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.
