Metafilter documentary September 27, 2007 11:28 AM Subscribe
I had spoken with Matt about a month ago about the idea of doing a Metafilter documentary in time for the tenth anniversary. I'd still like to do it but am looking for help.
I've made some story notes but realize I don't have enough time to devote to the project, although I would like to be involved. Having seen some recent posts that highlight the amount of film talent in the MF community, I'm looking for others to be a part of a community-created documentary. I'd love to share my notes and ideas to get us started.
Anybody interested?
I've made some story notes but realize I don't have enough time to devote to the project, although I would like to be involved. Having seen some recent posts that highlight the amount of film talent in the MF community, I'm looking for others to be a part of a community-created documentary. I'd love to share my notes and ideas to get us started.
Anybody interested?
I'd be interested to help however I can.
Can you post some details from your notes? Apologies for sounding so business-like but I think you'll need these to start:
- Objectives
- Timeline
- Roles to fill & responsibilities
- Tasks
Once you have some of these, people can start volunteering with skills, time, and ideas.
posted by junesix at 11:44 AM on September 27, 2007
Can you post some details from your notes? Apologies for sounding so business-like but I think you'll need these to start:
- Objectives
- Timeline
- Roles to fill & responsibilities
- Tasks
Once you have some of these, people can start volunteering with skills, time, and ideas.
posted by junesix at 11:44 AM on September 27, 2007
When I mean I'm "in", I mean I will write a narrative for whoever wants to narrate, or I can have my computer speaking software read it for me, being that I cant speak verbally.
posted by wheelieman at 11:48 AM on September 27, 2007
posted by wheelieman at 11:48 AM on September 27, 2007
I was very inspired by the Plague of Mice documentary — a story not just of mice, but of bravery, and of not moving when others would move — and I would hope that any documentary about MetaFilter includes multiple instances of the phrase "...just when they thought they had seen the worst, the unthinkable happened."
posted by Wolfdog at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by Wolfdog at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
I would love to see a few (10, less, more?) 2-3 minute biopic shorts on random MeFi users. Not celebrities, and not even post leaders, a broad view at who uses the site, how they use the site, and their lives at large. I'd also be willing to coordinate and help organize a few of these in my area, as well as lend any other assistance I've got manpower, but not a whole lot of capital, as it were.
posted by potch at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by potch at 11:50 AM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
I'd like to be in the filthy part that gives it an NC-17 rating.
posted by breezeway at 11:51 AM on September 27, 2007
posted by breezeway at 11:51 AM on September 27, 2007
I bet you could make a random-ish sample of users who have contributed above a certain threshhold [made one post? asked one question? made 15 comments?] and then select from that group out of who has prolfile info available and is contactable, then you could even make part of it a user contributed youtubery thing and then deal with mostly narrative/editing and not having to track down a ton of interviews in person. In any case, sounds interesting.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:53 AM on September 27, 2007
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 11:53 AM on September 27, 2007
I'd like the second the non-celebrity interview idea.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:53 AM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 11:53 AM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
If the Greater Toronto Area/Golden Horseshoe represents, I'm interested.
posted by the dief at 11:58 AM on September 27, 2007
posted by the dief at 11:58 AM on September 27, 2007
*hopes Meatbomb shows up in thread*
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 12:00 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by and hosted from Uranus at 12:00 PM on September 27, 2007
I like jessamyn's idea about having people contribute their own user videos. And any of them that aren't included in the documentary could be in the Special Features section on the DVD release.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:06 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:06 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
I'm in. Personal documentary is my ain true love.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:11 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 12:11 PM on September 27, 2007
But if you do want one-on-one interviews, I'd be happy to act as a faux-broadcast news reporter. Having been a real news(paper) reporter in the past, I think it'd be fun. Here's my sample script:
NEW YORK CITY, DAY: Two people sit at an outdoor table at a New York City cafe, say French Roast. The camera pans the street, then zooms in on THE PINK SUPERHERO. She's clad in something super-hip -- a black shirtdress with a wide belt and a pair of footless tights, maybe, paired with lime green shoes and big Jackie O sunglasses. Sitting across from her is YOUR TYPICAL ASIAN REPORTER.
REPORTER: So tell me, Pink Superhero, or may I call you Pink ...?
TPS: Ms. Superhero, please.
REPORTER: Yes, Ms. Superhero, how did you first stumble upon MetaFilter?
TPS: It was in the early 80s, or maybe the late 70s. There were a lot of drugs around then, you know, just everywhere. Like you'd be at a party and there's [redacted] with a needle in her arm, right in front of you. A lot of opium dens -- this is all before Giuliani, you know? Anyway, I got myself a Cordata. You remember those, those gigantic computers with green monochrome monitors. And it was like ...
REPORTER: I'm sorry to interrupt, Ms. Superhero, but MetaFilter wasn't around yet in the 80s-
TPS:- That's right. Don't interrupt. I'm telling a story. So anyway, there was this guy I knew, he sold fake Rolexes at the corner of 23rd and Lex ...
FADE TO BLACK.
Dammit. If I just had a camera and could set up a totally pretentious fake interview of that variety, I'd be very much up for this particular project. But only if TPS or some other MeFite would put on a great act and be a huge prima donna. Yes.
posted by brina at 12:16 PM on September 27, 2007 [5 favorites]
NEW YORK CITY, DAY: Two people sit at an outdoor table at a New York City cafe, say French Roast. The camera pans the street, then zooms in on THE PINK SUPERHERO. She's clad in something super-hip -- a black shirtdress with a wide belt and a pair of footless tights, maybe, paired with lime green shoes and big Jackie O sunglasses. Sitting across from her is YOUR TYPICAL ASIAN REPORTER.
REPORTER: So tell me, Pink Superhero, or may I call you Pink ...?
TPS: Ms. Superhero, please.
REPORTER: Yes, Ms. Superhero, how did you first stumble upon MetaFilter?
TPS: It was in the early 80s, or maybe the late 70s. There were a lot of drugs around then, you know, just everywhere. Like you'd be at a party and there's [redacted] with a needle in her arm, right in front of you. A lot of opium dens -- this is all before Giuliani, you know? Anyway, I got myself a Cordata. You remember those, those gigantic computers with green monochrome monitors. And it was like ...
REPORTER: I'm sorry to interrupt, Ms. Superhero, but MetaFilter wasn't around yet in the 80s-
TPS:- That's right. Don't interrupt. I'm telling a story. So anyway, there was this guy I knew, he sold fake Rolexes at the corner of 23rd and Lex ...
FADE TO BLACK.
Dammit. If I just had a camera and could set up a totally pretentious fake interview of that variety, I'd be very much up for this particular project. But only if TPS or some other MeFite would put on a great act and be a huge prima donna. Yes.
posted by brina at 12:16 PM on September 27, 2007 [5 favorites]
You should make the documentary about how I saved 9/11 and made sure we all had presents under our WTCs.
Metafilter helped too.
posted by klangklangston at 12:17 PM on September 27, 2007
Metafilter helped too.
posted by klangklangston at 12:17 PM on September 27, 2007
What a fantastic idea. I can't think of any skills I have that could be of any use to the project whatsoever but maybe my imagination just isn't what it used to be after a long, long day. But if there ever is a mailing list or anything feel free to include me -- I'd love to help out if I can in any way.
posted by sveskemus at 12:18 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by sveskemus at 12:18 PM on September 27, 2007
I would love video or audio of users reading their favorite snark aloud.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:20 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:20 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
You see, you say "documentary", and yet I hear "buddy cop drama".
The setup's perfect: 50,000 people with comically mismatched personalities are forced to work together... can they put aside their differences over circumcision and the iPhone long enough to solve the case of That One Guy Who Might Be A Self-Linker?
Bagsy I get to do the bit that involves running down a corridor with a gun in each hand.
posted by flashboy at 12:22 PM on September 27, 2007 [7 favorites]
The setup's perfect: 50,000 people with comically mismatched personalities are forced to work together... can they put aside their differences over circumcision and the iPhone long enough to solve the case of That One Guy Who Might Be A Self-Linker?
Bagsy I get to do the bit that involves running down a corridor with a gun in each hand.
posted by flashboy at 12:22 PM on September 27, 2007 [7 favorites]
PS. You know I only used you because you're MeFi's resident cool kid, right TPS?
posted by brina at 12:22 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by brina at 12:22 PM on September 27, 2007
Cool! Nothing is as cool as it was back in the day. Why, I remember when it was me, mathowie, davey_darling and John Stamos all crammed in the back of a limo. Now, back then, as you will recall, mathowie was rocking a perm and Stamos was highly addicted to....
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:25 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 12:25 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
I would like to see Playmobil-figure dramatizations of the top 10 thread throwdowns over the past decade. (Though, playing with my new set of roman empire playmobil toys, I want to see everything recreated with them.)
posted by troybob at 12:26 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by troybob at 12:26 PM on September 27, 2007
Scene II: MetaTalk, as narrated by Bobcat Goldthwait.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 12:27 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 12:27 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
Highlighting the stories and interviewing participants (both asker and best-answerer?) of some of the remarkable AskMe questions would be awesome.
posted by fire&wings at 12:31 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by fire&wings at 12:31 PM on September 27, 2007
I'm good at voice work. aka reading aloud into a microphone.
or impersonating arlo guthery if need be. again.
posted by French Fry at 12:36 PM on September 27, 2007
or impersonating arlo guthery if need be. again.
posted by French Fry at 12:36 PM on September 27, 2007
Okay, here's another one:
SOMEWHERE IN THE SUBURBS, NIGHT
We are looking at a white clapboard house with an inviting garden, surrounded on three sides by forest. A BUNNY scampers across the lawn, illuminated by the haunting porch light.
INSIDE: The living room is non-descript, and we focus on the face of someone who looks remarkably like CONNIE CHUNG. Another woman, whose face is blurred out, sits across from her.
CONNIE: And so what did you do then?
ANONYMOUS: Well, he dumped me, and I didn't know how to handle it, plus the baby had croup and the garbage disposal was broken, and I just couldn't figure out what to name my ... name my ... (sobs)
CONNIE: It's okay. Take your time.
ANONYMOUS: I didn't know what to name my new kitten, and so I got online and I found this website.
CONNIE: (soothing) And that website, it was Metafilter?
ANONYMOUS: (calmer) It was Ask Metafilter. So I posted this question, you know, like for advice, because I just didn't know what to do with myself, my life was in shambles.
CONNIE: What happened then?
ANONYMOUS: It was terrible. These people -- they just -- they mocked me. They said I should name my own (bleep)-ing kitten. They told me to get my own blog. They said ... they said ...
CONNIE: Please. I know it's hard, but you can keep going.
ANONYMOUS: No, no. I ... can you turn the cameras off? Please? I just need a minute.
CONNIE: Yes, that's fine. We'll turn the cameras off. (surreptitiously shakes her head at the cameraman)
ANONYMOUS: I don't know, after that I just thought maybe life wasn't worth living. I couldn't go on any longer. I mean, I had this terrible sex addiction, and sometimes I'd get awful blisters, and all ... is that camera blinking? Why is the camera still blinking?
posted by brina at 12:37 PM on September 27, 2007 [4 favorites]
SOMEWHERE IN THE SUBURBS, NIGHT
We are looking at a white clapboard house with an inviting garden, surrounded on three sides by forest. A BUNNY scampers across the lawn, illuminated by the haunting porch light.
INSIDE: The living room is non-descript, and we focus on the face of someone who looks remarkably like CONNIE CHUNG. Another woman, whose face is blurred out, sits across from her.
CONNIE: And so what did you do then?
ANONYMOUS: Well, he dumped me, and I didn't know how to handle it, plus the baby had croup and the garbage disposal was broken, and I just couldn't figure out what to name my ... name my ... (sobs)
CONNIE: It's okay. Take your time.
ANONYMOUS: I didn't know what to name my new kitten, and so I got online and I found this website.
CONNIE: (soothing) And that website, it was Metafilter?
ANONYMOUS: (calmer) It was Ask Metafilter. So I posted this question, you know, like for advice, because I just didn't know what to do with myself, my life was in shambles.
CONNIE: What happened then?
ANONYMOUS: It was terrible. These people -- they just -- they mocked me. They said I should name my own (bleep)-ing kitten. They told me to get my own blog. They said ... they said ...
CONNIE: Please. I know it's hard, but you can keep going.
ANONYMOUS: No, no. I ... can you turn the cameras off? Please? I just need a minute.
CONNIE: Yes, that's fine. We'll turn the cameras off. (surreptitiously shakes her head at the cameraman)
ANONYMOUS: I don't know, after that I just thought maybe life wasn't worth living. I couldn't go on any longer. I mean, I had this terrible sex addiction, and sometimes I'd get awful blisters, and all ... is that camera blinking? Why is the camera still blinking?
posted by brina at 12:37 PM on September 27, 2007 [4 favorites]
VOICE OVER
"He was just a man. A man with a dream. And a recumbent bicycle. A man with a dream, a recumbent bicycle, and a Geocities site consisting solely of a naked Tony Danza jpg and a Music Box Dancer midi set on autoplay. The site went live October 2, 1986.
Shortly after, the bicycle was stolen. Some say by hooligans, otherS, nogoodniks. One thing was certain, however; the site was a hit, getting over one hit in its first month on the fledgling internet, which at that time consisted of seven Lite-Brites, an army surplus field telephone, a car battery, and a fucking assload of extension cords. Matth Owie had tasted success, and it was sweet. He wanted more, no matter what the cost - to him, to his sanity, to his soul.
The bicycle... was never seen again."
FADE UP
CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON DUSTY MANTLEPIECE
CAMERA PANS OVER OVER FADED DAGUERROTYPES OF YOUNG MATHOWIE WEARING STRAW BOATER
MUSIC: La-lala la-lala la lalalala, lalalalala-la-lalala-la...
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:39 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
"He was just a man. A man with a dream. And a recumbent bicycle. A man with a dream, a recumbent bicycle, and a Geocities site consisting solely of a naked Tony Danza jpg and a Music Box Dancer midi set on autoplay. The site went live October 2, 1986.
Shortly after, the bicycle was stolen. Some say by hooligans, otherS, nogoodniks. One thing was certain, however; the site was a hit, getting over one hit in its first month on the fledgling internet, which at that time consisted of seven Lite-Brites, an army surplus field telephone, a car battery, and a fucking assload of extension cords. Matth Owie had tasted success, and it was sweet. He wanted more, no matter what the cost - to him, to his sanity, to his soul.
The bicycle... was never seen again."
FADE UP
CAMERA ZOOMS IN ON DUSTY MANTLEPIECE
CAMERA PANS OVER OVER FADED DAGUERROTYPES OF YOUNG MATHOWIE WEARING STRAW BOATER
MUSIC: La-lala la-lala la lalalala, lalalalala-la-lalala-la...
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 12:39 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
One thing was certain, however; the site was a hit, getting over one hit in its first month on the fledgling internet, which at that time consisted of seven Lite-Brites, an army surplus field telephone, a car battery, and a fucking assload of extension cords. But just when they thought they had seen the worst, the unthinkable happened.
posted by Wolfdog at 12:40 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Wolfdog at 12:40 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
It must have an interview with an anonymous questioner, with masked voice and silhouette.
posted by smackfu at 12:57 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by smackfu at 12:57 PM on September 27, 2007
Great idea—I can't wait.
Oh my god, please do this. But do it like Ken Burns' Civil War documentary
Yeah, definitely, with faded b&w photos of meetups and everything. But please don't use fucking Ashokan Farewell. Use this. And, of course, this.
posted by languagehat at 1:08 PM on September 27, 2007
Oh my god, please do this. But do it like Ken Burns' Civil War documentary
Yeah, definitely, with faded b&w photos of meetups and everything. But please don't use fucking Ashokan Farewell. Use this. And, of course, this.
posted by languagehat at 1:08 PM on September 27, 2007
Can I play Meatbomb in the dramatic re-enactments?
posted by hermitosis at 1:08 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by hermitosis at 1:08 PM on September 27, 2007
the fledgling internet, which at that time consisted of seven Lite-Brites
Terrorist.
posted by spaceman_spiff at 1:11 PM on September 27, 2007
Terrorist.
posted by spaceman_spiff at 1:11 PM on September 27, 2007
I think the movie has to revolve around us looking for that one guy's used car.
posted by nasreddin at 1:11 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by nasreddin at 1:11 PM on September 27, 2007
"The setup's perfect: 50,000 people with comically mismatched personalities are forced to work together... can they put aside their differences over circumcision and the iPhone long enough to solve the case of That One Guy Who Might Be A Self-Linker?"
Well, Flashboy, you are a bit of a straight-laced, by-the-books kinda guy, and the rest of us are all loose cannons.
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
Well, Flashboy, you are a bit of a straight-laced, by-the-books kinda guy, and the rest of us are all loose cannons.
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
Also, I'll totally do a nude scene if you need one.
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
Or if you don't.
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 1:16 PM on September 27, 2007
(And you should have delmoi comment on something. Then thirty seconds later, comment again. Repeat for an hour.)
posted by klangklangston at 1:17 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 1:17 PM on September 27, 2007
That was a long lunch, sorry. Great ideas. Many that I share.
I want to include a segment on banned members, with perhaps a clip of Matt getting out the Ban Hammer from it's felt-lined mahogany box.
The documentary will mimic the form of Metafilter. Each segment will act as an FPP, with comments from members after each segment.
For the opening, I want to create a "live" thread with some prominent members and have an admin delete the thread.
At this point, my central question is, "What is community?" The documentary would be chronological and would touch on key FPPs, especially those that created off-shoot communities of their own.
I will be able to do most of the Portland interviews (mathowie, cortex, pb, etc.) but will need directors in other regions to video meetups, do interviews, etc.
I'm willing to be the production manager as well. But I definitely do not want to edit this mofo. Any editors in the house?
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:19 PM on September 27, 2007
I want to include a segment on banned members, with perhaps a clip of Matt getting out the Ban Hammer from it's felt-lined mahogany box.
The documentary will mimic the form of Metafilter. Each segment will act as an FPP, with comments from members after each segment.
For the opening, I want to create a "live" thread with some prominent members and have an admin delete the thread.
At this point, my central question is, "What is community?" The documentary would be chronological and would touch on key FPPs, especially those that created off-shoot communities of their own.
I will be able to do most of the Portland interviews (mathowie, cortex, pb, etc.) but will need directors in other regions to video meetups, do interviews, etc.
I'm willing to be the production manager as well. But I definitely do not want to edit this mofo. Any editors in the house?
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:19 PM on September 27, 2007
Unless someone sets up a wiki or something, this thread will just fill up with 200 more "count me in!" comments and then will disappear off the front page....
posted by vacapinta at 1:20 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by vacapinta at 1:20 PM on September 27, 2007
I would love to work on this project, although I am currentuly preparing to move from NJ/NY to lovely LA, CA. I think a good cross section of user submitted interviews, meetup video and pictures, mefi generated music and interviews with the admins would make a great documentary about this wonderful place many of us call home. Let's see who can contribute and what shape we want this project to take. My email is in my profile.
posted by Derek at 1:24 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Derek at 1:24 PM on September 27, 2007
Can we call it "Admin, Hope Us!"?
Also, the film should have a lot of blank frames with short explanations in their place.
And boobies too. Can we have boobies? That's be AWESOEM!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:26 PM on September 27, 2007
Also, the film should have a lot of blank frames with short explanations in their place.
And boobies too. Can we have boobies? That's be AWESOEM!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:26 PM on September 27, 2007
I created a page on the wiki to start filling in roles. Keep it simple for now. Just put the role you would like and your username.
I will add my outline in a day or two, but if someone else wants to start, feel free.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:28 PM on September 27, 2007
I will add my outline in a day or two, but if someone else wants to start, feel free.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:28 PM on September 27, 2007
Seriously strangeleftydoublethink, I think your idea is a wonderful one. Not sure how I could help but if there's a sign-up sheet on the cork board somewhere, I'll help in any way I can.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:29 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 1:29 PM on September 27, 2007
Any threads you were hoping to focus on as evidence of the site's community? (the Holocaust/Vienna/grandparents thread? the stupid ebay scammer and his fake laptops?)
posted by Tuwa at 1:30 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Tuwa at 1:30 PM on September 27, 2007
One I would love to see covered is the AskMe from the ebay guy who was selling laptops that were always mysteriously broken into in transit and replaced with jugs of water and rocks. Such great stuff. It starts out with him asking if he can get revenge on a fraudulent seller, and then turns into something else entirely...
On preview: Tuwa beat me to it.
posted by iconomy at 1:32 PM on September 27, 2007
On preview: Tuwa beat me to it.
posted by iconomy at 1:32 PM on September 27, 2007
Sounds good. Maybe a segment on lurkers. I used to be one.
posted by Sailormom at 1:40 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Sailormom at 1:40 PM on September 27, 2007
Well, Flashboy, you are a bit of a straight-laced, by-the-books kinda guy, and the rest of us are all loose cannons.
How can we uphold the law if we think we're above the law ourselves? DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THAT, KOSLOWSKI?!?
posted by flashboy at 1:53 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
How can we uphold the law if we think we're above the law ourselves? DID YOU EVER THINK ABOUT THAT, KOSLOWSKI?!?
posted by flashboy at 1:53 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
Yes, all great ideas. I would like to see a short piece on lurkers and why they continue to lurk. It might fit well in the segment that will focus on the growth of MF (before the $5 entry fee when registration would only be open for a limited period of time).
There is a list of important threads on the wiki. It's a great starting point.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:59 PM on September 27, 2007
There is a list of important threads on the wiki. It's a great starting point.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 1:59 PM on September 27, 2007
I like editing a lot. I don't do it professionally, but I'm proficient, certainly.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 1:59 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 1:59 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by mathowie (staff) at 2:06 PM on September 27, 2007
If nothing else, it's sure to have a killer soundtrack!
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:12 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:12 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
I might be at the next NYC meet up and i will have my camera on me for background and interviews with whoever is interested. I'm not sure if I will still be in town, but there will be an update in the meet up thread. I also added possible segment ideas to the wiki.
posted by Derek at 2:13 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Derek at 2:13 PM on September 27, 2007
If you can shoot in 16:9, please do. I'll try to fill in all the details that junesix asked for (second comment) tonight.
I've been thinking about this for a while and something made me finally get it out there today (while at work and I don't have my notes handy).
Based on the response, I think it'll be a fun project and great documentary.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 2:20 PM on September 27, 2007
I've been thinking about this for a while and something made me finally get it out there today (while at work and I don't have my notes handy).
Based on the response, I think it'll be a fun project and great documentary.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 2:20 PM on September 27, 2007
I agree that you need to feed better food. I've fed all my pets Wysong for all their lives- my dog just turned 14 last week. You can order online if it's not available near you. Before my cats moved away to live with my ex, the vets used to always ask what we fed them because their coats were so shiny and they were so healthy. They were indoor/outdoor, but the litterbox remained (relatively) unstinky.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:28 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by oneirodynia at 2:28 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
Wow, I am really a genius. I'll be part of the catering department for the documentary.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:29 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by oneirodynia at 2:29 PM on September 27, 2007
But I'm not cleaning any litterboxes.
posted by oneirodynia at 2:33 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by oneirodynia at 2:33 PM on September 27, 2007
All I ask is that Adam Savage, Migs and the Woz are in it.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:33 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:33 PM on September 27, 2007
I had that thought, i'll be back in CA in November and could possibly film it if they are interested.
posted by Derek at 2:38 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Derek at 2:38 PM on September 27, 2007
MetaFilmer
posted by Pollomacho at 2:46 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Pollomacho at 2:46 PM on September 27, 2007
OK, this all assumes that the audience for this movie is, uh, us, right? Because seriously - who on earth beside us would want to watch this ?
posted by tristeza at 2:49 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by tristeza at 2:49 PM on September 27, 2007
Farkers and Freepers that want to scoff at the liberal nerds.
posted by Pollomacho at 2:51 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Pollomacho at 2:51 PM on September 27, 2007
Just as long as none of us are exposed to...you know.
posted by konolia at 2:51 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by konolia at 2:51 PM on September 27, 2007
OK, this all assumes that the audience for this movie is, uh, us, right? Because seriously - who on earth beside us would want to watch this ?
I thought the same thing at first, but then I remembered that there's a successful, well-received (and quite good!) documentary about Helvetica.
posted by sparkletone at 2:52 PM on September 27, 2007
I thought the same thing at first, but then I remembered that there's a successful, well-received (and quite good!) documentary about Helvetica.
posted by sparkletone at 2:52 PM on September 27, 2007
And another about nerds playing for the Guinness Book record for highest Donkey Kong score.
posted by sparkletone at 2:52 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by sparkletone at 2:52 PM on September 27, 2007
Unless someone sets up a wiki or something, this thread will just fill up with 200 more "count me in!" comments and then will disappear off the front page....
Even then, probably.
Count me in!
posted by dersins at 2:55 PM on September 27, 2007
Even then, probably.
Count me in!
posted by dersins at 2:55 PM on September 27, 2007
I thought the same thing at first, but then I remembered that there's a successful, well-received (and quite good!) documentary about Helvetica.
Whoa. Is there a Rule 34 for documentaries?
posted by tristeza at 3:09 PM on September 27, 2007
Whoa. Is there a Rule 34 for documentaries?
posted by tristeza at 3:09 PM on September 27, 2007
Think about how many lurkers there are. That's a huge audience right there. Now add their moms. That's even bigger.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:13 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:13 PM on September 27, 2007
Whoa. Is there a Rule 34 for documentaries?
Yes, but it's slightly different:
If you can think of it, somewhere there's a grad student who is going to get around to making a documentary about it any day now.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:15 PM on September 27, 2007
Yes, but it's slightly different:
If you can think of it, somewhere there's a grad student who is going to get around to making a documentary about it any day now.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:15 PM on September 27, 2007
Yeah, if the movie is done well and we can think of a story arc, it should appeal to anyone (see also: craigslist doc, spelling bee doc, ballroom dancing 11 year olds doc -- all stuff I didn't think I was too interested in).
I just don't know what "the story" would be at this point. People solving problems in Ask MeFi? Me turning MeFi into a business? Why people like the site and what they get out of it?
posted by mathowie (staff) at 3:27 PM on September 27, 2007
I just don't know what "the story" would be at this point. People solving problems in Ask MeFi? Me turning MeFi into a business? Why people like the site and what they get out of it?
posted by mathowie (staff) at 3:27 PM on September 27, 2007
this is good.
Matt, how about a MeFi Shorts contest? Top 10 shorts get posted to shorts.metafilter.com. Top 3 get Fabulous Prizes. Theme - MeFi turns 10.
posted by theora55 at 3:28 PM on September 27, 2007
Matt, how about a MeFi Shorts contest? Top 10 shorts get posted to shorts.metafilter.com. Top 3 get Fabulous Prizes. Theme - MeFi turns 10.
posted by theora55 at 3:28 PM on September 27, 2007
But do it like Ken Burns' Civil War documentary, with a slow pan fading across the shot of the mushroom thread as Morgan Freeman reads the comments to us.
We already did the casting.
posted by kirkaracha at 3:32 PM on September 27, 2007
I think the story has to revolve around Matt. You built it and posted stuff for a year and no one much cared. Then it took off, maybe more than you expected. At some point, it became your business, but it's also a separate community. I'm looking for the line between the two, how you balance on that line, and how the community pulls it in different directions.
I'm hoping to get some better answers through other members. I'd like to know what a good ending would be.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:42 PM on September 27, 2007
I'm hoping to get some better answers through other members. I'd like to know what a good ending would be.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:42 PM on September 27, 2007
I just don't know what "the story" would be at this point. People solving problems in Ask MeFi? Me turning MeFi into a business? Why people like the site and what they get out of it?
Maybe grab three notable events where the site has interacted pretty directly in someone's life, or vice versa, and where the principals are available and interesting—and build around that. The Matthew Haughey Story seems like an obvious subplot: sort of check out the major stages of Mefi's life vs. your life (genesis back in the blooger a-list 99-00 era, money first starting to come into the picture, fiona, quitting your job, etc). Take that and a couple other interesting stories that can be spread out into small, compelling segments throughout the length of the doc; then weave those into the greater context of all the miscellaneous footage and bits and such.
An honest-to-goodness just-interesting-folks people hook with a few substories seems like key material. Everything else is flavor—and while the flavor is going to be something that will appeal particularly to mefites and loyal readers, it'll be the people-hooks that appeal to folks who have no idea what a Metafilter is.
Think of the trailer for any kooky documentary from the last few years. Think fo the character shots that really sold that. That's the bait. That's what hooks people. We wouldn't need a "story" in the proper narrative sense of an expository documentary, I don't think, or manufactured "VH1 behind the music" drama.
But that's just one way of approaching it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:42 PM on September 27, 2007
Maybe grab three notable events where the site has interacted pretty directly in someone's life, or vice versa, and where the principals are available and interesting—and build around that. The Matthew Haughey Story seems like an obvious subplot: sort of check out the major stages of Mefi's life vs. your life (genesis back in the blooger a-list 99-00 era, money first starting to come into the picture, fiona, quitting your job, etc). Take that and a couple other interesting stories that can be spread out into small, compelling segments throughout the length of the doc; then weave those into the greater context of all the miscellaneous footage and bits and such.
An honest-to-goodness just-interesting-folks people hook with a few substories seems like key material. Everything else is flavor—and while the flavor is going to be something that will appeal particularly to mefites and loyal readers, it'll be the people-hooks that appeal to folks who have no idea what a Metafilter is.
Think of the trailer for any kooky documentary from the last few years. Think fo the character shots that really sold that. That's the bait. That's what hooks people. We wouldn't need a "story" in the proper narrative sense of an expository documentary, I don't think, or manufactured "VH1 behind the music" drama.
But that's just one way of approaching it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:42 PM on September 27, 2007
The Matthew Haughey Story seems like an obvious subplot
Yeah, that's a good idea. I don't really like the idea of being THE story arc or the center of it, but a subplot of me would be weird but ok and makes sense if there's a larger story to tell about community stuff.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 3:45 PM on September 27, 2007
Yeah, that's a good idea. I don't really like the idea of being THE story arc or the center of it, but a subplot of me would be weird but ok and makes sense if there's a larger story to tell about community stuff.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 3:45 PM on September 27, 2007
Think of the trailer for any kooky documentary from the last few years. Think fo the character shots that really sold that. That's the bait. That's what hooks people. We wouldn't need a "story" in the proper narrative sense of an expository documentary, I don't think, or manufactured "VH1 behind the music" drama.
Agreed. Fast, Cheap and Out of Control.
posted by vacapinta at 3:48 PM on September 27, 2007
Agreed. Fast, Cheap and Out of Control.
posted by vacapinta at 3:48 PM on September 27, 2007
I think there will be an A, B, and C story flowing through the narrative.
The A story will be more about the timeline and major events that shaped mefi itself, with a lot of commentary from the major players (admins and famous posters).
The B story will be about the social aspects of mefi, the meetups, lurkers, community programs, and even the few marriages and deaths that have been felt by the hive mind.
The C story will throw together the inside jokes, the commentary, and anything else that doesn't fit into the business side or community side.
posted by Derek at 3:50 PM on September 27, 2007
The A story will be more about the timeline and major events that shaped mefi itself, with a lot of commentary from the major players (admins and famous posters).
The B story will be about the social aspects of mefi, the meetups, lurkers, community programs, and even the few marriages and deaths that have been felt by the hive mind.
The C story will throw together the inside jokes, the commentary, and anything else that doesn't fit into the business side or community side.
posted by Derek at 3:50 PM on September 27, 2007
I would like the MeFibrarian Posse to play some useful role. Otherwise I think this all sounds great.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2007
I think it should be a case study about how new technology is redefining community and the global conversation. With pantsfish.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 3:52 PM on September 27, 2007
The B story will be about the social aspects of mefi, the meetups, lurkers, community programs, and even the few marriages and deaths that have been felt by the hive mind.
Really good camera coverage at a meetup, and a bunch of footage around said meetup, would be a great segment to run with, yeah. Extra footage of random meetups all over the place would be good, of course. And the micro-interview segments write themselves: "What do you do at a meetup?" [flurry of fast-cut soundbite answers from var. mefites]
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:55 PM on September 27, 2007
Really good camera coverage at a meetup, and a bunch of footage around said meetup, would be a great segment to run with, yeah. Extra footage of random meetups all over the place would be good, of course. And the micro-interview segments write themselves: "What do you do at a meetup?" [flurry of fast-cut soundbite answers from var. mefites]
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:55 PM on September 27, 2007
[to be read by Don LaFontaine]
In a world...
...where advice from strangers is the only help you can get...
...where your thoughts are laid bare before others...
...where the portobellos are not what they seem...
In this world, there is one man...
...and a woman...
...and some other guy...
Three mods.
Six subsites.
Sixty thousand frenzied participants...
...and only one banhammer.
METAFILTER
Coming soon.
This documentary is not yet rated.
posted by ardgedee at 4:05 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
In a world...
...where advice from strangers is the only help you can get...
...where your thoughts are laid bare before others...
...where the portobellos are not what they seem...
In this world, there is one man...
...and a woman...
...and some other guy...
Three mods.
Six subsites.
Sixty thousand frenzied participants...
...and only one banhammer.
METAFILTER
Coming soon.
This documentary is not yet rated.
posted by ardgedee at 4:05 PM on September 27, 2007 [3 favorites]
I'm hoping that the next NYC meetup will be a good template for future meetup coverage. I want to do a simple canvas of the meetup and then interview people one by one.
We need to put together a list of questions that cover all the topics we want the doc to focus on. Then people can film their own meetups and "confessionals".
posted by Derek at 4:07 PM on September 27, 2007
We need to put together a list of questions that cover all the topics we want the doc to focus on. Then people can film their own meetups and "confessionals".
posted by Derek at 4:07 PM on September 27, 2007
I think you have a great idea, strangeleftydoublethink. But maybe the crux of the film could shift a bit? As mentioned above and with all due respect to Matt, I think the big story should be the site itself.
You could start out with the origins of the site, how Matt started it and the philosopy of the Blue. But then I think it would be great to highlight the amazing things that have happened as a direct result of this site, things that just came together when bunches of people who don't know eachother connected. Be it specific problems solved in AskMe (the Vienna grandfather HAS to be in there), meetups and social events in the grey or musical collaborations in Music.
If you develop a main story arc, then you can veer off from there with little character sketches of user portraits or meetup footage along the way to keep it interesting. I think it should be a little jarring and quirky, like this place.
And I think your idea of collaborating is key. This should be farmed out to as many people as possible to collect stories and footage, maybe even fully edited pieces sent back to you and strung together anthology-style.
Just thinking out loud here, hope I'm not stepping on any toes.
Also, I was an editor before I became a fulltime male housewife. And I like to play music.
posted by chococat at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2007
You could start out with the origins of the site, how Matt started it and the philosopy of the Blue. But then I think it would be great to highlight the amazing things that have happened as a direct result of this site, things that just came together when bunches of people who don't know eachother connected. Be it specific problems solved in AskMe (the Vienna grandfather HAS to be in there), meetups and social events in the grey or musical collaborations in Music.
If you develop a main story arc, then you can veer off from there with little character sketches of user portraits or meetup footage along the way to keep it interesting. I think it should be a little jarring and quirky, like this place.
And I think your idea of collaborating is key. This should be farmed out to as many people as possible to collect stories and footage, maybe even fully edited pieces sent back to you and strung together anthology-style.
Just thinking out loud here, hope I'm not stepping on any toes.
Also, I was an editor before I became a fulltime male housewife. And I like to play music.
posted by chococat at 4:35 PM on September 27, 2007
I'm important enough to be in this, right?
Right?
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2007
Right?
posted by Faint of Butt at 4:36 PM on September 27, 2007
When Ze Frank signed off he asked his users to help make a film. Take a look and I'll bet there are things to learn. Some obvious lessons might include:
A.) Don't include too much or God forbid everything. Ze's project kind of drags.
II.) Watch the inside jokes, don't assume we're the only audience.
3.) An outline and assignments is better than trying to piece together too many random user submitted segments.
Δ .) It should be like the site itself, user-generated, communal, but moderated/edited/directed.
As for narrative, the most obvious might be start with history, Matt and the early site, then it becomes a business, new admins join. Feature segments, the different sections, intersperse with features on various users, like sidebars in a book, end with hope and eventually inaccurate prognostications about the future of the community.
posted by Toekneesan at 4:38 PM on September 27, 2007
A.) Don't include too much or God forbid everything. Ze's project kind of drags.
II.) Watch the inside jokes, don't assume we're the only audience.
3.) An outline and assignments is better than trying to piece together too many random user submitted segments.
Δ .) It should be like the site itself, user-generated, communal, but moderated/edited/directed.
As for narrative, the most obvious might be start with history, Matt and the early site, then it becomes a business, new admins join. Feature segments, the different sections, intersperse with features on various users, like sidebars in a book, end with hope and eventually inaccurate prognostications about the future of the community.
posted by Toekneesan at 4:38 PM on September 27, 2007
Oh come now... it should start with a black screen, and then have 50,000 people scream "This documentary is useless without pictures!"
posted by pompomtom at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by pompomtom at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2007
The A story will be more about the timeline and major events that shaped mefi itself, with a lot of commentary from the major players (admins and famous posters).
The B story will be about the social aspects of mefi, the meetups, lurkers, community programs, and even the few marriages and deaths that have been felt by the hive mind.
The C story will throw together the inside jokes, the commentary, and anything else that doesn't fit into the business side or community side.
This is similar to the direction I was thinking. By creating segments, I was hoping to weave the stories together. I do think it needs some tension by having a banned member or two (with an ax to grind) be a part of it.
And maybe we can get Pepsi to sponsor it.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2007
The B story will be about the social aspects of mefi, the meetups, lurkers, community programs, and even the few marriages and deaths that have been felt by the hive mind.
The C story will throw together the inside jokes, the commentary, and anything else that doesn't fit into the business side or community side.
This is similar to the direction I was thinking. By creating segments, I was hoping to weave the stories together. I do think it needs some tension by having a banned member or two (with an ax to grind) be a part of it.
And maybe we can get Pepsi to sponsor it.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 4:42 PM on September 27, 2007
Wow, what a great idea. Thanks strangeleftdoublethink! I'm not going to get all exited and talk crap (Oscar) but I will definitely be checking in on the wiki to see if I can help or contribute at all.
!!!
posted by snsranch at 4:44 PM on September 27, 2007
!!!
posted by snsranch at 4:44 PM on September 27, 2007
I just stumbled on this - in my antipodean caffeinated stupor - late as usual.
I am a film-maker and would be interested in collaboration - from an Australian Mefi perspective, if required.
I haven't read all the comments so far to see if anything has catalysed in terms of an arc, but there are myriad possibilities. I quite liked pinksuperheroe's quirk, I could see that working into the framework somewhere.
Can I suggest someone set up a site to use as a project area. I could provide an extranet for use if required (sharepoint) which would aid the construction of the idea, and keep it organised.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:01 PM on September 27, 2007
I am a film-maker and would be interested in collaboration - from an Australian Mefi perspective, if required.
I haven't read all the comments so far to see if anything has catalysed in terms of an arc, but there are myriad possibilities. I quite liked pinksuperheroe's quirk, I could see that working into the framework somewhere.
Can I suggest someone set up a site to use as a project area. I could provide an extranet for use if required (sharepoint) which would aid the construction of the idea, and keep it organised.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:01 PM on September 27, 2007
The title has to be "We Have Cameras", right?
posted by flashboy at 5:04 PM on September 27, 2007 [4 favorites]
posted by flashboy at 5:04 PM on September 27, 2007 [4 favorites]
All I ask is that Adam Savage, Migs and the Woz are in it. posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 2:33 PM
And Fred. Did he ever find that used car?
Question: Can lurkers post to the wiki?
posted by Cranberry at 5:05 PM on September 27, 2007
And Fred. Did he ever find that used car?
Question: Can lurkers post to the wiki?
posted by Cranberry at 5:05 PM on September 27, 2007
Oh come now... it should start with a black screen, and then have 50,000 people scream "This documentary is useless without pictures!"
Excellent!
strawberryviagra: I was hoping to get together with the people who wish to collaborate and discuss the project. Video conference or IRC would work great and we can bring out ideas to the table and try to fit them all into the framework. I'd be very happy if you would see if there's enough interest in another Sydney meet up to film. Everyone should feel free to IM me on aim @ WritingDerek.
posted by Derek at 5:09 PM on September 27, 2007
Excellent!
strawberryviagra: I was hoping to get together with the people who wish to collaborate and discuss the project. Video conference or IRC would work great and we can bring out ideas to the table and try to fit them all into the framework. I'd be very happy if you would see if there's enough interest in another Sydney meet up to film. Everyone should feel free to IM me on aim @ WritingDerek.
posted by Derek at 5:09 PM on September 27, 2007
Cool - I'll make enquiries. I just noticed the Wiki, so I'll add myself there also.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:12 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:12 PM on September 27, 2007
Should we get some kind of synopsis and angle before getting too carried away with filming/organising shots?
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:14 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:14 PM on September 27, 2007
Check the wiki, I posted an A, B, C story guide outline and will continue to work on it.
You were right about needed a separate place to work on this project, our own wiki to contain all of the little parts might work better. All the information won't fit right on one wiki page.
posted by Derek at 5:16 PM on September 27, 2007
You were right about needed a separate place to work on this project, our own wiki to contain all of the little parts might work better. All the information won't fit right on one wiki page.
posted by Derek at 5:16 PM on September 27, 2007
I can set one up fairly easily - let me know if you need it.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:19 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:19 PM on September 27, 2007
The Matthew Haughey Story seems like an obvious subplot
An important part of that would be a montage of people mispronouncing "mathowie."
MATH-owie
MA-thowie
ma-THOW-ie
MA-tho-WIE
etc.
posted by Kattullus at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2007
An important part of that would be a montage of people mispronouncing "mathowie."
MATH-owie
MA-thowie
ma-THOW-ie
MA-tho-WIE
etc.
posted by Kattullus at 5:45 PM on September 27, 2007
Keep the ideas coming, i've got a txt file open collecting them.
posted by Derek at 5:48 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Derek at 5:48 PM on September 27, 2007
I just don't know what "the story" would be at this point.
Good documentaries generally tend to be the ones where their maker don't know what "the story" will be when they start making them.
Ever see New York Doll?
posted by yhbc at 5:49 PM on September 27, 2007
Good documentaries generally tend to be the ones where their maker don't know what "the story" will be when they start making them.
Ever see New York Doll?
posted by yhbc at 5:49 PM on September 27, 2007
It ends with the podcast.
Or begins with it. And ends with Mr. Owie crashing his boat into the sky, backtalking God, and taking the stairs to the next universe.
posted by Tuwa at 5:51 PM on September 27, 2007
Or begins with it. And ends with Mr. Owie crashing his boat into the sky, backtalking God, and taking the stairs to the next universe.
posted by Tuwa at 5:51 PM on September 27, 2007
their maker don't know
I would, however, suggest that at least those producers and directors who are on camera be proficient in English.
posted by yhbc at 5:53 PM on September 27, 2007
I would, however, suggest that at least those producers and directors who are on camera be proficient in English.
posted by yhbc at 5:53 PM on September 27, 2007
My dad says we can use the barn for rehearsals, and my mom said she'd help sew the costumes!
posted by briank at 5:55 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by briank at 5:55 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
DAMMIT briank, I typed out variations of that joke several times this afternoon, but none of them sounded right. DAMN YOUR EYES!!!
posted by yhbc at 5:58 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by yhbc at 5:58 PM on September 27, 2007
A globally synchronised flame out or at least lively thread to show the dynamic of metafilter would be interesting - difficult to organise, but could be done with the right parameters in place.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:59 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:59 PM on September 27, 2007
The wiki should link to a printable PDF of a release form, so directors and shooters who collect interviews at meetups can get official permission and names at the time of shooting -- so that clearance goes smoothly later when the film gets into all sorts of festivals.
posted by xo at 6:00 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by xo at 6:00 PM on September 27, 2007 [1 favorite]
Were moz and I the first marriage?
I'm kind of terrified of the camera, though. So how long do I have to get over that, or put in a good stock of xanax?
posted by sugarfish at 6:05 PM on September 27, 2007
I'm kind of terrified of the camera, though. So how long do I have to get over that, or put in a good stock of xanax?
posted by sugarfish at 6:05 PM on September 27, 2007
xo - very smart, I already have the guidelines for the interviews written up, just waiting to see how to organize this mess. I think we'll take strawberryviagra up on the offer to host a new wiki so I can get started on this before my trip to Israel.
posted by Derek at 6:10 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Derek at 6:10 PM on September 27, 2007
I have to somehow be a part of this. I'll wear glasses and bring Space Kitten.
posted by Space Kitty at 6:12 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Space Kitty at 6:12 PM on September 27, 2007
I don't have a whole of time, but I got the film skills and the library skills FWIW. dobbs should get in on this too.
posted by stinkycheese at 6:12 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by stinkycheese at 6:12 PM on September 27, 2007
Following xo's idea, someone should post a brief tutorial about making useful home vids. It doesn't take much to be a lot better than common youtube.
posted by snsranch at 7:04 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by snsranch at 7:04 PM on September 27, 2007
One of the interesting aspects of (successful) sites like this is the norms that get enforced by the group, and even people who once found themselves on the wrong end of a group shout-down will eagerly accept the norm and get in on the next shout-down. It creates pressure for the social self-policing and standard-setting that keeps the site from turning into youtube comments. But it's a weird interesting process that would be great to re-create in film -- mainly if the film is for people who don't know messageboards/community sites.
Intercut the interviews with a few different instances of thread behavior that is discouraged (thread-modding, trolling, GYOB behavior, thinly disguised astroturfing or commerical posting), and behavior that is good (appropriately targeted snark, insightful and surprising comments) where the viewer progressively cottons on to the community standards without being explicitly told. Illustrate the mantra "hang around here for a while and you'll get the sense of what the place is about".
If it's a film about how to host a successful party for 50K people, it would also be nice to hear a bit of the (familiar to us, but not to others) "guidelines not rules" philosophy.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:44 PM on September 27, 2007
Intercut the interviews with a few different instances of thread behavior that is discouraged (thread-modding, trolling, GYOB behavior, thinly disguised astroturfing or commerical posting), and behavior that is good (appropriately targeted snark, insightful and surprising comments) where the viewer progressively cottons on to the community standards without being explicitly told. Illustrate the mantra "hang around here for a while and you'll get the sense of what the place is about".
If it's a film about how to host a successful party for 50K people, it would also be nice to hear a bit of the (familiar to us, but not to others) "guidelines not rules" philosophy.
posted by LobsterMitten at 7:44 PM on September 27, 2007
Once it's done and released, as a Utahn it will be my job to edit out all the swearing and nudity and re-release it as a "family-friendly" version.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 7:45 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by mr_crash_davis at 7:45 PM on September 27, 2007
There must be a shoutouts segment.
In a recent, unscientific, survey of MeFi users' spouses and significant others, 100% of respondents AGREED with the statement "Okay, maybe some of them are nice people, but the whole shout-out thing really freaks me out. 'Oooh, shout-out, shout-out! What are these people, 12? Grow up a little.'"
Admittedly, this was an unscientific survey, but due regard should be paid to a 100% response.
posted by yhbc at 7:47 PM on September 27, 2007
In a recent, unscientific, survey of MeFi users' spouses and significant others, 100% of respondents AGREED with the statement "Okay, maybe some of them are nice people, but the whole shout-out thing really freaks me out. 'Oooh, shout-out, shout-out! What are these people, 12? Grow up a little.'"
Admittedly, this was an unscientific survey, but due regard should be paid to a 100% response.
posted by yhbc at 7:47 PM on September 27, 2007
All I ask is that the part of trip and a half be played by Ralph Fiennes. He's the only one who could do it justice.
posted by trip and a half at 7:49 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by trip and a half at 7:49 PM on September 27, 2007
I just don't know what "the story" would be at this point.
A young wonderchicken, naked and drunk on good whiskey, accidentally mistypes 'meatflutter' into his browser address bar. There is a swell of orchestral music.
Um, OK, that's all I got.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:52 PM on September 27, 2007
A young wonderchicken, naked and drunk on good whiskey, accidentally mistypes 'meatflutter' into his browser address bar. There is a swell of orchestral music.
Um, OK, that's all I got.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:52 PM on September 27, 2007
It would also be cool to include some of the most pleasing AskMe anons... I don't mean relationship stuff, but things like "I have a freaky thing in my personal areas and can't bring myself to ask my doc" and other people respond "yeah I have that too, here's what it's called, don't be scared." The stuff that makes you think "god, if I had been able to ask questions anonymously to a group of mostly reasonable adults when I was 15 that would have been really freaking reassuring".
Also the AskMes with odd preconditions (eg, "Given that I don't want to be on the electrical grid at all, what things should I keep in mind about home wiring?" or "Suppose astrology is true, what should I know about my descending sign?") that nevertheless get useful answers.
There are a lot of AskMes that are easily web-searched if you know the right resources to use, but the really nice ones are the ones that thwart web-search attempts - where you really need a bunch of people to ask, sometimes people with expertise in areas you might not have even thought of. (can't think of a great example of this; hope somebody else knows the kind of thing I mean)
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2007
Also the AskMes with odd preconditions (eg, "Given that I don't want to be on the electrical grid at all, what things should I keep in mind about home wiring?" or "Suppose astrology is true, what should I know about my descending sign?") that nevertheless get useful answers.
There are a lot of AskMes that are easily web-searched if you know the right resources to use, but the really nice ones are the ones that thwart web-search attempts - where you really need a bunch of people to ask, sometimes people with expertise in areas you might not have even thought of. (can't think of a great example of this; hope somebody else knows the kind of thing I mean)
posted by LobsterMitten at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2007
Once it's done and released, as a Utahn it will be my job to edit out all the swearing and nudity and re-release it as a "family-friendly" version. release the cut seventeen minutes and thirty two seconds as a highlight reel on Youtube.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:00 PM on September 27, 2007
It gave me a flivver of joy that a google search for meatflutter returned no results and the question "Did you mean: metafilter"
posted by Kattullus at 8:12 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Kattullus at 8:12 PM on September 27, 2007
I think a segment a la Morris' First Person, fast cuts between members introducing themselves, their real-life shticks, how they see MeFi, how they see themselves on MeFi, etc, would be sort of cool, if tough to pull off with technical consistency:
Hi, my name is ColdChef/BitterOldPunk/arcticwoman, and I'm a funeral dude/whatever it is BitterOldPunks do/and so forth.
Instead of an Interrotron, we could just make a keen robot suit for interrobang and send him around the world shouting questions at people from another room.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:31 PM on September 27, 2007
Hi, my name is ColdChef/BitterOldPunk/arcticwoman, and I'm a funeral dude/whatever it is BitterOldPunks do/and so forth.
Instead of an Interrotron, we could just make a keen robot suit for interrobang and send him around the world shouting questions at people from another room.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 8:31 PM on September 27, 2007
I'll help with the money shots. Pitch or catch, I don't care, make me famous.
posted by chlorus at 8:31 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by chlorus at 8:31 PM on September 27, 2007
Do you have a purdy mouth?
posted by Derek at 8:39 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
posted by Derek at 8:39 PM on September 27, 2007 [2 favorites]
Oh, and of course, if any documentarians want to document the Secret History of MetaFilter[series of exclamation marks to be added in post] I direct you to my profile, chapter 4.
posted by Kattullus at 10:10 PM on September 27, 2007
posted by Kattullus at 10:10 PM on September 27, 2007
I added an outline (for the segments) to the wiki.
It would be nice to firm up the segments and who will produce them by the end of the year. I'd also like to have a list of directors who can get the shots needed for the segments.
I see next year (2008) as production and the first half of 2009 for post-production.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 11:23 PM on September 27, 2007
It would be nice to firm up the segments and who will produce them by the end of the year. I'd also like to have a list of directors who can get the shots needed for the segments.
I see next year (2008) as production and the first half of 2009 for post-production.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 11:23 PM on September 27, 2007
I would like the before-the-main-feature reel to be an animated version of fandango_matt's metafilter user's guide.
Also, don't forget the scene where I pull the foil-wrapped cucumber out of my trousers.
posted by maxwelton at 12:36 AM on September 28, 2007 [1 favorite]
Also, don't forget the scene where I pull the foil-wrapped cucumber out of my trousers.
posted by maxwelton at 12:36 AM on September 28, 2007 [1 favorite]
I agree with LobsterMitten. A documentary about metafilter should be about the site itself. within the text, links, and comments of the 3 main mefi sites, there is drama, humor, story arcs, mystery, and most importantly, a universe of happenings unique to itself. to capture this in 1-2 hrs would be more difficult, and require a new sort of filmaking style. It is a challenge.
the meetups/talking heads/real-life stuff should be left out.
I would love to see a documentary about a website that completely immersed itself in the websites world.
posted by coaster at 1:48 AM on September 28, 2007
the meetups/talking heads/real-life stuff should be left out.
I would love to see a documentary about a website that completely immersed itself in the websites world.
posted by coaster at 1:48 AM on September 28, 2007
There has to be a scene where the hippest of the hip Metafilter members gang up on the fat MeFiers and pelt them with kittens, chanting "HURF DURF! HURF DURF!"
posted by essexjan at 2:32 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by essexjan at 2:32 AM on September 28, 2007
An important part of that would be a montage of people mispronouncing "mathowie."
Equally important is the scene set in a London pub where there's an argument over how to pronounce "MeFi". The scene should end in a murder, as it surely will one day.
posted by essexjan at 2:37 AM on September 28, 2007 [3 favorites]
Equally important is the scene set in a London pub where there's an argument over how to pronounce "MeFi". The scene should end in a murder, as it surely will one day.
posted by essexjan at 2:37 AM on September 28, 2007 [3 favorites]
Can we add a separate section to the wiki of user ideas for segments, etc.? I have a bunch of 'em, but I don't want to step on any toes.
For instance: I think if we're focusing on MeFi as a community, there are a bunch of bits to zero in on. People who have felt like MeFi has made a real contribution to their lives; people who have felt like MeFi raged out of control on the drama front and defected to other, similar sites; agitators, peacemakers; AskMe answers that worked and others that didn't, etc.
Really, what fascinates me about this site, or community, is its amazing breadth. Members of all walks of life, from high schoolers to grannies, of all political affiliations, of all work backgrounds. And the personalities that come into play because of this breadth are just incredible. There's also the "MeFi personality," or an individual's persona on the blue. Ever chatted on IRC with someone who consistently makes comments you can't stand on MeFi? And then found that the person you're chatting with is actually pretty fun and ... weirdly ... nice?
Back to the point: Would love to see a section for user-generated ideas on the wiki, and once things have solidified just a bit, would love to participate in an IRC or similar "documentary meetup" to discuss specifics.
/me gets excited.
posted by brina at 5:12 AM on September 28, 2007
For instance: I think if we're focusing on MeFi as a community, there are a bunch of bits to zero in on. People who have felt like MeFi has made a real contribution to their lives; people who have felt like MeFi raged out of control on the drama front and defected to other, similar sites; agitators, peacemakers; AskMe answers that worked and others that didn't, etc.
Really, what fascinates me about this site, or community, is its amazing breadth. Members of all walks of life, from high schoolers to grannies, of all political affiliations, of all work backgrounds. And the personalities that come into play because of this breadth are just incredible. There's also the "MeFi personality," or an individual's persona on the blue. Ever chatted on IRC with someone who consistently makes comments you can't stand on MeFi? And then found that the person you're chatting with is actually pretty fun and ... weirdly ... nice?
Back to the point: Would love to see a section for user-generated ideas on the wiki, and once things have solidified just a bit, would love to participate in an IRC or similar "documentary meetup" to discuss specifics.
/me gets excited.
posted by brina at 5:12 AM on September 28, 2007
I'm interested, and I can script, edit, and research.
I would strongly urge that if such an effort is undertaken, it should not be a quirky stitched-together stream-of-footage home-built project (think: The Aristocrats), but tell an artfully constructed story about the site's creation and growth and how the character of the community emerged. I'd suggest rooting it in the emergence of web communities (with maybe some material about how nerds talked to each other before that), some mathowie bio material, and then the gradual growth of the community. Phenomena like injokes and firsts should be explored through personal reminiscence.
Plenty of footage of MeFites doing the interesting things they do would be terrific. The trick would be to tell the story with lots of active visuals and interviews. A Troy-McClure-like narrator would be a bad idea - at the most, a voice over (not mathowie) would be all the guide you'd need. What would be even better than that is to do extended, detailed interviews with 4-6 people and weave their commentary together to create the narration.
posted by Miko at 6:10 AM on September 28, 2007
I would strongly urge that if such an effort is undertaken, it should not be a quirky stitched-together stream-of-footage home-built project (think: The Aristocrats), but tell an artfully constructed story about the site's creation and growth and how the character of the community emerged. I'd suggest rooting it in the emergence of web communities (with maybe some material about how nerds talked to each other before that), some mathowie bio material, and then the gradual growth of the community. Phenomena like injokes and firsts should be explored through personal reminiscence.
Plenty of footage of MeFites doing the interesting things they do would be terrific. The trick would be to tell the story with lots of active visuals and interviews. A Troy-McClure-like narrator would be a bad idea - at the most, a voice over (not mathowie) would be all the guide you'd need. What would be even better than that is to do extended, detailed interviews with 4-6 people and weave their commentary together to create the narration.
posted by Miko at 6:10 AM on September 28, 2007
After looking at the Wiki, I added a role for "script editors." That's what I'd like to contribute.
posted by Miko at 6:13 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by Miko at 6:13 AM on September 28, 2007
I'd like to know what a good ending would be.
Mathowie eats someone's brain, obviously.
But do it like Ken Burns' Civil War documentary, with a slow pan fading across the shot of the mushroom thread asMorgan Freeman a zombie Shelby Foote reads the comments to us.
I will give you two dollars.
posted by octobersurprise at 6:14 AM on September 28, 2007
Mathowie eats someone's brain, obviously.
But do it like Ken Burns' Civil War documentary, with a slow pan fading across the shot of the mushroom thread as
I will give you two dollars.
posted by octobersurprise at 6:14 AM on September 28, 2007
....which will be pretty important, because you've got myriad writers creating separate segments. You'll really need some script editing. Perhaps this overlaps a lot with overall editing, which AV so far is the only one signed up for.
posted by Miko at 6:15 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by Miko at 6:15 AM on September 28, 2007
Hm, I've reconsidered. The thing is already well underway and I've got other projects. But I really look forward to this; it's a great idea!
posted by Miko at 7:04 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by Miko at 7:04 AM on September 28, 2007
The outline looks like a good framework, great work Britt!
posted by mathowie (staff) at 8:55 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by mathowie (staff) at 8:55 AM on September 28, 2007
Yeah, the outline is a comfort. This is gonna be great for me. I'm pursuing post-grad studies in ethnography and media reconfigured by subcultural sets, based on the language of montage. Editing a doc about denizens of an internet community is just that!
I might need to network with anyone who can volunteer lab space, time or equipment, but that's a long way off and I might just buy whatever I need by then.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 9:21 AM on September 28, 2007
I might need to network with anyone who can volunteer lab space, time or equipment, but that's a long way off and I might just buy whatever I need by then.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 9:21 AM on September 28, 2007
Echoing Miko, I would like to stay away from voice-overs and let the members tell the story through interviews.
Brina, feel free to add segment ideas to the wiki.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 9:25 AM on September 28, 2007
Brina, feel free to add segment ideas to the wiki.
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 9:25 AM on September 28, 2007
I would like to see some recognition of the MeFi members who comprise 3 generations of the same family.
(Coming soon - a 4th-generation MeFian!)
posted by Lynsey at 9:38 AM on September 28, 2007
(Coming soon - a 4th-generation MeFian!)
posted by Lynsey at 9:38 AM on September 28, 2007
I'm an editor/colorist/Post Supervisor - and teach/talk about this stuff nationally.
Yeah, I'm not going to throw my suggestions about content/writing into the mix.
My big concern for production is:
•••Sound
•••Picture
If you're going to have a number of disorganized/non pro shooters (and pros) involved...editing this will be a nightmare some of which could be totally prevented.
1) Shoot a chip chart that you have people download as a PDF
2) Only external mikes. No camera microphones...ever.
3) No zoom. Get closer.
4) Decided about fancy thingamagig's like tripods (everyone uses one or not. Make the decision about 'shaky' camera)
Have whomever is the 'producer' (which is really a director in documentary work like this, as they are the touchstone from location to location), define a 'look' (that non pros can achieve) for balance.
There's nothing worse than cutting/finishing something where every interview is shot differently/poorly.
posted by filmgeek at 9:50 AM on September 28, 2007 [3 favorites]
Yeah, I'm not going to throw my suggestions about content/writing into the mix.
My big concern for production is:
•••Sound
•••Picture
If you're going to have a number of disorganized/non pro shooters (and pros) involved...editing this will be a nightmare some of which could be totally prevented.
1) Shoot a chip chart that you have people download as a PDF
2) Only external mikes. No camera microphones...ever.
3) No zoom. Get closer.
4) Decided about fancy thingamagig's like tripods (everyone uses one or not. Make the decision about 'shaky' camera)
Have whomever is the 'producer' (which is really a director in documentary work like this, as they are the touchstone from location to location), define a 'look' (that non pros can achieve) for balance.
There's nothing worse than cutting/finishing something where every interview is shot differently/poorly.
posted by filmgeek at 9:50 AM on September 28, 2007 [3 favorites]
Also, I'm willing to volunteer my time as a colorist.
posted by filmgeek at 9:51 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by filmgeek at 9:51 AM on September 28, 2007
I'd like to set a time and date for any of the segment producers and directors to meet (video conference or IRC) as well as anyone else interested in helping out.
Now that we've got a tentitive outline, I would like to find someone to work through the basic interview questions that have been posted and match them to the segment topics so that we can choose from a wide range of answers. We should have a bunch of raw footage to cull through by the end.
I think we'll need more time to do these interviews then I previously thought, so I'll be happy to start these interviews in the NYC area before I leave for California at then end of October. So if you live in NYC and want to do an interview between Oct 8th and Oct 12th, e-mail me. I'd like to get them all done on the same day so I'm not running back and forth between NJ and NYC all week.
On preview: I'm hoping to put together a guide for inexperienced shooters by the end of next week. I would love someone to volunteer as a tech person, the go to person for tech issues related to their setup.
posted by Derek at 10:02 AM on September 28, 2007
Now that we've got a tentitive outline, I would like to find someone to work through the basic interview questions that have been posted and match them to the segment topics so that we can choose from a wide range of answers. We should have a bunch of raw footage to cull through by the end.
I think we'll need more time to do these interviews then I previously thought, so I'll be happy to start these interviews in the NYC area before I leave for California at then end of October. So if you live in NYC and want to do an interview between Oct 8th and Oct 12th, e-mail me. I'd like to get them all done on the same day so I'm not running back and forth between NJ and NYC all week.
On preview: I'm hoping to put together a guide for inexperienced shooters by the end of next week. I would love someone to volunteer as a tech person, the go to person for tech issues related to their setup.
posted by Derek at 10:02 AM on September 28, 2007
If you need someone to explain what the dot means, I'm your man. All I want is the final edit, points off the back end, and a taste of the merchandising.
posted by horsewithnoname at 10:09 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by horsewithnoname at 10:09 AM on September 28, 2007
Ooh, you know what else is needed? Interns! People who can be sent audio from the interviews and transcribe them for the editors.
Also: about sound -- the tech guide should be sure to emphasize that in addition to using dedicated mics during interviews, any background noise (esp. music) must be turned off. Nothing worse than having to scrap a good interview because Dylan was playing on the car radio.
posted by xo at 10:20 AM on September 28, 2007
Also: about sound -- the tech guide should be sure to emphasize that in addition to using dedicated mics during interviews, any background noise (esp. music) must be turned off. Nothing worse than having to scrap a good interview because Dylan was playing on the car radio.
posted by xo at 10:20 AM on September 28, 2007
Jason Scott (maker of the BBS Documentary and "Get Lamp", the text adventure documentary) just posted this talk about making tech documentaries.
posted by mbrubeck at 11:41 AM on September 28, 2007
posted by mbrubeck at 11:41 AM on September 28, 2007
Does someone out here excel at grant writing? It’s a talent that (I don't posses) could be extremely valuable to this project. A good set of grant proposals could go a long way towards turning this great little idea into a great little film.
posted by French Fry at 12:07 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by French Fry at 12:07 PM on September 28, 2007
I'll do the porn scene with quonsar.
There will be a porn scene with quonsar, right?
posted by contessa at 1:40 PM on September 28, 2007
There will be a porn scene with quonsar, right?
posted by contessa at 1:40 PM on September 28, 2007
3) No zoom. Get closer.
I just wanted to reiterate that.
Also, I'm willing to volunteer my time as a colorist.
Someone needs to take filmgeek up on this. If you don't, it's the most expensive per hour cost you'd be likely to encounter, and one thing that can really make the difference between a professional-looking film and a half-assed youtube video.
posted by dersins at 2:10 PM on September 28, 2007
I just wanted to reiterate that.
Also, I'm willing to volunteer my time as a colorist.
Someone needs to take filmgeek up on this. If you don't, it's the most expensive per hour cost you'd be likely to encounter, and one thing that can really make the difference between a professional-looking film and a half-assed youtube video.
posted by dersins at 2:10 PM on September 28, 2007
FilmGeek/Dersins:
What's your problem with zoom?
Provided that your sound is off camera (lapel mic or boom) and you focus correctly - this is a much more flattering way to be filmed AND is less intimidating for the interviewee (not having a camera, tripod, sound guy, camera op standing 4 feet in front of them).
In most cases - this should be determined by the location and whatever else is important to the shot - but I think that any kinds of parameters/rules like these need to be rationalised - so that people comprehend the whys and wherefores.
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:03 PM on September 28, 2007
What's your problem with zoom?
Provided that your sound is off camera (lapel mic or boom) and you focus correctly - this is a much more flattering way to be filmed AND is less intimidating for the interviewee (not having a camera, tripod, sound guy, camera op standing 4 feet in front of them).
In most cases - this should be determined by the location and whatever else is important to the shot - but I think that any kinds of parameters/rules like these need to be rationalised - so that people comprehend the whys and wherefores.
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:03 PM on September 28, 2007
Can we make this all about Dios? (It would make it much easier to shoot).
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:04 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by strawberryviagra at 4:04 PM on September 28, 2007
Zoom on a tripod in a controlled, static shot probably isn't a problem. Zoom handheld shot by a shaky neophyte? Blair Mefi Project, oy.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:10 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:10 PM on September 28, 2007
Fair enough.
So, for those using either a mono or tripod, off camera mic and decent lens - zoom at will.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:00 PM on September 28, 2007
So, for those using either a mono or tripod, off camera mic and decent lens - zoom at will.
posted by strawberryviagra at 5:00 PM on September 28, 2007
Dios!
posted by klangklangston at 5:09 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 5:09 PM on September 28, 2007
Blair Mefi Project, oy.
I know what I'm doing around here next April Fools Day.... Hi dios!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:39 PM on September 28, 2007
I know what I'm doing around here next April Fools Day.... Hi dios!
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:39 PM on September 28, 2007
Looks like we got a bunch of videographic narrators here!
Though that's a little long-winded...
What's a good, snappy phrase to describe exactly what y'all are...
Bingo! You're filmic storytellers!
posted by dash_slot- at 5:51 PM on September 28, 2007
Though that's a little long-winded...
What's a good, snappy phrase to describe exactly what y'all are...
Bingo! You're filmic storytellers!
posted by dash_slot- at 5:51 PM on September 28, 2007
I'll help. My usual skills are fantastically irrelevant to this project, but I'm guessing there will be a need for trainable minions at some point. Or representation from a long-time lurker, long-tail kinda MeFite. Or both.
posted by janell at 8:45 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by janell at 8:45 PM on September 28, 2007
You know what would just plain kill, as title shots go?
A great big fucking confluence of mefites seated, typing away on laptops or at desktops or some mishmash of computing devices, shot from overhead and arranged to spell "MEFI". Not a still: running tape, with typing and scrolling and drinking and laughing and whatever the hell. A staged microcosm—a sort of human-acrostic diorama of the site. Fade it over to a crisp block letter title, white on black, subtitle or whatever underneath as well.
Kill. It would kill.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:57 PM on September 28, 2007
A great big fucking confluence of mefites seated, typing away on laptops or at desktops or some mishmash of computing devices, shot from overhead and arranged to spell "MEFI". Not a still: running tape, with typing and scrolling and drinking and laughing and whatever the hell. A staged microcosm—a sort of human-acrostic diorama of the site. Fade it over to a crisp block letter title, white on black, subtitle or whatever underneath as well.
Kill. It would kill.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:57 PM on September 28, 2007
But how would you PRONOUNCE the title shot, cortex?
Hmmm?
posted by yhbc at 9:05 PM on September 28, 2007
Hmmm?
posted by yhbc at 9:05 PM on September 28, 2007
Does someone out here excel at grant writing? It’s a talent that (I don't posses) could be extremely valuable to this project. A good set of grant proposals could go a long way towards turning this great little idea into a great little film.
My aunt excels in grant writing and has offered to help me in the past, i'm not sure when I will see her next, but i'm going to write an email this weekend asking for help.
posted by Derek at 9:08 PM on September 28, 2007
My aunt excels in grant writing and has offered to help me in the past, i'm not sure when I will see her next, but i'm going to write an email this weekend asking for help.
posted by Derek at 9:08 PM on September 28, 2007
Why people like the site and what they get out of it?
posted by mathowie at 4:27 PM on September 27
From a New York Times Styles section kind of angle, you could make the argument that it's like the digital water cooler, where all these GenX-and-beyond kids gather to shoot the shit about the events of the day before getting down to the lonely work of being basement-office self-employed contractors in a chaotic postmodern mediascape.
I could, like, give you testimonial to this effect.
And change my middle name to "8."
*wanders off in search of more chardonnay*
posted by gompa at 9:12 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by mathowie at 4:27 PM on September 27
From a New York Times Styles section kind of angle, you could make the argument that it's like the digital water cooler, where all these GenX-and-beyond kids gather to shoot the shit about the events of the day before getting down to the lonely work of being basement-office self-employed contractors in a chaotic postmodern mediascape.
I could, like, give you testimonial to this effect.
And change my middle name to "8."
*wanders off in search of more chardonnay*
posted by gompa at 9:12 PM on September 28, 2007
Except not all of us fit that NYT Styles section kind of angle. :)
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:35 PM on September 28, 2007
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:35 PM on September 28, 2007
Except not all of us fit that NYT Styles section kind of angle. :)
Are you suggesting the Styles section's writers traffic in ridiculous over-generalizations?
Have at you, knave!
*lunges drunkenly with dull sword*
*stumbles, falls, passes out, snores*
posted by gompa at 9:41 PM on September 28, 2007
Are you suggesting the Styles section's writers traffic in ridiculous over-generalizations?
Have at you, knave!
*lunges drunkenly with dull sword*
*stumbles, falls, passes out, snores*
posted by gompa at 9:41 PM on September 28, 2007
I've updated the wiki to minimize the clutter. We've moved to a project page where we can be better organized. Please join the project page if you want to help out as either production or if you just want to be famous.
Fame not guaranteed in all 50 states.
posted by Derek at 10:27 PM on September 28, 2007
Fame not guaranteed in all 50 states.
posted by Derek at 10:27 PM on September 28, 2007
Send me an email if you want to contribute to the project page (you'll need to be registered to upload and edit).
anything AT strawberryviagra.com
posted by strawberryviagra at 1:23 AM on September 29, 2007
anything AT strawberryviagra.com
posted by strawberryviagra at 1:23 AM on September 29, 2007
There are Mefiosos all over the world. It would be kinda cute to have a bunch of the far-flung ones send in footage from the city they are in that one could edit together nicely before showing a mefi-map.
Just a thought. ;)
Also, there should be a scene where some people argue about what to call Mefiosos, Metafilterati, Mefians. Heh.
posted by dabitch at 4:34 AM on September 29, 2007
Just a thought. ;)
Also, there should be a scene where some people argue about what to call Mefiosos, Metafilterati, Mefians. Heh.
posted by dabitch at 4:34 AM on September 29, 2007
But how would you PRONOUNCE the title shot, cortex?
Correctly, of course.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:25 AM on September 29, 2007
Correctly, of course.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:25 AM on September 29, 2007
yhbc: But how would you PRONOUNCE the title shot, cortex?
cortex: Correctly, of course.
Finally I've found someone else who also pronounces MeFi 'splerkDWING.'
posted by Kattullus at 7:53 AM on September 29, 2007
cortex: Correctly, of course.
Finally I've found someone else who also pronounces MeFi 'splerkDWING.'
posted by Kattullus at 7:53 AM on September 29, 2007
pre-title shot:
mathowie can (I assume) keep a record for a week of where all the site traffic comes from. That info could be animated into a blinky-light map of the world in time, with rolling daylight/nighttime color change imposed on it too. Then track a few specific questions/posts - "Superman is no good, as shown in this recent art show in the Tate Modern" gets comments from Rio de Janiero, London, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and six comments from people working in the same office building in NYC. "What are the best translations of the Icelandic epic poems?" asked by someone in Korea gets answers from UCLA, the backwoods of Vermont, and Iceland. (etc)
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:39 PM on September 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
mathowie can (I assume) keep a record for a week of where all the site traffic comes from. That info could be animated into a blinky-light map of the world in time, with rolling daylight/nighttime color change imposed on it too. Then track a few specific questions/posts - "Superman is no good, as shown in this recent art show in the Tate Modern" gets comments from Rio de Janiero, London, Minneapolis, Phoenix, and six comments from people working in the same office building in NYC. "What are the best translations of the Icelandic epic poems?" asked by someone in Korea gets answers from UCLA, the backwoods of Vermont, and Iceland. (etc)
posted by LobsterMitten at 10:39 PM on September 29, 2007 [1 favorite]
I like it, LobsterMitten, because it says two things immediately: 1) this is about ideas, and 2) it's rooted in the physical world and built on the energy of real people from around the globe.
posted by Miko at 7:02 AM on October 1, 2007
posted by Miko at 7:02 AM on October 1, 2007
I would like that idea more if it was shot in a '70s NORAD bunker, with blinkenlights.
posted by klangklangston at 8:25 AM on October 1, 2007
posted by klangklangston at 8:25 AM on October 1, 2007
MetaTalk: A strange game. The only winning move is not to play. How about a nice game of chess?
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 8:32 AM on October 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 8:32 AM on October 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
I've been adding these to the project site - but if you have any more, please go over there and join up.
(slowly but surely, I'm stealing the commooonitity).
http://projects.futureandsimple.com/mefi
posted by strawberryviagra at 8:16 PM on October 1, 2007
(slowly but surely, I'm stealing the commooonitity).
http://projects.futureandsimple.com/mefi
posted by strawberryviagra at 8:16 PM on October 1, 2007
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posted by wheelieman at 11:40 AM on September 27, 2007