There's an emerging new media two-step around the death of a major celebrity: First Twitter starts tweeting that something awful and unconfirmed is up, followed by cautionary admonitions to wait until the dying (yet reputable) older media bring the full-column verification.
In the case of the death of Michael Jackson earlier today at the relatively young age of 50, Twitter started telling the kids in KCET's New Media department that Jackson had been rushed to the hospital about 45 minutes before major media like the Los Angeles Times or CNN were on the case. In interim between the first tweet and MSM verification, people in the office (and out in the world, for that matter) started sharing their favorite Michael Jackson videos, as if the wave of pixellated good feeling might somehow see the King of Pop through. It didn't work, but it made for a great collection of images and memories. What's your favorite Michael video? Tell us in comments!
King of Pop:
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery:
Multi-platinum and multi-platform:
That voice:
Which are your faves?
Subscribe to Pixeltown's feed.
my favorite is the Indian "Thriller." the Chinese "Beat It" is a close second. It's hilarious but heartwarming to see how different cultures were faithful to the originals, but adapted Michael J to their particular traditions-- opera, Bollywood, etc. Long live MJ!!!