Tooting My Own Horn

I have some exciting news!

Today, I had my first non-job interview, er, interview. Carol Vinzant, a writer for AOL, emailed me this morning asking if I’d talk to her about Milwaukee for a story she is writing – I think that warrants a post!

Carol is doing an article for this weekend on places that get a bad rap to live. She is asking people who actually reside in these cities, and like it, to explain how misunderstood it is. She said she found Play in the City and thought I’d be a great candidate to quote for the story since I talk about Milwaukee on a regular basis.

I hate that Milwaukee was featured as a bad place to live because I love living here! Since I'm a huge advocate of getting positive publicity for the city, I'm hoping I served it well.

Carol called around 2 p.m. and we went over the negative stereotypes of Milwaukee – mainly the beer and bratwurst bit – and then she asked me several questions – What negative stereotypes are you sick of from outsiders? How realistic is the beer and brats image? What makes Milwaukee more fun or more of an opportunity for a young person? Why do people move to Milwaukee? What does Milwaukee have that Chicago doesn’t?

I bet she could have asked any of you the same inquires and you’d easily be able to throw down your two cents. Knowing that's the case, feel free to share your thoughts on the subjects in the comments section. I'd like to hear what you think.

The interview itself went really well even though I was a little on edge. Carol was really friendly and cool, and she told me I was perfect for the story and that I was funny – I made some jokes about Milwaukeeans herding sheep over the M-Change and milking cows on Water Street – so I like her even more.

I think it will be a fun story as it will represent different people from around the country. I’m excited to get my point of view out there, commend this city and give Milwaukee the praise it deserves, plus spread the word about PITC if she lets me.

Carol said the article should launch on Sunday and since I'm told it’s okay to toot your own horn once in a while, I’ll link it from here after I read it.

Comments

[char]

I think some things are stereotypical, like the Cheeseheads and beer, brats. That's what we do and I don't think that's a bad thing. We have the beautiful art museum, the many great restaurants, sports, (GO PACKERS!) Harley motorcycles (esp the new Harley Museum), Summerfest, which is great for young and old, all the great schools, UWM, Marquette, MIAD, just to mention a few.
Milwaukee is small enough to enjoy and get to know people, but big enough to attract concerts, entertainment. It's a great city with promise of getting better. Congrats on the interview and hope it's a positive message they write. I know if it's not positive, it wasn't from you.

[Amanda]

Karen, Congrats on the interview. I look forward to reading what you had to say!

[Scott]

Congratulations on what I am sure will be a great interview and article! One that I am sure will put Milwaukee in a favorable light.