The Top 50 were announced today, and I have to say, I'm pretty surprised by who did and didn't make the cut. While there are DEFINITELY some amazing and standout videos (I could never compete with some of the media/journalism types), there are also some pretty unremarkable ones (speaking like a rhyming chipmunk in front of a webcam...juvenile Aussies with stuffed animals...begging college co-eds swimming in the snow...do I sound bitter yet? LOL). Makes a gal a bit frustrated, I won't lie. Not only frustrated for myself, but sad for friends with videos that I felt were superior to these (shoutout to Holly and Tony, just to name two). And there's a few who obviously didn't make their own videos, which is also a curious decision by Queensland. I mean, I could have paid someone to make mine. Finally, I'm surprised there are vids that made it who's creator/applicant was never shown interacting in person with a video camera (could be interesting if they COMPLETELY lack physical charisma, right?)...but again, I guess that's Queensland's decision, not mine.
Ahhhhhhh, moving on. That's the way the Vegemite sandwich crumbles :)
Monday, March 2, 2009
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Dale-
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more. I am totally amazed at who they picked for the Top 50. I understand having to do a bit of the "united nations" drill to appear politically correct, but that could have been half of the 50, and then there could have been 25 incredible choices. For instance, the guy (Mark?) with grey hair from So. Cal. who is a "film producer" (please!). He did a very plain video of himself in his front yard (peeling off his suit). Not only was he not as qualified as you or I (or dozens of other U.S. people who applied), but he didn't even put that much work or imagination into his video! (I think they are a bit taken with Hollywood types). And then there was the gal from Texas whose ONLY qualification is that she can produce videos (no travel or ocean experience).
Also, only 6 Americans made it in (1 out of 8) when we we 1/3 of all the applicants! (Did you notice they favored Canada and Australia?)
Granted, there were definitely a few that belong in the top 50, (i.e. Marcela from Canada and that gal from France and possibly the Russian babe for ratings) but only a few standouts out of the entire 50.
Now I must admit to you that I saw your video and considered you my biggest competition! (Which is why I checked out your blog). You're definitely well-qualified. Plus there was a gal in San Diego who I thought had a great shot. NOT ONE of the dozen that I thought were huge competitors made the Top 50! I'm amazed. Goes to show you that you never know what they're looking for.
They may not have liked my video because I mentioned my partner (which the winners didn't), plus have been to many top dive resorts around the world already. Or maybe it's because I live on the beach in California (Santa Barbara to be exact). Or maybe it was my poem. (Or maybe I'm just too old!) Who knows. Here's my video if you wanna check it out:
http://www.islandreefjob.com/#/applicants/watch/1HfrM1IzcpE
Would love to get your opinion as a stranger, since all my friends said the proverbial "you'd be perfect for the job!" Thanks. By the way, I'm a writer, so good luck with your writing Dale! (It takes discipline and patience, of which I am learning.)
Kidfree Kaye
www.kidfreeandlovinit.com