Citizen of the Month » The Great Interview Experiment Returns

The Great Interview Experiment Returns

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!

Tags: The Great Interview Experiment

241 Comments so far
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Oh I totally want in on this! What a fantastic idea, and what a great way to get different folks involved in the Greater Good. You’ve got a good soul–and it is emerging more and more…

Am I it? Do I get to interview you? Aaah, shitters… If only I hadn’t filled in my info, I could have been first.

I’m in!

Ok, I give, who’s my victim?

Hello! above me… and Hello! below me…

Was fun the first time around. Sign me up again!

I’m in! I had a good time reading prior interviews, and look forward to participating this year.

I’m in!

Oh yes. I would love to participate. Thank you for your idealistic awesomeness, Neil.

I’m so glad to know you’re doing this in your underwear, Neil.

And count me in! (For the interview. Which I may or may not do in my underwear.)

I saw/read/heard about it last year and missed the opportunity. I’m joining early this year.

Sign me up and find me a ~~victim~~ interview subject

Sign me UP! I’d LOVE to do something like this! What an excellent idea, Neil!

I’m in!

Oh, yes please! I thought this was great, and can’t wait to continue it again this year.

I’m in again… Love this thing.

So much to say and another place to say it… sign me up, too.

This is what I liked about the blogosphere when it was just getting started–that kind of random getting to know people. The intimacy plus anonymity. So I think I’d like to do this.

I’m in.

Oh yeah, I want to try this!

yes, please

I’d love to try this!

Oh boy!

skip until blog is verified. STILL WAITING ON THIS ONE – NEIL

I’m in. I no longer keep a public blog but write for a music and entertainment blog and Twitter more than Courtney Love. I suggest not adding me to phone alerts.

It was fun the first time around with my old blog. I’d love to try it again with my new one. Thanks!

I’m in! Bring it, baby!

I would like to get in on this. Because I NEVER miss an opportunity to talk about myself. Oh yeah, and meeting new people, cool experiment, etc., etc.

I’m completely in. I’ve been looking forward to it since you mentioned it a while ago, and I’m glad it’s finally here.

May I please?

LSL, you look very interesting. I’m in.

Did it the first year, then slacked off, now in again!

…I’m in also.

I’ll do it again.

what the hell…

can I play?

yes please

Didn’t it drive you crazy last time? and it was two years ago, really? how time flies!! I really enjoyed reading those interviews. I think having a mediator to tell one’s story throughg someone else’s questions is a great storytelling tool!

Would love to participate for the first time, cynicism or not

Would love to join the fray! Thank you!!

YEEEAH!!! i love LOVE LOOOOVE the Great interview experiment! I am IN!

Count me in…

I’m really looking forward to this, it should be great fun!

please sign me up Sir!

me, too!

Sign me up, please! I will try to come up with the snazziest questions ever.

This was fun the first go-around! I’m in!

so excited to join this year!

i’m in.

totally in this year.

I’ll sign up.

I’ll play.

Me too!

looking forward to finding out more about TC.

I’m in!

Count me in!

I’ll play.

I’m in – sounds like a jolly good time

Count me in!

Sounds fun! I’ll play!

I wanna do it!

I may have done this once before… but what the hell.

Oh Jeez, Neil, this sounds like a lot of work.

Just kidding, count me in.

let me at ‘em!

I think I’m up for the challenge…

I’d like to play too.

Totally count me again. Looking forward to it!

I”m in!! Yay!

Unlike Don Quixote, your dream may just come true!

Love to join in.

You and I are both Redneck Mommy stalkers, so Yay!

I’m in.

Just read “drowning in kids” interview. Loved it, so bring it on.

This sounds like fun! I’m in

Count me in!

What a wonderful idea, and a great way to get to know some new bloggers…
xo

I loved doing this last time…so I want to play again!

I’m definitely down for this again! I haven’t been feeling the blogging mojo lately; maybe this will even give me a kick-start.

Hell, why not? I’m in.

Sure, I’ll do it. Hi there.

I’m in

Oh sure. I’ll try it.

Yes! Let’s shall.

I’m in!

Me. me. ooooo pick me Mr. Kotter!

I’ve just starting lurking around here but if you don’t mind a newcomer…I’m game!

Me too!

This is the coolest! I’m new, too, and totally down with it.

I am feeling too commercial, but I am in!

I had so much fun last year, I can’t wait to do it again.

Another Joiner!

Too much fun! Sign me up!

I’m in again…carried out my interviewing last time, but never got interviewed. Looking forward to talking about myself!

Ooh, goody.

I’m In – Great idea!!

I failed miserably the last time I signed up. I’ll do better this time, I promise!

Count me in!!

Ooh, this could be fun. I’ll give it a whirl.

Yes. Okay.

YES! I am in this year! I am actually excited. Time to meet some new fantastic bloggers.

I’ll play, sure!

I’d love to play!

I would like to interview and be interviewed. Please and thank you.

Wow, I’m person #100! This is a popular even. Thanks for hosting it. I’d love to participate

I loved my experience the last time I participated!! I’d love to do it again.

Great idea. I’m in!

SKIP FOR NOW UNTIL I GET MORE INFO

I’m in if I can interview Gorillabuns.

I’m in.

Let’s do this.

I think I should like to play, too!

I had an awesome time doing this last year, and made a new friend in the process. Thanks so much. I’m definitely up for it again!

I am totally down!

Wait, is it too late? Because I’m late for every party I go to or throw because that is the way I party, motherfucker.

Count me in please!

Dude. Do I really get to interview Aunt Becky? Because that would kick ass.

What a creative idea Neil. Did you see Tanis Miller’s latest post? She catches you dancing around with a tiara and says she’d marry you, i guess if she weren’t already married.
I’m interested. sounds like fun if I weren’t too busy staring at you dancing with the tiara on your head.

I’d like to participate, if there is still room for people…..

Pure genius Neil.

I’d love to participate if you’re still accepting people.

Count me in!!!

Am I too late?

I am so IN!

I’m in! Again. Who wants to interview me?

“and a religious fundamentalist would interview a feminist lesbian.” wow…i could pretty much interview myself if that’s the case.

the old blog
http://www.dixonsturkey.blogspot.com is still open, but the new blog is the one i want to make my home.
http://www.midlifenatalie.wordpress.com

so there you go.

all right mr. de mille, i’m ready for my close up.

I love this idea, and would love to participate!

I would love to do this again – it was so much fun last year!

I’m in, if it’s not too late…

Sign me up and whatnot.

I’m in!

i want in.

I’ll play, too!!

I’ll play!

I want to play too!

Alright matchmaker! Match me up!

WOW! I came cross this via Ginny. Clever idea! Okay, hook me up with my buddy!

Aw, why not.

late to the party, per usual, but I’ll play, too:)

Very cool idea and I would LOVE to participate! Sign me up.

Throw me in with the rest if the laters…. : )

I would like to play, if it isn’t too late!

Count me in too, please I manage a news blog about the events that are happening in my tiny community of Akwesasne.

i’m in.

I would totally like to play.

I’m in but would like to apologize in advance to the next commenter who has to interview me, because I will probably be in my underwear like Neil.

Me, me, me! I’ll play!

I’m in! I’ve been a reader of this experiment but I was too chicken shit to participate. Guess who decided to come out of the excrement and be a participant?

I love your slogan: “Everyone is Somebody”! I’d like to play, too.

Is it too late to join in?

I’d love to join in if it is not too late.

Me too! Me too! I wanna play! Can I play?

I’d love to do this!

I’m in!

OK, please put me in the hat for an interview. Love this experiment.

Having bumped into the GIE on a number of blogs, I am feeling a little left out and, if it is still open, I would like to throw my name / hat / blog (?) into the ring as well.

Throw my name in too!

Oh I am so IN! Bring it! GREAT experiment!

Fantastico idea!

Okay. I’m in. The first round brought Anissa into my life. I can’t wait to see who gets stuck with me this time!

Well, since there seem to be recent comments, I’m guessing it’s not too late? Count me in!

This is a great idea. I have done a guest post on a friends blog and am trying to get others involved. But this is epic. Can I get in?

This is a really neat idea. I’m down.

Is it too late for me to sign up?

Sign me up and count me in!

Am excited to participate!

Count me in!

I really don’t have enough to do and want to do this instead.

I’m in, sign me up Scotty!

I want to be part of this!

Count me in holmes!

I’ve seen this around quite a bit lately, so sign me up . . .

Add me to the list…. if there is still room on the bottom.

Just found out you were doing this again, so sign me up, Scotty.

My personal site is sort of vegetating but this one is active. I like the idea of a random interview, on both sides of it.

Love this project! Can’t wait to participate!

This sounds like a lot of fun! I look forward to participating (there have been some great interviews!).

Oh I’m in! I did this last year and had so much fun. I found one of my favourite bloggers this way. YAY! thanks for doing this again!

Loved it last year. I am in for sure!

Definitely in! I’m so excited!

SKIP UNTIL I GET BLOG URL

I’m definitely interested! Count me in

Oh, Pick me! Pick me! I wanna play. Ohhhhh ohhhhhhh ohhhhhh PICK ME!

I would love to give this another go!

I’ve been reading Christine’s blog (at Strange Pilgram) and saw the post about the GIE. If possible, I’d like to participate.

I think this sounds like a really cool project, and I’d like in.

This morning I am interested in talking to anyone who isn’t whining for more pancakes. That leaves things pretty open, thankfully, unless my daughter has a blog I don’t know about.

I want to play too!

I am jumping back in.

in-like-flynn, sign me up!

sounds fun, count me in.

This sounds very cool. I’m in.
w.

Sure, I’ll do it.

Can I still do this? I would LOVE to!

Supa

I know I read this before but I can’t remeber if I signed up or not. So put me down. Love the idea!

Count me in!

This sounds like fun. I want to play.

I’ve really loved reading the interviews I’ve stumbled upon and I want to play.

I like this & I wanna play too.

Pick me! I just spent far too much time hopping from interview to interview and whiling away the daylight. What a fan-frickin-tastic idea!

This sounds like so much fun …please sign me up.

Hi GG’s Closet! I’m your new bff!

Yes, please. What a fabulous idea and nice to meet you. (saw this on Slouching Mom)

Please sign me up!

Am I too late to get in the game? If not, please sign me up!

I participated last year under another moniker and another blog. I’d like to do this again!

Yes, hello. Me, too, please.

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.

[...] Kramer’s Great Interview Experiment continues and after I interviewed Dufmanno it was my turn to get “questioned.” I [...]

[...] was recently interviewed by Rizado for Neil Kramer’s Great Interview Experiment [...]

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.

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Neil Kramer is a writer in Los Angeles (well, New York now). Citizen of the Month is his blog. Make yourself at home.

Email and IM:
neilochka at yahoo dot com

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