Monkey See: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monkey See?

Monkey See is a blog about popular culture — the good and the bad; the high and the low. We aspire to be a haven for the geek and a translator for the confused, and to carve out a space where both longtime residents and curious visitors can comfortably roam the pop-culture landscape.

Why is it called 'Monkey See'?

For several reasons, not the least of which is: Monkeys are fun. So is pop culture.

And because I used to explain my interest in pop-culture writing by saying that if you were interested in monkeys, you'd naturally be interested in what monkeys should eat. But you'd also be interested in what monkeys actually do eat, which may not be the same thing.

I'm interested in people, so I'm always interested in what they're watching and reading and listening to, both good and bad.

(Want a more detailed take? Read on ...)

Who are you calling a monkey?

Well ... myself. And you. And that guy over there. We're all monkeys, in my book.

What do you talk about here?

Pretty much anything you're talking about: Television, movies, books, the vast and terrifying Internet, video games, magazines, a touch of music. (Though NPR's music team does plenty of heavy lifting there.) Also miscellany like fashion, etiquette, trends of various kinds, and whatever else is out there in the ether.

We're intrigued when something from whatever realm pops — when it goes from niche phenomenon to full-on pop-cultural meme. This is where we'll talk about why.

Who are you?

I'm Linda Holmes, and I've been a pop-culture writer for more than 10 years.

I had a little movie-review site at one time; I've written about movies, books and television at MSNBC.com; and I was a longtime writer and editor at Television Without Pity. I once interviewed Donald Trump for TV Guide, and I intend to be buried with my minicassette of him asking, "Hello, Linda, how-a you?"

I also co-wrote a book about dating, which is something everyone should try once, if only so that you can be interviewed on television about whether you advocate loose morals. (Tip: Say no.)

I also used to be a lawyer, but that didn't allow me to interview Donald Trump or moon over Gene Kelly, so I had to quit.

What if I don't like pop culture?

It's not about being a fan; it's just about having a good discussion -- oftentimes about what inspires fandom in others. So if your co-worker's devotion to Dancing With the Stars makes no sense to you, we may be able to shed some light.

Does "pop culture" mean I have to care about celebrity gossip?

There are places where "pop culture" means "gruesome divorces and mug shots," but that's not really our style. (Exception: Nick Nolte's mug shot, which is a classic.)

How often do you post?

Every weekday, at least once. I will be joined from time to time by various other folks, from NPR and elsewhere, and we hope to cover a lot of territory.

Can I comment?

We're counting on it. Please follow the comment guidelines, which mostly come down to (1) "Make sure your comment relates to the topic at hand"; and (2) "Maintain a level of civility adequate to advance the discussion and not cause it to degenerate." That last is also known as "If it's not the way you talk to people in person, it shouldn't be the way you talk to people online." Keep in mind that fans and non-fans of, for instance, Batman are not actual enemies; they are eating out of the same figurative bowl of popcorn, and should treat each other accordingly.

Can I e-mail you?

Most definitely. Comments, questions, blog ideas? Write us.