Ever have a critic, a person who doesn't really even know you, pick at you just enough that you really start doubting yourself? Someone who's personal discontent cannot allow them to see others free of the projection of their own unhappiness?
That's been happening to me, and I'm a very circumspect, self-critical person. So even when everyone around me is saying "They don't know you, their points are totally invalid, everyone who knows you knows this is wrong, you shouldn't let this bother you" (and I
know they're right) I still poke around the anthole with a stick a little bit, to see if there's any nugget of truth to the criticism. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
This prompted me to make a little tally, off the top of my head, of stuff I've done for Chicago's comedy scene in the last year.
When I came up with this much in three minutes, I decided not to give a shit anymore.
Stuff I've done (pro bono) for the Chicago comedy scene in the last year, not counting editing the Bastion or always being the designated cupcake-bringer:- produced audition showcases to try to get people into comedy festivals; taped, edited, delivered those clips to performers
- taped and edited highlight reels and individual clips for at least three shows I don't produce or perform in, all of which feature people from every comedy show/circle of friends on the scene
- recommended people for things like network auditions every time an email looking for Chicago comedy talent came my way
- helped New York comedians book local talent for Chicago shows; that local talent was then booked to perform with those comics for paid gigs in New York and Boston
- co-ran a weekly stand-up writing workshop, the initial invitation to which included 50 people from various shows/circles of friends within the comedy community
- edited and delivered performance clips every week from my own show, for cast members and guest comedians who asked for them
- helped people put together promo packs, quotes/recommendations for potential representation, etc.
- produced audition showcases to try to help people get cast on network tv shows
- spent weekend nights biking to and from other people's shows to videotape and photograph, later editing, burning, and delivering CD's and DVD's
- recruited/recommended Chicago comedy talent for corporate projects
- used every single instance of the media approaching me to get exposure and recognition for as many others as possible
- generally tried to be an active connecting element among all the talented people I know, following up on as many emails and phone calls as possible (and there are a LOT)
Guess what I didn't do? - Make any money
- Grab any stage time
- Accept invitations to put my own face out into the media
- Etc.
Also, because I'm a freelance writer, every hour I spend (happily) editing clips, taking photos, and coordinating/connecting on behalf of others represents a large hourly rate I could have pulled in for work.
Oh my god, did I just write a sort of comedy producing resume?
Holy crap, thanks, detractors! The next cupcake is on me!
Now if you'll excuse me, a friend wants me to do some editing for him.
WolfenFlickr? Your Flickr pictures on the walls of a Wolfenstein game? Oh, yes. It is as fun as it sounds. I played it for a little bit but it was a little disconcerting to follow along those familiar Nazi castle walls, only to be confronted by giant pictures of Kristy, Angel, and Teresa, smiling and eating BBQ, and fashion models strutting the runway at the Chicago Theater.
