• by Kelly Samardak , November 12, 2008

That's What You Said, New York
Every Single Day, 2008

I've been watching Twitter, Facebook status updates, and my own life flash before my eyes today and I'll tell you what, it feels good to breathe. I have had two days straight devoid of parties and in the interest of self-preservation (and a smart choice at that) I skipped the Ignition/TechSet/over crowded drinkfest last night to fight the treadmill over at New York Sports Club. We're also under the holiday season already, which means a much-needed lull in big bashes. I was really looking forward to seeing what our industry does around the holidays, but now people and publications are dropping like flies forcing budget holders to make monetary choices. It's like that turning point when you're in your early 30s. You WANT to go out every weekend/night because you're in Manhattan/LA/Kansas City/Mantua, but you know you have to save Lincolns (baby steps) in order to grow and act with quality and, well, valuable return (one night of beer pong vs. a relaxing recharging vacation with the one you love). How did we get here?

Oh phooey, let's talk about YOU and ME and where WE are today, why don't we. I dug back into the garbage pail that is a blog archive and discovered the re-debut of Just An Online Minute as a social diary of the media industry (online and off) launched on May 12. Are you kidding me? Our relationship is only 6 months old as of today?! I feel like we've been together much longer that than. Maybe it feels longer because we've been through so much together already. Reflecting on our sometimes defective relationship also means it's... reader reaction time! Let's just say that when we switched over, not everyone was happy with the shift.

F'rinstance, Juli Schatz from VillageProfile.com, Inc. said: "So, I see that The Online Minute, too, has bowed to the social pressure of being a social site." How social. She went further "... I abhor this new whatever it is and have to say it's about the stupidest (for want of a better word - this debut column has left me at a loss for more rational words), bubble-brained, 12-year-old Valley Girl pap I've read on the web in a long time. And I read a lot on the Internet." I should have taken this more to heart, coming from someone who reads a lot on the Internet, but alas, I have a cold black heart and I just keep going! You can read the full comment here. 

And who can forget the RADAR/Campari party? That piece put me in hot water with not only the Campari tribe (3+ emails back and forth about my palate and the education of it) but also the Big Boss who cringed at my more "colorful" descriptions. But not everyone is a hater (aka someone with a differing opinion). Take Ted Utz, Vice President, National Ad Sales , CBS Television Stations Digital Media, who brings visions of floor length fur coats, long glistening Bentley limos, whiskey bars and cigarette smoke, and dark suits throwing money by the bundleful into the air with this gem: "When I read your articles it brings a reminiscent smile to my face. 20 years ago I was running the biggest music radio station in New York. I was single and lived on the UES. I was out almost every night. The coverage of your escapades reminds me of the days when I had the energy (and limos) to hang with the Big Boys!" Can you just imagine? So Charlie Sheen. Ted, I've only got the energy.

I'm happy that readers either email or comment on the blog with their feelings. Especially the deep soul-searching comments like the one from Sandra Schrawder from The Inn at Buena Vista, who asked, following the ContentNext Mixer write-up, "And the point of this was?"

What is the point of anything any of us do on a daily basis? I, unlike Joe Pesci, am here to amuse you, like a clown. Ok, not like a clown because those things are scary as hell. But you know you want to play, so just have a party and send the invitation to kelly@mediapost.com. Let's get some variety in here because according to an avid reader and fan of the tool of sarcasm, "As an avid reader of Mediapost and your column I was curious if you could mention Huffington Post or Thrillist a little more? I feel you do not mention them enough. Is this possible?" Har Har, dear reader. Har. Har. For every Thrillist mention there's another doofus who says "please don't include my name" or "Please don't include a picture of me, I'm not supposed to be here."

And finally, let me leave you with this. When someone from Vice emails you and says "Wow, and i thought i partied over here at vice magazine. i tip my hat to you. you been on a tear" -- It's time to slow down.

Here's to wrapping the year up in good health, frequent trips to the gym, and everything in moderation. Maybe. 

Feel free to rifle through the collection of photos so far!

Let's stay together. Follow me on Twitter to keep tabs.