We’ve all seen interviews on blog posts. The Great Interview Experiment (GIE) is different. It is a celebration of blogging and a challenge to those who talk about community in abstract terms. How often do we acknowledge the existence of the larger community, including those who are different?
Two years ago, when I first started this project, my view of blogging was more idealistic than it is today. The GIE motto was “Everyone is Somebody,” and was a response to the hierarchies that were undermining the democratic nature of this modern form of personal expression. Didn’t we all have unique stories to tell online, not just a select few? Over time, as I began to focus more on “quality” writing, I became a snootier individual. everyone who opens a blogger account instantly tranforms into a Shakespeare. Some just have more talent or a bigger personality. This does not contradict the fundamental truth about the blogosphere. We are all binary numbers zooming along the internet tubes, side by side, sharing the same home. We are all individuals, pioneers in this new medium, expressing ourselves in a way unheard of in the previous generation.
So, like Don Quixote, I remain a sucker for unrealistic, impossible dreams. In my mind, I visualize a permanent interview site where Dooce would interview a clueless newbie, a liberal would interview a conservative, and a religious fundamentalist would interview a feminist lesbian. It wouldn’t matter if you liked or agreed with other person. We would still be neighbors, in a Mister Rogers sense.
The interviews are random. You may be paired with a Nobel Laureate or an insane person — and it doesn’t matter.
Here’s how it will work –
The first commenter will interview me.
The second commenter will interview the first commenter.
The third commenter will interview the second commenter.
And so on.
I will send you an email confirming who you should interview, along with his contact information.
Contact that person and say hello.
Read that person’s blog.
Come up with five to ten creative questions and email it to him.
When you receive the answers back, post the interview on your own blog, introducing your readers to a new blogger.
Email me to say that the post is up so I can add you to the list.
Answer the questions you receive from the next commenter, your interviewer, and email it back.
Try to keep this entire process under two weeks from when you first sign up.
If you don’t hear back from your interviewee or interviewer within that time period, contact me and we’ll find you someone new. Just remember, this is not a professional operation. I’m just some guy doing this in my underwear. So, be patient.
GIE was conceived mostly for personal blogggers. I have the right to reject any blog that is too extreme or too commercial.
Wouldn’t it be cool, if for one day, we really did believe that everyone really did have an important story to tell online?
Here are the bloggers who participated last year. Feel free to sign up again.
Enjoy!
What the hell. Being semi-retired and all, I’ve got time on my hands.
Is it too late for me? If not, I’m in.
Loving reading the interviews. Can I join in?
This sounds like fun, can we still join in?
I did this last year and loved it. I’m in!
me!
I’m now recovered from NaBloPoMo and would love to participate. Very fine idea, Neil!
Ooooo! I’ve been meaning to check this out! I’d love to join in on the fun!
I would like to give this a try. Weird, psycho or normal people are okay by me.
Heard about this from Velvet Verbosity and thought – why not?
I love interviewing people…
Looks like it’s too late to sign up, but what a great idea. Everyone does indeed have a story to tell.
Sign me up!
SIGN ME UP!! (again)
Is it to late to sign up…THIS IS AN AWESOME IDEA!
Hope I’m not too boring. Would love to participate. Great idea!
Let’s do this thing.
Sounds mostly painless…I’m in?
Sounds great–I’m in!
I would love to participate sounds like a blast
Is it too late to sign up? I’d love to join!
Count me in if you’re still doing this, Neil.
This sounds like a wonderful idea! Are you carrying it over to 2010? I’d love to participate if you’re still doing it.
~Rose.
I would love to be in on this if its not too late
http://itsnotthefirsttime.com
Sounds like fun! If it’s not too late, sign me up.
Neil, I feel like a fool for not paying more attention to your site recently, because I love this idea in a slightly naughty way. I’d love to participate if it’s not too late.
I’d love to participate!
I’d love to participate as well, I’ve seen a few people who have been a part of it and I think this is a brilliant idea! I’m just starting out, I hope that’s ok!
I’d like to participate if it is still going on. Please let me know – thanks!
count me in
OK Neil. I’ve always thought this a wonderful idea but last year was moving and this year had much non blogging things. Finally some time!
Hook me up! Sounds like fun.
I’d love to try this! How do I get started?
I’m totally in again!
Count me in!
Are you kidding? This could be fascinating. Besides, if I’m quick enough I get to interview Titanium.
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I would love to do this sign me up- let me know what I need to do to get started! Thanks
i want it!!!!
I would love to participate if this is still going.
Too late to get in on this? If not, please email!
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I would love to jump on board with this!
I’m in. Thanks!
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