Ryan's media diet

David Reich—PR guru, author of the blog my 2 cents, and friend—tagged me to answer a seemingly simple question started by C.B. Wittemore: What’s your media diet? Ok David, you asked for it… my response might be a little disturbing.

First of all, I don’t read print newspapers. Like, ever. Unless I’m visiting my father, who has been saving important Philadelphia Inquirer papers since the early 90’s (for context, he’s a Professor of Mass. Comm.).

But I do read books. Lots of them. I try to read at least a book a month – usually a memoir. I always keep a book in my bag just in case I get stuck somewhere… you know, to fend off any imminent boredom.

During my 10-minute commute to work, I generally like to read, listen to music, or watch video content on my iPod. Sometimes I spend the whole time creating a killer On-The-Go playlist for the ride home.

Once I’m in front of my computer, I first open my work e-mail and read through everything. Always. Then I open the windows that will remain minimized in the background of my screen for the whole day: GMail, CNN, the New York Times Caucus blog, Huffington Post (ooo, it updates itself! What fun!), Ben Smith's Politico blog, AdAge, Jezebel. Then I read through my MediaPost Digital Marketing daily and scan the industry news. And then I go back to my “always on” sites and scan them for any interesting articles or threads.

Then I check all my bookmarked blogs for new content (about 30 in total – and actually, I probably check them every 3 hours). If a headline catches my eye, I’ll follow the link to the blog post itself and read the whole thing, along with the comments. Sometimes I will post a comment of my own.

If any interesting post or thread comes up on Jezebel during the day, I will usually comment. The cool thing about Jezebel is that all comment threads are conversations, not just one-liners or “FIRSTT!?!?!” type of comments. It’s great – like an ongoing convo with a bunch of friends going on all throughout the day.

At the end of the day, I put in my earbuds (headphones) and walk to the bus. If I can help it, I try not to bring my laptop home. Too much laptop is a bad thing.

But when I get home, I turn on the television. Usually to CNN. I’m kind of obsessed with CNN’s “Best Political Team on Television” – I think they’re smart, but I also like to try to figure out all the team’s behind-the-scene politics. I’m sure there’s a ton. I also like to watch MSNBC – Olbermann is the man, and it’s always fun to catch Pat Buchanan say something terribly, oh what’s the word, racist?

I’m not gonna lie, I also watch MTV and VH1 shows. If there’s an America’s Next Top Model marathon playing on a Sunday, I’ll be glued to the tube for hours. I also love CW programming – Gossip Girl rocks my world (umm, last night’s show?! What the hell?!?!?).

When it comes to movies, my first choice would be to view a film on the big screen. I try to see most of the films nominated for Oscars while they’re still being played at that the cinemas. Watching movies on DVD is second choice, and then on-demand would be the third – unless it’s a craptacular old movie like Mystic Pizza. Then I’m all about the Free Movies on Demand (thanks Comcast!).

What else? I don’t use the Internet on my mobile phone. That might make me lame or behind the curve, but I don’t care. I don’t want the Internet following me around wherever I go like a stalker. Sometimes I use the wireless on my iPod Touch… but only when I NEED to Google something and it can’t wait – to settle little disputes with friends, for example.

I watch TV while I run at the gym. If nothing good is on TV, I have trouble staying on the treadmill for more than 10 minutes. But if there’s some crazy E! True Hollywood story playing, I can go for miles.

I don’t shop online. I find it tedious and tiresome. Totally defeats the purpose of shopping, in my opinion.

I blog whenever I feel that I need to. Usually 4 times a week. But I’ve always got a long list of blog topic ideas and an actual post or two I’m working on. At all times.

When it comes down to it, I think I’m a blog gal. I read blogs more than I read mainstream media, I interact with blogs more than I interact with other types of social media platforms (Facebook has gotten SOOOO BORING), I share opinions on blogs more than I share “editor’s pick” type of recommendations. Does that make me crazy? Or just terribly bleeding edge? You decide.

Since this is a meme, let’s hear from Greg Verdino, who’s been living in the social media landscape for ages now, and Arun Rajagopal, who blogs the marketing dish from Oman.

Comments

[Greg Verdino]

Jeezus Ryan - Really? Argh. OK - but I'm traveling this week, so I may not get to this right away. Um, thanks? G

[David Reich]

An interesting diet, Ryan. You're definitely a digital girl. No newspapers, though -- not even online?

I'll have to check out Jezebel.

Thanks for sharing your media diet. Good tags, too.

[RyanB]

Whatever Greg, don't act like you're all above it.

David, I don't read newspapers in print. Online, yes. Maybe I should make that more clear in the post - don't want people thinking I've got my head in the clouds :)

[Arun Rajagopal]

A very interesting read, Ryan. Made me think about my own media diet and I'm going to work on my post ASAP. I totally dig this meme. Hope you are doing well.

[Arun Rajagopal]

A very interesting read, Ryan. Made me think about my own media diet and I'm going to work on my post ASAP. I totally dig this meme. Hope you are doing well.

[C.B. Whittemore]

Ryan, thanks for taking part. This is absolutely fascinating, and helps me put into perspective sources of information vs. sources of entertainment. Way cool!