Filmed in 2003, but still relevant. Seth Godin: Sliced Bread and other marketing delights

It turns out I have the otaku.

Earlier today, like a good little member of the online social community (in which, my circle has grown by 4 friend requests just today, so eat it), I changed my Facebook status. I changed it to read “Christopher is … a lone monkey contemplating infinity.” I heard the phrase somewhere and it still resonates with me.

Evidently, it moved one of my friends as well, as she replied on my “wall” that infinity was a deep thought for a monkey to have. Immediately, I was reminded of an Ernest Cline spoken word piece called Dance, Monkeys, Dance. Without delay, I searched it out on youtube and sent it to her, after another viewing myself.

Since I am in a relatively new office, I thought I would also send it out to my colleagues, as it might make their day. It met with approval. I was pleased.

Then, after lunch, I went to Digg and discovered one of the top items listed was another version of the video on youtube. Now, I doubt it was any one I would have sent it to, as they likely would have posted the version I sent. Somehow, as one colleague theorized, I tapped into the great geek unconscious. Or perhaps, as Tim postulates, I am simply from the future.

Regardless, its appearance on Digg wounds my hipster bone – my “hip,” as I call it, but only ironically and only when people can hear me – much in the way that sudden public support of an underground band you’ve loved for years (I’m looking at you, Flight of the Conchords) can sting deeply, despite your seat at the reigns of the bandwagon.

So, as is the purpose of blogs, I hereby present proof that you heard it here first (after I found it, probably on MetaFilter): Buddha’s Bellyaching » A bit o’ the ol’ optimistic nihilism.

And no, I did not change the timestamp, you bastards.

The speech found at the link below should be required to become a teacher. It reminds me of some of the larger concepts presented by Keith Johnstone in his remarkable book, Impro, which has been in my top five books for as long as I can remember. Give it a watch; twenty minutes well spent.

TED: Sir Ken Robinson on creativity

Discussing media with gamers (gamers in this case specifically meaning players of tabletop role-playing games) can be frustrating for me. My gamer friends, with few exceptions, are very bright people with a wealth of experience each. Their opinions are not often the result of simple preference, or so I choose to believe.

But there are occasions where I wonder what we really have in common. When the subject of media as art becomes the focus of conversation, our positions are so disparate as to be cause for argument. Half the time I don’t believe we are actually discussing the same subject.

Instead, I feel like they are weighing the entertainment value while I am weighing the intrinsic value. Entertainment is wonderful, and even schlock has its place, but it seems people give equal creedence to true art as to things that have no greater message.

The greatest example of this in recent memory is preference of Offices. The BBC original is fully formed, with realistic characters and scenarios and a truly human quality with the capacity to move one to catharsis as well as laughter. It is often thought-provoking and philosophical without reaching beyond the natural accessiblity of its material or genre. I would even go so far as to say it helped me gain perspective on my own life and where I truly want it to go.

The American version on the other hand rarely elevates itself above farcical sitcom stuff. The strongest human connection I have made is with the minor characters, such as Phyllis or Jan. I can see it being dated in five years, where the original I believe will stand the test of time.

It’s difficult to explain. It’s beyond what I can do on my little blog. But when we’re chatting and you tell me you prefer the American Office, my immediate prejudice — for better or worse — is that you prefer not to be challenged by your entertainment. It’s a bigger question than which you think is funnier. At least it is in my head.

Luv u. kthxbye.

Oh, and I fully expect to see arguments for and against in the comments, so … open season on pretentious little me.