DISQUS

Christian Gulliksen · 1 year ago

Nice metaphor, Ann.

And it takes me back to life in a New England town where you actually see people outside of their usual context...

Mack Collier · 1 year ago

"1. Folks who previously didn’t have voice—or, more specifically, a platform—now do."

This is exactly what I love about blogging, and I NEVER think they'll be too many voices or too much noise.

Two years ago almost no one knew who David Armano was in the blogosphere. Now he's a total A-Lister. I never want us to get to the point where the next Armano thinks that there's no use in him or her starting blogging, that they could never stand out and develop an audience.

Toad · 1 year ago

So if this was American Idol, you'd be Paula ;)

I think the one thing all the naysayers forget is that most people don't want a voice. They don't want to blog or post videos or even voice their thoughts on Twitter.

But for those few who do, the new media landscape offers a real opportunity. It allows those who might have been denied a voice due to their lack of prominence or opportunity to establish themselves as a result of their work. Be they bloggers or filmmakers or singers.

And I have to think that's a response to our being fed up with the current "experts," with feeling that the media was too easily manipulated, that the entertainment industry wasn't giving us anything interesting, etc.

Because dissatisfaction with the status quo is at the heart of any revolution.

Ann Handley · 1 year ago

Thanks, guys. And Mack -- I love the fact that nobodies can be somebodies. I love the fact that everyone CAN be a Who.. if they want... or at least they can give it a shot. I love the leveling of the field.

And Toad -- As I told you, you so nailed me with that first line..... do you know, I *almost* didn't bother to publish this because I felt like I sounded like an effin New Media cheerleader... !! That'll teach me....

Nicholas Tolson · 1 year ago

And it's not just blogs - or text-based ones - of course. With the continued surging popularity of video and cool services like qik.com the platform, voice, and opening up all get taken to a whole new level.

Then I think about things like CNN's iReport and the platforms such things open up for "the rest of us" and things start to really blow up...

Tom Kephart · 1 year ago

Thanks, Ann! Outstanding post.
I'm a community theater actor, tech and director as well as a blogger. Actually, I'd never considered the parallels you describe, but I see where you're coming from here.
It isn't about amateurs versus professionals to me. It's about the opportunity to participate in a world where those opportunities were often limited to those who had access to the necessary technology.
Exciting stuff....

Ann Handley · 1 year ago

Nicholas -- Exactly. Even small, portable tools and gadgets help -- like the Flip "soccer mom" video camera.

Tom -- Thanks for your two pesos. Of course, I couldn't agree more....it's all about opportunity, if you want it. That's a huge shift from the way it used to be -- where platforms were controlled and therefore only accessible to a few.

Chris Laning · 1 year ago

Ann,

As a podcaster ON community theatre, the parallels you draw could not hit any closer to home. I am ashamed that I never drew this conclusion myself. Great insight. The podcast gives me voice to a certain extent, but also allows me to give back to the art I have so long enjoyed by giving voice to others involved in it.

In fact, I would love to have you come on the show sometime and share your observations with those in community theatre...it just may help some of them understand new media better and how they too might apply it. Just shoot me an email if you be interested in that.

Thank again.

Chris Laning, Co-Host
"Your Neighborhood Stage" national Community Theatre podcast
http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com

Becky Carroll · 1 year ago

"If you read a blog long enough, you get a clear sense of the character of the individual behind it. Blogs are honest in a way that professionals aren’t." This is what I love about participating in the blogosphere, the personal voice I get from each blogger when I read them.

I love to sing, and when I am up on stage as a singer, I do reveal a different side of myself. I think blogging and social media can help others reveal the hidden gems they have to share with the world. We all have value and something to share that at least one other person (or perhaps many!) will find helpful.

Thanks for the thought, Ann!

Vera D. · 1 year ago

Talking about the world is a stage and especially point 1, the real question I have is what is the commission percentage taken out of sales over on www.buyoutsidethebox.com and why is this not clearly and openly stated?

Sean Howard · 1 year ago

What an amazing post, Ann!

I love how you expose your own deep dark secret (love of community theatre) and tie it into the passion that drives us.

But we expect brilliantly written works from you. What I didn't expect was the range of new voices in your comments and trackbacks. So cool!!!

Tom Vander Well · 1 year ago

Ann - managing three blogs, a facebook account, and being president of our local community theatre - I absolutely LOVED this post. Great observations, as always.