Monday
Jan222007
The Great American Survey, Part 2
Monday, January 22, 2007 at 09:29PM
Well, I sure didn't expect the feedback I got from that last post. Overwhelming!! Thanks to all of you who are taking the time to fill it out. I'm going to put up some more questions now, a little more specific to this blog, but please, if you haven't filled out the last one, go ahead.
This past year has been such a great experience with this site and all of you who visit. I made my record, you guys helped me cover some expenses by buying it upfront. I've booked shows and seen folks drive a number of hours to make them, because they read about them on here. I want to make this an even better place for you to spend that five minutes every day, so I'd love your honest answers. Again, closet readers, now is the time to come out and say hello!
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
5. What was your favorite topic I've written about so far?
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what's the deal with my sink?
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
You guys are awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I have a feeling it's going to be a good year.
This past year has been such a great experience with this site and all of you who visit. I made my record, you guys helped me cover some expenses by buying it upfront. I've booked shows and seen folks drive a number of hours to make them, because they read about them on here. I want to make this an even better place for you to spend that five minutes every day, so I'd love your honest answers. Again, closet readers, now is the time to come out and say hello!
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
5. What was your favorite topic I've written about so far?
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what's the deal with my sink?
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
You guys are awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I have a feeling it's going to be a good year.
Reader Comments (50)
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
Saw BTLOG in Elkhorn NE, heard the two songs you did, High School Band and Early in the Morning, bought your cd Photographs and have been hooked since.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
Theological rambles and kids.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Limericks baby!
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
Yes
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
Doubt
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
I do like tennis, and koalas have always scared me so...tennis
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
No, I have enough problems with my own, stupid plastic pipes.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
Yes. Singer, no.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Turntables
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Sometimes the images make it longer for the content to load. I am not sure if that is an idea or just a comment.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Don't ask the same question twice, especially twice in a row.
1. Eric Peters INSISTED that I buy Photographs.
2. I like a mix of topics. I never understand the pedals posts, but it's good to see how excited about your work you are. Your theological rambles are honest, and I find them to hit very close to home with some of the stuff I'm facing.
3. Peterson is the limerick guy. Don't steal that thunder. :) Do your own thing.
4. Video is always good. If you need some more, I might be able to pull from that New City show (Greg Adkins CD release)...I've got those tapes here somewhere...
5. The "Oprah, you were wrong" post, the mysteriously absent church rant, and the one about taking the Lords name in vain.
6. Probably guitar is your best bet.
7. Next time I'm in town, if your sink is still messed up, we'll take a look.
8. No.
9. I play an iPod. It's great.
10. I think you should do a podcast where you just talk for a few minutes. I can hook it up so you can call a number, rant, and hang up and have your little rant end up as a podcast. I'd totally subscribe to that...
11. eliminate the redundancy.
A. I think I just pulled it up in a browser one day to see if it existed. It did, so I cancelled the trip to GoDaddy to register it on your behalf and hold it for you.
B. None of the above: more posts about bellybutton lint and me. Okay, the bellybutton lint is way more important. [And I'm still kinda ... bewildered ... that you'd write a post about me. But I'm glad that you ended up making it far, far more about Kenny.]
C. I think that I shall never see / a limerick as lovely as a tree.
D. 1, actually. Video doesn't scale: I have to watch it in real time. Plus, I don't watch YouTube at work. Too busy putting monkeys in space.
E. I think that I enjoy stuff about your family the most. I wish that you'd write more about your mom. As much as we talk about your dad, I have this feeling that I'd love your mom. And, well, I think that everyone else here would.
F. Would a blood-thirsty koala look anything like Cason when he's not shaved for a couple weeks? [I'm sorry, that was kinda mean. But I think Cason knows that I love him. And have a man-crush on him.]
G. Vat zeemz to be ze problem?
H. In college, for about three weeks, before I gave up that idea. I blame all the whippets I was doing.
I. I play the nose flute. I mean, really ... we know that I don't play the guitar. You have my guitar.
J. Finding a friend who doesn't screw up your Weblog for hours when he upgrades things for you would be a start!
K. I'd hack it and put in a HTTP 301 redirect to squarepegalliance.com. That would be awesome.
1. A friend recommended your music. I found the blog to buy a cd.
2. I like the variety.
3. Short video clips are fun every so often.
5. I like the entries about recording, particularly the Pet Sounds and Kingsway stories. You write well. That’s a big part of why I like your music.
8. Not a songwriter. But a writer, yes.
9. I play the guitar very, very badly.
10. Keep doing what you’re doing. And write a book someday! Honestly. I'm paid to tell people that.
11. A big NASCAR banner on the site would improve it.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
I don't remember and now it's gonna drive me crazy trying to
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
All of the above
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Sonnets.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
1 being "yes" and Clay Aiken being "not if my life depended on it," I've gotta say 1
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
I always enjoy you mentioning what other artists you are playing for or producing
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
bloodthirsty koala... sounds like an Australian metal band
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
Nope
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
Yes
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Guitars of both the acoustic and electric variety, and sometimes of the bass variety; a little piano
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Free ice cream.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
making Clay Aiken not suck would be a good start
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
Via shlog.com
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
Kids>theological rambles>pedals
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
haiku
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
Clay Aiken
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
I just enjoy reading about the everyday life of a musician and having it portrayed in a normal, not necessarily glamorous way.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
I'm a tennis player...so tennis.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
Call Mr. Rooter.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
No
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Guitar...but only for my kids...not in public.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
This is a really great site, but being a web geek/marketing nerd, I always have ideas....I don't want to ovewhelm your comments section....but if you really want to hear them or you want to hear them in a condensed form...just drop me a line.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
I heard Andrew went solo after the Normals ended (moment of silence), so I typed it in to buy the new CD and there it was.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
Theological rambles.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Limericks
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
I like video clips but not Clay Aiken
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
Whatever makes me think
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
not playing tennis
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
No, I am not and likely never will be. I can handle a bottle of Drain-O pretty well though/
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
Only in my mind, but then I read what I tried to write.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
my mp3 player?
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Put up more tour dates in Chicago.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Nope. I'll never visit it again so it doesn't matter.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
shlog.com
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
all of the above
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Both. You can alternate between them.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
If Clay Aiken is 10, then Clay Aiken
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
All of them really. I like that I can read the honesty in what you write.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
playing guitar
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
Nope
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
No
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Piano and voice (Yes, I consider my voice an instrument. I have to practice with it and stretch my abilities with it, just like piano; therefore, it's an instrument.)
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
No
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
I like Geof F. Morris' idea for it.
You guys are awesome. Thanks so much for taking the time to do this. I have a feeling it’s going to be a good year.
1. After I bought Photographs at a Caedmons show, I think I kept checking around to see if anything new was coming out.
2. The theological rambles are pretty interesting, cause they make me think. The humor is almost always appreciated, whether it involved kids or music or "he who will not be named" (cough cough Clay Aiken). The pedal board stuff is... mildly interesting.
3. If your limerick or sonnet is as good as your song lyrics, why not.
4. Um... I think on the scale of one to Clay, I am at the Clay end (if that is the higher one, I am not real sure)
5. Community or doubt (the one you wrote after the scare with the bump on your shoulder)
6. How about playing tennis, using your guitar as a racket, against a bloodthirsty koala.
7. You really havent gotten this figured out yet? The answer is duct tape, it always is.
8. I have tried to write a song, I have never considered or called myself a song writer.
9. I can play drums on my belly, I play a mean cowbell, strum a few chords on the guitar and plunk a few keys on the piano. As Alison Kraus would say, "a jack of all trades and master of none". Well, not even really a jack... I just know one or two things with various stuff.
10. More work in progress stuff, more deep thinking posts, and less Clay Aiken mentions.
11. Write funny storys about other Square Pegs... good embarassing stuff
one:
by searching for tour dates/merch
two:
kids
three:
reject your options
how do you like them apples?
haikus are the best
four:
.5clayaikens
five:
i like the rambling topics
six:
bloodthirsty koala, no doubt
seven:
my plumbing involvement only goes so far as the occasional coin-slottage. (we all have it from time to time...don't lie.)
eight:
not so much
nine:
um...i can't even whistle. (so...no.)
ten:
the store is a little lacking
eleven:
why mess with perfection?
1. I thought, "hm... there's an Andrew Osenga... maybe there's an 'AndrewOsenga.com?'!
2. All of the above
3. Mmm both.
4. Rascal Flats
5. Playing tennis with a bloodthirsty koala
6. I'm sorry man.
7. Yes
8. Piano, Guitar, and I dream about the keytar.
9. Only that there should be a section for reading lyrics
10. Yes. I have a friend. What if there should be an 'unfortunate accident?' Think about it. Let me know.
:)
tk
forgot to answer the actual number 5:
5. Doubt.
:)
tk
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
I can't remember - I've been a fan of The Normals since the beginning and during a random Caedmon's concert in Houston I attended at the last second, there you were playing guitar. You did a solo show afterwards, said you were doing your own music now, I got 2 copies of Photographs and the rest is history.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
I like hearing your stories about recording, playing shows, all that. There are always tons of questions I have for artists, whether it be about the business, recording, what gear you use, why you use it, etc. and you seem to cover a lot of it and in the process you share your life (which is always fun to read) and your thoughts (which are quite insightful).
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
sonnets, sir.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
about a 7.
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
six words: Clay Aiken Obama iPhone Sex Hussein
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
poor koala - it just wanted to play.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
six words: Clay Aiken Obama iPhone Sex Hussein
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
yeah
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
a lot of guitar, a little drums
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
nah, i think it runs pretty great.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
i wish it was more like http://www.hornymanatee.com/" rel="nofollow">this site
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com? Probably from you.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles? Kids or theology. I always skip the guitar pedal stuff. Personally my favorite posts are when you're either riffing on pop culture or talking about your creative process.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets? I think there's room for both.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips? Clay Aiken with Ruben and Fantasia on top!!!
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far? See # 2.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala? The koala thing. Though the guitar stuff is cool, too.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink? See yesterday's answer.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter? Once upon a time I was pretty good at it. I've since lost interest.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it? Guitar, piano, harmonica.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? I know it's a lot to ask, but I miss The Drawing Board updates.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? More random/hilarious posts about Clay Aiken and whatnot.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
- I really can't remember...probably because I am a huge caedmon's call fan and when you joined the band a number of years ago I didn't know who you were...so I looked around and found your blog.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
- kids, theological rambles, guitar pedals in that order
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
- if limerickls are story type songs, then yes limericks
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
- Clay Aiken!!
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
- either the updates I get about the Caemon's record, or stories about your kids
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
- tennis
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
- maybe a glob of Clay Aiken is stuck down in there
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
- i've tried
9.Do you play an instrument? What is it?
- acoustic guitar, a little bass, some piano, jaw harp, tablas (i own them but suck)
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
- more contests about picking album names, info on how to get you come do a concert in Charlotte, etc.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
- recycle bin
1. Geof told me, I think? I'm pretty sure I remember when you asked him for a blog.
2. Yes
3. Limericks are so 2005. Sonnets are the new black.
4. Oh, that's definitely a Clay.
5. I liked some of the old Normals stories.... not to be too obsessed with the past, but those can be fun.
6. Bring on the koalas.
7. Try adjusting the flux capacitor.
8. I couldn't write my way out of a paper bag.
9. I attempt to play bass guitar and I'm still trying to learn the lap dulcimer and mandolin that my dad built for me.
10. I'm pretty sure a link to thedirtroad.net would complete the site.
11. I'm pretty sure a link to thedirtroad.net would ruin that site.
1. I think through caedmonscall.net
2. All three in equal proportion. Variety is the spice of life, ya know.
3. Sonnets
4. I'm assuming here that 1 is a high score, so I'll go with 1.
5. The choose your own adventure post was pretty good
6. Gotta go with the koala
7. Mine too!
8. Yes, but that didn't make it true.
9. I can play any song on the guitar as long as it's in the key of G and rhymes with "Bored I Lift Your Game on High"
10. More frequent updates on future work with Caedmon's and from yourself.
11. What he needs is a little more cowbell.
1. The community section of Andrew-Peterson.com
2. Ramble about it all.
3. I fancy a limerick.
4. I agree with Jud. If 1 is the high score, that's what I pick.
5. Doubt...or Hard Day's Night
6. I'll take koalas.
7. Are you reading my mind?
8. I've written songs, but I wouldn't call myself a songwriter.
9. Piano. Badly.
10. Schedule concerts in Virginia.
11. Did I stutter?
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com? I was reading Caedmons Call.net one day and there was a link over here. I had not heard of AO or the Normals prior to checking the old blog. It was very heartening to read a blog by a normal person that seemed very down to earth but not boring. Then I got into your music and well, the rest is history.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles? I have a 10 month old son so I enjoy hearing some of your tales from fatherhood. Your theological rambles are interesting as well...especially the church search entries from a couple years back.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets? Limmericks, then haikus, then sonnets.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips? Video clips are good.
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far? Church search. I have been on a church search for several years and I enjoyed hearing how yours turned out.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala? Ummm...koala.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink? Again, I just clog em.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter? No. I call myself a supreme music appreciator.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it? I bought a guitar a few years ago and can play "For You" by Barenaked Ladies, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and some Violent Femmes song...thats about it.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? I think an AO message board would be great. I used to hang out at the Derek Webb board but it is dying a slow painful death.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? Vomit.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
I don't remember for sure.... but I probably linked to it through Andrew Peterson's site.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
yes
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
That's tough. I think I'll go with sonnets.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
CLAY AIKEN!!!
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
I can't pick just one
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
Bloodthirsty koala, definitely.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
Plumbing does not enthuse me. At all.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
Haha. No.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
I've fiddled around on piano and guitar... not enough to actually go anywhere.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
T-shirts in the store!
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Not ever having to see it again would be enough to make me happy.
1. The dotnet
2. All of it is great!
3. Limericks, hands down!
4. I'll give it a Clay Aik out of Clay Aiken.
5. I'm personally a fan of your thoughts on the Christian life.
6. Koalas are awesome.
7. It's broke.
8. Heh. No.
9. Yep. I play clarinet, contra bass, and the marching bass drum.
10. Come to Texas more often.
11. .netfo erom saxet ot emoc
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
Shlog
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
All of the above.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Limericks.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
Sure...I think.
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
Your community.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
Koala!
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
...
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
No.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Piano & flute.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
No.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
Sorry. :)
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com?
Been a fan of yours since Better Than This, been following ever since.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles?
Guitar stuff.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets?
Honestly, pig latin, that's the way to go.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips?
Clay Aiken
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far?
All the ones that were funny
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or me playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala?
guitar
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink?
Again, not mechanical in the least.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter?
Yes, I write for myself and my much-better-of-a-singer-than-me wife. We just released a 6 song EP to help kick-start our indepent artist careers.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it?
Yes, guitar.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site?
nope.
1. How did you find out about AndrewOsenga.com? Probably from caedmonscall.net, although I'm not entirely sure.
2. Would you rather read about my kids, my guitar pedals, or my theological rambles? I like a bit of each.
3. Would you rather me write in limericks or sonnets? Sonnets.
4. On a scale of 1 to Clay Aiken, do you like video clips? Clay Aiken.
5. What was your favorite topic I’ve written about so far? Probably the hilarity involving Clay Aiken, or that time you cut off your toe with the lawn mower.
6. Would you rather see a picture of me playing guitar, me playing tennis or my playing hide-and-seek from a bloodthirsty koala? Bloodthirsty koala.
7. Again, are you a plumbing enthusiast and, if so, what’s the deal with my sink? Afraid not.
8. Have you ever called yourself a songwriter? No.
9. Do you play an instrument? What is it? I try to play the guitar, but I fail miserably, and it mostly just sits in the corner.
10. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? Just keep up the near daily updates, and it's good.
11. Do you have any ideas for improving this site? Burn it.
1. I met you in an airport somewhere and went looking for a way to get in touch. BAM! Here I am.
2. Kids and theology more than pedals.
3. Haikus
4. Clay Aiken?
5. Your life story.
6. Koala
7. User error
8. Once. But I was really drunk. Or full of myself. I can't remember - Either way...Does that count?
9. Accordion
10. Nope
11. Yummy