June 26, 2008

AONC Video Update: Manifesto Follow-Up

Hello everyone, thank you for reading my manifesto on world domination. Here is the first-ever Art of Nonconformity video update!

I should warn you first that this is good (I think) but not great. My friend Ken, the amazing videographer, brought all this crazy stuff to my apartment and we did the whole thing in two takes. Watching it later, I can see a few things I could do better for next time, so don’t worry– if you guys like it, we’ll do some more.

This 6-minute video includes:

Why I wrote the manifesto
Who I’m writing for
More about the two most important questions in the universe
Close-ups of my ‘James Bond style’ duplicate U.S. passport
My upcoming trip to Bulgaria, Mongolia, etc.

One funny story– the video starts a bit abruptly, and that is totally my fault (not Ken’s). We filmed a short introduction where I said who I am, where I live, etc… but when I watched it later, I hated it. I didn’t want to bother Ken with bringing all his gear over to my house again, so I just asked him to edit the first bit out.

Hopefully if you’re watching, you know a little bit about me already and don’t need the first part. If not, no worries– here’s an updated introduction.

OK, here you go– click the “Play” button to start it up.

(If the video is not working on the site for some reason, click this link to go straight to Google Video.)

After reading the manifesto, please leave your comments over here. If you have comments about the video, that’s fine too– leave them here below this post.

Bloggers of the World, I Need Your Help

As I say in the video, if you have a blog or other web site and judge the report to be of greater attention, I would really appreciate a link so that your readers can learn how to take over the world too. I will be featuring some of the reviews and site mentions in an upcoming resource page.

You can link directly to the manifesto at http://chrisguillebeau.com/3×5/a-brief-guide-to-world-domination or directly to the home page, where we will soon be featuring a permanent link to the guide and the forthcoming resource page.

I am grateful for all the links and discussion that are already taking place around the internet– thank you!

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Comment on this article

24 Responses to “AONC Video Update: Manifesto Follow-Up”

June 26, 2008

Rebecca

I vote YES on the video format. It’s fun to watch.
June 26, 2008

Cheryl

Hi Chris,

I read the Manifesto in a hurry the other day, while walking from my ofice to my car, through the elevator and parking structure, etc. and then sitting in my car before I left work. I’m not ready to do a proper response yet, with my answers to the questions posed, but I plan to work on it over the next couple of weeks, but I did want to make a short post so you know more of us are out here, listening, thinking and plotting about world domination. In the interim, I wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and thought provoking ideas. I’ll get back to you after I let it all simmer in my head and heart for awhile

P.S. One change I have made since reading the manifesto is to learn the names of the all the people I see regularly, but don’t “really” see, if that makes sense (like the person at the front desk of our not-so-friendly office building, a woman who takes my order at the cafe, etc.). I was friendly before, saying hello and good morning and things like that, but it all feels different now simply by adding the name element. There is something powerful about it. Already, almost everywhere I go, I run into people I know by name. It’s been amazing.
June 26, 2008

Sara

I like the video! And your voice. I hope that’s not creepy.

And I’m still considering my answers.
June 26, 2008

Chris

@Rebecca @Cheryl and @Sara,

Thanks! I’m glad you like it.

Take your time on the answers; I’ll be here.
June 26, 2008

Psiplex

Video=Good. Keep ‘em coming Chris!
June 26, 2008

Akemi - Yes to Me

You make a really good point. Basically, I write my blog in response to the two questions you are asking and to help people ask those questions themselves. Sorry if this sounds vague — but these are big questions, plus the answers grow as we grow.

I am originally from Japan and have been in the US since 1995. I’ve also lived in Sydney, Australia, for one year. I see myself as migrant rather than a traveler ^_^
June 26, 2008

Marvin

Nicely done! Though I usually like my information served up in the form of text or audio, the video definitely adds another dimension. More personable, perhaps. Thanks for all the thought-provoking ideas, and good luck on your travels!
June 26, 2008

Lissa Bergin-Boles

Hi Chris,

First, I like the video and making them gets easier every time, so I concur: keep them coming. It was good to hear you.

Second, I haven’t downloaded my copy of the manifesto yet but plan to this weekend (it’s been a FULL week)!

And last, your two key questions are what’s led my life low these last 8 or 9 years, more clearly in the last 5. What do I want out of life? To fulfill my unique purpose. What do uniquely have to give? With my husband, work that helps others find and live their purpose. We figure that the more of us answering the call to be uniquely and innovatively contrary and nonconformist – in other words, happily being themselves as they find and live their natural best – the world would fast become a better place.

I’ll be back after reading your Manifesto to let you know my thoughts; I’m really looking forward to reading it!

Lissa
June 27, 2008

Marowyn

Love the video – will certainly look forward to seeing more of them!

Marowyn
June 27, 2008

David

I’m sorta torn about video. While it is nice to be able to see and hear you as opposed to simply reading, I feel that there are going to be a lot of people who won’t be able to watch it, especially in the less extravagant parts of the world (let’s say, anything below the 90th percentile of wealth). Other than that concern, I like it!

And also, I feel that your manifesto certainly influenced my yesterday’s blog post and in recognizing that, I mentioned your site and post as the main part of my conclusion. I felt that my readers could certainly benefit from becoming your readers and I feel I made that known.

All my best,
David
June 27, 2008

Jessica

The video was great, it’s always nice to put a live feature with a blog to get more in touch with the person writing the blog. I also liked the time – not too long, but long enough to get your ideas across.

I downloaded the manifesto and have been reading it this week as I have time, but will really delve into it this weekend. I’ve been ruminating over the answers to the two questions. I love your ideas! They fit with what I’ve felt but haven’t been able to convey. It really makes me want to take action in life, rather than just think about this stuff, which is what I have a tendency to do.

Thanks for the inspiration, and keep it coming!
June 27, 2008

Marshall

I agree with Marvin. I generally like text or sometimes audio better than video, but the video definitely adds a personal dimension to your site. You’ve done an excellent job with it considering it’s your first one.
June 27, 2008

Jerry

Hey Chris, cool vid, well done! Your work is inspirational to me. If you ever visit the Netherlands again, let me know. Also, my wife is Bolivian (we met there). There’s a nice new destination for you! The in-laws have a nice hostal in Tupiza, southern Bolivia, near the border with Argentina. Well worth a visit and if you’ll ever go to that direction, you’ll be most welcome. Is there a list of the countries you have already visited? I recently discovered this free gadget called “Countries Visited Travel Map” at http://www.travbuddy.com/travel-widgets (in which I have no personal interest whatsoever). Perhaps it suits your website. Greetings from Holland, Europe
June 28, 2008

Ulla

Hi Chris,
Having seen your video is important for me because now I’ve got an impression what you mean with your manifesto. I will download it and read it.
Ulla
June 28, 2008

Kay

Hi,
I like your video, and I also like the Manifesto. Keep up the good work.

One thing I noticed in the video was that you move your head a lot from one side to the other. That was a bit annoying for me. That’s just my opinion.

Have a nice day.
June 28, 2008

Summer Fey Foovay

I will be skipping this post, I tried, but on my slower connection video buffers every few minutes, usually in the middle of a word, so the sense of any spoken material is lost. I am not on a slow connection because I am poor, but because it is all that is available in my location. So you might want to keep that in mind. When I see a video post – I skip it without a glance because I know I cannot watch it. It is estimated that over half of Internet users are still on slow connections for one reason or another.
June 28, 2008

Chris

Hey guys, thanks for all the feedback.

Yes, apologies to those with slow connections, those with hearing disabilities, etc. I realize that video does have its limitations, and I am certainly not an expert with it.

My idea with the video updates is that they will be complimentary to the other stuff, but definitely not taking the place of any other content. I want to do some things with video because people have different learning styles, and some people prefer the combination of audio/video to that of printed words. But because I am first and foremost a writer, the words will always be the priority.

OK, off to pack for my trip! Take care.
June 30, 2008

Crystal

Howdy Chris,

So very nice to have the video, though I admit that I would have been equally happy with just audio. It made a difference to hear the Two Important Questions from you…not sure why, or how much of a difference, but it did.

I’ve been in thought and in motion on Q2 since reading the manifesto last week…plenty of mental and task pruning…can’t wait to see what’s left after all the clutter is gone!

Safe, happy, and blessed travels to you.
July 7, 2008

Kathryn

I like the video — and thank you for the manifesto! Very thought-provoking and exciting.
July 9, 2008

Wendy

Chris, The video update is great, it’s another level at which people can get to know you and feel motivated. Keep them coming!
August 11, 2008

Armony

So very nice to have the video, though I admit that I would have been equally happy with just audio. It made a difference to hear the Two Important Questions from you…not sure why, or how much of a difference, but it did.

I’ve been in thought and in motion on Q2 since reading the manifesto last week…plenty of mental and task pruning…can’t wait to see what’s left after all the clutter is gone!

Safe, happy, and blessed travels to you.
October 10, 2008

izlekop

Video=Good. Keep ‘em coming Chris!
October 15, 2008

mali

Hi Chris,Having seen your video is important for me because now I’ve got an impression what you mean with your manifesto. I will download it and read it.
Ulla
February 9, 2009

Neil

Hey Chris,

Your anecdote about the person that asked you when you were getting a real job reminded me of a similar experience I had when backpacking 2 years ago. People kept asking me what I was going to do ‘when I got back to the real world’. I always thought that was a funny thing to say.

Another funny thing people would say is that after the fun backpacking times it would be time to become ‘responsible’. Responsible to what or to whom I don’t know… mortgage, family, society? Everyone except yourself I suppose.