For a brief shining moment I left my mom's basement last night and actually talked to the public.
It was neat . . . After being slightly scared of an unusually big crowd interested in Journalism, Newspapers, Democracy and profit models . . . I think I calmed down about 20 minutes into it.
I want to send a serious shout out to KC Consensus for inviting me and Nick Haines over at KCPT for being a great host - I used to think his job looked easy but in person it's obvious that it takes A LOT of talent.
The panel was awesome and Dave Helling is most likely the greatest defender of the daily newspaper and nearly convinced me that I should pick up a copy out of simple sense of civic pride. It was nice to sit next to Steve Rose since the guy who runs a string of community newspapers pretty much has my dream job. By the way, it was obvious from talking to people that Bottomline Communications.com has become Kansas City's referee for media slapfights.
Also . . . It was awesome to see some blogger/Internet faces in the crowd that were probably much more qualified to answer newsie questions than TKC.
The Kansas City Post was in the house.
KC with a Russian Accent showed up . . . He's everywhere lately.
And some of the crew from KC Nag was in the house.
There were also a number of other TKC friends and acquaintances present who were really nice to say hi . . . Unfortunately, unlike the Mayor and his wife, I'm NOT going to assume that's because I have overwhelming public support and EVERYBODY loves me . . . However, it is cool to see so many folks interested in news whether it's online or in print.
Last Night was a big learning experience for me . . . I managed not to fart while answering questions . . . So even if I look like a total dork (likely) . . . That small accomplishment makes me view the quick appearance as a success.
Glad to read some nice comments about Nick. No, it's not an easy job. You have to be smart, insightful, quick, witty (helps anyway), and dead-on with keeping the discussion on track.
ReplyDeleteI told you he'd work with you on this.
Tell you what, dude: Helling did a thorough -though extremely restrained- piece of work on you last night that I don't believe you still understand...
ReplyDeleteHelling talks way too much.
ReplyDeleteperhaps it's (helling's 'piece of work' on tony) why he's uncharactistically "humble" in his post.
ReplyDeleteHelling is a good guy. He made some good points.
ReplyDeleteGreat event. You certainly held your own last night Tony.
ReplyDeleteThought that Helling did a great job, even though it was a bit like watching a dinosaur defend itself.
ReplyDeleteIt was very interesting to hear the disdain that two traditional media people hold for the general public's ability to decipher news.
Who determines "professionalism" and "bias"? As if the Star or any other print media for that matter has ever been that professional, unbiased, and dare I even bring up. "inclusive"? That topic wasn't even on the table and should have been to a greater extent.
It is precisely because of their lack of credible minority opinion and reporters and their desire to mold public opinion that they are becoming extinct. Of course, they have a slant and always have, it is just becoming more apparent as they becoming more fragile and closer to extinction.
I was impressed with your insightful comments. Think you were the only person on the panel who will still be around by the middle of this 21st century to see what happens with print media.
Great job, Tony!
Great job last night Tony. Stringing together a coherent sentence in front of a large audience is not an easy thing. I thought all the panel participants did a good job.
ReplyDeleteDoes this mean that Tony is now part of the Mainstream Media?
ReplyDeleteI liked the event and agree that TKC kicked ass. I didn't care for many people who were asking questions in a dramatic tone and with air of self-importance. Also the bow-tie guy was slightly overdressed.
ReplyDeletehttp://twitpic.com/6mrm7
http://twitpic.com/6mvli
The only people who had a sense of humor were the panel and Nick Hanes. Some homeless guy was snoring behind me and a women next to me was loudly reacting to what was said on the stage; I wanted her to stifle herself but no luck. And why were people taking notes? Maybe next time they shouldn't advertize "free refreshments"
Was this forum taped, and will it be aired on Channel 2, KCPT, or uploaded to Youtube?
ReplyDeletethis blog has details of airing schedule
ReplyDeleteYes, the forum was taped and will air in July on KCPT. They're in the process of scheduling, and I'll let Tony know when the date is set.
ReplyDeleteIt was a pleasure having so many members of the blogging community at the event last night.
Jennifer w/ Consensus
The blog spammer sounds a little jealous. I'll keep the link instead of deleting it, just to prove my greatness.
ReplyDeleteFuck you Tony.
ReplyDeleteIT seemed that no one emphasized that Helling has to develop his "contacts" and that is who he depends on for "news" This of course means that the loyal opposition do not get much space when there is a difference of opinion. Tony takes what he gets and checks a few facts and then puts it up. This means that those with diverse opinions usually have the ability to get a little bit of coverage. Well OK except with the stupid people who want to build a train ride down Main street.
ReplyDelete