inside baseball” group of folk could very easily lead one to the conclusion I, and a couple other people came to.

Where I currently work (NBC News), a lot of people spend a lot of time parsing words and pictures in order to avoid misunderstandings (read litigation) – or if nothing else, to avoid having the phones jammed by irate viewers. These poor unhappy souls are directed to the “viewer commen lines” where i can only assume they are deleted once the server is full. At least your “viewer comment line” is alive and interactive.

I don’t know if there was a point where you were writing or editing and thought “hmmm, i wonder how this will be perceived.” Once it’s out there it’s difficult to get back and I suspect it may have turned off some people a bit. As to those who “remain” passive viewers, let’s not forget that there are a lot of people who don’t have, and/or cant’ afford computers, much less high-speed internet.

Jim

Andy - 12/23/2006 23:39:50

Amanda, do you get recognised in public?

Although I’ve not yet posted content on the web for entertainment or news purposes I do take offense at being called a passive consumer. In fact as this is not my job unlike it is for you this written comment I believe qualifies me more for Person of the Year than it does you. Even web viewers who do not comment qualify, as most of them have mailed a link to someone else and therefore are content distributors. I actually think the cover is as silly as the term Web2.

Amanda - 12/24/2006 00:03:34

Jim– Notice in the video where I say there are too many of “us” so it’s impossible to name everyone who contributed to the revolution… that’s where I attempted to ward off complaints like yours… apparently this wasn’t clear enough for some. But, as you make mention of in your last comment, luckily this is a videoblog, not TV, so we can continue the discussion here. And obviously there are people who can’t afford computers and can’t afford to participate, while that’s very, VERY sad, it doesn’t change the fact that they aren’t a part of “us”.

Andy– About once or twice a week. I’m definitely not “famous”. I’m happy with that– the idea of being photographed while I’m in the grocery store for a tabloid isn’t my idea of a good time. I think you just proved my point re: those who don’t comment pass on links. They too are part of “us” then. They contribute.

In general though, I’m glad this struck a nerve … that was part of its purpose. I never play it safe.

Andy - 12/24/2006 01:09:58

Merry Server Time Christmas Eve Amanda

Jim Long - 12/24/2006 05:28:33

“that’s where I attempted to ward off complaints like yours”

ok first, i though i was still in the realm of comments not complaints.

“apparently this wasn’t clear enough for some”

secondly, sometimes i are dumb.

“those who don’t comment pass on links. They too are part of “us” then. They contribute.”

That’s the point I was trying to make as well. I was simply suggesting that the above idea was important and perhaps wasn’t made clear in the video.

None of this stuff wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans without the people who comment and link but perhaps don’t blog or vlog. But then it wouldn’t exist at all if it weren’t for the pioneering efforts of you and everyone in that montage (and the other gazillion or so).

peace
jim

consumatron - 12/24/2006 05:46:55

Congrats on everything. I’m glad to see it coming to the world so quickly!

Though I agree with you that many many people aren’t participating in the new media in the ways we hope, I don’t know if exclusion will bring them into the new media world of inclusion.

I was raised Catholic, and that guilt trip stuff never worked.

Regardless, I can’t wait to see more of your work so I can agree, disagree and (most importantly) communicate with you and everyone else about it.

-Kevin

Ronald Lewis - 12/24/2006 15:49:49

2007 is the year of social media (and the new media producer!)

Amanda, congrats on your accomplishments.

Would love to have you as a guest on the Interviews Podcast.

AK - 12/25/2006 18:51:32

I dont belive that 2006 IS the year which brought this transformation, its
happening for several years/a decade..

TIME is confused / undecided on who to really name the person of the year, since so many people who really really mattered in 06 were evil (Iran president, N Koria.. etc etc…) so TIME proabably had tough decision to make, to select an ‘percieved’ evil person or not select any one.. and not selecting any one by defaults becomes EVERY one….

Alex - 12/25/2006 19:34:34

Welcome back Amanda! It was about time.
Non illegitimus carborundum

Greg - 12/27/2006 07:50:04

Amanda Condon proving once again that she is “THE (wo)MAN.” Rocketboom sucks now; but, she is still great. Rock on Amanda.

DrIck - 12/27/2006 11:57:06

Aha! After all that fanfare crossing the country, I see you had to come back to NYC to get the pulse. Don’t stay in LA too long; you will lose touch.

I agree with the point that it’s the community of people who originate new media like blogs and wikis and those of us who comment on and contribute to them who, together, should make up the people of the year.

Victor - 12/28/2006 19:05:26

Good stuff. Time magazine and pretty much all mainstream media outlets (your current employer notwithstanding) are rapidly falling out of touch and far from relevance.

They won’t be missed.

Ray - 12/29/2006 18:17:52

Wow!! The wait is over. Welcome back Amanda. If you ask me a question, I definitely will stop and answer for you. :p

Time Person of the Year 2006 - Life. Tech. Things. - 12/29/2006 23:32:32

[...] Check out what Amanda Congdon found out as she interviews people in the street about TIME picking ‘us’ as People of the Year here. Also, check out her blog about this topic too. I fully agree with her thoughts, and I think its funny how many people are clueless to what a blog is, let alone those people explaining why they are Person of the Year… Lastly check out my photos of being Time’s Person of the Year 2006 below. You can use this neat little iSight hack here to put your face on the cover too! [...]

tangerine - 12/30/2006 04:29:40

Amanda,
I wish I was on that city street.
First, I would have hugged you!

Second, I would have given you the answer you were looking for.

The web USED TO rely on main stream media.
Now mainstream meadia is looking at us.

That is the ultimate compliment.
Finally it is realized that we are intelligent enough to be relied upon for opinion and entertainment.

People in NY not knowing what a blog is?
I do not feel so bad now presenting to my local GA computer club about blogging and NO hands going up after asking the same question.

I tried very hard to explain that the web is NOT a spectator sport, that they need to dive in as I did a tutorial teaching how easy it is to use blogger.

Amanda.. you are wonderful. Glad ABC realized. That door opened for you after rocketboom.

Luv you bunches and will follow you everywhere.

(I’ve watched this several times.. just now decided to comment)

Keith - 01/05/2007 01:30:27

I actually enjoyed that. I understand what you were trying to say and i fully agree. Keep up the good work, can’t wait to see more. :)

Naik’s News » NewTeeVee: Beyond Rocketboom - 01/10/2007 10:07:06

[...] Congdon’s first show, in which she claims Time’s Person of the Year award for “independent media makers who publish their work online,” concludes with a disclaimer. “This is not a television show. Please don’t make Amanda mad by calling this TV.” [...]

alex from mexico - 01/22/2007 06:06:59

Me encanto la forma en la que Amanda muestra este reportaje y el tema es por demas interesante …Espero ver mas para poder profundizar mis comentarios…Gracias

LolitochkaBC - 05/10/2007 07:46:43

Ааану-ка ребятки олгосуемм!!!

Признавайетсьб проказники и владельцы сайта starring.amandacongdon.com ))))

ЧТО вы будете делать этиа летлм?!

lokerman - 11/26/2007 23:32:18

Hello

Have a look to a quick video I created to show off the Dervish’s dance from the Guild Wars nightfall weekend party.
The dance the dervish does is the same one that Christoper Walken did in the video for Fatboy Slims’ – Weapon of choice music video (hence the music used)

What do you think about it?

Mine
youtube.com/watch?v=j_aONMdkzxU

Original for those that may not have seen it
youtube.com/watch?v=0WW8flwpH-Q

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