Spring Break
The Daily OrangeQ and A with S. Morgan Friedman and Michael Malice
By T.V. Alexander
Posted: 3/22/06, 12:02 AM EST Section: Bindings
The Daily Orange: This book is entirely based on a Web site. The site itself is based on what seemed to me to be one of the oldest pastimes: eavesdropping. In your view, what's makes "Overheard in New York" special?
S. Morgan Friedman: One quality that makes it special is that it's New York. New Yorkers themselves are a different type of people in a different environment. Instead of L.A. or somewhere else where people are in their cars most of the time, New Yorkers are basically on top of each other constantly - in the subways, buses, on the street.
Michael Malice: A big part of it is people and how people talk - all of this is unedited. That type of spontaneity is censored out of most other art forms.
D.O.: What were the criteria for the quips that made the book?
M.M.: We both had to find it funny that was the primary criteria. There's also stuff in the book that has never been on the Web site.
SMF: Yeah, the book is largely my favorite quotes from the first year of "Overheard in New York."
D.O.: From what I gleaned, you really have no way of being able to tell if the moments sent in were faked. Do you just assume that everyone is on scout's honor?
M.M.: Well, we know that a lot of people do that, they fake dialogue between two people and they make their own Web sites that aren't as funny.
D.O.: In the introduction, Lawrence Block likens the book to the city of New York in the form of novel. For those who have never been to New York, would you recommend the book as an alternative to visiting?
M.M.: There should never be an alternative to visiting New York City. Everyone should experience it. But, I guess the book would be a good way to prepare.
SMF: One common theme is that people who've never been to New York in many ways will identify with dialogues that have happened here. It has a universal appeal.
M.M.: That's the other thing we really love: tourists. They're usually funny.
D.O.: What words have you for those lazy college students who don't buy books, much less read them? Why should they make the leap from the Web site to an actual book?
M.M.: Well, there's the stuff not on the site. It's great book to read on the toilet, or even to read aloud drunk … or high. You know, read it aloud and do the voices. That could be fun. Not that I'd know. I'm strictly an Ecstasy man myself.
D.O.: So, what's the next step for "Overheard in New York?" Should we expect a movie deal?
M.M.: Haha, no. We're working on a new book deal right now and also developing a new site.
S. Morgan Friedman: One quality that makes it special is that it's New York. New Yorkers themselves are a different type of people in a different environment. Instead of L.A. or somewhere else where people are in their cars most of the time, New Yorkers are basically on top of each other constantly - in the subways, buses, on the street.
Michael Malice: A big part of it is people and how people talk - all of this is unedited. That type of spontaneity is censored out of most other art forms.
D.O.: What were the criteria for the quips that made the book?
M.M.: We both had to find it funny that was the primary criteria. There's also stuff in the book that has never been on the Web site.
SMF: Yeah, the book is largely my favorite quotes from the first year of "Overheard in New York."
D.O.: From what I gleaned, you really have no way of being able to tell if the moments sent in were faked. Do you just assume that everyone is on scout's honor?
M.M.: Well, we know that a lot of people do that, they fake dialogue between two people and they make their own Web sites that aren't as funny.
D.O.: In the introduction, Lawrence Block likens the book to the city of New York in the form of novel. For those who have never been to New York, would you recommend the book as an alternative to visiting?
M.M.: There should never be an alternative to visiting New York City. Everyone should experience it. But, I guess the book would be a good way to prepare.
SMF: One common theme is that people who've never been to New York in many ways will identify with dialogues that have happened here. It has a universal appeal.
M.M.: That's the other thing we really love: tourists. They're usually funny.
D.O.: What words have you for those lazy college students who don't buy books, much less read them? Why should they make the leap from the Web site to an actual book?
M.M.: Well, there's the stuff not on the site. It's great book to read on the toilet, or even to read aloud drunk … or high. You know, read it aloud and do the voices. That could be fun. Not that I'd know. I'm strictly an Ecstasy man myself.
D.O.: So, what's the next step for "Overheard in New York?" Should we expect a movie deal?
M.M.: Haha, no. We're working on a new book deal right now and also developing a new site.
