So don’t blame me for this.

I totally missed out on the kick-off party for Open Source Media (formerly Pajamas Media). I was told by e-mail that I would be receiving a physical invite, but I never got it. Maybe they have my address wrong (I better make sure that’s corrected before they start mailing checks). Then, I found out about the name change to Open Source Media secondhand from an e-mail from one of my co-bloggers.
BTW, I get the idea of the name: open source software lets you see the code so you can determine its worth for yourself and thus Open Source Media lets you see where stories are coming from and the biases of the author so you can make your own judgment. The only problem is that open source software is free, and free stuff makes me think of Communism.
Anyway, though I feel a little in the dark, IMAO is part of OSM and we will do all we can to get some of that sweet blogging money. Now, you may be wondering how will IMAO’s involvement with OSM change this blog. I assure you, the changes will be superficial, but, here they are:
STEPS TAKEN TO MAKE IMAO COMPLIANT WITH OSM REGULATIONS

Continue reading ‘IMAO and Open Source Media’ »

I’ve decided that trying to get Superego submitted to Baen’s new magazine (now called Baen’s Universe) is a worthwhile endeavor, so I went over the whole story again and reedited it. It’s posted in Baen’s Bar in the Baen’s Universe Slush section and the place for comments is in the Baen’s Universe Slush Comments. The beginning (especially the opening paragraph) has been reworked the most, and, if you’ve never checked out the story before, I’d really appreciate just critiquing the beginning (I’m afraid the story doesn’t really grab the reader until the attack at the cafe).
As for the epilogue, I never did finish it as it ended up being very wordy and complicated. I’ll get back to it sometime, as I just recently watched Profit which was a show told from the viewpoint of a sociopath and as inspired me to think of a sequel (which the epilogue is essential for). If I write one, that will be next year. Currently, I’m working on full novel while getting together the first In My World™ compilation (Ooh! I should show you the cover art).
And, if everyone is good, I’ll still write you some funny. But, I’ve got novelist fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell writing a novel.
BTW, what’s posted in Baen’s Bar is what I consider the official version of Superego (and it has many less grammatical errors).

Hello Readers,
As you may have read in the newspapers, we suffered a “tremendous defeat” in the recent elections. Now, we’re in big trouble!!
Air America is trying to raise more money. Usually,this means that they’re having dinner with George Soros or hanging out at the Gloria Wise Boys and Girls Club – but no – they are too smart for that. Now they are trying to raise money from their listeners.
Brian Maloney at Radio Equalizer has the original email posted.
However, we here at IMAO managed to secure the first draft which was written by Al Franken. Of course, later it was decided that one of the Kennedys (Slogan: It’s been ages since our last rape trial) should use the family name and reputation to help in the fundraising process.
Why is a first draft so important? It tells us what they were really thinking. Take a look at this one folks.
**
From the Waste Basket of Al Franken
**
Dear Friend of Air America:
After the recent elections where we proclaimed victory, it seems that I get the same three questions from conservatives over and over again:
1. “Are you on crack?”
2. “How would you define victory?”
3. “No, really. Are you on crack?”
These people are crazy and really should pay more attention to the news which is sometimes fake but always accurate.
Yes, we can rightfully claim that we did NOT lose to Bush-Cheney- and not just because they weren’t running for office this year.
Here is the list of our wonderful victories–
In New Jersy (State Motto: Even the dead vote Democrat) the Dems took the top spot for Governor. Replacing one Democrat with yet another Democrat. Net gain: Zero. Victory!
* In Virginia, voters sent a strong message, once again replacing a Democrat Governor with another Democrat governor. Net Gain: Zero. Victory!
·In St. Paul, Minnesota the incumbent Democratic mayor, was defeated, by another Democrat! Yes, even beating ourselves counts as victory.
·* In Maine, an effort to repeal a law that protects gays and lesbians from discrimination was defeated. This would have put a damper on the new Sexual Awareness Holiday: Dress as a Transvestite Day. This year the Governor will be dressing up as Madonna.
* In Texas, fully 24% of all voters rejected a ban on gay marriage. We assume the other 76% of voters were steers.
*In California (State Motto: Would you like that abortion To Go?) we gained an amazing victory in a land dominated by Republicans in every way except voter registration and population.
But now is not the time to sit back and rest on our victories. Our fight to restore progressive values in America still has a long way to go. Our values are winning.
For example, in Jimmy Carter’s new book which is available worldwide (except in Iran where it will be held for 444 days), he cites the evil corrupt Republicans for making terrorists angry at us. Jimmy Carter knows appeasement.
Values matter.
But have we made an impact? Air America has made tremendous progress in the last two years.
Sure, we don’t conform to the regular radio paradigm. We don’t believe in things like “sponsors”, “advertisers”, or even “listeners.”
Our business model includes the redistribution of resources. For example- the Gloria Wise Boy’s and Girls Club believed in us so much — that they lent us a substantial amount of money. These were funds that otherwise would have been wasted on after school programs and food.
Here’s what we’re asking you to do.

Continue reading ‘The Other Air America Fundraising Letter’ »