Me & Twitter, celebrating over 2 wonderful years together!
I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how Twitter has finally permeated the mainstream. It came in waves… starting with the San Francisco tech community and moving through my own beloved social media friends. Chris Brogan was the first to send me an invite to the site, but at that time I was already so busy on social networking sites that I just wasn’t interested in bothering with another one. After resisting for months, it was this chat with Clintus McGintus on February 17, 2007, at 11:26pm EST that finally convinced me to join:
me: my twitter life would be boring
Clintus: no way
!!!
are you kidding
you are so ooooo interesting
and funny
your twitter life would be aweome
me: woke up
did some editing
went to fridge
did more editing
watched days of our lives
did more editing
answered fan mail
did more editing
went to bed
very exciting
Clintus: haha
yes but it would be put in a way that would be humorous
I know it
I mean just look at your flickr photos
me: perhaps
thanks man
Clintus: you are amazing. and I truly believe that anything you do will have that amazing feel.
I did always wonder why you and rudy or atleast one of you didnt twitter.
me: FINE! i’ll do it
Since then, much has happened. SXSW 2007 made (but nearly broke) Twitter – must have been those Twitterdildonics – and Twitter has had pretty steady growth since then.
But it wasn’t until the San Diego Comic Con last year that I noticed a whole new group joining the site. All my comic creator contacts finally moved from trashy MySpace profiles to Twitter. And now, with LeVar Burton and Ashton Kutcher paving the path, more and more Hollywood celebrities are signing up too. Fun.
The future of Twitter and online communities is bright, but it depends how these Hollywood n00bs (and you) decide to use it. My advice is to pay attention to what your followers are trying to tell you in their replies to you and block people saying nasty shit, reward random sweet followers with sweet/witty replies, and follow new and interesting people you grow to appreciate. Twitter is your garden, go plant the seeds and architect its’ growth.
The 80s are coming back… are you mentally prepared?
It’s not news that 80s fashion has been coming back little by little over the past couple of years, but I’m only starting to get worried now.
It’s a known fact to me that visiting the Topshop web site is like visiting the future of North American fashion. From my experience, it takes about 3-6 months for British fashion to eventually seep into the American fashion market, so here’s a taste of the crap we’ll apparently be wearing (and loving) later this year:
Personally, I just don’t think I’ll be able to get into this one… is there anyone out there who wants this crap?
Perhaps not yet… but will we have a different opinion once Watchmen comes out? This MTV spoof makes me wonder:
So, what do you think? Will you ever be able to get back into original 80s fashion like this again?
Why a $500 CAD budget is bull
Ever since it came out, all the major bloggers in the web video field have been going crazy about the online release of Escape From City 17. The CGI, effects and camerawork are extremely impressive, but as a Half-Life fan I was disappointed that it was just visuals and no real story other than, quite literally, the escape from City 17. That said, though, the creators have admitted on their YouTube video description that they shot without a script, and that the production was only made to test out new post-production techniques.
Lack-of-script critiques aside, all the leading web video reporters have been going ape-shit at the $500 CAD budget that creators Purchase Brothers reportedly spent on the production (Story links: Tubefilter, NewTeeVee, Tim Street). Obviously this sounds impressive, but there’s a LOT of factors that we all need to keep in perspective.
Rudy and I have often boasted that we made Galacticast for $0, or for the price of pizza*! (Har har…) But the reality of the situation is that we’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars purchasing equipment, costumes, props, etc. over the years… without paying countless friends/actors who’ve worked for, at most, pizza.
*Note: The road to professionalism is lined with pizza.
Over time, Rudy and I have become well-versed in the real cost of producing professional scripted web series and, let me tell you, it’s much more than $500 CAD/video. In fact, in a blog post made last year, Kent Nichols explains how it costs $6000 USD to make one episode of Ask A Ninja. The Purchase Brothers admit that they count costumes and guns as the bulk of the budget, so here’s a list of people that probably worked on the production without getting paid**:
- Actors/Friends/Crew – I’m guessing there were at least 4 of them
- Editor – Experienced, but unpaid
- Cameraman – Again, experienced but unpaid
- CGI animator – Has obviously been working A LOT of hours on this
- Voice actors – To provide voiceover (walky-talky scene)
**Note: A lot of these people probably wore a lot of hats to make this video… which is fine. But, considering the video was shot “last year”, think about how many unpaid hours they’ve put into it.
Next is a list of important expenses that were not included in the budget***:
- Travel – They flew from Toronto to Seattle for the shoot. If they had at least 4 cast/crew, the travel probably cost at least $2000
- HD Camera – Probably originally cost about $5000
- Boom mic – Not to mention the boom operator
- Computer with editing, modeling and SFX software
***Purchase Brothers admitted in an interview that they already owned the equipment, so it wasn’t included in the budget. Makes sense, but I’m curious if they initially paid for the equipment out of pocket like Rudy and I did on Galacticast. Also, they’re still not taking into account the cost of travel, why is that? Even if they own their own airplane, they still have to pay for the gas.
Just so we’re clear… I’m not saying that this insanely-low budget is a bad thing, I just want everyone to be clear that this was an amateur production made by professionals. And, as such, we can’t all budget our videos to be $500… so going ape-shit over how low the budget was is completely premature.
Even when Rudy and I were in full season of Galacticast and weren’t paying ourselves or our actors a dime, we still had to pay our lawyer (who looked over countless contacts we received for licensing deals), our accountant (because once we started making money, we had to manage our company taxes), and our HD camera loan (plus insurance). We also had other big expenses like buying lights, a green screen (and stand), laptops, editing and SFX software, costumes, props, catering, promotional material, etc. That certainly brought our budget higher than $500/episode without paying anyone who actually WORKED on the videos (writer, director, actors, editor(s), producers, etc.).
At this point in our business, we’re looking into the details of hiring REAL actors… as even our best friends in Los Angeles are union members. One thing we’ve learned in our research has been that even if you want to make a video for free without any union actors, the State of California has their own law… it’s called minimum wage. And if you expect everyone to work for free, you may get in trouble if the State finds out.
At this point, You: “Casey, why are you getting so down on this?”
The reason is simple, Me: “Sure, you can say your budget is super cheap… but remember that it’s only cheap because you’re not paying anyone or taking all expenses into account. When someone comes along offering you x-amount for licensing or buying your content outright, you’d better know what your REAL budget is… otherwise, you could be agreeing to a contract paying end’s meat, or less.“
The 2009 Casey McKinnon Makeup Guide
Photo courtesy of Jason DeFillippo
Since my Style Guide was such a hit the other day, I thought I’d share makeup tips ala Casey McKinnon.
Like clothing, makeup is a very personal choice. Sometimes you want to wear something classic and beautiful, sometimes you want something casual and easy, and sometimes you want to be creative and/or geeky.
I started getting serious about make up when we started making Galacticast, because suddenly I had to act as a zillion different characters – who all needed different makeup styles to boot! I learned a lot about what exactly looks good on me… so without further ado, here is my method of applying make up:
[Disclaimer: I don't DARE do all of this on a daily basis...]
30 SPF Daily Moisturizer
If you’re not already, start protecting your skin NOW! Four years ago I got strange brown blotches on my face from the sun and was told I had Melasma (aka. “the pregnancy mask”). I then had to bleach the skin on my face with a special lotion that made my face turn red and peel off (horrible) and ever since I’ve been told to wear no less than 30 SPF on a daily basis, and try to stay protected from the sun. I highly suggest getting a 30 SPF lotion that also dubs as a facial cream, I have used both Oil of Olay and Aveeno products. Both seem to work well.
Foundation
I don’t use foundation on a regular basis because I feel like it clogs up my pores. I only use foundation when I’m doing a photo shoot or attending an important public event where I’m likely to be shot in photos! When shopping for a concealer, ask the person behind the makeup counter for something that suits your needs. My needs included looking natural on camera, and ever since I’ve been using Revlon New Complexion One-Step Compact Makeup.
Concealer
I don’t use a concealer, but instead usually put white eyeliner and/or white eye shadow/cream to the inner point of my eyes, as well as under my eyes (in the “bags”), and just under my eyebrows. This will make you look younger and more awake – I learned this from the beautiful Carmindy Bowyer from TLC’s What Not to Wear.
The Eyes
To me, all makeup centers around the eyes… so my guide is much more concentrated in this area. Since my eyes are green, and my skin is so pale, if I’m not wearing makeup in photos I look completely washed out. This is why I try to bring out my eyes on a daily basis (if I’m leaving the house or planning to be on camera!). Here are my favorite looks:
- The Audrey Hepburn
Even before I started wearing fake eyelashes, people told me I looked like Audrey Hepburn. In fact, my own mother mistook this painting of Audrey Hepburn for me! But it wasn’t until I watched a video on YouTube by askmemakeup that I really learned to master the art of Audrey Hepburn eyes.To achieve the Audrey Hepburn look, start by applying a white coal pencil (smudgingly) and/or white eyeshadow on the eye lid, the bottom line of your brow, and the inner corners of your eyes. Then, smudge a black coal pencil along your lash line and apply fake eyelashes. Next, apply a black liquid liner on the upper lid along the lash line… and voila!
Tip: Learn to apply fake eyelashes here.
- The Angelina Jolie
My rendition of smokey eyes. First, I lightly apply a black coal pencil around the entire eye. Next, I use a brush to smudge it out. Then, I take a dark aubergine-color powder and apply on my lids, as well as lightly around the entire eye – focusing on drawing it out a little further in the corners to give it a more oval look. After that, I highlight under my brow and the inner points of my eyes with white pencil (which I smudge) and I apply black mascara to the top and bottom lids.I use the color aubergine because it goes well with my eyes. You might want to try other colors to see what looks best on yours. Sephora allows you to try all their products in store… go and knock yourself out.
Tip: There are great tutorials on YouTube for achieving the perfect smokey eyes, watch one here.
- The Rock Band
When you’re feeling creative and geek chic, go fire up the ol’ Rock Band. I don’t know about you, but I’m OBSESSED with the awesome eye makeup designs they have in the game… so I often treat Rock Band is my makeup consultant. Above, you can see I’ve tried the Fade To Pink design (I’ve also tried Red Out and Stardust, the latter of which looked awful on me! :P). And someday soon, I’ll be trying the Scarlet Ibis, Envy, Lynx, and Woodrobin designs. - Combinations/Creativity
The most important thing with makeup, especially eye makeup, is to be creative. You might not find what suits you at first, but you will in time… and trying new things or mixing it up will help you stay up to date – even my mother has been adopting my makeup tips at home by highlighting her upper lid with a black line and mascara!Above is a photo of me blending intense smokey eyes with fake eyelashes (I was going for a neo-noir Blade Runner-type look). The photo next to it was from a Rock Band party I had where I did my makeup like Paul Stanley (*ahem* the third time I’ve ever done my makeup like a member of Kiss).
Blush
If you’re going for a vamp look, you needn’t apply any blush. You should apply a minimal amount if you’re going for a sweet look, and tons if you’re going for the burgundy-haired-middle-aged-woman-with-20-cats look… there’s a fine line, people.
Lipstick
I usually try to stay natural with my lipstick, using it as a type of lip-blush. I enjoy using Sephora Brand Ultra Shine Lip Gloss, but sometimes venture to a more vamp look with dark red lipsticks. That said, I don’t usually apply it too strongly, sometimes just a dab is all you need to blush up those lips.
Managing social networks with work and your personal life
Photos courtesy of Rudy Jahchan
Social networks are a funny thing… some are truly social, and others are more personal. Everyone uses them differently, but here’s how I struggle to balance each of them with my professional and personal life:
My favorite social network/web site/everything. The way I use it:
- Following: I only follow friends I want to stay up to date with on a daily basis (ie. I rarely follow friends from out of town, friends I don’t see often, friends that tweet too much for my taste, and friends that don’t tweet about anything I’m interested in). To give you the general idea, I usually only follow about 100 people, while I actually personally know about 500 people on Twitter.
- Tweets: Rather than posting purely promotional links, I try to mix it up by incorporating links that I LOVE that I believe others would be interested in. I also post overheards that I find witty/hilarious. This serves to keep my audience of followers interested without annoying them with self-promotion.
- Replies: This is how I get my follower feedback. I don’t always respond (because I hate when people post @replies ALL THE FRAKKING TIME), but I always read every one.
- Direct Messages: Part of why I rarely follow people I’m not close friends with is because I want to minimize my DMs. I’d rather people just send me an email instead. That said, though, I usually use DMs as an introduction to new friends as a way to send them my personal email address!
I wish I could have managed my Facebook account better from the beginning, with over 1300 friends I feel like it’s beyond saving. Here’s how I continually struggle to deal with having way too many friends.
- Fan page: I don’t mean to sound vain or exclusive, but if I don’t know you… why are you sending me a friend request to my personal account? I’m very responsive to my Fan page as well, and would be more than happy to connect with you there.
- Personal profile: In the past, I added everyone who sent me a friend request there… but at this point my account has become so overrun with strangers that it’s impossible for me to enjoy Facebook the way a normal person does. I can’t play any fun “compare people” games anymore because there are too many people I just don’t know. It’s sad to me, but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings by removing them. This has been an ongoing struggle for over a year now and there’s really no good way to solve it. Last year, Jason Calacanis moved all his friends over to a fan page… I was pretty insulted to suddenly be his “fan”, but I can understand where he’s coming from.
- Friends in common: This is the best tool on Facebook. When I get a friend request, and the person is also friends with people like Veronica Belmont, Felicia Day, Harry Knowles, etc. I know right away that they’re a fan. However, if they’re friends with people like Chris Brogan and Chris Penn, they’re usually marketing douchebags trying to harvest friends. I always turn down the latter and feel grateful that I’m friends with the Chrises.
Flickr
I’ve been on Flickr for about 4 years now and I feel like Flickr has done it better than most. The ability to add people as contacts, friends, and/or family is how I manage my privacy allowances.
- If I don’t know you and your photos aren’t interesting to me, I won’t add you back.
- If I don’t know you, but your photos ARE interesting to me, I’ll add you as a contact only.
- If you’re a friend or prospective friend, I’ll add you as a friend.
- If you’re my BFF and I <3 <3 <3 you, I'll add you as a friend and family.
- If you’re actually family, I’ll actually add you as family.
The only thing I wish Flickr could change is allowing me to view my contacts’ photos based on which group I’ve placed them in. Sometimes I just want to catch up on the photos of my close friends, y’know?
MySpace
At this point, MySpace is such a junk heap that I just add everyone who sends me a friend request (except bands… MySpace made me HATE bands!). I rarely update anything, and I’m constantly blocking spammers. These days, I’m only on MySpace so that I don’t close myself off from the fans I’ve befriended there. People who STILL use MySpace are there for a reason… so if I want to maintain that audience, my presence there must remain.
Note: I use MySpace for 100% professional reasons.
Dopplr
Simple… If you’re my friend in the real world, I’ll add you back. But if not, I just don’t want you to know where I am at all times! Too creepy.
Note: I use Dopplr for 100% personal reasons.
Delicious
I don’t add anyone… I don’t even know if I can! I figure that Rudy is the only one really interested in seeing what I bookmark (especially since I tag certain things as “want”).
Note: I use Delicious for 100% personal reasons.
Digg
OMG, Casey, you still USE this? Yup… but only about once a month. Delicious and posting/finding links on Twitter (and retweeting them) has mostly replaced this for me.
Upcoming
Yup, I still use this too! I add all friends I’ve met and like to socialize with IRL.
Note: I use Upcoming for 100% social reasons.
YouTube
I used to add anyone back, but then “anyone” started sending me promotional messages, and now I’ve learned better. Now I only add real friends as my friends there.
To summarize, I pretty much only care about Twitter, Flickr and Facebook these days… but I do retain a presence on all of the above social networking sites. And, like I said, the way I use these sites will probably be different to the way you use them… and that’s okay. When it comes down to it, none of these sites should really be that important to your personal life anyways – I’ve just grown accustomed to living this way.
General tips
- Block people: If someone’s being a fucktard… just do it!
- Stick to your guns: If someone’s getting hissy because you won’t follow them on Twitter (this happens to me every day) just ignore it. It’s your life.
- Keep it clean and professional: You never know who’s looking… hotmale69 or mom and dad.
- Branding: It’s easier for people to recognize you with a standardized icon and design on each social profile… choose a theme that you feel represents your personal awesomeness.
- Web site: It’s good to have a central place to link to all your social networks, as well as represent your brand. That’s what CaseyMcKinnon.com is to me… my central hub, and a montage of my talents.
TWItoShirt FTW!
Design your own t-shirt with the tweet of your choice? Yes please!
TwitoShirt is like a dream come true… and if I had money to burn, I’d already have ordered about three t-shirts/aprons/tote bags already. The way it works:
- Enter the permalink of the status message you want on your merch here. Click on Get a T-shirt!
- It will then show you a preview of the status message. Click on I want this T-shirt!
- Select what t-shirt style/color/size you want, add it to your shopping cart and buy away!
I’m tempted to buy one, but I’m always afraid of the t-shirt fit and sizing… which is why I stick with nicer quality non-custom brands like Junk Food (as mentioned in my Style Guide). BUT, if I was going to get some TwitoShirt merch… I’d have to get it with this status message, which still rings true to me:
Via geeksugar
Why Dollhouse was fail, and what you can learn from it
I love Joss Whedon… I really do. But, unfortunately, his shows are as hit and miss as the Star Trek movies.
Tonight I finally got around to watching the pilot of Dollhouse – which I’ve been looking forward to for a long time – and was sadly disappointed. Here’s why Dollhouse wasn’t for the win:
- Act 1, Scene 1: The opening scene was weak. Necessary, but weak. It’s important to see some background, but why not start the series with Echo being a doll and getting flashbacks revealing her background? You could then have shown the painful immorality of having to wipe her memories clean in order to make her function adequately. Oh wait, let me guess… saving that for an upcoming episode?
- Characters: Pilot episodes should always leave a viewer feeling connected to the protagonist. Do I care about Echo? Not in the least… her memories are not hers, and once her mind is wiped clean, she has no recollection. Inconsequential.
- Script: Whedon is usually whip-smart when it comes to dialogue, but since the dolls are mindless drones it makes it difficult to toss in pop culture references at all. I miss the Gilmore Girls-esque witty dialogue that was in Buffy the Vampire Slayer… (Rudy informs me that Firefly had its’ moments as well – I, myself,
hateddidn’t appreciate the show). - The fluff: Five bucks says that FOX told Whedon to sex it up. And action it up. The second scene in the pilot with the motorcycle race and the techno dance party was obviously just there to draw mindless male drones in to watch the show. Fail.
There is a lesson to be learned here… in all pilots, including web series:
- Create engaging characters; characters that viewers can identify with from your first episode.
- Write a script focusing on your best talents; in Whedon’s case, it was comedy.
- Keep it real; don’t force the sexy or the action if completely unnecessary to the plot.
- Leave your audience feeling like they’ve seen a complete story unfold, while teasing them with slices of a larger story arc.
Though I’m disappointed in the pilot, I’ll keep watching and give it a chance. After all, that’s what I did with Enterprise… and it ROCKED by the third season! [Sigh] I just hope I don’t have to wait that long…
And, Joss, if you’re reading this, you’ve written some of my absolute favorite things in the past and I have every confidence you’ll do it again. Go wipe your memory Dollhouse-style, and forget you ever read this silly little blog post ;)
The 2009 Casey McKinnon Style Guide ;)
An awesome internet friend of mine just lost a bunch of weight and is ready to go shopping for new outfits. She liked my style, so she asked me for advice on shops and web sites I like to buy from. I started writing a ridiculously long email message and realized that I should just make it into a blog post complete with links and photo illustrations… so here is the 2009 Casey McKinnon Style Guide!
TOPS
- FASHION TOPS:
I buy a zillion tops a year… it started because I needed tops to wear for our web shows, but now I’m just obsessive. I love Topshop, H&M, La Maison Simons, Guess, and even Abercrombie & Fitch (for women’s clothes only).
Tip: I highly suggest branching out your color palette (I highly believe that if you’re wearing the right make up, you can look fabulous in any color). Also, my Korean traditional dance teacher used to tell me that the sexiest thing about a woman is her shoulders… keep that in mind when you’re looking for fashion tops (I often go for a slight puff in the sleeve). - GEEK TEES:
I used to buy geek t-shirts based on what was on them (photo on the left), but now I’m buying them also based on how they fit (photo on the right). I highly suggest Junk Food for geeky tees – they usually use fabrics that are soft and thin, and they’re often made to be more fitted than the average t-shirt. You can find their stuff (and other cool stuff) at 80stees.com. - SWEATERS/HOODIES:
I get inexpensive fitted hoodies from pretty much anywhere. Just make sure that what you get is flattering… you want to try to find some that compliment your waist line. I’ve also been wearing a lot of long, loose-fitting sweaters. The fabric is nice and thin so, although it’s not fitted, you can still see my figure. - JACKETS:
I got my sexy black leather jacket at Zara. It’s perfect for going out and looking frakking cool! :P I also love getting suit jackets to wear with jeans (great for looking casually professional). I try to find creative pieces in a staple color so they match anything. I’ve purchased really nice jackets at Guess and La Maison Simons.
BOTTOMS
- JEANS:
It takes a LONG time to find the right jeans… so if you go jean shopping and feel discouraged, don’t worry… it happens to all of us! I’ve found nice jeans at Guess, Parasuco, and Buffalo. The jeans I currently wear are “skinny jeans”, but they aren’t flattering to everyone. Try on different cuts and different sizes to get the right pair… tight is good, unless your skin is bursting out!
Tip: Don’t be afraid to get higher waisted jeans if you wear long tops.
DRESSES
- Betsey Johnson is great, but expensive… so you can also find some nice fun dresses at Topshop, H&M, Jacob and La Maison Simons.
Tip: The key with Betsey Johnson dresses is the tiny waist line… but if you go shopping for a dress somewhere else, just remember that this can also be achieved with a funky belt. You can always buy them separately and still put together a fucking awesome outfit! In fact, in this photo I actually tied a pretty black ribbon (about 1″ wide) around my waist… this detail made the dress more fitted and unique.
FOOTWEAR
- FLATS:
I usually get flat ballet slipper-type shoes, they’re sleek and comfy, and I try to get shoes with some kind of feminine detail (a tiny bow, fun color, etc.). I’ve found gorgeous pairs at Steve Madden, Aldo and Browns/B2. - BOOTS:
Every woman needs a pair of knee high sexy black boots, don’t they? I got mine at Aldo. I also have killer rain/snow boots which I got at Browns/B2.
Warning: Buying rain boots encourages you to step in more puddles.
SLEEPWEAR
- NIGHTIES:
I LOVE NIGHTIES!!! I own about 10. Go out and get yourself something cute and sexy. It doesn’t matter if you have a boyfriend or not, it’s all about feeling fabulous when you lie down to sleep! I have nighties from Betsey Johnson, Victoria’s Secret, and La Senza.
ACCESSORIES
- NECKLACES:
Necklaces can really complete whatever you’re wearing. You could wear a completely plain top, dress it up with a beautiful or artistic necklace and look like a million bucks! I buy a lot of cheap jewelery at Also Accessories, and my sweet Rudy gets me lovely crystal jewelery from Swarovski.
Tip: Don’t worry about getting matching bangles or accessorizing with watches, they make your arms look shorter. - HATS & SCARFS:
Totally optional, but fun! Hats are great for me because I’m only 5’2″ and the sun visor in the car isn’t always helpful to me while driving! I’ve purchased kick ass hats at La Maison Simons, and scarfs can be found almost anywhere these days.
The most important thing to remember when shopping is your attitude. If the clothes you try on make you feel confident and perhaps even a little exhibitionist, they’re probably perfect for you. And remember too that my daily self portraits are all posed and color edited… no one’s perfect.
Happy shopping! Post photos of your new outfits on Flickr for me! :D
PS: A couple of general rules:
- Have fun and be creative with your accessories: Long gloves or even the wacky skirt from your Halloween costume can really make an outfit.
- Always cover up your mid-section in public, no matter how thin you might be.
- Always wear flattering undergarments. You never know when you’re going to die, and you don’t want to be caught wearing holey panties when the coroner is giving you an autopsy!
Daily Self Portrait Outtakes – January 2009
PodSafe music: Vitriol by Bluejuice (Download uncut version here).
Watch and share on YouTube, Vimeo, or Flickr.
Links:
Daily Self Portrait Outtakes – December 2008
Daily Self Portrait Outtakes – November 2008
Daily Self Portrait Outtakes – October 2008
