Looks like there’s an open seat at the MTV news desk (if that even exists). Gideon Yago, a staple at MTV for the past 7 years, has given his notice at the network in order to pursue his film career. I guess Gideon sold a screen play based on the Iraq War to Focus Features. So I totally sent my resume to MTV for his job. And by “resume” I really mean a screen shot of the ImBringingBloggingBack site. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see my award winning journalism live on a daily basis? Oh, and by “award-winning” I really mean the awards that I make up in my head that I seem to win on a daily basis. Anyway, here is the open letter that Gideon wrote about his departure. Tell me if you think some of it is a little bitter.
Hello –
As some of you may have heard, today marks my last day as a full-time member of MTV News. I hope to work with you all again in the future but for now my days as a permanent daily fixture on 29, in the studio, or the edit come to an end. I feel incredibly lucky to have spent these last seven years at MTV. I have done so much, seen so many things, worked with such outstanding people that I can say without an ounce of hesitation that it has been the single coolest experience of my entire life. I wanted to thank you all for all of it.
As some of you may have heard, today marks my last day as a full-time member of MTV News. I hope to work with you all again in the future but for now my days as a permanent daily fixture on 29, in the studio, or the edit come to an end. I feel incredibly lucky to have spent these last seven years at MTV. I have done so much, seen so many things, worked with such outstanding people that I can say without an ounce of hesitation that it has been the single coolest experience of my entire life. I wanted to thank you all for all of it.
In the short term, I am headed to Los Angeles to try my hand at other creative ventures. I’m am easily reachable, not just through the homing chip Erica Laden planted in my neck, but at [redacted] My cell phone is also … thankfully … still active.
I did want to offer one final valediction, though. I have learned a great many things during my tenure here: how to write for television, how to do a stand up, how to interview, when to pick your battles. There is one lesson, however, that I consider far more valuable than all the others combined: our audience deserves integrity and respect. Growing up in America is a difficult, sometimes traumatic, often alienating, very strange proposition. In between trying to figure out who they are and what matters in life, there is a chorus of parents, teachers, people and pitchmen telling them what to think and what to do. We are lucky to have an audience that treats us as peers. Though it might be seductive to play the short game with their trust in return for stacked favors and immediate gains, please keep fighting for them and thinking of them in the fine work that you all do. They deserve as much.
Thank you for letting me be part of your lives and your work.
Very Best,
Gideon
Very Best,
Gideon
You know what, Gideon, I would never leave MTV. Ever. Well, only because I probably wouldn’t have any additional opportunities. And a film on the Iraq War? Yeah, I would have written a screen play based on a civil war going on right here in the United States. That civil war is, of course, the war between Cami/Kendra and Tessa of Laguna Beach Season III.
Ok, so please send letters to MTV requesting that I fill his position. Just so you know, I am also available for weddings and Bar Mitzvahs. I am not available for children’s birthday parties.