We are the Yes Men AMA

stephentheh · 2012-11-12T16:09:57+00:00

I really enjoyed your film Yes Men Fix the World, and especially that you allowed a version of it to be distributed via peer-to-peer networks. Thank you for all you do, you're an inspiration!

Questions:

What people and/or events inspired you to get started as the Yes Men?
What would you tell someone who wishes to follow in your footsteps? Any lessons to pass on?

xadet · 2012-11-12T16:08:50+00:00

Where can I buy my very own SurvivaBall?

carpy22 · 2012-11-12T16:31:47+00:00

How can Troy, NY improve itself?

TaserWieldingBear · 2012-11-12T16:07:38+00:00

How are you guys coping with your rising fame? That is, I'd imagine that networks and such are getting wise to your press releases and tricks and are much more wary about having you on. So how are you finding new ways to get the media to pay attention?

actorsspace · 2012-11-12T16:08:35+00:00

Have you ever gone to an event under your aliases and been discovered or pointed out before you could get up to the podium or do whatever you came to do?

GoddamnGoats · 2012-11-12T16:18:18+00:00

Thanks for taking time out of your day to stop by Reddit.

What would you think if Reddit coordinated with one of your pranks/activism?

pandaman306 · 2012-11-12T16:10:44+00:00

I loved The Yes Men Fix The World and I have to ask, when did you decide to go for satire as a strategy for fixing the world/trying to change things?

Did you start of as comedians and decide to put your skills to a good cause or start as outraged citizens and found comedy to be a good medium?

Thistlemanizzle · 2012-11-12T16:25:40+00:00

What change have you effected through your actions? I hear of your pranks from time to time, but I never hear of any positive outcome (aside from drawing attention to issues that are already somewhat public).

BrooklynHipster · 2012-11-12T16:06:01+00:00

What's your long term vision for The Yes Lab?

It it more of a networking tool for activists? Or is it like a decentralized open source university? Or maybe both?

Regular_Hipster · 2012-11-12T16:12:27+00:00

Which scam, farce, prank, mission or whatever you call them would you describe as most successful?

which was the most fun?

Mr-Crasp · 2012-11-12T16:26:18+00:00

Do you have any more upcoming documentaries?

NotJimCarrey · 2012-11-12T16:54:43+00:00

I was surprisingly disappointed by seeing answers other than 'yes'

samvimesmusic · 2012-11-12T16:36:23+00:00

How can we know this AMA is not a prank?

AActivist · 2012-11-12T16:18:04+00:00

I submitted a project idea to your website and it interested you enough that Andy talked to me about it a little bit. I haven't been able to get over my fear, as I am known and recognizable in this town as an activist. Is the safest thing to hire a lawyer up front to vet the action for what laws I might be breaking and learn how to prepare for that?

gunzord · 2012-11-12T16:42:03+00:00

Have you ever got any requests by advertising agencies, to do a guerilla ad stunt for a corporation?
if you declined, have you ever felt ripped off by an ad agency that just stole one of your concepts?

BrooklynHipster · 2012-11-12T16:03:25+00:00

Hi guys! I’m such a huge fan it’s difficult to summarize, so i’ll leave it at this: you have inspired me more than any other living artists / activists.

So here’s my question: Who are some artists / activists that inspire YOU?

theyukes · 2012-11-12T16:07:34+00:00

Have you ever been sued for any of your actions?

scuby22 · 2012-11-12T16:18:06+00:00

Have you ever been physically threatened/attacked for any of your events?

ShoutingAtTheTV · 2012-11-12T16:20:51+00:00

Those of us without the skillz of Anon, nor the courage to get arrested -- what can we do to help?

Ighnaz · 2012-11-12T16:35:59+00:00

so what's next for you guys?

Omnishambles_1 · 2012-11-12T16:42:47+00:00

Are you ever open to ideas from people? (i.e myself) Also i love your work, have been following for some time now!

Stanger03 · 2012-11-12T17:47:27+00:00

Wow, an AMA I actually care about!

I actually convinced my government teacher to play one of your movies in class a few years back after finding out about them. I really like you guys' movies and what you do.

I was wondering how often you guys get recognized in public for who you are? Thanks so much!

NoUrge2BingeAndPurge · 2012-11-12T16:21:09+00:00

Hey guys!

I love your approach and I really hope more and more people will start appreciating it!

What's your next action? Could you give us a hint? I'd like to see a charity event for Mitt Romney. We could donate 47% of all profits to his next campaign.

thiev · 2012-11-12T16:32:24+00:00

Can you give us a clue as to what/when your next project might be? Like what time we should turn on Fox Business or something? I'd love to watch it live.

Itsaboutothappen · 2012-11-12T16:35:40+00:00

Isn't 11am-2pm 3 hours?

Hugsandloveforever · 2012-11-12T16:54:48+00:00

You guys came to NYU to give a presentation and you're awesome, and I just wanted to say thank you!

cyburai · 2012-11-12T17:15:13+00:00

How did you settle on "the Yes Men" as the name of your group? It's brilliant.

laserpilot · 2012-11-12T17:42:35+00:00

I actually shot a few clips of you guys for Fix the World (they didn't end up getting used unfortunately but I might have made it in the credits?).

I'm not actually a huge fan of what you do, but I think it probably stems from a misunderstanding. There is definitely an annoyance factor there for sure and I think there is a disconnect for me to see the "point" of this kind of annoyance activism...it sort of gets peoples attention, but does it end up effecting change in the long run as far as you can tell? I think its a combination of that and occasionally your arguments can feel a little heavy handed or one sided

TheMellowestyellow · 2012-11-12T16:26:23+00:00

Do you like guacamole?

samvimesmusic · 2012-11-12T16:34:06+00:00

Do you believe there will be a revolution in the developed countries at some point or will change happen step by step?

nblinder · 2012-11-12T17:01:23+00:00

Have you guys ever pulled off a prank which resulted in the opposite reaction you were expecting/hoping for? Like, have you guys ever thought of something so preposterous that you expected to be forcibly removed from an event but instead found everyone completely embracing your fake message?

BACULUMFOREVERYONE · 2012-11-12T17:24:45+00:00

What was the worst legal repercussion that you faced as a result of impersonating a company/individual?

NebulonicAlchemy · 2012-11-12T17:28:43+00:00

Would you be able to infiltrate the corporate scientific community and expose how much damage they are doing? Thanks in advance.

reallifesaulgoodman · 2012-11-12T17:46:59+00:00

Do journalists still fall for your phony press releases? I figure they would wise up by now.

Effex · 2012-11-12T16:40:54+00:00

Firstly, I think what you guys are doing is awesome. I haven't gotten around to watching the second movie, but I certainly will.

As for my question - Are there any crazy, behind the scenes stories that you can share?

kevie3drinks · 2012-11-12T16:43:53+00:00

am I the only one that thought every answer would be yes?

RealityIsMyReligion · 2012-11-12T16:53:51+00:00

You guys have definitely become recognizable. There is no way you can pull these stunts off without getting caught anymore.

Will you be using volunteers to help do your bidding, or are you going for a new approach with your new-found fame?

And if you are using volunteers, how do I sign up?

cyburai · 2012-11-12T16:54:02+00:00

I actually witnessed the BBC interview in real time. And I totally bought it. So did many of their investors. Well done. And the newspaper gag was Brilliant!

Was there any backlash or fallout for you guys personally for doing these? How bad did it get?

DaAvalon · 2012-11-12T16:56:48+00:00

I'm confused... I thought for a second you meant like that weird cult thing in Jim Carrey's Yes Man.

kayriss · 2012-11-12T17:01:45+00:00

Has there ever been an idea for a project that you invested time and energy into, then thought better of? Something that was too "out there" or dangerous for you to take on?

SpaceBasedMasonry · 2012-11-12T17:04:45+00:00

Any thoughts on that independent bond trader, Alessio Rastani, who last year said Goldman Sachs would love a recession? The media seemed to settle on the fact that he was one of you guys (which a few minutes of research could flatly refute).

Seems interesting that they'd use you guys as a scapegoat for a uncomfortable comment by an interview subject.

P.S. Culture jamming is pretty awesome. Keep up the good work

BloatedChocoStarfish · 2012-11-12T17:29:06+00:00

Just wanted to say that your Dow Chemical/Bhopal 'stunt' was masterful. Were there any repercussions to your group for pulling that off?

unampho · 2012-11-12T17:51:35+00:00

You've said you're antiglobalization. Is it really globalization that bothers you? To me that's like fearing guns, but not murderers. Would antineoliberalism be closer? Or does the "not in my backyard" mentality + globalization count as its own evil?

Edit: Now I understand that schoolgirl giggle feeling people say they have when an ama'er answers their question.

A_Tasty_Ham_Sandwich · 2012-11-12T17:59:37+00:00

I just watched your movie several days ago, and was thinking how an AMA would be interesting.

Have you had any event where you would say you caused more problems than good? For example, in Bhopal and Louisiana, you gave people false hope that their concerns were going to be alleviated to some degree. The people, at least those you interviewed, said that they supported what you did as it brought attention to the situation. Has there been an event when it didn't get much publicity and just gave people some false, temporary hope?

(not trying to be combative, just curious)

life036 · 2012-11-12T18:10:12+00:00

How do you feel about the way the occupy movement has declined (whether it be from media bias or actual internal disorganization)?

snapplecracks · 2012-11-12T19:59:30+00:00

I watched some of "The Yes Men" in an epistemology class in Plattsburgh. It was pretty funny handing out hamburgers and saying they were made from shit.

Hejke · 2012-11-12T20:09:49+00:00

I don't really have a question, I just want to say thank you. You're a great inspiration to me and my friends. We're trying to get the Swedish goverment to stop sending people back to wartorn countries and are about to use your general approach in our next campaign.

Thank you.

DelayLay · 2012-11-13T00:00:00+00:00

Can you come visit my school in nyc?

ThatFunnyKid · 2012-11-13T00:05:07+00:00

Will you upvote my comment? and just watched the film love it

FactorGroup · 2012-11-12T16:20:54+00:00

Would you rather fight 100 duck sized horses, or one horse sized duck?

ern_st · 2012-11-12T17:36:07+00:00

I just have one question:

When can I buy the golden dick suit?!

namesopitional · 2012-11-12T16:44:07+00:00

Where can we buy our SuriverBalls?

swales8191 · 2012-11-12T16:44:35+00:00

Two part question. What do you think is your most successful hoax, and without giving too much away, what are your plans for the future?

mreluzco · 2012-11-12T16:47:02+00:00

I think you guys are really inspiring, especially in an age with so little focus on protest. I've always wanted to do something like you guys, but I've never had the gumption to do it, and I've never been able to collaborate well enough to do it. So my question is twofold.

How do you find so many people to help you? Where do you get the balls to do what you do?

Limahotel · 2012-11-12T16:48:46+00:00

How can we be sure that anything you say on this AMA is true?

StumbleBees · 2012-11-12T16:53:23+00:00

Would it be possible for you guys to provide the PowerPoint demonstration that you used in the Yes Men movie?

tswpoker1 · 2012-11-12T16:58:50+00:00

Have you all ever met the No Men?

qwf · 2012-11-12T17:04:13+00:00

Did you ever try to pursue collaborations with other social change organizations? What was the reception from the more established well known organizations?

galacticpornstar · 2012-11-12T17:05:17+00:00

I filmed a showing and talk that you gave in Boston. I told you that you reminded me of Steve Carell.

Bercir · 2012-11-12T17:13:49+00:00

What is your process for creating a piece? What is the timeline for crafting an intervention?

spage6 · 2012-11-12T17:16:06+00:00

Thank you guys for what you do!

bonny_peg_o_ramsey · 2012-11-12T17:16:07+00:00

Were you guys ever based in Milwaukee? I recall this mysterious storefront that had "The Yes Men" on a sign but they were obviously not a business. I thought something sinister was going on in there...

jeepershcrackers · 2012-11-12T17:30:04+00:00

Any ideas as to what we can do to break the two party system?

Nebraska_Actually · 2012-11-12T17:30:49+00:00

How often do you face the threat of a lawsuit?

Also keep up the great work!

Makaveli777 · 2012-11-12T17:31:39+00:00

I can't think of a question right now but I saw your movie a couple weeks ago on youtube and I really enjoyed it! I hope your lawsuit is going well!!

evanstueve · 2012-11-12T17:34:10+00:00

What would it take to become a Yes Man? I would do anything.

Dataeater · 2012-11-12T17:38:16+00:00

So what happened to your trespassing charges in Calgary?

And how deep does your thinking go regarding the names of the people that Yes Men create? Do you have any sly allusion your "stage" names that they are trying to refer to or are they just nice sounding syllables.

PhantomPhun · 2012-11-12T17:39:42+00:00

Who? I read the Wikipedia entry and I know less about them than before I read it. Holy shit.

bluedistraction · 2012-11-12T17:43:06+00:00

What drives you do to this? I think what you do is amazing, and I just wonder what kind of motivation you need to follow through.

saltychica · 2012-11-12T17:45:50+00:00

loved your film. AND i work right next door to West Hall!

ShamAbram · 2012-11-12T17:49:20+00:00

What is your opinion of Orange Alternative?

jonysaid · 2012-11-12T17:51:24+00:00

Hey Mike Bonanno, I was in your digital filmmaking class at RPI. After taking your class I started taking one film class per semester and I'm currently registered for a fourth. I loved your class and I loved your videos and thank you so much for doing an AMA. Andy, I'm sure you're great too!

FormApplication · 2012-11-12T17:55:53+00:00

Chrome or Firefox?

Dizigen · 2012-11-12T17:56:23+00:00

There's a 1 word term for Yes Men, why not call yourselves "Sycophants"?

k0mbaticus · 2012-11-12T17:59:47+00:00

Yes or no?

Haha_MadeYouLook · 2012-11-12T18:00:53+00:00

Are you really the Yes men? Or are you secretly some rich guys who mocked up some proof?

last5starRESORT · 2012-11-12T18:02:26+00:00

Y'all are great! Love the creative interventions. Done anything with FinSpy or got any ideas about it? Had that shit on my cell and I live in the US!?! SO CRAZY STUPID INVASIVE. Lots to work with.

Yarnmaster · 2012-11-12T18:02:26+00:00

Have you ever just broken out in laughter in front of an audience?

What would sooner have you laughing, audience reactions or your own script?

Have you trained to keep a straight face, and if so, how do you do it?

Billlbo · 2012-11-12T18:05:14+00:00

I have a question for Mike. How did you like Reed college? As a prospective student, I have been shocked at the amount of profoundly creative and rebellious alumni.

AbbyMoriah · 2012-11-12T18:08:16+00:00

Is there any topic or area of interest you'd like to tackle with your activism but haven't? Why? Are there areas/subjects you think are "off limits"?

GabrielMSharp · 2012-11-12T18:08:25+00:00

What's the most significant long-term good caused by your Yes Men stunts?

Very much enjoyed the film back when you put it on torrents.

Winterbay · 2012-11-12T18:09:26+00:00

Which of your, for lack of a better word, "stunts" are you most proud of? ANd which do you wish had had a larger impact?

Crohnskid · 2012-11-12T18:11:37+00:00

When did you get the idea for this type of activism?

And, how much do you guys love what you do?

On a final note, you're wonderful! Thank you!

RonaldMcDonaldsCum · 2012-11-12T18:12:38+00:00

As the others have said, I love your work. Humor and activism is such an exciting idea. I am curious though. How do you support yourselves? How can I contribute to make sure you're feeding yourselves?

veertamizhan · 2012-11-12T18:13:34+00:00

I have a friend who is from Bhopal.

His family was there during the gas leak. They had a jeep, and so were able to escape in time. A lot of other people from their neighbour hood died.

Loved your Dow stunt.

MilesColtrane · 2012-11-12T18:13:49+00:00

do you lift

EditsAfterResponse · 2012-11-12T18:17:36+00:00

How do you feel about Yes Man with Jim Carrey having a similar name?

kickpuncher2 · 2012-11-12T18:22:40+00:00

Yes or no?

cyburai · 2012-11-12T18:23:07+00:00

How often do you get found out early? (I suspect your visibility is making harder and harder to catch your target offguard.) What has happened?

scribbling_des · 2012-11-12T18:25:03+00:00

Wow, finally an AMA I can get excited about and I can't think of a good question. So, uh, what is your favorite kind of sandwich?

brettchamberlin · 2012-11-12T18:27:47+00:00

What do you see as the advantages of your style of prankster, culture-jamming protest vs. straight direct action/civil disobedience... And how much of a line is there really?

Anotherd81 · 2012-11-12T18:28:39+00:00

How do you toe the line between promoting a political cause and promoting your own careers/opportunities?

brettchamberlin · 2012-11-12T18:33:27+00:00

What is the extent of the legal research/prep you do before your events? What are the criminal charges and civil suits which you've faced over the years?

DJUrsus · 2012-11-12T18:33:49+00:00

Hi guys! Love your work. A bit of Reddit procedure: could you ask the admins to mark you and Mike's accounts so we readers can more easily spot your responses? Thanks!

OurKarass · 2012-11-12T18:34:21+00:00

Hey, you guys are amazing. Is there any way I can help you? I live in New York and have, as far as I can tell, pretty much the same political ideology as you. I think the two big issues that need more exposure in the media right now are [1] Obama's covert wars in Pakistan and Yemen [2] The wiretapping/monitoring of Americans at the hands of their telecom service providers.

Kelmorgan · 2012-11-12T18:35:30+00:00

Would you say that it's easier or harder to get fake articles/news items taken seriously in today's age when there's so many internet rumors? I would imagine so many media outlets clamoring for the next big event eats up anything you throw at them.

ttimebomb · 2012-11-12T18:36:02+00:00

Have you ever been worried that you might be arrested or sued for any of the stunts you''ve pulled?

_Artless · 2012-11-12T18:36:44+00:00

Thanks for doing this and keep up the good work! You guys are awesome!

Fivezhot · 2012-11-12T18:40:26+00:00

Can you describe to me, with your own words, what is it you stand for, also this whole Yes men thing (only heard about it just now) Please say yes :)

saltychica · 2012-11-12T18:40:26+00:00

PS i live in downtown Troy. Hit me up if you need any extras!

MarmotChaos · 2012-11-12T18:42:03+00:00

You guys are amazing; I'm a huge fan and am proud to support your projects and those you endorse on Kickstarter. I know you've covered this briefly before in your films, but could you talk about how, before a stunt, you assess the potential effects it might have to those you are trying to help? E.g., what kind of discussions happened about the victims in Bhopal and how they might react to the news of compensation? What is the process of weighing the risk that some people might be extremely disappointed, or even re-traumatized, by the fake news? (I'm not suggesting this happens - I'm asking about the decisionmaking process beforehand and discussions of the potential for it happening).

Keep on fighting for change in your hilariously and uniquely brilliant ways!

Edit: Word change, added parenthetical sentence at end.

Barmleggy · 2012-11-12T18:42:38+00:00

Do you feel anxiety when you do these incredible pranks? How do you get through it?

vmos · 2012-11-12T18:44:15+00:00

How did you keep a straight face when you did that bit with the golden skeleton? Were you expecting someone to stand up halfway through and say "stop that, it's silly" ?

MisterOnd · 2012-11-12T18:45:01+00:00

Do you ever say No?

Swc123 · 2012-11-12T18:45:46+00:00

Did anyone else read this as: Yes we are men AMA

Sai077 · 2012-11-12T18:48:53+00:00

Just have to say you guys are awesome. Keep up the great work!

MarmotChaos · 2012-11-12T18:49:31+00:00

Do you plan beforehand when to "break" character after being pressed or somehow caught? It looks like you guys keep it going for as long as possible, but pretty much take it as it comes. How much pre-planning do you do in terms of considering contingencies - e.g., we'll do A if they do B.

whatsonyourface · 2012-11-12T18:49:49+00:00

What's the best thing you almost did?

krulltheking · 2012-11-12T18:50:00+00:00

damn. I heard the Baja Men were doing an AMA. Guess I'll never know who let the dogs out.

helenaheldin · 2012-11-12T18:51:53+00:00

no question, just a statement: you are fucking awesome and really inspiring, thank you guys!

edipeisrex · 2012-11-12T18:52:05+00:00

If you could change one -- and only one -- injustice in the world, what would it be?

AndyNemmity · 2012-11-12T18:52:50+00:00

I feel like I would have the confidence and experience to do something like this (as well as the political bent), however I have built a career that I love, and I think there's little chance I could sustain it doing something like this.

Isn't that the rub? Is there an opportunity to help on the backend without being as noticed?

eobet · 2012-11-12T18:54:13+00:00

Were you involved in the BP PR event where they had a small oil well spring a leak on the invited guests, and could you talk about that? Oddly, I can't find the video anymore, or even a mention of it on Google... (maybe I'm using the wrong search terms...)

DerpMatt · 2012-11-12T18:54:28+00:00

Who is your favorite Pony?

sanity · 2012-11-12T18:54:44+00:00

Have you ever regretted a stunt, perhaps where you thought you might have embarrassed or inconvenienced someone that didn't deserve it?

A possibly related question: What is the last major political issue where your views changed substantially?

Blackshark1994 · 2012-11-12T18:57:25+00:00

I'm the Scatman! Beep beep beep boop bahp boop bahp...

bigavz · 2012-11-12T18:58:09+00:00

Hey, I was in Michael's class and he showed a documentary film done by one of his friends that I've been looking for for ages! It's about a punk kid who starts working for a mail order publishing or distribution house in the nineties. There is no such thing as a punk rock yes! I just need the name! some closure! It was very influential.

CTypo · 2012-11-12T18:58:54+00:00

Will you guys ever consider doing "The YES Dance"?

kingoff00ls · 2012-11-12T18:59:44+00:00

Why not raise awareness for problems that people don't know about? Like seriously, BP, exxon, George W. Bush, I am pretty sure we are aware of those as well as we know breast cancer exists.

I don't know, for seeing you just now, it seems you want publicity like a talk show host and are harping on songs that everyone has heard.

LustMorm · 2012-11-12T18:59:46+00:00

Do you consider yourselves as fine artists? I'm in grad school right now for photography, and I address problems in current social issue in my work. I feel like I am constantly fighting the idea of art vs. activism vs. entertainment. Any thoughts? thanks.

RschDev · 2012-11-12T19:02:39+00:00

Please come to Florida and punk Voldemort. Please, please, please!!!

dman24752 · 2012-11-12T19:03:08+00:00

I was a part of your Shell action a few months back with Dorli Rainey. It was really fun and I wish the ruse went on a little longer than it did. How much planning did you folks put into the planning of the event? Will this action be in The Yes Men Are Revolting?

basementlolz · 2012-11-12T19:03:27+00:00

No questions, just wanted to say well done and keep it up.... now is not the time to retire ;)

ThisWay27 · 2012-11-12T19:04:04+00:00

Not a question. Just keep doing what you guys do. You are amazing.

Bark_Montgomatree · 2012-11-12T19:05:52+00:00

Did Jim Carry accurately portray the Yes Men in his movie?

OhBlackWater · 2012-11-12T19:06:09+00:00

Yes or no?

Clarkzz · 2012-11-12T19:06:19+00:00

aww dammit I thought you meant you where men who have to answer yes to everything, an' now am all sad :(

billie_holiday · 2012-11-12T19:12:53+00:00

Hey Steve Lambert taught at my school a year or two back and I never got to take a class with him! Now I'm bummed!

Endsville · 2012-11-12T19:14:19+00:00

The first time I saw you was your WTO speech in which you donned the Blowup Golden Cock Suit. It was brilliant and I was reduced to tears of laughter. The looks on the audience faces, and seeing them trying to hold it together and seem professional was priceless. It seems some of them were good humored, and many were just sticks in the mud.

My question to you is, how do you keep your composure? Knowing your there under false pretenses, that your audience is always hostile to you, you guys always seem to be so relaxed. What is really in your mind in that situation? Are you nervous? Sweaty? Breathing heavily? Or do you take it all as one big joke and are comfortable that nothing really bad is going to happen to you?

Anyway, you guys do great work, and one day I hope to be a CEO walking around my office in my Blowup Golden Cock Suit.

DvineINFEKT · 2012-11-12T19:14:48+00:00

Hey Andy and Mike - I don't have much of a burning question for you guys, but I do want to say thank you. The Yes Men Fix The World was a huge step in shaping my outlook on the world that, yes, we CAN fix the world as individuals and truly inspired me.

Thank you for that.

My only real question is when is the next time you guys will be in Chicago? Thank you for your exhibition at Columbia College two years ago :) I never got the opportunity to properly say thank you.

OChrome · 2012-11-12T19:16:27+00:00

"The Yes Men operate under the mission statement of telling the truth and exposing lies.[citation needed] They create and maintain fake websites similar to ones they intend to spoof, which have led to numerous interview, conference, and TV talk show invitations."

So in order to expose the truth you create untruthful websites?

aboutfood · 2012-11-12T19:16:28+00:00

Do you believe in UFO's ?

MLP_Reddit · 2012-11-12T19:16:55+00:00

Can you help me takeover New Vegas?

fumpsee · 2012-11-12T19:17:54+00:00

wow i finally got around to watching your documentary and netflix and i have seriously never felt more inspired to go out and do something. im still working out what i want to do but thank you for showing me a great way to do it!

fistman · 2012-11-12T19:18:23+00:00

Is the Shell lets go social/Arctic ready one of your sites?

The sponges for oil always cracks me up.

FindMucker · 2012-11-12T19:20:51+00:00

I've been curious as to what sort of an impact you want to make from your activism, and am curious about what sorts of impact(s) you think you've made from your activism?

uglypeoplesex · 2012-11-12T19:23:56+00:00

How do you guys keep this up and not get found out? Don't people recognize you when you troll them?

sfcjohn · 2012-11-12T19:35:47+00:00

Ohh, I love yes men, send me a million dollars US yes men.

CapitanPeluche · 2012-11-12T19:42:29+00:00

I won't lie. I've never heard about you until this AMA. But I just read your Wikipedia page, and I've got to say: you guys are pretty badass. Just one question remains: Boxers or briefs?

PROFESSIONAL_FART · 2012-11-12T19:49:01+00:00

Would you rather be assimilated by The Borg or upgraded by The Cybermen?

cartoonmonkey · 2012-11-12T19:53:54+00:00

Do you guys need animation? I would love to work with you on.. anything!! Get in touch by clicking the contact button on cartoonmonkey dot com!

Huge fan! Mr Chad

cartoonmonkey · 2012-11-12T19:54:31+00:00

Also, is Herb Alpert as nice as his music? :-)

DreamsforTomorrow · 2012-11-12T19:56:55+00:00

Thanks for doing this IAMA, I'm a huge fan of your site, particularly the Money & Power articles. So here's my questions, how beneficial is volunteering to a student? Is it worth the time and effort or should I just aim for a co-op? What would help a student post-grad?

rshswe · 2012-11-12T19:58:47+00:00

Yes or no?

The420Turtle · 2012-11-12T20:05:32+00:00

cant view the youtube video in canada, can you fix this?

rosencrantzisdead · 2012-11-12T20:08:34+00:00

What is the difference between your impersonations and identity theft?

I would prefer a poem response.

YonuKitteh · 2012-11-12T20:15:59+00:00

Here is some activism for you. Stop the AMA. Reddit had Jailbait reddit for 3 years. Look up cnns videos on jailbait and creeperpics.

gnujosh · 2012-11-12T20:39:12+00:00

I'm sad that the answer to every question isn't yes!

arcanition · 2012-11-12T20:47:50+00:00

Yes Man you say?

AnarchistBusinessMan · 2012-11-12T20:54:10+00:00

How do you like your steak?

StreetSpirit127 · 2012-11-12T20:55:35+00:00

Do you all have a specific political philosophy or is it a little more wibbly-wobbly (open to all sorts of ideologies)?

whty622 · 2012-11-12T21:29:46+00:00

How has controlling New Vegas been?

fotorobot · 2012-11-12T21:42:57+00:00

What is your opinion of conservative activists, such as O'Keefe from the ACORN tapes fame, that do similarly attention-grabbing work as you do (but for the side of evil)?

1wombat · 2012-11-12T21:47:36+00:00

As far as revolutionary organizations in the West go, they are usually dominated by white men. Feminist critiques say that these type of organizations still promote the status quo because of the quieting effect on people of color and women. It is clear that you probably would not have been as successful if you had been 2 women of color (for example) due to inherent social inequality built into the current system.

How do you respond to such critiques and what do you do to promote the voices of those who are often ignored?

keanureevesnose · 2012-11-12T21:53:29+00:00

Doesn't this mean you guys have to answer yes to every question?

johnsonater · 2012-11-12T21:56:41+00:00

Fan from the UK, you guy's are awesome!

Question;

Have you pair heard of Robert Newman and Mark Thomas, comedic British activists? Would you consider working with either of them? I reckon they'd have some awesome ideas! Id pay good money to see that!

keep being awesome, of to the kick starter site now!

Robert Newman (Robert Newman's History of Oil, http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8957268309327954402 )

Mark Thomas, (the guy famous for this -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM36lEoPTU0 )

SugarSherman · 2012-11-12T21:56:53+00:00

How big are you penises?

adigitalmess · 2012-11-12T21:58:27+00:00

How did you guys feel about the kony 2012 campaign?

xsaiph · 2012-11-12T22:09:28+00:00

Thanks for doing this, and for your work.

Well, most of it. I was hoping you could explain the benefit of the "Arctic Ready" web prank. I felt like that ended up doing the opposite of what environmentalists want. I saw so many people perpetuating it, even cropping out the link so it couldn't be deduced as a prank...basically my experience was that people with higher social consciousness either ignored it (if they were pro-fossil fuels) or looked like buffoons when they shared their outrage or mockery for Shell. Which of course undermines someone's credibility if they are an environmentalist because if they can believe this hoax, they probably believe all the other ones too. And as it was really only forwarded by people who wanted to mock Shell, it was almost totally harmful.

Your thoughts and the reactions/results you've seen?

areyoufuckingthick · 2012-11-12T22:18:22+00:00

Can I see your business card please?

SkySilver · 2012-11-12T22:38:53+00:00

Were you ever confused for a fan club of the English rock band Yes?

I-Am-Sarcastic · 2012-11-12T22:53:21+00:00

I Love You! call me.

vanadium123 · 2012-11-12T23:02:27+00:00

I recently saw your show up at Columbia College. Very cool. How do you decide what materiality your next project will take? For instance, with your survival suit, how did you decide upon that physically as a way to address climate and social issues?

leodoestheopposite · 2012-11-12T23:02:42+00:00

Have you ever been arrested?

MoonBearzzz · 2012-11-12T23:05:31+00:00

I don't even know you who are, (not to be offensive), why should want to know who you guys are?

halezerg · 2012-11-12T23:18:16+00:00

I have a hard time explaining how a, as you put it, community autonomy, ground up (see?) political system would ideally work. I tend to say direct democracy, but the assumptions behind this term still don't explicate the importance of local community over federal government. My question: is there any book(s) you read, any philosopher, experiences, association of ideas perhaps, that led you to your political beliefs?

LuisReis27 · 2012-11-12T23:36:19+00:00

Do you enjoy homosexual pleasure? I know what u are obliged to ANSWER DO NOT! FAIL! THIS! ONE!

BlackIcee · 2012-11-13T00:55:31+00:00

It might seem like a rather bland question, but what are your political views?

Elite_GunnerX · 2012-11-12T17:03:10+00:00

Came here expecting this...was disappointed...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyqUj3PGHv4

markesh0 · 2012-11-12T17:18:02+00:00

Holy shit, I've never seen these antics. I cant stop laughing, great job guys keep up the awesome work !!

EDIT: Will you possibly take on religion at some point ??

crosby510 · 2012-11-12T17:41:38+00:00

So have you gotten Jim Carrey on board to make a sequel yet or was it just a one time thing?

flamingiceriver · 2012-11-12T17:44:26+00:00

Would you rather fight one duck size horse or one hundred horse size ducks?

Wommerdo · 2012-11-12T19:29:46+00:00

is this just a stunt for publicity or a reference to the movie or is this real?

YourMainDude · 2012-11-12T21:05:45+00:00

WILL YOU GIVE ME 500 DOLLARS? PAYPAL: COOKIELUW@HOTMAIL.COM

Date	Time(EST)	Person	Description
12 Nov	LINK	The Yes Men	Activists, Filmmakers
12 Nov	LIVE	Shira Piven	Writer, Director of Fully Loaded
12 Nov	4pm	Ben Taylor	Musician
12 Nov	8pm	Universal Music Canada A&R Team	Answering questions about singing with a major label
13 Nov	TBD	Eric Idle	Comedian, Monty Python Group
13 Nov	12pm	Steve Chao	Al Jazeera correspondent reporting from Helmand, Afghanistan
13 Nov	2pm	Microsoft University Recruiters	A few recruiters answering questions
13 Nov	2pm	Ubisoft Developers (AMAA)	Assassin's Creed Development Team
13 Nov	2pm	Sean Carroll	Theoretical physicist, Author
13 Nov	7pm	Quinton Aaron	"Big Mike" from the hit film, "The Blind Side"
14 Nov	2pm	5th Cell - Jeremiah Slaczka, Marius Fahlbusch	Game Developer, Scribblenauts, Drawn To Life, Hybrid
14 Nov	5pm	David Vonderhaar & M. Shadows	Treyarch's Game Designer for Call of Duty & Lead Singer of Avenged Sevenfold
15 Nov	11am	Robert Greene	Author: 48 Laws of Power, Art of Seduction, 50th Law
15 Nov	11am	Tom Matte	NFL player & sports commentator
15 Nov	1pm	Al Gore	Former Vice President
15 Nov	2pm	Judge Clarkson	Federal Bankruptcy Judge
15 Nov	6pm	Tokyo Police Club	Indie Rock Band
20 Nov	2pm	Megan Andelloux	Founder, Director of The CSPH
20 Nov	2pm	Joe Penna	YouTube personality

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