On the Shoulders of Geeks
“If we see farther than others it is because we stand on the shoulders of geeks.”
-Mark Edwards
There was an idiotic poll back in 2004 that found that over 50% of “swingable” voters would rather have a beer with George Bush than suck back a cool one with Senator Kerry. The “beer buddy” factor isn’t important because it doesn’t say anything about the candidate, but it says something about the voter. It says he’s an idiot for seriously answering that question. I don’t want to have a beer with my president, even if it were a president who wasn’t a complete screw up.
There are some things I’d like to know about the current presidential candidates: Who is their favorite super-hero? What science-fiction type item do you wish existed here and now? It’s not that I need to identify with a presidential geek. What I need to know is that someone in this giant bunch of Presidential contenders is imaginative, passionate, and forward thinking. I need to know that someone has a modicum of interest in moving the country forward, rather than letting us stagnate.
On May 30, 2007, Pink Raygun sent the following letter and survey out to all of the presidential candidates:
Pink Raygun is conducting a survey of the presidential candidates, because America’s voting geeks want to know: do you have a little geek in you?
“Geek” is no longer an insult. It’s a term of endearment and pride, and it should be. After all, some of America’s highest profile, and most successful businesspeople, such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, may have been seen as “geeks” in their youth. The number of people who identify themselves as geeks is growing, which is reflected in popular culture and in the media. For example, 34 of the top 40 movie hits are genre (science fiction, fantasy or horror) films. Also, the magazine Geek Monthly, while barely six issues old, boasts a circulation of nearly 300,000. The trend points to geeks gaining ground in American culture.
This survey is meant to be fun and playful (although some of these questions are debated endlessly by geeks in the blogosphere). Have fun with it. Most importantly, be yourself. We’ll probably think you’re awesome.
1. Who is your favorite super-hero?
2. Star Wars or Star Trek?
3. What was the last science fiction, fantasy, or horror film you watched?
4. Do you now collect or have you ever been a collector (stamps, coins, comics, etc.)?
5. What do you consider your geekiest trait?
6. What science-fiction type item do you wish existed here and now?
7. What do you consider the most science fiction-y thing that actually exists here and now?
8. If you could meet one genre-fiction character, who would it be and why?
Our email box has been lit up by responses, but not of the type we hoped for. Since sending this letter out, we have received a dozens upon dozens of automated campaign contribution requests, primarily from the Edwards and Obama campaigns. The Kucinich campaign was kind enough to respond to us personally, letting us know that the questionnaire would be forwarded for consideration.
These things can take time; I get that. They have to be focus grouped and answers have to be carefully stated so as to answer the question at hand without actually saying anything and leaving room to backpedal later.
Will voters actually make decisions based on the answer to “Star Wars or Star Trek”? Probably not. But, people still make voting decisions on moronic non-issues such as gay marriage and personal faith, which makes these questions just as valid as others.
We’ll update on our progress regularly until some candidate realizes that the geek vote is important. The rest should fall in line after that.
And you can help us. Last month, we had almost 20,000 visitors to Pink Raygun. If even 1% of that number Digg or Stumble this article, you can help generate some noise, getting the geek constituency noticed and getting answers to our questions. Click on the “Share This” icon down below. Stumble this article, Digg it, link to it on your blog, your MySpace and your Facebook. Ask your friends to do the same.
Geeks keep their laptops running. Geeks maintain their campaign blogs. Geeks deserve a response.
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July 2nd, 2007 at 1:53 am
[...] Clark Link to Article barack obama On the Shoulders of Geeks » Posted at Pink Raygun - News, Reviews [...]
July 2nd, 2007 at 2:03 am
[...] Clark Link to Article george w bush On the Shoulders of Geeks » Posted at Pink Raygun - News, [...]
July 2nd, 2007 at 12:55 pm
Genius! On one hand, it wouldn’t surprise me if Kucinich himself typed the reply you received while he thinks about how’s he’s going to answer the survey. On the other hand, going purely on who he married, it’s pretty obvious that Kucinich understands what it takes to win over the Geek vote.
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:08 pm
Submitted to Digg, hope you get the responses! Can’t wait to hear them
http://digg.com/politics/Survey_of_the_presidential_candidates_do_you_have_a_little_geek_in_you
July 4th, 2007 at 12:00 am
[...] Geek Survey responses today, either. Chris Dodd’s camp sent an email announcing D-TV, “giving you a [...]
July 5th, 2007 at 12:02 am
[...] of the candidates chose to show their patriotism on July 4 instead of divulging their favorite superhero to Pink [...]
July 6th, 2007 at 12:04 am
[...] or trap you in a circular argument about politics and values. We just want to know if you like Star Wars or Star Trek. Pink Raygun is the fun place to [...]
July 8th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
[...] how much money you’ve raised for your campaign or where you stand in the polls. Around here, it’s your geek that matters. No spin. Just [...]
July 9th, 2007 at 12:20 am
[...] or trap you in a circular argument about politics and values. We just want to know if you like Star Wars or Star Trek. Pink Raygun is the fun place to [...]
July 9th, 2007 at 8:27 am
[...] how much money you’ve raised for your campaign or where you stand in the polls. Around here, it’s your geek that matters. No spin. Just [...]
July 9th, 2007 at 11:33 am
[...] you’ll dress in drag on Saturday Night Live, but you haven’t responded to the Geek Survey. If it makes you more comfortable, you can answer the questions while wearing the Princess Leia [...]
July 10th, 2007 at 11:01 am
[...] So, I can get her to buy me shoes in a dream, but I can’t get her to respond to the Geek Survey? [...]
July 11th, 2007 at 9:56 am
[...] Barack, you’re not the unreasonable one in this argument, but that’s beside the point. Geeks are much less scary than teachers. We won’t threaten your campaign if you favor Star Trek over Star Wars. [...]
July 12th, 2007 at 10:43 am
[...] in the same category as Hitler or K-Fed. I suggest you relax, have a tasty beverage and answer the Geek Survey. It’ll be fun. And you seem like you need to have some fun, [...]
July 13th, 2007 at 11:01 am
[...] rid of NAFTA!” Dennis, you’re a geek. Share your knowledge with us, oh Geek Master! The Geek Survey awaits [...]
July 14th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
[...] listen up. I get that the media likes to play the “gotcha!” game, but the Pink Raygun Geek Survey is carefully crafted to offer little opportunity for accidental racist, anti-Semitic, ethnic or [...]
July 15th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
[...] I didn’t realize it was going to be this hard to get someone to respond to the Geek Survey. At the very least, I thought we’d get a rejection email from an unpaid intern, and we [...]
July 16th, 2007 at 11:51 am
[...] if Geeks use The Secret, that will attract the candidates to the Geek Survey and someone will actually respond to it. Think positively and you will attract what you want! But [...]
July 17th, 2007 at 11:14 am
[...] than respond to the Geek Survey, former Virginia governor Jim Gilmore dropped out of the race for the Republican nomination. [...]
July 18th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
[...] Of course, I care about women’s issues, but I also care Hill’s favorite superhero. I bet it’s Wonder Woman. But, I wouldn’t know, because no one from her campaign has responded to the Geek Survey. [...]
July 19th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
[...] of progress and survival as well. So, Candidates, if you’re going to continue to avoid the Geek Survey, can you at least start publicly thinking about the space program? I want to go to space! I’m [...]
July 20th, 2007 at 11:22 am
[...] Mitt, you believe that abstinence education works, which clearly makes you a fan of the fantasy genre, which falls into the Geek realm. So, how about taking that tiny extra step and responding to the Geek Survey? [...]
July 21st, 2007 at 12:49 pm
[...] Dude! Terrorism could be The Blob! That thing doesn’t even have hands! All I’m saying, Rudes, is don’t be so generic in your pop culture references. Show us your Geek! [...]
July 22nd, 2007 at 1:15 pm
[...] take this ridiculous spotlight off of your boobs and put it somewhere worthwhile, like on your favorite superhero. I’ve been waiting for an answer on that for a [...]
July 23rd, 2007 at 11:24 am
[...] Unfortunately, CNN is keeping control over which questions make it to the candidates instead of letting the public vote on which questions they want answered, which significantly reduces the chances of the candidates answering anything meaningfully. But, it is a start, and it gives me some hope that they might actually respond to the Geek Survey. [...]
July 24th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
[...] Pink Raygun Geek Survey doesn’t even have Anderson Cooper’s angelic face begging the candidates to stop digging [...]
July 26th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
[...] Dodd has the right intentions, but the title does need work. How about “Chris Dodd and The Masters of the Healthcare Universe”? Or “Papa Dodd’s Swingin’ Healthcare Emporium and Tiki Bar”? Chris, Pink Raygun isn’t asking you to unveil a new, groundbreaking initiative for us. We just want to know (among other geeky things) which sci-fi character you’d most want to meet and why. [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 6:06 pm
[...] about questions from a Geek, Mitt? None of the GOP candidates have responded to the Geek Survey questions either, which begs the question: do they know how to use email? Do they understand the [...]
July 28th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
[...] internet and want similar interactivity with our leaders. Ron Paul hasn’t responded to the Geek Survey yet, but his campaign activity around the Comicon says someone on that staff is starting to pay [...]
July 29th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
[...] But, only if you buy his new book, Promises to Keep: On Life and Politics. And he won’t sign it for you. And he won’t take a picture with your baby. And, unless you turn off your camera and cell phone, Joe won’t even come out of the prep area in the back of the store - he’ll just sit in the stock room and pout. Joe, you’re certainly making people jump through a lot of hoops to shake your hand and have you avoid their questions about the war or the economy. Are you going to make Geeks buy your book before responding to the Pink Raygun Geek Survey? [...]
July 30th, 2007 at 10:11 pm
[...] about the Geek Survey? Do you have an answer for those questions? You were the mayor of New York City, Rudes. Surely you [...]
July 31st, 2007 at 4:45 pm
[...] not making much sense. It sounds like you could use a short break. I suggest responding to the Pink Raygun Geek Survey. You’ll have some refreshing fun for a few minutes, and then you can get back to that [...]
August 1st, 2007 at 1:53 pm
[...] Besides, “Barack Obama” is obviously a Star Wars universe name. What do you think, Barack? Or are you more of Trek kind of guy? I wouldn’t know because you haven’t responded to the Geek Survey. [...]
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:54 am
[...] Pink Raygun has been trying to pay you some positive attention since May 30th when we sent the Geek Survey to your campaign [...]
August 4th, 2007 at 11:51 am
[...] What’s up, guys (and gal)? Are we too Geeky for you? We’re not asking you to hang out in mom’s basement and LARP with us. We just want to know about some of your Geeky traits. [...]
August 5th, 2007 at 9:01 am
[...] impact on the effective running of a country and get to a weightier discussion? You know, like the Geek Survey? You guys get into a tizzy over a single reverend with email access, but you can’t even look [...]
August 6th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
[...] Hillary, you defend Washington lobbyists, but won’t respond to the Geek Survey? We’re not even trying to influence your campaign or get you to pass pro-Geek [...]
August 7th, 2007 at 4:22 pm
[...] struggling valiantly to stay in the race, so how about taking a moment to respond to the Geek Survey? You’re roasting whole pigs for votes - answering some Geek questions can’t really hurt [...]
August 8th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
[...] since you’re defining national service as helping you get elected, how about reponding to the Geek Survey? That might help you get some of the Geek votes. It might even make you a little [...]
August 9th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
[...] Barack, take a break from taking blows from your fellow Democratic candidates. You’re already saying what no one else wants to say, so start doing what no one else wants to do: the Geek Survey. [...]
August 10th, 2007 at 9:04 am
[...] that why the Republican candidates are avoiding the Pink Raygun Presidential Geek Survey? Are they worried that Melissa Etheridge is lurking around here somewhere, waiting to pounce? Is it [...]
August 11th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
[...] rules like that, the Pink Raygun Geek Survey is easily as valid as the Iowa straw poll and no one has to pay - or go to Iowa - to participate. [...]
August 12th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
[...] know what is a bargain, Mitt? The Pink Raygun Geek Survey. It’s fast. It’s free. It’s fun. It’ll help the electorate see you as a [...]
August 13th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
[...] Joe, if you’re willing to talk about that kind of politically meaningless topic, then it shouldn’t be a stretch for you to respond to the Geek Survey. [...]
August 14th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
[...] that won’t further damage your political stability. I’m talking, of course, about the Geek Survey. It’s virtually impossible for you to offend the Middle East with your Geek [...]
August 15th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
[...] Are you afraid GQ won’t come calling? So guys and gal, take a break from bickering over Barack Obama’s latest gaffe, Elizabeth Edwards’ latest outburst and Rudy Giuliani’s latest 9/11 exploitation. Do something that will help your image as a real person rather than a pre-packaged presidential product. Respond to the Pink Raygun Geek Survey. [...]
August 16th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
[...] political science student at the University of Phoenix. I suggest you try your hand at the Pink Raygun Geek Survey. Foreign policy is hard - Pink Raygun is just [...]
August 17th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
[...] ummm, Tommy? You were willing to get that close to George Bush, but you avoided the Geek Survey? Now we may never know who your favorite superhero is or which science fiction character [...]
August 19th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
[...] love it when the Geek Survey posts write themselves. Thanks, [...]
August 20th, 2007 at 5:44 pm
[...] starting to get the feeling that you’re not taking Pink Raygun or the Geek Survey seriously. Does that mean you don’t take Geeks seriously? What, we’re good enough [...]
August 21st, 2007 at 2:35 pm
[...] Barack, the mainstream media was respectful toward Chelsea Clinton’s adolescent awkwardness while her dad was running and in office, but you’re running in the blogosphere, where people are going to write horrible things about you, your wife and your kids. But, there’s hope, Barack. Pink Raygun doesn’t get the candidate’s families involved (except for Elizabeth Edwards, who is just out of control). We just want to hear your thoughts on some Geek stuff. So, come on, Barack. Respond to the Geek Survey. [...]
August 22nd, 2007 at 2:02 pm
[...] Perhaps Yahoo! News Photoshopped Kucinich into the picture? I doubt it. Dennis, you‘re really having a hard time getting noticed. Pink Raygun has been trying to notice you for 51 days. We’re falling all over ourselves trying to get you to respond to the Geek Survey. [...]
August 23rd, 2007 at 10:41 am
[...] This is Pink Raygun, where we practice equal opportunity coverage of candidates - from any party - who continue to ignore us and the Presidential Geek Survey. [...]
August 24th, 2007 at 12:21 pm
[...] on, Hill. Be the first female to respond to the Geek Survey. It’s not as historical as becoming the first female president, but it’s pretty darn [...]
August 25th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
[...] So, Tom. Ahora que he inferido que usted es un fanático y un oportunista, esté allí cualquier oportunidad de le conseguir para responder a la Inspección del Tipo? [...]
August 26th, 2007 at 11:56 am
[...] Duncan, now that you’re twenty year pet project has been killed by Congress, might I suggest that you console yourself by responding to the Geek Survey? [...]
August 27th, 2007 at 10:49 am
[...] Duncan, now that you’re twenty year pet project has been killed by Congress, might I suggest that you console yourself by responding to the Geek Survey? [...]
August 27th, 2007 at 11:36 am
[...] was a picture of Scarlett Johansson, that would be another story.” So, Mike. If I print the Geek Survey on a photo of Scarlett Johansson, would you be more likely to look at [...]
August 28th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
[...] card. Now, Mitt. Don’t you think it would be slightly less embarrassing to respond to the Geek Survey? Pink Raygun doesn’t engage in lewd behavior in public bathrooms, although I do have a [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 8:33 am
[...] you’re now using taxpayer money to fund your campaign, shouldn’t you respond to the Geek Survey? You kind of owe us [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 9:34 am
[...] you’re now using taxpayer money to fund your campaign, shouldn’t you respond to the Geek Survey? You kind of owe us [...]
August 30th, 2007 at 10:17 am
[...] at this point, I’d say you’ve got nothing to lose from responding to the Geek Survey. Geeks aren’t as powerful as the car manufacturers and oil companies who will likely bury [...]
August 31st, 2007 at 9:03 am
[...] announcing that next week I will announce an announcement announcing the official send off of the Pink Raygun Geek Survey to the previously announced Fred Thompson [...]
September 1st, 2007 at 11:47 am
[...] did I miss Mike Gravel? We sent the Pink Raygun Geek Survey to his campaign, but since then he’s completely fallen off my radar and, until I saw him on [...]
September 2nd, 2007 at 12:35 pm
[...] have to do the same before they’re allowed to even run for office. Hill, responding to the Geek Survey may actually be tougher than being President because there’s no federal office to deal with [...]
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:25 am
[...] you all just stop needling and taunting each other for a whole five minutes and respond to the Geek Survey? You’re embarrassing yourselves with this childish [...]
September 3rd, 2007 at 12:27 pm
[...] has tantrums about Flash Gordon in the middle of Starbucks. So, come on over, Mike. Respond to the Geek Survey and have a snorty laugh. It’ll be [...]
September 6th, 2007 at 10:28 am
[...] you might have a bigger audience with the Pink Raygun Geek Survey, and you don’t have to put on a suit and travel to New Hampshire to do [...]
September 8th, 2007 at 6:35 pm
[...] you listening, candidates? Does that Geek Survey look any more relevant in light of a scholarly [...]
September 12th, 2007 at 9:45 am
[...] wants to. You know what no one is addressing? Geeks. So, how about it, Dennis? I’m sure the Geek Survey is much less threatening than Syria and you won’t get jet [...]
September 13th, 2007 at 8:45 am
[...] Do you like Superman, Rudes? If not him, then is there another superhero that you think is just awesome? We don’t know, Rudes, because you haven’t responded to the Geek Survey. [...]
September 14th, 2007 at 11:37 am
[...] don’t be like the SciFi Channel. Respond to the Geek Survey. We’re with you on the corn [...]
September 15th, 2007 at 11:08 am
[...] How about taking it one step further and responding to the Geek Survey? [...]
September 16th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
[...] you’re backpedaling on your comment, John, consider responding to the Pink Raygun Geek Survey. It’s a written thing, so there’s no opportunity for crotchety audio outbursts which [...]
September 17th, 2007 at 9:44 am
[...] will, however, ask you to respond to our Geek Survey before handing you the plate. But, at least you won’t be in Iowa. That’s not a bad [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 4:25 am
[...] Geek Survey offers no opportunity to make statements that would compromise you with moderate voters. And, [...]
September 19th, 2007 at 11:23 am
[...] Food? Is that it? Do I have to offer the candidates food to entice them to respond to the Geek Survey? [...]
September 20th, 2007 at 10:00 am
[...] you’re more of a Star Wars gal than a Star Trek gal? It just so happens that we sent you a Geek Survey that addresses that very [...]
September 21st, 2007 at 9:22 am
[...] Tom. Any chance of getting you to respond to that Geek Survey? Or are you going to wait until Mitt, Rudes, and Fred respond [...]
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:47 am
[...] know who would like your undivided attention for a minute, maybe two? Geeks. The Geek Survey can be done in two minutes or less. And if you have to take a call, we can [...]
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:42 pm
[...] get that you want to look bad ass and butch, Duncan. Is that why you’ve resisted the Geek Survey? Because Geeks aren’t bad ass? Because the site is pink and that’s not the color of [...]