I don't know how they found me, but a group called Western Representation PAC just sent the following email:
Dear Patriot,
Stories and photos from the Day of Resistance rallies are still pouring in, and one thing we know for certain: the desire to protect the Second Amendment has never been stronger!
Over the course of this week, we're going to share with you details about specific Day of Resistance rallies from all across the country, as well as our plans for what to do going forward.
Western Representation PAC is committed to fighting for the Second Amendment. By electing pro-gun candidates and holding their feet to the fire, we can ensure the protection of the right that protects all other rights: the right to bear arms!
We're going to need your support to do this, however, and that's why we're giving you an opportunity to proudly show that you support the Second Amendment as well. For every donation this week of $25 or more, we're going to send a free "Second Amendment - The Original Homeland Security" bumper sticker.
So please join us in supporting your right to bear arms and make your donation of $25 or more
Sincerely,
Bryan Shroyer
Executive Director
Western Representation PAC
This is my how-to-survive/thrive/enjoy/win SXSW post. But first, here is my SXSW Origin Story.
Yesterday I found the initial email from a friend introducing me to SXSW and urging me to go. I received the email on September 2, 2004. The friend is Kevin Smokler, and he's a big reason I love the event and the reason I know about it. Kevin and I met at BookExpo in Chicago during the summer of 2004. It was a dinner organized by Bella Stander who is awesome.
Kevin and Baratunde at SXSW 2006 (Photo by Flickr by neilio)
Kevin and I stayed in touch, and I hired him for a "virtual book tour" phone-based consulting session focused on marketing my first book. Over the course of exchanging emails, Kevin, as another self-described "conference whore," suggested we swap conference recommendations. On his list was something called "South by Southwest Interactive" which he described thusly:
The mardi gras of the online world. Anyone who's doing anything interesting online is there. I've spoken there the last 2 years. You so should go. I'll introduce you to everyone.
I couldn't make it to SXSW 2005, but when 2006 rolled around, I sent Kevin a followup asking if he still thought this was a place I needed to be. He did and reminded me that he would "introduce me to everyone."
So I went, and Kevin indeed introduced me to everyone, extending his group dinner plans, letting me tag along to cool parties and funky storytelling events, breaking bread with brad and more. During that first SXSW danah boyd played a similar role. They were my SXSW big brother and big sister, and through them I met amazing humans like lynne d johnson and George Kelly and too many to name right here.
I exited the conference/convention/pilgrimage/BBQ pit with a recommitment to these digital arts and an extended family of beautiful, world-changing geeks. Every time I return, it's a family reunion. Every time I return, I get a little less stressed about having the latest app, getting into the hottest party or attending the buzziest (yes, buzziest) session. I want you to try to keep that spirit in mind as you review my very short list items for your consideration at SXSW Interactive.
I do a lot of talking in my work, and it's a privilege to get to mouth off for a living. I don't always post the video from these events because it's sometimes repetitive and I think yall might get sick of me posting a bunch of look-at-me content. However, speaking at the 2012 Chicago Ideas Week event was a special occasion.
First, I got to share the stage during a time block devoted to Identity. My fellow speakers were Hanna Rosin, LZ Granderson, James Fallows, Brook Magnanti, and Eric Daigh. They were all amazing and smart and interesting. I'm not just saying that.
Second, I got to perform in the Goodman Theatre. It's one of the most beautiful rooms I've ever worked, and from a strictly performance standpoint, I was thrilled to be there.
Last, here are my words, recorded and replayable through this magic technological advancement known as embedded video.
CIW: Identity: Baratunde Thurston from Chicago Ideas Week on Vimeo.
Udpate: I used to have a slideshow of all the tweets embedded here, but Storify doesn't work well with Vine, and the Marco Rubio gulp was running on loop forever and ever. It was scaring and scarring the children. I removed it. You can see my twitter recap here on Storify.
I'm in great company! Congrats to all the other list-makers. Lists are the last word of truth in comedy and all things!
Tiffany Haddish
Hannibal Buress
Wyatt Cenac
Key and Peele
Issa Rae
Franchesca Leigh Ramsey
Donald Glover
W. Kamau Bell
Kevin Hart
I have left the Internet.
I'm on vacation. As part of my rest, I'm taking a break from the social Internet. That means no social media updates, responses, checkins, likes, taps, pokes, noogies, tickles, or head locks.
I'm going to practice looking people in the eye and not checking my email or launching businesses or resolving geo-political stalemates (SORRY ISRAEL/PALESTINE AND CYPRUS AND NEWARK!)
If you're a friend and want to hang out, give me a call or text.
If you are a creditor, suckit.
If you think your demand for my attention qualifies as urgent or an emergency, you can petition my chief of staff, Julia Lynton Boelte, who will used her advanced algorithms and spices to determine if you are correct. She's reachable at chiefofstaff@baratunde.com
Otherwise, I'll see you in 2013 after January 7th, provided we haven't destroyed the Earth by then.
If you are receiving this message, you are the revolution.
Trust no one.
Peanut butter jelly time.
Clear eyes, full hearts…
- Baratunde (somewhere).
For some additional context to the going offline thing, check out danah boyd and Brian Fitzpatrick.
If you just want to right now, like very now see my take on the final movie, it's here on Storify. If, however, you want to know the full story of why I do this and experience the full set, continue reading.
It began when I read the first two books on my honeymoon in December 2008. My new wife and I listened to Twilight and New Moon on a road trip. We saw the first movie when we returned home, and a few months later we were divorced. I'm not saying Twilight killed my marriage, per se. I am saying there is a strong correlation between consuming Twilight content and no longer being happily married. It's possible this contributed to the hate, but I know the majority of my disdain for this franchise comes from crap storytelling and even worse messaging about depression and abusive relationships. Also, it as Karma Laundrette brilliantly points out, it is very, very, dumb and full of propaganda.
I took what I had--hatred, years of comedy experience, self-respect, and digitally connected devicess--and I began live hate-tweeting these movies so others might avoid parting with their hard-earned funds for such bullshit.
Last night I was a guest on Viewpoint, Eliot Spitzer's Current TV show. We talked about the Republican propaganda bubble and how it failed to serve the real information needs of conservative voters. I also pimped my book because, well because.
During yesterday's crazy ass hurricane slamming NYC, I hosted a 2.5 hour online reading and Q&A on Google Hangout. Video is above. The point is, the paperblack is available! And this week, all merch is 50% off!