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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 His first novel, “The Price,” sits unpublished in a box under my bed.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.
----
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.
Michele Starkey
Dec 23, 6:10 AM
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MyraS
Dec 23, 6:31 AM
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carol1
Dec 23, 6:44 AM
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Celeste Regal
Dec 23, 7:35 AM
I came here to have talented editors clean up my work. They are doing so, inch by inch. I am taking Mr. Lally's advice about the reference works. I found my Elements of Style under a pile of books.
When I read these posts I feel like I am making a contribution again. Not the flashy front page story or the excitement of a dangerous beat but learning to shine in a short, succinct format. This, as we all know, is much harder than wordiness, approaching poetry is possible. That's a long way off but I think about it. Thank you Rachel, for bringing up a writer/journalist of unfailing inspiration, Joe Mitchell.
Excitement is what you make it and I intend to bloom where I'm planted.
Thank you all for the help both financial and editorial. Never have I worked a freelance job that paid so quickly and often. They pay leaves much to be desired but money is money, and being put to the test to refine your work is priceless.
Happy New Year.
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EstherG
Dec 23, 7:35 AM
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PatriciaR
Dec 23, 7:51 AM
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LauraA
Dec 23, 8:21 AM
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SelenaT
Dec 23, 10:38 AM
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Angela Atkinson
Dec 23, 10:48 AM
I would love to write about DS for The WM Freelance Connection, but want to be sure I'm allowed to do so.
Thanks again for everything you and DS do for us. :)
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DB100
Dec 23, 12:23 PM
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