Yesterday I received an offer to participate in a contest run by the non-profit organizations United Republic and Link TV, who are looking for a “citizen reporter” to cover the role of special interests at the 2012 Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Since I work full-time and can’t travel on short notice, I decided not to participate. However, I did take up their offer of watching other video entries and opining on them. In homage to The Hunger Games, I will score the entries out of 12.
Jack Houghteling, southern California: Has a weird smile throughout the video, at odds with his flat voice. Makes good points, but nothing new. Out of 12: 6
Ray Prasnick (sp?), Annapolis, MD: Good voice, but asks basically the exact same question in three different contexts (“How do you feel about limiting the money spent . . . ?”). Out of 12: 4
Bliss Parsons, Hadley, MA: Writes a better hook than the first two entrants, but is more wordy than necessary. Presentation skills could use a lot of work. Out of 12: 5
Mike Spahr, Jamestown, Rhode Island: Writes more concisely and speaks more convincingly than the others (most of the time), but still nothing new. Out of 12: 7
Kim Spencer, Naperville, Illinois: Despite seemingly improvising, impressively straightforward. Appreciated start and end with “Enough is enough.” Out of 12: 9
Evelyn Messinger, no location supplied: Provided some interesting numbers on attack ad revenue. Solid speaker, looks good on camera. Focus on attack ads a bit narrow for this job. Out of 12: 9
Jasper McChesney, Easthampton, MA: He pointed to his face and nodded. I appreciate his attempt at levity, but it doesn’t help me do this, does it? Out of 12: 2
Cory Quigley, North Wales, PA: Sounds like he’s responding to “Tell me about yourself” in a job interview. Didn’t offer much of a reason to choose him above anyone else. Out of 12: 3
Jon Drucks, Fresno, CA: Would have a great voice if he didn’t sound like he was reading from cue cards. Spends way too much time talking about Dylan Ratigan. Comes off like a generic YouTube rant, with a hint of conspiracism. Out of 12: 3
So it’s down to Kim and Evelyn. And since Evelyn used to work for Link TV (and was the person who first e-mailed me), I’m going to throw it to Kim. The contest runs until July 27th, so if any new entries outdo his, I’ll let you all know.
Jess, Thanks so much for your trenchant (and humorous) reviews of citizens who want to be reporters for the 2012 Conventions! I hope your readers can improve the choices, by posting their comments at http://unitedrepublic.org/2012conventions. Also, please review our newest post, Joseph Eubanks, a survivor of Hurricane Katrina – he says he saw corruption first hand.
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