The Anti-Social Side of Social Media/Networking

I realize that most of my readers are unfamiliar with Social Media and/or Social Networking--even though they're unknowingly participating in it. According to Wikipedia, Social Networking is online communities of people who share interests and activities, or who are interested in exploring the interests and activities of others. By reading my blog, you are a member of my social network, learning about what I'm up to, or what's on my mind. Many of you participate in MySpace, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and the like. You are social networking.

Social networking has lowered the barrier for people to be able to communicate and broadcast themselves. It's now easier than ever to say what you're thinking, show what you're doing or showcase your efforts to a virtually limitless audience. This is a huge pull to the untold millions who like to be seen or heard. But, people aren't the only ones that like to be heard and seen. More and more corporations are getting in on social networking to try to increase their visibility. The intent or effort of effectively communicating via the social networks is known as Social Media. News companies push headlines, bloggers push their blogs, corporations push agendas, associations push factoids and information. Direct communication via social networks is just too great an opportunity to mess up. And these opportunities grow exponentially each day with the implementation of new social networks.

On my own, I participate in Blogger (obviously), MySpace, MyRagan, MyManagersNetwork, Facebook, Plurk, Pownce, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, Identi.ca, Jaiku, Xanga, FriendFeed, Last.fm and Utterz--as well as experimenting with many more. As you work your way around the social networks, you run into a lot of the same cast of characters who are all participating heavily in social networking. Managing your existence in any or all of these social networks could be a life-draining undertaking. So, it's only natural that tools begin to emerge to help you manage your social networking. Tools like Ping.fm have emerged which give you the ability to post to some (if not all) of your social networks via a single interface. WOW, are these types of tools useful in helping you spread your message to a number of networks with just a few keystrokes. But, I think this type of mass communication takes the social out of social networking.

Social is an operative word in these social networks. People like to feel like they are communicating with people. People don't want to be spammed. The appeal of social networking is an exchange of information. If you're only asking for funding or tossing out the corporate line, people will walk. Social networking and media is about getting to know the people, not just a canned public responce. But, as people join an increasing number of social networks and begin using tools like Ping, they're no longer communicating, they're only broadcasting. (And, I'm not picking on Ping. I love it and use it regularly). And, when people feel like you're only broadcasting to them and not listening to them, they'll eventually walk.

You have to remember, the people that are on these networks are there to be heard as well, and they want to know if you're listening--not to mention who you are that is listening.

This is a tough prospect for companies that are looking to use social "media." In fact, even with all my experience in social networking, my first dabble with corporate social media was met with a face slap by a blogger (http://tinyurl.com/5b6cyf).

I work for a steel industry trade association. By nature, associations are small and unsophistocated technically. The fact that we're using web 2.0 technologies and social media is a big step for an organization with a staff fewer than 10.

Our first go of social media was a tool that I am very familiar with, Twitter. I developed a profile for our association called, EnviroMetal. The entire purpose of this profile was to just provide fun facts about steel to people with an interest in the environment, journalists and bloggers. It wasn't meant to sell anything or otherwise spam. But, traditional communications instincts took over and I ended up being pointed out as a bad use of social media.

While the blogger was way off on a number of marks, he did make a few valid points about the feedback loop. And, if I was networking as a company, rather than my self, it was coming off like spam. Skimming the social networks, it's easy to spot a lot of intentional spam. This effort was not spam. But, I was fortunite, because of the topic area, there are a lot of people who are passionate about the environment and recycling. I was able to tap into their preferences and "fit in" to their social networks.

But, the fact that the blogger decided to run off and blog nastily about an introductory social media effort, rather than provide feedback, he was guilty of what he was accusing me of doing. The social networks are about opening up direct lines of communications, learning and teaching. There is no direct science to social media. There will always be different ways to be good at something. But, your social media efforts have a lot more credibility if you take time to learn as much about a topic as you can before you go off acting as the king of social media and spouting your expertise.

That is part of the allure of social networking, you can be as loud as the biggest company just by putting things out there. Slapping at people trying to make an enterance into social networking or simply shouting and not listening takes the social out of social media. And, while tools may make your efforts more efficient, and you may be able to cast your net a lot further, unless you are a personal, active participant in your media efforts, you will find a lot of resistance to your social media efforts.

I am learning and experimenting. I believe that there is a strong future for the world of social media to grow through social networks. But the one constant will have to be social.

Pittsburgh: Fast Becoming A Ghost Town

This summer is an exciting summer to be a music fan. There are some fantastic tours out there, including Tom Waits, The Cure, Radiohead, and Nine Inch Nails. What do these concerts have in common? None of them are coming to Pittsburgh.

This summer, I will be making several trips to Cleveland (concerts, flights, entertainment). When the hell did Pittsburgh become a suburb of Cleveland you might ask? Pittsburgh is a city that is now 250 years old. The city took about 20 years to recover from the fall of the steel industry. And, for a brief time, it looked like the city was turning things around. New hospitals, attracting IT talent and companies and even started to become a bit of a hub for real estate vendor management.

But, it seems success was not in the cards for the 'burgh. Right now the city is honestly tredding dangerous waters right now, and I'm not encouraged by what I'm seeing.

• The airport's major airline has downgraded us to a regional airport. We are hemmoraging flights. And, it's even more difficult to grab a direct flight from the area. Not to mention the cost difference flying out of Pittsburgh vs. other airports.
• Just try to walk outside and hail a cab in the city. It is difficult at best unless you are at the airport or the convention center. If you're at a dining facility or watering hole, you are out of luck unless you call. Even then, it's dicy.
• There is no major vein of transportation. Bus lines are in a constant state of reduction, and the T has no presence in the airport corridor.
  By some estimates, the office parks in the airport corridor are now down to 40% capacity.
• Try living in the city, people are moving out in droves due to inflated tax assessments--on top of the already inflated tax base in the city. Personally, I would've thought the 3% wage tax (which is triple what you'd pay to live in the suburbs) would've driven them out.
• So, we've established that there's no public transportation and the taxes prohibitive to live in the city, right? Well, why not drive in? I'l tell you why--the friggin city has a 45% parking tax!
• But, if you do decide to venture into the county to shop anyways you'll be subject to the city/county extra 1% sales tax for the privelage of patronizing the few businesses that have stuck around.
• Why haven't more businesses stuck around you ask? Well, Pittsburgh was once ranked the 2nd most brutal city in the nation for taxing businesses. We've slipped to 4th or 5th most brutal, but honestly why would you want to have a business in a city that is going to brutalize you with taxes?
• But, why would that discourage qualified professionals from seeking employment in Pittsburgh vs. other cities. Oh, well, ther's a $100 Occupational Tax that employees have to pay just to work in the city--on top of their wage tax.
• Pittsburgh is a city, right? (for now) So, there's got to be a night life. Well, the city has done their best to chase out the night life as well. The city has implemented a ten percent BEER TAX.
• Well, I guess the city is resting on the tourists that come in for conventions, right? I mean they've taxed rental cars and hotels. But, on top of that the city openly encourages making it difficult to have a trade show at its state of the art convention center. I've done trade shows across the nation and there are very few cities that make it less desirable to exhibit at their convention center. The convention center shuts off elevators and escalators during setup. They harass you about carrying too much in or out the door. Why? Because they want you to have to pay to use their union labor. You can't stand on a ladder to set up your booth. You can't buld a booth over 6 feet. They hate if you try to carry things in and charge you through the nose to ship things in.

So, you ask, why don't people come to the city? Why can't we get more concerts? Why is Pittsburgh a ghost town on nights that there aren't Steelers, Pirate or Penguin games? Why is Pittsburgh slowly becoming a suburb to Cleveland? From where I sit, it looks like bloated government and greed.

Gun Ban Overturned by Supreme Court

So, all the rage in the news has been all the armageddon that is about to come about because the Supreme Court has overturned DC's gun ban law by a vote of 5-4.

I'm honestly SHOCKED that the vote was that close on something that is explicitly stated in the second amendment of the constitution.

Now, before you go closing the blog and writing me off as some right wing pigeon, let me state that I do not own a gun. But, if you look at the Bill of Rights, I'm told that the government can not pass a law preventing me from doing so. I really don't know how much more clear that can be. Not to mention, I've yet to see a gun law that prevents crime.

Think about it. Pot is illegal. Has it ever stopped anybody from getting high that wanted to get high? Beer is illegal for persons below the age of 21. Did it ever stop you or your friends from getting a case for a party in high school? The same thing goes with guns. The people that want guns will always be able to get guns.

It isn't like we have prevented guns from ever being made, they're out there. They're widely available. The people that are going to use them for nefarious purposes are not going to be obtaining them through traditional channels--nor would they likely be concerned with a law banning them from the streets of DC.

So, who do these laws impact? I would guess these laws only impact the people that are going through traditional channels to legally purchase a firearm.

Let me just say, that I've got no problem with a "cooling off" period or a background check. But seriously, I don't think even these laws have put a dent in any gun crime or kept guns out of the hands of the people who are using them in crime, but, hey, let's not make it overly easy either.

I'm from Pennsylvania, most people have guns. Most people here hunt. Most people use their guns in legal activities. Now, you only need to look as far as the Middle East if you want to see what happens when everybody owns an AK-47. So, I'm not advocating everybody run out and buy an armory. But, what I'm sayin is that without a gun ban, I don't feel unsafe walking the streets here or when I'm in DC.

If the people demand it, there is a way to legally ban guns. It's called the constitution. And if it is the will of the people, it should be easy for congress to enact. The process is already in place for amending the constitution. But, I already have great concerns for the rights and power that are stripped from the people of this country. And it should concern you that laws are being passed in offense of your constitutional rights--not to mention a Supreme Court that narrowly affirmed your rights. Heads up people!

Three Days: Three Songs: Nine Inch Nails Live Rehersal Video: Echoplex

Nine Inch Nails is working tirelessly to show us the potential of the new CD, The Slip, as it will translate to their live performance.

This time, we are seeing Echoplex performed at rehersal thanks to Pitchfork and NIN. Making a slip over to the softer/pop side of the CD, Echoplex is a return to the feel and sound from an erlier release, The Fragile.

Kicking off the video with a glimpse as the drum loop is punched in, Echoplex is a smoother track set in minor harmonies and loops. Check it out for yourself.

NIN live rehearsal: Echoplex - Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

GQOTM: Historic Presidents

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explanation.

Glenn: What historic president would you most want to meet?
Woody: Lincoln then Washington in that order?
Glenn: Who do you think was the most important president in history?
Woody: Lincoln and Washington

Obviously, you wouldn't have a Lincoln if you didn't first have a Washington, but if you think about a presidency that has had the most pivotal role in shaping (or maintaining) the United States as we know it, it would have to be Lincoln. If not for Lincoln, the United States would likely be much more similar to the Soviet Union with several neighboring, small countries. Imagine the prospect of having our Georgia at war with Alabama. It's silly and inconceivable largely because of the effort of Lincoln in maintaining the Union. There are many arguments for more storied presidencies or presidencies that have cost, or impacted, more lives. But, when you look at the quintessential turning point for the USA, Lincoln's presidency was it.

Another Nine Inch Nails Rehersal Video: Letting You

I am posting yet another video from the live rehearsal of Nine Inch Nails from their upcoming tour, thanks to NIN and Pitchfork. Watching these vids make me think that they should've just skipped the CD (MP3's) alltogether and just recorded the live rehersals. These songs take on an entirely different life in these performances. I hear the entire "The Slip" release much differently seeing how these tracks translate live. Hell, I'd buy the rehersal DVD! I'm wondering how these releases, like The Slip, would be different if he were to record them live in front of an audience. Performance really seems to bring out the fire. I know, you get the message, I'm excited for the tour. You should be too! Check out the rehersal video below for Letting you:

Nine Inch Nails Live From Rehersal

So, I've been a little concerned lately about Nine Inch Nails getting too "synthy." I actually made a comment about the latest CD comparing it to an edgy Depeche Mode. That's not to say it's not great stuff, because it is. It's just a much different vein than I typically associated with Nine Inch Nails. I know bands evolve, I know styles change. And for a long time, even though each release had its own sound and difference, you could feel the intensity. So, for the first release sans-label, I was expecting something that was "so-not-for-radio," and ready to unleash. I imposed a lot of my selfish desire for something aggressive like Broken.

Yes, I know it sounds as if I might be badmouthing Nine Inch Nails, but I'm really not. It's like telling your wife that she has a hair out of place. You still love her and she's the best thing since sliced bread, you're just commenting on something you've noticed.

But the one thing, more than anything that you notice about Nine Inch Nails is that all those over-produced, synthy, rounded edges become razor (or should I say Reznor) sharp intensity in the live show. NIN Live is an experience onto itself. You feel every lyric, every note. So, you can only imagine my excitement to hear the rehersal video that NIN posted on Pitchfork. The seemingly smooth track, 1,000,000 from the CD pounces to life as you will see in the video below. Now, more than ever, I'm looking forward to seeing NIN live in August.

 

 

Hanes Underwear In a Resealable Bag?!? Whaaaa?

Ok, so I needed to pick up some new undergarments. Not earth-shattering stuff, right? Well, I'm partial to Hanes boxer-briefs (now you know). Well, I didn't pay any attention in the store, but when I got them home and was breaking them open for the laundry, I noticed something odd on the packaging--"resealable bag," written right across a ziplock-type band. Resealable? For what?

I chucked the bag without much more than a chuckle, but in a very Seinfeld-esque way, this is kind of chewing at me. Why on earth would underwear come in a resealable bag for? Seriously, what in the blue hell were they thinking???

Were they hoping that I'd pack a sandwich in the bag that my underwear came in for lunch later? I mean, hey, I know the underwear were new--at least I hope they were--but I'm not ready to eat a sandwich out of the bag. Well, I guess I could put the old pair of underwear that I was replacing into the bag and seal them like a keepsake. But, they're just not that special to me. I guess I could use them to store used drink-stirrers and seal the bag (another story for another blog).

But honestly, this one has to go into the "What the hell were they thinking" file. I'm bewildered.

The Cure: A Ray of Hope In The Gloom of the Cure

Went to Cleveland to catch The Cure last night. In an age where gas is over $4/gallon and concert tickets are $50 for the cheap seats (after all the TicketBastard fees), driving 2 hours for a show is a real consideration. It's been 12 years since The Cure came around this way. Well, based on my experience from the last show, it was worth the drive, and they did not dissapoint. The Cure came out with a 3-hour set of new, old, hits and obsurity. This is an estimate on my part, but I'm guessing they played 35 songs?! Fantastic! It's amazing. I listen to music on the radio now that relies so heavily on studio enhancements, but The Cure is what it is. Everything live sounds exactly like it does on the CD. And Robert Smith puts a lot of thought and effort into making each show special. It's not like when I went to see Kiss and every night was exactly the same "(insert city name here) you rock." The set list was new, the performance was passionate and the fans appreciated every moment of it. I know I did. It's funny, I didn't know what to expect fan-wise. The Cure is a band that can sell out MSG and Wembley, but 2,500 is a pull in a place like Cleveland. It didn't seem to matter to them, they played for every one of us. Two encores and even a little bit of playfull banner. I feel a lot of spite paying to see a lot of bands these days. The Cure left me feeling great about my investment. And, they've realized something that a lot of bands haven't--the fans are your best advertising. Let them bring cameras, let them share their experience. People will pay if the product is good. In the case of this shot, it was good. I just really hope that it is not another 12 years before I get to see them again. And, hey, next time, let's not forget Pittsburgh??? If they are coming your way, don't miss out! I'll post my pictures later!

UPDATE: HERE ARE THE PICTURES FROM THE CURE CLEVELAND SHOW.

GQOTM: Work Ethic

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: What has happened to the work ethic in this country?

Woody: It was replaced by entitlement caused by our willingness to bail people out of situations they create.

GQOTM: BOF vs. EAF Steelmaking

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: is the majority of the steel still melted in a BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace)?

Woody: There are two basic processes used to make todays' steel, the BOF and the EAF. Right now the BOF is still in a slim majority by melting about 58% of today's steel. The EAF continues to grow in market share. Here's a description of the two basic processes:

The basic oxygen furnace (BOF) process uses 25 to 35 percent old steel to make new. It produces products— such as automotive fenders, encasements of refrigerators, and packaging like soup cans, five-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums—whose major required characteristic is drawability.

The electric arc furnace (EAF) process uses more than 80 percent old steel to make new. It produces products— such as structural beams, steel plates, and reinforcement bars—whose major required characteristic is strength.

GQOTM: Electing a Vice President

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: You have to elect a President and Vice President together, right? It wasn't intended that way originally. Is that correct.

Woody: Yes, they are a line item together now, but it used to be the first place and second place vote getters (pre two-party system). So, the President and Vice President could be from different parties. Check out 12th ammendment.

GQOTM: Obama-Clinton Ticket

Glenn is always asking me useless, crazy questions via text based on what he's watching on TV or listening to on the radio. So, I decided to quit wasting my answers just on him. So, I decided I'd start posting them here for everybody to be amused by. Keep in mind, these happen via text message. So they will be short and sweet. So, without further delay, here's right now's Glenn Question of the Moment (GQOTM):

Glenn: OBAMA-CLINTON same ticket think it will happen?

Woody: Reasons for it to possibly happen would be to re-unite a divided party and attract scorned Hillary supporters who might otherwise vote for McCain.

Woody: Reasons it WILL NOT happen is because Obama wants to build an identity and does not want a VP (that drug him through the mud in the primary) looking over his shoulder saying "that's not how I would've done it."

WYSINWYG: Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Go Wrap

Welcome to my first installment of What You See Is Not What You Get (WYSINWYG). I will take what they advertise and compare it to what I receive when I order when I'm out and about. In this installment, I'm looking at the Grilled Chicken Go Wrap. This one was Purchased 4/29/09 @ Wendy's Noblestown, Pittsburgh, PA @ 1:32 PM

 

Here's What They Advertise:

Here's what I got:

Where's the chicken? I think they need to have old Clara take a look at their "Go Wraps!!!" Oh yeah, and if you're on a diet like I'm supposed to be, take a look at the carbs on these little bastards before you eat it.

Howard Dean Says Your Vote Sux

Howard Dean says either Clinton or Obama must drop out in June

Being the Democratic party and all, you'd think these guys would be a little more in line with the democratic process.

First, both Hillary and Obama knowingly skip the Michigan and Florida primaries to focus on blue states and swing states. Boy, weren't they surprised to find out that neither of them can have enough delegate votes without winning those states. Why punish the vote of the people because the primaries were moved?!? It was hysterical to listen to both of them call for a do-over in both states after they learned there's a price for skipping segments of the population. Undoubtedly, the delegates from both states will be at the convention and they will be casting their votes, but they're not obligated to vote one way or the other. This lack of obligation by the delegates from these states, along with the sway of the "super delegates" has the party worried.

So, again, the party is trying to force the process and again bypass your votes. Howard Dean has called for ONE of the candidates to step down before the primaries are over. That way they can have their candidate selected before the convention and start focusing on the republican. So, essentially, they want to bypass MORE primaries (YOUR VOTES) and declare their candidate so the convention (when the delegates that represent your votes, cast their votes) as some rubber-stamp pomp and circumstance promotion for their party

WHAT?! If I was a state with a primary yet to happen and/or one of the bypassed states, I'd be wildly up in arms. I mean if they want to dictate who your party candidate is going to be, then why the hell bother with having a primary? Why wouldn't Howard Dean and the Democratic Party just declare a candidate at the beginning rather than dragging this process out this long only to tell one that they have to drop out for the "good of the party?"

I mean, heck, why not just have Howard Dean start calling his chosen candidate president. I mean, really, what an inconvenience to follow the whole freakin process that's worked for centuries? It's way too ineficient to let the people have their say, it's really cramping their style. For God's sake, what happens if they can't print the banners ahead of time for the convention and the convention truely IS the way that the candidate is ELECTED?!

I've asked this question before, but I'll ask it again, where's the outrage?

Writer’s Strike Is Over, Woody Can Blog Again....

Well, the writers’ strike is over, and your favorite TV programs are to be returning to the tube in the next few weeks.

I’m sure, right about now, the writers are really hoping that you still remember what scripted entertainment is vs. all this "reality" crud that you’re being fed by the networks right now as a placeholder. Although, undoubtedly, the networks are hoping you’ll see things differently as they line up reams of nobodys hoping for their 10 minutes of reality TV fame.

Me, I really struggle with the whole TV thing. I love to watch sports and competition. And, yes, I admit to getting hooked into the occasional drama or sitcom. But, I have trouble with commitment; however, unlike a TV drama, I don’t think it’s me, I think it’s them!

I never got into Seinfeld, Friends, 90210, Desperate Housewives or any of the other mass-appeal, lowbrow shows. I don’t know what it is, it’s surely not some kind of elite snobbery. I just never got into them. I guess my tastes and humor are a little off the beaten path --no surprise there, huh?

Recent shows that I’ve locked onto are The Unit, The Office, Friday Night Lights and Big Bang Theory. Two of them are on their way up and two of them are on their way down.

Friday Night Lights, a football drama that was based on a movie that was based on a FANTASTIC book. The first few episodes--even the first season--showed a lot of promise. Hard-hitting action, for a while it seemed like there was a genuine attempt to capture the "behind the scenes" look at small-town football and a city that lives and dies by their team. It started out great, the characters had depth, the plot was driven by football and the cinematography was captivating. Well, it seemed that some exec thought there was too much football in a show about football and it didn’t appeal to a wide enough audience by limiting itself. So, hey, let’s cut down on the football and ratchet up the teen drama, right? Somehow, I’m sure somebody thought that would make the show accessible to everybody. But, in reality, all it did was cause it to lose interest from the people that were initially attracted to it by its uniqueness. The result: just another teen drama that NOBODY liked, and, no surprise, all indications were that they were going to can it. But, apparently at the last minute, DirecTV came to the rescue and wants to offer it OnDemand, and NBC will show the re-run a day later. Yeah, sounds like the kiss of death to me.

The Unit: WOW! This show was action-packed, hard-nosed and thought-provoking (wow, three hyphenated words!). This show was about a special operations army unit that worked in all the gray areas of government and military involvement that everybody likes to deny involvement with. This show kept you on the edge of your seat for the entire episode. It was fantastic. Well, guess what. Some exec got involved and decided that the show was confusing to people that like to shut off their brains when they watch TV. The show was violent and hey, shouldn’t there be some soap-opera like drama? Well, they reformulated the show, keeping one of the cast members home from a mission each week to participate in a sub-story line @ home drama, which took time away from adding any depth to the real plot. The result by the end was a watered-down action show that was being anchored by some at home soap opera. There’s plenty of shows out there if you want to watch @ home drama (see Desperate Housewives or Lipstick Jungle). But, you’ve taken the appeal out of another unique show to broaden its appeal. The result: Desperate Military Wives that people are fast falling away from and, no surprise, its return is questionable.

The Office: This show was just hitting its stride right before the strike. It is a mock-documenary about a fictional company in Scranton, PA with a bumbling staff and a hapless leader. Admittedly, I was confused by this show at first, but once you caught on to the nuances of all the characters, it became quite hysterical. It’s part live-action dilbert and part Hogan’s Heros. It’s dry wit is is driven by the akward leadership of Michael Scott (Steve Carrol). It’s got all the elements of office life and all the oddities that people deal with on a daily basis, and it shows them in a very funny light. The show is in the process of taking off, including an interactive website that involves fans in cast plots and embracing new media, including SecondLife. It’s an enthusiasts dream, BUT I’m concerned that it’s showing signs of influence of incorporating drama in the name of wider appeal. The "Jim & Pam" romance line is starting to dominate the show and take away from The Office aspect of it. The Result: the show will be back, and I’m hoping that this show rights the ship and gets back to "business."

Big Bang Theory: A geek’s paradise. It’s hysterical in its akwardness, yet intelligent in its interplay. The show is about a set of geeks who are intelligent beyond their own good. The geeks, along with their friends struggle to navigate the social maze of frienships, interpersonal relationships and even a love interest. The show takes place largely in the apartment of the two main characters. This show does have the potential of painting itself into a corner. There’s only so many akward social scenarios that can play out, but, hey, they’re highly intelligent, they’ll figure it out, right? I’m definitely looking forward to the return of this show. It’s witty, funny and makes you cringe all in a 30 minute package. The show was just hitting its rhythm when the strike hit. Hopefully they’ll be able to pick up where they left off.

Two and a Half Men: My how Ducky’s grown! This show is about a perpetual bachelor, his reluctant-bachelor, live-in brother and his savant nephew. This show’s got a great edge. The main character, Charlie, struggles to hold on to his days as a ladies man, while he reluctantly shares his beachfront property with his divorced brother Alan and visits from his son, Jake. The show is nothing groundbreaking, but takes a funny spin at some familiar old cliches. It’s edgy humor is still funny and fresh. An underused element of the show is the kid, Jake. The kid’s timing, facial expressions and dunce-like interactions quietly steer the humor of the show. For the most part, this show still has its edge and has kept things fresh. I think the show has struggled to amuse with Charlie’s behavior without the sometimes-character, Rose, who helped frame things for the audience. Still, I think there’s a lot that can still be accomplished by this show and I look forward to it coming back for some more mindless giggles.

How I Met Your Mother: The show is built around the premise of a father reminiscing his life’s story building up to "how he met their mother" story to his children. It doesn’t rely quite as heavily on narritive as The Wonder Years did, but it does use some narritive to help with the plot. The cast is built around Ted--the main character and his friends’ interactions. As far as formula goes, there’s the overly-happy couple, the ambiguous love interest couple and the insecure, well-dressed ladies man--played by Doogie Howser. The show’s funny as it relates to a group of people with varying levels of history together. There’s a good mix of characters on the show and a lot of fresh content. Because the show is built around a narrative to children, sometimes the comedy comes in the form of how potentially-adult situations are communicated. I think the writers wisely realized the trap of the ambiguous relationship and have wisely steered away from the cliche. I still think there’s a lot of good milage left in this show and I’m looking forward to having it come back.

Rules of Engagement: Another rather new show that’s caught my attention. It’s kind of like a mid-town Bundies show. You’ve got the husband a la Al Bundy who bemoans many of the cliche female routines of his wife. You’ve got the new couple down the hall a la Marcie and Jefferson. And, you’ve got the goofball convinced that he’s a stud a la Bud Bundy. It’s a fresh spin on an old formula. They’ve managed so far to keep it interesting--as I feel there was a lot of life left in Married With Children when it met its untimely demise. Except, in this case, they’re all living in the big city and they don’t have kids--thus elminating the angle of being bad parents (which was picked up by Still Standing). Despite the cliche nature of this show, they’ve kept it amusing with Puddy (from Seinfeld) and his reluctant affection for his friends and wife. Just one question...how the hell does David Spade keep getting parts? But, seriously, if this show comes back, I’ll still catch it when it’s on.

Whoa, did I get off track! This was meant to be a blog about how TV continues to wreck itself by watering shows down from what made them special into something with broad appeal that is exactly like everything else. Instead, it became Woody watches too much TV. I guess that’s what happens when you’re all messed up on Sudafed and sick as a dog. Anyways, the short story is: sometimes a niche show is a niche show. Stick to your guns, not everything on TV is going to appeal to EVERYBODY. When you try to make it for everybody, you’re going to take away what made it worthwhile to the people that appreciated the niche. Then you’re up against every other low-hanging piece of fruit on TV and you’re ultimately going to lose the small, nice audience you once had and get cancelled.

Time for more drugs....

Text Message Meltdown

Spend any amount of time talking to me or getting to know me, you're bound to figure out one thing about me--my phone is essentially an extension of me. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I'm usually sending or receiving a text message. It's my gateway to my friends and family.

How fascinating it is to be able to call together a group of friends for dinner or drinks. How cool it is to be able to share events and fun with your entire network of friends in an instant. No matter where you are, you can share. At the beach? At the Bar? At the Game? Somebody can't be there? Share a piece of the action.

You'd think this was a blog about my new-found fascination with texting. But, quite the opposite, I guess it's going on 5 years since I was bit by the text bug. Until recently, it just felt that cool that I was always tied in with the people I liked to have around.

I don't know if it's burnout or if the novelty is wearing off, but I've just kinda had it with texting. Much like being around me day-to-day, I'm sure there's things I say that rub people the wrong way. So, being an extension of me, it's only natural that similar behavior would radiate from my phone. But, lately, it seems that not a single message goes out without somebody bemoaning it.

Whaaaaa! You send too many messages. Boo hoo. You hurt my feelings. Woe is me. You pointed out the obvious about my favorite superstar. Or, heck, even ignoring the fun stuff. Whatever the case may be, it's lost its fun for me. I don't think I've ever texted anything that I don't say to people face-to-face when we're together.

So, I guess, sharing my fun, interacting as if we were all together and saying wish you were here has somehow become a lot less fun for me. Ting-a-ling.