Memes and Why They Matter
Peter Kim tagged me in a meme called 4×4 things about me. I was going to decline (I usually do), but I thought I’d use the post as a reason to talk about memes, and what they do for the web. I’ll answer, but only after I say a few things about memes.
Memes show connection points. They show Peter that I’ll answer his request. They show that I will reach out to others, and who I reach out to, and how these things tie together.
Memes provide context. Both in the way I choose to answer, and then again in the way the answers stack together with other people’s thoughts and ideas.
Sure, they’re often kind of silly, but that’s not the point. The point is that they actually serve a function. They thread together people, the web, and how people see each other out there.
(For the record, don’t tag me in memes. I often don’t play. What’s that say about me?)
Four jobs I’ve had in my life:
1. Library page. First paid job ever.
2. Directory Assistance (411) operator.
3. Car Salesman. For one week. I chewed at it. Also kind of wrecked some gears on one of their cars. Shhh.
4. Bookstore clerk. (Did this around the holidays at an independent bookstore for years.)
Four TV shows I DVR:
None, but I watch lots of Internet TV.
1. The Clip Show
2. Something to be Desired
3. Epic Fu
4. Jeff Pulver’s TV Channel
Four places I’ve Been:
1. St John’s Newfoundland. First place I ever got off the plane and instantly wanted to live there.
2. Stockholm, Sweden. PodCamp Europe/VON Europe, and fun with Jeff Pulver.
3. Bermuda. Man, did it RAIN there!
4. San Marcos, Texas. Swell place to do a Blogtoberfest.
Four favorite foods:
1. Leftovers. I say this all the time, but it’s true.
2. Steak from Nine in Las Vegas. (Any steak, but that one rocked!)
3. Blue cheese burger, medium, with sweet potato fries.
4. Beef stew.
And now, the handoff
The point of doing memes is to keep them rolling. So here I am, tagging four people whose answers I want to hear, and people who are in some way connected to my thoughts and ideas. Here’s who I tag:
- Mitch Joel - thoughtful and wonderful and participatory.
- Travell Perkins - recently launched a new blog, and could use some visitors.
- David Armano- who celebrated his 2nd blogging anniversary.
- Len Devanna- who just relaunched a new EMC.com site.
There you go. Hop to it. : ) And thanks, Peter, for having me along.
Photo credit, Zimpenfish.
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Comments
Thanks for sharing, Chris. You know I let this one sit for a long time as well and you’ve articulated the reasons why I finally ended up posting about it. Glad we made the connection.
I like this post. The part about places you’ve been was cool. I live near San Marocs, Texas actually; about 50 miles away. Good times there…I love their Half-Price Books.
Here are my response’s.
http://offonatangent.blogspot.com/2008/02/four-memes-ive-been-in-my-life.html
Nice post Chris… Thanks for putting it up and thanks for the tag (although next time you could be a bit more gentle)…
My response and future victims - http://tinyurl.com/32vccf
Second attempt - first kicked back through CB’s spam filter… Am I really *that* annoying??
Thanks for the tag, Chris - Response here - http://tinyurl.com/32vccf
man, when i was in st john’s i thought the same thing. it looks like a little san francisco. i love it.
Here are mine as well, Chris.
http://midvaleschool.blogspot.com/2008/02/making-memes-less-annoying.html
“3. Blue cheese burger, medium, with sweet potato fries.”
See, this is why we get along so darn well. ;)
[…] Chris Brogan tagged me on this life meme challenge. He also gives a concise explanation of why they are important in an online social context. So here is my 4×4… […]
[…] favorite things, memes, networking, things about me In regards to one of Chris Brogan’s latest posts on memes, I’ve decided to do my own 4×4 things about me. Share along, if […]
Four memes I’ve been
. Buffalo New York radio 88.7
. Library. Design-Science International
. Better Business Bureau
. Baker. Bova Bakery. North End.
Four TV or radio broadcasts I catch
. House, M.D.
. Richard Engle segments on NBCNews
. On the Media
. Charlie Rose
Four places I’ve been
. St. Michel L’Observatoire
. Eisenhower Presidential Library Abilene Kansas
. Saranac Lake, New York
. Lake Placid, New York
Four favorite foods:
. Kiwi
. Cucumber
. Ice Cream
. Lamb roasted or braised served with mint vinegar
It didnt’ work !
Tried to post… but got
> Sorry, but your comment has been flagged by the spam filter running on this blog: this might be an error, in which case all apologies. Your comment will be presented to the blog admin who will be able to restore it immediately.
You may want to contact the blog admin via e-mail to notify him.
Great post Chris!
Your lists were great!
I’m living here in the Philippines and there are lots of wonderful things, places and foods to consider. Things that you never thought that will exist in a third world country so come and check out our country and satisfy your cravings.
This reminds me of those e-mails chain letters your friends sends out to everyone asking you way too many questions about everything from your favourite movies to if you’ve loved someone so much that it made you cry.
At least the 4×4 meme idea is a lot shorter ;)
[…] [chrisbrogan.com] added an interesting post on Memes and Why They MatterHere’s a small excerpt […]