YouTube Personality 'The Resident' Speaks Out About Sex Appeal, Sarcasm & Sponsorship

Differences of opinion. They may not bring the world together, but they're healthy to express. So believes Youtube Content Partner Lori Harfenist, known to her viewers simply as "The Resident" . Not bashful to take to the streets to poll regular Americans about their opinions on global issues as diverse as the faltering economy, affirmative action and National Underwear Day, The Resident revels in the opportunity to uncover and document differences of opinion. "I like finding people I disagree with to let them articulate another point of view" she says, adding that it is "something I think is super important and critical to a healthy culture."

But how does The Resident respond when the tables are turned? In this exclusive interview, Lori Harfenist answers questions about her use of sex appeal in business, the manner by which her videos receive sponsorship, & the subject of cancer.

Philosophy on Interviews

J.W. -- How do you hold yourself back in interviews? Popular for being outspoken, do you follow any guidelines for restraining this tendency in interviews?

L.H. -- I believe the best part of being a good interviewer is to be a good listener. I'm not there to do anything but showcase an interesting subject and let that person show their own true self. So I don't ever feel like I'm holding myself back - it's almost the opposite. When someone is saying something outrageous or counter-intuitive to my own beliefs, I tend to sit back and enjoy, knowing I'm getting some really interesting footage.

Sex Appeal

J.W. -- I gained notice of your videos in late 2007, when you filmed a split-screen chat with James Kotecki about the issue of sexual harrassment. I thought that both of you were very well-spoken. How do you feel that some of your views on videos like "Sexy Halloween" or "National Underwear Day" are probably simply garnered on the basis of sex appeal? Do you want to use sex appeal to make people think?

L.H. -- There's no doubt being a chick has helped me in my on-screen career. I don't rely on my looks for anything, and I certainly don't pre-plan content or outfits around trying to look or sound hotter for more views. We all have positive assets and drawbacks; if you are a decent-looking chick, you're more suited to an on-screen career than someone who is less fortunate in the looks department. The bottom line is I believe in using any and all my strengths, but I don't think I ever rely on my looks to get me by.

Collecting Viewpoints

J.W. -- While being open in support of liberal reforms in our government, how do you invite opponents of these ideas view your videos? Are you simply interested in stimulating discussion about our political process, as opposed to making peoples' minds up for them?

L.H. -- I honestly do try to just stimulate discussion and do welcome all points of view on any given issue. The only thing I'm sure of in this world is that I'm not sure of anything. Change is the only constant. So listening to other viewpoints is critical to anyone's own personal growth and for growth within our society and culture. Unfortunately since I do lean liberal, many staunch conservatives write me off as unbending or take offense to my points of view. Not everyone is open-minded in this world. All I can do is throw my hat in the ring, give my two cents, and see what happens. But the goal is always to shed light on issues I find worthy of exploration.

Dealing With Cancer

J.W. -- Tell me more about your fight on cancer. How do you hope to organize people to "Screw Cancer" , as you say in your blog? You mentioned that your father died from cancer, and he clearly meant a lot to you. What is something that you'll always remember about your father?

L.H. -- I got my sense of sarcasm from my dad and miss him every day. When the Stand Up for Cancer event happened, I thought I'd want to participate and join the fight against it. But then I realized it's too early for me to talk that much about cancer and be involved with it. I just don't even want to think cancer or dwell on it in any way, positive or negative, because it was an awful experience. That's all I'll say about that.

Advertising Support

J.W. -- I notice advertisements on your Youtube videos. Are you able to use certain proceeds from this advertising in order to support your work? How do you receive most of your financial backing?

L.H. -- I produce weekly video for clients including NBC, Turner Broadcasting, Russia Today, Discovery, and others. That's my main source of income. As a YouTube partner, ads run on my videos and I see a cut of that revenue, which I'm contractually not allowed to discuss from a percentage basis. But I earn my own keep in this world by producing video for clients and am always on the hunt for bigger and better distribution channels.

Literary Personality

J.W. -- I notice that you are an avid reader of such off-beat writers as Kurt Vonnegut & Christopher Buckley . Do you have an interest in writing & publishing, beyond the blogoshpere? What type of book could we someday hope to see published by the Resident?

L.H. -- I've always been a book worm, and I majored in Communications with a concentration on writing. I wrote my first book when I was 5, called "Holly the Cat." I even bound and illustrated it. My second book was called "Certain Circumstances", which I wrote when I was 12. It was about teenagers who won an essay-writing contest and got to represent their countries at a UN summit. One girl and one boy from 25 countries got to go. While they were there, people started dying and the kids were left to figure out who was committing the murders. That, and they had to figure out how to end the Cold War, of course. I think at some point I'll get back to straight writing, but it's work that tends to make me go buggy. Writing scripts for myself and writing out segments is all the writing I need to be doing right now.

Although we may have to wait for The Resident's version of the Great American Novel, we don't have to wait to see her at the top of her video-blogging game. Do yourself a favor and check out her videos at her website , The Resident. Here, you'll be able to browse her videos, pitch in at her forum, or even follow her links to see her distribution channels.