30/10/2012
Romantic or Creepy?
I got to thinking about this when a girl I met in Thailand told me about a guy who had been following her across borders and around islands. My first thoughts were how romantic, that he was willing to change his plans just to be with her, but she thought it was creepy. So I did a bit of research, and there's a few articles online on the subject, (one totally stolen from another, bad reporter!) each listing some examples of what was romantic and what was creepy, and yeah, when phrased with bias it's easy to make a possibly romantic gesture seem creepy and vice versa.
For example:
Tony meets Gemma in a hostel in Bangkok and after a night out together she leaves, without having exchanged any details. Tony asks around at the hostel and finds out where Gemma has gone and decides to catch her up. He finds the hostel she's staying in at the next town and surprises her.
Now it's easy to spin this either way, mostly based on how the night out was, good or bad, and how he finds out where Gemma has gone, asking others who she knew, or everyone at the hostel. But at the end of the day, the defining difference between romantic and creepy is...
Whether she likes him!
Simple as that, if they hadn't exchanged details because they forgot, and she wanted to see him again and he magically appears at the next hostel as well, well then ain't that just grand. But if she deliberately didn't give him her details, then he turns up to see her, well that sure is creepy!
Well fair enough, makes sense to me... but wait. Isn't romance supposed to be about wooing the lady? Making a girl that's not into you get into you with romantic gestures. Yeah that sounds right, but wait. If she doesn't already like you then those big romantic gestures (and the bigger they are, the worse it is) are just seen as creepy and push her further away from you.
So, thanks creeps and stalkers for ruining romance for everyone, and thanks girls for assuming anyone trying to be romantic is being a creep.
Romance is dead, long live awkward honesty.
27/02/2012
Soundwave
I headed over to Soundwave festival at the Sydney Olympic Park yesterday, no ticket but hopeful. After a nice guy sold me his spare for $5 less than the original price I was in a good mood for some bands!
The arena is pretty huge, and pretty intimidating, the buildings are all huge and there's no signs anywhere. Luckily the free (yes free, UK fests take heed) program had a map, kinda hard to work out, but I got there, and I'm off to catch:
A Day To Remember
From way away in the stands there's really no atmosphere, and the sound quality is pretty low, lots of wind and the huge distance make it sound like listening to a iPhone on a cliff-top. Still, the crowd near the front seem to enjoy it, and the set is pretty tight. Predictable crowd favourites are the order of the day here, but a nice mix of the newer albums, missing out the heavier tracks for this audience. The most entertainment came from their props, while the band did the easy rocking out thing, stage hands first launched a load (heap!) of beachballs into the crowd, then a few songs later showered them with toilet rolls. Seeing the white strings in the air above their heads really made ADTR fun to watch. I skipped the end of their set for:
UnderOath
The stage these guys are on seems to be a cattleshed, it's a huge metal cave and as such there's way too much reverb in here, a lot of the sound getting lost in the mush of echoes. After a bit of a delay the band hit the stage hard, and it's clear to see why these guys are still going. A smaller crowd than they would've got in the UK, they still the heads are nodding. The hits are obviously the order of the day again, which suits this audience to the ground, the older songs going down much better with a surprisingly female crowd. It's a case of a band who's audience hasn't kept up them over the albums, with many looking like they should be in a sydney club rather than a dirty post-hardcore show.
Four Year Strong
Are playing the outdoor stage just outside, so giving them a listen seems too easy. Catching the end of the set, including many favourites including 'wasting time' and 'heroes get remembered' they're very tight and the vocal harmonies are as nice live as on album. Again, the crowd seems too small for a band this big back home. It's a fun set of great tunes, but the outdoor stage suffers from being too quiet to get into the music, and as such they come across a little weedy. With the dependance on two vocalists there's not too much action on stage, not to say that they were boring, just compared to others they lack the 'x' factor.
Bad Religion
Are surprisingly playing one of the main stages, clearly these guys are more popular here. There seems to a lot of love for bands of their generation, a love for punk that seems a little stuck in the 90s. As such BR pump out a set of oldies, pleasing the crowd, but for a newer fan (like me) I'm left wanting for more from 'The Empire Strikes First'. Still they play a decent amount from that album, and plenty of older classics as well. It's possible that they played 'you' after I left, but the song that accompanied many happy hour of video game skateboarding would have been welcome. Overall the sound is good closer to the stage, and the set is real tight, while the between song is honed to a friendly chat, no bullshit, and a few smart jokes. The size of the venue dampens the atmosphere a little though, so the effect is less impressive than other shows. I leave a little early to see a personal favourite of mine:
Circa Survive
It's another big shed for Circa, and as such a total lack of atmosphere. This doesn't stop Anthony Green doing a superb job though, his pitch perfect vocals soaring over the melodic guitar lines. The band play a stunning set, keeping things alove with a mix of their three albums. It's pretty clear that Anthony is high, probably on PCP or something similar, but this just makes him even more entertaining to watch, arms swinging all over the place and eyes like a crazy hitchhiker in the middle of the outback. The energy on stage smashes the passive audience to pieces, although the last song 'Get Out' sends the crowd crazy, finally showing the band the love they deserve. Again the differences between Aus and home become apparent, as the UK would have been more excited for early album 'Juturna' songs rather than the later efforts. That said, it was a spectacular set, if only more people realised, or the sound was less echoy.
Thursday
Are outside as well, the same stage as FYS, and suffering from the the same problems, lacking power mostly from the lack of volume. Their set is fast paced, as the power through the best of their albums. They're keen to let the gathered people know of their upcoming show in Sydney where they'll be playing the whole of 'Full Collapse' as a memorial to themselves, and as a farewell to Australia. The band put on a nicely tight set, but it's not enough to get people moving much, or to inspire much. It goes to show how even the longest lasting of the 'emo' bands from the early 2000's are beginning to fall. Then it's time to wander over for
The Dillinger Escape Plan
who are on one of the smallest stages, although it's still in a shed far too big. Perhaps this is the way of Australia, nearly every pub, bar and venue I've been has seemed far too big for it's occupancy, I crave a tiny intimate venue! Still, this set certainly had atmosphere, with plenty of people piling to see the crazed tech-metallers. It's a blistering set as well, deathly screams over quick double pedal, insane technical riffs and pounding bass lines. This is a band that don't do things by half, and within seconds the vocalist in the crowd screaming in the faces of the front row. This is just the start though, as the guitarist start throwing themselves around the stage, climbing amps is a regular occurrence, and even the lighting rig at the back of the stage. Guitars are spun around arms and bodies as they show their love for their music in the most visceral way possible. It's powerful stuff that really impresses, especially when combined with the technicality of their songs. All too quickly their set is over so it's back to the first shed, but on the way I happen across:
Strung Out
conveniently playing my favourite song. It's an amazing mix of punk-rock and technical ability that creates a real unique sound, although the lame stage does it no justice. All too soon it's time to hurry off for
LetLive.
My most anticipated band of the day and one I've been looking forward to since Reading festival last August. They hit the stage like a brick to the face, hard and heavy. It's a small crowd but every one there seems to be a huge fan, screaming and singing back to the band with passion. The pit is a little strange as the lack of people allows it to open too wide. Vocalist Jason Aaron Butler is a machine, throwing himself across the stage with a raw passion that is unmatched these days. It's pure emotion pouring out of his lungs as he bellows those words into the faces of those present. Again, the stage action is impressive, with guitars, drum parts and speakers all being used to climb, leap from or throw. The power behind this band is huge, and the audience is left with knowledge of how a good band really should be. Up close and personal. On the stage right beside
Your Demise
start up. Only staying for a couple songs, I find their style of 'party hardcore' idiotic and meaningless. The riffs are brutal and aggressive, but there's no depth to this band. Still they're a tight band, and they look the part. The action on stage is nothing compared to the insanity in the pit though. It seems that most of the audience have come down for the chance to two-step and swing fists more than actually listening, but that's fine as it gives the rest of something good to watch. Back in another shed though is
I Am The Avalanche
A band I don't know much about, and not one I've listened to much. It's quiet in here again, but that doesn't seem to bother the band, who pump through the last couple tunes of their set. It's clear that the Vocalist has taken of lot of his old band 'The Movielife' with him to this project. It's a similar mature punk-rock that works well. This would definitely work well in a smaller venue, as the somewhat apathetic audience doesn't help at all. Still, the last song 'Brooklyn Dodgers' is a perfect example of the great songwriting capable from this band.
Slipknot
Are about halfway through their set when I climb the stands to give them a chance. I've not been a fan of theirs for many years, and unsurprisingly I'm still not. From what I can tell, their super tight and their songs sure are heavy. But it's not for me, and the distance again weakens the impact hugely. Also, I'm shocked at how polite they are between songs, so much for the horrific and disgusting image they had, they're just some nice old guys in silly masks. As the drum-set lifted for the set finale I struggle to understand the purpose of such a showboat maneuver, it seems somewhat pompous and cliched now, but the crowd sure go wild for it! And it's back again to the shed for one last band although
Cro-Mags
are still playing when I arrive, a band that does not impress at all. It's like watching Comeback Kid play all those songs no-one liked. It's fast and hardcore, but most of the people in the room at that point are just waiting for
Enter Shikari
Who come on to a massive cheer. And play loads of new stuff that I really don't know, but everyone else seems to...
Bored of writing this now, will continue at another time, probably.
The arena is pretty huge, and pretty intimidating, the buildings are all huge and there's no signs anywhere. Luckily the free (yes free, UK fests take heed) program had a map, kinda hard to work out, but I got there, and I'm off to catch:
A Day To Remember
From way away in the stands there's really no atmosphere, and the sound quality is pretty low, lots of wind and the huge distance make it sound like listening to a iPhone on a cliff-top. Still, the crowd near the front seem to enjoy it, and the set is pretty tight. Predictable crowd favourites are the order of the day here, but a nice mix of the newer albums, missing out the heavier tracks for this audience. The most entertainment came from their props, while the band did the easy rocking out thing, stage hands first launched a load (heap!) of beachballs into the crowd, then a few songs later showered them with toilet rolls. Seeing the white strings in the air above their heads really made ADTR fun to watch. I skipped the end of their set for:
UnderOath
The stage these guys are on seems to be a cattleshed, it's a huge metal cave and as such there's way too much reverb in here, a lot of the sound getting lost in the mush of echoes. After a bit of a delay the band hit the stage hard, and it's clear to see why these guys are still going. A smaller crowd than they would've got in the UK, they still the heads are nodding. The hits are obviously the order of the day again, which suits this audience to the ground, the older songs going down much better with a surprisingly female crowd. It's a case of a band who's audience hasn't kept up them over the albums, with many looking like they should be in a sydney club rather than a dirty post-hardcore show.
Four Year Strong
Are playing the outdoor stage just outside, so giving them a listen seems too easy. Catching the end of the set, including many favourites including 'wasting time' and 'heroes get remembered' they're very tight and the vocal harmonies are as nice live as on album. Again, the crowd seems too small for a band this big back home. It's a fun set of great tunes, but the outdoor stage suffers from being too quiet to get into the music, and as such they come across a little weedy. With the dependance on two vocalists there's not too much action on stage, not to say that they were boring, just compared to others they lack the 'x' factor.
Bad Religion
Are surprisingly playing one of the main stages, clearly these guys are more popular here. There seems to a lot of love for bands of their generation, a love for punk that seems a little stuck in the 90s. As such BR pump out a set of oldies, pleasing the crowd, but for a newer fan (like me) I'm left wanting for more from 'The Empire Strikes First'. Still they play a decent amount from that album, and plenty of older classics as well. It's possible that they played 'you' after I left, but the song that accompanied many happy hour of video game skateboarding would have been welcome. Overall the sound is good closer to the stage, and the set is real tight, while the between song is honed to a friendly chat, no bullshit, and a few smart jokes. The size of the venue dampens the atmosphere a little though, so the effect is less impressive than other shows. I leave a little early to see a personal favourite of mine:
Circa Survive
It's another big shed for Circa, and as such a total lack of atmosphere. This doesn't stop Anthony Green doing a superb job though, his pitch perfect vocals soaring over the melodic guitar lines. The band play a stunning set, keeping things alove with a mix of their three albums. It's pretty clear that Anthony is high, probably on PCP or something similar, but this just makes him even more entertaining to watch, arms swinging all over the place and eyes like a crazy hitchhiker in the middle of the outback. The energy on stage smashes the passive audience to pieces, although the last song 'Get Out' sends the crowd crazy, finally showing the band the love they deserve. Again the differences between Aus and home become apparent, as the UK would have been more excited for early album 'Juturna' songs rather than the later efforts. That said, it was a spectacular set, if only more people realised, or the sound was less echoy.
Thursday
Are outside as well, the same stage as FYS, and suffering from the the same problems, lacking power mostly from the lack of volume. Their set is fast paced, as the power through the best of their albums. They're keen to let the gathered people know of their upcoming show in Sydney where they'll be playing the whole of 'Full Collapse' as a memorial to themselves, and as a farewell to Australia. The band put on a nicely tight set, but it's not enough to get people moving much, or to inspire much. It goes to show how even the longest lasting of the 'emo' bands from the early 2000's are beginning to fall. Then it's time to wander over for
The Dillinger Escape Plan
who are on one of the smallest stages, although it's still in a shed far too big. Perhaps this is the way of Australia, nearly every pub, bar and venue I've been has seemed far too big for it's occupancy, I crave a tiny intimate venue! Still, this set certainly had atmosphere, with plenty of people piling to see the crazed tech-metallers. It's a blistering set as well, deathly screams over quick double pedal, insane technical riffs and pounding bass lines. This is a band that don't do things by half, and within seconds the vocalist in the crowd screaming in the faces of the front row. This is just the start though, as the guitarist start throwing themselves around the stage, climbing amps is a regular occurrence, and even the lighting rig at the back of the stage. Guitars are spun around arms and bodies as they show their love for their music in the most visceral way possible. It's powerful stuff that really impresses, especially when combined with the technicality of their songs. All too quickly their set is over so it's back to the first shed, but on the way I happen across:
Strung Out
conveniently playing my favourite song. It's an amazing mix of punk-rock and technical ability that creates a real unique sound, although the lame stage does it no justice. All too soon it's time to hurry off for
LetLive.
My most anticipated band of the day and one I've been looking forward to since Reading festival last August. They hit the stage like a brick to the face, hard and heavy. It's a small crowd but every one there seems to be a huge fan, screaming and singing back to the band with passion. The pit is a little strange as the lack of people allows it to open too wide. Vocalist Jason Aaron Butler is a machine, throwing himself across the stage with a raw passion that is unmatched these days. It's pure emotion pouring out of his lungs as he bellows those words into the faces of those present. Again, the stage action is impressive, with guitars, drum parts and speakers all being used to climb, leap from or throw. The power behind this band is huge, and the audience is left with knowledge of how a good band really should be. Up close and personal. On the stage right beside
Your Demise
start up. Only staying for a couple songs, I find their style of 'party hardcore' idiotic and meaningless. The riffs are brutal and aggressive, but there's no depth to this band. Still they're a tight band, and they look the part. The action on stage is nothing compared to the insanity in the pit though. It seems that most of the audience have come down for the chance to two-step and swing fists more than actually listening, but that's fine as it gives the rest of something good to watch. Back in another shed though is
I Am The Avalanche
A band I don't know much about, and not one I've listened to much. It's quiet in here again, but that doesn't seem to bother the band, who pump through the last couple tunes of their set. It's clear that the Vocalist has taken of lot of his old band 'The Movielife' with him to this project. It's a similar mature punk-rock that works well. This would definitely work well in a smaller venue, as the somewhat apathetic audience doesn't help at all. Still, the last song 'Brooklyn Dodgers' is a perfect example of the great songwriting capable from this band.
Slipknot
Are about halfway through their set when I climb the stands to give them a chance. I've not been a fan of theirs for many years, and unsurprisingly I'm still not. From what I can tell, their super tight and their songs sure are heavy. But it's not for me, and the distance again weakens the impact hugely. Also, I'm shocked at how polite they are between songs, so much for the horrific and disgusting image they had, they're just some nice old guys in silly masks. As the drum-set lifted for the set finale I struggle to understand the purpose of such a showboat maneuver, it seems somewhat pompous and cliched now, but the crowd sure go wild for it! And it's back again to the shed for one last band although
Cro-Mags
are still playing when I arrive, a band that does not impress at all. It's like watching Comeback Kid play all those songs no-one liked. It's fast and hardcore, but most of the people in the room at that point are just waiting for
Enter Shikari
Who come on to a massive cheer. And play loads of new stuff that I really don't know, but everyone else seems to...
Bored of writing this now, will continue at another time, probably.
15/12/2011
East Coast
So, I'm now down in Byron Bay, having driven up then coached down the east coast of Australia. Here's some hints and tips for those wanting to do something similar.
Don't hire a van, they're small, uncomfortable, awkward to find places to park, and less sociable
Budget well
Book as you go, listen to other travelers and get recommendations
Don't trust travel agents - especially in the UK, they have no idea what they're booking you into
Don't stop everywhere, there's no need
CAIRNS
If you want to party, stay at Gilligans - it's like freshers week all year round
All the hostels are cheap and offer free food, don't think you're getting a bargain, they all do it!
Book onto lots of trips/activities, they are great fun and a brilliant way to meet people
Book through your hostel, most people do, so you'll meet people from your hostel
Don't get trapped, it gets old after about a week
Do the great barrier reef, white water rafting and bungee jumping
MISSION BEACH
This place is tiny, so go if you want to chill.
The full moon party was apparently shit
AIRLIE BEACH
Airlie is like a mini Cairns, but everyone is heading off to the Whitsundays, so don't stay long unless you like making new friends every night
WHITSUNDAYS
Beautiful, must see part of the east coast
If you want to drink and party, book onto the clipper,(ratio may be very bad) if not, most of the other boats will do. (good ratio)
Boomerang was a professional sailing boat if that's what you want - though little sailing happens
TOWN OF 1770
Scooteroos are pretty much the only thing to do here, so don't stay long
Very chilled
HERVEY BAY
Gateway to Fraser Island, don't stay longer than you need, no-one else does
RAINBOW BEACH
Like Hervey Bay, but with a nicer beach
FRASER ISLAND
You must do this.
Do a two night camping trip, you'll make amazing friends, meet awesome people, and get to drive a bad-ass 4x4 around in sand. Try not to have sex in the sand, it's not good (wait till you get home on the last night)
NOOSA HEADS
I have no idea what's here, or why people go...
BRISBANE
It's a city, a small one, with not much to do and lots of Germans
Nice to settle, maybe
SURFERS PARADISE
This is a city, not a cool beach town
Good for partying and the beach
BYRON BAY
Small town, but popular with travelers, stoners and hippies
Don't stay in the YHA, it's too strict on noise/alcohol
Try all the bars, some are tacky and naff, others are tackier, others are kinda boring
Hard to find work here!
Don't hire a van, they're small, uncomfortable, awkward to find places to park, and less sociable
Budget well
Book as you go, listen to other travelers and get recommendations
Don't trust travel agents - especially in the UK, they have no idea what they're booking you into
Don't stop everywhere, there's no need
CAIRNS
If you want to party, stay at Gilligans - it's like freshers week all year round
All the hostels are cheap and offer free food, don't think you're getting a bargain, they all do it!
Book onto lots of trips/activities, they are great fun and a brilliant way to meet people
Book through your hostel, most people do, so you'll meet people from your hostel
Don't get trapped, it gets old after about a week
Do the great barrier reef, white water rafting and bungee jumping
MISSION BEACH
This place is tiny, so go if you want to chill.
The full moon party was apparently shit
AIRLIE BEACH
Airlie is like a mini Cairns, but everyone is heading off to the Whitsundays, so don't stay long unless you like making new friends every night
WHITSUNDAYS
Beautiful, must see part of the east coast
If you want to drink and party, book onto the clipper,(ratio may be very bad) if not, most of the other boats will do. (good ratio)
Boomerang was a professional sailing boat if that's what you want - though little sailing happens
TOWN OF 1770
Scooteroos are pretty much the only thing to do here, so don't stay long
Very chilled
HERVEY BAY
Gateway to Fraser Island, don't stay longer than you need, no-one else does
RAINBOW BEACH
Like Hervey Bay, but with a nicer beach
FRASER ISLAND
You must do this.
Do a two night camping trip, you'll make amazing friends, meet awesome people, and get to drive a bad-ass 4x4 around in sand. Try not to have sex in the sand, it's not good (wait till you get home on the last night)
NOOSA HEADS
I have no idea what's here, or why people go...
BRISBANE
It's a city, a small one, with not much to do and lots of Germans
Nice to settle, maybe
SURFERS PARADISE
This is a city, not a cool beach town
Good for partying and the beach
BYRON BAY
Small town, but popular with travelers, stoners and hippies
Don't stay in the YHA, it's too strict on noise/alcohol
Try all the bars, some are tacky and naff, others are tackier, others are kinda boring
Hard to find work here!
04/11/2011
pupfresh:
Apparently an artist only makes 8 cents on a 99-cent iTunes download.
The detailed breakdown shows that for every 1,000 iTunes downloads sold, a UMG-signed artist gets paid $80.33. And that’s after the label collects on a 25% ‘Container Charge for Audiophile Records,’ as well as a 15% ‘Net Sales Deduction.’
With major labels abandoning the CD-format next year, it really looks like the world will be ending in 2012.
me:
This is the best thing i’ve ever heard. I’ve known the stats about artist pay for a long time, and the end of the cd was always going to happen. However this is not the death of music, this is the rebirth! This will be the end for artists in it for the money, no more horrible suedo punk and rock bands in it for the girls! We’ll still have disgusting pop artists who will be funded through endorsments and sponsorships, but we’ll lose the vile faux-alt music that has been destroying our culture for so long. Music will be made by musicians who WANT to make music not money! It will bring forth a new DIY era where the smaller labels will be in control of quality music, bands who play music because they want to, not to get paid. It will also help to usher the music subscription model, a time when a monthly fee is paid, just the same as sky tv, or internet, that will give you access to as much music as there is (like spotify does now) and artists will be paid based on amount of plays. If like itunes it will be possible for unsigned bands to add themselves, then it open up the market for small bands to finally have a stake in the earnongs. For too long the music industry has been run on greed, just like most of the capitalist world. With ‘alternative’ culture becoming more and more mainstream its been hard to know the difference between those that give a fuck and those that don’t. Soon the time will come that bands will be popular based on quality, rather than marketing. Dinosaurs will die, long live the DIY
Tumblr killer my punctuation - sorry
Apparently an artist only makes 8 cents on a 99-cent iTunes download.
The detailed breakdown shows that for every 1,000 iTunes downloads sold, a UMG-signed artist gets paid $80.33. And that’s after the label collects on a 25% ‘Container Charge for Audiophile Records,’ as well as a 15% ‘Net Sales Deduction.’
With major labels abandoning the CD-format next year, it really looks like the world will be ending in 2012.
me:
This is the best thing i’ve ever heard. I’ve known the stats about artist pay for a long time, and the end of the cd was always going to happen. However this is not the death of music, this is the rebirth! This will be the end for artists in it for the money, no more horrible suedo punk and rock bands in it for the girls! We’ll still have disgusting pop artists who will be funded through endorsments and sponsorships, but we’ll lose the vile faux-alt music that has been destroying our culture for so long. Music will be made by musicians who WANT to make music not money! It will bring forth a new DIY era where the smaller labels will be in control of quality music, bands who play music because they want to, not to get paid. It will also help to usher the music subscription model, a time when a monthly fee is paid, just the same as sky tv, or internet, that will give you access to as much music as there is (like spotify does now) and artists will be paid based on amount of plays. If like itunes it will be possible for unsigned bands to add themselves, then it open up the market for small bands to finally have a stake in the earnongs. For too long the music industry has been run on greed, just like most of the capitalist world. With ‘alternative’ culture becoming more and more mainstream its been hard to know the difference between those that give a fuck and those that don’t. Soon the time will come that bands will be popular based on quality, rather than marketing. Dinosaurs will die, long live the DIY
Tumblr killer my punctuation - sorry
Why Blog?
I got asked the other day why I write a blog and a journal... I was a bit lost really...
I have lots of different profiles and places on the internet, all that I use in different ways and for very different purposes
Journal - my personal notes, nothing really interesting and mostly written when I've got bored of reading and have nothing else to do. Documenting where I am, what I'm doing, how I feel. Sometimes it gets a bit emo and serious, but I'm usually too lazy to write in it.
Blogger - most of my rants and thoughts that I want people to know go here. Again I'm pretty lazy, and I only know of three people reading them (Alan, Tom and Rhianna - hello!) But I like to put down in writing these little rants that I have. It was supposed to be about music and all that, but there's too many people doing that better, so it's just what I want.
Tumblr - cool stuff I see on tumblr, this is more for me than anyone else - a collection of the best stuff I find online. Mostly snowboarding videos. Occasionally I get a pang of politics or the need to rant to a larger audience, so I post shit on there. I like to tell people what to listen to as well.
Twitter - well.... I don't get this anymore, the only good things are links...
Facebook - it's a promotions tool, so have lots of friends so you can promote to them, or ask favours! It really is a good way to keep in touch, but don't take it too seriously. Also, very good for checking out girls/stalking/perving... It's kinda nice to see what others are up to as well, if you care...
Hotmail - well, that's my email...
Not sure why I wrote this, but I'm sure someone will read it... maybe
I have lots of different profiles and places on the internet, all that I use in different ways and for very different purposes
Journal - my personal notes, nothing really interesting and mostly written when I've got bored of reading and have nothing else to do. Documenting where I am, what I'm doing, how I feel. Sometimes it gets a bit emo and serious, but I'm usually too lazy to write in it.
Blogger - most of my rants and thoughts that I want people to know go here. Again I'm pretty lazy, and I only know of three people reading them (Alan, Tom and Rhianna - hello!) But I like to put down in writing these little rants that I have. It was supposed to be about music and all that, but there's too many people doing that better, so it's just what I want.
Tumblr - cool stuff I see on tumblr, this is more for me than anyone else - a collection of the best stuff I find online. Mostly snowboarding videos. Occasionally I get a pang of politics or the need to rant to a larger audience, so I post shit on there. I like to tell people what to listen to as well.
Twitter - well.... I don't get this anymore, the only good things are links...
Facebook - it's a promotions tool, so have lots of friends so you can promote to them, or ask favours! It really is a good way to keep in touch, but don't take it too seriously. Also, very good for checking out girls/stalking/perving... It's kinda nice to see what others are up to as well, if you care...
Hotmail - well, that's my email...
Not sure why I wrote this, but I'm sure someone will read it... maybe
26/10/2011
Be nice to fundraisers, they're people too!
Having come to Oz, the easiest job to get is fundraising, with no experience needed and a friendly outgoing personality, I found it easy to get started in the job. However, i used to think of it as selling your soul, to work on the streets and beg for money for a charity. And, well, I still do! It's a shit job but it pays. Thankfully I'm travelling lots with my team so that's a positive, otherwise I'm sure I'd have quit be now!
Here's some advice for those of you that hate us, because we hate ourselves enough already, so we don't need you guys making us any worse
If you don't want to talk to us, just say no thanks, we don't need a long winded excuse because we just don't care about your sick dog...
Don't ignore us, we're dicks, but we're still people, and if you ignore we want to kill you/ourselves
Don't pretend you're on the phone, we can tell, you're a dick.
Don't pretend to deaf, you're a massive dick
Don't stop just to 'cheer us up' if you're not going to sign up, then move on so we can find someone who will
We're not out there to scam you, and we have to be super friendly, so be friendly back, it's only polite :)
The job is pretty demeaning, and depressing. We know you hate us, butnit's our job and as much as we can take endless rejection, it does get old fast!
EDIT: if you're single and cute, give us your number, most people (boys and girls) doing this are single!
Here's some advice for those of you that hate us, because we hate ourselves enough already, so we don't need you guys making us any worse
If you don't want to talk to us, just say no thanks, we don't need a long winded excuse because we just don't care about your sick dog...
Don't ignore us, we're dicks, but we're still people, and if you ignore we want to kill you/ourselves
Don't pretend you're on the phone, we can tell, you're a dick.
Don't pretend to deaf, you're a massive dick
Don't stop just to 'cheer us up' if you're not going to sign up, then move on so we can find someone who will
We're not out there to scam you, and we have to be super friendly, so be friendly back, it's only polite :)
The job is pretty demeaning, and depressing. We know you hate us, butnit's our job and as much as we can take endless rejection, it does get old fast!
EDIT: if you're single and cute, give us your number, most people (boys and girls) doing this are single!
16/10/2011
ermmmmm
I was going to write a blog post yesterday, but I have already forgotten what it was going to be about...
Fundraising perhaps, and my experience with it so far. Well, it's hardly a job to be proud of, but it pays well enough and thanks to free accommodation I'm saving loads of money. Plus I'm getting to travel lots too, off to Port McQuarie later today after one night in Sydney. Last week we were in a small town called Terrigal which was right on the beach and the hostel had free surfboards so we managed to get a bit of surfing in, although the waves were tiny!
I'd actually recommend it to people looking for work here, it gives you a chance to meet some pretty cool people as well.
Looking forward to travelling more, and hopefully finding some more girls!
Fundraising perhaps, and my experience with it so far. Well, it's hardly a job to be proud of, but it pays well enough and thanks to free accommodation I'm saving loads of money. Plus I'm getting to travel lots too, off to Port McQuarie later today after one night in Sydney. Last week we were in a small town called Terrigal which was right on the beach and the hostel had free surfboards so we managed to get a bit of surfing in, although the waves were tiny!
I'd actually recommend it to people looking for work here, it gives you a chance to meet some pretty cool people as well.
Looking forward to travelling more, and hopefully finding some more girls!
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