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Wednesday, May 7, 2014

I'm Co-Hosting IWSG & You Watched "Look Up" yet?

Aloha,

Many people may think the rest of this sentence is an oxymoron, but I'm co-hosting the Insecure Writers Support Group today.



 (I am, of course, the current holder and multi-year winner of the CROW award, [Comments Rarely-Obtuse Writer] but I'm delighted to assist Alex, the founder of IWSG, and his ongoing mission to give back and pay it forward.

My co-hosts today are Joylene Nowell Butler, Elsie and Lisa Buie-Collard, and together we are your honorary Cavanaugh Clones-for-a-day.

Getting the chance to wear a prototype IWSG uniform was a surprise, too!

Opening the box, the garb was instantly dubbed "The Cloniform."

(I was nearly rendered unconscious as I battled against the glare of the 100% polyester, '80s era McDonalds-style shirt and pants.)

However, wearing the Cloniform (complete with its big Rush*Really*Rocks logo above the heart) got me to the [twilight] zone as I prepared to zap around the blogisfear and interact with long-timers and newbies alike.

By the way, Alex, my uniform was a bit tight around the waist and the "HELLO, My Name is ________ badge fell off, but I stapled it back on.

(The blood above my formerly coconut-bra-ensconced chest slowed - eventually - to a slow dripping, but I don't know what to do with the Cloniform... I may have destroyed its aesthetic appeal...)

Anyway, before I zip to my zooming, guess what? I don't have any new insecurities.

Cue 19-second video:




PS: If you want some bonus positive thoughts flowing your way, check out this video below.

Since its release, two weeks ago, about 20 million people have watched this five-minute clip. If you haven't seen it yet, I hope you can take a moment to hear a special poem - and catch a unique message.

I am 100 percent secure in saying this - if you do watch, it will make you at least think about powering down on social media...

Happy IWSG Day to everyone... and don't forget to look up :)






66 comments:

Shah Wharton said...

My face is drenched and I need tissue - that vid. was awesome, and tragically correct.

You usually make me giggle, but I'm glad to leave here in tears.

Have a great week.

shahwharton.com

Anonymous said...

I think Alex made these dang suits tight on purpose!

This video was so sadly accurate. My daughter doesn't know a life without a computer and my boys barely remember a time without one. And social media - it's a staple. It can be such a beautiful thing in a relationship, like when I can see my mom from a thousand miles away. But such a hinderance when all I see is the top of my son's head when he comes to visit and I have to pop him on top of it to get his attention.

Elsie
co-host IWSG


Huntress said...

Since I watched it on my Kindle Fire I'm probably a lost cause. Tech has its place but it's like cookies and fast food, all in moderation.

Doritos however...

Melissa said...

Love the post, Mark.
Thanks for co-hosting. :)

Elizabeth Alsobrooks said...

Wow, strange coincidence. I too ended with looking up on my blog today...totally different connotation, but strangely similar.

Love the applause! LOL!

Thanks for hosting!

Kim Van Sickler said...

That's weird. When I co-hosted I wore a clingy black cocktail dress and pearls. My name was stitched above my left breast in lavender silk thread.

The video is spot on. Social media has a place. But living life should have a bigger one.

Thanks for co-hosting this month! Regardless of your outfit, it's the contact you make that matters. :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

If you bleed on the uniform, wash it before returning it please.
That video nailed it. Life is about getting out and really living, really interacting with other people.
Thanks for co-hosting this month!

Rachna Chhabria said...

Hi Mark, you had me in splits with this post. To be honest I needed the laughs (had been editing the entire day). Thanks for co-hosting IWSG.

Chemist Ken said...

All the comments have me intrigued, but I'll have to wait until I get home from work before I can watch the video. Thanks for being one of this month's co-hosts.

~Sia McKye~ said...

I thought those uniforms were magical, one size fits all. I'm disillusioned.

Excellent message on the video.
"I have 425 friends and yet I'm lonely
I speak to them everyday and none really know me..."


We weren't designed to be solitary. I think interacting with people refresh and revitalize. Tools and technology are nice but there has to be balance.

Sia McKye Over Coffee

Kristin Smith said...

Ahh, Mark! You totally made me cry with that AMAZING video! I couldn't agree more and that's why I feel guilty even as I type this comment! Get off the computer, Kristin! :)

Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG. As always, your post was highly entertaining!

Eric Buffington said...

Love that video! Thanks for sharing! Also thanks for hosting this month!

Diane Burton said...

Thanks for co-hosting today, Mark. Sure hope you can get that blood out. The video is so profound. Thanks for sharing.

Dean K Miller said...

Hey Mark. Thanks for the video share. I watched it the other day. Surely well thought out and quality work. The irony of the message being promoted so thoroughly via social media makes me chuckle a bit. Of course we have to watch it first, and then "log off."

I've never understood the 24/7 heads down thing. Someday I think all these devices will suck the user into them, and I'll be left walking around the city with nothing but cell phones and pads laying on the sidewalk. (LOL)

Mary Aalgaard said...

Yep. It's a good one. My favorite week out of the summer is when we go to camp together. For the most part, we're unplugged.

Thanks for co-hosting IWSG.

Play off the Page

M.J. Fifield said...

Rush *Really* Rocks...that is so Alex.

I tell myself every day that I should power down on social media. And then I think of ten things I must search for on Pinterest after I tweet some snarky haiku about my day job and update my Facebook status about the awesome lunch I just ate.

It's possibly a sickness...

By the way, congratulations on not having any new insecurities!

J.Q. Rose said...

Chuckling at the first part of your blog post, weeping at the video. Heart touching and true. We must remember there is a whole world out there, not inside the laptop and other devices. Experience and balance both worlds. Happt! IWSG day

Tanya Miranda said...

That video is spot on. I HATE when people use their phones in front of me for anything other than answering or making a phone call. Check your email or facebook status on your own time. I'm right here in front of you!!!

I was hoping to see a photo of you all dressed up in that costume. You made it sound so funny.

Jennifer Hawes said...

If writers are always looking down, how do they expect to spy on people and take notes? Thanks for sharing the video and for co-hosting this month:)

Tina said...

Wow, what a powerful video. Had me crying. Oh what we miss when we're so connected to our phones, or computers...yet they have their time and their place. Thanks for sharing and thanks for co-hosting!
Tina @ Life is Good
On the Open Road! @ Join us for the 4th Annual Post-Challenge Road Trip!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mark. Just popping in to see all the cohosts. You look.... er.... dashing in the outfit. The blood brings out the color of your eyes. *inches away* ;)

Anonymous said...

I'd heard about that YT, Looking Up, but hadn't watched it. Thanks. I'm going to share it with my students.

Robin said...

Great video. It is one of the reasons I have avoided getting an IPhone or SmartPhone. I already spend soooo much time on the computer. Here, FB, writing my novel. When I power down I need more Face To Face experiences.... and so do we all!

Sheena-kay Graham said...

That Cloniform is something else. Nice of you to help Alex out with IWSG Mark.

Now unto the video and my own poetic response.

To claim social media is the devil is bullshit. Humans have always been self absorbed. Gossip wasn't invented by the computer. We are the ones using technology wrong. It is a tool not a hypnotic device that makes usact like fools or robots all day long. Many use social media to find contact they wouldn't find walking on the street or are just too lazy to use their damn feet. I use social media and I blog. But to share my true self and meet others not to just gather likes and stare at a screen all day long. In truth my best friends are online. Almost no one in my 'real' life understands my need to write. My parents wish I'd do almost anything else. Is that what I must do? Socialize with people who think my dreams are a waste? So I do agree that social media overuse is a bit of a drag. But the internet gave me some of the best friends I'll ever have.

Just saying. Sometimes it's better that I DON'T look up.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Hey, I didn't get an uniform! Favouritism! I'm telling mum.

Hi Mark. Thanks for co-hosting.

Samantha May said...

I bet Alex's uniform is made out silk and sunshine, but whatever I'm not telling you to be bitter or anything...

That's a great video! It definitely makes you reconsider a few things.

Happy Wednesday!

Al Diaz said...

THe video is so right. It makes me feel like rushing out and meet a lot of people. Then I remember I'm a dragon, and I scare people. So I guess I'll stay here and look up from time to time.

Chrys Fey said...

Thank you for co-hosting, Mark!

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Mark! Thanks for co-hosting the IWSG today. The video is spot on! I got quite a laugh out of your struggles with the prototype IWSG uniform! Have a good one!

Anonymous said...

New to this, and I don't really know what I'm meant to do ... so, I guess thank you for co-hosting?

Georgina Morales said...

Great, thoughtful video. I think I'll share it on Fb. Thanks! Also, the picture of you with that uniform just made me literally LOL. Happy IWSG day to you too!

Loni Townsend said...

Thanks for co-hosting! When I first saw that video, I found it slightly ironic. A friend had shared it via Facebook. It's presented on YouTube. I watched it on my phone. But the idea behind it does make one think, even if I don't wholeheartedly agree. At least with social media, my parents can see their grandchildren through pictures when visiting in person isn't feasible.

Anonymous said...

LOL. I love "cloniform." And thanks for sharing the vid and co-hosting this month!

Lisa said...

It's been awhile since I've visited your blog! So glad to find you again. I'll pin it this time so I don't lose it. I'm envious (I think) I didn't get a uniform!!!! But I did my job anyway and made it through. Now I'm visiting those blogs I choose... I've seen this video before, and others like it. So easy to get lost in the illusions. It isn't an effort for me to leave the computer (whichever form it takes)as I spend so much time in front of it with writing. And, because I love my family so much. Friends are rare and so I try my best to take advantage of their presence when I have the chance... Great post! #IWSG

Kimberly said...

Thanks for co-hosting!

That was one really awesome video. Thanks for sharing it.

Elephant's Child said...

Thank you. I don't play FB, or twitter. I may be out of step - but it works for me. I would rather have an open heart/mind/eyes than screen.

Gail M Baugniet - Author said...

Thank you for co-hosting IWSG today, Mark. Mahalo for sharing "LOOK UP". We all need to be reminded of that.

I just read Satisfaction Guaranteed by Isaac Asimov and the video reminded me of the robot in the story. Humans crave personal contact yet we find it easier to bury ourselves in technology.

Sher A. Hart said...

Awesome video. Now I don't feel so guilty about not being a social media maven. I'm lucky to post on facebook once a week, but maybe I'm more lucky not to get sucked into the time vacuum more than once a week. Thanks for co-hosting and your "uniform" appeal for non-uniformity.

Toi Thomas said...

Thanks for hosting and for spreading this video. Thank you!

Cathrina Constantine said...

More people need to "LOOK UP" Thanks for the reminder!! Glad you haven't any new insecurities this month, Mark!

klahanie said...

Hey Sir Mazza,

As I sit here alone, I wish that I had somebody to share dreams, hopes and the wonder of life. Thankfully, as a single dad, I still have magical moments. Beyond the computer screen, there's a world where we can rejoice in the all different, all equal diversity.

I do appreciate this posting, the applause and the final video. I also am most grateful that you did an "IWSG" aka "I Was Seeking Gary" dedication posting. I'm overwhelmed with emotions. Thank you, good sir.

Gary :)

S.P. Bowers said...

I've seen the clip around but haven't made the time to watch it. Now I'll have to watch as soon as the kids go down.

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

Thanks for co hosting today and for a fun post. You made my day.

Cherie Colyer said...

Great post. Thanks for co-hosting.

Anonymous said...

Ah Mark, first off, thank you for co-hosting this month's IWSG. I'm gonna have to talk to Ninja Captain though, last month was my first time ever and I didn't even get to wear a recruit "Cloniform". Is it budget cuts? Hmm. I sure would like to see you in yours... Heehee. Clean the blood first and 'suck it in' ;)

I liked the video too and unfortunately it reminds me a little too much of me; not because it's who I want to be. It's the main reason I hope to get clearance to drive again.

Hugs Dude! Lily Eva

Leigh Covington said...

Once again... YOU. ARE. THE. MAN!!! And I loved that video! I totally went and shared it on FB! hehehe. Then logged out!!! HA!

Unknown said...

Hi Mark! I wandered over thanks to the IWSG. Thanks for co-hosting. I loved this post. I'm sure Alex won't mind the blood stains on the Cloniform, if you have to return it for the next co-host to wear :)

Thanks for the video. That was awesome!

Cheers!
Jen

kimlajevardi.com said...

Great post! Thanks for co-hosting IWSG this month. :)

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

You always make me smile. Except for that video.

Julie Musil said...

I saw that video earlier and it gave me chills! It did have an impact on me. Today I was at Costco with my sons, eating pizza. Instead of pulling out my phone and checking emails, I just lived in the moment with them.

SK Anthony said...

Now that's a powerful vid! I just came back from vacation and after the internet withdrawal wore off (about 3 hours) I had an amazing relaxing time. How not surprising!

Krista McLaughlin said...

I've a strong need to turn off my computer right now. That's a very powerful message. Especially about the children not knowing how to play outside and be creative. I nanny and I see it in the little boy, but I make him play games with me and we play pretend outside. I don't want him to drown in technology. :)

And a bloody Cloniform. Oops....

Emily R. King said...

You get a uniform? ;)

Great video. Makes me wanna go outside and see the world from a viewpoint besides the world wide web.

Shannon Lawrence said...

Great video. I've seen it floating around, but not watched it. I realized awhile ago that I was always on the computer when my kids got home (though usually because that's the first I'd gotten a chance to be). I don't want them to see that as the norm.

Juneta key said...

Great post. Love the video at the end. Thanks for co-hosting.

Happy Writing
Juneta at Writer's Gambit

dolorah said...

Way cool Dude. Happy IWSG day to you too.

Michelle Wallace said...

Thanks for the laughs, Mark, and for being such an entertaining IWSG co-host!
Writer In Transit

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I don't believe I was sent a cloniform uniform. Hmm. Must speak to the Ninja about that.

I'm torn about the whole internet/social media thing. I have met some of the best friends via the web. Without it there would be no cyber-bro! But as in all things, we must find balance and remember to look up for sure.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Thank you for sharing that video! We really need to think about how we use and how much we use social media. Although . . . I know this sounds odd, but I've seen a few shy kids who have used social media to start conversations that get finished in real life, so it doesn't always have to be negative. I think it has to be used carefully.
We definitely need to remember to look each other in the eyes, and interact with our children and play with them.

Unknown said...

Hilarious post. So glad I came to visit you here. Thanks for your comments on my post too. Happy IWSG day.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hey, Mark...

WHOA that video was insane.. SO true though. I've always said that we were the last social generation. Computers came into our lives in the mid to late eighties.

SO the thirty somethings and younger don't know how to communicate without a screen... I see it all the time. Sad really.

Thanks for co hosting... always get a good laugh here....

Anonymous said...

Smartphones and dumb people. Truth hurts.

I vow to have my kids not know what a computer is until they're like 8. I'm glad my little cousin loves to go outside.

Anonymous said...

Oh, and thanks for co-hosting, Clone!! ;)

Suzanne Furness said...

Powerful words.
Thanks for co-hosting, Mark.

Anne Higa said...

Came here mostly to say Hi back to HI! Where I was born although grew up on East Coast. And, yeah, there is such a big, beautiful world out there. I firmly believe both are good, but unless we love what's closest to us we won't really have either.

Nicole said...

Congrats on the co-hosting gig! I really enjoyed "Look Up." So true in today's world.

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