From 2008 to 2010 I helped design a media strategy for a birth control campaign targeting Cambodian countryside women. It was a lot of fun, and provided a fascinating perspective on how people access information in this largely agricultural and rural environment. For a time, it was all I talked about until I earned the label ‘Mr. Contraception’.

Sadly, many women in Cambodia don’t have easy access to information about contraception. And rumors flourish in the absence of sound information. Women who attempt to use contraception for the first time often STOP because it takes time for their body to adjust… and many of them don’t have anyone informed to discuss their apprehensions with.

One key item I wanted to see was a phone number that women could call, so that even in the remotest of areas, information could be accessed.

After designing the basic approach, my time on the project came to an end. I crossed my fingers that there would be a phone number tying all the components together.

Just a few days ago, my friends at 17 Triggers webbed up these videos. I was blown away They’re funny, easy on the eye and get the point across. (Subtitled too!) And each one has that phone number splashed at the end. (Sigh of relief.) Bravo!

All I could think was ‘wait, wait, it’s January!’ We’re still recovering from Christmas.  V-day last year seems like it was just a few months ago. http://www.quickdraw.me/865

Last year there was a mob scene outside Phnom Penh’s only chocolate shop, and a rose vendor on every corner.
Cambodia taught me to appreciate romance as a relevant and useful genre. But what if you’re not in the mood?

It’s been a productive year: comics consulting/conferences in Cambodia, India and Singapore,
articles in the International Journal of Comic Art and Liquid City,
gobs of web sites (notably Open Development Cambodia) and much more.

Usually in December I strive to develop ‘Cambodian style’ holiday cards.
This year’s batch:

Earlier efforts: http://jinja.apsara.org/2010/12/cavalcade-of-cambodian-christmas-cards

In other news, I’ve fallen behind on my daily QuickDraw comic,
but have a week to catch up the slack before the END OF THE YEAR!
After that I’m going to step back and think where I want to go with it next.
You can read it online or download selections at http://QuickDraw.Me .

Catch You in 2012!
- John
Phnom Penh, Cambodia

An interview with Soma Norodom about newly released ‘Dry Season Offensive’ and online comics.
Broadcast on Paññasastra University’s Radio Show (Phnom Penh) November 8, 2011. [MP3 Download]

Press Release: http://www.quickdraw.me/2028

Download the e-comic: http://www.quickdraw.me/downloads/dry-season-offensive
read more…»

Tacos al pastor in Mexico City. Don’t be surprised you see me in your neighborhood.
When not quickly drawing, I’ve been focusing pretty intently on Open Development Cambodia. More news on that to come.

And below, my more irreverent take on the holiday season.

If you can keep up with the cyclo, that is.

Cheers to Cambodpedia for the ‘shout out‘!
Off the top of my head, here are ten more Cambodia-oriented folks worth a look:
@khmerbird KhmerBird talks about Cambodia, Art Events, Travel and hotels comparison. Online since 2008.
@nabejero Foreign aid/Public Health/Cambodia/US-Asia politics/Parenting
@Tharum Tweet from Cambodia…
@CamboDonut Cambodia and coffee obsession
@danielapapi Skeptical of impacts of voluntourism & NGOs, yet working in Cambodia in traveler’s philanthropy & development to learn if it can be done better. Missing snow.
@khmerican ‘Follow the progress of Khmer America.’ #TeamKhmerican
@AndyBrouwer I live & breathe in Phnom Penh.
@mybigfatface Food and fun, exploring Cambodia. http://mybigfatface.com
@faineg Phnom Penh based journalist. Little punk. Foodblogger.
@K4Media Robert Starkweather: Freelance Web developer living the Third World dream.

Many of these folks are RT-ed via @TweetCambodia, also worth a peek.

“Generally speaking, I’ve found most Cambodians embrace the internet as a place for self-expression ‘first’, with human rights then being reflected in their opinions,” says John Weeks, an American in Cambodia who regularly consults with human rights groups on net strategy. read more…»

Goofing around at Kanika Tith’s exhibition, “Compagnons” (French Cultural Centre, Phnom Penh).

Anyone who says there isn’t art to be had in Cambodia? Take another look. The same evening saw an exhibition of Séra‘s latest teaching efforts at Phare Art School, including a live abstract painting! The works will be collected in an anthology later this year.

Permanent Marker works pretty good for a temporary tattoo! It lasts through a wash, but not forever.
(Above: farewell party for Kim.)
May saw me writing, and writing, and writing some more. A good project deserves a good proposal.

Keeping my fingers crossed to see the results of the Indian comics project earlier this year! I’ll post some pictures once it’s a wrap.