We continue our series of Op Eds produced by Andy Mitchell. This month, DOLLY, BOB AND FRED feature…
Ever heard of a Q score?
It’s a secret, proprietary, metric of popularity used by the entertainment industry. A curated index that measures recognition and apparent trustworthiness – and boils someone’s life down to a number. Above 20 is strongly likable. Under 10… don’t bother. 30+ is a national treasure. Dolly Parton, Bob Ross, and Mr. Fred Rogers are three of the highest rated people of all time. Something about them transcends politics, gender, race, income and age… everyone likes them. Beyonce, Ted Lasso, and Morgan Freeman are also apparently in the 30s. Rumor has it Will Smith used to be, but dropped to the mid-20s after slapping Chris Rock.
Celebrity or not, we’re all constantly being ranked, even if you don’t drive an Uber. It used to be grades, credit scores and driving records – now throw in social media, google analytics and sleep scores. If you haven’t seen the Season 3 episode of Black Mirror titled, “Nosedive,” it’s terrifying.
While we haven’t gone full Black Mirror just yet, we do seem headed in that direction. While Q provides a single #, some companies go into excruciating detail. Morning Consult – which sounds more like a reproductive clinic – is another billion dollar corporation that uses real-time, AI driven, “sentiment engines,” and long term analytics to measure (and even predict) the lives of people, politicians, and brands. Whatever you’re seeing on E tonight, they knew about last Tuesday.
When I heard this, I couldn’t help but dive down the rabbit hole – starting with Vermont. I’m proud to say we punch well above our weight. VT ranks among the highest in the nation in trust, authenticity, environmental goodness, product quality and emotional warmth. Duh. Maple Syrup, Ben and Jerry’s, colorful trees, cheese, skiing… Bernie?
By that math – think about how many of our Addison County staples would crush these shadowy analytics! Who hasn’t stopped at Dakin for a free lunch of sample cheese and pepperoni with a maple syrup chaser? What’s not to love about that? We’ve got Cookie Love, the Tea House, Aqua Vitea, VT Book Shop… American Flatbread, and Whistlepig, the Meat Shack and Co-Op… thrift shops, an arcade, and galleries everywhere… Have you been to Town Hall Theater lately? With a new wing and tons of new music, classes, free stuff, and a much better bar – it’s on fire. My point is we’re spoiled, in the best possible way. And it’s getting even better.
Which brings me to Kathryn and Kelly… the beloved co-chairs of the Better Middlebury Partnership. These two are helping build Middlebury into a model of small-town economic vitality. From their support of new and existing downtown businesses, to organizing beloved community events like the Spooktacular, Very Merry Middlebury and the newly launched First Fridays, and so much more – these two tireless stewards help keep downtown Middlebury alive and vibrant year-round!
If Q scores measured relentless, positive, community-building impact — Kathryn and Kelly would break the metric, scoring in the high 30s, right up there with Fred, Bob and Dolly.
Disclaimer *: The Ks did not solicit nor do they condone such praise. It actually made them uncomfortable – but even unsung heroes deserve to be appreciated from time to time. Thank you! 🙏