The Shorty Awards

It seems that all you need to have an award show is some cash and a few friends to attend. There is nothing wrong with that because I've enjoyed going to fun based ceremonies. If I know the participants and there is actual contact with the creators and the community it is even better.

It might be bad form to mention an event that has already happened. That has never stopped me before so let's rock and learn about The Shorty Awards.

 According to the web site:

The Shorty Awards honor the best in social media; recognizing the people and organizations producing real-time short content across Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, Foursquare and the rest of the social web.

Yep, people getting awards for their Tweets. Posting for their Posterious pages. Foresquare?  Eh, there is a video:


Folks got awards for the best animated gif. I can say no more.  Well just a few more words. Best fake Twitter account. Best Instagram and Best Tumblr account.

I feel a snark fest coming on.

Not really my intent. There are a number of categories that include video and video content. Truth is, any event that recognizes George Takei is all right by me.

That dude is a social media master.

Anyway, check it out and hopefully I'll remember to mark it in place for next year.

3rd Annual Streamy Awards

Yep, we are hip deep in award season and yes, there are web video award shows. The Streamy Awards will be buzzing on February 17, 2013 at the Hollywood Palladium.

The award show looks at the best of web video series, performers and experiences. This is a 10 minute recitation of the contenders for 2013:




I'm seeing a lot of mainstream performers crossing the fence but there are established web video performers that I recognize.

I'm also seeing that a bunch of quality shows that aren't on the list. Part of that is there still isn't a good way to find what you are looking for in web video. YouTube makes it easier but you have to work on it.

There is greatness happening on Vimeo and other distribution services that do not get a proper shout out from viewer because they don't know what gives outside of the walled communities.

This is an on-going problem. I don't want web video to become, content-wize old television.

Diversity in content is my mantra.

If you don't happen to be in the area, no worries, the show will be live streamed on Streamy.org

Get the couch comfy with a Root Beer Float or Rum and Coke (Coca-Cola is a sponsor) and get ready to utter or tweet your solids or hell, no at the screen.

Other Posts of Interest

• The Weekly Flickr Video Series
• VidCon 2013 Early Registration
• Social Media Video 2013 by Eric Qualman

Shani Higgings Keynote at New Media Expo 2013

Technorati has evolved from the blog listing and ranking service from days gone by. They have been paying attention to treads in social media.

 For those of you that want to consider how to get more people to your content you should pay attention to this video because this documentation of how people gain viewers and blog readers is extremely valuable.
 
This is a 22 minute keynote speech from Shani Higgings of Technorati; speaking at the NMX Expo 2013 in Las Vegas. I've linked to the Blogworld site because there is a transition between the old name and the new name of New Media Expo.


(Sorry folks, the link to the video has been removed. Over at Social Media Today there are some of the slides and facts presented in the keynote.)


Taking a quick look at the Technorati site, things have changed. They have Twittorati where they list what the top bloggers are sharing and linking to online.

Another site they have is BlogCritic where their own in-house bloggers are generating content accross different topic areas.


One of my takeaways is that old traditional media tracking companies like Neilson and ComScore still does not understand the way people interact with blogs and bloggers.

Yet they are the ones that are telling businesses and advertisers that you should do business with the 10% of folks but ignore the rest.

Silly lemmings.

Another point she makes is the spending of businesses and advertisers on Facebook, Twitter and other social networks to reach consumers. They are not spending money on blogs.

Do not weep because there are a lot of people who are making legitimate money using video, their blogs and ancillary products or services.

Let me see, ah yes pay attention to your mobile users needs and yes, that means video. I'm struggling to find verifiable information on how to balance the different viewing experiences but that will come in time.

Other Posts of Interest

• YouTube Capture App - Social Recording Made Easy
• Ptch A New Way to Tell and Share Stories
• YouTube Analytics for Your Video

YouTube Space Opens in Los Angeles

If you are a serious or want to be serious YouTube content provider then you are about to fan yourself. There is a new production studio in the Playa Vista area of Los Angeles.  I'm talking 41,000 square feet of commitment and cash money on the barrel head of "Let's do this."

YouTube Space Los Angeles

This is serious business, with editing bays, equipment, studios, help and support. It is free but not anybody can stroll in the door.

You have to apply, be selected and become a member of the Partner program. If you can prove you got the chops you get to romp around the studio.

Another way you can gain entry into the production studio is by attending events, workshops and classes that will be held at the facility. Those types of events will be open to the general YouTube community and other folks.

For more information visit the YouTube Space LA page.


Other Posts of Interests

• Glossary - Interstitial Videos
• Copyright Video from YouTube
• Think Before You Click That YouTube Link

Do It Now - VidCon 2013 Early Registration

I was a sad, lonely person last year. Thought I had my 2012 ticket. I did not. Tried to get one two weeks before the convention. Could not. I can't even speak of the pain that it caused me.

http://vidcon.com

If you think you might remotely want to go to Anaheim in August buy your tickets NOW.  I am in no way affiliated with the convention.

I try not to pump conventions but this one can sell out via word of mouth alone. I am in a Twitter stream of people who went in 2012. Those rascals talked about it all of the time. That is a hurtful feeling being on the outside looking in.

The Super Early Bird sold out. Regular Early Bird is in full effect but unknown for how long.

Crunch the numbers and see if you can do it. If you can, then get going and reserve your spot.

Make sure you have your receipt. Put it in a safe place and put your mind at ease.

Recording the MidLife Session at BlogHer 2012

Trying to ramp back up to speed. I mentioned a few days ago that sometimes you have to record in less that perfect conditions. This time I did not accept YouTube gracious offer to enhance my video.

The videos were recorded in conference room lighting. I got as close as I could and used a tripod. Is it broadcast quality? No. Is it acceptable for web video. For the time being, yes.



Ann L. Dunnewold, Ph.D is talking about how society tends to label women after a certain age. Ann Dunnewold writes about aging issues on her blog at VibrantNation.com 

Darryle Pollack talks about invisibility of older women, how brands ignore that population and what can be done about it.




Patricia Patton talks about confronting the expectations of younger business people. She is an etrepreneur yet the pre-existing notions from younger adults could block economic equity. To learn more about what Patricia is working on visit Boomerwizdom.com
 


Processing Details

I recorded with an older Panasonic SD 10x camcorder.  Edited with Serif MoviePlus X5. Boosted audio using iZotrope. Music and Speech Cleaner.

Busy, busy, busy...

Other Posts of Interest

• Be Willing To Kill Bad Frames
• Placing A Copyright Notice In Your Videos
• Video Editing Computer Software Considerations

VidCon 2012 At Anaheim Convention Center

Dag nab it! I didn't know about this until it popped up in my e-mail. The third VidCon is gonna be kicking it behind the Orange curtain at the Anaheim Convention Center June 28th - June 30th 2012.

This doesn't leave much time to make arraignments but if you happen to be in the area you might want to check it out.

First Gotta Look At the Purse:

If you just want to stroll the Expo only and pick up on some swag you can get an Expo pass for $45.

If you want full access on Friday and Saturday that it roll you back $100.

If you want to orbit the rollers in the industry on Thursday as well as Friday and Saturday that is gonna be a $350 out of the piggy bank.

Not counting food, hotel, transportation or anything else you might want to bring home.

Looks like the Green Brothers are gonna be there as well as other web video notables.  From the looks of it there are a pound of solid corporate sponsors and panels to get your head throbbing with possibilities.

Panels, Did Somebody Say Panels?

A bunch of them. Good ones. I was about to try to list them but truly there is something for all from party all the time, stuff for video geeks & nerds and yes, panels for people that only want to talk  metrics."

It is an all ages affair and the emphasis still seems to be on community. It should be quite an experience but get a move on if you think you want to go.

The three main hotels next to the Convention Center are sold out. There are other hotels in the area but you know it might cost you a little bit more than you planned.

Good luck and I hope to find a way to at least make a day of it.

The Vimeo Festival and Awards - Are You In?

I have been watching a promotional video about the Vimeo Festival and Awards thingy that is gonna happen in June 2012. There is a sentence that sticks in my head. "This is the age of access and we need to take advantage of it."

Yes. Now is our time. And make no mistake, various political, social and commercial entities want nothing more than to return to the time of the passive consumer.

I'm not saying you have to be active if you do not want to. There is nothing wrong with just consuming content.

I'm just particular about what I want to see and hear. It ain't necessarily on broadcast or cable television. It isn't just regurgitated content dispensed from Hulu or Amazon. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

But if you want to create and bypass the gatekeepers then what could it hurt to check out the action in New York in June? 

Just saying is all.

Now I'm not much for contests and stuff but there will be an award ceremony with cash money grants for those that need a little sugar to make future magic.


This is a promotional Vimeo video about the awards.
So if that has got you curious then head over to the Rules and get to studying. There is a lot you have to  understand before you can enter such as:

1. You have have to be old enough to enter.
2. There is an entry fee of $20 if you are one of the teeming masses. If you are a Vimeo Plus or Pro member it is $5 unless you live in Arizona, Maryland, North Dakota, and Vermont in which case Vimeo will kick back the entry fee.
3. The video must conform to the video compression guidelines, so no .wmv, xvid or ogg vorbis.
4. It must be an original work.

There you have it. New York is a rocking good time in the spring and summer so I'm thinking about counting extra pennies to check it out.

Could be fun.

Curating VloMo 2011 - What I've Learn So Far

I've learned a lot and my head hurts. This is a good thing. The VloMo 2011 Galley blog currently has 367 videos from participants from around the world. Here are some of the challenges of trying to keep up.

Time Zones. There are people in Australia, the UK, Bosnia and all across the U.S. and Canada. Day 14 for one person is going into Day 16 for somebody else.

I had to quickly accept that not all the Day 7 are going to be lined up perfectly. What I can do is tag the videos so that visitors who need to see the Day 7 videos can make that happen.

Let go. Seriously, let go of hoping folks label, tag, or hashtag their work. You can ask but don't depend on it. Let go of perfection, order, and any constriction that prevents folks from seeing the work.

Do Not Post without looking or listening to the videos. There are some creative and humorous folks uploading work. Don't assume that the title represents what the video is about. If it is a Benny Crime post watch the video.

Have multiple search techniques. Use Twitter search, YouTube Search, Vimeo Search and then go to individual blogs and web sites of folks.

Go with the flow. Some times there is nothing new to post. That is okay, there are 367 videos and counting.

The kids will be all right.

Gotta go.

NaPodPoMo and Other News of the Day

Yes. The podcasters are having their version of posting for 30 days. It is National Podcasting Posting Month.

There is a subset of that group that are video podcasters. The site is on Ning and you have to register in order to see the doings. Glad to know creativity is busting out all over the joint.

I hope to meet a few this weekend.

In other news, the Vlomo2011 Gallery blog is going really well, lots of great videos from around the world. We got Austrialia, China, Canada and the UK is representing big time. The U.S. is coming along, we are a little scattered but it is growing, once I find out where they are posting.

YouTube is planning on creating original content; per a story on MediaBistro's Social Times blog. So will it split into two parts or does one, user generated content, eventually goes away?

I gotta go.

It Happens Every Time I Want to Pick A Session

I'm scanning the speakers and sessions I might want to attended at  BlogWorld Los Angeles 2011. It is a pickle. I'm grumbling a bit because the sessions that I want to attend are happening at the same frigging time.

No joke.

Possible Sessions To Attend at 3:00pm

• Speak Up - Empowering Women to Use Their Voices
• Breaking Into Parent Vlogging - I'm not a parent but I'd like to know what is different about it.
• The Rise of Social Media and the Opportunity Blogger (Huh?)
• Exposed, When Blogging Gets Too Personal
• The Tools Tricks and Art of Video Storytelling
• How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck - I could just re-read the book but yeah I'd like to go.

It frigging goes on like this and I'm still in the 3:00pm time range. Can't believe it. And the 4pm sessions is more of the same. The sessions don't repeat. What is a woman to do?

Well, one of the things I am doing is I'm checking out the speakers blogs. For real, I'm clicking through to their blog or web site. If I'm not liking the blog I might not appreciate the session as much as another person.

The L.A. Convention Center is a big honking place. If the session I want is way over yonder then I'm going to have to go to the one I'm near.

This is known as foot mantenance. After trolling the Expo floor the toe bones will speak up about me tramping from one end of the joint to the other.

I sure do hope folks will be live blogging. (Yo. This is blogging conference. That is a given.)

Okay, I truly hope that there are enough electrical sockets for everybody and the Wi-Fi doesn't crash but once an hour.

Cuz the Anime Podcasting session looks like a keeper.

BlogWorld Expo L.A. Coming Up November 3 - 5

It is the gathering of podcasters, bloggers and all manner of social media poobahs. BlogWorld Expo and the New Media Expo are coming up in a few weeks. It is going to be at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles on November 3 - 5, 2011.




There will be exhibitors, swag, workshops, promises of great wealth generation, swag and people who actually know what they are talking about.

The people who actually know what they are talking about are worth meeting. I think I'm gonna go but trying to crowbar the wallet to decide which level.

The full two day blogger and pocaster access pass is steep at $447 but you can get in the door with an Expo floor/PodCamp Los Angeles pass for $47.

I saw a tweet from Steve Garfield about 20% off using promo code BWEVIP20.

Crunching the calculator that comes out to be $357.60 for a two day blogger pass. If you are fiscally challenged or just want to hang out at PodCamp $47 - 20% is $36.60.

The Twitter hastag for information updates is #BWELA. If you have some issues using the above promo code apparently there are others you can make use of to get in the door. This is also a good way to find out who is going and why.

So yeah, once I count the pennies I make a decision and go for it. I haven't been to one before so it could be kinda trippy.

(Psst. I'm not really fond of sales events, bad marketers and people with an inflated sense of importance telling me how holy they are. Doesn't matter the event. This has nothing to do with BlogWorld. It is more about traditional conventions. 

I think that is why I am not so gung-ho about this. I need to spend time going over the schedule and finding the sessions that really interest me and then check out the presenters.)

Ideas for Video Equipment Packing List

I beg of you, keep it simple. Take what you need and no more than that. I have packed skimpy. Not by intention. I left the camcorder home and brought every else. I had to buy a new camcorder in a city I didn't know. I have also packed heavy and didn't use half of the stuff.

So I have a short travel packing list of what to consider taking and what to remember to bring back home.

1. Camcorder with charged battery and power cord.
2. Extra batteries as back-up or bring the camcorder charger with you. There are universal power adapters that can recharge a wide variety of devices. They range from $20 to $90 depending on what you need. Either way, make sure you have the correct adapter for your device.
3. An extension cord because your camcorder battery will die in the middle of an important point made by a panelists. My motto is plug in whenever possible.
4. Lens cleaning cloth because you have no idea where that finger print on the lens came from.
5. Multiple cleared memory cards or space on the hard drive camcorder. You don't want to buy memory cards near a tourist area because the prices will be jacked up. If you are near a office supply store or a department store you might have better luck but try not to put yourself in that situation.
6. A tripod. It doesn't have to be a big heavy thing. A table size tripod works if you will be sitting most of the day. If you know that you are going to be using the optical zoom consider getting a 50" tripod that collapses down to about 18", enough to fit inside a backpack or shoulder bag.
7. Microphone if you have an external mic jack on your camcorder or external digital recording device with batteries and memory card.

Optional Items

1. A laptop, tablet or iPad that is updated with the current operating system, browsers and malware protections. Don't forget the power cord.
2. A comfortable camera bag or purse to carry your gear during the day.
3. If you are on a swag hunt bring something that has wheels. Your shoulders will thank you.

Just A Few More Things:

• Pack a few days before your trip because panic packing leads to trouble.
• 3x5 cards are great, stick them in the carrying bag to remind you if you have everything.
• Speaking of bags, please recycle clear plastic bags and use them to help pack up your stuff. Makes it easier to take items out of your shoulder bag during TSA inspections too.

Related Posts:

1. IJNet On Basic Video Tools
2. Q10 SwitchGrip Camcorder - The Left Rejoices
3. Have Shaky Video? You Might Need A Tripod

Future of Web Video - BlogWorld 2010

This is a short clip from a panel at BlogWorld 2010 talking about the future of web video. My vision and a lot of other folks vision is not watching bad television via a mobile device. Yet that is what some of the traditional networks are doing.



I like what Jim Louderback from Revision3 was talking about - how are you going to port to other devices and connect to an application/Apps strategy to sustain contact with viewers and your community.

For alternative content providers this is the time when you need to see beyond what was to what can be. The gatekeepers don't know what to do but some will figure it out.

In the meantime, get busy.

Real Blogging Experts and BlogWorld Expo 2011 NYC

Can I provide proof that you don't have to harm people to make a buck? Well, I can point you to people who actually make a sustainable living blogging.

There is a difference between having a credibility and making a profit versus telling people you have credibility and snatching pennies on the dollar. BlogWorld 2011 is going to kick off in New York City.

There will be legitimate experts, professionals, and passionate content producers.



This is a short clip from the 2010 BlogWorld Expo with folks that have built up a sustainable blogging business or network. Darren Rowse of Problogger and Digital Photography School, and Brian Clark and Sonia Simone of Copyblogger.

You should visit their web sites where they do go into much more information about the skills, techniques and qualities it takes to provide content on the Internet. Match their content against the slime-o-la who will try to imitate the style of being an expert but there is nothing there but vaporware or worse, bad advice.

Cuz seriously think about it. The people who pay cash money to learn how to put up a slide with poor audio can't be expected to do anything much more than to sucker somebody else.

When was the last time you had somebody rave about viewing a green slide with yellow text as a person drones on about the belief in power riches if you just think it and keyword your blog up the wahzoo?

It is the new age variation of the newspaper stuffing envelopes ad that is probably still running someplace in the pulp world.

Don't be a chump. Learn your craft. It takes time. There is no short cut.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2011

I'm a bit burnt out from induced mass consumption so I'm paying this forward. The Wild and Scenic Film Festival 2011 in Nevada City, California is a gathering of filmmakers, activists, celebrities and those who are okay with the concepts of hope, renewal and action.



The films selected for the festival focus on the beauty of the planet, the various life forms romping around and cultures that are underrepresented on the big screen. There will also be films on people actively engaged in doing something for the planet besides hurting it.

In addition to the films there are also workshops and panels that folks can get more information, ask questions or opportunities to step into commitment mode.

If you are interested visit the web site for screening and pricing information. Ticket prices range from affordable to ouch with most of them being in the okkayy range.

BlogWorld 2010 Videoblogger Meet-up at Eyecandy

If you happen to be in Las Vegas and you get kinda thirsty you might amble over to the Eyecandy Sound Lounge & Bar between 3 to 5 p.m. on Friday, October 15, 2010.

There is an informal gathering of videobloggers, web video practitioners and those who don't mind downing a cold smooth beverage with like minded people. If you are going to the convention the lounge is attached to the Mandalay Bay complex.

Have fun and slug a Smoothie in memory of me. I can't make it but will be looking for videos of this and other BlogWorld events.

VlogEurope 2010 - Lisbon Is The Place

I've always wanted to go to a VloggerCon type event in Europe. VlogEurope is a gathering of videobloggers, web video and new media folks talking about all kinds of stuff plus there is walking around Lisbon with a camcorder.



bicyclemark vlogeurope2010 interview from miguel serradas on Vimeo.
The event is November 12 to November 14, 2010. I'm thinking about it but I don't know if I could get everything ready in time. This is a video talking about the experiences of Bicyclemark talking about his experience at a prior VlogEurope meet-up.

There is a Yahoo VlogEurope group where you can post questions and I'm sure Miguel would like to know if folks are interested in attending.

I have the interest, I just don't necessarily have the funds.

http://vlogeurope2010.tumblr.com

Open Video Conference in NYC

If you are in the New York area on October 1st and 2nd you might want to check out the Open Video Conference. The Open Video Conference is something that I have a deep interest. I'm not opposed to commercial and broadcast media.

I am opposed to what happens when the dominate advertiser media with bean counter mentality distort the social and political conversations?

Psycho celebrity reporting romping around as political discourse. I've opted out and you can too.



We can do better by having multiple independent media sources and representations. This is an on-going discussion by individual, non-profit organization, independent media producers and whoever want to jump into the mix. According to the agenda there will be tech sessions, speaking, seminars, classes and more.

Hopefully there will be video posted up the ying-yang from the event participants.

Quick update: Professor Michael Welch is the keynote speaker? Must think how I can be there. He is an invisible mentor to many people.



Just found out the professor has a YouTube channel. Will watch and take multiple mental notes of inspiration and information.

If You Can't Make VidCon 2010 Try NonCon 2010 in Los Angeles

In all things there is a balance. Let's say you want to go to VidCon 2010 in Los Angeles but you just can't swing the admission fee or have a fear of enclosed spaces filled with Flips and Nanos.

Not to worry. This is your answer:



SamProof has a open Facebook page with more info and location information. He isn't anti-VidCon.

According to his mission statement:

NonCon's goal is to provide people with fun and inexpensive things to do while gathering in Loa Angeles.

We're not Anti - VidCon - we just want to make events for people who can't afford to spend $120 for 3 days (+hotel fees)

That is how he typed it. I don't edit other people's quotes. My philosophy is when in Rome do both. Works in Los Angeles too. There is a lot to discover in the city this big so this can be a lot of fun if folks get into the spirit of it.

You can follow SamProof on his Twitter page as well.