Last Feburary I challenged a young Sojka supporter to make a song about Simi Valley. He did and the video above is the product of that challenge. As a reward I kept Sojka for Mayor blog posts at the top of my page for a month over the summer.
I was out walking the other night and I came across the writer/singer of that song, Kyle Quiroz. We talked for a few minutes and he told me Youtube contacted him because they are now promoting his video. That basically means it is at the top of the search results for Simi Valley on Youtube and they are paying him. At around 4,000 views it isn't much but I am proud that my blog helped launch the most viral campaign video in Ventura County Campaign history. I am more impressed that Youtube is now sharing ad revenue with Kyle.
I offered a similar deal to Team Huber but they rejected it. I also offered to let them come up with some challenges but they didn't see the value in that either.
Go to my past entry for the lyrics and my original post on this video.
Here is my past entry:
Campaigns are frequently negative and too often end up dividing people. But elections can provide us with an opportunity to have fun on the campaign trail. Anarchist Emma Goldman has been quoted as saying:If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution.I am going to be doing my part to bring civility to the campaign for mayor of Simi Valley. It would be great if both candidates can run campaigns that unite us. They team that is having the most fun should win.
Back in February I posted this challenge to Steve Sojka's Music Team:
Steve,I am issuing this challenge to your campaign music team: Film a great song that extols the virtues of Simi Valley. Sing it to the tune of a recent hip hop song dedicated to a more famous city. Feel free to mention Happy Face Hill, The Duck Pond, and other area landmarks. Keep it nonpartisan and we can use it for years. Go inspire them!
If you do I will keep a blog entry from you at the top of my page for a month.
You have 72 hours to accept the offer but as long as you want to get them to write the lyrics and film it.
Within hours his Music Team posted their acceptance of my challenge:
By Kyle Quiroz on February 13, 2010 12:21 AMHello, my name is Kyle Quiroz. The maker of this video... I accept your challenge! Thank you Mr. Dennert!
Kyle,
A deal is a deal. I will keep an entry on Steve Sojka on the top of my page for the entire month of July. The video is awesome and will be an instant classic. I bet it gets 1,000 views within a few weeks. I am thinking a parade float with this on repeat during Simi Valley Days would be amazing. Think it over.
Here is the video:
Next up: I issue a challenge to candidate Bob Huber. Any suggestions?
That's really great! Congratulations Kyle! What an accomplishment!
I remember when I first saw this video and I thought it was great. Way to go Kyle!
This guy must be a Democrat. Katie is supporting him. Looks too much like Daniel Goldberg for my liking.
Well first off i'd like to thank everyone for your support! Brian Dennert especially because he challenged me! I am paid by Googleadsense, but it's not a lot. I am yet to recieve a paycheck. I need to get a certain amount of hits in a certain amount of time. But for me, it's not about the money. It really was fun and I love that I get to support such a beautiful city and the wonderful people that make it. Such as, Steve Sojka, the person that I think will make the best pick for Mayor and my dear friend, Britney Frybarger! Who helped film and edit the video and even bought the instrumentals, let me use her camera, and edited the video. I am truly blessed and thanks for all the comments! The good and the bad! As for "voter" I am a Republican. :) Although I see where your joke is going. NOT COOL. Although Politics are always scandalous; and you can't base me off of my looks. However, I guess I kind of do look like Goldberg. Anyways, Simi Valley Represent! and thanks again.
Congratulations, Kyle. Really, it's a great video and as a Simi Valley resident I really enjoyed it.
Your posts usually have much of really up to date info. Where do you come up with this? Just stating you are very creative. Thanks again
Im no expert, but I suppose you just made an excellent point. You naturally fully understand what youre talking about, and I can seriously get behind that. Thanks for staying so upfront and so truthful.