Tuesday, June 16, 2009

A Letter from the Editor

Hi. Temp X here. If you don't know, I'm the editor, publisher and impoverished mastermind behind The Hollywood Temp Diaries. It's been my pleasure providing daily musings from behind the scenes of Hollywood. Plus it's cheaper than therapy.

It's my goal to make sure that you find your experience with the Temp Diaries (and its subsidiaries Joblist and Yenta), enjoyable and valuable. As a result, I'm conducting informal user survey. I hope you will take a few moments to participate.

Over the course of the last 14 months, I've written nearly 300 postings, routinely posted the UTA joblist and answered countless emails about breaking in to Hollywood. [Note: Those who can't do, teach.] But for all I've done, I have no real idea whether this is really hitting the target in terms of what you want. For all I know, the regular feature The Hollywood Dictionary could be the most painfully dull thing since Season 5 of According to Jim. You might want more from Grantland Rice at the Hollywood Assistant Beer Pong Tournament. Or, heck, you might wish that I'd go away altogether. So help me me out please.

Please click on the "Comment" link here or below and type in the box what you like or dislike about the Temp Diaries, UTA Joblist or Yenta. Or send an email to TempX@tempdiaries.com. Whichever you prefer.

Possible items to consider:
  • The Hollywood Dictionary
  • So You're New to Hollywood
  • Non-NDA violating gossip
  • Make more fun of Ben Silverman
  • Sarcasm-Free Week
  • Songs/Poetry
  • Yenta
  • Just give me the UTA joblist and stop the postings completely
This is not intended to be an exercise in validation or ego stroking. I just want to know how to improve this site so you get all you want out of it. Say whatever is on your mind. After four years in Hollywood, I'm numb to rejection, so a little more isn't gonna bother me.

Thanks for your participation.

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your blog. I really like The Hollywood Dictionary, So You're New to Hollywood, Non-NDA violating gossip, and the Songs/Poetry. I also enjoy reading about the day to struggles of trying to break into the industry. I thought sarcasm free week was a good idea, and I understand why you did it, but I wouldn't want to read another week of it. I like your brand of sarcasm. It's funny without being too snarky. Keep up the blog.

Anonymous said...

I feel like if I didn't have Hollywood Temp Diaries to distract me, I would only focus on my increasing heart palpitations, my rotting BA and my ailing concept of prosperity, success and happiness from working in Hollywood. Thanks Temp-X!

Also, I would suggest a feature to possibly dissuade anyone from trying to break into the industry. See above.

Anonymous said...

Rough day, Temp X? You need your sycophant's cheering you back into the doldrums of Hollywood? It's time for us to give back. We like it, we appreciate it, we need more of it. Just write more entries! You've got a great sense of humor and blend of insider and outsider perspective to make this applicable to everyone. Keep this up, keep writing, keep fighting the good fight.

Anonymous said...

Keep doing what you're doing - it's awesome!

And word on the sarcasm free week - I like your sarcasm!

Anonymous said...

I would love to read about your celebrity sightings and run-ins! Who's cool and who's not?Love your blog - keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

I love the hollywood dictionary (since i've been in the industry for 4 years and still don't know what people are talk about sometimes!) and the gossip.

Anonymous said...

I like everything except the songs. Sorry.

But I'd like to hear more about your own successes, what has gone well, what hasn't, your sneaky plans to break in, why you think you haven't thus far.

Also making fun of Nikki Finke. Can't beat that.

Anonymous said...

I'm a fan of the full scope of content. Gotta love the UTA Job List, of course -- it's what always reminds me to visit. And Yenta has interesting possibilities. But I enjoy reading your other musings, rants, jokes, and insights as well. Keep it up!

Luke Crowe,
National Casting Editor
BACK STAGE
BackStage.com
http://backstage.com/blogstage/

karen said...

Even though I've been in this town for years and write a blog for assistants as well http://advicefromapa.blogspot.com/ (advice from a personal asst) I love reading this blog. It makes me laugh out loud and is actually very informative at times.

Anonymous said...

Pleeeease don't ever stop writing this because then I might get some actual work done... just kidding. But really, I check your blog every day and in true, narcissistic Hollywood fashion love seeing shades of myself in the situations you describe. I miss the Ben Silverman bashing... bring that back!

I'd like to see more non-NDA violating gossip. I can get celebrity gossip everywhere from the bottom (Perez Hilton) to the top (CNN) nowadays, and Nikki Finke is too snarky and bitter for my taste. I'll get my business news from her... I like the take from those of us who are actually THERE and not getting it secondhand from "sources."

Keep on keeping on...

-A Hollywood Assistant

Anonymous said...

Love it. More frequent postings would be fantastic, but I understand that only 10.9% of us are unemployed and needing to fill the time between sending out fabricated resumes to every production and talent office in the greater Los Angeles area. So if you're too busy with your job, even if it is just temping, to keep me continually entertained and reassured, I understand.

Anonymous said...

it gives me reason to wake up before 2pm.

Anonymous said...

dude, keep on doing what you're doing. uh, unless... you really can't take it anymore. i like getting the behind the scenes of the business side- don't really care for celebrity gossip.

Anonymous said...

LOVE this blog! It gives me a very real perspective now that I'm finally considering moving to LA from NYC...I'm already in the industry via NYC and have totally been avoiding LA (until now). Your blog doesn't deter me- just prepares me with constant awareness lol... and I have YOU to thank for it! ;) keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Your blog is hilarious. You have a gift for comedy and writing. And I think the Yenta section is a great way to help people get together on projects. I relate to everything you write about. It's all true. I'm a Hollywood assistant (with no benefits). Your blog makes me laugh at the end of the day and gives my hope. Even after 2 years in LA my dream is still alive.

Anonymous said...

I love the blog. It's very witty. I particularly like the famous people quotes and bits where you make fun of hollywood executives. Also, I love that you have the UTA List posted up. It's so much easier than asking ppl every week for a copy.

I don't, however, like the Hollywood dictionary as much though.

Mr. T said...

I'm on 7 years in the fun -and pain that is LA. And I relate sooo much to this site. More frequent postings? Sure, that'd be great. But hell, if you're spending that time getting the next job or writing a winning script, that's better.

Oh- 1 note: Getting in fights w/ Nikki over scooping her- that's beneath you, X.

Hang in there. And congrats on what this blog is..

Post a Comment