The crowning moment of my recent Firefox local media blitz was an interview on Canada Now, the local CBC Television evening news. Local anchor, Bruce Rainnie (brother of Matt Rainnie, who conducted my recent radio interview - thus confirming all assumptions that everyone on Prince Edward Island is related), came by our silverorange offices to conduct the interview.
Here are some assorted thoughts on the experience:
- I prefer radio over television. The visual aspect of television might add a lot to some stories, but it really just seemed to detract from this one (especially since my ugly mug was the primary visual)
- I am not, as was mentioned in the piece, the “head man”, at silverorange. We didn’t discuss my role at silverorange, so it was likely an honest mistake. I probably exuded too much confidence.
- Television is all a big lie. Ok, this isn’t a big surprise, but this was my first real exposure to the fabrication that is television. Since there was only one camera man, the interview was filmed with me in front of the camera, and the interviewer behind it. Then, after the interview is over, we trade places, mix up the background props a bit so it’s not too obvious, and the interviewer “re-asks” (apparently an industry term) the questions for the camera. That said, it still fooled me when I watched it.
- TV requires visuals. We didn’t have many, but was kind of cool to see my Linux desktop on TV.
- The camera (and its operator) prefer LCD screens over CRT screens, as they avoid the dreaded flicker effect on camera.
- No matter how comfortable you are with your appearance, watching yourself on television will make you self-conscious.
- They did a good job. It’s easy to mix up a technology story when dealing with a general audience. Bruce Rainnie did a good job of setting up the questions.
- Fame, no matter how small in scale, is a cruel mistress.
Comments
anong - September 27, 2004 3:42 pm
Dude, you look like a young Martina Navratalova in that shot!
Steven Garrity - September 27, 2004 3:48 pm
I wasn't sure how to take that comment, but after a quick Google Images search for "Martina Navratilova", I see that it is simply a fact (though I think she looks like me - not the other way around).
Andy Baio - September 27, 2004 4:12 pm
I like the news announcer: "And I've had those pies, they are great." And apparently Firefox is an alternative to "Netscape, Internet Explorer, and Netscape."
Anyway, congratulations. You sounded great.
Steven Garrity - September 27, 2004 5:15 pm
Andy: Yeah, my friend Nate, who helped get the clip for me, was sure to make sure that "pie" line stayed in.
Michael - September 27, 2004 5:33 pm
Very cool for you guys! Congratulations.
And hey, I even learned a few things about the icon contribution that I wasn't aware of before :)
AkaXakA - September 27, 2004 6:22 pm
Congrats on the exposure!
You might even get a few Pointy Haired Bosses now asking you to create them an Interweb page!
Joy.
PS. How Local is local in this case though...just the main area? or the whole province?
Steven Garrity - September 27, 2004 11:42 pm
AkaXakA asked "how local is local". The local portion of Canada Now that this was featured on is broadcast (and quite popular) across all of the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. That said, we are a small province (approx. population 135,000 - I think).
Rob - September 28, 2004 8:13 am
I like how the silverorange building appears to be encrusted with SUVs. So <i>that's</i> why Steve needed to sell off his little fuel-efficient ride.
Also, you're right; Isaac is "head man" at silverorange.
Kreg Steppe - September 28, 2004 9:50 am
I had to come and chime in about that "Pie" comment. I chuckled all yesterday evening.
Ryan Hillier - September 28, 2004 12:24 pm
Good story! I especially like the "Steven Garrity intro shot" that takes you right to the logo. Excellent shooting. Oh yeah, and that Steven guy too, he was pretty informative.
Daniel - September 29, 2004 2:59 am
Sounds like that nice lady needs to start practicing a little more...
Cool story, but I thought Dan was the CEO or "head man"? And who is Isaac?
Mandy - September 29, 2004 3:38 am
I'm pretty sure my uncle summed up exactly what you all probably feared this exposer to the uniformed typical local crown would do for you. When our good pal Nathan's name came up in passing, I believe my uncles reaction went something like:
"oh, I saw his silverorange on TV. I see they own something called Fox something and it's going to put out Explorer and Netscape. The "owner" was on talking all about it"
Good job guys...
Steven Marshall - September 29, 2004 6:18 am
Yeah, TV is a big lie, except for reality TV which is totaly real ;)
angelday true - September 29, 2004 1:38 pm
What is this pie thing? Could somebody please enlighten a European fella?