Guest Contributor Greg Bowdish comments on the evolving relationship between artists and their fan base, facilitated by social media and web technology, after musician Amanda Palmer and author Neil Gaiman made a surprise appearance at a “Ninja Jam” last Sunday at Ringling College.

Fish out of water? No more! We immersed ourselves in a delightful sea of ocean blues and golden yellows nestled in the open arms of the Ritz-Carlton Sarasota’s new restaurant, Jack Dusty.

I was on the phone with my mom as I went to check out my groceries at Publix the other night. I was on a mission to satisfy a mad craving for mac ‘n’ cheese and pick up some bananas, apples and yogurt for my favorite morning smoothies. I got to the counter, still on the phone. But I always feel kinda skeezy for being on the phone and ignoring the checkout person, so I said to the friendly-looking young man,”I’m sorry for being on the phone right now.” He said, [...]

A packed crowd piled in to the Tiger Bay luncheon today at Michael’s on East in Sarasota to talk about media. Some of my favorite people ever led the discussion about the history, present and future of news media. Biz 941‘s Susan Burns was the moderator and asked some very relevant and timely questions of panelists Diane McFarlin, Publisher at the Sarasota Herald-Tribune Media Group; Matt Walsh, Editor and CEO of the Observer Group; and This Week In Sarasota’s own Matt Orr (hence the R’orr, if you didn’t get it [...]