In Defense of New Jersey

Posted on October 2, 2007

It wasn't until 2 years ago when I moved out of New Jersey that I realized how much people looked down on New Jersey. For no real reason other then that what they are told to do.

Never having needed to defend NJ (TCNJ was mostly a NJ love fest) my defense of "New Jersey is Awesome" came across weak. Now I'm keen to find well thought out arguments for New Jersey and the latest recap of HIMYM over at TV squad is a great example:

"I don't know if you've been to New York lately, but if you go, the one thing you'll notice is that most of the people there aren't native New Yorkers. They're from all over the country; they've decided to move to the city to chase their dreams or just get the experience of living there. After about a year, most of them feel they've been hardened by the experience, thinking they're "real New Yorkers" because they got the privilege of crowding on the subways and paying $2500 for a studio. With that badge of honor, they feel they get to make fun of all the "Bridge & Tunnel" people who, even though they've lived in the area all their lives, have the good sense to live in a place where drinks are less than $15 a pop."

Bravo sir. (via Keri)

Next New Networks: Emerging IPTV Company

Posted on September 30, 2007

I’ve been a JetSet fan for a while now (in internet time at least) and I hate when I miss the obvious. JetSet is part of a larger network of shows called Next New Networks.

Next New Networks is yet another IPTV network that have been popping up all over the place. The fact that I did not already know they existed just goes to show I don’t read NewTeeVee as much as I really should.

There a ton of really well produced shows on that network. Not all are my cup of tea but it has been a long time since I’ve found a network with more then one show that I like.

Beyond JetSet I’ve also become a fan of ViroPop with their ZapRoot show about environmentalism and PulpSecret about comics. I was really excited about Total MMO but it’s in a odd format that doesn’t interest me. I rather have human hosts talking about ideas and issues with MMOs. But I’m picky as I’ve been looking for good commentary since the golden years of Lum The Mad. ThreadBanger for indy fashion designers was also a fun watch but not really up my alley.

I think the thing I really love about Next New Networks is how awesomely niche and focused these shows are around really active communities. Such active communities ends up making richer shows. I know Zadi from JetSet has been doing an amazing job of bringing users into the show and it really heightens the interest in the show.