Why I Love Media
The real reason I started 1 AM Media
Hello.
As I work on 1 AM Media and try to grow the subscriber base, I begin to wonder, why do I do this?
As many of you loyal readers know, I have mentioned how much joy this project brings me. I have mentioned it a few times and for those of you who have spoken to me about it in person, you can probably tell how enthusiastic I am talking about it. There’s no question of whether I enjoy doing this. The real question is why?
Let’s start from the beginning. When I was little, we had an above ground pool. I could not swim so every single day my mother would put the little floaties on me and I would float around the pool. I must have been about 3-4 years old. Every time I did this I would get a rash on my legs. I don’t remember it vividly but I must have loved doing it if I was willing to put up with the rash. Whenever I would get a rash (every day), my mother would apply whatever powder I needed, then I would lay in our unfinished basement and watch Toy Story on VHS. To complete this day of luxury, my mother would also provide one slice of cheese and one slice of bologna. Every day.
By now you’re likely thinking “What is this lunatic talking about?” and that’s fair. What does any of this have to do with why I write about media today? To me, watching Toy Story that many days in a row was the first sign that I had a thing for movies.
As I grew up my love for movies increased. This was largely thanks to my oldest brother. He was much older, into history, and was very cultured in movies. I looked up to him then and I look up to him now so I picked up his interest in movies.
One trait we both have when it comes to movies is the drive to know everything about the actors, directors, etc. and making connections to other things they are in. It feels primal when I watch a movie. I feel like I have to know as much as possible about it. This may sound like an insane person’s routine, but I end up enjoying the movie more. I can’t explain it. It feels like I’m getting my money’s worth out of the movie.
The key point I wanted to bring up in this piece was the way media allows us to connect to each other in the real world. Today’s world is full of media and the ability to access it has become almost too accessible. I’m not writing this to preach the dangers of our current world and how social media is ruining everything yada yada yada, we hear that every day. It may be true, but this isn’t the news or a scholarly article. Media gives us the ability to share common interests. One of the best joys in this world is meeting someone and sharing the same love for a movie or TV show or band or song. It’s the perfect way to connect. Maybe I am giving media too much credit, but you know it’s true. You’re at a party, you meet someone, and somehow the topic of your favorite movie comes up. You both say you love that movie and your friendship/relationship already has a jumpstart. Next you bring up other movies and it’s only up from there.
My absolute favorite thing, even better than what I just mentioned, is when you form a relationship with someone and get to share your favorite movies, TV shows, etc. and they get to do the same for you. Whether it be romantic or platonic, sharing your favorite pieces of media is like giving the other person an extension of yourself. There is nothing quite as validating as showing someone a movie and them loving it as much as you do.
Sometimes sharing these things is my fatal flaw, I get overexcited about someone loving something as much as I do that I do it too much. 1 AM Media serves as a vehicle for me to passively do this. When I started it, I thought it would be a way to become a better writer and create a portfolio piece. Upon further analysis, the truth is I just want to share things that I love, make an occasional joke, and connect with an audience of my friends, no matter the size.
For those of you who have complimented 1 AM Media and brought it up in conversation, I cannot begin to describe my gratitude. My love for media is difficult to describe but it boils down to the love for connection and shared interests. Thank you for keeping me invested, this is my favorite thing to do, and I couldn’t do it without you guys. I know I sound like a dirtbag influencer like “Hey what up guys thanks for subscribing!” but it really means that much to me.
Thanks again.
Until next time.
-CJ
Love this piece. Media has evolved so much since we've been here, I wish it never existed but I also couldn't live without it. You had me at one slice of bologna.
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