"Blog Wars" screening in Milford

Your pictures (4.00 / 1)

are not coming through. All I see are little black boxes with red 'X's in the middle. Will it be 'X' rated?

---

by: Sue @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 22:20:33 PM UTC

I can see 'em (0.00 / 0)

I'm using firefox browser...

"There's class warfare, all right, but it's my class, the rich class, that's making war, and we're winning." - Warren Buffet

---

by: joesaho @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 22:22:33 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Sorry about that (0.00 / 0)

I use blogger for my photos, and they hate linking.  Try my blog to see them.  I wish it was simpler to share images. 

And you're in the video, Sue!

Connecticut Bob

---

by: Bob Adams @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 22:46:24 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Makes me (0.00 / 0)

Almost regret having to be behind the scenes the whole time!

---

by: ATalbot @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 23:30:13 PM UTC

perhaps you will be credited for the float (0.00 / 0)

but i doubt it

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 12:20:35 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Your day has gotta come, A! (0.00 / 0)

cover of Time mag?  The float is so emblematic of people being moved to get involved, express political passion, and take back the political night, as it were.

CTBob can say what the movie shows.  But whether you're there or not, please know you're #1 in my heart for what you did, and how you moved other people to participating, starting with Mom and Dad and rippling out from there.

You're the best, A.

[pass it on Dad - and you ain't no slouch, either ;) --miss you around these parts; stop in more often!]

---

by: greenpeas @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 13:42:19 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Kiss Float (0.00 / 0)

I thought it was done really well in "Blog Wars", with Keith supplying the commentary on how it came about. I think he referred to you as "The guy who made this.." and that was about it though.

---

by: Scarce @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 14:43:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I find it remarkable ... (0.00 / 0)

that if what you say is true, that full grown egos driving around in, and stand around a float, which became the most visual icon on the campaign, can not pay homage to a 16-year old blogger (15 when he started blogging here) who was responsible for its creation. It is about bloggers. He has been a blogger longer than many of us. Seems to me his story would only make the total story line, richer.

Now, A was behind the scenes for the same reasons that TT was. Though not as prominent a figure I believe his interview might have been worthy. The same ommision was allowed in GQ.

It just seems unfortunate to me. Yes, A will have more times, but this one was his. At least a resonable portion of it.

Disappointed,
dad

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:26:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Promotion (0.00 / 0)

Don't feel bad. Charles/TParty of the Lamont Blog wasn't mentioned as far as I could see, and his blog was instrumental in getting the news out there. CtBlogger had a small part as well. I'm thinking this was deliberate on their part, to stay out the picture and let others be the spokespersons.

---

by: Scarce @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:41:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

perhaps (0.00 / 0)

but i assume they were given the choice

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:42:54 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

you may be luckier than you think (0.00 / 0)

A friend of mine was working on getting some kids to appear in a Ned campaign video and it was extremely hard to find parents willing to let their kids be taped.  Reason why?  They want their kids' safety within their own control, don't want videos out there.  That may be an extremely fearful and unrealistic view of the possibility of e.g. sexual predation, but it was surprising how frequently the desire not to make their kids objects of some kind of attentioni came up among the people she asked. 

I would ramp it down a few notches and just say with fame comes attention of the sort you may not want from adults you may not really ever want to have to deal with, misinterpretation, painful mischaracterization of motives, the very seductive experience of being idolized - it's a Life 101 course.

I'm not trying to talk you out of wishing A had been given the kind of attention you would want for him, but I am putting some other considerations out there.

Credit is one thing and sounds like A was acknowledged; having to deal with tons of attitude from strangers, pro and con, that come from "fame" can be a lot for an adult to handle, let alone a high school student.  At this point in his young life, it's still A's choice whether he wants the float to be the defining characteristic for which he is known before he walks into the room.  Once he's in one of these films, not so much -- and for better or worse.  I have worked for many well to do people in past career choices who deliberately and assiduously work to keep themselves out of the spotlight.  There's a reason for it.

I don't for one minute discount how attractive national or international recognition may seem, and I know first hand that it's seductive to be recognized, but IMHO it is a two edged sword.  It may appear to open up some options, but it may also limit others.

And you still have a place in my heart.

 

---

by: greenpeas @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:16:12 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

all due respect (0.00 / 0)

not your decission to make for him.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:19:07 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm real clear that it' not mine to make for anyone (0.00 / 0)

Which is why I said that I wasn't trying to talk you out of your desire to see him recognized...see above.  Add to that "or his own desire to be recognized". 

---

by: greenpeas @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:36:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

fair (0.00 / 0)

enough

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:39:14 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

fwiw (0.00 / 0)

A ton of footage didn't make it into the film.  Who knows how much of the story was told to their cameras that just didn't make the cut.  I think that only two lines that I said the entire year made it into the film, and both of them are variations of me calling someone an asshole.

Blog Wars is maybe 65% national bloggers, and only a couple of which who made it to CT at all (Actually, maybe it's just Jane...).  Still, it's a great film that does what it set out to do--show the impact of blogs.

I'm still down with making a kiss float mini-doc.  The origin story is fascinating, and it's clearly one that few have heard. 

|Spazeboy.net|Spazeboy's Guide to Political Videoblogging|

---

by: spazeboy @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:04:59 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

All due respect, spazeboy (0.00 / 0)

I intend make this atribution/comment anywhere this topic/video appears.

I understand the editing. I'm not calling anyone an asshole, your word not mine. Just belive A is at least worthy a mention.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:12:45 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

sorry for the mistakes (0.00 / 0)

i'm pissed

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:13:36 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Kiss Float (0.00 / 0)

The Float is featured prominently, but more like a mythical object.  It's actually very cool how it weaves in and out of the story line. 

Most of the bloggers are barely mentioned in the film.  There just wasn't that much time, and they could only feature so many people's stories.

---

by: CGG @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:22:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Kiss Float mini-doc? (0.00 / 0)

CTBob is itching to make a documentary about this year anyway, using footage we all already have.

What do you and "capital A" think about doing some on-blogger-camera interviews about the origins of the float, talking about its conception, building, and unveiling?  Interweave that with some existing and some new footage and pictures of the float, and I think you've got a good solid 10 minute mini-movie that people would really want to see.

I can't do any of this until January, but I like the idea if y'all do.

|Spazeboy.net|Spazeboy's Guide to Political Videoblogging|

---

by: spazeboy @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:18:01 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

note (0.00 / 0)

in all the pictures and video, not once on Bob's site has he credited the 16-year old creator.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:31:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

another note (0.00 / 0)

EVERYONE involved with the float knew it was A's and knew why he could not travel with it during the primary.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:37:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Dad, for the record, (0.00 / 0)

Every time someone asked me who made the float, I told them you did out of love for your son and his involvement in Ned's campaign.

I said that Adam came up with the wacky idea, and that you spent your entire Fourth of July weekend building the darn thing for the BoomBox Parade.

I also gave out your name and telephone number to every press person I ran into, telling them there was a real story behind its creation.

So I guess what I am saying is that on my part, I did my best to give you all the credit you deserve. (And I have to thank you again for letting me drive the float around! The time of my life during a very fun-full year.)

---

by: TrueBlueCT @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:24:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

the credit is not mine (0.00 / 0)

the credit is his.

TB, I am not trying to piss everyone off at me, though it appears that I may have. I believe that this was a united effort and should remain that way. Which goes to my point(s).

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:35:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

No Dad, just believe it or not, (0.00 / 0)

we all really care about you and your sons.

It's awful that your feelings have been hurt, I'm sure myself and others weren't as good about things as we should have been, and of course we'll try to do better in the future.

---

by: TrueBlueCT @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:50:58 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Its not my feelings TB (0.00 / 0)

It is what is right.

no?

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:57:38 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

January is in 3 Weeks (4.00 / 1)

If you can convince dad and A not to set fire to the float in an unholy conflagration on New Year's Eve, I think you could do a smashingly good documentary from button to float, featuring A and the rest of those hangers-on.

dad: You are right about whose decision it would be to publicize A's face and name. His and Yours. However, you can have Spazeboy film footage and then put a blur on him. Or use Kirby's false nose and glasses.

I think it would be a fine Blogumentary. And again I urge you to consider a museum donation for the big giant heads.

So far, all I have located are Museum of Connecticut History, Connecticut State Library and a number of dead links to the Museum of American Political Life University of Hartford 200 Bloomfield Ave., Hartford  CT  O6117  860-768-4090 "Located at the University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, this museum houses 60,000 artifacts from political campaigns."

"I am not a Blogger...But I play one on the internet."

---

by: tessa @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 17:02:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Wow, did this thread take off when I wasn't looking! (0.00 / 0)

Jeff, I'm really sorry that I didn't make more of a conscious effort to credit A and yourself for the Kiss float on my blog.  I had no choice about what they excluded in "Blog Wars". 

You're entirely justified in feeling somewhat slighted credit-wise, and if you allow me a chance to try to make it right I'll be happy to do whatever I can.  Let me know what you'd like in terms of credit for A, and I'll create a new post on my blog for it.

Will that help? 

Bob

Connecticut Bob

---

by: Bob Adams @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 19:36:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Bob (4.00 / 1)

I must be honest, when this all started neither A nor I sought credit. A was working on the campaign, which was a privilege for a 16-year old and was most important. When the float was concieved the campaign wanted nothing to do with it and wanted no one associated with the campaign, near it.

However the person who decided it was worth doing and required that I help was A. He and a friend of his (known here as MD) worked for over a week before the end of July to get it done. A came to the project like an endineer with scaled images taking a 5" image and applying it to a five foot structures. He picked the colors for its paint. He came up with the text for the original signs. The "just married" and tieing the cans to the back, his (Larkspur provide the cans). It was his idea when the campaign didn't want it to rally the bloggers around it. It was his idea to tie it to the kiss button. He was the one who knew and respected Kieth's work enough to ask him to sit with it during the parade and throw the buttons. In fact if you go to my diaries page, the entries of "dad" on July 1, 2 & 3 were in fact written, photographed and posted by him. If you want a quick overview of A, check out "Friggin' A" which was mine and that I posted here in October.

Another person responsible for the float was KM. She too liked the idea and lined up the original truck for us to use. Notcho was there, too. But many here knew this was A's effort and that I was just one of the sets of hands. I could name at least a half dozen bloggers who knew who was responsible for the Kiss Float.

Now reagrding credit, as I said and as A said below, it was not his primary interest. However as more and more people were given credit and took it, it rightly or wrongly seems to me that it should be shared with a 16-year old blogger who worked his as off and was responsible for the creation of the most prominent image of this campaign. Certainly the image most widely posted on the blogs. Now bloggers did do a good job using it, well and to benefit of our collective interests, howere the story of the Kiss Float is HIS.

It just seems at minimum an unfortunate oversight.

---

by: dad @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 15:17:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

but speaking of over sights (4.00 / 1)

Many conrtibuted when "Mom" made the request. Mom allowed it to be done in the first place using time and resources that we didn't have. Jon Kantrowitz donated his truck and it took a fair beating. He drove as well. As did TrueBlue, CTKieth, you and spazeboy. Brandfordboy promoted it and the helped get folks out to the parade. Everyone here made it a thing, a big thing, that I posted to in my "Thank you" after the parade on July 4, here.

There is another that is deserving of mention and that is my middle son B (14). When the float was caught in rain and wind and 2/3's destroyed, B spent two days helping me to rebuild and repaint it so it would be ready to greet Bill Clinton in Waterbury. B drove with me several times and also volunteered for the campaign. His efforts too, were great.

It is really quite a story, Bob.

---

by: dad @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 15:35:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

and finally, I promise ... (4.00 / 1)

My appologies to A because my ego got wrapped up in it, too. It should be known that A has consistently challenged the value of the float and blogs attributing instead credit to the campaign and those who worked within it. He felt that it was volunteers, workers and strategists within the campaign who deserved the credit. I believe he viewed the float more as a side show .

I may have written this before, but it is an interesting point in a man's life when the intellect and reasoning of his son surpasses his own. I certainly was not prepared to have it happen in 16 short years.

Best to you, Bob and all. Together, along with the official campaign, we did good. That is the most import thing for us, for me to remember.

---

by: dad @ Tue Dec 19, 2006 at 16:02:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hey (4.00 / 1)

I'm a retired TRUCK DRIVER not a F*cking  retired Debutante,lol.

---

by: ctkeith @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 23:48:53 PM UTC

Blog Wars (0.00 / 0)

Bob, thanks so much for organizing this! I can't wait.

---

by: CGG @ Fri Dec 15, 2006 at 23:53:25 PM UTC

can't wait (0.00 / 0)

I'm probably going to watch it tonight when I get home. I'm working on organizing a bigger NYC screening for people. Will keep yall posted.


Disclosure: I'm proud to work for the Service Employees International Union

---

by: Matt Browner Hamlin @ Sat Dec 16, 2006 at 00:12:54 AM UTC

What do you mean I'm in it?? (0.00 / 0)

Yikes!!!! The last time I was on T.V. was the Bozo show!!!!

---

by: Sue @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 14:25:51 PM UTC

Well, it almost makes up (0.00 / 0)

for the time in Bridgeport that you guys drove up Main St. in the Kiss float with my camera bag in the front seat, and CNN had a camera staring me in the face for an interview.

My husband would have killed me if I lost the extra batteries.

I chose to chase the Kiss float.

---

by: Sue @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 15:42:08 PM UTC

Blog Wars (4.00 / 2)

I do not wish to start one of my own.

I have attemped to make may point and you though you may find fault in either them or in their delivery, the fact remains that a 16-year old blogger was responsible for the most visible image in this campaign and likely this film and he has not been made note of or credited for it.

Take it or leave itm but please allow me to be A's dad.

Either way I have a great deal of respect for all of you that I know.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 16:48:26 PM UTC

Oh Jeez (0.00 / 0)

Guess I should read this thing more often. If I had really wanted to be famous and in front of the cameras I would have been there. I'm certainly good looking enough.

I was plenty happy to be behind the scenes. Plus dad, you technically drew the first sketch, I just made you do it.

---

by: ATalbot @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 17:04:00 PM UTC

There you have it. (0.00 / 0)

I am wrong.

My appologies to all.

---

by: dad @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 17:12:48 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

The Kids Are Alright (0.00 / 0)

Now, how about Spazeboy's idea?

"I am not a Blogger...But I play one on the internet."

---

by: tessa @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 19:20:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Nah, (0.00 / 0)

parents are never wrong.

---

by: Sue @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 21:47:55 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Didn't know the Kiss Float was A's brainchild. (0.00 / 0)

I knew it was "dad" who drove the float around. It is amazing that a 16 year-old had the creativity to conceive it. Well for what's it worth, the Time's person(s) of the year is "ATalbot".

But, I guess that applies to all you bloggers, youtube contributors, cell-phone camera users, and basic internet content creators. So who would have thought the MSM would tip a hat off to YOU (netroots et.al.)

The arc of history is long, but it bends toward justice. --Martin Luther King, Jr.

---

by: connecticutyankee @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 20:27:26 PM UTC

at least part of the story (0.00 / 0)

I joined MLN way after the float came to be (I think), but Dad posted a synopsis of what happened this fall, so I looked it up and here it is:

http://www.myleftnut...

If there's another post that gives more detail, I just wasn't around for it.

---

by: greenpeas @ Sun Dec 17, 2006 at 21:49:10 PM UTC

Uncredited... (3.00 / 1)

I think there's a lot to be (and has been) said for the creation of the float, but as many things, it went largely uncredited. I personally met A, and Dad, and furthered that story as well (isn't there a video of Dad talking about it somewhere on YouTube?), but I think it's a natural part of the large thing that a campaign has become. There's a whole lotta cooks in the kitchen, but hopefully, the food turns out alright in the end, and I think we were all able to make beautiful food.

One of the other most famous images from the campaign (Kos, DD, FDL, Bob, Lamont, CT, MLN listed) was the  LieberCar in a handicapped parking spot. Almost a half-million hits on that image, I never really got any credit.. Video from major events, cutting, radio quotes, etc. Half of the Chris Dodd commercial shoot, and probably countless other things that I was able to work with, never credited.. so it really just comes back to the end product that we were able to create...!

---

by: ETPhoneHome @ Wed Dec 27, 2006 at 10:33:18 AM UTC