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Here's to a Happy, Healthy 2010
Writer Michael Cunningham once compared the pains of writing a novel to trying to cover the Empire State Building in prose. My father understood that. His first novel, “The Price,” sits unpublished in a box under my bed. He was a professor who published several academic books, and he reviewed books for various newspapers.
His “sideline” inspired me to write book reviews of my own, and I often asked him to edit my critiques before they published. One day, I wrote a negative review for a book by a first-time author. My father suggested that I soften my criticism and explained, “The first-time author should be treated with a different, kinder approach than the proven author. This writer should be nurtured almost to a fault.”
I like to think we embody my father’s gentle philosophy at Demand, and that we treasure and nurture the talents of everyone “almost to a fault.” Some days we get it right, and other days we learn we’ve still got a ways to go. And so, we keep at it.
As I look back on 2009, numerous highlights stand out. Although many of the observations below are from recent days, each reflects the spirit that enveloped us throughout the year.
I want to start with Andria Krewson, a Demand Studios writer who recently published an article that detailed her experiences writing for us. It was a well-written and accurate account, an example of responsible reporting. She used the product, and noted the good along with the bad in a way that we could gain better understanding and act on it. Andria’s article reminded me of the wisdom a New York Times restaurant critic imparted when he shared his “rules” for composing professional reviews: Pay your own way; never review a restaurant until it has been open long enough to “work out the bugs;” and share your opinions in print only after making multiple visits with multiple people, so you can genuinely capture the essence of the place.
In other words, take your time to get it right.
I’ve loved watching our blog develop this year, and it’s been wonderful to hear what’s inspired our team members to do what they do. I also fell in love with posts by folks like Carrie, Mary, Rachel (see below post) and others, in which they shared what DS videos and articles they've loved and why.
A review of the past year would not be complete if I didn’t offer a big thanks to Deb Ng. I have such respect for her perspective on all things freelancing. She took a lot of heat after partnering with Demand Studios, yet she never once lost her poise. I read her site every day and admire how she tirelessly works to help other freelancers. She and others have served as our mentors.
And, then there is the “100 Words of DS,” which Jennifer kicked off in the forums. I am addicted to it, and I’m not alone. Our CEO Richard Rosenblatt checks in daily, and Remi is always sending around her favorites. Forum threads like these influence how we think about the future, and help us to focus on what’s important. As I’ve said in that very thread, the stories are amazing.
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting Richard Lally, Jay Holzer and Eve Lederman in our Santa Monica office for some holiday festivities. We shared some good times as we looked back while looking forward. When the well-dressed Richard returned to New York, he sent me this:
The "can do" atmosphere is infectious, and I'm always struck by how many good people work with us. By good, I mean more than skilled and creative (and they are all of that). They also convey a sense of decency and integrity, and nearly every one of them becomes a best friend upon first meeting.
There's a great line in the Brit crime film "The Long Good Friday." London gangland boss Bob Hoskins's empire is under siege, but Jeff, his right-hand man, appears totally unruffled. When Hoskins asks, "Why are you so cool?" Jeff replies, "Because I'm on the winning side." That’s how I feel about this “gang” at Demand.
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And we share that feeling. Thanks from all of us for making this such a happy and rewarding 2009. We wish you and your loved ones all the best in the coming year.
Happy New Year,
Jeremy & the Demand Studios Team
Oh yeah, and here is a favorite photo from the year:
Demand Studios’ Chai and Johan showed up at the holiday festivities in matching sweaters.
His “sideline” inspired me to write book reviews of my own, and I often asked him to edit my critiques before they published. One day, I wrote a negative review for a book by a first-time author. My father suggested that I soften my criticism and explained, “The first-time author should be treated with a different, kinder approach than the proven author. This writer should be nurtured almost to a fault.”
I like to think we embody my father’s gentle philosophy at Demand, and that we treasure and nurture the talents of everyone “almost to a fault.” Some days we get it right, and other days we learn we’ve still got a ways to go. And so, we keep at it.
As I look back on 2009, numerous highlights stand out. Although many of the observations below are from recent days, each reflects the spirit that enveloped us throughout the year.
I want to start with Andria Krewson, a Demand Studios writer who recently published an article that detailed her experiences writing for us. It was a well-written and accurate account, an example of responsible reporting. She used the product, and noted the good along with the bad in a way that we could gain better understanding and act on it. Andria’s article reminded me of the wisdom a New York Times restaurant critic imparted when he shared his “rules” for composing professional reviews: Pay your own way; never review a restaurant until it has been open long enough to “work out the bugs;” and share your opinions in print only after making multiple visits with multiple people, so you can genuinely capture the essence of the place.
In other words, take your time to get it right.
I’ve loved watching our blog develop this year, and it’s been wonderful to hear what’s inspired our team members to do what they do. I also fell in love with posts by folks like Carrie, Mary, Rachel (see below post) and others, in which they shared what DS videos and articles they've loved and why.
A review of the past year would not be complete if I didn’t offer a big thanks to Deb Ng. I have such respect for her perspective on all things freelancing. She took a lot of heat after partnering with Demand Studios, yet she never once lost her poise. I read her site every day and admire how she tirelessly works to help other freelancers. She and others have served as our mentors.
And, then there is the “100 Words of DS,” which Jennifer kicked off in the forums. I am addicted to it, and I’m not alone. Our CEO Richard Rosenblatt checks in daily, and Remi is always sending around her favorites. Forum threads like these influence how we think about the future, and help us to focus on what’s important. As I’ve said in that very thread, the stories are amazing.
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting Richard Lally, Jay Holzer and Eve Lederman in our Santa Monica office for some holiday festivities. We shared some good times as we looked back while looking forward. When the well-dressed Richard returned to New York, he sent me this:
The "can do" atmosphere is infectious, and I'm always struck by how many good people work with us. By good, I mean more than skilled and creative (and they are all of that). They also convey a sense of decency and integrity, and nearly every one of them becomes a best friend upon first meeting.
There's a great line in the Brit crime film "The Long Good Friday." London gangland boss Bob Hoskins's empire is under siege, but Jeff, his right-hand man, appears totally unruffled. When Hoskins asks, "Why are you so cool?" Jeff replies, "Because I'm on the winning side." That’s how I feel about this “gang” at Demand.
----
And we share that feeling. Thanks from all of us for making this such a happy and rewarding 2009. We wish you and your loved ones all the best in the coming year.
Happy New Year,
Jeremy & the Demand Studios Team
Oh yeah, and here is a favorite photo from the year:
Demand Studios’ Chai and Johan showed up at the holiday festivities in matching sweaters.
ChinaZ
Dec 22, 5:54 PM
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Hannah Rice Myers
Dec 22, 6:30 PM
Looking back on my first year, there have been rewrites and rejections I have disagreed with. Some the editorial team have sided with me on, others they have not. But regardless, they have always been there for me, either to say "You're right, this shouldn't have happened, we'll make it right for you," or "The CE was right. Here is why, let me show you how to improve the piece."
The support, both professionally and personally, goes above and beyond what can be expected from any average workplace, and I feel so very blessed to be a part of it all. To Steve, Soren, Remi, Liana, Johan, Krisserin and Richard--thank you. While there are many others who have helped along the way, these are the people who have played the largest role in my success thus far. We really are a family here. And just like every other families, problems arise. But we solve these problems and in the end, we are still a family and come together to produce the best content on the web today. Happy holidays to all and many blessings!
Mary Bubbins (Hannah Rice Myers)
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clhend
Dec 22, 6:37 PM
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steven.lacher
Dec 22, 6:56 PM
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LisaMM
Dec 22, 7:00 PM
Ah, but Jeremy, you forgot one of the biggest highlights of the year: Write for a Cause. Everyone derives inspiration from different sources. For some, writing is a simply way to generate and income, and that basic need is inspiration in itself. But some of us need a bolt of lightening to get us to wriggle out of our comfort zones. Write for a Cause was my cause, too; my productivity surpassed all other months because of it. It's great to see DS giving back. I look forward to more charitable work incentives -- hopefully not just once a year. :)
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Meghann Leigh
Dec 22, 7:11 PM
Writing for DS has helped to to open my horizons and stretch my creative writing muscles in ways I never thought possible.
Thank you!
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Susan Kaye
Dec 22, 7:26 PM
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Emily Lambert
Dec 22, 7:28 PM
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Chuck Warren
Dec 22, 7:36 PM
Thanks for accepting me as part of the team DS!
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shannonrc
Dec 22, 7:43 PM
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