trains in the sky

I really love this article about Tim Pool and what he's been doing for Occupy Wall Street. I don't know how many of you are familiar with him or would know/remember his name, but he's been filming the live stream for The Other 99. This is the stream I've been watching the most, I'm completely hooked on it.

He's not just filming, though; he is part of the protest, and he's filming from within it. He really is incredible. In the times that I've watched, he's shown so much courage, determination, respect for everyone around him, and generosity; I seriously admire him. I like this part especially:

There’s a unique symbiosis happening. Being a livestream he acts as 'eyes and ears' for the viewers. Literally. People will tell him to move the camera somewhere and he’ll do it. They’ll ask for interviews with someone, and Tim will go over and do so (taking extensive feedback, questions, and commentary from the channel viewers). The viewers will ask him questions and he won’t rest until he gets them their answers. There is no delay or time to press. It’s instant. And it’s awesome.

But it goes both ways.

When his camera battery goes low, people swarm into action. Purchasing batteries, locating someone on the ground to deliver, and coordinating delivery. He’s got a dozen batteries, pack and chargers just donated to him so he can keep recording. He mentions he’s getting hungry and somehow people make sure he’s fed with a constant stream of random strangers doing exactly what he needs when he needs it. This also extends to a few thousand people that will devour twitter and live news feeds to give him active intel so he can stay safe.

The goodwill he’s engendering is ridiculous. Beyond the participation, there’s relationships happening here. I have never seen this kind of support for a journalist before. He logs off for the night and hundreds of people stream in their 'THANK YOU!'s and undying gratitude.

I also think he's pretty cute, but, you know ._. /priorities