Of Early Adopters, Tenons and Henry Wood

July 23rd, 2010 | Shonali Burke | 1 Comment

“Technically mocking isn’t a sport… yet… though I have made a proposal for the 2020 Olympic games.” ~ Brian Meeks

This is the final post in a three-part interview with Brian Meeks, who goes by the moniker “Extremely Average.” In Part I, Brian talked about why woodworking makes him a better writer, and stinking in the dark room. Part II saw him discussing why he hasn’t decided whether or not Mrs. Johnson was evil. My questions continue:

Tell me a little about your use of social media, personal and professional.

Professionally

I manage the social media and customer relations for a company from Vienna, Va. It is ironic that 3 weeks after I moved back to Iowa, I should get a job 30 miles from my old home.

Filed under Interviews, Shonali Burke, Social Media, Writing | Tags: brian meeks, extremely average, henry wood, Social Media, woodworking, Writing | Comment (1)

From French Credits To English Grammar

July 20th, 2010 | Shonali Burke | 6 Comments

“It is possible that Mrs. Johnson wasn’t evil, though I am not willing to say for sure at this juncture.” ~ Brian Meeks

This is the second in a three-part interview with Brian Meeks, who goes by the moniker “Extremely Average.” In Part I, Brian talked about why woodworking makes him a better writer, and stinking in the dark room. My questions continue:

You’re clearly a skilled writer, anything but “extremely average.” Do you have a background in professional writing, e.g. journalism, or are you one of those natural talents we all wish we could be?

That is very kind of you to say. My background is in numbers. I have a degree in Economics from Iowa State University. I don’t believe I have ever gotten above a “C” in any class relating to English or writing.

I recall in 8th grade trying to learn how to diagram sentences from Mrs. Johnson. It was a nightmare.

Filed under Interviews, Shonali Burke, Writing | Tags: boutros boutros-ghali, brian meeks, extremely average, woodworking, Writing | Comments (6)

How Woodworking Makes Brian Meeks a Better Writer

July 15th, 2010 | Shonali Burke | 5 Comments

“The sheer volume of dreck which my fingers spew forth has helped me to become, albeit only slightly, a more polished writer.” ~ Brian Meeks

This is the first in a three-part interview with Brian Meeks, who goes by the moniker “Extremely Average.” I stumbled upon Brian’s writing on Amplify (how’s that for social media references?), and was fascinated by what he writes about and the way he writes it. So I asked him:

I’ve searched in vain for the almost-obligatory “About Me” on your blog, but couldn’t find it. You’re like Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery. Who are you?

Obviously I have done a poor job of site design, as I have hidden it in the top right hand corner.

I am, at my core, someone who is fascinated by all that I see. The blogging has become a new passion of mine, but it is not the first. It is a bit of a running joke among those who know me well, what is “Meeks’ current hobby?”