Eric Smith, Uwishunu.com/Geekadelphia.com
One of the perks of my job is the opportunity to work with some pretty cool media folks. To kick off Wednesday's "20 Questions" (in the vein of New York Magazine's '21 Questions'), here's one of Philadelphia's favorite bloggers:
Name: Eric Smith
Age: 26
Occupation: Full time blogger (Uwishunu.com, Geekadelphia.com) / part-time college professor / all-the-time awesome.
What were your last 3 jobs? I worked for Tango Magazine out of NYC for a while, editing online content and blogs. Before that, I was mostly just a student, paying my dues working retail and on-campus jobs. I tutored a lot and worked in writing labs with other students.
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job? Sling social media and blogs all across the internet, to show off why people should take a trip to Philadelphia.
What are the perks of working in media? You meet a lot of nice folks; and in my case, I'm just surrounded by people who love what they do. I spend all day working with writers who are passionate about what they are writing about, PR folks who adore their clients, and with a company who loves its city. Can't complain one bit!
What's your biggest gripe when it comes to publicists/PR folks? When they don't research the blogs they pitch to. I handle two blogs, and get the standard cut-and-paste email sent to both, each pretending to be personalized. While I understand there are a lot of blogs out there to pitch to everyday, it doesn't take a lot of time to scan over an 'about' section.
Name 2 of the best events and/or profiles you've done on Uwishunu. Something you were excited about featuring on the site.
1. The Star Wars Exhibit at the Franklin Institute – What can I say, I'm a huge nerd. I was thrilled to see Star Wars all over the blog. I even attended a press trip for the event. An army of storm troopers on the steps of the museum, and a lightsaber battle? So awesome.
2. Anything at the Academy of Natural Sciences – It's my favorite museum in the city, and I pretty much eat up anything they send me. The Butterflies! Exhibit, the current Gecko exhibit... love love love it. Covering what they're up to is always a joy, especially due to how photogenic all their exhibits are. It's hard to mess up photographing colorful butterflies.
What makes a store, product or event newsworthy enough for Uwishunu? Is it in Philadelphia? Do people like it? Done and done.
What's the best meal you've eaten in Philadelphia? Oooh, that's a tricky one. I'd have to say the filet minion at Friday Saturday Sunday in Rittenhouse Square, during Center City Dining Days. It was pretty unbelievable, I've never had anything like it.
What's your signature drink? I'm not a big drinker when I hit the town. I'm not fond of beer, and I don't like spending more than $5 on a cocktail. I know, I know. I'm difficult. However when I do drink, I like Strongbow and Woodchuck (ciders) and I love the Lemondrop cocktails at Postitano Coast, specifically during their Happy Hour. $5 of bliss right there. And lets not leave out the Pomegranite Sangria at Devil's Alley.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut? More than $15 is too much. Chop Shop on South Street is the only place I'll go. Then again, I'm in my late 20's and losing my hair, so it doesn't really mattter. If I had some of those glorious long locks of hair I see on hipster types... then perhaps I'd care a bit more.
When's bedtime? Depends on what day it is! Midnight on the weekdays, and Question Marks on the weekends.
Walnut Street or Chestnut Street? Walnut Street. They've got my Urban Outfitters and Naked Chocolate.
Michael Jackson circa 1979's Off the Wall or Michael Jackson circa 1987's Bad? My answer to all music questions is Bruce Springsteen. But if I have to answer this one... I'd go with circa 1979's.
Twitter or Facebook? Facebook. As fun (and annoying) as Twitter is, Facebook is still better. I like my photo galleries and catching up with old friends. Can't quite do that on Twitter.
Inquirer, Daily News or Metro? The Inky, but I do like a little bit of all three. Plus my dear Alt Weeklies. Helps me find great leads and stories for the blog.
What makes someone a true Philadelphian? Hm. A tough one! I've found that all my friends who consider themselves to be true Philadelphians, know about all the hotspots that are off the beaten path. They know there's more to the city then the restaurants and pubs of Center & Old City.
The most important question of all: Poker or Go-fish? Spades!
Comments
Eric sounds kind of dreamy, although had be been slightly more passionate about the MJ question, he would have made it to ultra-dreamy and I would have moved to Philly immediately.
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