I’ve got to put a bio on the student page for Boulder Digital Works. I decided to crowdsource it. I asked acquaintances, friends, family and colleagues to tell me who I am.

I’m in the midst of the book Groundswell and thought this would be a great exercise. Groundswell is essentially about how communities of people have come together via social media and the digital universe and how their contributions determine brand identity as opposed to the it used to be with companies controlling their images unfettered.

The groundswell comments I received varied from “best son-in-law” to “Dan is a fucking loony” and “modern day Rasputin.” They said things I never would have thought of or said about myself. This was a lot of fun.

Here’s the amalgamation from what everyone said that I plan to put on the site:

Dan crowdsourced his bio. He is a storyteller who has told some unforgettable tales, both absurd and true. Dan gets off his ass to do things. He’s the guy in the dance off,  a f@#*ing loony, a modern day Rasputin, the best son-in-law, the worst cook and a little stinker. He’s hilarious, confident, creative, industrious, independent, thoughtful, optimistic and sarcastic. Dan’s got a zest for life and a bit of swagger. He is a fountain of the unexpected and a loyal friend. Olives are his enemy and fresh powder is his ally. A deep curiosity for the world drives him. He’s a passionate multimedia producer, filmmaker and writer. Dan’s a dog lover, traveler and a lucky man to have a wife who deals with him, inspires him and partakes in his shenanigans.

Here’s what they said exactly.

Up to the line below was added on Nov. 4, 2009

You are the same as when you were born. Happy, totally non traditional! Never one for the big block buster, more the sleeper independent film. Happy! The last thing you on your list of things to do was watch TV. A true baseball kid, loved to play the game, watch the game, talk about the game, go to a game and knows the statistics. Happy! Definitely self confident, always an excellent sense of self. One characteristic I never realized was so neat, was your wanting to be a part of something but not needing to be the star. Of course wonderful sense of humor, and a lovely way of connecting with people…and dogs!

One thing you left out is that you are really good at asking questions.  Not just stupid questions like such as “how is your day going” more like you ask thoughtful insightful questions about peoples livelihoods because you truly care and want to learn about them.

You are: Red Sox, Patriots, kind, funny, and creative.  You’re also a listener, smiler, and go-getter.  You make people want to be around you.

Dan Viens is a rare concoction of ambition, cognizance, and bedlam best served at room temperature.

Gives great advice on your wedding day.

Is a Blazers fan. Was there when Brandon Roy hit “That Shot” against the Houston Rockets. Go Blazers.

Knows that a text message reading “are you watching this game” actually means “I don’t want to ruin anything for you, but if you’re not watching this game then turn it on right now.”

funny, witty, fast, sharp, stubborn, realistic, sensitive, creative, serious, dog lover, nature lover, trendy, foodie, drinkie, fun

I think you are someone people can always count on. Someone with a witty sense of humor, someone people trust, someone that cares, someone that makes people laugh. And most importantly someone who likes to have fun and make sure everyone around you is having fun

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