Social Studies
Social Media Delusions of the McBiz Era»
I was chatting with blogger Francine McKenna on social media messaging/communications and its relationship to ROI and I had a revelation! Social media is playing out (with virtual currency i.e. “social capital”) many of the business strategies of the last four decades in response to the “breakdown of the Bretton Woods agreements” (1). Basically, people [...]
The YouTube Tea Leaves: Stock Imagery, as a Business, is Not Sustainable»
Analysis: The YouTube Tea Leaves: Stock Imagery, as a Business, is Not Sustainable
The recent analysis of YouTube’s earning potential by Credit Suisse (reported here and here) points to a big red blot of ink, YouTube is losing lots of money, remains totally subsidized by Google earnings, and might always be. In short only a handful [...]
Google, Artists, & a Value Grade»
The creative “value grade”
Everybody wants a piece of the creative arts (from Popes to moguls) some would pay for it, some would enslave for it. It has always been a path of passion to be creative, in some cases a decent living, but always with a mix of pitfalls, traps, and sheer-cliff career ending drop-offs.
Technology [...]
I’m turning off the mainstream news»
At Wise Elephant it’s part of my job to listen to small businesses, sole proprietors, and creative professionals discuss their dreams, plans and goals. People are thinking forward, finding opportunities, making it happen. New businesses are forming, current businesses are working on new strategies, and new markets are opening. From where I sit the economy [...]
“Expansive Creative Economy”, Part 1 an introduction»
An Expansive Creative Economy (ECE) is a forward thinking creative cycle that rejuvenates neighborhoods and launches economies that grow.
It happens in many cities, a burst of creative energy that spawns a movement, invigorates neighborhoods, and propels the local into the national spotlight. Think of Seattle’s “Grunge” that both spawned a bevy of mainstream bands and [...]
Images
Posts and Ladders»
This detail from an late 90’s painting mixes two strong memories, posts from docks (Sheepshead Bay + Fire Island) with the ladders from “chutes and ladders” which we’d play on rainy days. This imagery is my comfort food.
Josh»
My former roommate and schoolmate Josh Minor was often a model for paintings. I worked from photographs mostly, but it helped to know the people I referenced as it added a tone to working on imagery of them.
Interviews
Tim Steele: Chief Operating Officer»
Tim Steele is not a fiery manager, nor is he steely, he’s “ready.” I think of kung-fu fighters who pay little attention to the flare, but once called upon, they can kick-it where it needs to go. Tim is no fighter, but there’s no getting past him, the problem will be solved, now, if not sooner.
Suzanne Sease: Creative Consultant»
Positive, forward-thinking ideas, uplifting style, true professionalism = Suzanne Sease. It’s always hard to define what is “good”. It takes an open mind, a skill for listening and identifying the milestones, and a willingness to be truthful even when it hurts.
Adria Petty: Filmmaker»
Adria Petty’s works (music videos, commercials, films, docs) are time machines; within them time modulates between soothingly smooth and hurriedly intricate. Her techniques, the contrast and color of her lighting, and the snazzy immediacy that pushes the momentum is akin to watching time-lapse projector films of stars exploding.
Music Interviews 2000-2001
Linc + Finn of The White Octave»
JM: How would you define the music your band makes? Linc: A passerby to our practice once stopped to tell us we play what his brother describes as “strength music.” Finn: Over the top Rock.
Red Animal War: Justin Wilson, Brian Pho & James (the band’s merch guy)»
JM: How much of an influence is J. Robbins (jawbox, burning airlines) and the greater D.C. scene on your music? justin: The first time I saw Jawbox was on Conan O’Brian. They blew me away. I’ve been a huge fan ever since.
John Davis of the band Superdrag: September 21-22, 2000»
This interview of John Davis of the band Superdrag was conducted via a correspondence of emails from September 21-22, 2000.
JM- Generally what do you think about the prevalence of mp3s and the whole Napster Phenomenon?
JD- To be quite honest, I’ve never downloaded a note of music off of Napster or any other file-swapping service, so [...]
Purms
Sorry Boat»
Head lice, block cheese, and biscuits | Sea-less now | Let the waves take their licks …
Sketchbook
Exit Queen Storyboards»
I mock-up storyboards either for short-films or animations, usually taking the texts from poems or short stories I’ve written. This is one page of many from my first draft. Like many of my poems this one is about relationships, often with incongruent partners. Having been a teenager/young-adult growing up in the AIDS era many of [...]
