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Are You Internet Famous?

Brian Solis — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 02:32:56 +0000

Original post on PR 2.0

After I finish the new (unannounced) book that I’m feverishly writing, I plan to finally pursue “Internet Famous – The rise of micro celebrity and the end of privacy.”

Alexia Tsotsis (disclosure, she’s a dear friend) recently wrote an intriguing article at the LA Weekly entitled, “Is All of Hollywood the Bitch in Twitter’s Sex Tape or Just P. Diddy?”

She links to a recent article written by A.J. Keen, author of the controversial book, Cult of the Amateur, in which he defends TechCrunch and Michael Arrington. In his articke he also observes that technology start-ups have become the “hottest celebrities in America… receiving the same kind of obsessionally intimate coverage from the media that was once reserved for kings of pop like Michael Jackson or Elvis.”

He is a brilliant thinker and writer. If you read his book today, I promise it will practically resonate now that we’re much more humbled by Web 2.0 than when we were initially enthralled by it. However, his quote, if for a moment, opened up the mental floodgates that have held back so many psychological reflections and emotional introspection. I could have started my next, next book, right now. Instead I simply commented on Alexia’s post, and I elected to also share the unabridged version with you here.

“To further expound on Andrew Keen’s perspective, I believe that Twitter is a media darling simply because we, the bitches, decide to tweet about our lives relentlessly. If Twitter is popularized and actively discussed in the media, then it somehow justifies our obsession with sharing everything about who we are, what we love, and what we’re doing. It’s not necessarily technology companies that are becoming the “hottest celebrities in America” because of their shiny new features, it’s us psychologically channeling our subliminal desire for recognition and micro celebrity through these social networks, thus transforming them into the celebrities in which we can live through vicariously. It’s a Freudian form of quietly, but surely provoking varying forms and levels of desired Web-based fame that transcends online and offline through a series of passive-attention seeking behavior”

#internetfamous

Please also read, “Significant” and “The End of the Innocence.”

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SXSW Driskill Flashmob: When Friends Converge & Create Memories

Brian Solis — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:37:49 +0000

words and pictures by Brian Solis

When we peer into the looking glass into what truly made SXSW Interactive a unique and successful culmination of culture and real life networking, we see something very different and exceptional.

The real story is the human network and the Social Economy that fosters the conversations that serve as its currency – on and offline.

SXSW is about the emotional and psychological connection between people and our investment in the personal traits that others find irresistible.

Relationships….RELATIONSHIPS…count for everything here, and they’re measured by the mutually beneficial rewards that all parties experience over time. We invest in each other and harvest the fruits of our collaboration and interconnection.

Nothing was more evident of this than the Flashmob party that stormed the Driskill, forever becoming a part of the SXSW legacy.

After the Diggnation party, Erica O’Grady, Jeremiah Owyang, Charlene Li, Chad Catacchio, Francisco Dao, and I opted for the the elegant and stylish decor that adorned the Driskill lobby bar to regroup and plan our next adventure. What we had yet to realize, was that the evening at the Driskill would unfold into our next adventure.

Overcome with contentment and the prompt attention for service, we decided to Tweet our location while also personally texting some of our close friends to join us. Almost immediately, tweets were flying, “headed to the Driskill.” As each person arrived, they too would tweet, “At the Driskill, it’s incredible.” They cycle continued for the duration of the evening.

Soon, hundreds of people crowded the spacious lounge, the staff called for reinforcements, and we celebrated friendship and The Human Network together, creating one of the most memorable nights in SXSW history.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

Jolie O’Dell

Francine Hardaway

Justin Levy

Heather Meeker

Jessica Berlin

Laura Fitton aka Pistachio

Brian Solis

Shira Lazar

Brett Petersel and Rebecca Corliss

Randi Zuckerberg and Michelle Deforest

Leora Israel

Jessica Alter and Frank Gruber

Halcyon

Melody McCloskey

Andrew Mager

@NikoleZ

Megan McCarthy

Pete Cashmore

Jeff Dowd (The Dude) and Brian Solis

Cal Henderson

Tessa and Gregarious

Steve Garfield

Alexia Tsotsis and Kevin Rose

Lala, Lara Doucette and Brian Solis

Vanessa Camones

Chris Heuer and Leora Israel

Gary Vaynerchuk and Jen Consalvo

Michael Gruen Ilana Arazie

Taking it to the Streets: Random Encounters #SXSWi

Brian Solis — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:37:04 +0000

words and pictures by Brian Solis

During SXSW Interactive 2009, interesting, notable, and unexpected geeks as well as the Internet Famous filled the streets in and around the conference and the after hours parties.

Some of my best encounters happened simply by walking from point A to point B.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the stories…

Corvida

Drew Olanoff shows us the bid-winning @melaniemitchell tattoo

Chris Brogan, @geekmommy, Justin Levy throw up Hashtag signs

Dan Patterson of ABC

Sarah Townsend performs on a random Austin street corner

Gregarious Greg Narain vs. Corvida

Scott Beale of Laughing Squid and Brian Solis

Violet Blue, Robert Scoble, Alexia Tsotsis

Frank Gruber channeling Johnny Cash

Sun/Nokia Fogo De Chao

Francisco Dao, Lynne Johnson

Brian Solis, Jessica Berlin, Ilana Arazie, Gregarious

Please read:

The Human Network: The Social Economy is Influenced by How We Communicate Online & Offline (My philosophical analysis of what makes SXSW so special)

Which parties did you hit or miss?

Check em off at Diddit: SXSW Interactive Festival 2009 Party List

Pictures:

SXSW – The Calm Before the Storm

SXSW Day One

TechSet + Windows Mobile Rat Pack 2.0 Party

SXSW Day Two

Diggnation Party at Stubbs

We Flashmob the Driskill

AllHat @Allens Boots

Brian Solis Book Signing @SXSW

Are PR Agencies a Dying Breed: Brian Solis joins the panel

Kirtsy, AllTop Party @Allens Boots

Pool 2.0 – SocialMediaClub

SXSW Day Four

Paul Nelson Performs in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Dell Adamo Premiers at SXSW

Power Geek Girl Tweetup in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Rackspace + Scoble Party

Blurb + Mashable Party

SXSW Day Five

WorldSings.com

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TechSet + Windows Mobile Rat Pack Party at The Belmont

Brian Solis — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:51:13 +0000

words and pictures by Brian Solis

The TechSet and Windows Mobile hosted very special event at the classic Belmont Lounge on Friday March 13th during SXSW Interactive 2009.

Guests relived the unique and stylish genre that conjured scenes from Las Vegas and Palm Springs during the Sinatra era. We were surrounded by incredible and pioneering entrepreneurs and influencers as we created our own Rat Pack rich with relationships that will propel us long after the curtain closed on SXSW.

In the end, 1,015 guests helped create one of the most exciting after dark events during SXSW.

Stephanie Agresta, the team at Windows Mobile, and I thank you for spending part of your evening with us!

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

The line before the party

“Our” Frank Sinatra

Hugh MacLeod with Miiko Mentz and Alison McNeill of FutureWorks PR

Pete Cashmore and Michelle DeForest

John Erik Metcalf

Valeria Maltoni

MG Siegler and Maya Baratz

Larry Chiang

Who doesn’t love Stormhoek?

Gaia Borgias Brown and Drew Olanoff

Liz Strauss Wearing Joe’s Jeans

Gary Vaynerchuk and @geekmommy Lucretia Pruitt

Jeff Dowd, “The Dude”

Dan Patterson and Brian Solis

Leora Israel and Dave Mathews

Saul Colt

Jeff Pulver

Efren Toscano

Vanessa Camones

AJ Vaynerchuk

Charlene Li and Jeremiah Owyang

Hugh MacLeod and Deb Schultz

Francisco Dao

Hastags

Jacob Mullins and Kristen Nicole

Aaron Brazell

Gary Vaynerchuk and Sean Percival

Jake Dilley & The Color Pharmacy

For more pictures from the TechSet + Windows Mobile Rat Park party as well as the after party, please see my album on Flickr. For additional pictures from SXSW, please see below.

Please read:

The Human Network: The Social Economy is Influenced by How We Communicate Online & Offline (My philosophical analysis of what makes SXSW so special)

Which parties did you hit or miss?

Check em off at Diddit: SXSW Interactive Festival 2009 Party List

Pictures:

SXSW – The Calm Before the Storm

SXSW Day One

TechSet + Windows Mobile Rat Pack 2.0 Party

SXSW Day Two

Diggnation Party at Stubbs

We Flashmob the Driskill

AllHat @Allens Boots

Brian Solis Book Signing @SXSW

Are PR Agencies a Dying Breed: Brian Solis joins the panel

Kirtsy, AllTop Party @Allens Boots

Pool 2.0 – SocialMediaClub

SXSW Day Four

Paul Nelson Performs in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Dell Adamo Premiers at SXSW

Power Geek Girl Tweetup in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Rackspace + Scoble Party

Blurb + Mashable Party

SXSW Day Five

WorldSings.com

Connect with me on:
Twitter, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Plaxo, Plurk, Identi.ca, BackType, or Facebook

The TechSet Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge Rocked SXSW Interactive

Brian Solis — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:45:48 +0000

words and pictures by Brian Solis

SXSW Interactive is powered by the one thing that binds us together, you. It is a congregation of wisdom, artistry, and poetry and it is the foundation for why we each make this annual migration to Austin, Texas.

This year we lined up something special for SXSW and you helped it reach epic status. The TechSet Blogger Lounge sponsored by Windows Mobile was the hub for collaboration, networking, and celebration each and everyday during the conference.

The agenda was rich with activities, entertainment, tweetups, and resources, but you made it unforgettable, fun, and also productive.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

Miiko Mentz and Alexandra Mokh

Chris Heuer, Jen Myronuk, Stephanie Agresta

Sean McCullough, CEO and Founder of Ping.fm

Kristen Nicole and…

Tara Hunt

Loic Le Meur

Stephanie Agresta

Adam Jackson

Paige Craige

@gapingvoid’s Blue Monster on Windows Mobile

Paul Chaney

Chris Brogan and Corvida

Louis Gray

Ben Metcalfe throwing up the Hashtag sign

Scott Brave, CTO of Baynote

Wesley Faulkner of AMD

Loren Feldman

Meghan Asha

Peter Kim and Jeremiah Owyang

Ilana Arazie

Shannon Paul

Guy Kawasaki

David Karp of Tumblr

Lee Odden

Tony Hsieh of Zappos

Kevin Marks

Sarah Austin

Ziv Gillat of Eye-Fi

Zach Luye and Shira Lazar

Shira Lazar and Julia Allison

Andrew Baron of RocketBoom

Sanford Barr

Laura Fitton @pistachio wins the LOLCat

Sylvie Barak throws up the Hashtag sign

Ben Huh and Brian Solis

Krista Neher

Kurt Daradics

Sarah Townsend @theoneinpink

Paula Nelson performs

Paula Nelson

Jeffrey Kalmikoff of Threadless

Your hosts, TechSet + Microsoft Windows Mobile

Please read:

The Human Network: The Social Economy is Influenced by How We Communicate Online & Offline (My philosophical analysis of what makes SXSW so special)

Which parties did you hit or miss?

Check em off at Diddit: SXSW Interactive Festival 2009 Party List

Pictures:

SXSW – The Calm Before the Storm

SXSW Day One

TechSet + Windows Mobile Rat Pack 2.0 Party

SXSW Day Two

Diggnation Party at Stubbs

We Flashmob the Driskill

AllHat @Allens Boots

Brian Solis Book Signing @SXSW

Are PR Agencies a Dying Breed: Brian Solis joins the panel

Kirtsy, AllTop Party @Allens Boots

Pool 2.0 – SocialMediaClub

SXSW Day Four

Paul Nelson Performs in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Dell Adamo Premiers at SXSW

Power Geek Girl Tweetup in the TechSet + Windows Mobile Blogger Lounge

Rackspace + Scoble Party

Blurb + Mashable Party

SXSW Day Five

WorldSings.com

Connect with me on:
Twitter, FriendFeed, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Plaxo, Plurk, Identi.ca, BackType, or Facebook

Twit Fight: Perez Hilton vs. Lily Allen

Brian Solis — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:25:26 +0000

by Brian Solis

Warning, this post contains strong language!

The “real world” famous are flocking to Twitter to communicate directly with fans and also each other. They’re realizing that Twitter is an indisputable medium to cultivate a new genre of meaningful relationships that humanize the aurora of their “celebrity.” Sometimes, those conversations can be a bit too human, but depending on the person you’re following, they can also be refreshing, revealing and entertaining.

Over the weekend, Perez Hilton and Lily Allen got into a “twissing” match in public that resulted in Allen finally blocking Hilton. In the end, fans of both celebs watched as the pair exchanged 140-character jabs back and forth until Allen finally moved on.

Here’s the thread:

Lily Allen: Shit, I’ve just been shown photographic evidence of myself podium dancing last night. God I’m a dick

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen You just now realized that?

Lily Allen: @perezhilton fuck off

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen Is casting the music video for her next single, which she’s shooting in LA. Tell her U think she should have Perez in it! Ha!

Lily Allen: @perezhilton oh , I’m sorry , we’ve already cast the jealous and bitter lonely old queen role. Next time eh ?

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen Jealous of who? David Beckham, maybe. And if I wanted to be a fucked up Brit, I’d rather be Amy Winehouse – whose got talent.

Lily Allen: @perezhilton god, you’re like so obsessed with me its embarassing.

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen Congrats on your album doing well in America, though. It’s REALLY HARD to sell copies when u discount it to $3.99. Desperate!

Lily Allen: @perezhilton its also number one everywhere else in the world douchebag. Go away you little parasite.

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen Aw, u can see I’ve lost weight! I am a littler Perez. But I’m still a big fat cunt – just like U! That’s why I lova ya. xoxo

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen P.S. Thanks for advertising on my website. I’ll take your money (or the label’s) anytime!

Lily Allen: @perezhilton I know you will, and that’s what makes you a cheap ass whore. Now leave me alone, stop following me, I’m working. Bye x x

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen It’s not fair and I think you’re really mean! You’re supposed to care! It’s not fair and it’s really not ok.

Perez Hilton: @lilyroseallen I can still read what you write, twat!

Lily Allen: hes blocked, just had to get to a computer

What do you think public dialog between Lily Allen and Perez Hilton? Let us know in the comments…

UPDATE: Perez shares comments related to “the whole feud silliness”

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The Top 25 Weblebrities

Brian Solis — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:20:31 +0000

by Brian Solis

Rounding out the Forbes recent reports, we’ve already reviewed the top Twitterers. Now, let’s review the Web Celeb 25.

At number one, we have “The Queen of Mean” himself herself, Perez Hilton.

Let’s run through the rest of the list…

#1 Perez Hilton

#2 Michael Arrington

#3 Kevin Rose

#4 Frank Warren

#5 Cory Doctorow

#6 Pete Cashmore

#7 Beppe Grillo

#8 Heather Armstrong

#9 Guy Kawasaki

#10 Jason Calacanis

#11 Robert Scoble

#12 Will Leitch

#13 Jeff Jarvis

#14 Wil Wheaton

#15 Nate Silver

#16 Om Malik

#17 Matt Drudge

#18 Owen Thomas

#19 Dave Winer

#20 Seth Godin

#21 Brian Lam

#22 Mark Frauenfelder

#23 Steve Rubel

#24 John Dvorak

#25 Leo Laporte

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The Art of Elysium Heaven & Hell Gala

Brian Solis — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 04:32:02 +0000

words and pictures by Brian Solis

The Children

I was given a tremendous gift recently, the ability to photograph a very special event that benefited a very special organization.

Relativity Media, LLC CEO, Ryan Kavanaugh and fashion designer Rosetta Millington Getty hosted The Art of Elysium’s 2nd annual black-tie charity gala at the beautiful and historic Vibiana in Los Angeles.

The Art of Elysium is a non-profit organization founded in 1997, that encourages working actors, artists and musicians to dedicate their time and talent to children who are battling serious medical conditions. The organization provides artistic workshops that help children learn and participate in acting, art, comedy, fashion, music, radio, songwriting and creative writing. To contribute your time or donations, please contact them at: info@theartofelysium.org

Vibiana

The occasion served as an event to showcase the multitude of artistic expressions The Art of Elysium shares with hospitalized children on a daily basis.

The visual and conceptual aspects of the theme, “Heaven and Hell,” were created by legendary director, Jim Sheridan (Brothers, My Left Foot, In America), who also received the program’s Visionary award that evening. Following the celebration dinner at Vibrian, guests went followed the hosts to “hell” at the after-party hosted at The Edison.

Eva Mendes received the “Spirit of Elysium” award for her enthusiastic support and active participation in The Art of Elysium’s hospital program over the past two years, as well as her dedication to securing considerable financial support for the program.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

Amber Heard

Brittany Snow

Shannen Doherty and Ryan Kavanaugh

Ryan Kavanaugh, Topher Grace

Zelda Williams

Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Meyer

Ryan Kavanaugh, Amy Smart

Eva Mendes, Milla Jovovich

Rumer Willis, Ryan Kavanaugh

Priscilla Ahn

Ryan Kavanaugh, Sting

Gerard Butler

Ryan Kavanaugh and Kate Bosworth

Cartier Jewels

Priscilla Ahn performs

Ryan Kavanaugh, Jim Sheridan

The Edison

Daniel Lanois

Bonnie Sommerville, Andrew Marcus

Dave Annable

Ali Larter, Milla Jovovich

Kirsten Dunst

Donald Faison, Cacee Cobb

Gala attendants included Sting and wife, Trudie Styler, Gerard Butler, Kirsten Dunst, Aaron Eckhart, Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Meyer, Rosanna Arquette and Patricia Arquette, Joy Bryant, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, Rumer Willis, Amy Smart, Milla Jovovich, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, Bonnie Sommerville, Dave Annable, Shiva Rose, Charles Roven, Kate Bosworth, Shannen Doherty, Brittany Snow, Marisa Tomei, Sophia Bush, Ali Larter, Elijah Wood, Jared Leto, Rachel Griffiths, Topher Grace, Amber Heard, Paula Wagner and Rick Nicita, Lisa Love, Frederic de Narp and Ben Silverman.

For more pictures, please visit my album on Flickr.

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