THIS VIDEO HAS BEEN DELETED.
While we were interviewing Bob Garfield at WOMMA's WOMBAT conference in Orlando last January he went on an extended and unsolicited riff about the purported origins of WOMMA. He claimed WOMMA was founded by members of various 1970's era leftist guerrilla organizations. He did this in jest, while we filmed him. We recently rediscovered the tape and edited it together with images of the IRA, SLA, other organizations, and WOMMA board members.
We apologize for the offensiveness of the material, and for our unthinking actions. We sincerly hope that any discredit falls on us. We would like to reiterate that WOMMA had no knowledge of or say in the creation and production of this video. Thanks for your understanding. - Owen
View Owen Mack's profile
Comments
We would like to make it absolutely clear that this video was not produced, created, or endorsed in any way by WOMMA. We find it deeply offensive and have asked the creator remove it.
Andy Sernovitz
CEO
WOMMA
312-335-0035
Posted by: Andy Sernovitz | June 12, 2006 03:33 PM
Well Andy, you suck.
Posted by: snake | June 12, 2006 04:44 PM
Great, state that it was not endorsed. But have some fun and creative freedom. This is exactly what WOMMA members have to deal with, with the exception usually consumers have run away with it and it's too late to shut it down. Someone is promoting WOMMA (perhaps while poking some fun - but since I can't SEE the video can't really tell). In my opinion, poor reflection on WOMMA. And cobrandit, you should have been clear about the non-endorsement upfront and left it up with explanation of what it is.
Posted by: JP | June 12, 2006 05:55 PM
Geez, guys.
Let try this again.
WOMMA is all about openness, transparency, and the core principles of the new consumer-generated media environment.
We also love Owen, coBrandit, and the work that they do. That's why we invited them to have complete open access to our events, and let them videoblog without edit or censorship.
This particular video was pretty harsh, with some graphic images that were distubing to some people who saw them. We asked Owen if he would take it down. As a favor. Not as censorship, but in the collaborative spirit of two groups that plan on working together for a long time.
He was kind enough to do us this favor.
This is what the blogosphere is really about. Communications, cooperation, and working together to create an environment that enriches us all.
We look forward to Owens new work, and of course, he'll be at our event next week with full and open access, as usual.
Andy
P.S. That's my phone number in my last comment. Feel free to call. This is about communications.
Posted by: Andy Sernovitz | June 12, 2006 10:53 PM
Hi all-
I just had a lengthy phone conversation with Andy. I think it's fair to say we would both like this whole affair swept under the rug. The problem at this point is that WOMMA ends up looking tarnished, and that is not something I would like to see. I have been a strong supporter of WOMMA's since near it's inception, and firmly believe in WOMMA's goals and vision. We have interviewed many WOMMA members and are the producers of WOMMA's videoseries. The video in question was in poor taste (or worse) and in retrospect it's no surprise that Andy would want it pulled. Give him a break.
This is turning into a WOM/blogging case study, isn't it?
Posted by: owen | June 12, 2006 10:57 PM
I did see the video and I thought it was fun. Garfield goes on a silly riff that would only amuse people who are deeply interested in WOM and consumer-generated media. I don't really understand what's offensive about the content, but I am inspired by the way cobrandit and WOMMA have handled their difference of opinion. Glad it didn't get blown out of proportion. Conflict is catalyzing--Keep the WOM dialogue going!
Posted by: kerry nugent-wells | June 15, 2006 02:37 PM