eric rochow : social media handyman

OK, its the day before Thanksgiving, I just walked Henry, and I have to get down to the community garden to do my compost work shift for the Park Slope Food Coop before cleaning the apartment, editing a new episode of Gardenfork, and getting ready to drive upstate.

But then, Chris Brogan sends me this cryptic email ” Sorry, but you’ve been tagged in a meme: “Chris was tagged by Jason Falls with the following: Who had a big influence on you and how did that affect the direction of your life or career?

Wow. I’m one of 5 people of Chris’ 2,894 friends who he tagged. Very flattering. If I don’t write this now, it wont get done.

George Lucas did this in 1992, and I’m not on the Oscars stage, but some of the biggest influences have been my teachers.

Dr Paul Hirth, my high school literature teacher. Dr. Hirth allowed Wesley Lyles and myself to make an existential movie for our final paper. We had read Camus and Sarte, and I barely understood it, but what stuck in my head is that life is choices, and you’re responsible for those choices. He liked our movie so much we had to show it to all his classes, most of the kids didn’t get it; I didn’t either, but thankfully Wes knew what we were doing. I knew how to run the camera and edit (sound familiar?)

Dr Hirth also said that you can’t fail if you try. When we had a test, if you at least tried, he would not give you a failing grade. This is why I try new things. I’m not afraid of failure.

Debra Davis was my high school journalism teacher. She was ( and i bet still is ) great. Lots of help dealing with being a high school kid with a bad haircut. At the time I had planned on going to college in town and living with my parents. Ms Davis took me aside and said, “Go away to school for one semester, just try it” and I did.

Life changing experience. Stopped cutting my hair and started wearing black all the time. Had I not left home then, I would not be here now. I do wear the occasional gray or white t-shirt these days.

Stanley Innermuehle was my 7th grade homeroom and science teacher. In addition to being a great teacher, Mr Innermuehle showed me several times that I was not always right about the world, and that I should at least try something once, then make a decision on it.

In the recent past, Chris Brogan has certainly influenced me, I don’t think Real World Green or Gardenfork would be where they are now if not for his influence.

So, in my best Chris imitation, who are YOUR influences? I want to hear what YOU think. Its YOUR turn now. I tag Gary Vaynerchuk of WineLibraryTV.com and John Federico of the On Digital Media podcast.