YouTube #Nerd Under the Microscrope: @AnnSpade
#TalkNerdyToMeLover's Awesome Applesauce: Charles Quevedo
If you know who Ann Spade (@annspade) is, you're very fortunate and blessed. One of YouTube's rising web celebrities, she's a "beautiful-beyond-belief" lady with an angelic voice. She has garnered a reputation over the Internet as one of the nicest individuals you'll ever chat with on-line (and in person). I first became acquainted with Ann on YouTube about 3 years ago when I used to constantly spend my time there. Her YouTube videos were funny, thought-provoking, and entertaining. After a few exchanges of back-and-forth messages, we became friends. I even gave several boxes of my old comic books to her son. Then, I lost contact with her for a while when I took a long vacation from YouTube. I've recently gotten reacquainted with her again on Twitter and Facebook. "Talk Nerdy To Me Lover" was lucky enough to interview Ann for a little "Q&A" (Questions & Answers) session:
Q: Where were you raised?
A: I'm from a military family, so we moved around every few years. I'd say I was raised in multi-cultural environments and wouldn't trade it for anything.
Q: What does your family consist of:
A: I'm a proud mother of a son and step-daughter. I'm also married to one of the best people anyone could know. I'm very close with my Mom, Dad, and sister. I'm truly blessed.
Q: What ethnicity are you?
A: I'm half-Filipina from my Mom's side and German decent from my Dad's side. I'm what you call a "Mestisa" (someone with two ethnic backgrounds).
Q: How do you describe your profession?
A: I've worked multiple jobs, strong in administration, but recently was able to leave an office job to focus on "videography". I guess my profession is that I'm a "videographer". I channel my entertainment and creativity through YouTube. l love to entertain!
Q: How long have you been on YouTube?
A: I've been on YouTube since July of 2006.
Q: How did you get started making videos?
A: I was watching Terra Naomi's "Virtual Tour", which is when I first heard of YouTube. To comment on videos, I had to create an account. So, I did! My very first video was a greeting for my MySpace page. There is more in my interview with @stirfryTV here.
Q: How much time do you spend making videos for YouTube?
A: I used to spend more time creating videos until several moves ago and day jobs caused me to post a video maybe every few weeks. Now that I'm working my own schedule, my plan is to post at least once a week.
Q: What do you find difficult about the whole video making process?
A: What I find difficult about the process is coming up with something creative, interesting, or entertaining enough that people want to stick around for. In any case, I continue to do it because I love the process.
Q: What is this "Candy" character you've created for YouTube?
A: Using effects from my webcam one night, I found the "huge eyes" to be funny! So, I gave her a voice and because my son is a big fan of Fred (at least he was at the time), Candy's crush became Fred Figglehorn. The voice seemed to fit.
Q: What is "rANNdomANNtics"?
A: My BlogTV "show" is called, "rANNdomANNtics", simply because there's no real agenda. It's just randomocity throughout, and of course, I use my name tp play up the spelling. I created the "rANNdomANNtics" channel as a way to recap the shows and post any videos that I might not necessarily want on my main "annspade" channel.
Q: Have you been made a YouTube partner yet?
A: I'd rather not discuss the partner thing. I feel physically sick to my stomach and am seeking therapy for rejection (LOL! I kid!). I've been denied twice on each channel and my recent application is "in review" as of today. You can apply every 2 months and interestingly enough, it's been in review for almost four.
Q: Which YouTubers are you closest to and consider very good friends?
A: Tony, a.k.a. projectblogsphere (known as @projblogsphere on Twitter), is one of my closest friends I've met through YouTube. Our friendship has been the most consistent, but I do have a myriad of very good friends and wish I could hang out with more. If I try to list them, I know I'll leave someone out! I just continue meet such wonderful people because of YouTube.
Q: Any other YouTubers you are a big fan of?
A: I'm a big fan of Joe Penna's work, a.k.a. MysteryGuitarMan (known as @MysteryGuitarM on Twitter)! It used to be so difficult to choose when asked, but I always look forward to his videos. I am always entertained by them. I love that it's centered around music, effects and it's good-natured. They're usually very quick and Joe is just hilarious. I could list more YouTubers, but I'd leave someone out and I just don't have the conscience for it. LOL!
Q: What was the name of the band you were in?
A: The name of our band was called, "Lease On Life". We wanted to use the acronym, "LOL", since we always had so much fun and laughed often! My sister is the one who came up with it.
Q: As a singer, have you ever tried out for "American Idol"?
A: I've not tried out for "American Idol". When the show started, I had no idea there were auditions. And even if I did, I was over the age limit at the time of 24. The 2nd season, they raised it, but I had a birthday and was exactly one year over the age limit. Go figure! I would say it's absolutely because of age limitations, but quite frankly, I'd be devastated if Simon tore me to shreds. LOL!
Q: You're also a musician. What instruments do you play?
A: I play the acoustic guitar and some electric. I've played a few Monkee songs on an organ before and get by on a plastic recorder... does that count? I'm told that our voices are instruments. If that's the case, that's what I play best.
Q: Please explain your love for "The Monkees". Why do you love them so much?
A: Whoa! When I answered the last question, I didn't realize this was the next one. Nice! I started watching "The Monkees" in the 80's with my sister. We are of a different generation, but their show was fun. I'm pretty certain the music is what drew me to the show. I grew up listening to my parents' music, so there's such a strong influence there. It was a bonus that they were so adorable.
Q: A lot of YouTubers are getting endorsement deals or getting some kind of job opportunities. What have you been approached to do? Anything weird you can talk about?
A: A couple of years ago, there was a show called, "The Fizz", that reached out to me for content. I received a check in the mail for $250! That was pretty exciting. A couple of reps from the Ford Fiesta campaign contacted me for the first round, but I had the wrong due date and therefore was too late. This 2nd round, they wanted teams and I didn't know any YouTubers who lived in my area that was free to commit to something like that. I've not been offered anything weird, other than other random YouTubers who wanted to launch their own projects that I couldn't get behind. Plus, I really want to focus on my own channel and content (it was tough to do that until recently).
Q: I heard an Internet rumor that you approached to pose nude for Playboy Magazine. Is that true?
A: What?? Really? That's oddly flattering? But no, that didn't happen.
Q: Internet celebs are becoming new targets for "stalkers" and "obsessed fans"? Have you had any problems with either of them?
A: I've been fortunate enough not to have felt threatened because of my on-line presence, but I don't dismiss the possibility. No one should. The term "stalkers" has a negative association with it. If I do have any, it's been pretty positive. I do get my share of "haters", for sure.
Q: If you were approached by a cable network to do a reality show, would you do it?
A: I think it would have to depend on the show. If they wanted a feel good "let's-set-a-good-example" sort of show, then I'm all for it! So, that said... it will never happen! Haha! Really, though... it would depend on what the show is about.
Q: Besides being a singer and videographer, you're also an "independent" actress. What independent films have you starred in?
A: In Phoenix, I was the virus victim in "Embryo" (directed by Angel Ruiz). The still of my dying scene became the icon for film festivals. That was also pretty exciting. I worked with Angel on "Slasher Flick Survival Kit", which was part of a 48-hour challenge, and "Bondage" (which he didn't complete). In North Carolina, I worked with director, Paul Streiner, as a "zombie fighter" in "Zombie Kings", which is the first episode. Paul is working on a second episode and wants it to be a feature instead of a short.
Q: You look pretty physically fit. How often do you work out? What exercises do you concentrate on doing?
A: I used to be more disciplined and diligent about my fitness and nutrition. I was still pretty good about it the last couple of years, but it's only recently I got back into it. It's a lifestyle choice. Ideally, I'd work out every morning for 5 days, eat healthy choices every 2.5 to 3 hours with glasses of water, then have one free free day to eat I want and rest. It's the "The Body for Life" philosophy by Bill Phillips. Anyone with four "L" s in their names can't be wrong. That's how I became fit and lean. Love it! My favorite exercises are "abs" and "cardio".
Q: You've lived on both the West & East Cost of the United States. Which coast do you prefer and why?
A: I'm a West Coast girl at heart. It's where my family finally rooted and I love the culture out here.
Q: Favorite movies?
A: My top two are "Remember The Titans" and now "The Blind Side". Love that they're based on true stories and are about selfless love, team work, and coming together. All positive, all feel good... all warm fuzzies. Next in line are the "Transformers" and "Rocky" series.
Q: Favorite books?
A: I gained the most personally from "The Body for Life" by Bill Phillips, "The Four Agreements" by Don Ruiz Miguel, and "The Choice" by Og Mandino.
Q: Favorite music? Favorite singers/bands?
A: I just absolutely love music! It's tough to pick a favorite. It really all depends upon what I'm doing or what my mood is. I can't imagine life without music really.
Q: What makes you smile?
A: Proud moments. Happy occasions. A hilarious movie, show, or YouTube video. And when someone smiles at me.
Q: What's your pet peeve (what irritates you)?
A: It grates my nerves when things shift around in the car when I drive! That or when I'm really, really cold!
Q: Favorite words of inspiration?
A: "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul". The full Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley is pretty powerful.
Q: What are your favorite social media websites to spend time on? Which ones do you spend time on the longest?
A: YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and BlogTV. Most of my time is spent on Twitter because it's quick and keeps me connected the most. Although Facebook should be included in my list of pet peeves.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: Ooh, so many hobbies. I'll narrow it down to singing, videography, photography, and many things creative.
Q: Any nicknames?
A: With a name like "Ann", you'd think there couldn't be a nickname. I get "Ana" (or "Anna"), "Annie", "Anna Banana" (all of which I don't mind and find endearing in most cases). Growing up, my sister called me "Sissy"... but that's only because my parents tried to teach me to call her "Sissy" and she caught on quicker.
Q: Do you consider yourself "sexy"?
A: Haha! I DON'T consider myself sexy. Sexy is in the eye of the beholder. Or is that beauty? Either way, I could definitely use some help!
Q: "Nerdy" is the new "sexy". What qualifies you as "nerdy"?
A: OH! Well, in that case ... I guess I am sexy! I'm uber sexah , baby! LOL! Hmm... If nerdy is the new sexy and sexy is the eye of the beholder, then logically... nerdy is the eye of the beholder. Tadaaaa! (Qualified!)
Q: Any websites/links you want to shamelessly plug?
A: Let's see... mainly the following:
http://www.youtube.com/annspade
http://www.blogtv.com/people/annspade
http://www.twitter.com/annspade
Follow Charles on Twitter: @FuglyCharlie