Managing the Gray – Positive Advice That Everyone Can Use to Succeed

When I was at the WOMMA Summit a few weeks ago the team from coBRANDiT asked if they could interview me. I had met their team at PodCamp Boston earlier in the year so of course I agreed.

You can watch the video here.

I like their editing style and camera work. I’m sure it freaks out some people to have a camera man moving around you constantly throughout the Q&A, but from all the work with Foo I just kept thinking “wow I wonder what this is going to look like.”

I will say that I think it’s one of the less then stellar interviews I’ve ever given. Not sure why, but something about it bugs me. My own worse critic right? *grin*

Posted in Video | View Comments

I have had too little coffee to be writing this post, but I shared these thoughts in an IM conversation with my buddy Julien last night and realized I should share it here as well.

Google buying YouTube this week as huge news. I won’t call it GoogTube or GooTube, for me I’m going to gall it gTube. It has a certain ring to it.

YouTube was easily the hottest property out there waiting to be scooped up. Facebook is now at the top of the pile in my opinion. I’m sure there are already discussions happening. It’ll be interesting to see what they accept for an offer when the time comes.

What I think people need to start looking at is that this world is not about podcasting, about social networks, about who has the biggest and coolest plot of land in Second Life. It still all boils down to the creation and consumption of content.

A couple of weeks ago Yahoo announced buying Jumpcut which was a huge move. It didn’t get much play because most people had not heard of them, but guess what? They had some pretty slick stuff. They were allowing people to upload video to the web and edit it on line! That is powerful.

You know what business model I think is a huge one and if someone creates it they will elevate this world we live in to a new level? Both Yahoo and Google seem to be moving in this direction from different angles. Other companies have pieces of this as well so perhaps someone is already going down this path.

I want to see a company that gives you massive storage so that you can upload video, audio, photos, text and everything else and have it right there at your fingertips. Then there needs to be an online version of a program such as CastBlaster for audio and something along the lines of Jumpcut or iMovie online as well for video.

Make it super easy for anyone to take content and edit it together as desired. Doesn’t have to have all the flashes and transitions. The basics will do. Allow them to do this online from anywhere in the world.

Then give them a mechanism to publish this to the net and then share it with the world. Make it mind numbing simple for anyone with a Blog/podcast/whatever to take that content and share it appropriately. Link, embed, share.

It IS all about the content. Forget the platform and the delivery mechanism. Those will always change and grow and prosper. People will always want to tell their stories their way. Give them the power to do this. Make it easy for the kid in the middle of the city to talk about what he’s going through or the girl in Europe who just wants to meet boys.

Lower the barriers to create and share the voices and images of the world and you’ve created something extremely powerful.

Who is going to do it first? I’m not going to guess, but I hope there is more then one in the end. It’s going to be fun to watch.

Posted in New Media, Rambles, Video | View Comments

I read this morning on the NMC Campus Observer about a new video built to promote both Second Life and PR company Text 100’s opening shop there.

If you are trying to give someone an introduction to Second Life there are two great videos that I would now point people to.

1. NMC’s “Seriously Engaging”
2. Text 100’s “PR Video”

Either of these give a very good peek in world without having to have someone go in themselves.

Trust me that there is nothing better then having someone try out Second Life to really get the feel for it, but a video is easier for a room full of people or when you just don’t have the time to learn the interface and give it a full whirl.

I’m getting a lot of calls and e-mails asking me if I’ll come into companies and give them a tour. I’m very happy to play Second Life Consultant for anyone out there. Just drop me a line.

Posted in Video, second life | View Comments

Today, zefrank taught me about brands. The concept of “an emotional aftertaste” sure does fit it quite well. Who knew? He did.

If you have not seen this video podcast yet, be warned it’s a bit raw and direct. But, that is what I love about it! No punches pulled so you are liable to hear some “naughty” words and more then once laugh out loud wherever you are watching it.

I was watching his thoughts on terrorism (more “naughty” words & phrases) a few days back while riding on the train and everyone around me couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me because I was laughing and cheering at the same time.

zefrank IS new media. He’s got a voice. He’s got an outlet. He’s got my attention.

Posted in New Media, Video | View Comments