[Editors] Editors Digest, Vol 75, Issue 8
Laurie Everett
leverett at MIT.EDU
Fri Nov 20 16:07:45 EST 2009
Hello Editors
I'm another one who did exactly what Carol did yesterday.
Don't want to rant, but this really is an incredibly important issue
around public perceptions. Just ask Nancy Hopkins.
Since none of us seem to know him, and there is no context for his
eventual production, this seemed worth raising.
My sense was that this was for example, not headed to PBS, as I doubt
PBS would entertain anyone shopping this idea with this title, even a
working title. (And I say this after a 20+ year previous career in
public broadcasting).
There are a million "producers" out there, some with a lot of
credibility, many freelance, who are serious professionals. I
couldn't help but think that I can't take this request seriously with
such a lack of sensitivity, whether this is a working title or not.
And just to be certain, this is a moderate rant about Mr. Mcguire, not
Jen or her excellent efforts to help tell the MIT story in venues that
make sense for MIT.
Laurie
Laurie Everett
Director
MIT World
leverett at mit.edu
On Nov 20, 2009, at 3:52 PM, Carol Sardo wrote:
>
> I couldn't agree more Emily! I had a very strong reaction to the
> title
> "Go-To-Guy" and wrote the following response to Jennifer Hirsch
> directly; I
> was reluctant to vent to the entire group (didn't want to appear to be
> ranting!).
>
> Thanks for 'listening',
> Carol
>
> p.s. Nancy DuVergne-Smith, I love "Go-To-Geek"!
>
>
> Here is my e-mail from 11/18/09 to Jennifer Hirsh:
>
> Hi Jennifer,
>
> Do you happen to know if Mr. McGuire is entertaining any notions of
> featuring women in his new series?
>
> If so, then it seems that the title, "Go-To Guy", is a bit dated. I
> mean,
> Superman is a man, Wonder Woman is a woman, Astro Boy is a boy, and
> Bat Girl
> is a girl. So is "Go-To Guy" intended to always be a guy? If so,
> then why
> would I want to watch a show that slights 1/2 of the population in its
> title?
>
> I am being mostly rhetorical, partly facetious, and partly serious.
> It is
> just frustrating to still have to bring these issues to the
> forefront, even
> in the 21st century.
>
> Thanks for "listening" and sorry for venting on you. Feel free to
> share my
> e-mail with Mr. McGuire.
>
> Kindly,
> Carol Sardo
>
> ******************
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
>
> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
> Behalf Of
> editors-request at MIT.EDU
> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 12:39 PM
> To: editors at mit.edu
> Subject: Editors Digest, Vol 75, Issue 8
>
> Send Editors mailing list submissions to
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>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. (no subject) (Emily Ranken)
> 2. Re: (no subject) (Jennifer Schmitt)
> 3. Re: (no subject) (Nancye Mims)
> 4. Re: (no subject) (Teresa Hill)
> 5. Re: (no subject) (Nancy DuVergne Smith)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:13:59 -0500
> From: "Emily Ranken" <emranken at MIT.EDU>
> Subject: [Editors] (no subject)
> To: <editors at MIT.EDU>
> Message-ID: <BF0F5C6EF2AF4930A36F6AAE620C38DA at D2TRV3B1>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> One idea I have is to change the name of the show. Didn't anyone
> else have
> a reaction to the title? As if guys are the only ones with
> specialized
> knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.
>
>
>
> Emily
>
>
>
> _____
>
> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
> Behalf Of
> Jennifer Hirsch
> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
> To: editors
> Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show
>
>
>
> Hi all,
> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a
> new
> show. He's looking for some ideas and thought you all might have
> some good
> ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and send along to him.
> Thanks,
>
> Jen Hirsch
> MIT News Office
> Media Relations
> X3-1682
> ________________________
>
> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting
> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will
> surprise,
> enlighten, and entertain.
>
> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a problem.
>
> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only
> person who
> still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis Gentile of
> Quincy,
> who is one of the few people who can repair 100 year old player
> pianos. In
> our pilot episode, he is called to fix one of two remaining Steinway
> player
> pianos, owned by a little old lady in Wellesley.
>
> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be
> stories
> that highlight young people with cutting edge technology dealing with
> problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can find some of
> these
> stories at MIT.
>
> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking or
> cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents a
> remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible
> than metal
> - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and difficult to
> tie off
> in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in knowledge of sailor's
> knots -
> devises a unique series of knots that solves the problem.
>
> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example,
> origami is
> finding new scientific applications. This kind of problem-solving
> can be
> described as "letting dead people solve your problem".
>
> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general
> outline.
> The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems to take
> place
> mainly out of state.
>
> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>
> Yours truly,
> DAN MCGUIRE
>
>
>
> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>
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> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:17:01 -0500
> From: Jennifer Schmitt <schmittj at MIT.EDU>
> Subject: Re: [Editors] (no subject)
> To: editors at MIT.EDU
> Message-ID: <9AB27BBB-3E02-4A8E-A41E-F2553172723F at mit.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=WINDOWS-1252; format=flowed;
> delsp=yes
>
> Amen!
>
> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:13 PM, Emily Ranken wrote:
>
>> One idea I have is to change the name of the show. Didn?t anyone
>> else have a reaction to the title? As if guys are the only ones
>> with specialized knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.
>>
>> Emily
>>
>> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
>> Behalf Of Jennifer Hirsch
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
>> To: editors
>> Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show
>>
>> Hi all,
>> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a
>> new show. He?s looking for some ideas and thought you all might
>> have some good ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and
>> send along to him.
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Jen Hirsch
>> MIT News Office
>> Media Relations
>> X3-1682
>> ________________________
>>
>> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting
>> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will
>> surprise, enlighten, and entertain.
>>
>> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a problem.
>>
>> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only
>> person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis
>> Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100
>> year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix
>> one of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old
>> lady in Wellesley.
>>
>> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be
>> stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology
>> dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can
>> find some of these stories at MIT.
>>
>> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking
>> or cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents
>> a remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible
>> than metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and
>> difficult to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in
>> knowledge of sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that
>> solves the problem.
>>
>> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example,
>> origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of problem-
>> solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your problem".
>>
>> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general
>> outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems
>> to take place mainly out of state.
>>
>> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>>
>> Yours truly,
>> DAN MCGUIRE
>>
>>
>>
>> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>> _______________________________________________
>> Editors mailing list
>> Editors at mit.edu
>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:24:47 -0500
> From: Nancye Mims <nmims at MIT.EDU>
> Subject: Re: [Editors] (no subject)
> To: "schmittj at mit.edu" <schmittj at MIT.EDU>
> Cc: "editors at mit.edu" <editors at mit.edu>
> Message-ID: <0B8ADA48-03FB-4298-BD12-6866FE67002F at mit.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> Yes, I agree completely.
> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:17 PM, Jennifer Schmitt wrote:
>
>> Amen!
>>
>> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:13 PM, Emily Ranken wrote:
>>
>>> One idea I have is to change the name of the show. Didn?t anyone
>>> else have a reaction to the title? As if guys are the only ones
>>> with specialized knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.
>>>
>>> Emily
>>>
>>> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
>>> Behalf Of Jennifer Hirsch
>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
>>> To: editors
>>> Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show
>>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a
>>> new show. He?s looking for some ideas and thought you all might
>>> have some good ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and
>>> send along to him.
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Jen Hirsch
>>> MIT News Office
>>> Media Relations
>>> X3-1682
>>> ________________________
>>>
>>> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting
>>> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will
>>> surprise, enlighten, and entertain.
>>>
>>> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a problem.
>>>
>>> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only
>>> person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis
>>> Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100
>>> year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix
>>> one of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old
>>> lady in Wellesley.
>>>
>>> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be
>>> stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology
>>> dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can
>>> find some of these stories at MIT.
>>>
>>> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking
>>> or cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents
>>> a remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible
>>> than metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and
>>> difficult to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in
>>> knowledge of sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that
>>> solves the problem.
>>>
>>> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example,
>>> origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of
>>> problem-
>>> solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your
>>> problem".
>>>
>>> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general
>>> outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems
>>> to take place mainly out of state.
>>>
>>> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>>>
>>> Yours truly,
>>> DAN MCGUIRE
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Editors mailing list
>>> Editors at mit.edu
>>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Editors mailing list
>> Editors at mit.edu
>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:35:32 -0500
> From: Teresa Hill <thill at MIT.EDU>
> Subject: Re: [Editors] (no subject)
> To: Nancye Mims <nmims at MIT.EDU>
> Cc: "editors at mit.edu" <editors at mit.edu>
> Message-ID: <4B06D364.9040000 at mit.edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>
> How about the "Go-to Gang." "Dancing with the Gearheads"? A
> production
> featuring teams of gearheads dropped on a tropical island and racing
> to
> build a carbon-free energy source using only natural materials?
>
> Nancye Mims wrote:
>> Yes, I agree completely.
>> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:17 PM, Jennifer Schmitt wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Amen!
>>>
>>> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:13 PM, Emily Ranken wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> One idea I have is to change the name of the show. Didn?t anyone
>>>> else have a reaction to the title? As if guys are the only ones
>>>> with specialized knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.
>>>>
>>>> Emily
>>>>
>>>> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
>>>> Behalf Of Jennifer Hirsch
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
>>>> To: editors
>>>> Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show
>>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a
>>>> new show. He?s looking for some ideas and thought you all might
>>>> have some good ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and
>>>> send along to him.
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Jen Hirsch
>>>> MIT News Office
>>>> Media Relations
>>>> X3-1682
>>>> ________________________
>>>>
>>>> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting
>>>> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will
>>>> surprise, enlighten, and entertain.
>>>>
>>>> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a
>>>> problem.
>>>>
>>>> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only
>>>> person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis
>>>> Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100
>>>> year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix
>>>> one of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old
>>>> lady in Wellesley.
>>>>
>>>> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be
>>>> stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology
>>>> dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can
>>>> find some of these stories at MIT.
>>>>
>>>> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking
>>>> or cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents
>>>> a remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible
>>>> than metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and
>>>> difficult to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in
>>>> knowledge of sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that
>>>> solves the problem.
>>>>
>>>> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example,
>>>> origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of
>>>> problem-
>>>> solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your
>>>> problem".
>>>>
>>>> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general
>>>> outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems
>>>> to take place mainly out of state.
>>>>
>>>> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>>>>
>>>> Yours truly,
>>>> DAN MCGUIRE
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Editors mailing list
>>>> Editors at mit.edu
>>>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Editors mailing list
>>> Editors at mit.edu
>>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Editors mailing list
>> Editors at mit.edu
>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:34:32 -0500
> From: "Nancy DuVergne Smith" <ndsmith at MIT.EDU>
> Subject: Re: [Editors] (no subject)
> To: <thill at MIT.EDU>, "'Nancye Mims'" <nmims at MIT.EDU>
> Cc: "'editors at mit.edu'" <editors at mit.edu>
> Message-ID: <004501ca6a07$b9122590$2b3670b0$@edu>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
> HI all,
>
> Or the Go-to Geek.
>
> Nancy
>
>
> Nancy DuVergne Smith
> MIT Alumni Association | Editorial Director
> W98-3rd Fl | 617-253-8217 | ndsmith at mit.edu
> http://alum.mit.edu/ | Slice of MIT blog: http://alum.mit.edu/sliceofmit
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
> Behalf Of
> Teresa Hill
> Sent: Friday, November 20, 2009 12:36 PM
> To: Nancye Mims
> Cc: editors at mit.edu
> Subject: Re: [Editors] (no subject)
>
> How about the "Go-to Gang." "Dancing with the Gearheads"? A
> production
> featuring teams of gearheads dropped on a tropical island and racing
> to
> build a carbon-free energy source using only natural materials?
>
> Nancye Mims wrote:
>> Yes, I agree completely.
>> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:17 PM, Jennifer Schmitt wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Amen!
>>>
>>> On Nov 20, 2009, at 12:13 PM, Emily Ranken wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>> One idea I have is to change the name of the show. Didn't anyone
>>>> else have a reaction to the title? As if guys are the only ones
>>>> with specialized knowledge, ingenuity and arcane information.
>>>>
>>>> Emily
>>>>
>>>> From: editors-bounces at MIT.EDU [mailto:editors-bounces at MIT.EDU] On
>>>> Behalf Of Jennifer Hirsch
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 10:03 AM
>>>> To: editors
>>>> Subject: [Editors] Looking for ideas for pilot of new show
>>>>
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a
>>>> new show. He's looking for some ideas and thought you all might
>>>> have some good ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and
>>>> send along to him.
>>>> Thanks,
>>>>
>>>> Jen Hirsch
>>>> MIT News Office
>>>> Media Relations
>>>> X3-1682
>>>> ________________________
>>>>
>>>> The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting
>>>> specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will
>>>> surprise, enlighten, and entertain.
>>>>
>>>> Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a
>>>> problem.
>>>>
>>>> In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only
>>>> person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis
>>>> Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100
>>>> year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix
>>>> one of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old
>>>> lady in Wellesley.
>>>>
>>>> In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be
>>>> stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology
>>>> dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can
>>>> find some of these stories at MIT.
>>>>
>>>> Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking
>>>> or cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents
>>>> a remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible
>>>> than metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and
>>>> difficult to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in
>>>> knowledge of sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that
>>>> solves the problem.
>>>>
>>>> I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example,
>>>> origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of
>>>> problem-
>>>> solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your
>>>> problem".
>>>>
>>>> My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general
>>>> outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems
>>>> to take place mainly out of state.
>>>>
>>>> I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.
>>>>
>>>> Yours truly,
>>>> DAN MCGUIRE
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> ------ End of Forwarded Message
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Editors mailing list
>>>> Editors at mit.edu
>>>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>>>
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Editors mailing list
>>> Editors at mit.edu
>>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Editors mailing list
>> Editors at mit.edu
>> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Editors mailing list
> Editors at mit.edu
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Editors mailing list
> Editors at mit.edu
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
>
>
> End of Editors Digest, Vol 75, Issue 8
> **************************************
>
> _______________________________________________
> Editors mailing list
> Editors at mit.edu
> http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/editors
Laurie Everett
Director
MIT World
leverett at mit.edu
77 Massachusetts Avenue
35-336
Cambridge, MA 02139 USA
Phone: 617 253 1350
http://mitworld.mit.edu
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