You know what they say about fools' names and fools' faces. Here's a chance to see mine in action:

Everybody's A Critic, Or Are They?

States of Criticism, Credibility and Celebrity

November 3, 2005
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
540 W. 21st St.

With 9 million blogs, umpteen online message boards, thousands of shows on hundreds of cable channels, and an increased number of magazines on the newsstand, the number of outlets for expressing criticism has never been higher and the barriers to would-be critics have never been lower. Is this devaluing evaluation or does the shotgun approach result in better criticism? YOU be the Judge!

- Michael Atkinson, Village Voice Film Critic Link
- Emily Gordon, Critic of the New Yorker Link
- Jason Kottke, Author of Kottke.org and self-proclaimed dilettante critic Link
- Duncan Watts, Columbia University Sociology Professor Link
- Moderator Steven Heller, Senior Art Director of the New York Times Book Review, Graphic Designer and Author Link

Who's playing the part of the evaluation devaluer in tonight's performance? It could be me, although New Yorker criticism isn't really a crowded field I'm likely to push anyone out of.

I think it'll be fun, so join us if only for the glamour of the other panelists. As someone who arrived here somehow through a Google search yesterday put it, "how does it feel to be on your on with no direction home a complete unknown like a rowling stone." Harry Potter and the Bloglet of Fire forever!